Compounds in cranberries may help improve the effectiveness of platinum drugs that are used in chemotherapy to fight ovarian cancer, researchers have found in a laboratory study.
The scientists demonstrated in cell culture studies that human ovarian cancer cells resistant to platinum drugs became up to 6 times more sensitized to the drugs after exposure to the cranberry compounds in comparison to cells that were not exposed to the compounds, which were obtained from juice extracts.
Although preliminary, the findings have the potential to save lives and reduce the harmful side effects associated with using high doses of platinum drugs for the treatment of ovarian cancer, the researchers say, adding that human studies are still needed. The new study adds to a growing number of potential health benefits linked to cranberries.
"For the first time, we have shown in our in vitro studies that cranberry extracts can sensitize resistant human ovarian cancer cell lines," say study co-presenters Ajay P. Singh, Ph.D., and Nicholi Vorsa, Ph.D., natural products chemists at Rutgers University. "This has opened up exciting possibilities for therapeutic intervention associated with platinum therapy," add Singh and Vorsa, who collaborated with colleagues Laurent Brard, M.D., Ph.D, Rakesh K. Singh, and K.S.Satyan, Ph.D., of Brown University.
But the researchers caution that the study is experimental and that patients with ovarian cancer should always consult with their physicians before trying any type of anti-cancer therapy. Ovarian cancer is the seventh most common cancer and the fifth leading cause of cancer death among women in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Chemotherapy using platinum drugs, including cisplatin and paraplatin, is a mainstay treatment for ovarian cancer. However, cancer cells tend to develop resistance to platinum therapy and higher doses of the drugs can cause unwanted side-effects, including nerve damage and kidney failure.
The new study focused on cranberry juice because of past research suggesting that the juice has a wide range of potential health benefits, including the ability to fight urinary tract infections, stomach ulcers, and cancer. Singh and his associates obtained ovarian cancer cells that were relatively resistant to platinum. They treated the cells with various doses of a purified extract of commercially available cranberry drink (containing 27 percent pure juice), exposed the cells to the platinum drug paraplatin and compared them to cells that were not exposed to the extract.
Paraplatin killed 6 times more cancer cells that were pre-treated with juice extract compared to cells that were exposed to the cancer drug alone, the researchers say. The extract also slowed the growth and spread of some cancer cells. The maximum amount of juice extract given to the cells was the human equivalent of about a cup of cranberry juice, according to the researchers.
Singh and colleagues believe that the active compounds in the extract are powerful antioxidants called 'A-type' proanthocyanidins that are unique to cranberries and not found in other fruits. The researchers add that they do not understand exactly how the cranberry compounds work. However, based on research by other groups, these compounds appear to bind to and block certain tumor promoter proteins found in the ovarian cancer cells, they say. The result is that the cancer cells become more vulnerable to attack from the platinum drugs, the scientists say, noting that the cranberry compounds are not a cure for cancer.
The researchers hope to eventually identify the most active anti-cancer fractions of the cranberry extract and determine the optimal dose for effectiveness against ovarian cancer. Theoretically, a therapeutic compound made from cranberry extract could be used as part of an injectable chemotherapy regimen or as a beverage supplement to be consumed during chemotherapy, says Singh. Animal studies will begin soon and a new therapy could one day be available to consumers if further testing proves successful, he says.
For now, the researchers recommend that those with ovarian and other types of cancer seek their physician's advice for the most effective treatment options. The current study was funded by the National Institutes of Health and the Rutgers New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station.
This research was reported at the 234th national meeting of the American Chemical Society on August 21, 2007.
Abdominal bloating refers to a sensation of fullness or a sense of abdominal enlargement or tightness. Bloating may have several causes, the most common being accumulation of liquids and intestinal gas.
These treatment is not only for Bloating, but also may help who suffers with Gas and Burping.
1. Drink a lot of water! at least 8 glasses of water for each and everyday. Oh ya, don't drink carbonated drinks!!!
2. Eat slowly!! and chew your food thoroughly until it is as small as possible. Avoid gulping food or beverages. When you rush through meals or eat on the run, you are more likely to swallow air.
3. Avoid chewing gum or eating hard candy.
4. Do not smoke or use other tobacco products.
5. Gradually increase the amount of fibre-rich foods you eat such as fruits, vegetables, wholegrain cereals and bread, wholewheat pasta, brown rice and beans. These high-fibre foods also have the added benefit of preventing hunger from kicking in, which is important if you want to lose weight.
6. Avoid these food for a while, these are gas inducing foods: beans, broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, sprouts, onions and garlic.
7. Simple things such as talking while eating, using a straw or sports bottle, chewing gum, eating when you’re on the move, drinking from a water fountain and eating when you’re upset should be avoided or controlled, this can cause swallow of air.
Herbs that can help for bloating.
Certain herbs can have extraordinary effects on the digestive process by improving absorption.
Amritdhara - ayurvedic herbal preparation that is very effective in relieving excess flatulence, stomach gas, stomach pains and abdominal bloating.
Chamomile - Drinking Chamomile Tea has been done for centuries as a gentle relaxant to calm the nervous system, sooth gastrointestinal disorders, and ease menstrual cramps. Often taken before bedtime for relaxation.
Peppermint - Drinking Peppermint Tea relaxes the muscles that allow the body to rid itself of painful digestive gas. It also helps to cure other illnesses such as Menstrual Cramps, Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), Kidney Stones, Tension Headache, Colds and Flu and Itching and Skin Irritations.
In blood, cholesterol is bound to certain proteins - lipoproteins which have an affinity for blood fats, known as lipids. There are two main types of lipoproteins : a low density one (LDL) and a high density one (HDL). The low density lipoprotein is the one which is considered harmful and is associated with cholesterol deposits in blood vessels.
