For almost 30 years, scientists have known that multiple sclerosis is more ordinary in higher latitudes than in the tropics. As sunlight is more abundant near the equator, many scientists have wondered if the high levels of vitamin D engendered by sunlight could put in plain words unusual pattern of frequency.Vitamin D may reduce the symptoms of multiple sclerosis, but in a recent study scientists have declared that the ultraviolet part of sunlight may play a bigger function than vitamin D in controlling MS.Multiple sclerosis is a sore neurological illness caused by deterioration in the nerve’s electrical conduction; approximately 400,000 people have the disabling condition in the United States. in recent years, it’s become clear the immunity systems of patients are destroying the electrical insulation on the nerve fibers.The ultraviolet portion of sunlight stimulates the body to produce vitamin D, and both vitamin D and the ultraviolet are able to control the immune system and possibly slow MS.

A mice was used in an experiment, because they are genetically susceptible to MS-like disease, the examiners triggered the disease by injecting a protein from nerve fibers. The researchers then exposed the mice to moderate levels of the ultraviolet radiation for almost a week. After they initiated disease by injecting the protein, they irradiated the mice every second or third day.The ultraviolet contact (equivalent to two hours of direct summer sun) did not change how many mice got the MS-like disease, but it did decrease the symptoms of MS, especially in the animals that were treated with the ultraviolet every other day.

The research group also found that although the ultraviolet contact did increase the level of vitamin D, that consequence, by itself, could not explain the reduced MS symptoms.

MS is a progressive neurological illness with a few effective treatments, but scientists declared that the study, however hopeful, may or may not lead to a new mode of cure. Also, scientists have mentioned that there are several ways that could go. if they could find out what the ultraviolet is producing, maybe they could give that as a medicine. in the short term, if they can define a specific wavelength of light that is active, and it does not overlap with the wavelengths that cause cancer, they could expose patients who have been diagnosed with MS to that wavelength.

However, this is just experimental study at this stage. Whether it can be translated into practical applications on MS remains to be seen.

Over the last few years we have all been swamped with messages about how exactly crucial it is to be out of the sun. We thoroughly understand the dangers regarding it and do every little thing we can think of to keep it away from us. We choose the highest SPF sunscreens we can get and then slather on layers and layers of it. We put on massive floppy caps. We wear long pants along with sleeves even through the hottest months of the year. We try to stick to the low light areas-some folks have even taken to carrying parasols around with them to keep the sun from ever making contact with their skin. now we’re finding out that the sunlight can be beneficial! Can you really be helped by the sun?

A new study has been completed and it demonstrates that people who allow some time in direct sunlight aren’t as likely to get MS as the people who do everything they can to keep out of the sun. Originally the research was to see how Vitamin D affected the indicators of Multiple Sclerosis. It didn’t take much time for them to realize that it is the Vitamin D our bodies make after exposure to the sun’s rays that is at the center of the issue.

It’s been known for a very long time that Vitamin D and sunlight can effect the way the immune system works and how it can contribute to Multiple Sclerosis. This study, however, focuses on the affects of sunlight on people who are experiencing the very earliest symptoms of the disease. the real goal is to discover how sunlight and Vitamin D may affect the symptoms that are now known as “precursors” to the actual disease symptoms.

Sadly, at this time there aren’t really very many ways that really prove whether or not the hypothesis of this study are true. the goal of the study is to find out whether or not sunlight can actually prevent the disease. Sadly, scientists have realized that the only method to prove this definitively is to monitor a person for his entire life. This is just about the only method to actually measure the levels of Vitamin D that are already present in a person’s blood before the precursors to MS start to become apparent. the way it appears these days, and has stood (widely recognized) for a long time is that people who live in warm and sunny climates and who get more exposure to direct sunshine are less likely to develop MS than those who live in dark or cold climates and get very little exposure to the sun.

There is also the very critical problem that spending too much time in the sunshine greatly increases a person’s chances of developing skin cancer. so, in an attempt to push away one condition, you could be causing yourself to develop a different one. of course, if it gets found in early stages, skin cancer is very treatable and can even be cured. This isn’t true for MS.

