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Health is all

 

Targeting Age-Related Macular Degeneration

Researchers have identified a key molecular player in a type of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). The discovery may lead to better methods of early detection and treatment for this leading cause of blindness.
Photo of grey blotch obscuring view of 2 children.
A scene as it might look to a person with age-related macular degeneration. Photo courtesy of NIH's National Eye Institute.

AMD gradually destroys sharp, central vision as a person ages. You need central vision to see objects clearly and for common tasks such as reading and driving. AMD comes in 2 forms: dry and wet. Although the dry form is much more common, the wet form leads to significantly more vision loss.

Wet AMD is caused by abnormal blood vessels growing in the layer of the eye named the choroid, which lies beneath the light-sensitive retina. This blood vessel growth is known as choroidal neovascularization (CNV). The new blood vessels tend to be very fragile and often leak blood and fluid. As they grow under the macula in the center of the retina, they raise the macula and damage it, eventually destroying your ability to see fine detail. An early symptom of wet AMD is that straight lines appear wavy. No current treatments can cure wet AMD, but treatment can help slow vision loss and, in some cases, improve sight.

A team of researchers led by Dr. Jayakrishna Ambati at the University of Kentucky searched for molecular markers of CNV. Supported by NIH’s National Eye Institute (NEI) and several other sources, they examined specimens of CNV tissue taken from patients with wet AMD.

In the June 14, 2009, online edition of Nature, the team reported finding a protein called CCR3 on the surface of blood vessels in the tissue samples. CCR3, best known for its role in inflammation, isn’t normally found on blood vessels. Using cultured choroid cells, the researchers found that blocking CCR3 prevented choroid cells from forming tubes, an important step in forming blood vessels.

The scientists then looked at CNV that they induced in mice using a laser. When they blocked CCR3 in the eye, the researchers found that CNV was suppressed. They next compared this approach with a current wet AMD treatment. Blocking CCR3 proved more effective in the mice, reducing CNV by about 68%, as opposed to 57% for the current therapy. The CCR3 treatment also proved less toxic to the mouse retinas.

Another problem with current methods is that researchers can’t detect CNV in the choroid before it has advanced into the retina. Therefore, the scientists studied the ability of small antibody fragments that bind to CCR3 to detect CNV before it appears in the retina. They attached the antibodies to tiny nanocrystals called quantum dots and injected them into mice. Using this CCR3 tracking method, they were able to spot CNV in the choroid that current methods couldn’t detect until it appeared in the retina.

"With CCR3, we have for the first time found a unique molecular signature for the disease,” Ambati says. Eventually, CCR3 might prove a safe and effective target to detect and treat CNV early, before vision is lost.

—by Harrison Wein, Ph.D.
Related Links:

* Age-Related Macular Degeneration:
http://www.nei.nih.gov/health/maculardegen/armd_facts.asp

Source: http://www.nih.gov/news/research_matters/june2009/06292009nei.htm

By Healthy Life
On Thursday, July 2, 2009
At 7:59 AM
 
 

The New Dangers of Syphilis

Many people are aware of STDs such as chlamydia, herpes, and gonorrhea. These are all painful and embarrassing diseases, but they are also well-known. People are aware of them and know that they need to seek medical attention should symptoms develop.

Unfortunately, there is another, less familiar STD that is rapidly on the rise in the United States, and it can be very difficult to self-diagnose. According to a Los Angeles Times article from January 14, 2009, the medical community noticed a rise in the number of cases of syphilis reported in the United States for the seventh consecutive year. Syphilis was thought to have been on the verge of elimination just a few decades earlier.