The higher the ratio of LDL to the total cholesterol, the greater the risk of arterial damage and heart disease. The HDL on the other hand plays a salutary role by helping remove cholesterol from circulation and thereby reduce the risk of heart disease.Achieving lower cholesterol is one of the best ways to protect yourself from heart attack and stroke. A fat-like substance found in the blood, cholesterol can build up and form deposits in your arteries. These cholesterol deposits can clog or in some cases completely block the passage of blood and oxygen to the heart. The result, for hundreds of thousands of people every year, is chest pain, heart attack, or other cardiovascular problems.
Lusaka - Zambia's government announced on Friday that widely publicized herbal drugs held to cure Aids have been proved ineffective after clinical trials conducted on dozens of HIV patients.
Health minister Angela Cifire said the six-month trial conducted on 26 HIV-positive volunteers showed that the traditional herbs could prolong the lives of sufferers, but fell short of a much-anticipated cure.
"The herbal medicines that were under study do not cure HIV infection," said Cifire.
She said herbalists had claimed that the drugs could cure Aids within a period of three months but experts decided to give it a longer period, which still failed to yield positive results.
Out of 79 herbs presented for research by traditional health practitioners, only three qualified to undergo a thorough clinical trial, said Cifire.
"None of the 26 participants died and no side effects were observed during herbal treatment," she said.
But herbalists have insisted that they can cure Aids and have asked for the trials to be continued with a bigger sample of patients.
"The sample was too small and the period was also not long enough for effective monitoring of patients," said Rodwell Vongo, chairperson of the Traditional Health Practitioners of Zambia.
The government spent 1.4 billion kwacha ($340 000) on the trial.
Zambia, which has a population of about 11 million, has a HIV prevalence rate of 16%. The government is providing free anti-retroviral drugs to 75 000 people.
The definition accepted in most aromatherapy schools is, "Aromatherapy is the therapeutic use of essential oils." Essential oils are defined as volatile parts of aromatic plants extracted by steam distillation or expression.
Although one of the lesser-known complementary therapies in the United States, aromatherapy has been accepted as part of nursing care in the United Kingdom. British nurses are insured by the Royal College of Nurses to use essential oils (both topically and inhaled) for improved patient care, provided their hospital approves and without a doctor's specific instructions. Further, some hospitals also allow non-nursing personnel to use essential oils. Aromatherapy is also used by nurses in Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Germany, and Switzerland, and is becoming popular in the United States. More than 30 states allow the use of some complementary therapies (including aromatherapy) as a part of holistic nursing care.
Some essential oils were listed for oral use by the American Medical Association in Useful Drugs, published in 1930.Although Price and Price suggest that aromatherapy first made its appearance in the United States in the 1980s, aromatherapy massage oils were produced and sold nationwide from 1967 and early aromatherapy courses were established during the mid-1970s. However, since the 1980s, the popularity of aromatherapy as a complementary therapy has escalated. Aromatherapy products have become big business, as a trip to natural foods and herb products stores will confirm.
The perfume and the food and drink industries funded much of the research into natural essential oils. Essential oils were originally used in the perfumery before they were deemed too expensive and replaced with synthetic aromatic compounds. Essential oils were also used to add taste and smell to consumables until they, too, were replaced with synthetic compounds. The vast array of low-cost aromatherapy products on the market usually contains inexpensive synthetic fragrances, as a glance at the label will verify. It must be emphasized that most aromatherapists contend that synthetic aromatic compounds are not part of aromatherapy, and such compounds have been linked to the growing emergence of fragrance sensitivity.
Breema
Breema bodywork is performed on the floor with the recipient fully clothed. It consists of rhythmical and gentle leans and stretches which leads to deep relaxation, increased vitality, and stimulation of the self-healing processes of the body. Sessions can be any length of time, although 50 minutes is common. There are also self-Breema exercises. The essence of Breema is expressed in the Nine Principles of Harmony. The Breema Center is located in Oakland, California, and there are Breema practitioners and instructors in many locations around the world.
Chair massage
A Chair Massage is, by far, the most convenient method of massage therapy. Chair massage lasts about 15 minutes and is done while fully clothed. A chair massage promotes better circulation and muscle stimulation. This form of massage reduces tension in the back, neck and shoulders; thus providing deep relaxation. A swift chair massage revitalizes the anatomy and encourages overall well-being. Chair massages are also advantageous, mostly because chair massage practitioners will sometimes pay work or housecalls. Chair massage can also be found in hotels, airports and convention centers amongst other places.
Chinese Tui Na massage
Tui Na is a form of Chinese massage that is similar to Zhi Ya, but focusing more on pushing, stretching and kneading the muscle.
Chinese Zhi Ya massage
Zhi Ya is a form of Chinese massage based on acupressure. It is similar to Tui Na massage except it focuses more on pinching and pressing at acupressure points.
