Connection Between Smoking And Asthmatic Male Patient

We have all probably heard at least once from different information sources that smoking cigarettes and tobacco are harmful to one's health. These products contain hundreds of destructive chemicals which are detrimental; not only to the smoker, but to those who get to inhale the smoke coming from the cigarettes or tobacco they puff. One of the illnesses that can be acquired by smoking is asthma. But what if the actual asthmatic male patient is the one who smokes excessively? How can this person possibly be saved from future health complications? Before we discuss the solution, it will be worthwhile to note some background information about smoking and the asthmatic patient.

Smoking 101

The practice of smoking dates back centuries ago, when the ancient civilizations and societies used and burnt incense as a way of praising their gods. What started as a purely religious practice eventually evolved as a way of gratifying and satisfying oneself by inhaling the smoke coming from products like cigarettes and tobacco. Smoking is apparently very pleasurable as these cigarettes or tobacco contain nicotine, a substance that is known to stimulate the brain, giving the smoker intense enjoyment and fulfillment.

Despite all the pleasures that smoking gives, it is still very harmful to the body especially for second-hand smokers or the people who inhale the smoke which is exhaled by the actual smokers. It can cause lung cancer, cardiovascular diseases, kidney failure or even something as simple as the common cough. Thus, this practice must immediately be halted.

Asthma 101

Asthma is a respiratory disorder that causes the patient to have difficulty in breathing due to inflammation of the airways. Asthmatics often experience different extremely uncomfortable conditions like wheezing, chest tightening, shortness of breath, and intense coughing. Some asthmatics even have side effects like skin allergies which develop on varying degrees. Asthma is a sickness that must be treated and dealt with seriously as this can be a cause of potential death.
Smoking can trigger asthma attacks. The smoke coming from cigarettes and tobacco can irritate the muscles of the airways, causing it to become rigid and tensed. When this happens, the passage of air is impeded and the asthmatic experiences difficulty in breathing, which leads to major or minor asthma attacks.

The Verdict

It is therefore advisable for asthmatics to avoid inhaling smoke coming from cigarettes and for asthmatics who smoke to quit smoking altogether. They may think they can handle cigarette or tobacco smoke but the truth is that they're running the risk of worsening their asthmatic condition. They are highly likely to develop severe respiratory problems at a young age. Aside from that, their appearance, overall body stamina, and immune system will be affected causing them to be sicklier and appear older than they truly are.

Connection of Smoking and Weight Control in Men

A lot of male smokers know that smoking stifles the appetite and may assist with weight loss or weight maintenance. It is precisely for this reason that a lot of image-conscious smokers carry on smoking, even though they do wish to quit. But, is it a given that if one quits smoking one would gain weight? Absolutely not. Not everyone who stops smoking will gain weight. Even those who have the propensity to bulge don't have to, either. There are ways to quit smoking and not gain weight.
Besides the fact that nicotine boosts the appetite, and therefore stopping it decreases the appetite, that's not the only reason why some ex-smokers put on a few pounds. When some people kick the habit they just substitute it eating for smoking. So, there you go. All is not as bad as it initially seems, at face value. There are things you can do to ensure successfully quitting and keeping your body.

Hydration

Drinking plenty of water has long been known to be one way to help keep your weight in check. For a start, water is calorie-free, and sips of water with meals may help fill you up quicker, and averts overeating. Hydration also helps re-condition the skin after all the damage from smoking.

Healthy eating

Eating healthy, not just for ex-smokers, is an excellent way of getting sufficient nutrients into your body, without piling on the unwanted ponds. If one watched one's snacking habits and chose healthier snack options over the sugary and fatty versions, half the battle is won. Fruits and vegetables make very good snacks, as they generally are nutrient rich, with few calories. One good tip is to have numerous smaller meals rather than, say three large meals. This is the mainstay of a lot of weight loss programs.

Increase physical activity

Physical activity will help to burn up the extra unneeded calories, thereby maintaining your weight, or even aiding weight loss. This goes hand in hand with healthy eating. After all, they do say that the most sure way to trim the fat is to eat less and move more. After quitting smoking your lung function and health will improve, further increasing your capacity for exercise. The more physical activity you do the more calories you burn. Increasing physical activity does not mean joining the gym. Simple activities like walking, jogging, swimming and dancing work wonders in controlling weight gain.

Avoid habits conducive to weight gain

Don't fall into the trap of getting rid of one bad habit and replacing it with another. One problem that ex-smokers may face is boredom and comfort eating, which often involves eating the wrong kinds of foods. For example, some people indulge in chocolate or junk food, which ultimately lead to weight gain. other habits to avoid include spending countless sedentary hours playing video games. Spend more time doing things conducive to good general well-being.

From the above discussion, it is quite obvious that it is not the lack of nicotine, per se, which leads to weight problems. Did you know that there are a lot of overweight, nicotine-inhaling smokers out there? I bet you know someone who smokes, but still struggles with their weight. Smoking is, therefore, not the answer to the bulge. Healthy living is. You can quit smoking and not pile on the pounds. Take action and stay smoke-free, with the many ways to quit smoking.

The Harmful Effects of Smoking While Pregnant

Smoking during pregnancy is more common than many of us would like to think. There are some women in today's society who want to quit, but honestly don't know how. In other instances, there are a very few women who don't care to think about their unborn child and the health risks that are involved.

There are some women who are not aware of or don't understand how serious this matter is, or how serious is can become. With proper information, some expecting mothers may be willing to stop cold turkey or seek help for their addiction.

The Dangerous Side

Many mothers believe that they are safe because they aren't consuming or addicted to hard drugs, such as crack or cocaine, but in this instance, one isn't better than the other. Smoking cigarettes while you're pregnant can cause more problems than any mother can imagine. Some women are curious and want to know what's the harm in smoking while you're expecting. A lot of people aren't aware that cigarette smoke contains more than 2,000 different types of chemicals. Needless to say, these chemicals are not beneficial to the mother or her baby. Nicotine and carbon monoxide are the two ingredients that are found in cigarettes that are to blame for several pregnancy complications. In this instance, a few complications include premature birth, stillbirth, and low birth weight.

The Effects

Even though a few cigarettes here and there are a lot safer than one or two packs per day, it's crucial to the wellness of the mother and the baby for the mother to quit smoking altogether. As far as the weight and size of the baby is concerned, smoking can greatly affect this factor. Here, if the mother smokes a pack per day throughout her pregnancy, she will be putting her baby at risk to weigh half a pound less than it normally would. Here, if the mother had a two packs per day habit, the baby could weigh one pound or more less than it actually should. In this situation, there are a few mothers that will welcome the fact of having to deliver a small baby, but this could have long-term negative effects.

The Body and Lungs

When a baby is underweight, they have a body to match. Here, a baby's lungs may not be fully developed or able to operate on their own. Here, the baby will have to remain on a respirator during the first week or more of their lives. Due to the fact that the baby of a mother with a smoking addiction may have delayed development of the lungs, this can cause serious problems for the child later on during the course of their lives.

The Heart

For expecting mothers who smoked heavily during their first trimester, the baby will be at a greater risk for heart complications. In this event, it's best to quit smoking as soon as you find out that you're expecting. If you feel that you aren't able to quit, seek guidance from your doctor and programs that are set in place to help a person quit smoking.

The Brain

Contrary to popular belief, smoking while you're pregnant could have several long-term effects on a baby's brain. In this instance, the child could have behavioral issues, a low IQ, and even learning disabilities. The entire nine months of pregnancy is an important part of a baby's life. Every week of pregnancy marks an important milestone of growth and development.

The Solution

There are several methods that an expecting mother can use to quit smoking successfully. It's a good idea to ask your friends and family for help. In this situation, your close friends and loved one can create the awesome support group that you need to help you quit smoking once and for all. If you don't live close to any of your friends or relatives, join a group for smokers and make new friends. A lot of people feel better when they have a friend along for their tough journey.

Does Smoking and Heart Disease Have A Distinct Link?

Heart disease is one of the leading causes of death among many individuals across the globe. Heart related issues are largely attributed to poor lifestyle including smoking. The question is, does smoking and heart disease have a distinct link? Cigarettes contain harmful ingredients such as nicotine. This increases the risk of heart disease by:

• Decreasing supply of oxygen to the heart,
• It damages cells that line blood vessels and coronary arteries,
• Increases heart rate and
• Increases blood pressure and blood clotting.

Research also shows that smoking causes atherosclerosis. This is a condition that is characterized by build up of fatty substances in the arteries. As a result, the lining of the artery will begin to deteriorate forcing the body to use fatty substances to thicken the affected artery walls. When this happens, artery walls become thick making it harder for blood to pass through. Blockage of arteries also arises leading to heart attack.

Smoking also slows down blood circulation. Blood can easily pool up causing blood clots in the heart and other areas in the body when exposed to harmful carcinogens or nicotine. The clots will gradually form in veins, legs and eventually travel to the heart via arteries exposing you to high risks of heart disease.

It is with no doubt that bad lifestyle and cigarettes increase the risks of heart related conditions. The two have a distinct link. Therefore, to reduce heart disease, it is imperative to quit smoking. You will stay off harmful carcinogens and other ingredients that also cause heart attack and related conditions; quitting will also help you to feel healthier, look better and enhance your general health. What's more, cigarette smoking can be costly and by quitting, you will be in a better position to save a great deal on cash. In other cases, blood clots can cause lung damage, stroke and aneurysm.

