Rare Diseases and Rare Medicines

Dandruff removing using alternative medicine

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 26 Mar 2011 06:47:00 +0000

Dandruff is a common scalp condition marked by white flakes on the scalp and that also causes itching. This is mainly caused due to the yeast-like fungus found on the scalp without causing problems. But if we neglect these infections then there is mild inflammation that produces dead skin cells. Later when we apply oil on heir these dead cells mix with the oil and clump together and make them appear white in color over your head and flaky. If you are suffering from this intense dandruff problem then it is high time to tackle then once and for all.
Symptoms of Dandruff:

Falling of scales from the scalps
Itching on the scalp and redness

Causes of Dandruff:

Destruction of normal health, incorrect food intake and constipations
Usage of harsh shampoo
Exposure to cold and general exhaustion
Emotional tensions
Over use of hair styling products and chemical like gel, hairspray
Exposure to extreme temperatures
Scalp fungus infections

Treatment:
If you're looking for a permanent cure for dandruff, you must focus on stopping the skin shedding in your scalp. This can be achieved only by flaking a natural response to a fungus which feeds in your hair's natural oils. So, in order to get rid of dandruff once and for all, you'll have to use the right treatment along with minor adjustments in your lifestyle, diet. Below are few natural measurements for dandruff treatment:

Always keep the hair and your scalp clean to avoid accumulation of dead cells
Brush and clean hair daily to improve blood circulation to avoid dead cells
Usage if fenugreek seeds
Treatment using lime
Try usage of green gram powder
Treatment using Beet
Treatment using snake Guard
Use essential oil massages like the tea tree oil
Apple Cider Vinegar and Biotin are good home remedy for dandruff treatment

Other alternative solutions for dandruff treatments are:

Diet – Diet plays an important role in treatment for dandruff. Include fresh juices for about five days a week and take three meals a day of juice fruits. But try to avoid citric fruits, banana and tinned fruits. We should always maintain a well balanced nutritious diet in our life style. Along with this try to avoid strong tea or coffee, pickles refined or processed food items from your diet.
Hot steam bath would be a better way of treating dandruff naturally. You need to massage your hair with hot oil and then wrap a hot damp towel. While keeping for few minutes, wash them off nicely.
Combine two tablespoons of vinegar and six tablespoons of hot water. Take a cotton ball and apply the above made combination with it on the scalp. Keep this overnight and wash off your hair next morning.
Take some beetroot juice and add a few drops of vinegar. Dab this on the scalp.
Another effective method to treat dandruff would be to combine 2 tablespoons of fresh apple juice with 2 tablespoons of warm water. Dab this on the hair and keep it for 10-15 minutes before rinsing. Do this for once or twice a week to cure dandruff.
Mix olive oil and almond oil in equal proportions. Leave it for about 5 minutes. Once a burning sensation is felt, wash the hair.
Conditioning the hair using cider vinegar after shampooing also acts beneficial in removing dandruff.
Heat 300 grams of coconut oil with 3 grams of black pepper. Strain this decoction. Once cooled, apply this decoct on the hair and the scalp overnight.
Washing the hair with green gram powder in curd twice a week would also cure a person from dandruff.

Acupuncture - a Chinese way of alternative medicine

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 26 Mar 2011 06:36:00 +0000

Acupuncture

Acupuncture is a Chinese way of medical therapy that treats patients by insertion and then manipulation of needles in to the body parts. It typically encompasses the traditional Chinese medicine and the prime part of its practice and therapy. This practice always drags us to the prehistorically times but it has supporters who claims that this practice relieves pain, infertility, treats and prevents diseases. Acupuncture upholds the normal body health and also used as the remedial purposes.
Evidences have proved that Acupuncture has been effective in relief of pains due to nausea and it is agreed that this is safe when administrated by well experienced practitioners by using sterile needles. The basic thought brought out by Acupuncture therapy is that disease is caused by an imbalance in the body systems or to say due to some blockage or stagnations.
The following are the common practiced Acupuncture therapies:

Needling
Medical acupuncture
Moxibustion
Sonopuncture
Acupressure
Acupuncture point injection
Cosmetic acupuncture

This traditional Chinese medicine is based on a pre-scientific pattern of medicine that developed over several thousand years which inculcates the study of anatomical systems. The anatomical system parts the body's organs into "hollow" and "solid" organs. It is believed that solid organs are related, and hollow organs are related, and that there is a balance between the two "systems" of organs which is important for one’s health. TCM also associates the organs of the body to the stars, planets and astrological beliefs to explain the observed fact of the persistence of health and illness in the human body.

Clinical Practices:

The needles vary from half an inch to several inches in length and depth of insertion together with the way in which they are twirled and vibrated, effects the treatment. Acupuncture sets out and corrects any imbalance that is in the body or in the mind and restore harmony and equilibrium, thus eradicating the causative factors of the sickness. The tip of the needle should not be made too sharp to prevent breakage, although blunt needles because it may cause more pain.

Traditional diagnosis
The acupuncturist decides which points to treat by observing and questioning the patient in order to make a diagnosis according to the tradition which he or she utilizes. In TCM, there are four diagnostic methods: inspection, auscultation and olfaction, inquiring, and palpation. Examination of the tongue and the pulse are among the principal diagnostic methods in traditional Chinese medicine.
Acupuncture is dominant medicine which aids in intensification of the immune system and serves to prevent disease and control pain. It increases both the ability to function and quality of people’s lives. Acupuncture is well developed whole healthcare system based on natural energetic laws. Counting back to over 3,000 years as a primary healthcare system in China, acupuncture is widespread in Asia, Europe, and now the U.S.
Working of Acupuncture therapy:
Acupuncture uses instinctive laws and energetic principles with the application of needles, energy, and pressure to specific functional parts of the body. Each point provides a specific function in the body in regulating the free flow of central energy for health and wellbeing. The Acupuncturist opens or closes specific gates or points grouped along certain lines of energy flow called Meridians, which go deep into the body. Vital energy then is strengthened or sedated, monitored, and balanced to achieve the desired result.
Effectiveness of Acupuncture:

Studies indicate that acupuncture influences the central and peripheral nervous system.
Acupuncture affects sugar, cholesterol, and triglyceride levels in the blood, the functioning of the gastrointestinal system and the activity of the endocrine system.
Acupuncture works with the body, strengthening and balancing energy.
It improves circulation and allows the body to heal itself more quickly and more completely.

This practice is again very much prevalent in our country which should be considered as a variation of acupuncture cure looking at the remarkable similarities in the nature

Wegener Granulomatosis -inflammation of blood vessel

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 21 Mar 2011 03:02:00 +0000

Wegener Granulomatosis
Wegener Granulomatosis is an inflammation of blood vessel that affects the lungs, kidney and other major organs of the body. If not taken proper prevention and treatment it is a life-threatening disease. However this requires a long term immune suppressant treatment. The disease was discovered in 1936 by the physician Dr. Friedrich Wegener. Reports states that Wegener's granulomatosis affects small and medium-sized vessels, it is formally classified as one of the small vessel vasculatures in the Chapel Hill system. Wegener's granulomatosis usually affects young or middle-aged adults. Although it is uncommon in children, it can affect people at any age.
Symptoms of Wegener Granulomatosis:
This syndrome usually shows no specific nature of symptoms. Generally the patients show the first signs of Rhinitis. Other progressive symptoms are:

Rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis
Nose bleeding, loss of hearing,
Underlying bone destruction and loosening of teeth
Conjunctivitis
bronchial stenosis
Arthritis
Feeling fatigue and weight loss along with fevers
shortness of breath
skin nodules or ulcers
Chest pain
Cough, with or without blood
Voice change, wheezing, or shortness of breath caused by inflammation of the trachea

Other possible symptoms include:

Eye inflammation or bulging, with or without loss of vision
muscle pain
Rashes or skin sores
Kidney inflammation