Deep muscle therapy
Deep muscle therapy (created by Therese Pfrimmer), is a massage technique that focuses on using a very specific set of movements applied to all muscles and concentrating on all layers of the muscle that have become depleted of their regular blood and lymphatic flow. This technique aims to restore the circulation with its healing properties to the cellular level. Deep muscle therapy is widely used to treat the following ailments: carpal tunnel syndrome, neck and back pain, headaches, poor circulation, whiplash, and more. See Pfrimmer.com
Deep tissue massage
Deep tissue techniques are generally designed for more focused massage work. Working a specific joint, muscle or muscle group, the practitioner can access deeper layers of the soft tissue. Starting superficially and easing into the depth of the muscle slowly often allows more movement. This is the recommended approach in this modality since each person experiences pressure differently. If the pressure is applied too deeply or too quickly, the muscle may tighten to protect that area, and unnecessary damage or inflammation can be induced. Very little lubricant is used as the pressure doesn't travel much over the skin. Foot or sole massage Also known as reflexology, foot massage, as practiced by the Chinese is performed in the context of chi, in that each spot on the sole of the foot corresponds to an internal organ, and the applied therapy is healing to one's overall well being. The theory supposes that an ailment of an internal organ will be associated with the nerve ending on the sole of the foot. Before the massage, the patient's feet are soaked for about ten minutes in a foot bath, typically a dark colored solution of hot water and Chinese herbs. The massage therapist uses liberal amounts of medicated cream, to moisturize the foot and to provide lubrication. The knuckles on the therapist's hand are usually used to provide a hard and smooth implement for the massage. As pressure is applied to the sole, theory holds that a healthy patient should not feel any strong pain. Painful spots, reflexologists believe, reflect illnesses of other parts of the body. The practitioner rubs and massages the painful spots to break down rough spots and accumulated crystals and increase circulation. The ailments are healed when the sore spots of the sole are treated and removed by massage. Based on this theory, some shoe liners are made with pressure points to stimulate the soles of the feet to promote better health of the overall body. The nature of these "crystals" has yet to be elucidated or demonstrated scientifically. Regardless of the actual correlation of reflexology to internal organs, many enjoy it for the mix of stimulation and relaxation.
Lomilomi — Traditional Hawaiian Massage
Lomilomi (meaning massage in Hawaiian) is an ancient art from the Hawaiian healing specialists. They were taught their art over 20 years and received their last instructions from their master on his death bed. Today there are many styles of Lomilomi, the main ones being the style of Big Island which was passed on by Aunty Margaret Machado, and Maui style from Uncle Kalua Kaiahua. On the island of Kaua'i, Kahu Abraham passed on what is today called Kahuna Bodywork (TM). It is not clear if other styles, called temple or lomi nui, are from Native Hawaiian practitioners or are of recent origin. Books: Na Mo'olelo Lomilomi: The Traditions of Hawaiian Massage & Healing edited by Makana Risser Chai; Hawaiian Lomilomi - Big Island Massage by Nancy S. Kahalewai Lomilomi hawaiian massage
MA-URI massage
MA-URI is a new form of massage introduced by Hemi Hoani Fox in 1990, who cites as its roots Hawaiian Lomi-Lomi Nui dance, claiming increased so-called energy flow within the body and mind. Focus is internal, upon breathing, intent, and concentration. Claimed benefits include mental and physical health. Study and advocation is primarily carried out at the MA-URI Institute, headed by Hemi and Katja Fox. It is currently difficult to find practitioners, though this may change as it grows more popular.
Myofascial release
Myofascial Release refers to the manual technique for stretching the fascia with the aim to balance the body. Injuries, stress, trauma, and poor posture can cause restriction to fascia. The goal of myofascial release is to release fascia restriction and restore its tissue. [edit] Myoskeletal alignment technique Myoskeletal Alignment Technique (MAT) identifies postural distortions to improve and prevent pain conditions. Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF) and myofacial techniques are used to lengthen tight/facilitated muscles while fiber activation techniques tone weak/inhibited muscles. MAT was developed by Erik Dalton.
Neuromuscular therapy
Neuromuscular Therapy (NMT) is used for pain relief and specific problems. Structural and postural imbalances are identified through an initial postural assessment. These are then addressed through systematic and site specific massage. NMT reduces pain, tension, postural imbalance, and lengthens and strengthens tissues. NMT was developed by Paul St. John. [edit] Scalp massage In some barber shops in Hong Kong, scalp massage often lasts 30 minutes to 45 minutes during shampooing of the hair.
Shiatsu
Shiatsu is a form of Japanese massage based on acupressure. It is uncertain whether it originated from Chinese Zhi Ya.
Stone massage
Stone massage in which hot or cold stones, usually basalt or marble, are used to massage the body.
Swedish massage
This style utilizes long, flowing strokes, often but not necessarily in the direction of the heart. Swedish massage is designed to increase circulation and blood flow. There are six basic strokes: effleurage, petrissage, friction, tapotement, compression and vibration. Oil, cream, or lotion is applied on the skin to reduce friction and allow smooth strokes. This style of massage is generally attributed to the Swedish fencing master and gymnastics teacher Per Henrik Ling (1776-1839). However, it was in fact the Dutch practitioner Johan Georg Mezger (1838-1909) who adopted the French names to denote the basic strokes under which he systemized massage as we know it today, as Swedish or classic massage. Somehow, the term Swedish Movement System was transposed to Swedish Massage System sometime during the second half of the 19th century. Ling’s system was the Swedish Movement System or Swedish Gymnastic Movement System. This may be how he has become incorrectly associated for so long with Swedish massage. [1] In Sweden, the term "Swedish massage" is not used. They simply call it "Svensk massage".
Thai traditional massage
Known in Thailand as (nuat phaen boran, IPA and in English also as Thai ancient massage, Thai bodywork, passive yoga, or assisted yoga. It is usually soothing because of its emphasis on stretching and loosening the body. Its roots go back far into history, originating in India based on the Ayurveda, and then becoming popular in Thailand. Thai classical massage is a part of nature asian massage.
The massage taker changes into pajamas and lies on a mat or firm mattress on the floor. (It can be done solo or in a group of a dozen or so patients in the same large room.) The massage giver leans on the taker's body using hands and forearms to apply firm rhythmic pressure to almost every part of the taker's body. In some gestures, legs and feet of the giver are used to fixate the body or limbs of the taker. In other gestures, hands fixate the body, while the feet do the massaging action. Usually no oil is applied. A full course of Thai massage typically lasts two hours or more, and includes pulling fingers, toes, ears etc., cracking the knuckles, walking on the taker's back, arching the taker's back in a rolling action etc. There is a standard procedure and rhythm to the massage. Sometimes in a large group massage, the practitioners do the procedures in unison. A full massage in Thailand of typically two hours costs around THB 300 (US$ 8 in 2005) depending on location (it may cost ten times more inside a five star hotel). Note: The traditional therapeutic practice of Thai massage should not be confused with the service of the same name that is available in some hotels and brothels.