So what should you do: chance skin cancer or chance MS? your physician will help uou determine whether or not this is an option for you. your doctor will explore your current state of health, your health history and even into your genetics to help you figure out if you even sit at risk for the disease at all. From here your physician will be able to help you decide the best course of action.

We suspect very much there’s a lot that’s new when it concerns weight loss diets, but… We’re not sure, either, but one can find right and wrong ways to fast weight loss diets. Once in a while the biggest discoveries are looking you in the face.

I have a tender growing lump on my rib cage. I'm waiting for a cat scan results. I was wondering what are the symptoms of bone cancer and what are the tests? Can a cat scan show if there is some sort of cancer there? I had an x ray done and it came back clear but my doctor is still concerend as am I. I can feel the lump threw my skin and its tender to touch and does not more. its extreamly hard.

Hello,

I agree with the first opinion about sticking to your doctor's advice, but perhaps a bit of background might not be out of order.

In the rib cage, only the rear two-thirds of each rib is actually made of bone. Approximately the front third is made of gristle, (cartilage). The point where the two (bone and gristle) join, is sometimes a site for swelling if you're very low on vitamin D.

Another possibility is whether,if your lump is in the 'boney' part of the rib, whether you might have knocked and cracked the rib at that point, I mean injured it? A swelling develops at the point where a bone fracture is healing.

There are two species of bone cancer. in the first, less common kind, a cancer of the bone actually starts off in the bone. in the second, more common kind, a cancer in bone is a 'secondary deposit' from a cancer somewhere else in the body.

Cancers in bone, indeed a lot of bone diseases, can be accompanied by changes in the calcium- and bone enzyme- levels in the blood, I wondered if you'd had any blood tests too.

Cat scans, which are basically computerized X rays which show the bone in 3- dimensions, are good at showing up hard bone problems, including cancer. Problems in softer tissues than bone, are often shown up better by an 'MRI' scan.

Hope this background information is of some help.

Best wishes,

Belliger (retired uk gp)

Bone cancer doesn't necessarily cause any noticeable symptoms at first. Often the first symptoms that people typically notice are unusual bone breaks or symptoms associated with blood disorders – anemia, fatigue, weight loss, etc (since bone cancer usually causes blood cell abnormalities). Bone cancer is diagnosed by a blood test and/or a biopsy of bone tissue.

Bone cancer seldom causes lumps to develop, so most likely, the lump is not bone cancer, but it could be some other type of cancer, begin tumor, or cyst. It's a good symptom to find a hard lump – that means that whatever is causing the lump is well-encapsulated, which makes it difficult for cells to spread if they are cancerous.

ct should tell if there is a tumor also other tests are bone scan, MRI, and blood test. Most tumors on the bone should show up on an x-ray. that is how my son's was first diagnosed. we then had all the other test run to find out what type it was. Good luck to you!

This is a question I often get asked and unfortunately there is no straightforward answer.

Psoriasis is an autoimmune disease causing an overproduction of skin cells.  This results in thickened patches of skin, which are red and scaly and often itchy and painful.  The patches most commonly appear on the knees, elbows, scalp, hands, feet, back, fingernails and toenails.  The condition may also lead to arthritis.

Treatment options range from topical emollients and vitamin D therapy through to powerful systemic medications.  The treatment of psoriasis is very individualised, meaning what works well for one person may have a negative or no effect on another. Similarly, the effects of various foods will have varying effects on each individual’s psoriasis.Diet Does Help

Whilst many psoriasis sufferers have long claimed that certain foods affect their psoriasis, it is only recently that doctors and specialists have come to consider the diet when treating psoriasis.

Psoriasis is a condition affecting the immune system.  A diet that focuses on a healthy immune system is therefore desirable, as it will help to reduce inflammation.  While there are no set rules that will guarantee to improve your psoriasis, there are some guidelines now available that will help.

Psoriasis may be helped by a diet high in antioxidants, which are nutrients that play a vital role in cellular health.  Natural antioxidants found in fruit and vegetables are better than supplements.