Causes:
The major cause of Wegener's granulomatosis is not known. Wegener's granulomatosis is a rare disorder in which blood vessels become inflamed, making it hard for blood to flow. It is thought to be an autoimmune disorder. Wegener granulomatosis is typically suspected only when a patient has had baffling symptoms for a long period of time. Lab findings of patients with Wegener's granulomatosis include urine tests that detect protein and red blood cells in their urine and x-ray tests of the chest and sinuses detects abnormalities resulting from lung and sinus inflammation
To the presence of Wegener granulomatosis your doctor may suggest one of the following:

Bronchoscopy with biopsy
Kidney biopsy
Nasal mucosal biopsy
Open lung biopsy
Skin biopsy
Upper airway biopsy

Other tests that may be done include:

Bone marrow aspiration
Chest CT scan
Chest x-ray

Treatment:
Medicines used to treat Wegener's granulomatosis include:

Azathioprine
Cyclophosphamide
Methotrexate

The critical part of these medicines are that they may cause serious side effects and it is recommended that you should carefully discuss your treatment plan with your doctor, before intake of these medicines.
Other medicines may be prescribed, including:

Bisphosphonate to prevent bone loss caused by prednisone
Folic acid or folinic acid
methotrexate Trimethoprim to prevent lung infections
Glucocorticoid drugs
Cytotoxic drugs

Some patients do require a low dose of prednisone to sustain remission. The ideal duration of treatment with the other immunosuppressive medications is uncertain. Indeed many patients who have milder forms of WG can be treated without cyclophosphamide; being able to achieve remission with agents such as methotrexate, mycophenolate mofetil or rituximab. The treatment used for Wegener Granulomatosis has also been successfully applied to other vasculitic diseases.
However, due to the increased risk of developing serious infections, these drugs suppress the immune systems and can also result in reactions like eight gain, cataracts, brittle bones, high blood pressure, diabetes, and changes in mood and personality. Because the medicines used to treat WG can have serious side effects, patients are monitored closely by their doctor. The dosage of medicine is adjusted as needed throughout the course of treatment.

Symptoms of Wolman disease

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 21 Mar 2011 02:57:00 +0000

Wolman disease is a lysosomal acid lipase deficiency. This is a rare genitival disorder due to the lack of LAL enzyme. This Lipase enzyme is most important in once body to break down the certain lipids in the cells and the lack of these enzyme leads to the deposition of fats in Liver, gut and other major parts of the body to cause the Wolman disease.
Lysosomes function as recycling centers within cells breaking down a number of unwanted materials to digest particular nutrients, such as certain fats and carbohydrates. When these enzymes are defective or missing altogether because of genetic mutations, LSDs develop as a result of abnormal build-up of material in the body's cells. This disease is typically present later in childhood or even in adulthood.
The complications of Wolman disease progress over time, eventually leading to life-threatening problems such as extremely low levels of circulating red blood cells, liver dysfunction or failure, and physical wasting. The affected infants with Wolman disease cannot survive beyond the first year of their life.
Symptoms of Wolman disease:
The signs and symptoms of Wolman disease usually appear shortly after birth, typically in the first few weeks of life. Affected infants may have the following:

Feeding difficulties with frequent vomiting
Diarrhea
Swelling of the abdomen
Enlargement of the liver and spleen
Failure to gain weight or sometimes weight loss
low muscle tone
low blood iron
x-ray reveals calcified adrenal glands

Causes Wolman Disease:
Wolman disease as stated above is typically caused due to the lack of LAL gene. This can be name as a genitival disorder. Wolman disease may go undetected sometime; this clearly states that there are no such clinical measures to inform in the medical literature about how common this condition is. Both the community of males and females are equally affected with this disease. Recently greater frequency of an abnormal LAL gene has been established in the Iranian-Jewish population.
Treatments:
Currently we are in the progress of finding a better and approved treatment for Wolman disease that clinically stops or reverse the abnormalities in patients with Wolman disease. Researchers are on their way of investigating therapies called hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT), also known as bone marrow transplant, to try to prevent the disease from getting worse.
Stem cell replacement, which requires the child to be hospitalized and treated with very strong medicines before and after the procedure, has its own significant risks and potential benefits
The recent researched has claimed the following effectiveness due to the Stem cell replacement therapy:

The healthy cells produced by the new marrow contain sufficient levels of lysosomal acid lipase required to breakdown cholesterol and triglycerides.
Individuals with Wolman disease treated with hematopoietic stem cell transplantation have shown improvement of existing symptoms and avoidance of additional complications such as liver failure.
HCST for Wolman’s disease at present is associated with a high risk of serious complications.

The other alternative treatment would be the Gene therapy where in the defective gene present in a patient is replaced with a normal gene to enable the production of active enzyme and prevent the development and progression of the disease in question. Once the permanent transfer of the gene is given that will be able to produce active enzyme at all sites of disease, then only this form of therapy is theoretically lead to a "cure”. However, due to the technical difficulties, the resolution for the gene therapy is stagnant under its way.
As of now if the adrenal glands are not functioning well, medications can be given to replace the hormones the glands usually make. IV Nutrition can be given intravenously rather than through the digestive system. Recent clinical tests stated that the Bone marrow transplant caused remission in one patient. Blood transfusion can be given if anemia develops in the patient. These treatment measures can be processed for Wolman Disease.

Rare Disease Day 2011

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 01 Mar 2011 01:54:00 +0000

We recognize rare disease day. Rare disease day held on the last day of February to raise awareness for rare diseases and improve access to treatment. Please share your experience and make them feel who are suffering from rare disease as it is a common disease.

Merry Christmas

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 25 Dec 2010 11:44:00 +0000

Rare diseases and rare medicines blog wishes merry Christmas to you and your family. Celebrate this Christmas with lots joy with your family. May god bless you.

Stop spreading Aids

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 01 Dec 2010 02:38:00 +0000

Since the beginning of the epidemic, almost 60 million people have been infected with the HIV virus and 25 million people have died of HIV/AIDS-related causes. In 2008, there were an estimated 33.4 million people living with HIV, 2.7 million new infections, and 2 million HIV/AIDS-related deaths. Around 430 000 children were born with HIV, bringing to 2.1 million the total number of children under 15 years of age living with HIV. Young people account for around 40% of all new HIV infections in adults aged 15 and over worldwide. The WHO African Region is the most affected, with 67% of all people living with HIV worldwide, 70% of all new infections, and 91% of new infections among children.

Since the late 1990s, HIV prevalence among adults 15-49 years old has stabilised at about 0.8%. However, the number of people living with HIV worldwide continued to grow and was more than 20% higher in 2008 than in 2000 and 3 times higher than in 1990. The rise in the numbers of people living with HIV reflects the combined effects of continued high rates of new HIV infections and the beneficial impact of antiretroviral therapy, which means that infected people are living longer. New infection rates provide a measure of the spread of the epidemic. The latest estimates indicate that globally the spread of HIV appears to have peaked in 1996. In 2008, the estimated number of new HIV infections was approximately 30% lower than in 1996. An estimated 430 000 new HIV infections occurred among children under the age of 15 in 2008, roughly 16% lower than in 2001. Annual HIV-related mortality appears to have peaked in 2004, when 2.2 million HIV/AIDS-related deaths occurred. The estimated number of HIV/AIDS-related deaths in 2008 is roughly 10% lower than in 2004.

More than 25 million people have died of AIDS since 1981.

Africa has over 14 million AIDS orphans.

At the end of 2008, women accounted for 50% of all adults living with HIV worldwide

In developing and transitional countries, 9.5 million people are in immediate need of life-saving AIDS drugs; of these, only 4 million (42%) are receiving the drugs.

Protect yourself from AIDS. HIV/AIDS can spread only trough unprotected sex, infected blood , infected mother to child and shared needles. Not by the mosquito bites. Stop spreading Aids.

