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Breast Cancer Treatment – Chemotherapy and Hormonal Therapy

The majority of breast cancers today are diagnosed at early stages, meaning that the cancer may or may not have spread to lymph nodes, but does not involve skin or muscle. Even in early-stage breast cancer, with small tumors and no involvement of lymph nodes, adjuvant treatments may prolong life and reduce risk of recurrence. These extra treatments include hormone medications, chemotherapy, or both. You will also need to sit down with a medical oncologist to ask about the likelihood of cancer coming back outside of the breast area and about what treatments you can consider. In addition, you should ask to what extent each of these treatments may help to lower the risk of the cancer coming back, thereby helping you live longer.

Anyone who has a tumor that is estrogen or progesterone receptor-positive should strongly consider taking a hormone treatment, regardless of whether they are old or young, or pre- or postmenopausal. If a breast cancer is hormone-receptor positive (estrogen or progesterone receptors are present), then a strategy that reduces the effect of estrogen on cancer cells is recommended.

Tamoxifen is the most common agent in current use, and because doctors have over thirty years’ experience with tamoxifen, the benefits as well as the possible side effects are well understood. Tamoxifen interferes with the binding of estrogen to its receptor; therefore, it has what is called an antiestrogenic effect on breast tissue and the tumor cells, but may have estrogen-like effects on the bone, lipids, and the uterus. Because of this, tamoxifen is sometimes referred to as a selective estrogen receptor modulator, or a designer estrogen. Tamoxifen can reduce the risk of cancer recurring in the treated breast, reduce the risk of cancer coming back outside of the breast in distant organs, and reduce the risk of a new cancer in the opposite breast by 50 percent.

Tamoxifen is taken orally in the form of a pill and is usually prescribed for five years. It is generally started after completion of chemotherapy and may be given at the same time as radiation.

For postmenopausal women, a new class of hormonal agents can be considered. These are aromatase inhibitors and include medications such as anas-trozole (Arimidex), letrozole (Femara), and exemestane (Aromasin). In premenopausal woman, estrogen is produced primarily by the ovaries. In postmenopausal women, once the ovaries have stopped producing estrogen, estrogen is produced by the conversion of androgens from fatty tissue using an enzyme called aromatase. Aromatase inhibitors work in postmenopausal women to reduce estrogen production so that the hormone does not have a chance to stimulate cancer growth.

Studies have compared anastrozole to tamoxifen and it appears that anas-trozole is as good, if not better, than tamoxifen, but long-term follow-up of women on these newer medications is not yet available. Side effects noted in early studies include hot flashes and joint and muscle pain. There is a slightly higher risk of osteoporosis and bone fracture with anastrozole, in contrast with the slight protective effect of tamoxifen. In addition, anastrozole is associated with a lower risk of blood clots than tamoxifen and does not appear to increase the risk of cancer of the uterus.

Tamoxifen is generally recommended for five years. This is because studies have shown that two years are better than one, five years are better than two, but ten years are not better than five. In fact, doctors see a tendency for slight worsening of prognosis after five years, possibly due to the cancer becoming resistant to tamoxifen. In addition, more years of tamoxifen is more time during which serious side effects like blood clots and endometrial cancer may develop. These two side effects in particular are seen more frequently in women over sixty.

The aromatase inhibitor letrozole has been studied in women who have completed five years of tamoxifen and then take letrozole. This strategy is associated with a 43 percent further reduction in the risk of cancer recurring or new cancer developing in the opposite breast. Side effects of letrozole are similar to anastrozole and include hot flashes, joint and muscle pain, and increased risk of osteoporosis.

Studies have recently been reported using aromatase inhibitors such as exemestane, following two to three years of tamoxifen use. This strategy was associated with fewer recurrences compared to five years of tamoxifen, although at this early stage no difference in overall survival has yet been reported.

Many questions remain unanswered. Is it better for a woman to take tamoxifen for five years and then take an aromatase inhibitor? Is it better to use tamoxifen for two to three years and then follow with the aromatase inhibitor? Is it better to start with an aromatase inhibitor in the first place? What is the optimal duration for using the aromatase inhibitors and what are the long-term side effects? Several large studies are underway that we hope will help answer these questions.