Trigger point therapy
A trigger point is an area of a muscle that refers pain sensations to other parts of the body. Trigger Point Therapy applies pressure to these points leading to immediate release of tension and improved muscular functioning. This work is based upon the trigger point research and manuals of Dr. Janet Travell. Sometimes this work is incorporated into other styles of massage therapy such as neuromuscular therapy (NMT).
Ayuvedic massage
Traditional ayurvedic massage uses medicated herbal oils specifically selected based on the body's dosha. The massage is done directly on the skin, and is aimed at loosening the excess doshas and directing them towards the organs of elimination. It also promotes circulation, increases flexibility and relieves pain and stiffness. Massage can be performed by one or more therapists in tandem and techniques range from kneading to rubbing and squeezing with the hands. The feet are sometimes used in chavutti pizhichil, a specialized technique where the therapist suspends himself by a rope from the ceiling to apply extra pressure with his feet to undo stubborn aches.
Champissage
Champissage (Indian head massage) has been used in India for centuries to banish headaches, muscle tension, eye strain and stiff neck. It remains as popular as ever today, especially amongst Indian women who believe that a regular head massage, along with natural vegetable oils, keep their hair healthy, shiny and really strong. Traditional Indian head massage combines physical massage with the more subtle form of chakra or 'energy centre' balancing. With its firm yet gentle rhythm, the massage helps unknot blockages, relieve tension and rebalance the body's energy with powerful effects. Advocates swear that just 30 minutes a week makes life brighter and happier. But the real beauty of the technique rests in its simplicity - it can be done anywhere as long as there is a comfortable chair and a willing pair of healing hands.[2]
A massage parlor is a place where customers can receive a massage. Sometimes it is synonymous with brothel as the term "massage" is sometimes also used as a euphemism for paid sexual favours. In many countries and regions, particularly (but not limited to), New Zealand, Northern England and Toronto some brothels advertise themselves as "massage parlours". However, while both offer some form of sexual service, the two are not always the same. In therapeutic massage, the genitalia or intimate parts of the body are not touched at all and remain covered by a drape, which may be a towel or a sheet. The client's modesty and personal boundaries are respected at all times by a licensed massage therapist.
The modern mum-to-be is a stressed out individual, having to cater to increasing pressures of a fast paced society and work place. Yet at the same time, she knows that her wellness is crucial especially during her pregnancy if she wants a smooth delivery process and the birth of a healthy happy baby.
This increased awareness has led to the search for alternative approaches in addition to traditional health services. Pregnancy massage therapy is one such alternative approach. It has much therapeutic value as it enhances the function of muscles and joints, improves blood circulation and relieves mental and physical fatigue.
Pregnancy Massage can be prenatal, postnatal or during the labour process, although many refer pregnancy massage to just prenatal and post-natal massage to mean massage that takes place a few days after delivery.
In a prenatal massage, the massage is focused on reducing pregnancy discomforts and aims to enhance the physiological and emotional well-being of both mother and foetus. A relaxed mother also helps in the development of a brainy and healthy foetus. Also, the massage helps to strengthen and prepares the muscles that are useful for a natural delivery process.
Many women fear a long delivery process. Yet, many desire one that is as natural as possible and without the use of epidural or any other drugs. During labour, massage techniques exist to help shorten the delivery process while easing pain and anxiety.
Post-natal massage focuses on toning the new mother�s body, reduce fluid retention and and helps the body be brought back to balance and shape. It also helps to rejuvenate and re-energize the new mother and thus enhance her ability to bond with her baby.
The pregnant female should always first consult her doctors if she is suitable for massage or for any other alternative therapies that they wish to try. Her overall objective is to achieve a good mental state and physical health and to have a wonderful birthing experience.
Nowadays many people are familiar with the appellation of “low testosterone level”. What does it mean? It means that male body produce less amounts of this hormone than necessary.
Testosterone is the major androgenic hormone produced by the cells of the testes. This hormon regulates gonadotropic secretion and wolffian duct differentiation and stimulates skeletal muscle.
There are two different effects of testosterone:
Anabolic effects: promoting growth, muscle building.
Androgenic effects: developing the primary (male sex organs) and secondary sex characteristics (deepening of the voice and growth of facial hair for example).
Testosterone level in the body is analysing thrugh the serum total testosterone test.
This test measures the total of two forms of testosterone – free and bound. Normal test levels of combined bound and free testosterone range anywhere from 300-1100 ng/dl (nanograms per deciliter) depending on age and individual factors. Concentration of testosterone much less than 300-1100 ng/dl is to be considered as low testosterone level.
Low testosterone level is one of the reasons of male cryptorchidism, hypogonadism and the symptoms of the male climacteric.
The quick and effective way to increase level of this hormone in the body is to administer synthetic testosterone.
There are few forms of synthetic testosterone:
Injectable forms:
Testosterone Suspension - is an preparation containing free testosterone in a water.
Testosterone Enanthate, Cypionate and Propionate – esters of testosterone.
Such forms of testosterone are injected in buttocks every one-two weeks.
