The WSJ detailed a small portion of the medical research revealing one of the reasons for the “dumbing down” of America is, of all things, air pollution. The article read like something the Utah Physicians for a Healthy Environment would have written, using phrases like, “at every stage of life, traffic fumes exact a measurable toll on mental capacity, intelligence and emotional stability,” and “the emissions may also heighten the risk of Alzheimer’s and accelerate Parkinson’s disease,”

It also said that “air pollution might be a risk factor for autism,” and “by age 3 children exposed prenatally to high exhaust levels were developing mental capacities more slowly … by age 5, their IQ scores averaged four points lower on intelligence tests … by age 7, the children were more likely to show symptoms of anxiety, depression and attention problems.”

Some of these studies tried to quantify the impact: 5-9 IQ points. That’s a game changer, a career changer, a serious limitation to one’s quality of life and earning capability.

The WSJ — part of the Fox News empire, ally of industry and business, home of Karl Rove editorials, microphone for corporate America and congressional Republicans, who are all presently collaborating in a relentless campaign to strangle the EPA — is reporting significant impairment of human intelligence by air pollution.

Occupy protests illustrate what recent polls have documented: a wide gap between the attitudes of Americans on many issues, including pollution, our fossil fuel addiction and the corporate coddling agendas of both political parties. The overwhelming majority of Democrats, Republicans and even 56 percent of tea partyers want America to make the investments needed to be the world’s clean energy leader and think America’s oil, coal and natural gas companies have excessive influence on Congress and the White House.

The Wall Street Journal says air pollution makes our kids stupid and alters their chromosomes, and Forbes magazine ranked Salt Lake City as the ninth most toxic American city (Feb. 2011). this could be the makings of a perfect storm finally clearing our air pollution.

Fighting this perfect storm, in defiance of public opinion, are virtually all Utah’s politicians — Gov. Gary Herbert, Sen. Orrin Hatch, Sen. Mike Lee, Rep. Rob Bishop, Rep. Jason Chaffetz, Rep. Jim Matheson and many state legislators — who behave like Utah’s real glory is fossil fuels. But the Occupy movement offers hope that even Utahns have had enough of politicians tethered to the corporate umbilical cord.

When our kids can no longer get into college because of the air they breathe, maybe we’ll see torches and pitchforks descending on Capitol Hill. I’m cautiously holding my breath.

Brian Moench is the president of Utah Physicians for a Healthy Environment.

In the early stages of prostate cancer often no symptoms, meaning the time a person to detect the symptoms that the disease has usually spread to other parts of the body such as bone glands or lymph. it is important that you consult your doctor if you do any of the symptoms outlined in this article, to be sure that you do not have prostate cancer.

Risk factors for prostate cancer that becomes are smoking, high alcohol consumption, family history, exposure to heavy metals, eating high amounts of saturated fat, and an inactive lifestyle. some breeds, particularly African American, are also prone to the disease, which is the most common in men over the age of 70. so age is the major risk factor.

• What is it?

The prostate is a gland found in men’s sexual organs. Men who have one or more of the above risk factors, particularly age, family history and diet of high fat, particular care should be sure they have regular checks, especially since most people do not experience early symptoms of this disease.

Many of the previous samples of prostate cancer are easily confused with other problems such as leg pain or upper back, and urinary problems.

• Prostate Cancer Symptoms

Other disorders of the prostate that can cause similar symptoms, thus confirming the presence of cancer, tests need to be made. the usual symptoms of prostate cancer, however, are as follows: –

• frequent urination
• difficulty urinating (holding it in, or the start)
• a painful, burning urination
• Weak or interrupted flow of urine
• blood in urine or semen
• hurts to ejaculate
• hurts inside

hips, pelvic region, lower back or thighs

If pain is experienced in areas with exception of the area or groin of the prostate, it could be a sign that the cancer has spread to adjacent parts of the body. If you experience this symptom man then matter is very serious, and he needs to see your doctor immediately.

Although these symptoms may also indicate a benign condition, you should still consult your doctor to have them checked out, and confirm whether you do or do not have cause to worry.

• Treatment

If cancer is confirmed and is in its advanced stages, then the outlook is poor. the cancer may be removed by surgery, but this one just buy the patient more time. If cancer is detected early enough, then the treatment can extend your life or even remove the cancer together. Treatment options that can be used together or alone, are as follows.