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High Frequency and Low Frequency Hearing Loss

Our ability to hear is dependent on tiny hair cells in our inner ears which receive sound and interpret it for our brains to comprehend. These hairs, our sensory receptors, cannot regenerate. Once they are damaged or die, our ability to hear is lessened. We measure sound by the amount of vibrations (or cycles) per second, called “Hertz” (Hz). Higher frequency sounds vibrate faster and lower sounds slower. Depending on what kind of damage has occurred to the ear’s hair cells determines whether hearing loss is of the higher or lower frequency.

High Frequency

Normal human hearing ranges from 20 Hz to 20,000 Hz (abbreviated 20 kHz), although the range can easily vary from person to person. The higher register is considered any sounds over 2 kHz. And while humans do have the potential to hear up to 20 kHz, simple aging begins to fade the higher register as early as age eight. After age 25, most adults will hear only up to 15 kHz. This is perceived as normal aging, but there are many other factors which can reduce our high frequency hearing even further.

Exposure to loud noises over prolonged periods of time is the greatest contributor to high frequency hearing loss. Occupational noise from machinery such as in construction, factories, law enforcement, military and farming damages and ultimately can destroy the delicate hair cells in the ear, causing high frequency hearing loss. Likewise, exposing the ear to loud music whether through amplifers (at concerts or clubs) or headphones (iPods or other music players) can also cause irreversible damage.

High frequency hearing loss is most noticeable in speech. Higher sounds like “s” and “th” become hard to distinguish. Women’s voices are often more difficult to understand, and speech in general sounds muffled. It becomes harder to hear in noisy areas, and certain sounds will appear noticeably louder than others.

The best way to prevent high frequency hearing loss (beyond what is normal for aging) is to protect your ears. Wear ear plugs when being exposed to loud noises, and be sure not to play your music above 80 decibels (60% volume on an iPod).

Low Frequency

Sounds in the low frequency register (under 2 kHz), are sounds such as thunder, a tuba, a large dog’s bark, or a truck rumbling by on the highway. Most humans do not hear low frequency sounds as easily as high frequency sounds, especially the further away we are from the source. For example, in music, sub-woofers are used to specially amplify bass notes, but headphones (directly in our ears) don’t require additional amplification.

When low frequency hearing damage occurs, it is generally caused by disease or heredity. Some people are born with a genetic mutation of the hair cells which limit low frequency hearing. Others may suffer from Meniere’s disease, a rare condition in which the membrane deteriorates over time. In some cases, childhood illnesses or ear infections can lead to low frequency hearing loss.

In most cases of low frequency hearing degradation, the sufferer might not even recognize they have lost the ability to hear lower sounds as many of the same sounds are still supported in the mid to high frequency ranges, thereby still allowing the individual to comprehend the sound. Think of it as someone who can still see by squinting. They don’t see as well as they would with glasses, but they manage.

Prevention of low frequency hearing loss depends on the cause. The best suggestion is to make sure ear infections, especially when they are chronic, are seen by professionals to ensure they do not lead to long-term hearing loss.

Treatment

Whenever hearing loss is due to damaged or dead hair cells, treatment revolves around devices of compensation, since nothing can grow back the cells once they are gone. Hearing aids help create the vibration the hair cells no longer have the ability to do on their own. For high frequency hearing loss, this is usually a very effective solution. Unfortunately, low frequency hearing loss does not benefit the same. Since low frequency noises are often considered “background noises,” or ambient sound, normal hearing aids often end up raising the background noise, impeding normal hearing. Special, and often more expensive, hearing aids must be employed to help low frequency hearing loss sufferers.

Although hearing loss is a natural part of aging, it is wise to seek professional evaluation to make sure your hearing is still healthy for your age. Routinely go for a hearing test and see an Atlanta hearing loss doctor if you notice your hearing has gotten worse.