The big disadvantage is that testosterone injections are quite painfull.
by: Eugene Shtalman
Article Source: www.iSnare.com
Researchers from the Menzies School of Health Research in Darwin have revealed a breakthrough in the battle to treat malaria using drugs based on a Chinese herbal extract. There are two major strains of malaria effecting humans, P. vivax and P. falciparum. Although attention focuses on the more virulent P. falciparum, vivax malaria causes a huge amount of illness in tropical countries especially for travelers. Vivax malaria is becoming increasingly resistant to standard treatments. The researchers found that both treatments provided initial cure from disease. However, those receiving a treatment which stayed in the blood stream for longer were three times less likely to have another episode of malaria within 42 days and were less likely to be anemic. "This study is one of the first to highlight the best treatment of drug resistant strains of vivax malaria found in the Asia pacific region," said MSHR scientist, Dr Ric Price. "It also provides evidence that longer acting drugs can prevent patients, who remain at risk of further infections, from getting sick again within 6 weeks. This "post treatment prophylaxis" is similar to the approach of giving travelers regular medication to protect them from infection, but can be applied opportunistically to people at high risk of infection in poor tropical communities," he added. A concern is that the resistance would emerge quickly to the long acting drug. However, the team believes that combining the two drugs could prevent this from happening.
Diabetes is a disorder of metabolism the way our bodies use digested food for development and energy. It is widely accepted as one of the leading causes of death and disability in the United States. It is connected with long-term complications that affect almost every part of the body. It is a chronic and progressive ailment that has an impact upon almost every part of life. Diabetes grows when the body can't use glucose properly
Insulin is a hormone that is essential to convert sugar, starches, and other food into energy. Insulin permits glucose to move from the blood into liver, muscle, and fat cells, where it is used for fuel. In diabetes, the immune system molests and destroys the insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas. When type 2 diabetes is diagnosed, the pancreas is frequently producing enough insulin, but for unidentified reasons the body cannot use the insulin effectively, a condition called insulin resistance.
Type of Diabetes
Type 1 Diabetes
The body stops producing insulin or produces too little insulin to regulate blood glucose level. Type 1 diabetes occurs when the body's own immune system destroys theinsulin-producing cells of the pancreas (called beta cells).
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune illness. Type 1 diabetes grows most often in children but can occur at any age.
Type 1 diabetes comprises about 10% of total cases of diabetes in the United States. Type 1 diabetes is typically recognized in childhood or adolescence and can occur in an older individual due to destruction of pancreas by alcohol, disease, or removal by surgery or progressive failure of pancreatic beta cells, which produce insulin.
Type 2 diabetes
Type 2 diabetes is gradually more being diagnosed in children and adolescents. Type 2 diabetes is more ordinary in older people, particularly in people who are overweight, and happens more often in African Americans, American Indians, some Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians and other Pacific Islander Americans, and Hispanics/Latinos.
The pancreas secretes insulin, but the body is partially or completely not capable to use the insulin. Type 2 diabetes is classically recognized in adulthood, generally after age 45 years. Type 2 diabetes is usually controlled with diet, weight loss, exercise, and oral medications
Here is a list of some best Home Remedies for Diabetes:-
Home Remedies for Diabetes
1) Most effective Home Remedy for Diabetes is Bitter gourd and proved helpful in controlling diabetes. For better results, the diabetic should take the juice of about four or five Bitter gourds each morning on an empty stomach.
2) Take juice of bilva and parijataka leaves in identical parts for natural remedy of diabetes.
3) Indian gooseberry, with its high vitamin C content, is measured important in diabetes. A tablespoon of its juice, mixed with a cup of bitter gourd juice, taken daily for two months, will rouse the islets of Langerhans, that is, the remote group of cells that secrete the hormone insulin in the pancreas. This mixture diminishes the blood sugar in diabetes. This is another effective Home Remedy for Diabetes.
4) The seeds of parslane are helpful in diabetes. A teaspoon of the seeds should be taken each day with half a cup of water for four to five months. It will boost the body's own insulin and help in curing diabetes.
5) Including grapefruit in the diet is an outstanding natural home remedy for diabetes.
6) Take two teaspoons of powdered Fenugreek seeds with milk. Two teaspoons of the seeds can also be consumed whole, every day.
7) The tender leaves of the mango tree are considered as good Home Remedy for Diabetes. An infusion is made by soaking 15 gm of fresh leaves in 250 ml of water overnight, and squeeze them well in the water. This filtrate should be taken every morning to handle early diabetes. As an option, the leaves should be dried in the shade, powdered and preserved for use when needed. Half a teaspoon of this powder should be taken two times a day.
8) The juice of Margosa is a cooperative natural home remedy for diabetes.
9) String bean pod tea is a superb natural Home Remedy for Diabetes and can be substituted for insulin.
10) Eat 10 fresh fully full-fledged curry leaves each morning for three months. It avoids diabetes due to genetic or heredity factors.
Author: Tom alter
Source: Free Online Articles from ArticlesBase.com
If you are thinking about seeking treatment for alcohol problems, either for yourself or someone else, probably no question matters quite as much as the odds of any treatment being successful. The process is expensive - in time, money, and emotion - and as with any life-changing undertaking, it would be nice to know that success was likely.
Unhappily, despite wild claims to the contrary, "success" is hardly guaranteed.
Scan through treatment program web sites and literature and you would think that positive results were the rule. They aren't. Most clients will relapse within months, if not days, of ending treatment.
Problems with the advertising are nearly universal and the most common is the definition of "success." Press very hard and most programs will eventually admit that their numbers are based on things like: "client was not noticeably intoxicated while in residence," or "client completed thirty day stay," or "self-reports indicated" and so on. Additionally, most programs don't factor in clients who drop out or never report. Obviously, the numbers are skewed in every way possible to create the appearance of predictable and successful results.
Frankly, if all the research you do is to follow the revolving door relapses of celebrities through the most expensive programs, you will get a more reliable estimate of program effectiveness than you'll get from the hype.
When it's your problem - and time, money, and emotion - you might want to take a hard look and develop some realistic expectations. Leaving alcohol problems behind isn't a lot different than other major behavioral change and success involves similar processes.