Reare disease and Medicines

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 21 Jun 2010 09:47:00 +0000

Reare disease and Medicines

Urticaria - skin rashes or hives

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 14 Jun 2010 15:34:00 +0000

Urticaria is a type of skin rashes, commonly known as hives. This is one of the most common dermatological disorders. The affected area seems reddish and swelled and the skin over there is pruritus. If the urtication lasting less than 6 weeks is acute Urticaria whereas the urtication lasting more than 6 weeks is chronic Urticaria.

Symptoms of Urticaria

Skin rash
An intense itching sensation
Raised mark on the skin
Swelling on the affected area
Swelling on lips, tongue, uvula, larynx

Causes

Most of the Urticaria is because of unknown cause.

Some known causes are
Viral Infection
Immune response
Exposure of skin to sunlight
Excessive Pressure, temperature, cold
Excessive exercise
Emotional stress
Friction

Treatment

As the symptoms and causes are difficult to find, medication is also difficult. The root cause of the disease is hard to diagnose, so that the guaranteed treatment is not possible. By using certain Antihistamine medicine you can bring the desease under control. Medicines such as diphenhydramine,hydroxiyzine,cetirizine are commonly used.

Alternative medicines

Herbal treatment is effective for Urticaria. Coconut, yarrow, comfrey, yellow dock, ginger are used externally at the affected part whereas burdock, goldenseal, juniper berry, parsley root can use orally.

The external application of certain essential oils extracted from Caraway, Chamomile,

Lavender, Patchouli and Rose will helps to bring the irritation due to Urticaria under control.

Homeopathy offers effective treatment for urticaria. According to homeopathy each case is different and need individual treatment.

Links

http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/762917-overview

http://www.aromacaring.co.uk/hives_nettle_rash_or_urticaria.htm

Clean your Kidneys using herbal medicine

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 12 Apr 2010 15:13:00 +0000

Years pass by and our kidneys are filtering the blood by removing salt, poison and other unwanted solutes entering our body. With time, the salt accumulates and this needs to be removed.

How to achieve this ?

It is very easy, first take a bunch of parsley (Petroselinum Crispum, also known as MALLI, KOTHIMBIR, DHANIYA) and wash it clean.

Then cut it in small pieces and put it in a pot containing clean water and boil it for ten minutes. Allow it to cool down and then filter it and pour in a clean bottle and store it in the refrigerator.

Drink one glass daily and you will notice all salt and other accumulated poison coming out of your kidney by urination also you will be able to notice the difference which you never felt before.

Parsley is known as the best cleaning treatment for kidneys and it is natural!

Vitiligo - white patches appears on the skin

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 15:38:00 +0000

Vitiligo is otherwise known as leukoderma and is a condition in which white patches appears on the skin. Medically it is known as achromia and is a skin disorder. Mostly Indians and Mexicans are affected by this. Depigmented area increase progressively. This causes more mental problems than physical ones.

Symptoms
Itching

White patches on skin

Dark spot within white patches

Pigmentation all over the body

Change in skin colour (skin turns to white)

More chance of sunburn

Causes
Body heat, exposure to wind are all likely to cause this disease. Excess heat may cause problem with proper blood circulation. Losing of skin pigment called melanin that gives colour to skin. Sunburn, viral infection and physical trauma to skin can trigger the condition. When exposed to sun skin reddens and then the out skin layers peels off and darker skin forms in the area. This can also happen if melain production is blocked. Melanin producing cells called melanocytes area attacked and destroyed by unknown factors. In such a case skin loses its colour. Genetic factors are another cause for vitiligo. Pressure of tight cloths, wearing of gloves etc are also likely to cause this disease.

Treatment
Certain Vitamins are helpful in treating Vitiligo. Folic acid, Vitamin b12 and Vitamin C are prescribed to those with this disorder. Light therapy is yet another method of treatment. It is found that supplementing with amino acid L-phenylalanine (LPA) is also helpful. Exposing to sun is also found to have some affect on Vitiligo. Restoration of normal skin by surgery is yet another method. Bleeching of normal skin is also done. Using sunscreens can help to reduce spreading of disease to more area. While using sun protection creams the Sun protection factor (SPF) must not be less than 30 SPF. Cover ups can be used like cosmetics. Topical Corticosteroid Creams or Topical Oxsoralen are used for spot treatments. Mini grafting is yet another method in which normal skin is transplanted to affected area. Tattooing (micropigmentation) is a method in which pigments are implanted in to skin with the help of surgical instrument.

Alternative medicine
PUVA (psoralen and ultra-violet A) is the primary treatment available. Psoralen is derived from a herb called Psoralea cordyfolia. Skin is exposed to Psoralens (acts as photoactivators) along with UV-A in a controlled amount to rejuvenate malanocytes. There are several other chinese herbal medicines which are combination of herbs. Some of them are Compound Tablet of Tribulus containing spirodela, ho-shou-wu, xanthium etc. Another one is a combination of herbs like astragalus, peony, raw and cooked rehmannia etc. In addition to this Shou Wu Decoction is also prescribed by chinese medicine. There are certain external treatments also. Among Chinese medicine Vitiligo resolving capsules, liniment, paste and lotion are also available. Homeopathy is found effective for treatment of vitiligo. Ayurvedic medicines are also found helpful in treating Vitiligo.

Links
http://www.medicinenet.com/vitiligo/article.htm
http://www.leucoderma.com/app/default.asp
http://www.vitiligoguide.com/
http://www.vitiligoguide.com/vitiligo-treatment/
http://www.vitiligoskindisorder.com/show/alternative-treatment/

Eczema - allergic condition of skin

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 14:08:00 +0000

Eczema also known as dermatitis is the allergic condition of skin. Most common among them is atopic eczema which exists through out your life. The disease causes physical as well as mental tension to patient.

Symptoms

Itching of skin

Dryness, thickening or scalp formation of skin

Red colour of skin

hardening of skin

Formation of rashes on skin

Cause
This is caused by over active response of immune system to unknown triggers. Those with a family history of asthma or allergies is also likely to be affected. For some people certain things like soap or animals contact is likely to cause disease. Cold is yet another cause that triggers eczema. Usually hte disease occurs to those whose skin is over sensitive.

Preventive measures

Moisturising the skin

Being in constant temperature and there b avoiding sweating

Reducing contact withthose materials likely to cause allergy

Avoiding soap, solvents and scratchy materials like wool

Reducing stress

Taking prevention against cold

Avoiding food that is likely to trigger eczema

Anti candida diet is another preventive method

Avoiding scratching

Avoid tight dress

Wear loose cotton dress during summer

Treatment
Mostly symptoms are treated as there is no effective treatment for the disease. Moisturisers, lotions or cold compresses are used to prevent dryness of skin. These are to be applied after bathing as this will help to retain moisture more effectively. Hydrocortisones or creams and ointments with corticosteroids are used to reduce inflation. Antibiotics and corticosteroids are also given orally to prevent bacterial infection. Antihistamines and tar treatments are given to reduce itching. Phototherapy and cyclosporine are also prescribed. Skin creams named Elidel and Protopic are topical immunomodulators (TIMs) that alter immune system and prevent flare-ups. Yet another immuno modulator is cyclosporine A but is only rarely used as it can cause severe side affects. . Calcineurin inhibitors like tacrolimus and pimecrolimus are given in cases of atopic dermatitis to modulate immune system. These wont cause any side effects like skin thickening. Sedative antihistamines are prescribed to reduce itching. But this is likely to cause sedation or drowsiness.

Alternative medicine and home medicine

Growing probiotics will supress growth of bacteria that cause infection. Herbal gels and creams, those made from chamomile, licorice, and witch hazel are halpful to reduce symptoms of eczema. Gamma-linolenic acids (GLA) like evening primrose oil and borageoil helps skin lipids to fight against inflammation. Gamma-linolenic acids are fatty acids. Fish oils can also reduce the symptoms of eczema. As Vitamin B12 deficiency is likely to worsen the condition it is suggested that intake of this viamin is helpful. Herbs like Liquorice root containing glycyrrhizinic acid and a cream prepared with witch hazel and phosphatidylcholine is also helpful to prevent the disease. Hypnosis is found effective in treating eczema. Holistic medicine is found to be very effective to treat eczima.