Understanding Syphilis

The frightening thing about syphilis is that the initial stages are virtually asymptomatic. Here are the four stages of the disease:

  • Primary. In the primary stage, a lesion called a chancre will develop on the point of sexual contact and will then heal on its own in a few weeks. If you notice this lesion, it is important to seek help immediately.
  • Secondary. This occurs usually one to six months after the primary stage. The most visible symptom is a non-itchy rash that can develop on the hands and the feet. Other symptoms are vague and hard to diagnose, such as fever, sore throat, headache, weight loss, and swollen lymph nodes.
  • Latent period. Syphilis then often goes into a state of latency, during which no further symptoms develop. Like the vague symptoms that develop in the first two stages, the long dormant stage can make it difficult for people suffering from the disease to know that they even have it.
  • Tertiary. Tertiary syphilis can occur anywhere from one to ten years after the primary stage, or occasionally even longer after the initial contact with the disease. Tumor-like inflammation balls called gummas develop, which often become deforming. Additionally, neurological symptoms develop which can lead to dementia. Tertiary syphilis is fatal, often ending in a heart attack.

The Good News

Fortunately, syphilis is very treatable and can be cured by simply taking penicillin. However, because it can be a difficult disease to diagnose, and by the tertiary stage, the disease has progressed too far to combat effectively. Regular testing can help prevent syphilis and other dangerous STDs.

For more information about STDs and STD prevention, visit habush.com.

By Healthy Life
On Saturday, June 27, 2009
At 9:44 AM
 
 

Viagra sildenafil an impotence treatment medication

Viagra, then and now! How has this drug fared after a decade of mixed conception, do the little blue pills still turn men on?

Treat impotence successfully with pioneer drug - Viagra

When Viagra was introduced more than a decade ago, little did people know, it would become one of the most famous and successful course of Impotence treatments. Before the launch of Viagra as a treatment for impotence, there ware many other options available but most of them un-fruitful. Research and invention is there still but since the time Viagra was launched it has achieve different tag from its original tag as a medication for impotence treatment.

The history of Viagra

Researchers at Pfizer stumbled across Viagra accidentally during clinical trials of its active ingredient, Sildenafil. They discovered that this active ingredient was in fact responsible for some interesting side effects. During these trials, a large number of men experienced firm erections. Before long, this progressive ingredient became its biggest selling point. Pfizer hit the jackpot with this discovery and Viagra has become every man’s choice for impotence.

The huge success of Viagra gave has paved the way for a number of imitation drugs, prescription as well as non-prescription. It seemed that every other drug manufacturer jumped on the bandwagon and more than a dozen herbal Viagra products were introduced. Viagra’s success however, did not come without and many fake Viagra products came into existence. These fake Viagra products are not only ineffective but also harmful. Fake Viagra leads to un-natural side effects in most cases its leads to un-towards incident which can’t get reversible.

The benefits of taking prescription Viagra

Reports have shown that men who take more pills then recommended, will suffer from a number of adverse effects, including visual disruption. In particular, certain people can begin to see things that are not there. However, this condition has not been confirmed as permanent or otherwise.

It is important that you stick to the recommended dosage of Viagra or ensure that you purchase the product from a reputable source. Fake Viagra can lead to a host of side effects as they contain harmful ingredients like boric acid, leaded paint, talcum powder, and floor wax. Counterfeit products can prove to be extremely dangerous; unfortunately, people opt for the cheaper option.

Precautions when taking Viagra

Viagra is a useful and effective drug for impotence. It has helped millions of men to treat their condition, which was previously thought to be untreatable. A large proportion of men obtain a prescription for Viagra, whilst ignoring their doctor’s suggestions. Some men hide their medical problems in order to get a prescription of Viagra. This will however, prove to be detrimental in the long run as Viagra can lead to a number of side effects. The product may not be safe for all men. Precautions must be taken while taking Viagra to avoid adverse reactions, some of these precautions are :
  • Do not take nitrate medicines
  • Avoid Viagra with alpha-blockers
  • Do not take Viagra if you have been advised to refrain from sex
  • Avoid Viagra if you have severe kidney and/or liver problems
  • Do not take Viagra if you suffer with abnormal blood pressure

By Healthy Life
On Friday, June 19, 2009
At 8:49 PM
 
 

