Do You Think That Screenings That Check For Your Health Could Kill You?



Screenings for cancer may be dangerous or could cause a serious sickness and in the end could not determine anything. Would you believe that the American Cancer Society now agrees that screening for serious cancer is not all that accurate.

I am sure that most everyone will agree that early detection of serious cancer is a good thing. But what happens in many cases is that a questionable spot is detected with the imaging or scanning equipment. The result of this discovery changes the patients whole life.

The suspicious spot in many cases is inconsequential or benign. The problem is that the medical establishment doesn’t want to take a chance and the only way they currently have to treat cancer is to use chemotherapy or radiation. Both severely debilitates the patient. Maybe you have heard, but let me say it again. Most everyone has some cancer in their body at some point in time. You will never know it is there, its to small to detect and they never affect your life.

Your immune system takes care of them. When screening detects a cancer it usually is well advanced and treatment has to be aggressive. Maybe chemo or other similar aggressive treatments are necessary to save a life. But if this route is necessary, it must be followed up with an aggressive protocol of a high quality, organic supplement complex. Otherwise all the suffering with chemo, etc. will be a wast of time and suffering.

The cancer will return if no followup prevention is planned after chemotherapy. It has been proved that mammograms make no sense. Very few lives are saved. Even the respected Journal of Clinical Oncology has said the increase in use of MRI’s to detect problems (screening) has it problems and repercussions. The journal also follows this statement with the fact that the increase in the number of a single or double mastectomy in many cases should not be done. Again it is screening that is causing the increase.

If we consider prostatectomy (removal of the the male prostate), regardless of whether radiation is used or not, the men suffer a lot. The after effects are… -impotency -incontinent (diapers for the rest of the patients life) -and if no followup treatment is planned, the cancer will return in most cases Still many doctors use the PSA test as an indication of cancer.

The PSA test is not a cancer test. Yet probably a million men have undergone the removal of the prostate. Even the biospy procedure of the prostate may aggravate a cancer that if left alone and treated with organic, raw supplements will never be a problem. There are other methods that may indicate the possibility of a cancer that are mostly non-invasive.

Having observed all of the above and the reports in respected medical journals, screening is still growing at an alarming rate. It has been observed that with all the screenings, the cancer rates have not decreased, in fact they have increased. So the question is: “Is screening effective?” The screening is promoted by the American Cancer Society (ACS). It has not been shown, in the last 30 years, that the anti-cancer drug research is still basically “not working”. All the research costs billions of dollars and so far there is no result.

Recently, the American Cancer Society announced around January 2010 that the screenings with regard the detection of cancer have not been fruitful. The ACS has also made it publicly that there is really risk of over-treating because of the detection of the small cancers, that in many cases the deadly cancers are missed.

It seems to me that ACS seems to be reversing their position on what they have been telling the public for many years about cancer and their position on screening for cancer. Most of the screening are for prostate and breast cancer. The mammogram test for women over 40 has just been modified to over 50 and instead of every year, not is every two years.

It appears that ACS is bowing to the pressure of the ineffectiveness of the screening process. The medical research and the medical establish in general have various stages of “the truth” and most of it is at the expense of the patient. When an attach is made to any aspect of medical treatment, and this includes screening, the first response is – nope, not accepted, we (medical establishment) are correct, and you are wrong, i.e. denial.

After some of the proof comes to light that they are wrong, the next level is well maybe we can look into it, i.e. skepticism. Then comes more proof that they are totally wrong like with the admittance by ACS that maybe screening is not effective after all, this is called “acceptance” with caution and comments, “we will look into it further. This could be called acceptance with hesitation.

This only happens when the truth is finally exposed. What follows over time is total acceptance which is never publicly announced. So the establishment never really admits that their original methods were never wrong hence they never “lose face”.

Leaky Gut Syndrome Symptoms – What Are They?



There are many people asks me about leaky gut syndrome symptoms. This article will help answering that question based on true experience.