Links
http://www.shirleys-wellness-cafe.com/eczema.htm

http://www.netdoctor.co.uk/skin_hair/eczema_treatment_003760.htm

http://www.keepkidshealthy.com/welcome/TreatmentGuides/Eczema.html

http://www.holistic-eczema-treatment.com/

http://www.wellsphere.com/wellpage/alternative-treatments-for-eczema

http://www.eczematreatments.com/

Less sleep will lead to heart attack

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 14:44:00 +0000

This a email I got it today , Thought every one should know about the importance of sleep.

A month ago, many of us heard about the sad demise of Ranjan Das from Bandra, Mumbai. Ranjan, just 42 years of age, was the CEO of SAP-Indian Subcontinent, the youngest CEO of an MNC in India. He was very active in sports, was a fitness freak and a marathon runner. It was common to see him run on Bandra's Carter Road. Just after Diwali, on 21st Oct, he returned home from his gym after a workout, collapsed with a massive heart attack and died. He is survived by his wife and two very young kids.

It was certainly a wake-up call for corporate India. However, it was even more disastrous for runners amongst us. Since Ranjan was anavid marathoner (in Feb 09, he ran Chennai Marathon at the same time some of us were running Pondicherry Marathon 180 km away), the question came as to why an exceptionally active, athletic person succumb to heart attack at 42 years of age.

Was it the stress?
A couple of you called me asking about the reasons. While Ranjan had mentioned that he faced a lot of stress, that is a common element in most of our lives. We used to think that by being fit, one can conquer the bad effects of stress. So I doubted if the cause was stress.

The Real Reason
However, everyone missed out a small line in the reports that Ranjan used to make do with 4-5 hours of sleep. This is an earlier interview of Ranjan on NDTV in the program 'Boss' Day Out':
http://connect.in.com/ranjan-das/play-video-boss-day-out-ranjan-das-of-sap-india-229111-807ecfcf1ad966036c289b3ba6c376f2530d7484.html
Here he himself admits that he would love to get more sleep (and that he was not proud of his ability to manage without sleep, contrary to what others extolled).

The Evidence
Last week, I was working with a well-known cardiologist on the subject of ‘Heart Disease caused by Lack of Sleep’. While I cannot share the video nor the slides because of confidentiality reasons, I have distilled the key points below in the hope it will save some of our lives.

Some Excerpts:

· Short sleep duration (<5 or 5-6 hours) increased risk for high BP by 350% to 500% compared to those who slept longer than 6 hours per night. Paper published in 2009.
As you know, high BP kills.

· Young people (25-49 years of age) are twice as likely to get high BP if they sleep less. Paper published in 2006.

· Individuals who slept less than 5 hours a night had a 3-fold increased risk of heart attacks. Paper published in 1999.

· Complete and partial lack of sleep increased the blood concentrations of High sensitivity C-Reactive Protein (hs-cRP), the strongest predictor of heart attacks. Even after getting adequate sleep later, the levels stayed high!!

· Just one night of sleep loss increases very toxic substances in body such as Interleukin-6 (IL-6), Tumour Necrosis Factor-Alpha (TNF-alpha) and C-reactive protein (cRP). They increase risks of many medical conditions, including cancer, arthritis andheart disease. Paper published in 2004.

· Sleeping for <=5 hours per night leads to 39% increase in heart disease. Sleeping for <=6 hours per night leads to 18% increase in heart disease. Paper published in 2006.

Ideal Sleep
For lack of space, I cannot explain here the ideal sleep architecture. But in brief, sleep is composed of two stages: REM (Rapid Eye Movement) and non-REM. The former helps in mental consolidation while the latter helps in physical repair and rebuilding. During the night, you alternate between REM and non-REM stages 4-5 times.

The earlier part of sleep is mostly non-REM. During that period, your pituitary gland releases growth hormones that repair your body. The latter part of sleep is more and more REM type.

For you to be mentally alert during the day, the latter part of sleep is more important. No wonder when you wake up with an alarm clock after 5-6 hours of sleep, you are mentally irritable throughout the day (lack of REM sleep). And if you have slept for less than 5 hours, your body is in a complete physical mess (lack of non-REM sleep), you are tired throughout the day, moving like a zombie and your immunity is way down (I’ve been there, done that L)

Finally, as long-distance runners, you need an hour of extra sleep to repair the running related damage.

If you want to know if you are getting adequate sleep, take Epworth Sleepiness Test below.

Interpretation: Score of 0-9 is considered normal while 10 and above abnormal. Many a times, I have clocked 21 out the maximum possible 24, the only saving grace being the last situation, since I don’t like to drive (maybe, I should ask my driver to answer that lineJ)
In conclusion:
Barring stress control, Ranjan Das did everything right: eating proper food, exercising (marathoning!), maintaining proper weight. But he missed getting proper and adequate sleep, minimum 7 hours. In my opinion, that killed him.
If you are not getting enough sleep (7 hours), you are playing with fire, even if you have low stress.
I always took pride in my ability to work 50 hours at a stretch whenever the situation warranted. But I was so spooked after seeing the scientific evidence last week that since Saturday night, I ensure I do not even set the alarm clock under 7 hours. Now, that is a nice excuse to get some more sleep. J

Unfortunately, Ranjan Das is not alone when it comes to missing sleep. Many of us are doing exactly the same, perhaps out of ignorance. Please forward this mail to as many of your colleagues as possible, especially those who might be short-changing their sleep. If we can save even one young life because of this email, I would be the happiest person on earth.

Corns - Thickening of skin of toes

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 14:54:00 +0000

Thickening of skin of toes is called as corns. This may happen between the toes, on the top of the toes or on the tip. Mostly women are more affected by this disease.

Symptoms

Hard growth of skin on tip of toes

Pain on applying pressure to this hard growth

Swelling and redness along with severe discomfort around hard growth

Difficulty to wear tight shoes, socks or stockings

Dryness of skin then becomes waxy, transparent and ultimately the skin becomes a horny mass

Lack of proper treatment can lead to infection, development of ulcer or a fluid filled sack beneath hard skin

Cause
Tight fitting shoes, socks or stockings

Rubbing of shoe against toes

Deformed or crooked toes

Enlarged bursa

Manual labour

Bare foot or exposure of toes

Athletic events or activities causing pressure

Uneven distribution of weight on feet

Preventive measures
Preventive measures includes changing of footwear and using footwears of correct size. It is better to avoid high heeled shoes that can cause extreme pressure on toes. Using pads that can prevent pressure on toes can also help. Never rub the toes and make sure to use gloves on hands. Always keep hands and feet moisturized. For those who use shoes always try to go bare feet occassionally which can prevent toes from pressure. Proper hygiene of feet is also necessary. Long toenails need to be cut straight and short from one end to another. Applying some petroleum jelly before wearing shoes is helpful to prevent pressure caused by rubbing. Corn plasters need not be used especially by those having diabetes as they contain acid that eats away flesh and corn.

Treatment
Most common medicines for corns is Ibuprofen which helps relieve from pain and inflammation temporarily. Antibiotics will help to heal faster. Keratolytic agents can be used to break up hardened skin or this can be done with the help of surgery. Cutting the hardened skin or shaving to remove the dry skin is also good.

If the cause is deformed or crooked toe then surgical correction will be necessary to avoid the pressure leading to corns. Remedies that contain salicyclic acid can be used but with due care as the acid is capable to burn healthy skin surrounding the corn. A mixture of collodion (a combination of Salactic Film, Duofilm and Viranol), salicylic acid and lactic acid is a very common prescription.

