Health Guide

Identifying Asthma

2008-11-28T11:58:00.000-08:00

Q: How do I know if I might have asthma?A: The small airways in your lungs both swell up and become smaller when an asthma attack strikes. This leads to increased mucus production and decreased flow of the air in the lungs. Wheezing, shortness of breath, and coughing result. In mild cases, these symptoms may be mild and infrequent. If your case is moderate or severe, they may come often.You

Statistics and Risk Surrounding Breast Cancer

2008-11-27T11:33:00.000-08:00

Q: As each year passes, I seem to know more and more women with breast cancer. What is the chance that I will develop breast cancer myself?A: Breast cancer is the most common cancer in US women and is greatly feared. However, many women overestimate their risk. One widely quoted statistic--"one in nine"--refers to the cumulative lifetime risk of breast cancer for a woman who lives past the age

Multiple Pregnancy Week by Week

2008-10-01T16:02:00.000-07:00

There are two distinct camps in the multiple pregnancy debate, is it better to have or to have not? To many in the general population, multiple pregnancy resulting from infertility treatment sounds like a wonderful outcome, the "instant family" after years of involuntary childlessness. This is reinforced by magazine articles and television programmes in which readers and viewers are invited to

How Does Human Reproduction Work ?

2008-09-29T13:54:00.000-07:00

Humans reproduce when two cells (gametes), an egg (ovum) and a sperm, come together. Each gamete contributes half of the genetic material contained in the foetus. The hormones which control the production of sperm and eggs are called gonadotrophins. There are two types of gonadotrophins: Follicle Stimulating Hormones (FSH) and Luteinizing Hormone (LH). These two hormones are produced in a tiny,

Fertility Fitness - the impact of increased weight on fertility

2008-09-28T13:21:00.000-07:00

Thirty seven percent of Australians are overweight or obese according to recent Australian Bureau of Statistics data and the number is rising. In addition to the association with cardiovascular disease, diabetes and some cancers, increased weight has now been shown to have an adverse effect on fertility and also increases the risk of miscarriage.This association was first noted in studies in the

Trying to Conceive: Infertility

2008-09-27T13:20:00.000-07:00

A couple is regarded as infertile when they have not conceived after 12 months of regular, unprotected intercourse. About 15% of couples of reproductive age have a fertility problem. Find that hard to believe? That's because most don't talk about it. Three out of five couples conceive within six months of trying, one in four takes between six months and one year. For the rest, conception takes

Down Syndrome Characteristics

2008-09-26T13:04:00.000-07:00

Other names :Mongolism, trisomy 21.Introduction :Genetic condition characterised by poor muscle tone, abnormal joint movement, mongoloid shaped face, mental retardation, small nose and other characteristics.Discovery :Down was a London physician, who in 1866 first described the condition.Types :There are as many different types as there are patients, as all vary to some degree in the severity and

Nice Guidelines for Diabetes

2008-09-25T12:49:00.000-07:00

Other names :Diabetes mellitus, sugar diabetes.Introduction :An inability of the body to process sugar effectively.Discovery :The effects of insulin were discovered in 1921 by Canadian Dr. Frederick Banting and his medical student assistant Charles Best, after experimenting on dogs.Types :There are two totally different types of sugar diabetes - juvenile (type one) and mature (type two). Most

Heartburn: Upset Stomach

2008-09-24T13:48:00.000-07:00

Other names :Reflux oesophagitis.Introduction :Burning pain behind the breast bone caused by reflux of acid from the stomach into the oesophagus.Types :May be caused by over indulgence, weakness of the diaphragmatic sphincter of the stomach, a hiatus hernia or other causes of excess acid production.Cause :Heartburn is caused by the reflux of hydrochloric acid from the stomach into the lower part

Stress Cause Infertility

2008-09-24T12:44:00.000-07:00

Stress and infertility are intricately linked. There is little evidence that stress causes infertility but it is well known that infertility causes stress.Stress is a normal part of life - but many would argue that dealing with infertility isn't normal. Finding ways of dealing with the stresses of infertility help a person cope both with the physical treatments and outcomes that occur.Many see

Vitamin C Cancer treatment

2008-08-10T08:42:00.000-07:00

Rationale / Background function showPrint () { open('/i-cms?page=1.2.546.565&print=yes', 'printwindow', 'dependent=yes,directories=no,location=no,menubar=yes,status=no,toolbar=no,resizable=yes,scrollbars=yes,width=600,height=520,top=50,left=80'); } Vitamin C is the general name

The Ian Gawler Approach

2008-08-10T07:40:00.000-07:00

Rationale / Background Ian Gawler is an Australian veterinarian who has developed an integrated approach to cancer which combines diet, detoxification, stress management, positive thinking and meditation techniques. His belief is that by utilising all these means “the body’s natural healing