The symptoms that I had were increasingly severe allergies to increasing numbers of things, especially foods, but also medications. I’d get large patches of whitish hives surrounded by deep pink that would itch profusely, in various parts of my body, or sometimes I’d get a kind of dotted red rash that looked like I had taken a red felt tip marker and made little dots all over in patches but wouldn’t itch so intensely.

And I had a lot of sinus problems and mucus secretion, and fluid in my ears. I also had a lot of joint pain, fatigue, and really dark circles under my eyes. Taking antihistamines (even prescription antihistamines) wouldn’t phase the allergic reaction, and would cause a rebound effect after wearing off, so that when they wore off, the allergic reaction would intensify, leaving me worse than before taking it.

My immune system was also so weak that I’d pick up any virus going around, at the drop of a hat, in spite of eating an extremely healthy diet and taking lots of supplements and vitamin C.

What happens in leaky gut syndrome is that the lining of the intestines develops little holes in it from parasitic attack, infection, candida, or other causes, that allow partially digested or undigested proteins to pass through. Normally only completely broken down amino acids are allowed to pass through. When larger proteins pass through, the body can’t use them, and recognizes them as antigens and develops antibodies against them.

Weaker bones may be a problem

The design of the human body shows remarkable adaptation to our immediate environment. Whenever a foreign element is detected, the autoimmune system is there for our defense. Whatever the problem, the white cells rally round and fight the invasion. Because our body learns about new strains of bacteria and viruses all the time, it’s constantly modifying the way the autoimmune system works to give us the best possible protection. If it cannot beat the invader, the body tries to adjust its chemistry to reduce the adverse effect. Overall, we do well in our increasingly complicated environment.

To the body, the chemicals we take as medication are also invaders in the bloodstream. Sadly, we can’t send a message to the white cells telling them these chemicals are new friends. Everything is an enemy to be destroyed. This is really bad news. When the drugs first arrive in our bloodstream, the effect is exactly as predicted by the research team that designed the drug. An unprepared body always reacts with the most beneficial results in the first few hours. But as time passes, the autoimmune system gets to work and it adapts the body to reduce the effect of the chemicals. Doctors call the result tolerance. Our body grows used to have the drug in the bloodstream and the beneficial effect slowly disappears. The only ways of dealing with this are either to increase the dose or to switch to a new drug. Unfortunately, all this does is buy time. Sooner or later, tolerance builds up again and we are back to the same decision.

The proton pump inhibitors are not addictive in the same sense as, say, the opiate painkillers, but they are subject to the same problem of tolerance. If you take any of these drugs over time, you will slowly have to increase the dose to get the same effect. Until recently, this was not thought a problem but recent studies now suggest a problem for menopausal women. Any woman over the age of 50 who begins to go through the menopause will lose calcium. Osteoporosis is a well-recognized problem and doctors usually advise women to take calcium supplements to retain bone density. It’s now clear the use of drugs like Nexium may be accelerating the calcium loss. When the proton pump is slowed and the amount of acid is reduced, the body also reacts by changing the volume and type of enzymes produced. This is intended to improve the digestion system but it can also affect the way in which the dissolved food is processed. The recent studies suggest the increase in some enzymes slows the rate at which calcium is absorbed. Even if you are taking a calcium supplement, you may be losing bone density.

The moral of this most recent study could not be more clear. Men do not seem to be at risk in the same way but, for women, the best possible chance of retaining bone density seems to be stopping the use of Nexium as you go through the menopause. To avoid the return of heartburn, this will involve changing your diet to reduce the amount of high-fat. But, if you retain strength and lose weight, you get a double benefit.

Protection Against West Nile Virus



The West Nile Virus got its name from Uganda, where it was discovered in 1937 in the district of West Nile. This disease has travelled to many areas of the world, which includes North America and Europe. Therefore, whenever you are visiting another part of the world, keep an eye out for this disease. However, it may not take you leaving your home to be infected with it, it may be present in your surroundings. Therefore, it is important to take steps to prevent this disease from spreading and before I get to these steps, let me briefly define what this infection is.

The West Nile Virus is a disease that is spread from birds such as crows and ravens to human beings and other animals via mosquitoes.