Alternative treatment and home care
Homeopathy treatment includes medicines like Ruta grav, Bryonia, Pulsatilla and Belladona. Hydrotherapy is yet anothe effective treatment method where foot baths with lavender, geranium, camomile, peppermint are prescribed to get relief from swelling and other symptoms. Using protective coverings on the sore will decrease friction and this will help faster healing. Always keep the skin moist. For this oils or lotions can be used. Hard skin must be removed with a pumice stone or sand paper after soaking the area in water. If the disease has occured to hands, using gloves will be helpful to avoid pressure. Soak the skin in diluted chamomile tea and after washing use a moisturiser with 20% solution of urea. This need to be done everyday. Soaking of feet in Epsom salt is also good to soften the corns. After that dry the area with a towel and apply moisturiser. Then each feet has to be wraped in a plastic bag and must be kept for one or two hours. After two hours gently rub the corns using pumice stone. Make a mixture of lime juice, water and aspirin tablet and apply it to the corn. Keep this for fifteen minutes and then rub the corn using pumice stone and apply moisturiser. Persons with diabetes must not use pumice stone. Applying Castor oil with a cotton pad and fixing it using an adhesive tape before going to bed is a good remedy. Never apply castor oil to a wound or broken skin.Applying Calendula products or lotions with urea or lactic acid are helpful to keep skin moist. Applying raw pappaya juice or juice of green fig, to affected area is a home remedy which is very effective. Placing a piece of lemon, onion, indian squill or pine apple peel on affected area overnight is also found effective. Chalk powder mixed with water to form a paste is another simple home remedy. Another mixture is lemon juice and brewer's yeast. Juice of dandelion is also effective. Mustard oil or gingly oil is to be mixed with powdered liquorices to forma paste and this has to be applied twice or thrice daily. Castor oil, Wheat germ oil, olive oil and sesame oil are also good moisturising agents. Walking bare footed on wet sand is also found effective. Mix baking soda to luke warm water and soak the feet before rubbing off the corn with pumice stone. Intake of vitamin and mineral rich light food helps to heal the corn fast. Soak Ivy leaves in vinegar overnight. Soak some bread in same water and bandage it to affected area. Continue this for some days which will work. Wrap a cloth soaked with rectified turpentine and wrap to the affected area several times a day. Soaking the area with vinegar and rubbing the corn with pumice stone is also good. Boil some oatmeal and on cooling dip the ffet in that water. This helps to get relief from pain caused by corn.
Link
http://www.healthscout.com/ency/68/64/main.html
http://www.naturesnaturalhealing.com/CornsandCalluses.shtml
http://www.medindia.net/homeremedies/corns.asp
http://www.articleclick.com/Article/Alternative-Medicine-For-Bunions-and-Corns/965454

Arachnophobia - The fear of spiders and other arachnids

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 18 Oct 2009 14:27:00 +0000

Arachnophobia is the fear of spiders and other arachnids. It is a very common phobia. Those with arachnophobia feels difficult to be in areas where there are visible signs of spiders. They gets panic on seeing a spider and will get humiliated if they panic in the presence of others. it is reported that about 50% of women and 10% of men have this phobia. Mostly Europeans are caught by this phobia. Arachnophobics are of two types, monitors who search for spiders and monitors its movements and blunters who does any thing to avoid seeing a spider.

Symptoms

Sweating, breathlessness, panic, heart palpitations, screaming, freezing in a place, running away, nausea, dizziness, limiting activities to those where there is no chance for seeing a spider.

Causes

Fear of venomous spidersis the cause of this fear. After tenth century Europeans believed spiders as the cause of plague and hence the fear developed among them and flourished as a heriditary disease. The experience of fear, physiological response along with motor responses lead to this phobia. It is also believed that as most of the spiders are venomous our ancestors induced this fear in children as a survival teghnique. This is folowed in genes to new generation also.

Treatment

Systematic desensitisation is the traditional method of treatment in which the phobiac slowly learns to face the fear. They are slowly exposed to the picture of spiders and later with real ones. Virtual reality is yet another method in which patient wears a VR helmet or VR glove. They move VR glove until they feel that a spider is moving across the hand. This spider image is a 3D image generated by a computer. Behaviour treatment is yet another acceptable method in which arachnophobics are educated about spiders. They are made to familiarise with spiders. Cognitive Behavioural therapy is also useful. Aversion therapy or direct shock therapy where patients are forced to move close to a spider and to stop when they feel ultimate fear. Stopping reduces the fear and then they are to move more closer. This method can slowly reduce the phobia. Hypnosis is also found useful. Medicines are given to reduce anxiety along with Psychotherapy.

Alternative medicine

There are homeopathic medicines too to reduce fear and anxiety. This is gaining popularity now a days.

Necrophobia - intense revulsion on seeing dead things

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 18 Oct 2009 14:05:00 +0000

Necrophobia is the fear of dead things and is rare when compared to other phobias. Those with Necrophobia suffer intense revulsion on seeing dead things. They are not afraid of their own death. Those who are afraid of their own death is under a condition called Thanatophobia. Necrohobia can cause emotional damage as those who are phobic may not be able to visit any funeral even if of closed relatives.

Symptoms

Even the sight of a dead thing or ccorpse on television can trigger their fear

Breathlesness

Dread fear, anxiety and trepidation

Drying of mouth

Difficulty to speak

Sweating

Feeling panic and terror

Rapid heartbeat

Infrequent and asymmetrical heart beat

Nausea

Trembling

Feeling sick and queasy

Psychological instability

Necrophobic will take extreme measures to avoid attending a funeral or such situations.

Causes

An event in the past (exposure to a dead body or dead animal). Some sight on television like brutal death of an animal can lead to this condition. Personal exposure to such thing is the most common cause. Those witha general tendency towards fear and anxiety, those who are high strung, and people suffering from adrenal insufficiency has more risk to have this phobia. Life-experiences when combined with heredity, genetics, and brain chemistry can lead to such situations.

Treatment

Hypnotherapy is the most effective method of treatment for this phobia. A psychiatrist specially trained can help you to solve the issue. Behaviour therapy is yet another effective method. Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) is the method by which your reaction to a dead thing is rescheduled. This is very effective and rapid. Self help NLP techniques are also very effective. Energy Psychology is another effective rapid, safeand long-lasting method to treat Necrophobia. It is otherwise called emotional acupuncture. By this method patients thought patterns change very fast and mind is in control, relaxed. Patient develop s certain skills and techniques useful for lifetime. Spirituality is also good as it will develop a feeling that there is some thing to protect you in danger. Proper exercise along with healthy diet and support from family and friends can do miracles to those suffering from phobias. Anxiety medications help to reduce symptoms. Desensitization work is also very helpful to treat this phobia.

10 Brain Damaging habits

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 01:22:00 +0000

1. No Breakfast
People who do not take breakfast are going to have a lower blood sugar level.
This leads to an insufficient supply of nutrients to the brain causing brain degeneration.

2. Overeating
It causes hardening of the brain arteries, leading to a decrease in mental power.

3. Smoking
It causes multiple brain shrinkage and may lead to Alzheimer disease.

4. High Sugar consumption
Too much sugar will interrupt the absorption of proteins and nutrients causing malnutrition and may interfere with brain development.

5. Air Pollution
The brain is the largest oxygen consumer in our body. Inhaling polluted air decreases the supply of oxygen to the brain, bringing about a decrease in brain efficiency.

6. Sleep Deprivation
Sleep allows our brain to rest. Long term deprivation from sleep will accelerate the death of brain cells.
7. Head covered while sleeping
Sleeping with the head covered increases the concentration of carbon dioxide and decrease concentration of oxygen that may lead to brain damaging effects.

8. Working your brain during illness
Working hard or studying with sickness may lead to a decrease in effectiveness of the brain as well as damage the brain.