You'll need good, comprehensive assessments of many aspects of your life so that contributing factors can be taken into account. You'll want attention paid to your strengths and interests because these are the things that will make change worthwhile. Focusing on a "disease" and a single fix is a recipe for relapse. So is quick. Firmly establishing real change takes a year or so - but that's far less than the often-prescribed "lifelong recovery."
Good counselors will also work with you to reach your goals, whether abstinence, moderation, or exploring what options are possible for you. Your goals. Not theirs. Again, whether you are modifying your alcohol use, losing weight, stopping smoking, or managing Type II Diabetes, the results will depend on your motivation and your investment, and, yes, in you developing and feeling that an altered life is more rewarding than the current one.
So, ask questions and dont be sucked in by hype and glib assurances. Don't fall for fancy addresses, gourmet cuisine, and astronomical bills. Look for settings and staff who reflect what you hope to attain. Are they listening? Do they hear, and care, about what you want? Is their assessment of your situation realistic?
There are no magic cures or easy fixes, but there are positive changes that lead to far better lives. Pick carefully when selecting guides to get you there.
Author: Edward Wilson
Source: Free Online Articles from ArticlesBase.com
Located in Worcester, Massachusetts, the Bancroft School of Massage Therapy was founded in 1950 by Henry LaFleur, proprietor of the Bancroft Health Center, a facility specializing in Swedish Massage and Sports Massage since 1938. He purchased the George School of Massage in Boston, Massachusetts, moved it to Worcester, and renamed it the Bancroft School of Massage.
Modernization and accreditation
In April 1980, Steve Tankanow, a student apprentice and friend of Henry's, purchased the health center and the school, allowing Henry to devote his time to teaching. Under Steve's guidance, Bancroft moved to modern quarters in the same building, officially becoming BSMT in November of 1981.
Tanakow then began work on gaining academic recognition for the school, and for the profession of massage therapy as a whole. In November 1985, BSMT became the first "massage therapy" school to be licensed by the Department of Education of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts as an allied health school offering massage training.
In 1996, the school purchased its own building on Shrewsbury Street and designed an 18,000 square foot (1,700 m²) training facility.
In February 2002, Bancroft signed an alliance with Quinsigamond Community College (QCC) to give Bancroft graduates an opportunity to apply their credits from Bancroft towards completion of the Complementary Health Associate Degree program at Quinsigamond.
Diet - a healthy approach
To maintain a stable weight, your energy intake needs to equal the energy you use. If you use more energy than you consume, you will lose weight. On the other hand, if you eat more than you use, you will gain weight. The sensible answer to losing excess body fat is to make small healthy changes to your eating and exercise habits. These changes should be things that you can maintain as part of your lifestyle – that way you will lose weight and keep it off.Don’t skip mealsSkipping meals is not recommended. In fact, if you skip meals, you may find you eat more when you do eat and this may lead to a larger stomach capacity. Studies show that stomach capacity can increase if large individual meals are eaten. This can then increase the amount of food you need at each meal before you feel ‘full’. This is not a reason to starve yourself if you’re trying to lose weight. ‘Yoyo’ diets will slow your metabolismMany people who need to lose weight try crash dieting, which is a short-term solution that will increase your body fat levels in the long term. Continual cycles of dieting, weight loss and weight gain are called ‘yoyo’ dieting. Yoyo dieting does not help you to maintain a healthy body weight. Your body responds to these periods of semi-starvation by lowering its metabolic rate. When you lose weight, you lose fat and muscle. Muscle burns calories but fat doesn’t. So, when you then stop dieting and eat normally again, your body will burn even fewer calories than before because the relative amount of muscle in your body has decreased and your metabolic rate is slower. This kind of eating pattern can also affect your general health – just one cycle of weight loss and weight gain can contribute to an increased risk of coronary heart disease, regardless of body fat levels. That’s why it’s important to maintain the weight loss.Think about when and why you overeat Some of the factors that can lead to weight gain include:
Night eating
Social eating
Habitual eating
Eating food while drinking alcohol.
If you can avoid eating at these times, and keep to regular meals and snacks, it will help you to lose weight. You could also try to eat less food at each meal and increase the number of high fibre, high carbohydrate, low saturated fat meals and snacks throughout the day. You should try to find healthy ways to cope with stress or emotional upsets. A healthier approach to foodYou can lose body fat by making a few easy changes to your eating habits. It will help you lose body fat if you:
Avoid yoyo diets.
Eat a wide variety of food from all food groups. Check that you eat from the following food groups every day – bread and cereals, vegetables, fruit, milk and dairy, and meat, fish or legumes.
Have six small, frequent meals and snacks rather than three large meals a day.
Reduce your intake of foods that are high in fat, sugar and salt. Make soft drinks, lollies and snack foods an occasional ‘extra’. Most adults should eat no more than one or two ‘treats’ a day. If you are overweight or inactive, you may need to limit treats to less than one a day.
Try to balance an ‘extra’ food with extra exercise. The more energy you burn, the more treats you can afford to have. Remember, you should only add extra foods after you have covered your nutrient needs with choices from the healthier food groups.
Cut down on saturated dietary fats and alcohol.
Try to eat more fresh foods and less processed foods.
Avoid using food for comfort, such as when you are upset, angry or stressed. Explore other healthy ways to cope with these feelings.
Try to stop eating once you’ve had enough. If you continue to eat, particularly foods high in saturated fat, the extra kilojoules will be stored as fat.
