Emma Grierson with her son Eoin, who is severely allergic to nuts. Picture: Calum Robertson Source: The Advertiser

LIFE-THREATENING food allergies are so common among Australian infants, one in 10 is now affected, research shows.

Paediatric allergist and immunologist Susan Prescott says the rate is at epidemic proportions, The Advertiser reported.

"There has also been a five-fold rise in the number of serious anaphylactic reactions in preschoolers to foods in just a 10-year period," she said.

She said it was also concerning that more and more children were not growing out of their allergies and were still affected as teenagers and adults.

Dr Prescott has written a book, The Allergy Epidemic, detailing the suspected reasons for the dramatic increase.

Theories on changing Western society, including increasing hygiene, caesarean births, changing environment, smoking and vitamin D deficiency are all thought to have some impact on the increasing incidence of allergy.

"Allergies are getting worse with every generation and everybody is full of questions about why this is happening," she said.

"They’re wondering what the environmental factors are and what’s going wrong with the immune system."

While there is no simple solution for ending allergies, Dr Prescott – from the Princess Margaret Hospital for Children in Perth – said research around the world was advancing.

Locally, at the Women’s and Children’s Hospital, researchers are embarking on a trial which introduces egg – the most common allergen – into the diet of babies from four months, to see whether it may help build tolerance.

Head of allergy and immunology at the hospital, Associate Professor Mike Gold, said the trial would re-examine the idea of avoiding foods known to cause allergies.

"There are many studies that are looking to see whether exposure early in life is a way of preventing allergies," he said.

The study needs 1000 babies, some of whom will be given egg from four months, while others will not receive egg until eight months.

Dr Prescott said research into early life was invaluable because symptoms can occur within the first weeks of life, and changes in the immune balance can be detected at birth. It is believed allergies can be developed during pregnancy.

She said the immune system becomes confused and has misdirected reactions to harmless foods.

"in essence, we have disturbed the natural balance of our environment and we are now experiencing the impact on our own health," she said.

The World Allergy Organisation estimates up to 40 per cent of the world’s population suffers from one or more allergic diseases like asthma, eczema, hay fever and food allergies.

Dr Prescott says the problem is yet to be widely recognised.

West Croydon mother-of-four Emma Grierson found son Eoin, 3, reacted to eggs and was allergic to nuts, but can eat Nutella.

He is allergic to cladosporium, a common mould found in gardens, and Vegemite and has eczema – an early sign of allergy.

About 18 months ago, he tried a dip which contained cashew nuts.

"within two seconds his lip tripled in size and he couldn’t see out of one of his eyes because it was so swollen," she said.

Anyone willing to participate in the Women’s and Children’s Hospital trial – including expectant mums – should call 8161 8599.

Bassaleg mum raises cash for painful condition

11:20am Friday 6th may 2011

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JENNIFER Mein’s fright at being diagnosed with lupus after around three years of debilitating illness, soon gave way to determination to raise awareness of the disease.

despite symptoms including extreme tiredness, severe joint pain and sensitivity to sunlight, the Bassaleg mother-of-three has organised a fundraising event for charity Lupus UK.

And she hopes that by telling her story, she can also do something to help educate the wider public about lupus.

Lupus is the term for a group of incurable diseases in which the body’s immune system begins to attack itself. Around 50,000 people UK-wide live with lupus, nine-in-10 being female, and it mainly develops between 15-55 years.

Its exact cause is unknown, but triggers are thought to include stress, UV light exposure, and other environmental factors.

mrs Mein, 36, was diagnosed in January with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE).

some people suffer lupus that affects mainly the skin. But with SLE, joints, muscles and organs can be affected and the disease can kill in extreme cases.

“I’d been to my doctor with knee and elbow pains and developed a terrible rash where my skin was exposed to sunlight,” said mrs Mein, who lives with husband Robert and children Ashleigh, 15, Elliot, 13, and Erin, nine, in Laurel Road, Bassaleg.

