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Archive for March, 2009

The treatment of prostate cancer varies depending on what stage the cancer is at. The Gleason score is a scale given to the tumor which helps decide the best course of action. Other factors involved in the decision of treatment include age of the patient and their physical and mental health condition.

The Gleason scale is a number given to the tumor, where the lower the score the less likely the cancer will spread to other part of the body.

A Gleason scale score or 6 or less means that the cancer is not likely to spread around the body.

A Gleason scale score of 7 means there is a reasonable chance of the cancer spreading around the body.

A Gleason score of 8 or more means there is a good chance that the cancer will spread around the body.

Once a Gleason number has been assigned, then the doctor or specialist will recommend the best course of action, although the final decision for treatment always lies with the patient. Treatments range from “passive watching “, to “active watching” and then onto actual treatment such as radiotherapy, chemotherapy and Brachytherapy.

The cause of prostate cancer is still not known at this time, although treatment has been getting more and more successful over the last twenty years. If the cancer has not spread to the bones, then it can often be treated successfully. However if it has spread to the bone then it may not be curable, and treatment will revolve around prolonging life. the prostate cancer scale known as the Gleason scale provides a method to determining the correct treatment for the patient.

Nutrition experts usually classify protein foods as complete, partially complete and incomplete. Lean meat (this includes gland meats, fish, and poultry), eggs, cheese, milk, millet and sunflower seeds are complete proteins, that is, they contain all 10 of the essential amino acids in correct proportions for maximum human nourishment. Whole grain products, soybeans, legumes and some nuts are classed as partially complete proteins meaning that their amino acids are not in balanced proportions to meet all body needs. However, these proteins are valuable “secondary” foods that should be generously included in every diet, particularly the whole grains; whether you use soybeans, legumes or nuts depends entirely upon your ability to digest them.

Vegetables, fruits and some grains are classed as incomplete proteins. Corn, for instance, contains only 7 of the 10 essential amino acids, while cabbage has even fewer. Yet by no means does this lessen the value of vegetables, fruits and whole grains in your diet; what “incomplete” means is that you would eventually starve to death trying to subsist entirely on these low-grade protein foods. But these incomplete proteins can be used to great advantage in a diet as supplements to the high-protein foods. (When I say that you would starve to death on a diet of fruits and vegetables, I can imagine you thinking, “But how about the vegetarians?” We will get to them a little further along. Like many other things, there is more to vegetarianism than meets the eye.) Each plant or animal food we eat contains a special variety of protein. For instance, vegetables contain types of protein that cannot be used by the human body, and which consequently are excreted by the kidneys. It may come as a surprise to many vegetarians to learn that less than half of the protein content of legumes can be utilized by the human body. Therefore, to obtain that safe surplus of protein so vital as a safeguard against deficiency diseases and premature aging, the vegetarian must consume at least three times more legumes in weight than would be necessary if he had no prejudices against animal proteins.

The closer a food protein resembles human protein, the more valuable it is for human nutrition. That is why we speak of high-grade proteins, meaning those foods that yield a maximum of protein nutrition in relation to the quantity consumed; and low-grade proteins, meaning those that furnish the body with only small amounts of usable protein. To illustrate: 100 grams of meat protein (high-grade) are far more valuable to human nutrition than 100 grams of carrot protein (low grade).A diet built around foods containing all 10 of the essential amino acids is a youth-protecting, health-promoting diet because it is a high-protein diet. If any doubt still lingers in your mind that a high-protein diet is imperative if you are to look younger and live out your allotted span of years (four score and more), let me remind you again that you are made of protein. Your blood plasma, red blood cells, hormones, muscles-in fact, every organ, fluid and tissue of your body (except urine and bile) are composed of amino acids.

As I often tell my lecture audiences: I wish the food chemists had been foresighted enough to christen these vital body chemicals with a name more descriptive, more appealing to the public than “amino acids.” I would like to re-christen them “youth restorers,” “body rebuilders” or “pep proteins.” For that is exactly what they are. Let me outline briefly what we know to be the direct effect of the 10 essential amino acids on the human body. Arginine is called the “fatherhood amino acid” because it comprises 80 per cent of all male reproductive cells (spermatozoa). When seriously lacking in the body, the sex instinct undergoes a marked decrease in men and women alike, causing impotency in the male. (Such a deficiency is often associated with early loss of sexual powers in men not conscientious about proper diet.)