9. Lacking in stimulating thoughts
Thinking is the best way to train our brain, lacking in brain stimulation thoughts may cause brain shrinkage.

10. Talking Rarely
Intellectual conversations will promote the efficiency of the brain

Liver damage - Some importnat Points

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 01:19:00 +0000

The main causes of liver damage are:

1. Sleeping too late and waking up too late are main cause.
2. Not urinating in the morning.
3. Too much eating.
4. Skipping breakfast.
5. Consuming too much medication.
6. Consuming too much preservatives, additives, food coloring, and artificial sweetener.
7. Consuming unhealthy cooking oil. As much as possible reduce cooking oil use when frying, which includes even the best cooking oils like olive oil. Do not consume fried foods when you are tired, except if the body is very fit.
8. Consuming raw (overly done) foods also add to the burden of liver.
Veggies should be eaten raw or cooked 3-5 parts. Fried veggies should be finished in one sitting, do not store.

We should prevent this without necessarily spending more. We just have to adopt a good daily lifestyle and eating habits. Maintaining good eating habits and time condition are very important for our bodies to absorb and get rid of unnecessary chemicals according to "schedule."

Scleroderma - an auto immune disease that affects the skin

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 13 Sep 2009 14:38:00 +0000

Scleroderma is an auto immune disease that affects the skin. This affect connective tissues leading to inflation, scars and thickening of skin. Most commonly skin over tips of elbows, fingers and face. Mostly women are more affected by the disease than men. Scleroderma can be classified into two diffuse and limited. In diffuse form skin of face, chest, abdomen etc thickens symmetrically. Some times organ diseases also occur which might be serious. Bowels, lungs, heart, esophagus and kidneys are most commonly affected. It can even lead to high blood pressure. In limited form only skin of face and fingers are effected. This effect takes place slowly and is also known as CREST. As per this name CREST

C stands for tiny calcium deposits called calcinosis, commonly found in elbows, knees etc in white colour in superficial skin. This might need a surgery or might be tender enough to fall off if infected.

R is for Raynaud's phenomenon which is spasm of small artery vessels. Commonly they are found in arteries to fingers, nose, tounge, ears or toes. They change colour to blue, white and then red when exposed to extreme heat, cold or emotions.

E goes for Esophagus, the condition in which muscles function poorly or lower part of esophagus stops functioning. Esophagus may widen leading to backflow of stomach acid causing heartburn, scarring or inflammation.

S refers to Sclerodactyly ie. tightening or thickening of skin of toes and fingers. This may limit the motion of fingers and toes and they will appear puffy and shiny.

Finally T is for Telangiectasias, tiny red spots that blanch on pressing and represents dilated capillaries on face, mouth or hands. It is not necessary that all these symptoms exist along.

When the disease diffuse it is called as systemic sclerosis. Some might also be affected with some other connective tissue diseases. When symptoms of scleroderma are found with systemic lupus erythematosus symptoms or of polymyositis it is called mixed connective tissue disease (MCTD). Linear scleroderma is a condition in which hardened skin is found as a strip along leg. If affected to a child this can stunt bone growth of affected leg. The disease can be dangerous to your heart leading to conditions like myocardial disease, arrhythmias or conduction system abnormalities. Kidneys and lungs are also affected due to tightening of blood vessels.

Symptoms

Irritation
Skin hardening
Pigmentation
Inflammation
Progressive tissue fibrosis
Occlusion of the microvasculature
Calcium gets deposited in connective tissues
Blood vessels of hands and feet narrows
Swellimg of esophagus
Red spots on face and hands
Hypertension
Sensitivity to cold

Causes

It is found that genes has a role in causing Scleroderma. Cellular and humoral immunological derangement is considered as a cause of this disease. Activation of fibroblast and injury to Endothelial cell are other causes. At times environment also plays a vital role. Exposure to silica, to solvents like trichloroethylene, benzene, vinyl chloride, epoxy resins, carbon tetrachloride, radiation or radio therapy are environmental factors leading to this disease. When environmental or genetic factors activate the immune system causing injury to tissues patient is affected by this disease. parvovirus B19 is an accelerating agent like human herpesvirus 5 and Cytomegalovirus. Families with Scleroderma patients are found to be affected with other autoimmune diseases also. Body tissues are affected by its own immune system leading to this disease. Certain drugs like Bleomycin and pentazocine can also cause this disease.

Treatment

As this particular disease can lead to several other problems it is better to consult a rheumatologist. He will refer you to other specialists like a dermatologist, a nephrologist, a cardiologist, a gastroenterologist, a pulmonary specialist etc for different problems faced by you. Medicines like Pantoprazole (Protonix), is used to treat ulcer in stomach. For that affecting heat medicines like nifedipine, bosentan, nicardipine are prescriped as they are calcium channel blockers. Skin discolouration and hardening is treated with corticosteroids or moisturizers. In extensive form antibiotics like minocycline is prescribed. Phototherapy also gives some positive results. Vasodilators are used for relaxation and there by help to expansion of blood vessels. Angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors can be given to maintain blod pressure. Aspirin, naproxen, ibuprofen etc can be given as Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Antacids help digestion and decrease acidity while D-penicillamine delays the spreading of disease. Steroids are prescribed to reduce inflammation. Cyclophosphamide and methotrexate are immunosuppressants. At times cosmetic or orthopedic surgery is necessary to correct contractures of joints, to treat scars or skin deformities. Stretching exercise helps to keep joints flexible and strong. Avoiding Vitamin C greater than 100mg/day and excessive smoking are other methods necessary.

Alternative medicine

It is found that herbs can cure scleroderma to a good extent. Extracts from hydrangea root, a herb commonly used in Chinese medicine was proved effective in halting the progress of an autoimmune disease in lab and is yet to be proved on a human body. Acupuncture can relieve from the symptoms of sclerosis. Among Chinese medications are treatments using medical extracts from dried beetles, earth worms, scorpions, centipedes etc. One of the chinese medicines are Yangshen Huoxue Tang a combination of extracts to warm kidney and vitalize blood. Different herbs used in Chinese medicine are effective blood vitalers, yang tonics, spleen qi tonics and warming agents. Rehmania is a common herb used in medicines. Cornus is another herb used to treat kidney. Meditation and yoga are found effective to reduce tension, depression and anxiety caused by scleroderma. Transcendental Meditation is helpful to reduce brain's response to pain. It is said that you can control the disease by changing life style, by introducing healthy diet, regular physical exercise and body cleansing along with different natural traditional therapies.

Links

http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/331864-treatment

http://scleroderma.jhmi.edu/patients/treatment-options.html

http://www.healthscout.com/ency/68/311/main.html

http://arthritis.about.com/od/sclero/Scleroderma_Cause_Diagnosis_Symptoms_Treatment.htm

Xenophobia - Fear or hatred of foreigners or strangers

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 01:52:00 +0000

Fear or hatred of foreigners or strangers is termed as Xenophobia. Those with Xenophobia finds it difficult to go for shopping, to office or even to travel in a public transport service. Though Adults with this phobia understands that the fear is irrational, even thinking about such a situation makes them panic.

Symptoms
Dry mouth
Clammy hands
Sadness
Fear
Anger
Anxiety
Guilt, Hurt
Nausea
Increased rate of breathing and heart beat
Sweating
Some may even avoid social gatherings

causes
Negative experiences in the past is considered as the most common cause of Xenophobia. Thos ewith a tendency to fear and anxiety, those who are high strung, oe with adrenal insufficiency is likely to be Xenophobic. An embarassing moment in the past or certain characteristics like abnormal shyness, self esteem, ignorence, prejudice, lack of self confidence are all reasons to cause anxiety and there by trigger phobia.