Cigarettes do not only affect you, but they also affect persons around you, exposing them to high risks of cancers, lung problems and heart related conditions. It does even more damage to those around you. Despite the fact that it is not easy to quit smoking, it is the best thing you can consider for your health and that of loved ones. It all starts in the mind and by knowing that there is a close link between the vice and the disease, it will be easy for you to lay down your cigarettes.

Oral Cancer Facts - Know The Risks

Oral Cancer is Deadly

Over 8,000 people die annually from oral and pharyngeal cancer. As the deadliest form of head and neck cancer, it is important to know the facts and risk factors associated with this form of cancer.
Most people think that oral-pharyngeal cancer only affects people who smoke or use chewing tobacco. Nothing could be farther from the truth. In recent years, much of what we believed about risk factors for oral cancer has been shown to be only a part of the big picture.

HPV-Connection

One important factor to consider is that the same virus which has been shown to cause cervical cancer, the HPV-16 (human papilloma virus), also causes oral cancer. In fact, this form of cancer is showing up in patients who are younger and younger than the over 40 high risk age group previously defined.

While traditional lifestyle choices and risk factors such as smoking, alcohol consumption and environmental risks are still considered high risk factors, younger patients with no known lifestyle risks are being diagnosed with this disease. Patients who are known carriers of the HPV virus, for example, are encouraged to be screened annually.

Early Detection Saves Lives

Oral-pharyngeal cancer is so serious because it is often not detected until it has progressed to an advanced stage. Late detection of oral-pharyngeal cancer carries with it a 57% 5-year mortality rate. When detected in the very early stages, the chances of survival increase dramatically.

In recent years, the early detection of oral cancer and precancerous lesions in the mouth, pharynx and oral tissues has been improved dramatically through the integration of specialized examination tools.

Your dentist will perform a visual and tactile oral cancer screening in addition to using one of these tools in order to ensure that you are protected.

Shining a Light on Oral Cancer
 
The Velscope light is one such tool which utilizes technology which is very similar to that which detects precancerous and cancerous cervical lesions. A specialized light is used to illuminate oral tissue during examination. Normal tissue appears green and possible abnormal tissue appears darkened. This new method of early detection has made it possible to prevent abnormal tissue from developing into cancer. Doctors performing a biopsy of abnormal tissue can visualize more precise lesion borders using this technology.

The Best Way to Prevent Cancer?
See your dentist regularly. Have an oral cancer screening performed annually. Do not ignore warning signs.

Surgery for Breast Cancer

If you have been diagnosed with breast cancer, then it is likely that your surgeon will recommend a mastectomy operation. There are several variations of the mastectomy procedure, and the most suitable for you will depend on your situation and the extent of the tumours in your breasts.
If the tumour in your breast is small, then you may undergo a lumpectomy procedure. This is a common, safe procedure and involves removal of the lump and some of the healthy tissue surrounding it, to be sure that all of the tumour cells have been removed.

If the tumour is large or there are several within the breast, then a mastectomy is the more appropriate procedure. This is surgical removal of the entire breast. A simple, or total, mastectomy is when all of the breast tissue is removed. The words "simple" and "total" are interchangeable, and you may find your surgeon using either one of them when discussing the procedure with you. You may need to undergo chemotherapy or hormone treatment before the operation to try and shrink the size of the tumours, making surgery easier to perform. You may be offered a reconstruction at the same time as the removal operation; this is becoming standard medical practice as it helps to reduce the trauma experienced by patients who have had either one or both breasts removed. You do not need to take up this option, but it is something you may wish to consider.

If the cancer is thought to have spread further than the breast tissue, then you may need to undergo a radical mastectomy, which also involves the removal of the underlying chest wall muscle. This is highly unusual and will only be done if the tumours have spread into this area of muscle.

Whichever type of mastectomy you undergo, your surgeon may also take the opportunity to biopsy the lymph nodes in your armpit. This is done through the same incision as the mastectomy, so will not result in any additional scar tissue.

Surgery to remove the breasts can often be traumatic, whether you are having the procedure to remove cancer or because you have a strong family history of the disease and want to prevent it from occurring. This is why immediate reconstruction is now offered whenever possible, and it is recommended that you discuss this with your surgeon and breast care nurse, who will be able to give you all of the relevant information. There are also a number of support groups for women who have undergone, or are about to have, the procedure, and it can sometimes be helpful to make contact with these. The members will be able to talk to you about their own experiences, which can be worthwhile if you are at all concerned. Speak to your breast care nurse, who will be able to give you the contact details for your local group.

Something You Should Know About Prostate Problems

Prostate problems strike most men over the age of 50. The American Urological Association states that over 90% of all men will develop some kind of prostate problem during their lifetime. Of these, the most common prostate problems are:

-- Prostatitis - caused by an inflammation
-- Benign prostatic hyperplasia or BPH which is a non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate
-- Prostate cancer

Inflammation In Prostate May Be Silent

Examination of prostate tissue from routine autopsies indicate 75-80% incidence of chronic inflammation in these cases. While inflamed prostate may not be painful in itself, it can lead to prostate enlargement and unpleasant symptoms because of an increased pressure on the urethra.

These symptoms produce increased urgency or difficulty to urinate, problems in emptying the bladder, sleep disturbances because of frequent nighttime urination, weak or sporadic stream of urine, dribbling at the end of urination and emotional distress.

Because of the side effects of treatment for BPH which can be worse than its symptoms, most doctors do not suggest treatment for the condition. But if left untreated prostate problems could become much worse and eventually require uncomfortable prostate biopsies, radiation or microwave treatments. It can even require debilitating and potentially serious surgery.

Over 400,000 men in the United States undergo prostate surgery each year. Moreover, prostate problems can lead to dangerous complications, including bladder and kidney infections.

What Causes Prostate Inflammation

Prostate inflammation is idiopathic, which means cause unknown. Some probable causes include:
-- Infection with sexually transmitted agents or non-sexually transmitted bacteria or virus;
-- Cell injury triggered by chemical and physical trauma from urine reflux;
-- Prostatic stone formation;
-- Retrograde movement of sperm cells into the prostate;
-- Hormonal (estrogen) variations and/or exposures;
-- Dietary factors such as increased consumption of red meat and animal fats.

Inflammation Increases The Risk Of Prostate Cancer

Proliferative inflammatory atrophy (PIA) is a lesion that frequently occurs in the prostate. PIA is connected to prostate cancer since inflammation produces increased cell death and DNA damage in regenerated cells.

Many population-based investigations confirm the link between inflammation and prostate cancer. Furthermore, these studies also discovered that men who took inflammation-reducing medications or followed dietary patterns that were less likely to promote inflammation are at lower risk of prostate cancer.

Inflammation Promotes Metastasis Of Prostate Cancer And Treatment Resistance

Studies consistently show that inflammation associated with the progression of tumors plays a crucial role in the metastasis of prostate cancer. Tumor cells produce a variety of substances that trigger inflammatory cells to break into tumor tissues. Once this happens, the tumor tissues release inflammatory cytokines, proteases, and growth factors which are responsible for tissue disruption, invasive potential of tumor cells, growth of new blood vessels that feed tumor cells, and finally tumor metastasis.

There are no effective treatments for metastatic prostate cancer. Since resistance to chemotherapy has been linked with increased inflammatory responses in metastatic tumors, studies are carried out to investigate whether anti-inflammatory treatments could improve metastatic tumors and bring down treatment resistance.

Natural Anti-inflammatory Remedies For Prostate Health

Anti-inflammatory herbal remedies have been used for centuries to treat various chronic inflammatory conditions. Turmeric, Gingo biloba, Saw palmetto, Scute, Coptis, and Lovage are commonly used anti-inflammatory herbs in prostate remedies.

Anti-inflammatory remedies work as detox cleanser to remove noxious stimuli, i.e., inflammatory cells and their metabolites and debris. After effective removal of the inflammatory substances, the enlarged or inflamed prostate gland may begin to shrink.

Anti-inflammatory remedies may provide the following benefits:

-- Remove irritable stimuli that promote DNA damage and gene mutation in the prostate;
-- Help ease urinary tract relaxation and reduce urine reflux;
-- Maintain a healthy hormone balance;
-- Supply natural antioxidants to the prostate and help to restore a normal microenvironment.

What Every Man Needs to Know About Prostate Examination and Diagnosis

Prostate cancer is a fairly serious blip on the male health radar as the third most common cancer in men over 70. Prostate cancer - and other prostate issues - can cause considerable discomfort, pain and even death, if they are left undiagnosed and untreated.

I'll be honest with you: a prostate exam is no fun. No guy looks forward dropping trou for the annual check-up; but if you're smart, you'll bite the bullet and go anyway. Regular screenings can not only save you a lot of pain and discomfort - they may just save your life.

What is the prostate - and why does it need to be examined?

The prostate gland is a doughnut-shaped organ that is part of the male reproductive system. A healthy prostate in a younger man is only about the size of a walnut. The prostate sits just under the bladder and is wrapped around the beginning of the urethra. It is surrounded by nerves that control erections and its primary function is to produce a liquid that enriches and protects sperm.