A child and an adult whose immune system has been compromise by cancer for example, stands a greater chance of experiencing severe symptoms.

Some steps to protect yourself from this virus are:

Keep Mosquitoes at Bay

Use insects repellent when you are outdoors and wear long pants and long sleeves shirts when you are outside at a time when mosquitoes are known to be active. Additionally, keep away from dark clothing because these insects are attracted to dark clothing.

No Breathing Ground

Do not give these insects a breathing ground to multiply. Many people have growing plants in their homes as well as on their patio. If this is the case with you, make sure that the water-catch for the plants is always free of water. Additionally, do not leave anything, such as a birdbath and water bowls for animals, with water around your home, because they can harbour mosquitoes.

Dead Birds

Keep away from dead birds and report any large quantity of dead birds to the authority.

Presently, there is no vaccination to protect us from this virus, so keeping it at bay is highly recommended.

Compton Car Accidents Linked to DUIs and Red-Light Runners



Compton in Los Angeles County, California is one of the most dangerous suburban areas in the U.S. In the last few years, a drop in housing prices has attracted many middle-class residents to the city and crime has gone down. Unfortunately, many Compton car accident attorneys will confirm that car crashes are still a problem due to motorists who run red lights and those who get behind wheel after they’ve consumed too much alcohol.

Cumulative car accident statistics as far back as 2001 to 2003 reveal that Compton experienced a total of 26 fatal car collisions, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. This averages out to 2.8 fatal Compton car crashes per 10,000 people, which, although below the national average, leaves much room for improvement.

Moving ahead a few years, statistics compiled by the California Highway Patrol’s Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS) showed that in 2006, nine people lost their lives and 359 people were injured in Compton car crashes. Three pedestrians were killed and 27 were personally injured in motor vehicle mishaps. And bicycle accidents injured 18. In addition, motorcycle accidents killed one and injured 20 people. Those who insisted on drinking and driving caused four deaths and 38 injuries. During the following year, eight car accidents resulted in as many fatalities.

Many Compton car collision lawyers have noted that red-light cameras can be effective in reducing car accidents, since they convince those who might try to outrun a red light to think twice. These cameras often have motion video and still photo capabilities, leaving suspects very little “wiggle room” to avoid paying what many consider a hefty fine.

The success of red-light cameras in other cities throughout the U.S. convinced the city of Compton to introduce its own Red-Light Photo Enforcement program. To reduce the number of car accidents and injuries, the city installed red-light cameras at critical crash-prone intersections. Camera locations include Alondra and Willowbrook, Compton Blvd. and Willmington Avenue, and Long Beach Blvd. and Rosecrans Avenue.

To further reduce the number of Compton car collisions on its streets, Compton enlisted another powerful crash prevention tool–the sobriety checkpoint. These were conducted during the Winter Holiday Mobilization Period of December 14, 2007 through January 3, 2008; the Labor Day Mobilization Period of August 17, 2008 through September 3, 2008; and one additional checkpoint conducted before September 4, 2008.

The city also implemented Los Angeles County’s Avoid the 100 DUI Campaign in 2008, conducting DUI checkpoints on December 19, 20 and 23. In addition, the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, Compton Station, carried out a number of checkpoint operations throughout the city, implementing DUI Saturation Patrols in July 2008. Officers stopped cars to remove any DUI suspects and also checked for valid driver’s licenses and registrations.

Epilepsy In Dogs



Medical treatment is generally advised for dogs with epilepsy experiencing one or more seizures per month. Haphazard administration of prescribed medicines is worse than no treatment at all, and may cause status epilepticus, a life threatening condition where the brain is in a state of persistent seizure. Successful drug treatment for dogs with epilepsy depends upon the owner’s dedication to delivering the drug exactly as prescribed by the veterinarian.

Drug concentration in your pet is more important for seizure control than daily dosage.

