Medical Science

Mesothelioma

2009-10-20T11:54:00.001-07:00

This latency period can have a significant impact on patients diagnosed with asbestos cancer. For example, when mesothelioma symptoms and other signs of disease take several decades to appear, the disease is usually already in its latest stages of development. As a result, many patients only have the option of palliative mesothelioma treatment options rather than curative.
Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer that is almost exclusively caused by asbestos exposure. The disease occurs when the fibers of asbestos become lodged in the mesothelial lining of the lungs (pleural mesothelioma), heart (pericardial mesothelioma), or abdomen (peritoneal mesothelioma).
In most instances, this disease takes anywhere between 20 and 50 years to develop. In addition to having difficulty with breathing and swallowing, extreme weight loss is also a side effect of malignant mesothelioma cancer.
Another form of asbestos cancer is asbestosis, which also causes intense scarring of the lungs.//////

what is mesotheloma actualy

2009-10-20T11:49:00.000-07:00

Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer that affects the membrane that covers and protects various internal organs of the body (mesothelium). The mesothelium is composed of two layers of specialized cells known as mesothelial cells. One layer directly surrounds an organ; the other forms a protective sac around the organ. The most common form of mesothelioma affects the membrane or sac that lines the lungs (pleura). Other common sites include the membrane lining the stomach (peritoneum) and the membrane lining the heart (pericardium).

Malignant Mesothelioma

2009-10-20T11:40:00.000-07:00

Malignant mesothelioma is a form of asbestos cancer that affects the thin tissue layer surrounding the body's internal organs, called the mesothelium. The cancer is almost exclusively caused by asbestos exposure.

How Many and What Type of Malignant Mesothelioma Deaths Occurred in 1999.

Medical professionals divide malignant mesothelioma into various types depending on which area of the mesothelium is affected:

Pleural mesothelioma is the most common form of the cancer, affecting the lining of the lungs, called the pleura.
Peritoneal mesothelioma is the second most common form of the cancer and develops in the lining of the abdomen, called the peritoneum.
Pericardial mesothelioma develops in the membrane that surrounds the heart, called the pericardium.
Testicular mesothelioma is the rarest form of the cancer and develops in the membranous lining surrounding the testicles, called the tunica vaginalis............

http://www.asbestos.com

Mesothelioma Treatment Options

2009-10-20T11:38:00.000-07:00

While there is currently no cure available for malignant mesothelioma, there are treatments available. The types of treatments may include:

Abdominal Mesothelioma

2009-10-20T11:36:00.000-07:00

Peritoneal Mesothelioma (Abdominal Mesothelioma)

Malignant peritoneal mesothelioma is an extremely rare cancer. Only 100 to 500 cases are diagnosed in the US each year, making up less than 30% of all mesothelioma cases.

Peritoneal mesothelioma is a cancer affecting the abdominal lining, or peritoneum (paira-tin-e-um), which is why is is sometimes referred to as abdominal mesothelioma. This membrane supports and covers the organs of the abdomen.

The peritoneum is made of two parts, the visceral and parietal peritoneum. The visceral peritoneum covers the internal organs and makes up most of the outer layer of the intestinal tract. Covering the abdominal cavity is the parietal peritoneum.

Cells in these linings secrete a fluid which allows organs to move against one another. For instance, as the intestines move food through the body. The cells of the mesothelium are designed to create fluid, but the cancer can cause them to overproduce, creating a build up of excess fluid in the abdominal cavity

.source

http://www.mesotheliomacenter.org

Diagnosis of mesothelioma

2009-10-20T11:32:00.000-07:00

CT scan of a patient with mesothelioma, coronal section (the section follows the plane that divides the body in a front and a back half). The mesothelioma is indicated by yellow arrows, the central pleural effusion (fluid collection) is marked with a yellow star. Red numbers: (1) right lung, (2) spine, (3) left lung, (4) ribs, (5) descending part of the aorta, (6) spleen, (7) left kidney, (8) right kidney, (9) liver.