Surgery: the prostate and surrounding tissue are removed under a procedure known as radical prostatectomy. the sexual life must cease, then surgery may allow the remaining nerve tissue enough so that erections are possible.

Radiation: a beam of radiation is directed onto the prostate outside the body. Alternatively, the doctor may use a needle to plant a radioactive seeds into the prostate. both of these can be experienced as outpatients.

Note: If the patient is older or has other medical problems, then this is usually the approach. a doctor examines the patient regularly, watching for any changes. you take no action unless obvious changes occur.

• What treatment?

Treatments are generally discussed between the patient and family, a doctor or a number of doctors. Weighing up the benefits, side effects and processes, the treatment decision is taken, according to what is generally felt to be the best in each particular case.

Tags: Cancer Symptoms Of, Pancreatic Cancer, Signs Of Symptoms, Stage Of Cancer, Symptoms And Signs —

SOURCE: Dynamic Chiropractic

By Meridel I. Gatterman, MA, DC, MEd

Risk factors come in a variety of distinctions, from those for cardiovascular disease and some forms of cancer to those less than life-threatening but nonetheless undesirable conditions affecting the quality of a person’s life. A risk factor causes a person to be particularly vulnerable to an unwanted, unpleasant or unhealthful event. Risk factors predispose individuals to developing specific conditions. It has been suggested spinal subluxation could be considered such a risk factor. [1]

Subluxation As a Risk Factor

The following questions should be examined if the concept of subluxation as a risk factor is considered:

1. Is subluxation of one region of the spine a risk factor for different signs and symptoms as opposed to a subluxation in another spinal area? 2. If so, does a subluxation in one area create a different syndrome than when it occurs in a different region? 3. does clinical observation suggest there are different subluxation syndromes associated with different spinal areas? [2] 4. does a subluxation in the upper cervical region cause a different syndrome than a subluxation in the lower cervical region, and does a subluxation of the sacroiliac joint cause a different syndrome than one at a costovertebral joint? does a patient’s symptomatic complaints and observable signs lead you to suspect a subluxation of one spinal region as opposed to another?

Subluxation Syndromes

A subluxation syndrome has been defined as an aggregate of signs and symptoms that relate to pathophysiology or dysfunction of spinal and pelvic motion segments or to peripheral joints. [3] While the signs and symptoms characteristic of subluxation syndromes are not always due to a subluxation, when they are, the condition commonly is responsive to adjustive and manipulative procedures. It is important the examination of patients be inclusive of the clinical indicators that identify subluxations. the components of the PARTS exam, developed by Bergmann [4] and included in the Medicare Benefit Policy Manual that covers medical and other health services, [5] commonly is used to identify subluxations.

Subluxation of the Upper Cervical Vertebrae

Headaches from subluxations in the upper cervical vertebrae are responsive to adjustive and manipulative procedures. [6] Cervicogenic headache is the term most frequently used to describe the syndrome characterized by neck and suboccipital pain that might project to the forehead, temples, vertex and ears. [7] the pain might increase with specific posture and movement. When examination findings reveal cervical motion segment misalignment, restricted segmental motion, muscle hypertonicity, and/or tenderness, it is suggestive of vertebrogenic pain. [7]

Cervicogenic headaches can be caused by vertebral subluxation (vertebrogenic headache) [8] and muscle hypertonicity (muscle tension headache). [9] Studies suggest both cervicogenic and tension-type headaches are appropriately treated with manipulative therapy. [9-11] It also has been demonstrated that migraine (vascular) headaches respond to manipulation of the upper cervical vertebrae. [12-14] These results suggest subluxation might play a reflex role in the mechanism of migraine that warrants further investigation. If subluxation is a risk factor for migraine headaches, manipulation might serve as a prophylaxis in the prevention of this debilitating condition. [15]

Subluxation of the Lower Cervical Vertebrae and the First Rib

Subluxations of the lower cervical vertebrae and the first rib generally affect the ipsilateral upper extremity. [7] Symptoms are characteristic of thoracic outlet syndromes and might include numbness, tingling and vascular changes. A careful differential diagnosis that identifies subluxation of this region is necessary since there are a number of sites at which dysfunction can cause these symptoms. [16-18] Victims of whiplash injuries might develop symptoms in the upper extremities from subluxation of the lower cervical spine and first rib that can be considered risk factors for thoracic-outlet-type problems. [16]