“I had a back operation and the anaesthetist told me afterwards to get back to my GP about the rash, which got worse in hospital.

“I’ve had creams, steroids, antibiotics. Nothing worked, but a friend’s mum had lupus and said it sounded like that, so I asked to be tested.”

“I think I’ve had it about three years, but it can be very difficult to diagnose. I was very frightened because I know of someone who died of it at 26 years old.

“It was classed as a terminal illness until the 1970s, and a lot of the information about it is quite negative.”

mrs Mein is now on an anti-malaria drug to help suppress her symptoms, and also requires painkillers.

“There’s no cure, just minimising and managing it, but people with lupus suffer flare-ups. It’s a fickle disease, very unpredictable.”

THE fundraising and awareness evening will be held at Bassaleg and Rogerstone Social Club on Friday may 27, starting at 7.30pm, and includes a band, buffet, disco and raffle.

mrs Mein hopes to raise £1,000. “This is a debilitating and life threatening illness. I used to have an active social life, but now I’m in bed by 5pm or 6pm most nights, I have to cover up in the sun, and some days I can barely move for the pain,” she said.

“The whole fundraising thing is to do something positive, rather than sitting and worrying.”

To donate, visit justgiving.com/Lupusfundraisingawareness

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Causes of kidney cancer symptoms, risk factors and causes more kidney cancer, Symptoms, Risk Factors and Free Online Articles Directory Why submit articles? top Authors top Articles FAQ answers AB Publish Article 0 & & $). browser.msie) {var ie_version = parseInt (; $. browser.version if (ie_version hello Guest Login Login via
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Kidney cancer or kidney cancer usually occurs in older people and represents about 2-3% of adult cancers, affecting about twice as many men as women. In adults, the most common type of kidney tumor is renal cell carcinoma, which begins in the cells that line the small tubes in your kidneys. Kidney cancer rarely strikes children and young adults, the exceptions are a pediatric kidney cancer called Wilms tumor syndrome and some forms of hereditary kidney cancer, as von Hippel-Lindau.

causes of Kidney Cancer The causes are unknown, but external factors such as smoking and obesity were associated with a higher incidence of kidney cancer and changes in environmental factors and aging population has increased in the submission of this form of cancer.

Signs and symptoms Kidney cancer symptoms are often overlooked because the tumors are usually slow growing and never suspected until the patient begins to experience symptoms such as blood in urine, pain, fatigue and weight palpable. since back pain is common among people over 40 years, pain is often ignored and the presence of kidney cancer can go undetected. Kidney cancer may also cause hypertension.

Risk Factors The risk of developing kidney cancer is four times higher if a relative has had kidney cancer. Being on dialysis for many years is a risk factor for kidney cancer.

People who have had bladder cancer are more likely to develop kidney cancer, and vice versa. about three percent of patients with kidney cancer have inherited a damaged gene that, it is likely that cancer will be found in their second kidney.

Prevention not smoking is the most effective way to prevent kidney cancer and it is estimated that eliminating smoking would reduce the rate of renal pelvis cancer by half and the rate of renal cell carcinoma of third.

Other factors that can decrease the risk of developing kidney cancer include maintaining a normal body weight, a diet rich in fruits and vegetables, especially bananas and root vegetables like carrots, maintenance normal blood pressure and limited exposure to environmental toxins.

Diagnosis of Kidney Cancer Kidney cancer is usually detected with either computed tomography (CT), ultrasound or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Cystoscopy can rule out associated bladder cancer. Kidney cancer cells may also break away from the original tumor and spread (or metastasize) to other parts of the body such as lymph nodes, bones or lungs, with about one third of cases showing metastases at diagnosis.

Types of Kidney Cancer nearly 85% of this tumor are renal cell carcinomas. A more rare type of kidney papillary carcinoma. Other rare kidney cancers include: Renal sarcoma, collecting ductal carcinoma, medullary carcinoma and chromophobe.