Diagnosing mesothelioma is often difficult, because the symptoms are similar to those of a number of other conditions. Diagnosis begins with a review of the patient's medical history. A history of exposure to asbestos may increase clinical suspicion for mesothelioma. A physical examination is performed, followed by chest X-ray and often lung function tests. The X-ray may reveal pleural thickening commonly seen after asbestos exposure and increases suspicion of mesothelioma. A CT (or CAT) scan or an MRI is usually performed. If a large amount of fluid is present, abnormal cells may be detected by cytology if this fluid is aspirated with a syringe. For pleural fluid this is done by a pleural tap or chest drain, in ascites with an paracentesis or ascitic drain and in a pericardial effusion with pericardiocentesis. While absence of malignant cells on cytology does not completely exclude mesothelioma, it makes it much more unlikely, especially if an alternative diagnosis can be made (e.g. tuberculosis, heart failure).

If cytology is positive or a plaque is regarded as suspicious, a biopsy is needed to confirm a diagnosis of mesothelioma. A doctor removes a sample of tissue for examination under a microscope by a pathologist. A biopsy may be done in different ways, depending on where the abnormal area is located. If the cancer is in the chest, the doctor may perform a thoracoscopy. In this procedure, the doctor makes a small cut through the chest wall and puts a thin, lighted tube called a thoracoscope into the chest between two ribs. Thoracoscopy allows the doctor to look inside the chest and obtain tissue samples.

If the cancer is in the abdomen, the doctor may perform a laparoscopy. To obtain tissue for examination, the doctor makes a small incision in the abdomen and inserts a special instrument into the abdominal cavity. If these procedures do not yield enough tissue, more extensive diagnostic surgery may be necessary.

**Typical immunohistochemistry results**
Positive	Negative
EMA (epithelial membrane antigen) in a membranous distribution	CEA (carcinoembryonic antigen)
WT1 (Wilms' tumour 1)	B72.3
Calretinin	MOC-3 1
Mesothelin-1	CD15
Cytokeratin 5/6	Ber-EP4
HBME-1 (human mesothelial cell 1)	TTF-1 (thyroid transcription factor-1)

source http://en.wikipedia.org/

Treatment of mesothelioma

2009-10-20T11:29:00.000-07:00

Treatment of malignant mesothelioma using conventional therapies in combination with radiation and or chemotherapy on stage I or II Mesothelioma have proved on average 74.6 percent successful in extending the patient's life span by five years or more [commonly known as remission][this percentage may increase or decrease depending on date of discovery / stage of malignant development] (Oncology Today, 2009). Treatment course is primarily determined by the staging or development. This is unlike traditional treatment such as surgery by itself which has proved only be 16.3 percent likely to extend a patient's life span by five years or more [commonly known as remission]. Clinical behavior of the malignancy is affected by several factors including the continuous mesothelial surface of the pleural cavity which favors local metastasis via exfoliated cells, invasion to underlying tissue and other organs within the pleural cavity, and the extremely long latency period between asbestos exposure and development of the disease.

Types of mesothelioma

2009-10-20T11:28:00.000-07:00

Pleural effusion is broken down into two categories, transudates and exudates. A transudate is a clear fluid that forms not because the pleural surfaces are diseased, but because of an imbalance between the normal production and removal of the fluid. The most common cause of transudative fluid is congestive heart failure. An exudate, which is often cloudy and contains many cells and proteins, results from disease of the pleura itself, and is common to mesothelioma. To determine whether a fluid is a transudate or exudate, a diagnostic thoracentesis, in which a needle or catheter is used to obtain a fluid sample, may be conducted.,,,,,

MESOTHELIOMA SYMPTOMS

2009-10-20T11:27:00.000-07:00

The early symptoms of mesothelioma are generally non-specific, and may lead to a delay in diagnosis. Sometimes resembling viral pneumonia, pleural mesothelioma patients may present with shortness of breath, chest pain and/or persistent cough; some patients show no symptoms at all. A chest x-ray may show a build-up of fluid or pleural effusion (discussed below). The right lung is affected 60% of the time, with involvement of both lungs being seen in approximately 5% of patients at the time of diagnosis. Less common symptoms of pleural mesothelioma include fever, night sweats and weight loss. Symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma may include pain or swelling in the abdomen due to a build-up of fluid, nausea, weight loss, bowel obstruction, anemia or swelling of the feet.

PLEASE KEEP IN MIND THAT THESE SYMPTOMS MAY BE CAUSED BY MESOTHELIOMA OR BY OTHER LESS SERIOUS CONDITIONS. ONLY A DOCTOR CAN MAKE A DEFINITIVE DIAGNOSIS.

sourcehttp://www.mesotheliomaweb.org/

what is mesothelioma?