Subluxation of the Thoracic and Costovertebral Motion Segments

Among the least-recognized subluxation syndromes are those caused by subluxation of the thoracic and costovertebral motion segments. Failure to diagnose these conditions causes untold anxiety and suffering because the main symptom is chest pain, which can be mistaken for a sign of a heart attack. [19] the sharp pain that accompanies thoracic and rib subluxations is aggravated by movement, respiration, coughing or sneezing. [7] Examination reveals palpable muscle spasm, motion-segment misalignment, restricted motion, and/or localized tenderness and loss of joint play at the costovertebral joint, with failure of the rib cage to open and close at the rib angle that corresponds to the subluxated rib. [2] Needless fear and expense can be prevented if subluxation of the thoracic and costovertebral motion segments is recognized as a possible risk factor for chest pain.

Subluxation of the Zygapophyseal Joints

A more precise diagnosis of low back pain involves recognition of subluxation of the zygapophyseal (posterior) joints of the spinal motion segment. [20] Subluxation of the spinal facet joints can occur in all regions of the spine, causing pain, and is common in the lumbar region. in this region of the spine, provocation of pain on axial compression on extension and rotation, with pain relieved on distraction, is indicative of spinal facet joint involvement. Subluxations of the posterior joints are recognizable through palpable muscle spasm, motion segment misalignment, restricted motion and/or tenderness. Adjustment and manipulation of subluxation of the posterior facet joints has been demonstrated to be effective in the relief of low back pain. [21] It is suggested that the more than 10 studies which have demonstrated the benefit of manipulation in the treatment of low back pain are describing the removal of subluxation of the posterior (zygapophyseal) joints.

Sacroiliac Joint Subluxation

Sacroiliac subluxation has been recognized as a cause of low back pain. [20-21] the pain is described as dull, radiating into the ipsilateral buttock, and made worse by sitting. [7] It can refer into the medial thigh and lateral leg. Examination should differentiate between radiating and radicular pain and rule out myofascial pain from direct pressure on the sciatic nerve by the piriformis muscle. Palpation reveals tenderness and loss of play over the joint at the posterior superior iliac spine. Manipulation brings prompt relief.

Subluxation syndromes are not widely recognized. the extent to which subluxations are risk factors for various conditions has not been sufficiently studied. Somatovisceral syndromes caused by subluxation have not been addressed in this column, and the potential for subluxations to be risk factors for these conditions is even less recognized. If pattern recognition of the signs and symptoms that characterize subluxation syndromes were part of the first phase of the diagnostic workup of many patients, much needless suffering could be prevented. Many chiropractic practitioners have observed the signs and symptoms that characterize these syndromes and have treated them effectively. the question is, do we recognize subluxation as a risk factor predisposing the patient to these conditions? If subluxation syndromes were more widely recognized, the benefit to patients and society from more effective health care and decreased costs could be significant.

This is just one of many articles archived in the:Chiropractic Subluxation and Neurology Articles Section

References:

1.   Hawk C. “Is It Time to Adjust Our Thinking About Subluxation?” JACA, 2006;43(5):20. Cooperstein R. Chiropractic Philosophy and Clinical Technique.” JACA, 2006;43(6):13.

2.   Gatterman MI. Introduction to part 3. Principles of Chiropractic: Subluxation. 2nd ed. St Louis: Mosby, 2005 373.

3.   Gatterman MI, Hansen D. Development of chiropractic nomenclature through consensus. J Manipulative Physiol Ther, 1994;17(5):302.

4.   Bergmann TF. Chiropractic Spinal Examination. in: the Chiropractic Neurological Examination, Ferezy JS, Ed. Gaithersburg Md.: Aspen Publications, 1992.

5.   Covered Medical and other Health Services Medicare Benefit Policy Manual, Chapter 15.

6.   Vernon H. Headaches. in: Fundamentals of Chiropractic, Redwood D, Cleveland C, Eds. St Louis: Mosby, 2003, p. 497.

7.   Gatterman MI. Appendix A. Principles of Chiropractic: Subluxation. 2nd ed. St Louis: Mosby, 2005, 557.

8.   Vernon HT Vertebrogenic Headache. in: Upper Cervical Syndrome: Chiropractic Diagnosis and Management, Vernon HT, Eds. Baltimore: Williams and Wilkins, 1998.