Tryptophane is known to help ward off signs of premature aging such as cataracts, baldness and sex gland deterioration; it is also vital to the female reproductive organs. Your diet must contain this form of protein if vitamin A is to be properly utilized by your body, since a lack of sufficient tryptophane will cause symptoms similar to vitamin A starvation (eye disorders, easy susceptibility to colds and respiratory disorders and general weakness of the mucous membranes).Valine is directly related to the nervous system (one part of the body that really takes a beating as we grow older), and your diet must contain plenty of this protein if you want to avoid nervous disorders and digestive upsets. A person starved for valine becomes abnormally sensitive to touch and sound, and has trouble controlling his muscular movements. Histidine is principally a tissue repairer, and is active in producing normal blood supplies.

Lysine, when inadequately provided by the diet, has been linked with pneumonia, acidosis, headaches, dizziness and incipient anemia. It also has a direct influence on the female reproductive cycle. Methionine, if seriously lacking in the body, may cause hardening of the liver (cirrhosis), and nephritis (a serious kidney disease). It is also necessary to maintain normal body weight and aids in keeping a proper nitrogen balance in the body. (Nitrogen, a protein, is as vital to human life as it is to plant life.) Phenylalanine is closely linked with the body’s most efficient use of vitamin C. This means that not enough of this amino acid in the diet can result in susceptibility to infections, and to other diseases connected with insufficient vitamin C. The three remaining amino acids of the 10 essential ones are leucine, isoleucine and threonine. Their specific functions in the body have not as yet been completely explored by the

scientists, although it is known that these three amino acids play a vital role in helping maintain the body’s nitrogen balance, that is, the intake of proteins and the discharge of wastes and dead cells.

All 10 of these essential amino acids, plus the literally thousands of different protein combinations manufactured in your body from the original 10 (the red coloring matter in your blood, or hemoglobin as iit is called for example, may contain as many as 576 different amino acid groups) must do an uninterrupted job of building, repairing and replacing, if you are to remain a living animal. A red blood cell lives about thirty days. This means that every month a fresh, newly processed red blood cell must be recruited from your bone marrow into the bloodstream as a replacement for the defunct cell. The same is true of white blood cells. Kidney, bladder and intestinal cells are constantly being lost and must be replaced if these organs are to do a good job of removing wastes from your body. Skin, hair, fingernail and toenail cells are continually being destroyed and new ones must be provided. Internal and external secretions

(such as hormones, enzymes, digestive juices, tears, skin oils) must be produced without interruption in a healthy body, since these secretions are continuously being manufactured and produced each day in such extremely intricate body functions as digestion and sexual activity. I do not know whether you have ever thought of it this way or not, but the fact remains that the sole reason why you eat is to provide your body with energy, and to assure your cells of enough protein for all the vitally needed repairs and replacements.

You may think you eat because you “get hungry,” or because food tastes good, or because it is pleasant to share a meal with congenial companions. But actually you eat because your cells demand material (protein) for energy, and for repair work. A cell can not taste, and it is not convivial! Therefore, Nature tricks you by your taste buds into eating, so that vital energizing and restorative processes can go on without interruption. Please ponder this last fact for a few seconds-then remember it the next time you are undecided between a plate of high-starch foods such as white rice or macaroni, or a plate of body-rebuilding proteins like meat, eggs, cheese, milk or seed cereals. Dr. James S. McLester, well-known professor of medicine at the University of Alabama and one of the pioneers in treating nutritional deficiencies, says: “If a man would enjoy sustained vigor and would experience his normal expectancy … he must eat a liberal quantity of good protein.” Good protein means, of course, a complete protein-one containing all 10 essential amino acids. Meat, fish, poultry, cheese, eggs, milk and seed cereals are “good proteins.” Notice, please, that Dr. McLester specifies a “liberal quantity” of good proteins, not a bare minimum. In order to make sure that you have the correct answer to the nutrition riddle: “How much protein is enough?” your safest bet is to eat more than enough. Some menus will be provided in later publications. Getting “more than enough” protein is the only way I know of to make absolutely certain that you have bolted the door against premature aging of your precious body.

Just the thought of a surgeon messing with your eyes can send a chill through most of us. Cataract eye surgery is no exception. But with the development of microsurgical procedures, cataract eye surgery is quick, generally without discomfort, and will dramatically restore your vision to the point where you may require prescription glasses for distance vision or reading only.