2009-10-20T11:22:00.001-07:00

Mesothelioma is a form of cancer that is almost always caused by exposure to asbestos. In this disease, malignant cells develop in the mesothelium, a protective lining that covers most of the body's internal organs. Its most common site is the pleura (outer lining of the lungs and internal chest wall), but it may also occur in the peritoneum (the lining of the abdominal cavity), the heart, the pericardium (a sac that surrounds the heart) or tunica vaginalis.

MRI Scans

2009-09-14T11:44:00.000-07:00

Also called: Magnetic resonance imaging, NMR, Nuclear magnetic resonance

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) uses a large magnet and radio waves to look at organs and structures inside your body. Health care professionals use MRI scans to diagnose a variety of conditions, from torn ligaments to tumors. MRIs are very useful for examining the brain and spinal cord.

During the scan, you lie on a table that slides inside a tunnel-shaped machine. Doing the scan can take a long time, and you must stay still. The scan is painless. The MRI machine makes a lot of noise. The technician may offer you earplugs.

Before you get a scan, tell your doctor if you

Are pregnant
Have pieces of metal in your body. You might have metal in your body if you have a shrapnel or bullet injury or if you are a welder
Have electronic devices in your body, such as a cardiac pacemaker

What are the benefits vs. risks? of CT Scan

2009-09-14T11:39:00.000-07:00

Benefits

CT scanning is painless, noninvasive and accurate.
A major advantage of CT is its ability to image bone, soft tissue and blood vessels all at the same time.
Unlike conventional x-rays, CT scanning provides very detailed images of many types of tissue as well as the lungs, bones, and blood vessels.
CT examinations are fast and simple; in emergency cases, they can reveal internal injuries and bleeding quickly enough to help save lives.
CT has been shown to be a cost-effective imaging tool for a wide range of clinical problems.
CT is less sensitive to patient movement than MRI.
CT can be performed if you have an implanted medical device of any kind, unlike MRI.
CT imaging provides real-time imaging, making it a good tool for guiding minimally invasive procedures such as needle biopsies and needle aspirations of many areas of the body, particularly the lungs, abdomen, pelvis and bones.
A diagnosis determined by CT scanning may eliminate the need for exploratory surgery and surgical biopsy.
No radiation remains in a patient's body after a CT examination.
X-rays used in CT scans usually have no side effects.

Risks

There is always a slight chance of cancer from excessive exposure to radiation. However, the benefit of an accurate diagnosis far outweighs the risk.
The effective radiation dose from this procedure ranges from approximately two to 10 mSv, which is about the same as the average person receives from background radiation in three to five years. See the Safety page for more information about radiation dose.
Women should always inform their physician and x-ray or CT technologist if there is any possibility that they are pregnant. See the Safety page for more information about pregnancy and x-rays.
CT scanning is, in general, not recommended for pregnant women unless medically necessary because of potential risk to the baby.
Nursing mothers should wait for 24 hours after contrast material injection before resuming breast-feeding.
The risk of serious allergic reaction to contrast materials that contain iodine is extremely rare, and radiology departments are well-equipped to deal with them.
Because children are more sensitive to radiation, they should have a CT study only if it is essential for making a diagnosis and should not have repeated CT studies unless absolutely necessary.

source
http://www.radiologyinfo.org

How is the CAT scan performed?

2009-09-14T11:38:00.000-07:00

The technologist begins by positioning you on the CT examination table, usually lying flat on your back or possibly on your side or on your stomach. Straps and pillows may be used to help you maintain the correct position and to hold still during the exam.

If contrast material is used, it will be swallowed, injected through an intravenous line (IV) or administered by enema, depending on the type of examination.

Next, the table will move quickly through the scanner to determine the correct starting position for the scans. Then, the table will move slowly through the machine as the actual CT scanning is performed.

You may be asked to hold your breath during the scanning. Any motion, whether breathing or body movements, can lead to artifacts on the images. This is similar to the blurring seen on a photograph taken of a moving object.

When the examination is completed, you will be asked to wait until the technologist verifies that the images are of high enough quality for accurate interpretation.

CT scanning of the body is usually completed within 30 minutes.

What is CT Scanning of the Body?

2009-09-14T11:30:00.000-07:00

CT scanning—sometimes called CAT scanning—is a noninvasive medical test that helps physicians diagnose and treat medical conditions.