9.   Boline P, et al. Spinal manipulation vs. amitriptyline for the treatment of chronic tension type headaches: a randomized clinical trial.J Manipulative Physiol Ther 1995 (Mar); 18 (3): 148–154

10.   Nilsson N. A randomized controlled trial of the effect of spinal manipulation in the treatment of cervicogenic headache.J Manipulative Physiol Ther. 1995 (Sep);   18 (7):   435—440

11.   Nilsson N Christensen HW, Hartvigsen J. the effect of spinal manipulation in the treatment of cervicogenic headache.J Manipulative Physiol Ther 1997 (Jun);   20 (5):   326–330

12.   Bove G, Nilsson N. Spinal manipulation in the treatment of episodic tension-type headache: a randomized controlled trial. N Engl J Med, 1998;280:1576.

13.   Parker GB, Tupling H, Pryor DS. A controlled trial of cervical manipulation for migraine. Aust NZ J Med, 1978;8:589.

14.   Parker GB, Pryor DS, Tupling H. why does migraine improve during a clinical trial? further results from a trial of cervical manipulation. Aust NZ J Med, 1980;10:589.

15.   Nelson CF, et al. the efficacy of spinal manipulation, amitriptyline and the combination of both therapies for the prophylaxis of migraine headaches.J Manipulative Physiol Ther 1998 (Oct);   21 (8):   511–519

16.   Gatterman MI, Panzer DM. Disorders of the Cervical Spine. in: Chiropractic Management of Spine Related Disorders. 2nd ed. Baltimore: Lippincott, Williams, and Wilkins, 2003, p. 229.

17.   Szaraz Z. the thoracic Outlet Syndrome: First Rib Subluxation Syndrome. in: Principles of Chiropractic: Subluxation. 2nd ed.: Gatterman MI, Ed. St Louis: Mosby, 2005, p. 457.

18.   Lindgren K, Leinio E. Subluxation of the first rib: a possible thoracic outlet syndrome mechanism. Arch Phys Med Rehabil, 1988;69:692.

19.   Arroyo JF, Jolliet P, Junod AF. Costovertebral joint dysfunction: another misdiagnosed cause of atypical chest pain. Post Grad Med J, 1992;68:655.

20.   Kirkaldy-Willis WH, Hill RJ. A more precise diagnosis for low back pain. Spine, 1979;4:102.

21.   Kirkaldy-Willis WH, Cassidy JD. Spinal manipulation in the treatment of low back pain. Can Fam Physician, 1985;31:535.

22.   Don Tigny RI. Mechanics and treatment of the sacroiliac joint. J Manual Manipulative Ther, 1993;1:3.

23.   Gatterman MI. in the Patient’s interest. in: Chiropractic Management of Spine Related Disorders. 2nd ed. Baltimore: Lippincott, Williams, and Wilkins, 2003.

24.   Gatterman MI, Panzer DM. Sacroiliac Subluxation Syndrome. in: Principles of Chiropractic: Subluxation. 2nd ed. St Louis: Mosby, 2005