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Budd-Chiari Syndrome – Ayurvedic Herbal Treatment

Budd-Chiari syndrome is a rare liver disease which involves clotting of blood in the hepatic veins, thereby producing mild to severe liver damage. Blood disorders like myeloproliferative diseases, polycythemia and sickle-cell disease; liver cancer; structural obstruction in the inferior vena cava; infections; liver trauma; phlebitis; and the use of immuno-suppressive drugs and oral contraceptives, are the known causes of this condition. Common symptoms include ascites, liver and spleen enlargement, pain in the liver area, nausea and vomiting, weight loss, vomiting of blood, and swelling of lower limbs.

Most patients with Budd-Chiari syndrome need surgery or anti-clotting medication to remove the block in their veins. Ayurvedic medicines may be given in addition, to treat the symptoms, help in removing the block in the veins, and prevent permanent damage to the liver. Medicines like Arogya-Vardhini, Triphala-Guggulu, Medohar-Guggulu, Punarnavadi-Qadha, Tamra-Bhasma, Ras-Sindur, Malla-Sindur, Kutki (Picrorrhiza kurroa), Sharpunkha (Tephrosia purpurea), Amalaki (Emblica officinalis), Sunthi (Zinziber officinalis), Marich (Piper nigrum), Pippali (Piper longum), Chitrak (Plumbago zeylanica), Chavya (Piper retrofractrum), Lashuna (Allium sativum), Yava-Kshar, Mulak-Kshar, Pashanbhed (Bergenia lingulata), Apamarga (Achyranthus aspera) and Punarnava (Boerhaavia diffusa) can be used to remove the venous obstruction. These medicines also help in reducing liver and spleen enlargement.

Nausea and vomiting can be treated using medicines like Laghu-Sutshekhar, Vishwa, Shankh-Bhasma, Praval-Bhasma, Praval-Panchamrut-Ras and Shankh-Vati. The vomiting of blood can be prevented and treated using medicines like Chandrakala-Ras, Kamdudha-Ras, Yashtimadhuk (Glycerrhiza glabra), Vasa (Adhatoda vasaka), Laxa (Purified wax), Naagkeshar (Messua ferrea) and Sphatic-Bhasma. Swelling of the lower extremities can be treated using medicines like Gokshuradi-Guggulu, Punarnavadi-Qadha, Ikshumool (Saceharum officinarum), Saariva (Hemidesmus indicus) and Gokshur (Tribulus terrestris). Medicines like Arogya-Vardhini, Yashtimadhuk, Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum), Bhrungraj (Eclipta alba) and Suvarna-Sutshekhar are used to prevent permanent damage to the liver.

Ayurvedic medicines can thus be used to reduce the severity of symptoms in Budd-Chiari syndrome, prevent long-term complications and improve the long-term survival.

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How To Use VBA To Select The Chart Type In Excel

Excel has a multitude of options when it comes to creating charts and graphs. But it’s not so easy to automate the VBA process of selecting the type of chart because of the large number of options.

This article explains how to create your own procedure to give users options when making a selection.

Listing Chart Types With VBA

When using VBA to make the selection, you use standard Excel constants. The code to create a graph and select the category goes something like this:





Charts.add


With ActiveChart


.SetSourceData Source:=Sheets(“examples”).Range(“A1:B8”)


.Location Where:=xlLocationAsObject, Name:=”examples”


End With


activeChart.ChartType=xl3DArea




The above code creates a graph from the data in the defined range and selects a 3-D area graph. The constant value “xl3DArea” is the long integer -4098 telling the code which chart to use.


The problem is there is no simple way using VBA to find out the constant names for the different types of charts. The list below covers the constant names for five of the most popular ones.


    

  • xlBarClustered
    • 

  • xl3DLine
    • 

  • xlArea
    • 

  • xl3DColumn
    • 

  • xl3DPie
    • 



One option is to download the full list from the official Microsoft developer’s site and build the list into your code library. Click here for the documented list.


A balanced approach might be to identify the most popular types and use the relevant constants.


    

  • xlBarClustered=60
    • 

  • xl3DLine=-4101
    • 

  • xlArea=-4098
    • 

  • xl3DColumn=-4100
    • 

  • xl3DPie=-4102
    • 



Displaying Common Charts With VBA


The idea now is to display the graphs as examples to the user so a selection can be made.