CT scanning combines special x-ray equipment with sophisticated computers to produce multiple images or pictures of the inside of the body. These cross-sectional images of the area being studied can then be examined on a computer monitor or printed.

CT scans of internal organs, bone, soft tissue and blood vessels provide greater clarity and reveal more details than regular x-ray exams.

Using specialized equipment and expertise to create and interpret CT scans of the body, radiologist can more easily diagnose problems such as cancers, cardiovascular disease, infectious disease, trauma and disorders....

Looking back: Top medical developments for women this decade

2009-09-14T11:24:00.000-07:00

By Christine Cosgrove

source

http://archives.cnn.com/1999/HEALTH/women/12/27/women.millenium.one.wmd/index.html

(WebMD) -- The 1970s was a decade in which women became more aware of their bodies and how they worked. The 1980s was a decade of advocacy for diseases like breast cancer. What characterizes this last decade of the century in terms of health care for women?

"In the 1990s, we finally recognized that women's health is more than just reproductive health care, and that we need to evaluate, through a gender-specific lens, the other diseases to which women are prone," says Nancy Milliken, M.D., director of the Women's Health Center at the University of California at San Francisco.

Heart disease, for example, is the number one killer of women. But for a variety of reasons, women were virtually excluded from studies on heart disease until late in this decade. Researchers assumed that whatever they learned about heart disease in men would be just as true for women. They were wrong. Symptoms of a heart attack can be quite different for women, and the outcome can be far more serious.

The Women's Health Initiative,- a major research study of women and their health, was launched in 1991 to fill the gaps left by excluding women from so many medical studies. The study's findings on heart conditions in women will be available in 2005.

The estrogen factor

"The most interesting thing we've seen in the nineties has been some of the very basic science work that lets us begin to understand just how women are different from men," says Janet Pregler, M.D., director of the Iris Cantor UCLA Women's Health Center.

Estrogen, it seems, may play a far greater role in women's health than was previously suspected. According to Pregler, estrogen may ultimately be implicated in autoimmune disease, depression, and dementia -- all of which afflict women at a greater rate than men.

Top breakthroughs

A fuller understanding of estrogen's role in the body will have to wait until next decade, but the nineties saw its share of important breakthroughs. Pregler, Milliken, and Elizabeth Kennard, M.D., associate professor of Medicine at Ohio State University in Columbus, contributed to this list of the most important developments for women's health in the past decade:

Genetic testing was developed that can identify women who are at high risk for hereditary breast cancer.

The drug tamoxifen was found to prevent breast cancer in certain high-risk women, while trials of the drug Herceptin showed it is effective at treating advanced breast cancer.

Advances against breast cancer

Breast cancer surgery became less invasive. More lumpectomies and fewer mastectomies were performed on women, and surgeons found a way to tell if cancer has spread by inspecting only one lymph node instead of removing many.

For women who need to protect their bones from osteoporosis but cannot take estrogen, raloxifene was found to offer many of the same benefits without raising the odds for breast cancer.

Two medical procedures, ultrasound and endoscopy, advanced significantly. Ultrasound became far more accurate and useful in pregnancy and diagnosis of breast and pelvic abnormalities. Endoscopy -- which involves inserting a camera and surgical instruments through several small incisions -- allows doctors to repair damage from ectopic pregnancies and remove fibroid tumors and ovarian cysts in a far less invasive procedure.

A breakthrough in in vitro fertilization techniques allowed doctors to drill a tiny hole in the wall of an egg and inject a single sperm. This enables fertilization in couples where the sperm is unable to penetrate the egg.

From antidepressants to the Internet

The development of new antidepressants -- the SSRIs -- expanded treatment options for depression, a disease that is more prevalent in women than men. (According to the National Institute of Mental Health, depression affects twice as many women as men.)

At least a dozen new ways to treat incontinence were developed in the last decade. Today a woman's options include estrogen rings, biofeedback, electrical stimulation, new drugs and new surgical techniques.

Emergency room doctors, primary care physicians, obstetrician-gynecologists and ophthalmologists -- among other health professionals -- are wiser and more sensitive to domestic violence, a health problem which is more common than most people realize. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, up to 30 percent of women treated in emergency rooms have injuries or symptoms related to physical abuse.

The Internet has transformed the relationship between women and their doctors. "My patients routinely come in for their visits with printouts from the Internet," says Kennard. "They have access to information they would never have been able to find 10 years ago. It's really improved women's education and information."