Diet For Enlarged Prostate

Enlarged prostate, also referred to as benign prostatic hyperplasia or BPH, commonly occurs in men after the age of 50. Enlarged prostate symptoms include inflammation and swelling of the prostate and painful, frequent urination. Eating nutrient-rich foods can help keep the prostate in good health and promote wellness. To support prostate health and reduce symptoms of enlarged prostate, try incorporating the following dietary habits:

  • Eat two servings of lycpene-rich fruits and vegetables daily, along with five other fruit and vegetable servings. The naturally occurring pigment lycopene is found in tomatoes, watermelon, grapefruit, guava, rosehip, and red chilies. Lycopene is a potent carotenoid antioxidant that gives tomatoes and other fruits and vegetables their color. Research suggests that lycopene is more easily absorbed by the body if in cooked tomatoes (like tomato sauce, paste or juice).
  • Reduce foods high in saturated fat and cholesterol (such as butter, margarine, red meat and whole milk), fried foods and high-fat salad dressings and sauces. These types of foods can cause hormonal fluctuations in men and increase the occurrence of enlarged prostate. Saturated fats also increase the risk of inflammation.
  • Eat foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids such as cold-water fish (salmon, sardines, mackerel), nuts and seeds. Omega 3s help reduce inflammation and promote hormonal balance. Some experts recommend taking up to one tablespoon of flaxseed oil per day Raw pumpkin seeds are also high in zinc, an essential mineral that helps maintain prostate health.
  • Increase intake of.soy foods such as tofu, tempe, and fortified soy milk, which are a great source of protein. Soy-based foods provide beneficial isoflavones (a phytoestrogen) that help support healthy hormonal balance. Soy can help lower the risk of heart disease, certain cancers and digestive disorders, and hormone-dependent conditions such as enlarged prostate.
  • Eat more fiber-rich foods such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, bran, and flaxseeds. These foods not only improve regularity, but help prevent chronic diseases such as cancer, arthritis, and heart disease. Fiber can help improve regularity, thereby decreasing pressure on the prostate from the lower bowel area.

By Healthy Life
On Saturday, June 13, 2009
At 9:08 PM
 
 

Natural Treatment For Depression - Is it a Good Choice?

A lot of people these days are looking for natural ways to treat depression and other related mental disorders. They understand that antidepressants are not the only way to treat clinical depression and they are looking for some better alternatives. Are there any such alternatives available? Let us take a detailed look.

Natural treatment for depression includes a combination of things like natural medications, behavioral therapy, and lifestyle changes. Though depression is a serious medical condition, it can be treated easily if diagnosed at the right time.

Some of the most common symptoms of clinical depression include low self esteem, inability to concentrate on anything, poor memory, self hatred, helplessness, reduced sex drive, extreme pessimism, and suicidal tendencies. Depressed people often tend to be cynical and they don't look at the positive side of things. They find it hard to mix with people and take part in social gatherings. They tend to be alone and aloof. If you think you have any of these issues, you should talk to your doctor and get yourself diagnosed.

Once it is confirmed that you are suffering from depression, do not panic. With the right kind of treatment and the right kind of lifestyle changes, you can easily remedy this problem and get back to your normal life. Let us now take a look at some natural ways to treat depression.

If you are looking to treat depression naturally, you need to first choose the right kind of natural remedies. Homeopathic remedies are the popular choice of most people these days for three important reasons - they are effective, safe to use, and very affordable.

The most important reason why a lot of people prefer natural treatment for depression is there are little to no risks of side effects. Antidepressants, conversely, are known to potentially cause a number of side effects. Also, people are known to experience withdrawal effects when they stop taking these medications. So, to avoid these problems, a lot of people have started looking for alternatives like herbal and homeopathic remedies to treat clinical depression.

Apart from medication, psychotherapy and lifestyle changes are very important in treating depression. Small changes in your lifestyle like meeting your friends more often, watching your favorite movie, attending social gatherings, and doing charity can go a long way in helping you stay away from negative thoughts. Exercising regularly and eating a healthy diet can also help you feel good both physically and mentally.