Primarily distinguished by the clouding of the lens of the eye, a cataract doesn’t cause blindness but instead gradually reduces your vision. It does this as it grows from a small area of cloudiness that often goes unnoticed to a much larger area of cloudiness that covers the entire lens. Initially, you may not even be aware of a change in your vision. However, over time, cataracts tend to enlarge to the point where your vision does become affected.

The good news is that cataract eye surgery has become commonplace (there are over one million such surgeries performed each year), and results in success nearly 100% of the time.

Very basic and straightforward, cataract eye surgery involves removing the clouded lens and replacing it with a plastic lens.

There are two fundamental approaches to this eye surgery. The first is called Phacoemulsification and is generally the preferred approach to cataract removal. It involves the use of sound waves to break up the cataract. Here’s how it works: a small incision is made on the side of the cornea, (the clear, dome-shaped surface that covers the surface of the eye). The tip of a microsurgical instrument is inserted into the eye. This instrument emits high frequency waves which break up the lens into tiny fragments. The fragments are then removed by suction, using the same instrument.

The second fundamental approach is called Extracapsular surgery. In this approach, a longer incision is made on the side of the cornea and the core of the cloudy lens is removed in a single piece. Any remaining fragments of the lens are removed by suction. Extracapsular surgery requires stitches to close the larger incision and generally takes six to eight weeks to properly heal.

In both cases, after the cornea is removed and replaced with a tiny prescription lens referred to as an intraocular lens (IOL). Using a calculated corrective prescription, the IOL clearly focuses light onto the retina, which dramatically improves vision. The new lens feels completely natural, you won’t notice it at all, just as you didn’t previously notice your cornea.

There are two types of intraocular lenses used for cataract surgery: Monofocal and Multifocal.

Monofocal

With the monofocal lens implant, the lens acts the same as your natural lens, except it cannot adjust focus. The lens is shaped to provide good vision for either farsightedness or nearsightedness, but is unable to improve both distances. Depending on whichever range you choose (most oten the monofocal lens is used to improve farsightedness), the other vision distance will require glasses or regular contact lenses.

Multifocal

With the newer multifocal intraocular lens implant, you’ll experience normal vision at all distances, which may eliminate the need for prescription glasses. There are some cautions, however. Around 4% of those who receive multifocal lenses exerience some night time glare and halos {spheres of illuminated haze surrounding sources of light). These side effects tend to decrease over time and may be minimized with the use of eye drops or prescription glass for night driving.

As with any surgery, there can always be complications. Complete healing for cataract eye surgery may require several weeks, though you should be able to return to your normal routine fairly quickly. You’ll likely experience some dryness and itching in your eye during the healing process. Be sure to use your prescribed eye drops and closely follow your doctor’s instructions.

Though cataract eye surgery may sound a little unnerving, the procedure is generally quick and painless. More important, it brings with it a 98% success rate. Don’t let the process scare you. Talk with your ophthalmologist about your particular situation and the best way to improve your vision.

For those women who are unlucky enough to experience an ovarian cyst that does not dissolve on its own, surgery for ovarian cyst removal is an option. There are several considerations when preparing for surgery that women should be aware of. Most women feel more comfortable knowing exactly what to expect in regards to the possible complications, the actual procedure, the recovery time and the level of pain that is expected after surgery.

Ovarian cyst removal surgery generally involves removing a cyst through either open or laparoscopic surgery. The surgery can be done to remove just the cyst or, if cancer is found, one or both of the ovaries. In preparation for the procedure, your physician will most likely order a series of tests which usually include an EKG, CT scan, an ultrasound, blood and urine tests, and a physical exam. You may also be asked to stop using any blood thinning medication, such as Coumadin or Plavix, aspirin and ibuprofen. You will also be asked to refrain from eating or drinking anything for a minimum of 8 hours prior to your surgery.

You should always have your doctor explain both the open and laparoscopic procedures because there is a chance that, if a laparoscopic procedure will not allow the proper access, an open procedure may be necessary. The surgery generally lasts for 1 to 2 hours and you will be given either a general or local anesthetic; depending upon the procedure used. There are possible complications with this surgery which include excessive bleeding, blood clots, infection, infertility, shoulder pain and recurrence of cysts and/or cancer.