Work with your veterinarian in observing and testing to ensure your canine receives the appropriate drug amounts to achieve control and avoid side effects. Alternative therapies, including acupuncture and vitamin therapy, are usually not considered substitutes for drug therapy but used in conjunction. Some forms of epilepsy in dogs respond to supplementation of vitamin B6, magnesium, and manganese. A veterinarian might advise euthanasia only in extreme cases where seizures cannot be controlled.

Epilepsy is found in all pure breeds and mixed breeds of dogs. Epilepsy in the general dog population is estimated at .5 to 5.7%.

Epilepsy in dogs is one cause of seizures; dog breeds more prone include Keeshond, Tervueren, Cocker Spaniel, Poodle, Collie, German Shepherd, Irish Setter, Golden Retriever, Dachshund, Labrador Retriever, Saint Bernard, Miniature Schnauzer, Siberian Husky, and Wire-haired Terrier. What causes this “hereditary” (also known as primary) epilepsy is not known for certain. A genetic basis for primary epilepsy in dogs is possible if there is a familial history of seizures; however, a diagnosis of primary epilepsy is not proof of a genetic defect. Only DNA and breeding studies could prove that.

Diagnosis of epilepsy is made primarily by ruling out other possibilities, and not based on diagnostics.

Some use the term epilepsy to describe recurrent seizures of any cause, while others use the term epilepsy to describe recurrent seizures not related to disorders of the brain or other underlying disease processes. Epilepsy can also be described as idiopathic — arising spontaneously or from an unknown cause.

Primary epilepsy.

Primary canine epilepsy manifests by a first seizure between 6 months and 5 years. Epilepsy between 1-3 years usually suggests a genetic factor. At 4 years and older, epilepsy commonly suggests a metabolic problem such as hypoglycemia (lower than normal level of glucose/blood sugar), cardiovascular arrhythmia, hypocalcaemia (low blood calcium level), cirrhosis or neoplastic (abnormal growth of tissue) brain tumor. Epilepsy in dogs is also associated with hypothyroidism, an inherited autoimmune disease of purebreds.

During the tonic phase of a grand mal seizure, the dog falls, loses consciousness, extends its limbs rigidly, and respiration pauses (apnea). This phase usually lasts 10-30 seconds before the clonic phase begins.

Clonic phase.

The clonic phase involves muscle rigidity and violent muscle contractions. The clonic phase can include paddling of legs and paws and/or chewing, pupil dilation, salivation, urination and defecation. A dog with a mild seizure may have little or no rigid extension of limbs, paddling or loss of consciousness. Generalized seizures (involving both sides of the brain) are usually associated with primary epilepsy.

Petit mal seizure is very rare.

A petit mal seizure (abnormal electrical discharge in brain) in dogs with epilepsy is very rare and only diagnosed by specific clinical signs and EEG abnormalities. Signs of unconsciousness, loss of muscle tone, blank staring, and upward rotation of eyes will last only seconds.

Partial seizures.

Partial seizures are restricted to one area of the body, evidenced by muscle jerking, movement of one limb, turning the head or bending the body to one side, or facial twitches.

Complex partial seizures.

Seizures in dogs with epilepsy that are described as complex partial seizures are evidenced by bizarre complex behaviors that are repeated during each seizure, such as lip movements, chewing, fly biting, aggressive actions, vocalization, hysterical running, cowering or hiding, in an otherwise normal dog. Complex partial seizures include vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal distress, salivation, blindness, unusual thirst or appetite, or biting itself.

Cluster seizures.

Cluster seizures are multiple seizures within a short period of time with brief periods of consciousness in between.

Status epilepticus.

Status epilepticus seizures in dogs can occur as one continuous seizure lasting half hour or more, or a series of multiple seizures in a short time with no periods of normal consciousness. Status epilepticus and frequent cluster seizures are both considered life-threatening emergencies, and can occur with either primary or secondary epilepsy, and may suddenly arise in dogs with no previous history of seizures.

When a cause for seizures can be established it is referred to as secondary epilepsy in dogs. Common causes of seizures in puppies less than a year old are classified as degenerative; developmental (hydrocephalus); toxins (lead, arsenic, organophosphates, chlorinated hydrocarbons, strychnine, tetanus); infectious (distemper, encephalitis); metabolic (transient hypoglycemia, enzyme deficiency, liver or kidney failure); nutritional (thiamine, parasitism); and traumatic (severe injury).