Unfortunately, as guys get older this little organ tends to act up. At times, some of the symptoms are simply a sign of aging, however, in many cases prostate trouble is an indication of a more serious problem. Prostate cancer is a primary concern, but other prostate disorders can be just as uncomfortable and a serious concern for male health.

So if you are experiencing symptoms like difficulty or discomfort while urinating, reduced ability to get an erection, blood in your urine or semen, or painful ejaculation, it's important to have your prostate checked out. Even if you aren't experiencing any symptoms, it's still wise to be screened from time to time, as you can pre-empt and prevent problems before they crop up.

What should I expect during a prostate exam?

A prostate exam can be done fairly quickly and easily by your doctor. It might be a little awkward and uncomfortable, but it should be pain-free and over in just a few minutes.

Many guys who go in for their first prostate exam don't realize that it involves the doctor inserting a finger into the anus to examine the prostate gland, so your doctor will likely discuss the procedure with you before getting started. He will answer any questions you might have and he'll make sure you understand what's going to happen

Next, you'll be asked to remove your pants and bend over a counter or examination table. Wearing sterile gloves, the doctor will lubricate both his finger and your anal opening. As uncomfortable as you might be, the very best thing to do at this point is to relax completely. Go to your "happy place" and relax your sphincter muscles as the doctor inserts his finger.

Once his finger is inserted, the doctor will examine the rectal walls, feeling for the pelvic structure along the left, right, and posterior sides. Finally, he will examine the prostate gland, which is located on the anterior rectal wall. He will examine the surface of the gland, taking note of its size, consistency and shape. He will check the lobes as well as the gap that separates the two lobes. He will ask if you feel any tenderness or pain when he touches various parts of the gland.

Finally, the doctor will remove his finger, and congrats! Your DRE (digital-rectal examination) is complete. Once he has removed his hand, he may examine the fecal matter on the glove, possibly transferring some to a lab slide for further examination if necessary.

At this point, sometimes your doctor will also do a PSA test. He may choose to do this if he notices any irregularities, or simply for a more thorough screening. This is a simple blood test that measures your levels of PSA (or Prostate Specific Antigen), which is a protein made by the prostate gland.
What should I do to prepare for a prostate exam?

Well, you're off to a good start. Simply knowing what to expect can help speed the process along, minimizing any potential awkwardness or discomfort for you. Remember, as uncomfortable as you might be, the doctor is a professional and he very likely does prostate exams on a daily basis. Relaxing and discussing the process openly with your doctor can take a lot of the discomfort out of the procedure.

Other than that, there's not much else you need to do to prepare. If you have hemorrhoids, however, you may want to let your doctor know so that he can try not to bother them. Just be prepared that there may be a little discomfort if hemorrhoids or anal fissures are present, and there may be a little bleeding after your exam. This is not a cause for alarm, however, and will clear up fairly quickly.
What happens if the doctor finds problems?

Once your examination is complete, your doctor will explain his findings. If your DRE (Digital-Rectal Examination) findings are normal, that means all's well, and you won't need any further tests until your next scheduled prostate exam (usually an annual procedure).

If the doctor does find some abnormalities, however, he might suggest a PSA test at this point. Otherwise, he might schedule a follow-up visit a few months down the line. At your next exam he will check to see if anything has changed or if the concerns have cleared up on their own.

If your PSA levels are high and the doctor finds abnormalities on your prostate, the doctor will then recommend further testing, including a prostate ultrasound and/or biopsy. This will give him a better idea of where the problem lies and how to remedy it.

Remember though, even if the doctor does find that some things are a bit abnormal, that doesn't immediately mean you have prostate cancer. There are other conditions - completely benign ones - that can cause similar results.

Whatever your results though, regular screenings ensure that problems are caught quickly. Catching a prostate problem right at the start, means that it can be treated and cleared up with far less difficulty.
So men, don't wait around till you run into trouble. A little momentary discomfort is a worthwhile trade for a long, happy, healthy life surrounded by your family and friends. Do yourself a favor and get your prostate checked out.

Prostate Cancer: The Dreaded Prostate Biopsy and Alternatives

Many men do not realize that they have a choice when a physician recommends a prostate biopsy. Often they sit there in shock when told that they will need a biopsy. This scenario is played out over a million times annually though out the United States each year. The fact that alternative diagnostic procedures are not discussed or even brought to the patient's attention is amazing. It is important to note that medical practitioners have relied upon prostate biopsies since the first one performed in 1930. A lot has changed in eighty years however the prostate biopsy is still the most relied upon diagnostic procedure. Today revenue generation from prostate biopsies is estimated at 3 billion dollars annually in the US. If you have ever found yourself facing a biopsy you may be surprised how most health care providers fail to discuss the alternatives to a prostate biopsy. In addition no one ever discusses the fact that men who undergo a prostate biopsy often experience side effects due to the procedure itself.

Prostate cancer is serious and statistically it is projected that one in six men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer. Within this group of men ten percent will have a life threatening or dangerous form of prostate cancer. Prostate cancer is the second leading cause of death related to cancer. In 2010, it is estimated that 32,050 men die annually from prostate cancer in the United States. The most common test for a prostate cancer screening is a blood test known as the PSA (prostate-specific antigen) test. This may be in combination with or without a DRE (digital rectal exam). When the results of these tests indicate the possibility of cancer it is currently common that medical professionals will proceed or recommend a prostate biopsy.

A prostate biopsy is an invasive procedure that involves a series of needles and puncture wounds to the prostate. Most men fear a biopsy of the prostate due to the fact that in the event cancer is present research has discovered that the biopsy increases inflammation and the progression and spread of cancer. Additionally the biggest risk of this invasive procedure occurs when the tissue samples, obtained via puncture of the prostate gland, miss the cancerous tissue. Only 75 percent of cancers are detected via a patient's initial biopsy. Often this leads to multiple invasive biopsies generally spaced from 6 weeks to three months apart. Typical costs associated with a prostate biopsy, include both a physician fee and a laboratory fee, generally ranging from $1500.00 to $3200.00. It is not that uncommon to have multiple successive prostate biopsies. Obviously these biopsies are lucrative for the medical professional performing the procedure and for the laboratory processing the tissue samples. Men who elect to proceed with the biopsy often experience erectile dysfunction and increased urinary problems. The actual biopsy procedure has been shown to predispose men to side effects such as difficulty urinating and increased waking due to nighttime trips to the bathroom. The degree of side effects actually increases substantially post the biopsy procedure. Only 10% of the men before the biopsy reported severe side effects. One week after the biopsy the percent of men reporting severe side effects increased to 18%. By week 12 post the biopsy almost 30% report severe side effects. In addition to severe side effects, 39% report less severe or moderate side effects post the biopsy procedure.

Today there is an alternative diagnostic procedure to an invasive prostate biopsy. Similar to the traditional Sonogram, also known as ultrasound, which is a familiar diagnostic test performed on pregnant women due to the fact that it is safe for the unborn child. The biggest difference is that the typical sonogram is not in color and the area of administration. A Power Color Doppler Sonogram (3D CDI-TRUS- 'Three dimensional color Doppler imaging - trans-rectal ultrasound') can be performed on the prostate and it is painless, safe, and not surgically invasive. Clinical literature substantiates that the 3D CDI-TRUS is a diagnostic technique with excellent sensitivity (0.82) and specificity (0.91) for detecting prostate cancers, even if PSA levels might not be elevated or are within the grey zone. [1] This diagnostic technique reduces unnecessary biopsies in men with elevated PSA levels without violating cancer detection. The estimated cost of this procedure is about $500. The 3D CDI-TRUS takes less than an hour to perform and can be performed in your doctor's office. Recovery from this procedure is instantaneous, so you may return to work the same day. Generally, 3D CDI-TRUS procedures are performed by interventional radiologists.

Another alternative non-invasive evaluation for prostate cancer can be performed with a standard MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging). The MRI's accuracy is 89%. Despite the fact that an MRI tends to over-stage the tumor; most physicians feel that an MRI does not provide added information over the results available from surgically invasive prostate biopsies and PSA data. [2] Recent development and use of MR Spectroscopic Imaging (MRI-S) expands the diagnostic assessment of prostate cancer beyond the traditional information provided by a standard MRI. [3,4,5] This newer technology MRI-S uses multiple coils to provide a better image of the prostate and cancerous tumors if present.

How To Have A Healthy Prostate

It is advisable for all men to have regular prostate check ups once they are over 40 and to do all they can to maintain a healthy prostate. This is even more true for men with a history of prostate cancer in their family as 40%s are linked in this way and the risk doubles if a brother is, or has been, diagnosed.

The prostate is a small gland in the male reproductive system and its main function is to produce seminal fluid for semen. The first symptom men notice is when the prostate begins to enlarge and there is usually an inability to pass urine. This occurs when the growth presses on the urethra, the tube that carries urine, and blocks the flow. The doctor will usually carry out a test for prostate specific antigen (PSA), a substance present in the blood that is used to identify men at increased risk of prostate cancer.

Many men over the age of 45 experience some amount of prostate enlargement, but may live symptom free though with some resulting in urinary difficulties. If left untreated it can result in urinary tract infections, bladder or kidney damage, bladder stones, incontinence and cancer.