Cancer is a leading cause of death worldwide and accounted for 7.6 million deaths (around 13% of all deaths) in 2008. 1 ? Tobacco use is a major risk factor for cancer. harmful alcohol use, poor diet and physical inactivity are other main risk factors. ? Certain infections cause up to 20% of cancer deaths in low- and middle-income countries and 9% of cancer deaths in high-income countries.? More than 30% of cancer deaths can be prevented.? Cancer arises from a change in one single cell. the change may be started by external agents and inherited genetic factors.? Deaths from cancer worldwide are projected to continue to rise to over 11 million in 2030. Cancer is a generic term for a large group of diseases that can affect any part of the body. other terms used are malignant tumours and neoplasms. one defining feature of cancer is the rapid creation of abnormal cells that grow beyond their usual boundaries, and which can then invade adjoining parts of the body and spread to other organs. This process is referred to as metastasis. Metastases are the major cause of death from cancer.the problemCancer is a leading cause of death worldwide and accounted for 7.6 million deaths (around 13% of all deaths) in 2008. the main types of cancer are:? lung (1.4 million deaths)? stomach (740 000 deaths)? liver (700 000 deaths)? colorectal (610 000 deaths)? breast (460 000 deaths). more than 70% of all cancer deaths occurred in low- and middle-income countries. Deaths from cancer worldwide are projected to continue to rise to over 11 million in 2030.what causes cancer?Cancer arises from one single cell. the transformation from a normal cell into a tumour cell is a multistage process, typically a progression from a pre-cancerous lesion to malignant tumours. these changes are the result of the interaction between a person?s genetic factors and three categories of external agents, including: ? physical carcinogens, such as ultraviolet and ionizing radiation; ? chemical carcinogens, such as asbestos, components of tobacco smoke, aflatoxin (a food contaminant) and arsenic (a drinking water contaminant); and? biological carcinogens, such as infections from certain viruses, bacteria or parasites.Ageing is another fundamental factor for the development of cancer. the incidence of cancer rises dramatically with age, most likely due to a build up of risks for specific cancers that increase with age. the overall risk accumulation is combined with the tendency for cellular repair mechanisms to be less effective as a person grows older.Risk factors for cancersTobacco use, alcohol use, unhealthy diet, and chronic infections from hepatitis B (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV) and some types of Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) are leading risk factors for cancer in low- and middle-income countries. Cervical cancer, which is caused by HPV, is a leading cause of cancer death among women in low-income countries. how can the burden of cancer be reduced?Knowledge about the causes of cancer, and interventions to prevent and manage the disease is extensive. Cancer can be reduced and controlled by implementing evidence-based strategies for cancer prevention, early detection of cancer and management of patients with cancer.Modifying and avoiding risk factorsMore than 30% of cancer could be prevented by modifying or avoiding key risk factors, including: ? tobacco use ? being overweight or obese? low fruit and vegetable intake? physical inactivity? alcohol use? sexually transmitted HPV-infection? urban air pollution? indoor smoke from household use of solid fuels.Prevention strategies? Increase avoidance of the risk factors listed above.? Vaccinate against human papilloma virus (HPV) and hepatitis B virus (HBV).? Control occupational hazards.? Reduce exposure to sunlight.Early detectionCancer mortality can be reduced if cases are detected and treated early. there are two components of early detection efforts: Early diagnosisThe awareness of early signs and symptoms (such as cervical, breast and oral cancers) in order to facilitate diagnosis and treatment before the disease becomes advanced is important. Early diagnosis programmes are particularly relevant in low-resource settings where the majority of patients are diagnosed in very late stages. ScreeningThe systematic application of a screening test in an asymptomatic population, it aims to identify individuals with abnormalities suggestive of a specific cancer or pre-cancer and refer them promptly for diagnosis and treatment. Screening programmes are especially effective for frequent cancer types that have a screening test that is cost-effective, affordable, acceptable and accessible to the majority of the population at risk.Examples of screening methods are: ? visual inspection with acetic acid (VIA) for cervical cancer in low-resource settings; ? PAP test for cervical cancer in middle- and high-income settings;? mammography screening for breast cancer in high-income settings.Treatment Treatment is the series of interventions, including psychosocial support, surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy that is aimed at curing the disease or considerably prolonging life while improving the patient?s quality of life.Treatment of early detectable cancersSome of the most common cancer types, such as breast cancer, cervical cancer, oral cancer and colorectal cancer have higher cure rates when detected early and treated according to best practices.Treatment of other cancers with potential for cureSome cancer types, even though disseminated, such as leukemias and lymphomas in children, and testicular seminoma, have high cure rates if appropriate treatment is provided.Palliative carePalliative care is treatment to relieve, rather than cure, symptoms caused by cancer. Palliative care can help people live more comfortably; it is an urgent humanitarian need for people worldwide with cancer and other chronic fatal diseases. it is particularly needed in places with a high proportion of patients in advanced stages where there is little chance of cure.Relief from physical, psychosocial and spiritual problems can be achieved in over 90% of advanced cancer patients through palliative care. Palliative care strategiesEffective public health strategies, comprising of community- and home-based care are essential to provide pain relief and palliative care for patients and their families in low-resource settings. Improved access to oral morphine is mandatory for the treatment of moderate to severe cancer pain, suffered by over 80% of cancer patients in terminal phase.WHO responseIn 2008, WHO launched its non-communicable Diseases Action Plan. WHO and the International Agency for Research on Cancer, the specialized cancer agency of WHO, collaborate with other United Nations organizations and partners in the areas of international cancer prevention and control to:? increase political commitment for cancer prevention and control; ? generate new knowledge, and disseminate existing knowledge to facilitate the delivery of evidence-based approaches to cancer control;? develop standards and tools to guide the planning and implementation of interventions for prevention, early detection, treatment and care;? facilitate broad networks of cancer control partners at global, regional and national levels;? strengthen health systems at national and local levels; ? provide technical assistance for rapid, effective transfer of best practice interventions to developing countries; and? coordinate and conduct research on the causes of human cancer, the mechanisms of carcinogenesis, and develop scientific strategies for cancer prevention and control.