A gluten free diet has also been found to help some people with psoriasis.  This involves excluding all foods containing wheat, barley, rye and oats.

A diet high in probiotics may also improve the immune system and in turn reduce psoriasis symptoms.  Probiotics are foods high in good bacteria.  We all have bacteria in our intestines and for most the good outnumber the bad.  Ensuring you have more good bacteria than bad bacteria will improve the immune system and decrease the symptoms of psoriasis.  Yogurts and some milks with added live cultures will do this.

A healthy diet can also help to maintain a balance of bacteria in the intestines.  A diet high in fruit and vegetables, whole grains and beans and low in simple sugars will help to maintain this balance and a healthy immune system.Omega 3 has Amazing Effects on Psoriasis

Modifying your fat intake is one of the best dietary ways to control your psoriasis.  Increasing the essential fatty acid Omega 3 in your diet may help.  Omega 3 is responsible for the inflammatory process in the body. Today’s modern diet has many of us consuming very small amounts  (if any at all) of Omega 3.

Increasing the amount of fish oils, flaxseed oil and nuts in our diets will help, but in reality a dietary supplement will probably be needed for the omega 3 to have a positive effect on psoriasis.

There are many supplements available in health stores that are high in omega 3.  The Grahams Mega Oil is a dietary oil supplement designed specifically for this purpose.  Not only is it high in omega 3, but it also has a calculated ratio of omegas 3, 6 and 9 that will enhance the immune system and decrease inflammation even more than omega 3 on its own.

Adopt A Healthy Diet And Control your Psoriasis

In summary, adopting a healthy diet high in fruit and vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts, seeds and omega 3 supplements is what we should all be doing.  It will not only help to reduce the symptoms of psoriasis, but may also help to reduce the risk of other medical problems like heart disease, diabetes, high cholesterol, kidney problems, Attention Deficit Disorder and many others.

As you get older, your health needs change. are you and your doctor keeping up? from STD tests to colonoscopies, here are the most important health tests for women, according to Dr. Roshini Raj, TODAY contributor and medical editor for Health magazine.

In your 20s 1. Complete physical: get your first at age 21, then once every five years until age 40, when you should start getting a yearly physical. Make sure to get checks on your blood sugar, cholesterol, thyroid function, liver/kidney function, vitamin B12 and vitamin D.

2. Pap test: This test can spot the earliest signs of cervical cancer, when the chance of curing it is very high. get the Pap test at your yearly gyno exam, starting at age 21. at age 30, if you’ve had three consecutive normal results, you may only need a Pap every three years until age 65.

3. STD tests: of the 19 million new STD infections each year, almost half of them are among 15- to 24-year-olds. If left untreated, some of these can lead to infertility down the road. get tested annually for HIV, Chlamydia, and Gonorrhea when you become sexually active (or when you’re starting a new relationship).

4. Skin check: Melanoma is the leading cause of cancer death for women ages 25-29. The incidence among young women has increased by 50 percent over the last 30 years (largely due to the use of tanning beds). see a dermatologist annually if you have a family history of skin cancer, or semi-annually if you have actually had the disease.

In your 30s 5. HPV test: HPV is the leading cause of cervical cancer and most sexually active women get the infection at some point. Beginning around age 30, women become more prone to infection because our immune systems are less robust. get the test at age 30 and then with your Pap every three years if results are normal.

6. Blood sugar test: Anything above normal should be checked out, so the doctor can intervene before it becomes full-blown diabetes. get tested every three years until you turn 50, when you should be tested annually (the risk of diabetes increases significantly with age).

In your 40s 7. Cholesterol test: start getting physicals annually at 40, and include this test particularly if you smoke or have high blood pressure, diabetes or family history of heart disease.

In your 50s 8. Mammogram: The overall risk of getting breast cancer increases with age — between ages 50 and 59, 1 in 42 women are likely to develop it. This number climbs to 1 in every 29 for women aged 60 to 69. Early detection and treatment help prevent the spread of the disease and boost your odds of recovery. get one every two years.