Simple Tips to Keep The Prostate Healthy

Regular annual checks are a must and adopting a healthy lifestyle with regular exercise and a diet high in fruit and vegetables and low in unsaturated fats, sugars and processed foods is a sensible strategy. Avoiding chemical exposure where possible by eating an organic diet will also help as research has flagged up a warning on pesticides and growth promoters in agriculture from as early as 2007. Although these tests were on animals the first series indicated "alterations in the structure of the testis and epididymal (a part of the male reproductive system) region as well as in the serum levels of testosterone and estradiol, with changes in the expression of androgen receptors restricted to the testis." Current French research has found that, even at very low levels, exposure to the Monsanto's herbicide formula Roundup was responsible for causing severe endocrine disruption that reduced testosterone levels by 35 percent.

A simple and effective tip to maintain prostate health is to perform Kegel exercises to improve circulation and this is done by pulling up all the muscles around the scrotum and anus. Repeat this movement 10 times and at least 5-6 times daily - no one will know you are doing it!
Herbal help has been used for centuries for men suffering from prostate enlargement and there are many combinations but the most popular include saw palmetto to relieve testicular inflammation and inhibit oestrogen, the hormone responsible for prostate enlargement

The herbs nettle, pygeum and hydrangea have also been show to be effective for relieving symptoms associated with an enlarged prostate. Damiana has a long history of helping balance the body's hormones, nettle is a natural diuretic and hydrangea supports the urinary system, where it is know to promote the overall health of the prostate gland and help to reduce inflammation and swelling. Antioxidants are also helpful, particularly the A.C.E combination of vitamins A,C, E with selenium as they help to protect these sensitive tissues from oxidative damage.

The Role Of Progesterone

An essential hormone for both men and women, its levels remain constant in men until they are over 60. Men produce it in their adrenals and testes and it is the precursor of adrenocortical hormones and testosterone. As they age, men's progesterone and testosterone levels drop and oestrogen levels rise and they normally produce 5-15 mgs of progesterone a day. This is secreted on a regular basis, unlike in women where it is cyclical and related to the menstrual cycle.

Men as they get older have a tendency to produce less testosterone and more di-hydrotestosterone, which seems to have an over stimulating effect on cells. Progesterone could have the effect of neutralizing the di-hydrotestosterone, which would thus help to maintain testosterone levels. It is also thought that progesterone may have an effect on the genetic coding of some cells, and in this prevents the development of abnormal cells.

The drop that occurs in progesterone levels in men is important, as we know it has a protective effect against the stimulating effects of oestrogen and testosterone. It does this by first acting directly on the progesterone receptors that are present in almost every tissue of the body and secondly by competing for receptors with testosterone.

Although very little research has been done into the effects and role of progesterone in men, it is clear that a whole range of health problems can be addressed using this hormone and specifically in helping to maintain a healthy prostate. Research is lacking in this area, but there are interesting anecdotal reports of reports from patients with prostate cancer which has been diagnosed both by blood test and biopsy. These patients have found that, as a result of using natural progesterone for about a year, the levels of PSA (Prostatic Specific Antigen) in their blood have decreased to normal levels.

Keeping a healthy prostate requires an all-round approach in which diet, exercise, lifestyle and good hormone balance all have a role to play

3 Most Common Symptoms of Early Prostate Cancer

Introduction

When men reach and exceed 50 years of age, they become aware of problems they can develop with their prostate. The two major complications that could develop are an enlarged prostate and cancer of the prostate.

According to the Prostate Cancer Foundation onein six men or 18 per cent of men in the United States will develop prostate cancer. Comparing that to developing an enlarged prostate, where all men, if they live long enough, will develop an enlarged prostate.

What is cancer of the prostate and what are three symptoms of prostate cancer?

Cancer Of The Prostate

Cancer of the prostate usually develops on the outside of the prostate. This is the reason your doctor performs a digital rectal exam on your prostate. Your doctor is feeling for the smoothness of your prostate by feeling through your rectum.

If your prostate feels hard or lumpy, then your doctor may call for an ultrasound or biopsy of your prostate to determine if you have cancer. But what symptoms can you see without seeing a doctor?

3 Symptoms Of Prostate Cancer

Since some of the symptoms of prostate cancer are similar to an enlarged prostate, such as weak urine stream and trouble urinating, lets look at symptoms that are not similar to an enlarged prostate.

• Blood In The Urine- This could also mean you have a kidney infection or you may even have a urinary tract infection.
• Blood In Your Semen- When you see blood in your semen do not panic; it is most likely caused by some other problem and is more than likely not cancer.
• Discomfort In The Pelvic Area- Besides cancer there are a number of other conditions such as hemorrhoids, nerve damage or even mental conditions that can cause discomfort in the pelvic area.

Though you may have these conditions, it is not indicative that you have cancer. Even a PSA test cannot determine if you have prostate cancer or not. In fact you may have a normal PSA score and still have prostate cancer.

The best method is to have a digital rectal exam that can then lead to an ultra sound or biopsy of your prostate.

Conclusion

Only 18% of men will develop this condition in their lifetime and when detected early the survival rate of men with this type of cancer is higher than any other types of cancer.
The best thing to do is to care for your prostate by eating the right foods, exercising and providing the right minerals

Breast Cancer Symptoms

In most cases, breast cancer develops in the presence of precancerous changes. This is primarily a benign mammary dysplasia and papilloma ducts.

Breast cancer is represented macroscopically nodular and diffuse forms, as well as cancer of the nipple and the nipple of the field (Paget's disease of the breast). For the nodular cancers are characterized by the node having a diameter of up to several centimeters. In some cases, a tight knot, is permeated with whitish layers tissue penetrating into the surrounding fatty tissue, in others - a soft, juicy on the cut, splits easily. Diffuse prostate cancer is covered for a considerable distance, the contours of the tumor are marked bad. Sometimes the cancer invades the skin and forms on the surface of decaying mushroom formation - a cancerous ulcer. In some cases, the tumor spr
eads along the surface of the breast and all the iron is covered with a dense shell.

In histological structure are the following types of breast cancer:

• noninvasive: intralobular and intraduct;

• infiltrative.

Noninvasive breast cancer can be intralobular (lobular carcinoma in situ), and intraduct (ductal carcinoma in situ).

Infiltrating (invasive) cancer is characterized by varying degrees of tissue and cell irregularities, which allowed to distinguish different degree of malignancy. This type of cancer include, in particular, infiltrating ductal and lobular carcinoma, which usually has the structure of scirrhus, as well as Paget's disease.

Causes of Breast Cancer.

The causes of breast cancer often are hormonal changes in the body: the entry into menopause, when there is an active restructuring of the hormonal regulation of the woman, the ovaries lose their activity, decreased production of progesterone and estrogen, the body is going through, "hormonal crisis." The mammary gland and endometrium (lining of the uterus) are most responsive to these changes, the breast tissue begins to dissolve and be replaced by fat.

Scientifically established that the female hormones estrogen-, plays a key role in the development of breast cancer. The excess hormones in the body creates a favorable background for developing the disease. The least active hormones estrogen behave during pregnancy and after birth - during breastfeeding. It is proved that the birth and prolonged breastfeeding (more than 1 year) to reduce the risk of developing breast cancer. On the other hand, abortion lead to hormonal "explosion" in a woman's body that can trigger the development of tumors. So far there is no consensus about the impact on the development of tumors of hormonal contraceptive drugs, but it is believed that these drugs reduce the risk of developing breast cancer, but increase the risk of developing cancer of the female genital organs, and osteoporosis. In addition predisposition to breast cancer can cause harmful environmental factors: the environment, as well as inflammatory diseases previously deferred breast - mastitis.

In addition, patients with a family of first-degree relatives with breast cancer (mothers and sisters) risk of developing a tumor increasing by more than half - familial forms of cancer.

Benign breast diseases such as fibrocystic breast disease, or fibroadenoz intraduct papillomatosis alone do not lead to cancer, but at the same time, create an unfavorable background for its development.

The cause of breast cancer may be the effects of radiation, such as irradiation of the chest for other diseases (lung tumors, the lymphatic system), prolonged and frequent chest X-ray studies on inflammatory diseases or pulmonary tuberculosis.

Constitutional obesity can lead to cancer of the breast and female reproductive system, with an excess fatty tissue in the body, it becomes a separate endocrine organ and begins to actively produce hormones-estrogens, whose action and provokes the development of tumors.

Symptoms of Breast Cancer

There are several forms of the growth of breast cancer:

- Nodular form, the most common, is characterized by a dense knot of 0.5 to 5 cm or more, it is characterized by all of the following symptoms;
- Diffuse. All of them are very aggressive, grow quickly, almost lightning speed, the tumor with no clear boundaries, "spreading" of the breast and skin. For the first two forms are characteristic signs of inflammation: pain of the breast, a bright red color of the skin it raises body temperature to 39 degrees C. In view of these symptoms often occur, and errors in diagnosis of patients treated for inflammatory diseases, which are named and are referred to these forms breast cancer. When tubular carcinoma breast cancer cover as a "skin" of its contracting and decreasing in size.

In some cases, breast cancer manifests in the form of metastases in the lymph nodes on the affected side, often fails to detect the tumor itself - show hidden breast cancer.