The average hospital stay after laparoscopic ovarian cyst removal is about 24 hours, while, with open surgery, the stay can expect to be extended up to 7 days. The pain after surgery can last anywhere from 3-10 days and usually depends upon the type of procedure used. However, the actual recovery time can be up to 3 weeks for laparoscopic surgery and up to 5 weeks for open surgery.

Were you aware that educational programs in natural health can lead to a certificate, diploma or degree? In a naturopathic course, for starters, aspiring candidates can achieve a Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine Degree by successfully completing up to six* years of in-depth studies. (*Check individual programs in natural health for exact curricula and time-table.) In this particular field of study, students gain comprehensive training and education the history, application and philosophies of naturopathy; including common subject matter like anatomy, pathology and microbiology; homeopathy, colonics, herbal/botanical medicine, natural pharmacology, bodywork and somatic education, Chinese medicine, and integrative medicine, among other relative studies.

Other degree programs in natural health, like the Master’s in Herbology can be earned in just a few years’ time. Typical curriculum in this natural healthcare discipline includes but is not limited to fundamental theories and diagnostics of TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine), and of course, herbal medicine. Relative studies in these programs in natural health are comprised of over 300 herbs, Chinese Materia Medica, herbal prescription and pharmacology, and clinical/laboratory applications.

Certificate and diploma programs in natural health are vastly diverse; and may include career-training courses in massage therapy, reflexology, herbal remedies, aromatherapy, iridology, and holistic health.

Some of the more popular and growing programs in natural health that offer certification and/or diplomas of completion are studies in massotherapy. Today, prospective healing arts practitioners can earn a diploma from any one of a number of natural healing or massage therapy schools in less than one or two years. Dependent upon the level of education and practical training you choose to pursue in bodywork, you will find that typical massage programs in natural health range between 300 and 500 hours; however, to achieve National certification level, students must complete a minimum of 500 training hours. In these natural healing courses, candidates are introduced to anatomy, physiology, pathology and kinesiology. Additional hands-on training in somatics often includes Swedish massage, deep tissue massage and sports massage; but with growing competition in the field, many natural health programs have begun integrating advanced training in holistic healthcare, aromatherapy, reiki, hydrotherapy, and a number of other bodywork modalities.

An iridology course, as one of many programs in natural health, often combines education and training in the study of the iris; with herbal medicine and holistic nutrition. In many cases, this course of study can be completed through home studies, in addition to convenient seminars and workshops. Upon successful completion, individuals are awarded a certificate; and have the option to apply these professional credentials to an already-established holistic health/wellness clinic, or as a stand-alone practice.

If you (or someone you know) are interested in finding healing arts courses, let professional training within fast-growing industries like massage therapy, cosmetology, acupuncture, oriental medicine, Reiki, and others get you started! Explore programs in natural health [http://school.holisticjunction.com/clickcount.php?id=6634739&goto=http://www.holisticjunction.com/search.cfm] near you.

Programs in Natural Health – Certificate, Diploma and Degree Courses

After bariatric surgery, the new and very small stomach will often only hold about an ounce. For the first week after surgery, the patient will only be able to tolerate nutritious liquids. During the second week, pureed, high-protein foods such as cottage cheese, yogurt, and soft-cooked eggs may be added. After that, the patient may add one solid food at a time, such as well-cooked vegetables, fish, or chicken. It is crucial that the patient chew this more solid food very carefully, eating only a few tablespoonfuls at a sitting.

Post-surgery, patients should avoid high carbohydrate foods such as chips, pretzels, breads, rice, and pasta, as hey expand and can cause a potentially dangerous blockage. Lactose is also difficult to digest and may cause nausea, cramps, gas, or diarrhea. Patients who love milk should wait to reintroduce it until the third week post-procedure.

Protein is a vitally important nutrient, so a good rule of thumb is to eat protein first, then follow with fruits and vegetables. This will ensure that the daily minimum of 60 grams of protein is consumed. Patients may still need to take extra protein in the form of a liquid, powder, or protein bars. Additionally, patients will have a lifelong regimen of vitamin and mineral supplements post-surgery.

Failure to follow these dietary guidelines after bariatric surgery could lead to potentially serious complications. Early dumping syndrome, which is generally by overfilling the pouch, can cause minor symptoms such as nausea, cramps, diarrhea, and abdominal rumbling or more serious ones like low blood pressure, faintness, sweating, and anxiety. Late dumping syndrome, when food enters the intestine too rapidly, can cause hypoglycemia, sweating, rapid pulse, anxiety, and occasionally confusion.