Get Ready For Winter With Flu Remedies That Work



Along with cold weather comes the threat of different viruses that are commonly referred to as the flu. We run to the store and buy anything that mentions flu remedies and hope that it will shorten and alleviate the misery that we know is coming. There are a few packaged items that may dim the major ailments with their promise of flu remedies but nothing that cures the virus that is quickly settling in for a few days or longer.

Homeopathic medicine is not unlike a vaccination in the sense that its principle is to cure with products that produce the same symptoms as the illness. Our bodies have been weakened with our lack of care and eating whatever food suits our fancy. The body was not made to suffer the type of abuse that society today has thrown upon it and fatigue seems a regular state for some people, even before a virus strikes. Flu remedies are serious business for people in this type of category because they realize that their bodies aren’t able to take much more. Homeopathic medicine offers hope where over the counter drugs offer only symptom relief.

Getting started on the path to fight off this year’s viruses by stimulating the body’s natural immune responses is not that difficult. Flu remedies that use natural medicines will not only attack viruses that are hoping to set up camp in your body but will make you stronger and feel better overall. Homeopathic medicine used as a preventative measure or flu remedies can be found in health food stores or on the Internet. Choosing the right ingredients for your needs is the key. Different types of viruses may require different types of natural medicine for your situation.

For example, in 1918, the epidemic medicine for the Spanish flu was Gelsemium, which is still widely used today as a homeopathic agent in particular flu remedies. Gelsemium Sempervirens, or yellow jasmine is best known for curing tension headaches, colds and flu. Typical symptoms of the Gelsemium type flu are: a slow worsening over a 6-12 hours period; day 2 produces aching muscles, feeling pretty bad and a headache; next comes lethargy and fatigue; and finally, too exhausted to be emotional about matters. Flu remedies are created for many different types of viruses, depending on your symptoms.

Most are familiar with eucalyptus but may not know of the great healing properties associated with this plant. Often used in flu remedies, the properties help to kill viruses and bacteria and are produced in a powder form together with other healing herbs. The oil from the eucalyptus plant can be used in an oil diffuser or a humidifier to cut down on viral and bacteria in the air. This amazing plant can also kill bacteria in wounds when you add just a drop to a warm moistened compress and place over a wound.

Phytolacca Decandra is another great natural agent for working on inflamed lymphatic glands, a symptom suffered by many that do not use homeopathic flu remedies. Lending a powerful healing effect on fibrous and osseous tissues, your muscles and joints do not hurt as much during damp, cold weather, evenings and motion. Conium, also known as poisonous hemlock is yet another plant that can act as a natural painkiller when used in small doses, perfect for flu remedies.

For years, homeopathic experts have been following the viruses and perfecting the balances found in these plants along with other ingredients. One company actually changes different ingredients yearly to have the most effective flu remedies for viruses that are current and active according to researchers. They do not hide their ingredients but gladly list them for people who want to make the best decision possible on flu remedies.

Why Did My Doctor Order This Lab Test? What is a CBC?



This is the first in a weekly series to help the average non-medical person understand the laboratory tests their physician orders, what kind of sample is required, what does the test measure and what conditions can be diagnosed based on the results.

The Complete Blood Count or CBC is one of the most common, useful and important laboratory tests available in medical diagnoses. It is routinely ordered in annual physicals and Emergency room visits.

The CBC is an automated group of parameters of red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets used in detecting leukemias, anemias, blood loss and infections among other diseases and disorders. It is general examination of blood.

The test sample for a CBC is either a blood sample taken from the arm or fingerstick for adults and children, and heelstick for newborns.

The different parameters available in the typical CBC include:

• White Blood Cell count (WBC)
This is an actual count of the amount of white blood cells per volume of blood. This is useful for the detection of possible infection, neutropenia and other disorders.