For small tumors of the breast, any symptoms arise. The most observant women and their husbands are able to detect tumor site in the gland by chance, but in a large breast to detect small size hard knot. Revealed a knot can be painful when pressed, round, smooth and agile, this speaks in favor of a benign tumor. Signs of malignancy other: a tight knot to touch the stone, its surface is uneven, it is stationary or slightly shifted, can be firmly fixed to the surrounding tissue or skin, usually painless, can reach a significant size (more than 3 - 5 cm and sometimes 10-15 cm).

Need to assess the surface of the skin over the tumor: the malignant process will be observed retraction of the skin, picking up in the folds, wrinkles, a symptom of "lemon peel" - a local swelling of the skin over the tumor, may be a direct tumor invasion to the skin surface, then it becomes a bright red color and sprawl as "cauliflower."

How Cancer Develops in the Body

Today, many Health Organisations advocate that smokers are liable to die prematurely, owing to the fact that there are lifestyles that can cause certain diseases which include cancer. Thus, it is vital to realize the extent to which cancer can be developed in the body in respect of your lifestyle.
 
Cancers come in various forms, but the two most common ones are lung cancer and mesothelioma. Each of the two forms of cancer has been rated as one of the deadliest diseases in today's society. This is because both lung cancer and mesothelioma are generally believed to be almost incurable. Of a truth, mesothelioma is the most deadly of all forms of cancers.

More so, both kinds of cancer are generally associated with smoking. It has been found out that chain-smoking is the major cause of lung cancer. In the United State alone, around 80% of mesothelioma cases that are diagnosed arise from smoking habits. Therefore, cigar, tobacco and cigarette smoking are quite dangerous to your health. Such habits greatly enhance the possibility of the development of cancer in the body.

Because smoking involves the inhalation of chemical substances that are toxic to the respiratory organ and their tracts, an environment that favours the development of cancer, either lung cancer or mesothelioma, arises and grows over a long period of time.

It should be understood that smoking directly causes lung cancer. In the same vein, it has been argued that smoking does not cause mesothelioma, but it provides a toxic environment for its development. That is, smoking rapidly promotes mesothelioma growth.

If the smoking of cigar, cigarette and tobacco is stopped at a stage prior to the formation of lung cancer, the chances of having the disease will be minimized, and body metabolisms will help to restore affected tissues to normal forms.

Another striking point is that if you are living with a smoker, you are more than likely going to develop lung cancer. This is as a result of passive smoking. It is also amazing that someone who is a passive smoker has a higher risk of developing cancer compared to the smoker!

In addition, here are some other causes of cancer:

1. Lack or low amount of fruits and vegetables in one's diets (This increases cancer risk).
2. Living with a mesothelioma patient.
3. The presence of arsenic in drinking water.
4. Exposure to radioactive elements.
5. Smoking of marijuana cigarettes.
6. Asbestos exposure (Asbestos can cause mesothelioma as well as cancer of the lungs' lining).

Finally, every effort should be made to stop a smoking lifestyle whether you have been diagnosed to have lung cancer/mesothelioma or not. Also, you should be conscious of other ways by which cancer can be developed and avoid them as much as possible.

Prostate Cancer Symptoms: The Signs of Prostate Cancer

There are some signs of prostate cancer that you need to look for as you are caring for your health and working to prevent serious issues. Most men will show some symptom of prostate cancer before their doctor will give them an official diagnosis. Knowing what to look for can help you to determine if you need to contact your doctor and to have your prostate health examined.

Prostate Cancer Symptoms

If you have prostate cancer it is likely that you will have some issues with incontinence. Since the prostate is below the bladder it is responsible for helping the bladder to release urine using the urethra. When you have prostate problems, it is common for this gland to become swollen or enlarged making it painful for you to pass urine or you could end up having involuntarily urine loss. When the prostate is swollen and the urine has a harder time passing it will cause you to have urge incontinence (the sudden urge to urinate). Other individuals report that they feel the need to get up and urinate throughout the night several times or they are feeling that they need to urinate more frequently.
While the enlarged prostate is the leading indication that you may have prostate cancer there are some other symptoms that you need to be aware of like blood in the urine or semen, erectile dysfunction, bladder control problems, and pain in the lower back or hips.

What Will My Doctor Check For?

In order to know if you have prostate cancer your doctor will discuss the various symptoms that you have been struggling with. Then they will need to examine your prostate and will also do some urine tests and other laboratory tests. If you have had a loved one that had prostate cancer or prostate health problems you need to make sure you are getting checked out as you have a higher risk of getting prostate cancer. The prostate specific antigen (PSA) test is used to help the doctor determine if you have cancer of the prostate or not. This is a blood test that will look for a specific antigen and in some cases it will detect prostate health problems before you start having any of the common symptoms of prostate cancer.

Treatments to Consider

Depending upon your age, your doctor may not recommend that you jump into surgery or chemotherapy and instead opt for active surveillance. This is common for elderly males that likely will not be able to recover well from the surgery as their bodies are not healthy. When you are monitoring your condition you will check for any signs that the cancer is growing or changes in your prostate health. You may notice an increase in your incontinence episodes, which will require the help of some incontinence products like adult diapers to help you manage your condition. For many males with prostate cancer, it is a slowly growing form of cancer. So using active surveillance is the best route to avoid dealing with expensive surgery and other treatments that could end up shortening their lifespan.

Surgery is common for younger patients that are in good health. It is an invasive surgery that can take 6 weeks to 3 months before you recover from it. You will likely deal with incontinence after the surgery as you usually need to wear a catheter for a few weeks following the surgery. Wearing adult diapers can help to capture any urine that does leak from the body. There are other male incontinence products you can choose from that will make it easier for you to manage your problems with incontinence after the surgery.

Early Stage Prostate Cancer Treatment

Prostate Cancer Stages

You may wonder whether your treatment options vary depending on far advanced your prostate cancer might be. The truth is, if your cancer has grown beyond the confines of your prostate gland, there is no currently known cure.

Prostate cancer is defined in 4 stages called T1, T2, T3 and T4.

Stage T1 is when the disease is beginning. Only a blood test for PSA levels followed by a biopsy on some prostate tissue will discover whether cancer has taken root in your prostate gland.

Stage T2 is when the first signs and symptoms will appear. Your doctor may find a hard area on your prostate through a digital rectal exam. You may experience bladder problems like difficulties in controlling urination. You may find blood in urine or semen. You may feel pain or burning during urination or orgasm. (Note that these can be due to other medical conditions and not cancer.) Tests will tell how many tumors there are and whether the prostate is enlarged.

Stage T3 is the point at which the cancer has spread outside the prostate gland. Typically it will take residence in the seminal vesicles at this stage.

T4 is the final stage and the one with the most radical symptoms including fatigue, anemia and many difficulties with passing waste through urine or feces.

What Are My Treatment Options?

Your options for treatment have a good chance of a cure provided you catch it in stage T1 or T2. If you are diagnosed with prostate cancer your doctor will discuss those options with you. Those options include surgery, radiotherapy, cryotherapy or HIFU.

The most common surgical option recommended is a prostatectomy where your prostate gland is removed entirely. Some men may not be candidates for surgery due to age or health.

Radiotherapy can be done with an external beam where a radioactive source is aimed at your prostate from outside or with a number of small radioactive seeds implanted directly into your prostate. Both of these procedures use the same principle of burning away diseased tissue with radioactivity.
Cryotherapy is a procedure where your prostate is frozen and then thawed. The tissue in your gland cannot survive the temperature changes and the cancerous cells are killed.

HIFU stands for High Intensity Focused Ultrasound. Sound waves are focused and aimed at cancerous tissue within your prostate. When they strike the tissue, the cells are heated and the cancer cells are destroyed. This non-surgical treatment is done on an out-patient basis and results in fewer significant side effects than the other treatments.

Watching and Waiting

An option your doctor may recommend even if cancer has been verified is to watch and wait; your cancer is monitored to determine how aggressive it is while a final decision is made as to your best treatment option. This may be done if there are medical complications that would affect your ability to recover from some treatments, especially options like surgery or radiotherapy. It may also be done if you're having difficulty giving consent for a treatment your doctor has prescribed. If the cancer is aggressive, this will not be an option.

Don't Let an Enlarged Prostate Affect a Healthy Life - Prevent It

Maintaining a happy prostate is of prime importance as far as human health is concerned. The prostate gland is a small, walnut shaped gland that is responsible for the release of the prostatic fluid. This is a milky secretion that is thin in nature, and forms around half of the total composition of semen. This is secreted along with every orgasm. The prostatic fluid is responsible for the safeguard of the sperm; it encases the sperm and saves it from perishing upon contact with the vaginal fluid.

The alkaline nature of the prostatic fluid helps in protecting the sperm from dying upon contact with the acidic vaginal fluid. Besides, the prostate is also responsible for a healthy sex life since it controls orgasms to some extent. So, it is necessary to have a healthy prostate. Prostate health supplements are a good way of ensuring that the prostate remains healthy.

Almost every man suffers from problems of the prostate at one point their lives. These problems are mostly associated with old or advanced age; mostly the age of 50 and above. However, it is not always necessary that this will happen in any and every case. There have been cases recorded when even men of a comparatively younger age group have fallen prey to such problems. There are various kinds of prostate problems that can affect people.

• BPH: This problem, known as benign prostatic hyperplasia or more commonly as an enlarged prostate, is one of the commonest problems that affect the prostate gland. As the name itself suggests, this condition is characterised by a prostate that grows beyond its usual proportions, but is not at all a particularly problematic or worrying one. This happens because this gland normally begins to grow in every man once he reaches or crosses the age of 40.