Index of (In)Famous Research and High Profile Cases

2009-09-14T11:19:00.000-07:00

WARNING: some of these links lead to graphic upsetting material.

source
http://www.circare.org

Medical Research

2009-09-14T11:13:00.000-07:00

Adults who lack the capacity to consent

Our motto was developed in 1991 to ensure that such research is conducted ethically and is sensitive to the needs of the individuals involved. It is currently being updated to reflect the Mental Capacity Act 2005 which comes into force in April 2007, but remains valid in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

The Mental Capacity Act 2005 governs decision-making on behalf of adults who lack mental capacity, both where they lose capacity at some point in their lives, and where the incapacitating condition has been present since birth. The MRC has welcomed the Act, as it has clarified and enshrined in law the statutory requirements for when adults who lack the capacity to consent are included in medical research studie

Use of personal information

When studying specific health problems, medical researchers sometimes need to use information about people drawn from surveys, medical records, scientific tests and interviews. Most of this information is confidential and inappropriate use of it could harm a person’s sense of security and autonomy, damage the doctor-patient relationship or lead to unfair discrimination.

The MRC provides guidance on how such information should be used, which the researchers we fund must follow. It reflects developments in law, changing public attitudes and medical researchers’ increasingly sophisticated information needs. The guidance also sets out procedures that must be followed by those undertaking or planning research that involves the use of patient data where consent from the individuals concerned has not or will not be obtained.

HIV/AIDS TREATMENT AND CARE

2009-09-14T10:26:00.000-07:00

HIV/AIDS Treatment And care

June 2008 — Health experts estimate that approximately 25% of Americans infected with HIV do not know their status — a figure that has profound public health implications. In fact, evidence suggests that most new infections stem from people who are unaware of their HIV status, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).All sexually active people, particularly those who have had multiple sex partners — gay or straight— should get tested. Even people in monogamous relationships should be tested and should know their partner’s status.What is an HIV test? When HIV enters the bloodstream, it begins to attack certain white blood cells known as CD4 cells. The immune system then produces antibodies to fight off infection. When you take an HIV test, doctors are actually looking for the presence of these antibodies, which confirm that HIV infection has occurred. Why should I get tested? Early diagnosis is crucial in preventing life-threatening health conditions and combating the spread of HIV. Knowing your status will allow you to take steps to protect your health and the health of others. If you know you are HIV-positive and pregnant, you can take medications and other precautions—such as refraining from breast-feeding— to significantly reduce the risk of infecting your child.Am I at risk? Anyone can become infected with HIV, but you are at greater risk if you:Have ever shared injection drug needles and syringes or “works.”Have ever had unprotected vaginal, anal, or oral sex with multiple sex partners, anonymous partners, or men who have sex with men.Have ever been diagnosed with or treated for hepatitis, tuberculosis (TB) or a sexually transmitted disease such as syphilis.Exchanged sex for drugs or money.Received a blood transfusion or clotting factor between 1978 and 1985.Have had unprotected sex with someone who would answer yes to any of the above questions.If you are unsure of a sexual partner’s risk-taking behavior or if you or they have had many sex partners, you are at greater risk of infection.The CDC recommends that all pregnant women be screened for HIV. In the U.S., mother-to-child HIV transmission is highly preventable if the mother begins treatment before or during childbirth.Can’t I tell whether I’m infected without getting tested? No. The only way to know for sure is to be tested. Within a few weeks after infection with HIV, some people may develop temporary flu-like symptoms or persistent swollen glands, but many people feel healthy for a decade, and some for even more. Unfortunately, HIV- infected people who look and feel perfectly healthy can still transmit the virus to others. When and how can I get tested? Most people develop detectable HIV antibodies within three months of infection, the average being 20 days. In rare cases, it can take 6-12 months. For this reason, the CDC recommends testing six months after the last possible exposure, i.e, unprotected vaginal, anal, or oral sex, or sharing needles. You can be tested at your doctor’s office, local health department, hospital, and sites specifically set up to provide HIV testing. All HIV test results are confidential and can only be shared with people authorized to see your medical records. Anonymous testing sites allow you to get tested without giving your name.It is important to seek testing at a place that also provides counseling about HIV and AIDS. Counselors can answer questions about behavior that may put you at risk of contracting or transmitting HIV and suggest ways you can protect yourself and others in the future. They can also help you understand the meaning of the test results and refer you to local AIDS-related resources.The CDC provides a national database of HIV testing sites (see sidebar).What types of HIV tests are available? Several HIV antibody tests are used today. The most common are blood and oral fluid tests. Unlike most testing methods, which can take anywhere from three days to several weeks, rapid HIV testing offers results in 20 minutes to an hour. Although these tests are very accurate, all positive HIV results must be confirmed with a follow-up test before a final diagnosis of infection can be made