Sydney, March 7 : Obesity, which is associated with cardiovascular problems, may also be linked with dementia in later life.

A study found that people who are very underweight, overweight or obese in mid-life (40-60 years) have an increased risk of developing dementia in late-life (60 onwards).Symptoms of dementia include memory loss, forgetting simple words, poor judgement and inability to carry out daily chores.the study was conducted by Kaarin Anstey from the Centre for Mental Health Research at the Australian National University.the study synthesised data from high-quality, long-term studies that followed over 25,000 people to see if bodyweight is a risk factor for dementia, according to a Australian National University statement.Anstey said the review produced evidence that a higher body-mass-index (BMI) is associated with chronic diseases that increase the risk of dementia.”We found that, in mid-life, being overweight does in fact increase the risk of Alzheimer’s Disease. this risk is even greater for those who fall into the category of obese.”This evidence suggests that, while the hormones present in body-fat were previously believed to protect cognitive function, excess fat in middle age is in fact extremely harmful,” she added.

THE CANADIAN PRESS

TORONTO—Women and their partners who are unsure about sex during pregnancy can breathe easier: hanky-panky doesn’t necessarily have to be on hiatus during those nine months. a primer published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal said sex during pregnancy is generally safe and with few, rare exceptions, poses minimal risks or complications to the mother-to-be. Drs. Claire Jones and Crystal Chan, residents in obstetrics and gynecology at the University of Toronto, co-authored the article with their supervisor Dr. Dan Farine, a U of T professor and maternal fetal medicine specialist at Mount Sinai Hospital. Jones said they wanted to address the issue because there are no Canadian guidelines on how to advise patients about sex and pregnancy. they reviewed the literature with the aim of putting together a sole resource that could be referred to when patients raise questions, she added. The paper outlines potential complications of sex during pregnancy, such as pelvic inflammatory disease. another complication is pre-term labour, which Jones said is a concern particularly for women with a past history of delivering prematurely. Jones said studies they looked at didn’t actually show sex, in itself, was a significant risk factor for going into premature labour. but in cases where women had symptoms of a genital tract infection and a history of pre-term labour, they potentially were at greater risk of premature birth than someone without any of those symptoms, she noted. “A lot of times we don’t know why women go into pre-term labour,” Jones said. “One of the theories is that infections can be a contributor to that. “So, potentially, these are women who have what we call a sub-clinical infection, or something that’s not obviously identified; that maybe there’s an overgrowth of some type of bacteria or something there that’s potentially putting that pregnancy at risk.” There is “limited evidence to guide recommendations” on sex for women at increased risk of premature labour due to a history of pre-term labour, multiple births, or cervical incompetence—a premature opening of the cervix which may lead to loss of a fetus. Yet these women usually are advised to abstain from sex, the authors wrote. another complication of sex in pregnancy is placenta previa. The placenta is the main source of nourishment for the fetus. when it lies low in the cervix rather than higher up in the uterus, there is a potential risk for causing a significant amount of hemorrhage or bleeding, Jones noted. “We worry that by having intercourse that that could disrupt that and cause a significant amount of bleeding, and that provides a significant potential harm to the baby,” Jones said. she noted it’s been routinely recommended that pregnant women abstain from sex if they have a known placenta previa. Venous air embolism also has been reported in pregnant patients having sex. “It’s basically like an air bubble that gets into the bloodstream that gets stuck in the heart or lungs and basically causes an arrest, the heart to stop or being unable to breathe because of it,” Jones explained. anything that causes increased air pressure into the vagina at a high rate would be something that puts individuals at greater risk, she noted, but stressed that the potentially life-threatening event is “very, very, very rare.” “The likelihood of dying from a venous air embolism from having sex when you’re pregnant is incredibly low—lower than being struck by lightning,” Jones said. when it comes to postpartum sex, Jones said most women are having intercourse again three months after birth. but there often are delays as a result of decreased lubrication or vaginal dryness due to breastfeeding. “It’s something we probably don’t tell patients enough that the first time when they try and engage in sexual activity again after they’ve delivered, it might be uncomfortable, and if they use a little lubricant, it might be more comfortable for them.” Chan said one of the goals in publishing this paper was to initiate dialogue between physicians and their patients. “We just want to create an environment where physicians feel comfortable talking about sex and pregnancy to their patients and vice-versa,” she said. Jones said they want people to come away from reading the primer informed that, by and large, sex while pregnant is “very safe.”