Treatment radical nephrectomy with or without removal of lymph nodes offers the only cure, but treatment of kidney cancer may include surgery, arterial embolization, radiotherapy, chemotherapy or biological therapy depends on the stage of disease and the patient’s overall health.

Nephrectomy or removal of the entire organ, including the adrenal gland, adjacent lymph nodes and surrounding normal tissue has been the norm, but recent research shows that removal of just the tumor, produced survival rates Similar offers less chance of kidney failure later in some cases.

Scientists have also isolated the gene responsible for VHL, and this discovery offers exciting possibilities for the future to improve the diagnosis and treatment of certain cancers of the kidney. various combinations of interleukin-2, interferon, and other biological agents and even vaccines developed from cells from kidney cancer are also under consideration.

Survival Rate with prompt and appropriate treatment, the mortality rate of kidney cancer is relatively low, the kidney cancer has an unfortunate tendency to spread early, especially in the lungs, sometimes before symptoms develop. The survival rate at five years is about 90-95% for tumors less than 4 cm. For larger tumors confined to the kidney without venous invasion, survival is still relatively good at 80-85%. If it has metastasized to the lymph nodes, the 5-year survival is approximately 5% to 15%. If it has spread to other organs metastases, the survival rate at 5 years is less than 5%.

an important factor for those who have this form of cancer and also with all cancers is that assertive patients who actively work to defeat cancer often increase the chances of survival, live longer and enjoy life.

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push (['_trackEvent', 'articles', 'RepublishArticleLink''']);”> like this article? Click here to post on your website or blog is easy and free! Dick Aronson – About the author:

Dick Aronson has a background of over 35 years in various facets of the care industry santé.Il created and managed clinical trials in over 20 countries and has also founded a number of small private health related . Dick now runs a number of informative health websites

The picture of lung disease is that of no hope. Lung cancer affects millions of Americans and others around the world. Understanding the symptoms, treatments, causes such as smoking, and signs will help to increase awareness of this debilitating lung disease. This section of the website is devoted to helping to promote awareness of this disease.

Just what is Lung cancer? It’s a condition in which cancerous cells grow uncontrollably and reproduce cause devastating effects on the lungs. Healthy cells are replaced by abnormal cells that turn into tumors that destroy the lungs.

There are tow main types of lung disease. they are non-small cell which current accounts for 80% of diagnosed cases, and small cell making up the remaining 20%. Lung cancer usually always starts in just one lung. if left untreated, it can spread to other vital organs of the body as well such as the lymph nodes, the brain, bones, and liver just to name a few.

Although over eighty percent of patients develop lung disease due to smoking, this is not the all-inclusive cause. Studies have shown that many environmental factors influence the probability of contracting lung cancer. Such factors include environmental pollution, toxic gas emissions, and exposure to carcinogens such as in asbestos and other toxic inhalants.

Small cell is most often caused by smoking tobacco. The early symptoms and signs of this form of lung disease may show up as persistent coughing that gradually increases over time, sputum changes in color and quantity, excessive wheezing, loss of appetite and chronic fatigue. Other related symptoms could include rapid weight loss, unexplained back pain, and swelling in the face and neck.

Like all cancers, early detection is the key to increasing the survival rate. Doctors may use a variety of tests to diagnose cancer cells in the lungs. these include a physical examination accompanied with advanced image scanning of the chest and lungs.

The following tests may be used to diagnose lung cancer: CT scans (takes 2 dimensional x-ray pictures of the lungs), chest x-rays of the lung cavity, MRI or magnetic Resonance Imaging, PET scan or Positron Emission Tomography which uses cellular reactivity to sugar, and a biopsy which is removing part of the tissue for further microscopic examination.

Other no so intrusive tests may incorporate the use of a bronchoscop where the physician is able see the Lung and the surrounding area through a small hollow tube, which increases the photos and sputum cytology – when a sample was taken and mucus is analyzed with a high power microscope for abnormal cell growth and tissue.