• Prostate cancer: This is once again one of the biggest problems that men face when it comes to their prostates. This is a fatal disease and is extremely painful. However, this can be prevented by following certain procedures such as prostate massaging, exercising and careful eating. More sex is also known to reduce the chances of prostate cancer considerably. The idea behind this is that with each ejaculation. You are able to eject the carcinogens that might have been residing within your body; so, the more sex you have, the lower is your chances of contracting prostate cancer.

Eating properly can do a lot for your health. For instance, you should be opting for foods that are known to reduce the chances of prostate cancer. Flax seeds are good examples of such foods. Grounded forms of those seeds sprinkles on your breakfast cereal or on your pizza topping works wonders for your prostate gland. Moreover, you should also be eating a lot of green vegetables in order to ensure that your circulation is great ans your tissues are growing. This is going to ensure that your libido is great and your sex life, consequently, in top form.

Cardiac Health and Fitness

Cadiac Health

The human heart is an amazing machine as it is one organ of the body that is composed of muscular tissue that is seen to act without stopping right from birth to death. Given the huge importance of the heart to pumping life saving blood that helps in effective functioning of the organs of the body, it makes sense to follow simple health tips and advice that will keep your heart healthy. For one, it is always better to exercise regularly, so that the flow of blood is enhanced with the attendant benefits in terms of cardiac health.

Another one of the health tips and advice for cardiac health is to ensure that you avoid too much smoking and drinking as well as fatty foods. Consumption of these substances is quite unhealthy as it leads to many heart related problems like blocking of arteries as well as issues that could lead to major crises in the form of heart blockages as well as heart attacks. Similarly, it is always advisable to look at taking care of blood pressure levels, which is one of the main causes of heart disease and which is also known as a silent killer. This is why you need to be on your guard at all times.

Cardio Fitness

To have a healthy heart which is basically what cardio is all about it is recommended that you take short walks or jogs everyday. These are very easy to do; many people do them in the morning before work or school and jog around their neighborhood for a good 20-30 minutes. This builds up the heart because you have a higher heart rate that works your heart.

If you want to go to an even extreme level of cardio health and fitness try doing something in daily routines. You want to go grab a cup of coffee, try walking their instead of driving your car those two blocks. Take the stairs, that is always and easy choice and when you have a couple months of stairs you already on your way to a healthier and better you.

What Is Cardiac Telemetry?

Telemetry is a technology that allows measurements to be made at a distance, via radio wave or IP network transmission and reception of the information. Telemetry information over wire had its origins in the 19th century.

Cardiac Telemetry comes in handy in monitoring a patient's heart rate and rhythm which takes place at a distant location, typically a nursing station in a cardiac telemetry area. They are used as patient monitoring machines. This technique is used to monitor patients recovering from heart surgeries, patients who may be at risk of heart problems, and patients experiencing health difficulties relating to the heart. Some hospitals have dedicated cardiac telemetry service since heart problems are a common situation in current times. When the patient is admitted, he or she undergoes a meticulous medical history and physical exam as well as an ECG and important cardiovascular exam. Based on the results obtained, the patient is registered into a Telemetry Monitoring Rehabilitation Program. Cardiac telemetry identifies AF in cryptogenic stroke. Telemetry is also one of the main features of any coronary care unit.

In Telemetry, data is collected in one place and is transmitted further. While in Cardiac Telemetry, the patient wears electrodes on the upper body which are connected to leads and a telemetry transmitter. The transmitter sends signals to an observation post, where it can be monitored by nurses and doctors who specialize in cardiology. As long as the signal stays in range of the monitoring station, patients can be mobile and move around as they please. It is quite a painless device although it can be slightly uncomfortable to wear the electrodes, and patients need to be conscious of the leads, and bringing loose connections and wires to the attention of the nurses and attendants.
 
Cardiac Telemetry may be recommended as part of the standard of care, when a heart patient is admitted into the hospital or goes into an intensive care unit. Using telemetry, patients can be monitored constantly and discreetly by nurses. If a patient develops problems, the monitoring staff can respond quickly, problems, abnormalities and arrhythmias can also be noted immediately and brought to the attention of a cardiologist, who then uses this vital information for a diagnosis and treatment. Cardiac Telemetry plays a vital role in the life and is extremely beneficial to any heart patient, as it brings together all the relevant information that a cardiologist will need for a diagnosis.
Additionally, Cardiac Telemetry monitored rehab ensures that a patient's cardiac well-being is being endlessly monitored while they are engaging in any physical rehab.

HIFU For Prostate Cancer Treatment

Prostate cancer is the number one cancer affecting men in North America. Approximately 1 in 6 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime. It is therefore no wonder that alternative treatments to surgery and radiation have been so in demand. One newer treatment method that is proving to be safe and effective in treating organ confined prostate cancer is HIFU.

High Intensity Focused Ultrasound- HIFU

HIFU is a procedure developed to destroy cancer cells in the prostate gland.
Cancer cells mass together into tumors. The cells, being abnormal, live longer than healthy cells, reproduce and multiply creating more abnormal cells; hence the reason they grow into masses called tumors.

The HIFU device uses focused ultrasound waves to heat the tissue in these tumors to 80°C and destroy them.

The Treatment

The procedure is non-invasive. No surgical means are required and no incisions are made.
HIFU patients are laid on their sides and anesthetized. The HIFU probe is inserted into the patient's rectum until it is next to the prostate. An MRI scan of the prostate is taken to map out the interior of the gland. Masses of tissue, or tumors, are identified. The information on the location and size of any tumors found are fed into the device's computer. These regions are then targeted for the HIFU treatment.

The HIFU device then sends a pulse at each of these zones. The tissue affected is heated and destroyed. Healthy tissue adjacent to the heated area is left untouched because the HIFU device only affects a few cubic mm of area with each pulse.

If a patient's entire prostate gland has been infected with cancer, the whole of the area can be heated and destroyed. To scan and target the entire gland would take up to 3 or 4 hours.

After all the scanning and targeting is complete, the patient has a catheter installed and is left to recover from the effects of the anesthetic. When the anesthetic is worn off, the patient is allowed to go home until a follow-up appointment after two weeks. There are no restrictions placed on the patient's diet as a result of the HIFU treatment. Any restrictions prescribed by the patient's doctor prior to the treatment would still be in effect.

An antibiotic is prescribed to last for 2 weeks to deal with any chance of infection that may result.

Follow-Up

Doctors expect some immediate after effects as a result of this procedure. The prostate gland will swell from the effects of the HIFU treatment. Some urinary incontinence is expected because of the swelling. In addition, some patients experience some bleeding into the urine stream, usually only at the beginning of the urine stream.

After the 2 weeks, the catheter is removed. Urinary function is expected to be normal by this time.
Blood samples are taken to test for PSA levels at the follow-up appointment and again every 3 months, likely for about a year. It is expected that PSA levels will rise for the first 3 to 6 months. After that they are expected to return to normal.

Tissue samples may be taken and submitted for biopsy after about a year to determine the effectiveness of the treatment.

Catch It In The Early Stages

As long as the prostate cancer is confined to the prostate gland it can be treated using HIFU. The cure rate for men with prostate confined cancer is as high as 90%.

Finding the Best Prostate Cancer Treatment Option

 Prostate Cancer Treatment Options

Treatment for prostate cancer has traditionally been surgery, where the prostate is removed in whole or in part, and radiotherapy, where radioactive emissions are used to burn cancerous cells away. For decades these were the only effective procedures that could eliminate prostate cancer.
Newer treatments have arisen in the past decade thanks to research carried out around the world. Most of them involve some surgical procedure to perform even where no removal of tissue is required.

Surgical Options

All treatment options involving surgery require an overnight hospital stay at least the night before the procedure. Some surgical options may require a hospital stay of one or several days depending on the procedure and how quickly you can recover from it.

A prostatectomy is a surgical procedure where the entire prostate gland is removed. This is frequently prescribed for patients with prostate-confined cancer. Along with the prostate gland, also removed are the seminal vesicles which carry sperm to the urethra, part of the bladder neck and the lymph nodes.
As a result of having these organs removed, impotence is a common side effect along with mild to severe urinary incontinence. In addition, recovery times can be slow.

A pelvic lymph node dissection is the removal of just the lymph nodes attached to the prostate gland. The lymph nodes wrap around the urethra on either side of the prostate. Muscle tissue in the lymph nodes allows you to regulate the flow of urine through the urethra.

Removing the lymph nodes can result in mild to moderate urinary incontinence in many patients.
A transurethral resection is a less invasive procedure. It is done to remove or relieve blockages in the urethra. A surgical cutting or cauterizing tool is inserted through the penis and sections of an overgrown prostate are cut or burned away.

Side effects from this surgery can lead to mild to moderate urinary incontinence.

Radiation Therapy

All radiotherapy treatments operate on the principle that radioactive emissions burn cancer cells away to remove them and prevent further growth.

External Beam Radiotherapy, or EBRT, uses high energy radioactive particles aimed at the pelvis from a device outside the body. When the particles strike the cancer cells, they are quickly heated and burned away. This procedure is carried out for 5 consecutive days for about 5 to 7 consecutive weeks. No anesthetic is required and it is typically done on an out-patient basis.
Complications that can arise are as follows.