9. Colonoscopy: Go in for the procedure at age 50, then every 10 years to screen for colorectal cancer, the second leading killer in the U.S. among all cancers. Adults 50 and over run the highest risk of developing the disease, but studies show that people who get a colonoscopy every 10 years have better outcomes if they do develop cancer.

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Public release date: 25-Aug-2010 [ | E-mail | Share ] Contact: Marc LukasiakMarc.Lukasiak@chp.edu412-692-7919University of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences

PITTSBURGH, Aug. 25 ? Vitamin D may be an effective therapy to treat and even prevent allergy to a common mold that can cause severe complications for patients with cystic fibrosis and asthma, according to researchers from Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC, the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and Louisiana State University School of Medicine.

Results of the study, led by Jay Kolls, M.D., Ph.D., a lung disease researcher at Children’s Hospital and professor of pediatrics at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, are published in the September 2010 issue of the Journal of Clinical Investigation.

Aspergillus fumigatus, is one of the most common airborne molds and while it does not cause illness in the vast majority of those who inhale it, it can cause life threatening allergic symptoms in patients with cystic fibrosis. as many as 15 percent of patients with cystic fibrosis will develop a severe allergic response, known as Allergic Bronchopulmonary Aspergillosis (ABPA). Some patients with asthma also can develop ABPA.

The research team led by Dr. Kolls studied cystic fibrosis patients from the Antonio J. and Janet Palumbo Cystic Fibrosis Center at Children’s Hospital who had a. fumigatus infections. One group had developed ABPA, while the other hadn’t. the researchers found that the ABPA patients had a heightened response by immune cells known as type 2 T helper (Th2) cells, and that a protein known as OX40L was critical to this heightened response. the heightened Th2 response correlated with lower levels of vitamin D as compared with the non-ABPA patients. Adding vitamin D to these cells in the laboratory substantially reduced the expression of OX40L and increased the expression of other proteins critical to the development of allergen tolerance.

“We found that adding vitamin D substantially reduced the production of the protein driving the allergic response and also increased production of the protein that promotes tolerance,” said Dr. Kolls, who also is professor and chair of genetics at LSU Health Sciences Center New Orleans. “Based on our results, we have strong rationale for a clinical trial of vitamin D to determine whether it can prevent or treat ABPA in patients with cystic fibrosis.”

Cystic fibrosis is an inherited chronic disease that affects the lungs and digestive system of about 30,000 children and adults in the United States (70,000 worldwide), according to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. a defective gene and its protein product cause the body to produce unusually thick, sticky mucus that clogs the lungs and leads to life-threatening lung infections and obstructs the pancreas and stops natural enzymes from helping the body break down and absorb food.

“These important findings by Dr. Kolls’ team add to the growing body of evidence showing that vitamin D may play a critical role on immune responses and allergic diseases,” said Juan Celed?n, M.D., Dr.P.H., chief of the Division of Pulmonary Medicine, Allergy and Immunology at Children’s Hospital.

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Dr. Jay Kolls, Professor and Chair of Genetics at LSU Health Sciences Center New Orleans, and colleagues wanted to identify the factors that determine why only some develop the allergy and what factors regulate tolerance or sensitisation to the mould resulting in the development of ABPA (Allergic Bronchopulmonary Aspergillosis).The environmental mould is one of the most prevalent fungal organisms inhaled by people. In asthmatics and in patients with Cystic Fibrosis (CF), it can cause significant allergic symptoms.CF causes the body to produce thick, sticky mucus that clogs the lungs, leads to infection, and blocks the pancreas, which stops digestive enzymes from reaching the intestine where they are required in order to digest food.The researchers discovered that heightened Th2 (the hormonal messengers of T-helper cells that produce an allergic response) reactivity in the ABPA group correlated with a lower average blood level of vitamin D. “We found that adding vitamin D not only substantially reduced the production of the protein driving an allergic response, but it also increased production of the proteins that promote tolerance,” notes Kolls.”The next step in our research is to conduct a clinical trial to see if vitamin D can be used to treat or prevent this complication of asthma and Cystic Fibrosis,” Kolls said. The work will be published in September 2010 issue of the Journal of Clinical Investigation.