Physicians have a variety of methods for the treatment of lung Caner. these include the use of various conventional medical practices such as surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Once the diagnosis is confirmed, then only your doctor will design a treatment plan will bemost effective. This all depends on your current health, how advanced the cancer is, and on whether the cancer has mastasized.

The way to protect yourself is to increase your awareness by visiting information sites that contain pictures, photos, and new articles about this disease. Prevention is the key, and if you are beyond that, then early detection holds the greatest chance of your survival rate. your may want to look into alternative treatments as well which will be available from this site with promising results.

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Sunday, December 19, 2010. 19/12/2010 – 17:36:37 The Crisis Pregnancy Programme is warning Christmas revellers to use protection during the festive season. The group says the first three months 2010 was its busiest time, with more women attending crisis pregnancy services for help. Dr Stephanie O’Keeffe, acting director, said: “Each year, crisis pregnancy counselling services see an increased level of clients at the start of the year, so it’s vital that people are aware of the risks associated with unprotected sex.”. Throughout December, programme staff have been handing out Think Contraception protection packs, containing information and condoms, in Dublin, Cork, Limerick, Kilkenny and Galway.Sunday, December 19, 2010. we are the Real Deal. Body Image, Eating Disorders, Wellness, Weight Loss, Fat Acceptance, Kids amp; Food Revolution. Home / Body Image / Featured / The MILF, her Post-Pregnancy Body, and Existential Angst. It’s hard to get through a week without reading about a celebrity who has recently given birth and—ta dah.—dropped all those pesky pounds to get her pre-baby body back.Continue reading next page. Environmental factors can change the genes of a fetus, leading to illness later in childhood. When a pregnant woman takes Acetomeniphen (Tylenol) or is exposed to tobacco smoke, spray cleaners or pesticides, her fetus has a greater chance of devloping atopic asthma within a few years. Nonatopic asthma, wheezing, and shortness of breath is often diagnosed starting at age 3 or even up to age 8. a series of recent studies indicate that the disease is strongly related to environmental factors during pregnancy.

NEW YORK (Reuters Health) – Most of the kids tested in a small autism study turned out to have problems with energy production in their cells, scientists said Tuesday.

Enzymes in the energy-producing 'power plants,' or mitochondria, in their blood cells were only about a third as effective as in kids of the same age without autism.

The work adds to research hinting that damage to the mitochondria may sometimes play a role in the little-understood disorder. but it doesn't prove it.

"This is a snapshot of these children," said researcher Cecilia Giulivi of the University of California, Davis. "I don't know if it is the cause or the consequence of autism."

Autism spectrum disorders range from mild Asperger's Syndrome to severe mental retardation and social disability, and there is no cure or good treatment.

While autism has been on the rise for decades, its causes continue to elude researchers. Their best bet is that it's related to both genetic and environmental factors.

A few reports have suggested a link between autism and mitochondria gone awry.

In 2007, for instance, the U.S. vaccine court settled the case of Georgia girl Hannah Poling, who had developed autistic symptoms after receiving several vaccines over a short period of time.

While the link between vaccines and autism has been widely discredited, in Poling's case the court found the shots had worsened an underlying mitochondrial disease, which affects less than 20 in 100,000, according to some studies.

Autism is much more common, affecting about one in 100 kids, but some of its symptoms overlap with mitochondrial disease, said Giulivi.

"so we wanted to check if the majority of autistic children had mitochondrial dysfunction," she told Reuters Health.

With her colleagues, she compared mitochondrial activity and DNA between 10 California toddlers with autism and 10 without.

One autistic child met the criteria for mitochondrial disease, and most had some biochemical sign that their mitochondria weren't running at full speed. they also had some extra mitochondrial DNA, suggesting that the mitochondria were trying to make up for their lost productivity.

That could be important because the brain is one of the biggest energy hogs in the body.

Still, the researchers didn't find a consistent pattern of impairment in the autistic kids.

"can we find something that is unique to autism?" said Giulivi, whose findings appear in the Journal of the American Medical Association. "right now I would say no. we didn't find anything that could lead to new interventions or that sort of thing."