• Marked inflammation of the rectum or bladder or both.
• Impotence beginning up to 12 months after treatment.
• Radiation burns to the sphincter or bowel.

A similar though slightly different therapy is Proton Beam Therapy. While still employing the external source for the beam, the bean is made up of charged ions rather than radioactivity. The principle of burning away cancer cells remains the same as well. Practitioners of proton beam therapy claim a lower risk of side effects than traditional radiation therapy though clinical studies have yet to prove that conclusively.

High Intensity Focused Ultrasound

HIFU - is a newer treatment that is non-surgical and non-invasive. It has been available in Europe for over a decade and was approved by Health Canada in 2003. It is currently not available in the US. With HIFU for prostate cancer, the patient undergoes a 2-3 hour outpatient procedure where focused ultrasound waves are used with pinpoint accuracy to kill cancerous tissue.

Keeping a Healthy Prostate

Common Prostate Problems

Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)

Prostate problems become more common after the age of 50; this is due to the fact that a man's prostate gland continues to grow throughout his life.

One of the most common prostate issues is Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) which is more commonly known by its non-medical term; an enlarged prostate. This can present numerous issues to a man:

1. May become difficult to urinate
2. Dribbling after urination
3. May need to urinate more often
4. Waking up in the middle of the night to use the bathroom
5. Stop/Start urination
6. It may become painful when ejaculating
7. Uncomfortable urination

Chronic Prostatitis

Chronic prostatitis is a relatively common problem amongst men. There are numerous similarities with BPH in terms of the issues and symptoms caused by chronic prostatitis. However unlike BPH, men tend to experience pain at the bottom of the back as well as within the groin area.

Ways to Help Keep a Healthy Prostate

First of all, it is important to test for prostate problems and continue to be aware of any symptoms should they arise. There are, however, things that can make a man's life easier, such as taking herbal remedies and supplements that are clinically proven to maintain a healthy prostate.
Eating the right foods is essential in maintaining a healthy prostate and protecting one's self from more serious disorders. The following foods have been studied and shown to have positive effects on prostate health:
 
1. Ginger, Pumpkin seeds and apples

These foods all contain anti-inflammatory properties. This group of super foods are full of beneficial compounds that can be helpful in keeping a healthy prostate. These foods are especially good when suffering from an enlarged prostate; the seeds can help with the urinary problems that an enlarged prostate can cause.

2. Tomatoes

Numerous scientific studies have identified tomatoes as a key food when combating prostate cancer. A ripe, juicy tomato is full of something called lycopene; Lycopene has been proven to have a positive effect when battling cancer.

Three or more servings of tomatoes a week can, in some cases, significantly help to reduce the risk of prostate cancer

3. Cranberry & Pomegranate

These two delicious fruits contain antioxidants which can help reduce the inflammation of the prostate gland. There are many cranberry and pomegranate drinks that contain all the anti-inflammatory properties that help fight against prostate issues.

4. Stay away from the fat

Limit the amount of fatty foods eaten. It is essential to keep a healthy diet in order to maintain a healthy prostate; try a diet that is high in fruit and natural oils

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Effects of Prostate Cancer Treatment on Sexuality

If your physician does not bring it up, it is up to you to initiate the discussion on how cancer treatment will affect your sexuality. It is important to be well-informed so that you can ask the right questions.

There are studies that show that though a vast majority of health professionals identify sexual concerns as within their scope of practice, only very few directly address it. Different cancers affect sexuality in different ways. Physicians usually discuss it only when it directly affects the sexual organs.

How does prostate cancer treatment affect your sexual well-being?

Some of the most important information about the effects of prostate cancer treatment on sexuality comes from other men dealing with cancer themselves. Cancer support groups regularly discuss sexual health concerns.

Speak to your doctor for more information about some of the common after-effects of prostate cancer treatment.

Here are some of the physical and psychological effects of cancer and its treatment on sexual health:

• Radical prostate ctomy may involve removal of all or a significant part of the prostate, resulting in disrupted blood supply for erections.
• Prostate cancer treatment may result in some form of erectile dysfunction or even castration.
• If pelvic surgery is involved, the scar tissue may affect blood circulation to the sexual organs.
• Diminished libido, physical disfigurement, incontinence and even hair loss can occur. These after-effects can significantly affect a man's self-image and psychological well-being.
• Though there are drugs that help restore sexual function to a certain extent, cancer treatment can take a heavy psychological toll especially on men whose identities are strongly linked to their sexual abilities.
• Fertility may be adversely affected by chemotherapy.
• Radiation to the pelvic area can obstruct erections because it may damage blood vessels in that area.
• Anti-androgen drugs that are sometimes prescribed after treatment can deprive the body of testosterone and cause hair-loss on arms and legs, loss of muscle, weight gain, mood swings and loss of memory. Some men may even develop breasts and experience hot flashes.

Most men shy away from talking about their sexual concerns after cancer treatment because they are embarrassed. They are also not properly educated about how profoundly difficult life after cancer can be.

Many men, unable to handle the after-effects, succumb to depression. It has a serious impact on their relationships as well. It is up to the couples to jointly face the fall outs of cancer and its treatment. Fatigue, financial worries, depression, sexual concerns and relationship issues must be openly discussed to find the most viable solutions.

Cancer is an extremely tough disease to deal with. It destroys not just the body but also the spirit. But with the help of your partner, friends, family, support networks and your physician you can minimize the ill-effects of this killer disease and the treatment regimen. Life may never be as you knew it before cancer, but it is possible to adapt and lead a fruitful life even after the disease.

Fatherhood Has Heart-Healthy Benefits

While fatherhood may make men a little less manly by lowering their testosterone levels, nature apparently gives fathers a heart-healthy bonus in return. New U.S. research has found that becoming a dad reduces the odds of dying from medical issues related to the heart, when compared to those men who remain childless. The report on the study recently appeared in the journal Human Reproduction.

The new findings come on the heels of a recent study of 600 men in the Philippines, which revealed that the main male hormone testosterone drops following fatherhood.
The latest study results are from a joint effort of AARP (American Association of Retired Persons), the U.S. government, and a number of universities, to conduct the single largest study to date on male fertility and mortality, involving almost 138,000 men.

While heart disease experts agree that the study cannot definitively prove that a link between fatherhood and mortality exists, they also agree that an association between the two may be likely. Previous research has suggested that men who are married, have a social life filled with friends, and perhaps even a family Fido, reduce their likelihood of developing heart problems, and suffering death due to a heart-related illness.

It stands to reason that a growing family would encourage a man to live a healthier life in an effort to ensure that he is around to care for them. The simple ability to reproduce is also a sign of genetic health, as those unable to produce offspring often suffer a genetic weakness that could lead to heart-related medical issues at some point in life.'

According to lead researcher Dr. Michael Eisenberg, a Stanford University urologist and fertility specialist, “There is emerging evidence that male infertility is a window into a man’s later health.” He then added, “Maybe it’s telling us that something else is involved in their inability to have kids.”

Eisenberg also pointed out that in the study that found an association between fatherhood and decreasing testosterone levels, men having higher levels of the hormone prior to reproducing were also those who were more likely to produce offspring. This fact suggests that having low levels of testosterone might also be associated with an underlying health issue that hampers or prevents reproduction. However, it must be noted that even though having higher levels of testosterone is generally better, having too much, or even too little for that matter, can decrease the level of HDL (good) cholesterol, which is a known risk factor for heart disease.

For the study, sponsored by the National Cancer Institute, the researchers periodically surveyed more than half a million AARP members, aged 50 years and over, beginning in the 1990s. For purposes of the research, men having never been married were excluded from the study, as were those with heart disease or cancer. This provided the best scenario for focusing only on healthy men who had the most appropriate opportunity, and likely the most intent, of fathering children.

The remaining men in the study after exclusions numbered 137,903, among whom 92 percent were fathers, with half of them having three or more children. Findings of the analysis showed that about 10 percent of those who were fathers had died after about 10 years of follow-up, on average.
Death rates were calculated based on the number of children fathered, and then adjustments were made for factors such as weight, age, household income, and smoking history. However, stress was not among the factors accounted for. Findings indicated that while there was apparently no difference between men with children and those who remained childless, men who were fathers had a 17 percent less likelihood of having died due to cardiovascular issues.

While the results of the analysis are of significant interest, the study had several limitations. The number of men in the study who were childless due to an infertility issue versus being childless by choice is not known, nor is the number of infertility problems suffered by their partners. Known risk factors for heart-related conditions such as high cholesterol or high blood pressure were not accounted for. In addition, fewer than five percent of the study subjects were black, or of other minority race, which means that it is not known if the study results are applicable to them.

S moking Addiction-What Keeps People Smoking

It is the nicotine in the tobacco that is addictive. This chemical is absorbed by the brain where it changes the brain chemistry and affects your mood. The interior of your lungs contains a very large surface area designed to absorb oxygen into the blood stream. This same area also absorbs nicotine very well giving the smoker a sudden rush of nicotine. The nicotine is carried directly to the brain with each puff.

The mid-brain is the area of your brain that controls your moods and emotions; it is this area of the brain that nicotine targets. The presence of nicotine causes a relaxing pleasant feeling, however the absence of nicotine causes mood swings including irritability, anxiety and cravings. A nicotine replacement system such as nicotine gum can help alleviate these feelings.