First, we can put the values into an array.



myArray = Array(60, -4101, -4098, -4100, -4102)





With the values for the chart types listed, the code loops through the array and displays the relevant chart, pausing to give the user the option of making a selection.


The message box is set to yes or no and the value “7” indicates the user has clicked the “yes” button, exiting the loop and leaving the current chart type as selected.



For x = 0 To UBound(myArray)




ActiveChart.ChartType = myArray(x)


useChart = MsgBox(“Select chart”, vbYesNo)


If useChart = 7 Then Exit For


Next




With the chart selected, the user then has the option of modifying the selection manually with standard Excel tools.


Summary


Chart selection is a good example of Excel over-delivering. With so many options to choose from, many users become frustrated with making the right selection, making future consistency of style an issue. By implementing some standard VBA procedures, you can make life easier for yourself and users of your Excel application.

	


	





		

		
Posted on 
External Hemorrhoid Vs Perianal Hematoma
	


	
	

		
In many cases a perianal hematoma is misdiagnosed as an External Hemorrhoid. How do you know that what you have and what is a perianal hematoma and not an External Hemorrhoid?


First of all a hematoma is basically a bruise, a pooling of blood in the tissues outside blood vessels. A perianal hematoma is a hematoma on the border of the anus; this is often referred to as an External Hemorrhoid. A perianal hematoma is caused by the rupture of a vein in or around the anus, this may happen during lifting something heavy or even coughing.


The blood can be removed after a short period of time by a syringe, however if left too long the blood will clot making this form of treatment impossible. Once a clot has formed, simple surgery under local anesthesia can be used to remove it manually. Usually an incision caused in this manner is not stitched and is instead left to heal on its own. This is fine because such surgical wounds heal up completely.


Extreme care needs to be taken when having a perianal hematoma removed surgically, not to allow any bacteria from passing fecal matter to get in the wound. This can lead to all sorts of infections; which means either more surgery and more risks, or digestive complications that can arise from taking too many antibiotics.


You may not know whether or not you have a perianal hematoma or an External Hemorrhoid, in fact hemorrhoids are also commonly diagnosed in the place of fissures (tear in the skin), fistula, or anal melanomas (malignant tumor of melanocytes).


See your doctor if you have any question as to whether you have hemorrhoids or something else.

	


	





		

		
Posted on 
Blood Pressure, Glucose, Cholesterol – Take Charge of Your Big Three Numbers For Better Health
	


	
	

		
  If you've diagnosed with high cholesterol, high blood pressure, or diabetes, you can still take charge and improve your health.  Here are 10 tips for living a full life with these conditions. 


  1. See your doctor regularly.  Your doctor will measure your cholesterol, blood pressure, and glucose, and if your numbers are out of balance, he / she will help you bring them back into control.  Your partnership with your primary care doctor is crucial to your good health. 


  2. Eat well.  Read food labels so you know what's going into your body.  Experiment with new ways to prepare old favorites – with less salt, fat, or sugar. 


  3. Avoid Saturated and "trans" fats.  Bake, roast, stew or steam instead of frying.  If you feel that you must have red meat, select lean meats, and skinless poultry and enjoy fish 2 or 3 times a week. 


  4. Use less sodium.  Shop for items with less than 100 mg of sodium per serving.  Flavor foods with herbs, spices, vinegars and lemon juice. 


  5. Cut down on sugar.  Treat yourself to fresh fruit for dessert.  Drink tea or water instead of soft drinks or fruit juice. 


  6. Avoid tobacco and alcohol. 


  7. Aim for a healthy weight.  Always talk to your doctor before you begin any weight loss program. 


  8. If you need to lose weight, do it slowly, no more than 1/2 to 2 pounds per week.  Avoid fad diets – choose a meal plan that includes all major food groups. 


  9. Be physically active.  Choose an activity you really like, such as gardening, or dancing.  Add new activity slowly, and let your body adjust.  Try adding 5 minutes at a time, and work up to 30 minutes a day. 