Natural treatment for depression, like I already mentioned, are a combination of behavioral therapies, natural remedies, and lifestyle changes. It is safe, effective, and is certainly affordable. So, if you are looking for some good alternatives for antidepressants, you should give these natural remedies a try.

By Healthy Life
On Saturday, June 6, 2009
At 9:08 PM
 
 

How Obesity Surgery Can Help Eliminate Diabetes? Learn How

Type 2 diabetes seems to be as terrible for adults as type 1 is for children. Obesity and diabetes go together like so many have believed for years. Being over your ideal body weight seems to increase the onset of this terrible disease. Bariatric surgery is indeed becoming a solution that many are looking for. How can obesity (bariatric) surgery help in eliminating diabetes?

  • Medical research seems to show that surgery to control obesity can help reverse the terrible epidemic of diabetes. Weight loss is one of many solutions that can help stop this disease right in it's track. Millions of people suffer from diabetes all over the world. What are we waiting for? People are dying everyday from all kinds of weight related diseases and what are we doing about it.
  • Bariatric surgery might not be a complete cure but most reports from around the world seem to agree that it stops the effects of diabetes almost immediately. By limiting dangerous food combination to invade your stomach you are letting your body adjust. Too many sugars and too much salt can be very harmful to your system.
  • Eating all the wrong foods is not any ones fault. Humans love to eat. Our behaviors have changed over the years, we know eat more for pleasure than any other reason. Surgery is a means of stopping this flow of food and let you know that enough is enough. Surgery is a wake up call. It can be a second chance.
Diabetes is a terrible disease that can be controlled. If obesity surgery can help turn the tide, then we need to use all the tools we can. Education is very important and needs to be put in place to teach everyone about the terrible effects of obesity and diabetes. If you want to live longer, learn to eat smart. You will thank yourself. Food for thought.

By Healthy Life
On Saturday, May 30, 2009
At 9:08 PM
 
 

How to Quit Smoking - Five Steps to Nixing the Nicotine

According to the United States Surgeon General, "smoking cessation represents the single most important step that smokers can take to enhance the length and quality of their lives." This isn't exactly breaking news to smokers, though. There isn't a smoker in the world who doesn't know that he or she should quit smoking. After all, why wouldn't you want to quit? It's better for your health and it's better for your pocketbook. Unfortunately, it's not nearly as easy as simply wanting to quit.

This article's not about drugs or supplements that can help you stop smoking. If you're looking for those, you should talk to your doctor. We're here to tell you that (while those things do have a place and can be part of a successful quitting strategy), you don't need those things. You can quit based on your own willpower. If you apply the following strategies, you will greatly increase your chance of quitting:

1. Get in the right frame of mind. Get pumped up about quitting! Decide that you are going to stop smoking and promise yourself that you will stick to it. Ask your friends and family to hold you accountable for your promise. Set a firm date after which you will never take another puff. Ultimately, you will decide whether you ever smoke again. You hold the power over the cigarettes, not the other way around.

2. Change your environment. Throw out all your cigarettes, lighters and ashtrays. Don't let anyone smoke in your home. Stop hanging around smokers. Instead, start focusing on the things you need to do to make your environment a healthy one.

3. Learn some new behaviors. Figure out things that you can do to minimize cravings. Changing your daily routine can help. For example, if you usually start the day with a coffee and a cigarette, try having tea instead. When you feel a craving coming on, do something to take your mind off of it (such as going on a brisk walk or taking a relaxing bath). Remember to drink a lot of water so that you stay hydrated, as this can help minimize cravings.

4. Avoid alcohol. Drinking makes you more likely to smoke. It lowers your inhibitions and can decrease your willpower. Plus, many people associate drinking with smoking. Having even one beer can make you relapse.

5. Don't expect it to be easy! Quitting smoking is hard, but it's well worth it to endure the hardships. You will feel crappy at times. You may gain a bit of weight (but you will lose it again shortly - and you'll be a lot healthier in the long-run). If you expect these to experience tough times, they will be much easier to deal with.

By Healthy Life
On Saturday, May 23, 2009
At 9:08 PM