The Gerson Method

2008-08-10T06:38:00.000-07:00

The Cancer Council South Australia recognises that people with cancer, their families and friends will seek out information about alternative and complementary therapies. These methods may also be referred to as “unproven”, “non-toxic”, “unorthodox” or “unconventional” therapies and represent methods which are not scientifically proven by random clinical trials. The following information is

Shark Cartilage and Cancer

2008-08-10T06:35:00.000-07:00

Rationale / Background / Claims function showPrint () { open('/i-cms?page=1.2.546.564&print=yes', 'printwindow', 'dependent=yes,directories=no,location=no,menubar=yes,status=no,toolbar=no,resizable=yes,scrollbars=yes,width=600,height=520,top=50,left=80'); } In 1971, Dr Judah

Laetrile / Amygdalin and Cancer

2008-08-10T06:33:00.000-07:00

Macrobiotic diets and Cancer

2008-08-10T06:32:00.000-07:00

Skin Cancer and Sun Screens

2008-08-10T06:27:00.000-07:00

What are sunscreens?Sunscreens are products which protect the skin against the damaging effects of the sun's ultraviolet radiation (UVR).They contain chemicals which either absorb or reflect the UV rays which would otherwise burn and damage the skin. Ultraviolet radiation and skin damageThere are three

Treatment of ovarian cancer

2008-08-06T15:02:00.000-07:00

Treatment for ovarian cancer usually involves surgery and chemotherapy. Radiotherapy may also be used. These treatments may be used alone or together.SurgeryThe first treatment for ovarian cancer is usually surgery. Since confirmation of cancer usually follows the operation, it is important to discuss all the possible options with the gynaecological oncologist prior to surgery. The surgery

How is ovarian cancer diagnosed?

2008-08-06T15:01:00.000-07:00

Unlike breast and cervical cancer there is no general screening test for ovarian cancer. A general practitioner may be the first person to examine you and organise further tests that may be necessary.Physical examinationA thorough physical examination includes an internal pelvic examination, when the doctor checks for any masses or lumps in the abdominal area.Blood testsA blood test is available

What causes ovarian cancer?

2008-08-06T15:00:00.000-07:00

The cause of ovarian cancer is unknown. There are some factors that appear to increase a woman’s risk of developing ovarian cancer. They are as follows:Age:The risk of developing ovarian cancer increases with age, with a higher incidence amongst women over 50.Hormonal factors:The hormones associated with pregnancy appear to have a protective effect with regards to ovarian cancer. Ovarian cancer

What is ovarian cancer?

2008-08-06T14:58:00.000-07:00

Ovarian cancer, like other cancers, is a disease of the body's cells. Normally, the body's cells grow and divide in an orderly manner so that worn out or injured tissue is replaced or repaired. Sometimes cells begin to grow and behave in an abnormal way and grow into a mass or lump of tissue called a tumour.Tumours can be benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous). Benign tumours do not

Symptoms of lung cancer

2008-08-05T20:05:00.000-07:00

dairycrc.com PRIt is important to note that the signs and symptoms of lung cancer usually occur when the disease is at an advanced stage. They are as follows: * A persistent cough or a change in a chronic cough * Shortness of breath * Blood stained sputum (phlegm) * Chest pain, often aggravated by deep breathing * Bouts of pneumonia or bronchitis.Symptoms of more advanced lung

Less common causes of cancer

2008-08-05T18:04:00.000-07:00

Workplace exposureOccupational exposure to asbestos is associated with an increased risk of mesothelioma and lung cancer. This risk is greatly increased if the person smokes.Other occupational exposures associated with lung cancer include contact with the processing of steel, nickel, chromium and coal gas.Exposure to radiation causes an increased risk of all cancers including lung cancer. Miners

Major cause of lung cancer

2008-08-05T18:02:00.000-07:00

Tobacco smoking is the major cause of lung cancer. Over 75% and possibly as much as 90% of all lung cancer can be attributed to smoking.Lung cancer is most common in adults aged between 40 and 70 years who have smoked for around 20 years. If the smoking commenced in teenage years, the risk of developing lung cancers is 2-3 times greater.Cigarette smoke contains many cancer causing substances

Diagnosis of lung cancer

2008-08-05T17:09:00.000-07:00

Early lung cancers are diagnosed incidentally, ie they are found by chance as a result of tests for other unrelated medical conditions. Currently there is no population screening for lung cancer.Investigations are carried out to confirm the presence of lung cancer in patients who complain of one or more of the above symptoms. The following techniques may be used: * Chest x-ray A chest