  10. Pamper your eyes and feet.  Get an eye exam at least once a year.  Have your feet examined by your doctor once a year. 


  Take medications as directed.  Your doctor may prescribe medications to help keep your "big three" measures where they should be. 


  Read the instructions that come with your drugs.  Take the medication regularly as prescribed.  Do not skip doses or stop your medication without your doctor's okay. 

	


	





		

		
Posted on 
Hugs are Good For You!
	


	
	

		
Apparently, (and we always knew this didn’t we!!) hugs are good for you. Scientific studies have shown that hugs help us. Four hugs are said to be necessary for our survival; eight are suggested as the amount needed for good maintenance, and twelve hugs are said to be the level required for growth.[1]


Even another more recent study proved that oxytocin levels are increased through hugging, and that this is especially beneficial for women.[2] Oxytocin is a “bonding” hormone. The hugs also reduced blood pressure in this study, reducing the risk of heart disease.


Actually, you only have to ask any woman and she will agree; most men, though not as needy for hugs, also appreciate a good 20-second hug. 20-seconds might not sound like long, but you certainly get more of a chance over that time to allow the senses of touch, smell and sight to ‘feed on’ the experience allowing this powerful elixir to pervade the being of both huggee’s!


The concept of “cuddle parties” has been mooted as a most platonic sort of orgy that people can engage in to satisfy their need to “bond.” Just think about the possibility of being invited to a cuddle party, especially if you’re single or have a partner a long way away – could be risky for some and an opportunity for others. It seems we all need a good hug!


Seriously though, these cuddle parties have been arranged and do appear to be above board and of great health benefit to those who partake.  Provided in a safe environment, hugs can only be positive.


It seems that like a good laugh, fish, vegetables, and sex; a good old-fashioned hug is something that is such a simple fix for the modern maladies of life. It’s ‘body ministry.’


Who can you hug? (Make sure you have their blessing though.)


© Copyright 2008, Steven John Wickham.  All Rights Reserved Worldwide.


[1] Cited and validated by Judith Weisberg and Maxine R. Haberman, “A Therapeutic Hugging Week in a Geriatric Facility,” Journal of Gerontological Social Work 13 (1989), pp. 181-86.


[2] Available: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/4131508.stm

	


	





		

		
Posted on 
Erectile Dysfunction Natural Cure – Top Five Ways to Treat Male Impotence Without Drugs
	


	
	

		
Millions of men are searching for the most effective erectile dysfunction natural cure. Why is there so much search engine traffic on this topic? Maybe men are worried about the side effects of blindness or deafness that Viagra could give them. Maybe men want to become healthier? Or maybe it is because natural health is the newest fad.


Whatever the reason, there are numerous remedies to cure male impotence. Even doctors are now recommending simple home treatments before writing up a prescription of Levitra.


So what are the top five ways to cure your erectile dysfunction? Well, most of the remedies deal with circulation. Dr. Rufus Green Jr., M.D. of St. Paul Medical Center states, “Poor circulation, specifically poor blood flow to the penile arteries due to hardening and narrowing of the arteries (arteriosclerosis), or thickening of the blood, can cause impotence.”


Top 5 Ways to Cure Impotence


5. Circulation- As stated earlier, circulation is critical! Simple breathing techniques should be incorporated in all treatments. Millions of men secretly practice breathing exercises at their work desk that boost circulation and oxygen levels by 10%. There are numerous exercises you can learn.


4. Water – By far the most underestimated natural remedy. Water has literally thousands of benefits and one of them is flushing your body.  Water has been shown to boost circulation levels by flushing plaque, toxins and cholesterol. You should drink 14 cups of water a day and go to the bathroom often.


3. Vitamin Therapy – There are core vitamins that allow your body to create ample circulation levels. Research has shown that many sufferers are deficient in a few core vitamins. For instance, “Vitamin A deficiency has been one cause of impotence in some men,” says Elson Haas, M.D., Director of Prevention Medical Center in California.