TESTS OF HIV/AIDS

2009-09-14T10:25:00.000-07:00

What types of tests are available
Several HIV antibody tests are used today.
The most common are blood and oral fluid tests. Unlike most testing methods, which can take anywhere from three days to several weeks, rapid HIV testing offers results in 20 minutes to an hour. Although these tests are very accurate, all positive HIV results must be confirmed with a follow-up test before a final diagnosis of infection can be madees of HIV tests are available

HIV TREATMENT

2009-09-14T10:24:00.002-07:00

HIV Treatment
Acquired immune deficiency syndrome or acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS or Aids) is a set of symptoms and infections resulting from the damage to the human immune system caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). This condition progressively reduces the effectiveness of the immune system and leaves individuals susceptible to opportunistic infections and tumors. HIV is transmitted through direct contact of a mucous membrane or the bloodstream with a bodily fluid containing HIV, such as blood, semen, vaginal fluid, preseminal fluid, and breast milk.[This transmission can involve anal, vaginal or oral sex, blood transfusion, contaminated hypodermic needles, exchange between mother and baby during pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding, or other exposure to one of the above bodily fluids.AIDS is now a pandemic. In 2007, an estimated 33.2 million people lived with the disease worldwide, and it killed an estimated 2.1 million people, including 330,000 children. Over three-quarters of these deaths occurred in sub-Saharan Africa, retarding economic growth and destroying human capital. Most researchers believe that HIV originated in sub-Saharan Africa during the twentieth century.AIDS was first recognized by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Preventio in 1981 and its cause, HIV, identified by American and French scientists in the early 1980s.Although treatments for AIDS and HIV can slow the course of the disease, there is currently no vaccine or cure.

Physical Health

2009-09-14T10:22:00.000-07:00

Physical Health

Physical fitness is good bodily health, and is the result of regular exercise, proper diet & nutrition, and proper rest for physical recovery.
Main article: Human height
A strong indicator of the health of localized population is their height, which generally increases with improved nutrition and health care. This is also influenced by the standard of living and quality of life. Genetics also plays a major role in people's height. The study of human growth, its regulators, and implications is known as Auxology.

Health Maintenance

2009-09-14T10:20:00.000-07:00

Health Maintenance

Achieving health and remaining healthy is an active process. Effective strategies for staying healthy and improving one's health include the following elements:

Nutrition

The updated USDA food pyramid, published in 2005, is a general nutrition guide for recommended food consumption.
Nutrition is the science that studies how what people eat affects their health and performance, such as foods or food components that cause diseases or deteriorate health (such as eating too many calories, which is a major contributing factor to obesity, diabetes, and heart disease). The field of nutrition also studies foods and dietary supplements that improve performance, promote health, and cure or prevent disease, such as eating fibrous foods to reduce the risk of colon cancer, or supplementing with vitamin C to strengthen teeth and gums and to improve the immune system.
Personal health depends partially on the social structure of one’s life. The maintenance of strong social relationships is linked to good health conditions, longevity, productivity, and a positive attitude. This is due to the fact that positive social interaction as viewed by the participant increases many chemical levels in the brain which are linked to personality and intelligence traits. Essentially this means that positive reinforcement from a third party make one more socially adept, in control, and relaxed physically and mentally, all of which are proven to effect the nervous system(UHF[edit] Sports nutrition
Main article:

Sports nutrition
Sports nutrition focuses the link between dietary supplements and athletic performance. One goal of sports nutrition is to maintain glycogen levels and prevent glycogen depletion. Another is to optimize energy levels and muscle tone. An athlete's strategy for winning an event may include a schedule for the entire season of what to eat, when to eat it, and in what precise quantities (before, during, after, and between workouts and events). Participants in endurance sports such as the full-distance triathlon actually eat during their races. Sports nutrition works hand-in-hand with