• Red Blood Cell count (RBC)
This is an actual count of the amount of red blood cells per volume of blood. Low amounts of rbc’s could be an indicator of an anemia.

• Hemoglobin
This is a protein that is contained inside the rbc. It measures the oxygen carrying capacity in the blood.

• Hematocrit
This represents the volume of rbc’s suspended in plasma in the person’s circulating blood. Both the hemoglobin and hematocrit are low in cases of blood loss.

• Mean Corpuscular Volume (MCV)
This is a measurement of rbc size. Depending on whether the MCV is high or low could indicate certain conditions such as anemias or thalassemias.

• Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin (MCH)
This is a measure of the amount of hemoglobin in the individual rbc.

• Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin Concentration (MCHC)
This is the amount of hemoglobin in circulating rbc’s regardless of the size of the rbc.

• Red Cell Distribution Width (RDW)
This is a calculation of the variation in the size of the rbc’s.

• Platelets
This is the amount of platelets in a given amount of blood. Platelets are important in blood clotting.

Your doctor will use the CBC as a screening test to see your general health status like in an annual physical. It may also be ordered to rule out infections, fatigue or other patient complaints. It is an important first test in the discovery of serious diseases like anemias and many other blood disorders.

What is a “normal” or reference range? It is a set of values of some measurement that a physician or other health professional can use to interpret a set of results for a particular patient. You will see the reference ranges on the lab report next to your lab result. Your lab result will be either low, normal or high based on this range.

Killing Fruit Flies



Hygiene is something that all homemakers look to so as to help them understand the value of living in a safe and healthy environment. It is without a doubt one of the most desired environments people try hard to maintain. However, there are times when they seem to not be able to do a thing in its regard which would lead to the complexities of raising alerts in the area that is not up to the mark of hygiene that they desire. As a result, it has led to the growth and multiplication of more number of flies and pests such as fruit flies. Their infestation has seemed to have increased with time where they consistently attack openly placed food and transform the carbs in them into alcohol. Thereby, this becomes unfit for human consumption and anyone that eats such foods is bound to suffer from acute cases of food poisoning and diarrhea.

It has hence been perceived that one must do all that they can possibly cover so as to kill fruit flies that pose to become a menace in one’s household. Browsing the internet for a few techniques and information can help homemakers in a great way so as to help them get rid of flies by laying a few traps in which they would be able to capture and kill fruit flies and the menace they bring along with them. The internet is a great tool for development in which individuals can find the best possible ways in which they can be designed to be made for the sole intention of killing fruit flies.

Getting an Online Masters Degree in Psychology



When I was a psychology major in college I had big dreams of getting my Masters and PhD and eventually opening my own practice. It is now three kids later and I am ready to begin studying to get an Online Psychology Masters Degree. Somehow that goal got away from me but now with colleges and universities offering online degree programs I am back in the game and ready to go after my Psychology Masters. Before I did not have the option of earning a degree online but things have changed.

I have found that there are numerous distance learning Psychology Masters Degree programs available and I want to be certain that the one I choose is accredited and well respected. People used to think going to school online was just a waste of time and that no one would ever get hired with an online degree but now many well respected colleges and universities are offering an online degree option because they realize the benefit of having students study from home. Distance learning is really making a name for itself.

If I go to school full time I can earn my Masters Degree in Psychology in approximately 2 years. If I only work on it part time it will take me a bit longer. There will most likely be some portion of the course work that will require me to work in a clinical setting. Because I am aware of the fact that online degrees are available I am quite sure that there is a way to work that out when the time comes. So far the research that I have done on schools with online programs impresses me. There are even ivy league schools with distance learning programs.

Part of deciding which school to attend for my Online Psychology Masters Degree also has a lot to do with the program itself. I want my program to focus on Child Psychology so the course selection will have to offer numerous classes with that concentration. It is important for anyone considering an online program to be sure that the course selection meets their needs and goals. The education itself is equally as important as the degree. This is especially true when it comes to the field of Psychology. My Master’s is going to give me all of the knowledge that I need to move on to my Doctorate,

Louis Zhang, Accrmasterspsychology dot com

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