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Ok so you might find the next few links interesting. These are from around the web, just random snippets that I’ve picked up in my reading, but I found some very cool information in them. You might too. here goes…

The Psoriasis Association 'Bring Psoriasis to the Surface' For Psoriasis …

Just because symptoms appear on the skin's surface, the impact of a diagnosis of Psoriasis is far from superficial. the more comfortable a person is in the …   Read More…

New Anti-TNF Study Shows Patients With Rheumatoid Arthritis Receiving REMICADE …

any type of cancer or a risk factor for developing cancer, for example, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or had phototherapy for psoriasis. …   Read More…

New Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Data show Efficacy of SIMPONI® in …

New or worse psoriasis symptoms may occur. Tell your doctor if you develop red scaly patches or raised bumps that are filled with pus. …   Read More…That’s all the news for today guys, so until next time, thanks for stopping by.

Adults With ADHD Symptoms have Tripled Risk of Dementia later, Study Finds

Jan. 20, 2011 — Adults with symptoms of ADHD, or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, are more than three times as likely as other adults to develop a form of dementia later in life, according to new research from Argentina.

”We found a higher risk of dementia with Lewy bodies in patients with preceding adult ADHD symptoms,” write the researchers from Hospital Italiano Buenos Aires. The study is published in the European Journal of Neurology.

Lewy body dementia (LBD) affects about 1.3 million people in the U.S., according to the Lewy Body Dementia Association. Lewy bodies is the name given to the abnormal protein deposits that disrupt the brain’s normal functioning.

The symptoms include cognitive impairment, like the more well-known dementia, Alzheimer’s disease. however, in the Lewy body form, patients can also have visual hallucinations, fluctuation in cognition — sometimes appearing fine, other times not — and motor abnormalities similar to those in Parkinson’s disease patients.

But a U.S.-based expert cautions that the study found an association between ADHD symptoms and the dementia, not cause and effect. “It may be that both of these disorders are linked to some other risk factor that is common for both,” says James B. Leverenz, MD, chair of the Lewy Body Dementia Association’s scientific advisory council and professor of neurology and psychiatry and behavioral sciences at the University of Washington, Seattle. He reviewed the study for WebMD.

ADHD and Dementia: The Study

Led by Angel Golimstok at the Hospital Italiano Buenos Aires, researchers evaluated 360 patients with dementia — 109 had LBD and 251 had Alzheimer’s — comparing them with 149 healthy people matched by sex, education, and age.

Then they looked at how often ADHD symptoms had been reported earlier. in patients who were too impaired to answer, they got information from an informant who had known the patient for at least 10 years and had information from a close relative who knew the patient in childhood. The researchers say that since this method has not been validated, they refer to the patients as having ADHD symptoms, rather than being diagnosed with ADHD.

•  47.8% of those with LBD had previous ADHD symptoms.
• 15.2% of those with Alzheimer’s disease had previous ADHD symptoms.
• 15.1% of those in the healthy group did.

Why the link? “It is believed that the same neurotransmitter pathway problems are involved in the development of both conditions, so our research set out to test the theory that adult ADHD often precedes [Lewy body dementia],” Golimstok says in a news release.

The researchers believe their study is the first to look at the link between ADHD symptoms and dementia.

In ADHD, often diagnosed in childhood, people have problems paying attention and can act impulsively. Symptoms can persist into adulthood.

“Our hypothesis is that ADHD could be the clinical result of the first step in these pathway disorders, and after a long time, this problem degenerates to a more severe pathology with structural changes in the brain, as Lewy Body Dementia is,” Golimstok writes in an email interview with WebMD.

“A question to answer in the very near future is, Could available ADHD treatment prevent the conversion to a degenerative disease such as Lewy Body Dementia?” Golimstok writes.

Depression is commonly reported in people with Alzheimer’s disease and its precursor, mild cognitive impairment, with several studies suggesting having a history of major depression may nearly double your risk of developing dementia later in life. However, it has been unclear if depression is a symptom of the disease or a potential cause of the disease…
Alzheimer’s Reading Room

To study the relationship between Alzheimer’s and depression, researchers at Rush University Medical Center tracked symptoms of depression during the transition from no cognitive impairment to dementia and found that depressive symptoms show little change during the development and progression of Alzheimer’s disease. The study will be published in the July 6 issue of Neurology, the medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology.