Treatment
Most important of all treatments is behaviour therapy. This helps to gain confidence, make your mind calm and to regain happiness. It also helps to overcome fear, sadness, guilt, anger etc. By this negative sources causing fear is identified and replaced by positive thoughts. Counselling, talk therapy areall very effective in treating Xenophobia. Anti anxiety medications can help to reduce anxiety associated with this phobia. Hypnotherapy helps to change your mindset which cause panic on facing a situation where foreigners are involved. But some are not at ease with hypnotherapy even though it is safe and fast. Neuro Linguistic Programming is another method by which the reason of phobia is re constructed and thus eliminated or minimized. Energy psychology is the most effective method which is rapid, safe, cost effective and long lasting. It can be called emotional acupuncture as treatment is done with out needle. In this method pressure is applied on our energy points. This method changes behaviour and thought patterns quickly and develops skills useful in all situations.

Links
http://www.ofear.com/viewtopic.php?f=70&t=4473
http://www.ehow.com/how_2060112_cope-xenophobia.html
http://www.phobia-fear-release.com/xenophobia-treatment.html
http://business.iafrica.com/news/221710.htm
http://www.wrongdiagnosis.com/x/xenophobia/intro.htm
http://www.changethatsrightnow.com/problem_detail.asp?SDID=726:1926
www.tac.org.za/community/xenophobia

Carcinophobia - extreme fear of contracting cancer

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 21 Aug 2009 02:11:00 +0000

Carcinophobia is the extreme fear of contracting cancer. This is a very rare form of phobia and those affected will always get worried any sort of negative bodily symptoms. Those with Carcinophobia believe that cancer is contagious. This can deteriorate the quality of life and patient gets isolated from society and relatives.

Symptoms
Headache
Washing hands frequently after meeting a cancer patient
Feeling of dread
Anxiety
Rapid breathing or difficulty to breath
Sweating
Queasiness
Panic attack

Cause
Some people are apprehensive about ill effects of cancer and when they see a cancer patient they feel that the whole environment is cancerous. Self Neuro Linguistic Programmes are very effective as they change patients mental structure for a healthy life. With self NLP patient feels that cancer is not death and this helps to think positively also. Patient must have a strong wish to get rid of phobia. Behaviour therapy is also effective. Anti anxiety medications can be given along with therapies to supress symptoms of phobia. Hypnotherapy is one of hte most effective forms of treatment. In hypnotherapy patients mind set is changed. It is very effective and needs only short period of time. This method is safe and less expensive also. More over hypnotherapy is non-invasive. In thia method fear dissociation along with anxiety relief techniques are used. Erickson hypnotherapy is a method in which indirect suggestions are given to patients who are anxious about what they have said during hypnosis. This method can be used to treat multiple phobia aslo. Medications for anxiety and depression are likely to cause side effects.

Links
http://10-most-common-phobias.com/anxiety/history-treatments-for-anxiety?d340e070
http://www.bukisa.com/articles/69621_top-10-most-common-phobias
http://www.iampanicked.com/anxiety-articles/list-of-phobias.htm
http://www.biomedexperts.com/Abstract.bme/11360416/Vulvar_syringoma_causing_pruritus_and_carcinophobia_treatment_by_argon_laser
http://common-phobias.com/Carcino/phobia.htm
http://content.karger.com/ProdukteDB/produkte.asp?Aktion=ShowPDF&ArtikelNr=131103&Ausgabe=237344&ProduktNr=224177&filename=131103.pdf
http://www.neuro-vision.us/Articles/carcinophobia-treatment-with-hypnosis.html
http://encyclopedia.farlex.com/carcinophobia
http://10-most-common-phobias.com/fear-of-cancer

Aviophobia is the intense fear of flying

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 13 Aug 2009 16:09:00 +0000

Aviophobia is the intense fear of flying. It is also known as aerophobia. Aviophobia can occur on or off an aeroplane. This can affect normal life and social and personal relationship. Some might not even visit their loved ones or even drop a business proposal for this cause. About 20% adults are affected by htis phobia.

Symptoms

Anxiety
Panic attack
Breathlessness
Nausea
Dry mouth
Detachment from reality
Sweating
Dizziness
Increased heart beat
Fear od death
Inability to think or speak
Shaking
Feeling sick
Losing control

Causes

Aviophobia is closely associated to Claustrophobia. One third of people who use flight is afraid to be in closed area. Some feels a lack of control which in turn leads to phobia. Fear may be due to a bad past experience or such as mid-air turbulence

Treatment

Most effective of all treatments is energy psychology. This is fast and less expensive. Patient need to help himself for recovering from the disease. Even a help over the phone is found effective in this case. Talk therapy is also very good for treating Aviophobia. But in certain cases patients identity itself is wrapped in this phobia and are afraid to give up their phobia. Some others love to talk about their phobia and hence will spend years in talk therapy. Repeated talking will keep them stuck in this stage and will not help to get rid of it. Anti-depressants or anti-anxiety medications are often given to patients. Xanax and pexil are medicines usually prescribed there might be severe withdrawal symptoms. These drugs can only supress the symptoms. Some psychiatrists prescribe benzodiazepines to control symptoms temporarily. Hypnosis, biofeedback, meditation, yoga different behavioural therapies, pilates etc. are very useful if the patient himself tries to get rid of phobia. Patient may read or listen to music while travelling to distract himself from fear. Psychiatric medication and some virtual medicines can cure this phobia. Sharing information about the wonders of flying can be helpful in its treatment. Cognitive behavior therapy, Systematic desensitization and Virtual reality therapy are all helpful means to treat aviophobia. Cognitive behavior therapy is for those who does not have a history of panic attack.

Alternative medicine

Herbs like Hypericum perforatum commonly known as St John’s Wort are anti anxiety medicines. Some other natural remedies include usage of Passiflora incarnata (Passion flower), Scutellaria laterifolia (Scullcap) and Valerian to calm down the mind. Natural medicines als called as complimentary medicines are ery effective in treating Aviophobia. These herbal medicines may be consumed as an infusion or in the form of a tincture. Homeopathy is also useful in this treatment. In Homeopathy Gelsemium is used to smoothen the nerves. Aconite is used to treat panic disorders and argentum nitricum is used to treat Claustrophobia. These medicines does not have any side effects. Chinese form of acupuncture called Emotional Freedom Therapy is a method in which pressure is applied on certain body parts.

Links
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-57074/How-treat-aviophobia.html
http://www.docstoc.com/docs/7485690/Natural-Help-for-Aviophobia
http://www.ilcorvo.us/fear-of-flying/aviophobia.html
http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/15883/fear_of_flying_three_treatment_options.html?cat=16
http://www.changethatsrightnow.com/fear-of-flying.asp?SDID=326:1406
http://www.phobiaq.com/phobia/aviophobia.html
http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-aviophobia.htm
http://www.healthytravelblog.com/tag/aviophobia/
http://www.gogetterjetsetter.com/aviophobia.php
http://ezinearticles.com/?Overcoming-Aviophobia-(Fear-of-Flying)&id=1996631
http://travel.qandas.com/flights/what-is-aviophobia.html
http://www.ehow.com/how_2060107_cope-aviophobia.html

Swine flue -Government authorized hospitals for treatment

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 09 Aug 2009 05:05:00 +0000

GOVERNMENT AUTHORIZED HOSPITALS FOR TREATMENT OF SWINE FLU

Chennai
King Institute of Preventive Medicine (24/7 Service)
Guindy, Chennai – 32
(044) 22501520, 22501521 & 22501522

Communicable Diseases Hospital
Thondiarpet, Chennai
(044) 25912686/87/88, 9444459543

Government General Hospital
Opp. Central Railway Station, Chennai – 03
(044) 25305000, 25305723, 25305721, 25330300

Pune
Naidu Hospital
Nr Le'Meridian, Raja Bahadur Mill, GPO, Pune - 01
(020) 26058243

National Institute of Virology
20A Ambedkar Road, Pune - 11
(020) 26006290

Kolkata
ID Hospital
57,Beliaghata, Beliaghata Road, Kolkata - 10?
(033) 23701252

Coimbatore
Government General Hospital
Near Railway Station,
Trichy Road, Coimbatore - 18
(0422) 2301393, 2301394, 2301395, 2301396