The Australian Guide to Healthy Eating includes information about how much and what types of food you need to eat to maintain a healthy weight.Exercise is important to weight lossExercise prevents muscle loss. So it is important to exercise when you are losing weight. Exercise will protect your muscles and keep your metabolic rate ticking over at a healthy level. The number of people who are overweight and obese is increasing every year. This is because we have become more sedentary (inactive). For most of us, physical activity is no longer a natural part of our lifestyle so it must be structured into our daily schedule. Get moving – it will give you energySome people feel too busy or too tired to exercise regularly, but exercise will actually increase your energy levels and help you to feel less tired. Exercise does not have to be overly strenuous to do any good. Even moderate amounts of physical activity can speed up the metabolic rate and aid weight loss. The amount of energy you ‘burn up’ depends on your age, your gender and your activity level. Young people burn more energy than older people. Men burn more energy than women. More physically active people burn more energy than your average couch potato!A healthier approach to exerciseThe best approach to increasing the level of physical activity in your life is to take it slowly. You can increase your activity levels by simply increasing movement throughout the day. The human body is designed for movement and any physical activity brings benefits. Moderate intensity exercise – walking, gardening, cycling, even mowing the lawn – has been shown to help reduce body fat. Other suggestions for a more active lifestyle include:
Play a sport that you enjoy.
Walk instead of taking the car on short trips.
Get off the train, bus or tram one stop early and walk the rest of the way.
Play more outdoor games with your children.
Walk the dog.
Take stairs instead of lifts.
Choose exercise activities that you think are fun, rather than those you think are ‘good’ for you.
Type of help availableIf you have been a chronic crash dieter for a number of years, you might need professional help to reintroduce you to a healthy way of eating. If you are overweight, over 40 years of age or haven’t exercised regularly for a long time, check with your doctor before you start any exercise campaign. For inspiration on healthier cooking, have a look at the recipes section of the Better Health Channel.Things to remember
Yoyo dieting makes you gain more weight in the long run because it lowers your metabolism.
Obesity rates are on the rise because the Australian lifestyle is becoming increasingly sedentary.
Any type of regular physical activity, no matter how moderate, can help you to lose body fat.
Anthroposophical medicine is an alternative medicine founded in the 1920s by Rudolf Steiner in conjunction with doctor Ita Wegman. The adherents see that it focuses on ensuring that the conditions for health are present in a person, and that combating illness is often necessary but is insufficient alone. They think it as a holistic and salutogenetic approach to health.
This approach to medicine begins from the proposition that true healing takes place when the body is stimulated to overcome the influences that cause illness, whether these arise from its own constitution or the environment — whether they be poisonous substances, antagonistic organisms (bacterial or viral), or psychological states. The adherents stress that under circumstances where it is not possible to support the body's own resistance, it may be necessary to overcome symptoms by purely external means such as surgery and allopathic medicine offer. They see that anthroposophical medicine provides an extension of conventional medical approaches rather than an alternative to these, and conventional medicines and therapies may also be employed.
As a variety of influences may cause illness, a corresponding range of treatment possibilities are employed. Therapeutic approaches presently used by anthroposophical doctors include anthroposophic remedies based upon homeopathic principles, oil dispersion baths, massage therapy, artistic therapies to heal the psychological causes of illness, and biographical therapy to establish or re-establish a sense of life purpose in the ill person. There are specialized trainings in each of these therapeutic professions, as well as in anthroposophical nursing and medicine. An anthroposophic doctor must also have a medical degree from an established and certified medical school.
Anthroposophic medicine has been criticized for involving a variety of metaphysical entities and being based on what amounts to sympathetic magic
Alternative medicine is defined as "any of various systems of healing or treating disease (as chiropractic, homeopathy, or faith healing) not included in the traditional medical curricula taught in the United States and Britain". Complementary medicine is defined as "any of the practices (as acupuncture) of alternative medicine accepted and utilized by mainstream medical practitioners".The term complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is an umbrella term for both branches. CAM includes practices that incorporate spiritual, metaphysical, or religious underpinnings; non-evidence based practices, non-European medical traditions, or newly developed approaches to healing.
The list of therapies included under CAM changes gradually. If and when an approach regarded as "unproven therapy" is proven to be safe and effective, it may be adopted into conventional health care and over time may cease to be considered "alternative".
Contemporary use of alternative medicine
Many people utilize mainstream medicine for diagnosis and basic information, while turning to alternatives for what they believe to be health-enhancing measures. However, studies indicate that the majority of people use alternative approaches in conjunction with conventional medicine.
Edzard Ernst wrote in the Medical Journal of Australia that "about half the general population in developed countries use complementary and alternative medicine (CAM)." A survey released in May 2004 by the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, part of the National Institutes of Health in the United States, found that in 2002, 36% of Americans used some form of alternative therapy in the past 12 months, 50% in a lifetime — a category that included yoga, meditation, herbal treatments and the Atkins diet. If prayer was counted as an alternative therapy, the figure rose to 62.1%. 25% of people who use CAM do so because medical professional suggested it. Another study suggests a similar figure of 40%. A British telephone survey by the BBC of 1209 adults in 1998 shows that around 20% of adults in Britain had used alternative medicine in the past 12 months.
The use of alternative medicine appears to be increasing, as a 1998 study showed that the use of alternative medicine had risen from 33.8% in 1990 to 42.1% in 1997. In the United Kingdom, a 2000 report ordered by the House of Lords suggested that "...limited data seem to support the idea that CAM use in the United Kingdom is high and is increasing."
Efficacy
Advocates of alternative medicine hold that the various alternative treatment methods are effective in treating a wide range of major and minor medical conditions, and contend that recently published research (such as Michalsen, 2003, Gonsalkorale 2003, and Berga 2003) proves the effectiveness of specific alternative treatments. They assert that a PubMed search revealed over 370,000 research papers classified as alternative medicine published in Medline-recognized journals since 1966 in the National Library of Medicine database. See also Kleijnen 1991, and Linde 1997.