“Our study suggests that depression is truly a risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease,” said lead author Robert S. Wilson, PhD, senior neuropsychologist, Rush Alzheimer’s Disease Center, and a professor in the Department of Behavioral Sciences at Rush. “If depression was an early sign of the disease, we would expect to see it increase prior to diagnosis and as the disease progresses. Our study found very little change.”
“Depression should not be viewed as an inevitable part of Alzheimer’s disease. If a patient with Alzheimer’s has depression, the depression should be treated,” said Wilson.

The study involved participants in the Chicago Health and Aging Project, a longitudinal study of risk factors for Alzheimer’s disease involving a population of older adults on Chicago’s south side. at three year intervals, the entire population completed a brief self-report measure of depressive symptoms and clinical evaluations for Alzheimer’s disease.

Initial analyses focused on a group of 357 individuals who developed Alzheimer’s disease during the course of the study. The study found a barely perceptible increase in depressive symptoms, a rate of 0.04 symptoms per year, during six to seven years of observation before the diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease and no change during two to three years of observation after the diagnosis.

Because dementia may reduce the accuracy of self-report, in a subgroup of 340 participants, researchers conducted additional analyses of change in depressive symptoms by interviewing family, friends and other who were close to the study participants. Neither Alzheimer’s disease nor its precursor, mild cognitive impairment, was associated with change in depressive symptoms during a mean of three years of observation.

The results were consistent across all demographics. There was no evidence that sex, age, education or race modified the trajectory of depressive symptoms before or after Alzheimer’s disease was diagnosed.

“Here is this terrible disease that robs people of who they are and their ability to function and yet it doesn’t make them depressed,” said Wilson. “Alzheimer’s may disrupt the ability to have prolonged bouts of negative emotions, in much the same way it disrupts many other activities.”

The study authors suggest additional studies of patients with Alzheimer’s disease for longer periods to determine if depressive symptoms may eventually decrease as the disease becomes more severe.

In addition, researchers at Rush continue to look at why depression increases the risk of Alzheimer’s disease.

The study was supported by funding from the National Institutes of Health (NIH)/ National Institute on Aging (NIA). Co-authors include G.M. Hoganson, BS; K.B. Rajan, PhD; L.L. Barnes, PhD; C.F. Mendes de Leon, PhD; and D.A. Evans, MD.

Alzheimer’s Disease — Advice and Insight

• What’s the Difference Between Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia?
• 60 Good Reasons to Subscribe to the Alzheimer’s Reading Room
• About the Alzheimer’s Reading Room
• Alzheimer’s Disease and the Five Stages of Grief
• What is Alzheimer’s? What are the eight Types of Dementia?
• Alzheimer’s Disease CareGiving — Insight and Advice (20 articles)
• Test your Memory for Alzheimer’s Disease (5 best self Assessment Tests)
• Alzheimer’s World — Trying to Reconnect with someone Suffering from Alzheimer’s Disease
• Worried About Alzheimer’s Disease — you Should Be
• Does the Combination of Aricept and Namenda Help Slow the Rate of Decline in Alzheimer’s Disease Patients
• Alzheimer’s Disease Statistics
• Is it Really Alzheimer’s Disease or Something Else?
• Ten Symptoms of Early Stage Alzheimer’s Disease
• Ten Tips for Communicating with an Alzheimer’s Disease Patients

Bob DeMarco is the Founder of the Alzheimer’s Reading Room and an Alzheimer’s caregiver. The blog contains more than 2,255 articles with more than 272,100 links on the Internet. Bob resides in Delray Beach, FL.

The Alzheimer’s Action Plan  

The Art of Dementia Care

Original content Bob DeMarco, the Alzheimer’s Reading Room

Most patients will never experience symptoms, Prostate cancer is the most common type of cancer found in American men, other than skin cancer. Some symptoms are a need to urinate frequently, especially at night, Difficulty starting urination or holding back urine, Painful or burning urination, Painful ejaculation, Frequent pain or stiffness in the lower back, hips, or upper thighs.
Hereditary = Risk factors are Age, Family History, Ethnicity, and Diet. Family history is the strongest risk factor for prostate cancer. A man with one close relative (such as a father OR brother) with prostate cancer has twice the risk of developing prostate cancer as a man with no family history. if two close male relatives (such as a brother AND a father) are affected, a man's lifetime risk of developing prostate cancer is increased 5 fold.

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