Hyderabad
Govt. General and Chest Diseases Hospital,
Erragadda, Hyderabad
(040) 23814939

Mumbai
Kasturba Gandhi Hospital
Arthur Road, N M Joshi Marg, Jacob Circle, Mumbai - 11
(022) 23083901, 23092458, 23004512

Sir J J Hospital
J J Marg, Byculla, Mumbai - 08
(022) 23735555, 23739031, 23760943, 23768400 / 23731144 / 5555 / 23701393 / 1366

Haffkine Institute
Acharya Donde Marg, Parel, Mumbai - 12
(022) 24160947, 24160961, 24160962

Kochi
Government Medical College
Gandhi Nagar P O, Kottayam - 08
(0481) 2597311,2597312

Government Medical College
Vandanam P O, Allapuzha - 05
(0477) 2282015

Taluk Hospital
Railway Station Road, Alwaye, Ernakulam
(0484) 2624040 Sathyajit - 09847840051

Taluk Hospital
Perumbavoor PO, Ernakulam 542
(0484) 2523138 Vipin - 09447305200

Gurgaon &
Delhi
All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS)
Ansari Nagar, Aurobindo Marg Ring Road, New Delhi - 29
(011) 26594404, 26861698 Prof. R C Deka - 9868397464

National Institute for Communicable Diseases
22, Sham Nath Marg,
New Delhi - 54
(011) 23971272/060/344/524/449/326

Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital
Kharak Singh Marg,
New Delhi - 01
(011) 23741640, 23741649, 23741639
Dr. N K Chaturvedi – 9811101704

Vallabhai Patel Chest Institute
University Enclave, New Delhi- 07
(011) 27667102, 27667441, 27667667, 27666182

Bangalore
Victoria Hospital
K R Market, Kalasipalayam, Bangalore - 02
(080) 26703294 Dr. Gangadhar - 94480-49863

SDS Tuberculosis & Rajiv Gandhi Institute of Chest Diseases
Hosur Road, Hombegowda Nagar, Bangalore - 29
(080) 26631923 Dr. Shivaraj - 99801-48780

Important: This is only an initiative to spread awareness. Please verify the authenticity of the information before taking any step.

Intense fear of dirt - Mysophobia

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 17:27:00 +0000

Mysophobia also known as germaphobia or germ phobiais the intense fear of dirt, germs and contamination. As a result of this fear of contamination by germs those with germophobia tries to avoid situations where there is a chance to get exposed to dirt. Due to this behaviour others might avoid the one with mesophobia and he might get isolated. Mostly Americans are affected by this disease. This phobia may be related to Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) and hypocondriasis.

Symptoms

Nausea

Breathlessness

Tension

Increased heart rate

Washing hands frequently

Stress

Mental anguish

Those with this phobia got unreasonable repeated behaviour like washing hand repeatedly, avoiding public public bathrooms, hesitating to share personal items etc.Some might even refuse to shake hands, touch door knobs etc.

Causes

Various kinds of trauma is considered as the cause of this phobia. It is believed that those with mysophobia has increased considerably with the outcome of diseases like AIDS. Increase in Hygeine products is yet another cause. Those with a character of anxiety or worry may develop this phobia. It may be triggered by a television show also.

Treatment

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy where the cause of disease is diagonised and treated. Meditation, and hypnosis is also good for its treatment. Medication involves use of anti depressive drugs like Zoloft, Prozac or Paxil. But this might cause side effects and can not treat disease permanently. These SSRIs and SNRIs helps to increase serotonin levels in brain. Klonopin and xanax are Benzodiazepines commonly prescribed by people. Inderal is a beta blocker that help to control anxiety. Nardil and Parnate are MAOI's that are very effective but have diet controls. Hypnotherapy, energy psychology and neuro-linguistic programming are also found effective. Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) like Energy Psychology is emerging as excellent therapies for Mysophobia. Energy therapy makes you active, changes your behaviour, controls your thought pattern, relaxes and develops certain skills useful for lifetime. It can be called as emotional acupuncture.

Alternate Medicines

Herbal medicine is helpful to reduce anxiety and control emotions. Thus it is helpful to patients with phobias.

Links

http://www.depression-guide.com/phobia/mysophobia.html

http://phobias.about.com/od/phobiaslist/a/mysophobia.htm

http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20080531194036AAQComF

http://www.wrongdiagnosis.com/medical/mysophobia.htm

http://www.fearofgerms.com/

http://www.socialanxietysupport.com/forum/f33/mysophobia-germophobia-47405/

http://www.phobiaq.com/phobia/mysophobia.html

Claustrophobia - Fear of enclosed places

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 24 Jul 2009 02:11:00 +0000

Claustrophobia is the fear of enclosed places. This anxiety may be due to any other general phobias or because the person is claustrophobic. In a Claustrophobic anxiety is developed under certain situations and hence it is a situational phobia. A person with this phobia might find it difficult to be in a car, elevator or in a closed room. In some cases even seeing a closed door can cause panic and anxiety. Person will be isolated from society and this can cause depression.

Symptoms

Those suffering with Claustrophobia might experience nausea, lightheadedness, hyperventilation, fainting, increased heart beat, sweating, fainting, shaking, fear of physical harm etc. while enclosed in a room or even in an elevator.

Causes

For persons with bitter childhood experience this phobia may occur. Those who were stuck in an enclosed place and had some unpleasent experience may get affected by this phobia. such experiences can even cause panic attack. Those with general tendency towards anxiety and fear, those having high strung character and those suferring from adrenal insufficiency and likely to be affected by this phobia.

Treatment

Though there is no specific treatment for this phobia symptoms can be cured and thus brought under control. Psychiatrists will be of great help in this. Behaviour therapy, exposure therapy etc. are found helpful. In behaviour therapy the particular reason for anxiety is detected and by way of positive thinking and visualization feeling of danger with particular situation. Neuro-Linguistic Programming is a more effective therapy in which patients preconceived view of danger is destroyed. Flooding and Counter-conditioning are exposure therapies and in Counter-conditioning behaviour therapy and relaxation techniques are used. Psychoeducation, Virtual reality exposure, Breathing exercises, Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, Relapse prevention, Modelling etc are als ofound effective in treating Claustrophobia. MR Imagining is another method in which midazolam spray is administered intranasal. Among medicines Anti depressents and beta blockers are used to prevent panic attacks. Tranquillisers, anti depressants and beta blockers, benzodiazepines,xanax, Valium are also given to patients. But all these medicines are likely to cause side effects. Above all support from relatives and friends is very necessary for those with phobias.

Alternative Medicines

Hypnotherapy, Homeopathy and Natural herbal medicines are also useful to treat phobias. In Hypnotherapy your subconcious programmes that causes fear is minimized and this helps to bring anxiety under control. Natural herbs like Passiflora incarnata, Scutellaria laterifolia (Scullcap) and Valerian helps tp release from fear while Hypericum perforatum (St John’s Wort) balances the serotonin level and reduces the anxiety. Natural herbs usually promote sense of well being and soothes uneasy nerves. Most attractive part is that these medicines does not have any side effects. Meditation, Yoga, breathing techniques, muscle relaxation etc are also very effective. Energy psychology is yet another emerging method which is fast, effective, safe and long lasting. It can be called as emotional acupuncture as it concentrates on relaxing pressure points.

Links

http://www.disease-condition.com/symptom-treatment/claustrophobia.htm

http://www.nativeremedies.com/ailment/dealing-with-claustrophobia-info.html

http://www.phobia-fear-release.com/what-are-the-symptoms-of-claustrophobia.html

http://www.wrongdiagnosis.com/c/claustrophobia/treatments.htm#latest

http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/bhcv2/bhcarticles.nsf/pages/Claustrophobia?OpenDocument