Advocates of alternative medicine hold that alternative medicine may provide health benefits through patient empowerment, by offering more choices to the public, including treatments that are simply not available in conventional medicine:
"Most Americans who consult alternative providers would probably jump at the chance to consult a physician who is well trained in scientifically based medicine and who is also open-minded and knowledgeable about the body's innate mechanisms of healing, the role of lifestyle factors in influencing health, and the appropriate uses of dietary supplements, herbs, and other forms of treatment, from osteopathic manipulation to Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine. In other words, they want competent help in navigating the confusing maze of therapeutic options that are available today, especially in those cases in which conventional approaches are relatively ineffective or harmful."
Evidence-based medicine (EBM) applies the scientific method to medical practice, and aims for the ideal that healthcare professionals should make "conscientious, explicit, and judicious use of current best evidence" in their everyday practice. Prof. Edzard Ernst is a notable proponent of applying EBM to CAM.
Although advocates of alternative medicine acknowledge that the placebo effect may play a role in the benefits that some receive from alternative therapies, they point out that this does not diminish their validity. Researchers who judge treatments using the scientific method are concerned by this viewpoint, since it fails to address the possible inefficacy of alternative treatments.
Sociological and psychological explanations for belief in alternative medicine efficacy
There are both social/cultural and psychological reasons:
Social or cultural reasons:
the low level of scientific literacy among the public at large
an increase in anti-intellectualism and antiscientific attitudes riding on the coattails of new age mysticsm
vigorous marketing of extravagant claims by the "alternative" medical community
inadequate media scrutiny and attacking critics
increasing social malaise (conspiracy theories) and mistrust of traditional authority figures - the antidoctor backlash
dislike of the delivery methods of scientific biomedicine.
Psychological reasons:
the placebo effect
the will to believe
self-serving biases that help maintain self-esteem and promote harmonious social functioning
demand characteristics - the obligation to respond in kind when someone does them a good turn
post hoc, ergo propter hoc fallacy ("after this, therefore because of this"; the basis of most superstitious beliefs)
psychological distortion, such as confirmation bias and Cognitive dissonance (inability to respond to criticism of alternative medicine in order to reduce one's cognitive dissonance)
Integrative medicine
Integrative medicine is a branch of alternative medicine which claims to limit itself to methods with strong scientific evidence of efficacy and safety. The main proponent of integrative medicine is Andrew T. Weil M.D., who founded the Program in Integrative Medicine at the University of Arizona in 1994 based on a phrase coined by Elson Haas, MD. It is claimed that responsible alternative health product providers who have had medical studies conducted on their products often publish these studies online.
Acupuncture is a technique of inserting and manipulating filiform needles into "acupuncture points" on the body with the aim of restoring health and well-being, e.g. treating pain. The definition and characterization of these points is standardized by the World Health Organization (WHO). Acupuncture is thought to have originated in China and is most commonly associated with Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). Different types of acupuncture (Japanese, Korean, and classical Chinese acupuncture) are practiced and taught throughout the world.
Scientists are studying the mechanisms and efficacy of acupuncture. According to the protocols of evidence-based medicine, there is good evidence that acupuncture is effective in treating and chronic, and moderate evidence for neck pain and . The WHO, the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) of the National Institute of Health (NIH), the American Medical Association (AMA) and various government reports have also studied and commented on the efficacy of acupuncture. There is general agreement that acupuncture is at least safe when administered by well-trained practitioners, and that further research is warranted.
Traditional Chinese medicine's acupuncture theory predates use of the scientific method, and has received various criticisms based on scientific thinking. There is no known anatomical or histological basis for the existence of acupuncture points or meridians. Acupuncturists tend to perceive TCM concepts in functional rather than structural terms, i.e. as being useful in guiding evaluation and care of patients. Neuroimaging research suggests that certain acupuncture points have distinct effects that are not otherwise predictable anatomically.
Because acupuncture needles penetrate the skin, many forms of acupuncture are invasive procedures, and therefore not without risk. Injuries are rare among patients treated by trained practitioners.
Certain forms of acupuncture such as the Japanese Tōyōhari and Shōnishin often use non-invasive techniques, in which specially-designed needles are rubbed or pressed against the skin. These methods are common in Japanese pediatric use.
According to the American Academy of Medical Acupuncture (2004), acupuncture may be considered as a complementary therapy for these conditions:
Abdominal distention/flatulence
Acute and chronic pain control
Allergic sinusitis
Anesthesia for high-risk patients or patients with previous adverse responses to anesthetics
Anorexia
Anxiety, fright, panic
Arthritis/arthrosis
Atypical chest pain (negative workup)
Bursitis, tendonitis, carpal tunnel syndrome
Certain functional gastrointestinal disorders (nausea and vomiting, esophageal spasm, hyperacidity, irritable bowel)
Cervical and lumbar spine syndromes
Constipation, diarrhea
Cough with contraindications for narcotics
Drug detoxification
Dysmenorrhea, pelvic pain
Frozen shoulder
Headache (migraine and tension-type), vertigo (Meniere disease), tinnitus
Idiopathic palpitations, sinus tachycardia
In fractures, assisting in pain control, edema, and enhancing healing process
Muscle spasms, tremors, tics, contractures
Neuralgias (trigeminal, herpes zoster, postherpetic pain, other)
Paresthesias
Persistent hiccups
Phantom pain
Plantar fasciitis
Post-traumatic and post-operative ileus
Premenstrual syndrome
Selected dermatoses (urticaria, pruritus, eczema, psoriasis)
Sequelae of stroke syndrome (aphasia, hemiplegia)
Seventh nerve palsy
Severe hyperthermia
Sprains and contusions
Temporo-mandibular joint derangement, bruxism
Urinary incontinence, retention (neurogenic, spastic, adverse drug effect)