Every time a smoker smokes the rush of nicotine immediately affects the brain, this helps to reinforce the smoking habit. When a person is trying to quit smoking they have to deal with the physical nicotine addiction as well as the psychological addiction to the act of smoking. For most people it is the habit of smoking that is harder to break than the physical addiction to nicotine.
Most smokers have many psychological triggers linked to smoking. Some of the more common ones are driving, talking on the phone and right after a meal. These are so strong that people have been known to reach for a cigarette during these times up to several years after they have quit. Stressful situations will frequently trigger strong cravings as well.

Despite the fact that nicotine is always addictive the level of physical addiction can vary dramatically from one person to the next. There seems to be a genetic link to this. Some people metabolize nicotine far faster than others; these people will have a much stronger physical addiction than someone whose body metabolizes it slower. There is an enzyme created in the liver that breaks down the nicotine. People with lower amounts of this enzyme are less likely to smoke and if they do smoke they are more likely to be light smokers.

It is possible that there is even a genetic link to the psychological addiction. There is evidence that how you handle stress is at least partially controlled by genetics. Since smoking is often used to help people handle stress your genes could influence this side of the smoking habit.

Despite all of this it is possible to quit smoking, more and more people are kicking the habit every day. For some people it is fairly easy to quit where as others will find it very difficult and will probably try and fail several times before they are able to quit for good. There are medical treatments as well as counseling and therapy to help with all aspects of quitting.

Just like any other habit the longer you have been doing it the harder it is to quit. Young smokers may find it easier to quit since the habit is not as ingrained as in some one that has been smoking for twenty or more years. People who have been smoking longer though are frequently more aware of the cost of smoking and can be far more motivated to quit.

Smokers Are More Prone to Health Risks

The adverse effects of smoking can be quite widespread. Smokers usually experience a decrease in their ability to take in and use oxygen effectively, which means that they will have less physical stamina than nonsmokers. When they do exercise, they will likely only be able to do so for short periods of time. Although some of the harmful effects that are associated with smoking can be reversed, men and women will have to carefully give up the habit and stay away from cigarettes in the following years.

Most medical experts agree that smoking also leads to a range of diseases, some of which can be fatal. Cancer is the most obvious one. Tobacco contains a number of carcinogens that can change the genetic material within cells over time. Eventually, this can lead to mutations and malignant tumors.

Beyond cancer, however, smokers are also more likely to develop diabetes and even heart disease. If heart disease is already prominent within the family, cigarettes will only exacerbate the risk. Significant hardening of the arteries can eventually lead to a coronary event, which can be potentially life-threatening. Smokers who find that they have high blood pressure or high cholesterol may be strongly advised by their doctors to make a serious attempt to break the habit.

If men and women enjoy certain physical activities, they may find that years of smoking may prevent them from doing these. For instance, running, swimming, and backpacking all require strong and healthy lungs. Because smoking breaks down the lung components over time, smokers will tire quite easily. A few laps in the pool may become an extreme physical event. If individuals have also been diagnosed with asthma, smoking can make this condition much worse. They will likely have to carry an inhaler with them at all times. In the most extreme cases, people may require an oxygen tank to help them breathe. Deficiencies within the both the respiratory and circulatory systems are common with lifelong smokers.

Ultimately, the effects of smoking can be quite profound over time. Men and women will find themselves confined to their homes more and more. Though they may still be able to manage some shorter bursts of physical energy, they will likely be out of breath when they finish. As their physicians will also remind them, they will also be more likely to develop several serious health conditions. Most specialists now agree, in fact, that smoking is the primary cause of lung cancer in individuals of all ages. Despite all this, there are effective treatment plans that can help people finally break the habit.

The information contained in this article is provided for informational purposes only and is not, nor is it ever intended to be, a substitute for professional medical advice or professional recommendations, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician(s) or other qualified healthcare provider(s).

A Guide to Understanding Prostate Related Problems

The prostate is a gland found in the body of men which is roughly the size of a chestnut, and is located quite close to the bladder, towards the rectum. Derived from Greek, prostate quite literally stands for 'guardian' or 'protector' and can also be found in most other mammals. The prostate can be affected by various medical problems, and most of these can be quite discomforting and painful. Cases of prostate cancer can also lead to death.

Although prostate problems are more common in men over 50, they can also be seen before this age, and for men under this age, the most common problem is prostatitis. In men over 50, prostate enlargement accounts for the most common problem, and this condition is also referred to as BPH (benign prostatic hyperplasia). While the risk of prostate cancer does increase with age, its occurrence is lesser than that of BPH. However, prostate cancer is amongst the leading causes of cancer related deaths in the U.S.

Signs to Watch Out For:

Following is a list of signs that can indicate problems with your prostate, and if you notice any of these signs, seeking medical help should be the next obvious step.
· Experiencing difficulty in urinating
· Experiencing pain or a burning sensation while urinating
· Marked increased in your frequency of urination
· Presence of blood in your semen or urine
· Problems in getting erections
· Pain while ejaculating
· Persistent pain in your upper thighs, hips, or lower back

Common Prostate Problems:

Here are some of the common prostate related problems that men suffer from.

· Prostate Cancer: Cancer of the prostate progresses quite slowly; and there are numerous instances when the cancer is detected only during autopsies. However, it is important that the condition be identified early, and identifying what stage the cancer is in will help doctors select a suitable therapy. Some common symptoms include a marked increase in the frequency of your urinating, having a problem in starting urinating, blood in the urine and/or semen, etc.

· Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH): With age, the prostate continues to grow in size, and as it grows, it can apply pressure on your urethra, thereby affecting the normal flow of urine. Benign simply means there is no infection or cancer, and hyperplasia refers to the enlargement. Symptoms for this condition are quite similar to those of prostate cancer, and this makes getting the condition diagnosed correctly all the more important.

· Prostatitis: Acute prostatitis refers to a prostate infection which is bacterial in nature. Common symptoms include pain while urinating, lower back pain, chills, and fever. Chronic prostatitis refers to a reoccurring infection, and while the symptoms in this case might be milder, the infection would be longer drawn.

Effective Help is at Hand:

Early detection of any kind of prostate related problem will definitely save you a lot of strife, and in different ways. The good this is all prostate related disorders are easy to detect, and can also be treated effectively as long as the diagnoses takes place in time. The treatment, of course, will depend on the diagnoses.

Realize that hesitating going to a doctor, for whatever reason, can get your condition to worsen, and if left untreated for long, it can lead to irreversible damage. The need of the moment, therefore, is to get proficient medical advice, and get it soon. Being safe, after all, is way better than being sorry.

Prostate Cancer Staging

Prostate Cancer

The prostate gland is about the same size and shape as a chestnut. It's located at the base of the bladder. The urethra runs below it between two lobes of muscle tissue that reach from either side of the prostate. These two muscular lobes are the way in which the flow of urine is regulated through the urethra.

Inside the prostate seminal fluid is produced. This is the fluid that is released during orgasm and carries a man's sperm.
When abnormal cells are produced and begin to reproduce, they grow into a mass of tissue called a tumor. When the cancerous cells begin to outgrow the normal cells, the functions of the prostate gland and the two lobes become compromised.

Usually prostate cancer has a slow growth rate. There have been cases where it has developed abnormally fast, but this is not typically the case. Prostate cancer cure rates are quite high when it is in the early stages, but there are typically no symptoms - so regular screening is essential.

Stage T1

Stage T1 prostate cancer is when it is first developing. Tumors at this point are small and there are no physical signs or symptoms outside of an elevated PSA level in the blood. PSA is the prostate specific antigen released into the blood as a result of tumors developing in the gland. A doctor may only be suspicious of the presence of cancer if the blood test results indicated an unusually high PSA level. If the suspicion is very high, for instance if the patient had close relatives with prostate cancer, a tissue sample would be sent for a biopsy to verify it.

Stage T2

T2 prostate cancer is the stage at which the functions of the prostate gland begin to be affected by the growing disease. Symptoms at this point include the following.

• An intense need to urinate
• Frequent urination throughout the night
• A feeling that the bladder is still full even after urinating
• Trouble starting or stopping the flow of urine
• Unable to urinate at all
• Weak urine flow
• Pain or burning while urinating or during orgasm
• Blood in semen or urine

A doctor at this stage may be able to feel an area of hardness on the surface of the prostate during a digital rectal exam although this is not always the case.
If these signs and symptoms are present, a blood test would be done for PSA levels. A tissue sample would be sent for biopsy.

Stage T3

T3 prostate cancer is the first stage at which the tumors have multiplied and often the cancer has grown beyond the confines of the prostate.
Once the cancer has extended outside of the prostate, there is no known cure.
The first likely destination of the cancer at this point is within the seminal vesicles. In some cases it may reach into the bladder or rectum as well.

Stage T4

T4 prostate cancer is the last stage in the progress of prostate cancer. It has likely moved into the bladder, rectum and pelvic bone. It may also begin to travel to other parts of the body through the blood stream. There is no cure for this stage, but hormone therapy may help to slow the disease.

Prostate cancer staging is important for your urologist to determine the best course of treatment and the likelihood of cure. The key to surviving prostate cancer is early screening, detection and treatment. Treatments besides the traditional surgery and radiation are available, including high intensity focused ultrasound. Discuss your options with your doctor.