Exercise

Physical exercise
A U.S. Marine emerges from the water upon completing the swimming leg of a triathlon.
Exercise is the performance of movements in order to develop or maintain physical fitness and overall health. It is often directed toward also honing athletic ability or skill. Frequent and regular physical exercise is an important component in the prevention of some of the diseases of affluence such as cancer, heart disease, cardiovascular disease, Type 2 diabetes, obesity and back pain.
Exercises are generally grouped into three types depending on the overall effect they have on the human body:
Flexibility exercises such as stretching improve the range of motion of muscles and joints.
Aerobic exercises such as walking and running focus on increasing cardiovascular endurance and muscle density.
Anaerobic exercises such as weight training or sprinting increase muscle mass and strength.
Physical exercise is considered important for maintaining physical fitness including healthy weight; building and maintaining healthy bones, muscles, and joints; promoting physiological well-being; reducing surgical risks; and strengthening the immune system.
Proper nutrition is just as, if not more, important to health as exercise. When exercising it becomes even more important to have good diet to ensure the body has the correct ratio of macronutrients whilst providing ample micronutrients; this is to aid the body with the recovery process following strenuous exercise. When the body falls short of proper nutrition, it gets into starvation mode developed through evolution and depends onto fat content for survival. Research suggest that the production of thyroid hormones can be negatively affected by repeated bouts of dieting and calorie restriction. Proper rest and recovery is also as important to health as exercise, otherwise the body exists in a permanently injured state and will not improve or adapt adequately to the exercise.
The above two factors can be compromised by psychological compulsions (eating disorders such as exercise bulimia, anorexia, and other bulimias), misinformation, a lack of organization, or a lack of motivation. These all lead to a decreased state of health.
Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness can occur after any exercise, particularly if the body is in an unconditioned state relative to that exercise and the exercise involves repetitive eccentric contractions

Hygiene
Hygiene is the practice of keeping the body clean to prevent infection and illness, and the avoidance of contact with infectious agents. Hygiene practices include bathing, brushing and flossing teeth, washing hands especially before eating, washing food before it is eaten, cleaning food preparation utensils and surfaces before and after preparing meals, and many others. This may help prevent infection and illness. By cleaning the body, dead skin cells are washed away with the germs, reducing their chance of entering the body.

Stress management
Prolonged psychological stress may negatively impact health, such as by weakening the immune system. See negative effects of the fight-or-flight response. Stress management is the application of methods to either reduce stress or increase tolerance to stress. Certain nootropics do both. Exercising to improve physical fitness, especially cardiovascular fitness, boosts the immune system and increases stress tolerance. Relaxation techniques are physical methods used to relieve stress. Examples include , progressive relaxation, and fractional relaxatio. Psychological methods include cognitive therapy, meditation, and positive thinking which work by reducing response to stress. Improving relevant skills and abilities builds confidence, which also reduces the stress reaction to situations where those skills are applicable. Reducing uncertainty, by increasing knowledge and experience related to stress-causing situations, has the same effect. Learning to cope with problems better, such as improving problem solving and time management skills, may also reduce stressful reaction to problems. Repeatedly facing an object of one's fears may also desensitize the fight-or-flight response with respect to that stimulus -- e.g., facing bullies may reduce fear

HIV/AIDS

2009-09-14T10:19:00.001-07:00

HIV stands for human immunodeficiency virus. This is the virus that causes AIDS. HIV is different from most other viruses because it attacks the immune system. The immune system gives our bodies the ability to fight infections. HIV finds and destroys a type of white blood cell (T cells or CD4 cells) that the immune system must have to fight disease.

AIDS

2009-09-14T10:18:00.003-07:00

AIDS stands for acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. AIDS is the final stage of HIV infection. It can take years for a person infected with HIV, even without treatment, to reach this stage. Having AIDS means that the virus has weakened the immune system to the point at which the body has a difficult time fighting infection. When someone has one or more specific infections, certain cancers, or a very low number of T cells, he or she is considered to have AIDS. For more information

Origin of HIV

2009-09-14T10:18:00.001-07:00

Scientists identified a type of chimpanzee in West Africa as the source of HIV infection in humans. The virus most likely jumped to humans when humans hunted these chimpanzees for meat and came into contact with their infected blood. Over several years, the virus slowly spread across Africa and later into other parts of the world. For more information view our question and answer on the origin of HIV.