One researcher not involved in the study told Reuters Health the findings didn't change much.

"the sample is extremely small," said Dr. Salvatore DiMauro, an expert in energy metabolism at Columbia University in new York. "It suggests that in a group of patients with autism, there may be a problem with the mitochondria. but they don't prove it, they don't nail it."

"It is very likely that mutations in mitochondrial DNA could be at the root of autism, but there is still no good evidence," he said.

SOURCE: link.reuters.com/xex77q JAMA/Journal of the American Medical Association 2010.

Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune skin disease that is characterized by red itchy patches on the skin. it is a non contagious diseases caused due to genetic as well as environmental factors. Sometimes, low immunity can also give rise to psoriasis. Let us have a look at the causes and symptoms of psoriasis in detail.Psoriasis Causes and SymptomsPsoriasis is not so common chronic skin disorder which can be seen in people of any age group (more commonly in adults in their 30s and 40s). once contracted, it can last for a long time and flare up at regular intervals. Genetics is the most important cause of psoriasis as sudden mutation in certain genes can give rise to psoriasis. Among the environmental causes, sun burn, chronic skin rash, weather changes, stress, infection as well as side effects of certain drugs can give rise to psoriasis. The symptoms of psoriasis include red patches on the skin which are covered with white silvery scales. These patches are mostly seen on joints like elbows, knees, knuckles and genitals. however, they can be seen in any part of the body. Similarly, the severity of the disease varies from person to person. In some people, the symptoms are seen only in some parts of the body while in some other cases, they may be seen all over the body. People suffering from psoriasis are otherwise healthy and do not experience any other symptoms. Read more on psoriasis: symptoms, causes and treatment.

Psoriasis TreatmentPsoriasis can be treated using different combination therapies and treatments depending on the severity of the disease, the age and the gender of the person. Prescription medications, drugs or steroids are given in case of severe psoriasis. In milder cases, lotions, creams or without prescription ointments can also be used. In some cases, phototherapy is used which makes use of light to treat psoriasis. Sometimes, even injections are used to treat psoriasis. These treatments are used singly or in combination. however, one can even go for certain home remedies or natural methods that help in reducing itchiness caused during psoriasis. Let us have a look at it.

Psoriasis Home RemediesThe following are home remedies and natural psoriasis cures that are easier to put into practice.

Coconut OilCoconut oil is found to be beneficial in treating several skin problems. it is also one of the most effective psoriasis home remedies. One can apply virgin coconut oil to the skin or even consume it through several products. One can even use organic soaps made of pure coconut oil and coconut extract as scalp psoriasis home remedies.

Olive OilOlive oil helps in softening skin and hence, is effective in getting rid of the flakes caused during psoriasis. One can heat olive oil to make it lukewarm and apply it to the affected area. Secondly, olive oil supplements can also be taken. once the skin becomes soft, it is easier to treat psoriasis quickly. along with olive oil, tea tree oil is also one of the best nail psoriasis home remedies.

GarlicGarlic is one of the most efficient products used in natural treatments. its blood purifying properties help in washing out the toxins form the body. One can eat 2-3 garlic cloves every morning to treat psoriasis.

Sea SaltsAccording to recent researches, it has been found that sea salts are very effective in reducing the red patches on the skin. Having a bath with sea salts mixed in water cures the itchiness to a great extent. on the other hand, having it regularly can also helps in preventing the recurrence of psoriasis. Read more on dead sea salt psoriasis cream.

VitaminsIt is essential to have sufficient intake of vitamin D and vitamin E to treat psoriasis. Doctors advise patients to have regular exposure to sunlight to get sufficient vitamin D. Vitamin E can be obtained from almond, spinach, sunflower seeds, etc. This will help in curing psoriasis quickly.

These were some of the effective psoriasis home remedies. however, they alone are not beneficial in treating psoriasis. One should also follow the regular treatment prescribed by the doctor.

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