2. Lifestyle Habits – Your body is trying to get your attention through impotence. Circulation problems typically mean that your circulatory system is not functioning properly. Simple lifestyle habits can help with the problem. Some simple tips would be to stop smoking (causes plaque in arteries), keeping meals smaller (about the size of your fist), lower caffeine intake and commit to a daily sweat (exercise).


1. You Nutrition Plan – Literally your diet could fill up 5 pages of things you should know but here are some basic tips. You should eat a high fiber diet that is low in fat and cholesterol. Your diet will give you the proper minerals and vitamins if you know what to look for. Our Erectile Dysfunction Remedy Report goes in thorough detail about your diet.

	


	





		

		
Posted on 
Type 2 Diabetes – An Anti-Diabetic Medication That Does More Than Lower Blood Sugar
	


	
	

		
According to the Journal of Diabetes Research, February 2018, use of the anti-diabetic drug exenatide (Byetta, Bydureon) does more than lower blood sugar levels. It can also be used to decrease abdominal fat.


Researchers at Soochow University in Jiangsu, China treated twenty newly-diagnosed Type 2 diabetics with exenatide. The diabetics showed an improvement in…


    

  • 
insulin sensitivity,
    • 

  • 
better blood fats, and
    • 

  • 
redistribution of fat away from the central area of the abdomen. 
    • 



The investigators concluded exenatide could be used to help redistribute excess fat away from the abdominal area.


While it is ideal to avoid becoming obese or overweight, gaining abdominal fat should be avoided as it is especially dangerous. Fat in other parts of the body is under the skin alone, but abdominal fat is distributed deeper, amongst and around the organs. Fat cells in the abdominal area make many hormones and various other molecules that affect inflammation, energy storage, and the metabolism. Basic body shapes are often described popularly as apple and pear…


    

  • 
apple-shaped bodies carry most of their weight near the center. 
    • 

  • 
pear-shaped bodies tend to have smaller waists and have more weight on their hips.
    • 



It is thought apple-shaped bodies are at a higher risk for Type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and metabolic syndrome.


The American Heart Association defines abdominal obesity as a waist measurement…


    

  • 
over 88 centimeters (35 inches) in women, and
    • 

  • 
over 102 centimeters (40 inches) in men. 
    • 



The International Diabetes Foundation defines the condition at…


    

  • 
over 80 centimeters (35 inches) waist measurement in women, and
    • 

  • 
over 90 centimeters (35.5 inches) in men.
    • 



The World Health Organization uses the waist-to-hip ratio. Waist-to-hip measurement is considered abdominal obesity as over 0.85 in women and over 0.9 in men.


Exenatide (Byetta) is a member of the incretin mimetic family and lower blood sugar levels by…


    

  • 
causing the pancreas to release more insulin when needed,
    • 

  • 
slowing stomach-emptying, so sugar is released into the blood slowly,
    • 

  • 
preventing the liver from releasing too much sugar, and
    • 

  • 
helping to reduce the appetite.
    • 



Other members of the incretin mimetic family include…


    

  • 
Victoza,
    • 

  • 
Saxenda,
    • 

  • 
Trulicity,
    • 

  • 
Tanzeum,
    • 

  • 
Adlyxin,
    • 

  • 
Ozempic,
    • 



Possible side effects are…


    

  • 
diarrhea,
    • 

  • 
nausea,
    • 

  • 
vomiting,
    • 

  • 
headaches,
    • 

  • 
dizziness,
    • 

  • 
increased sweating,
    • 

  • 
indigestion, and
    • 

  • 
constipation.
    • 



Overweight and obesity epidemics. The increase in Type 2 diabetes parallels the rising rates of obesity and the growth in the Body Mass Index (BMI) over the last ten years…


    

  • 
according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in the United States, over a third of American adults are obese. 
    • 

  • 
The World Health Organization (WHO) in 2016 stated more than 1.9 billion adults, 18 years and older were overweight or obese. 
    • 



Obesity in adults is increasing at an alarming rate in most westernized countries. Worldwide about 11 percent of men and 15 percent of women have been found to be obese.

	


	





		

		
Posted on 
New to Diabetes – Long Term Diabetic Here – 40+ Years Living With It
	


	
	

		
  Like I have already said I have had this condition for over 40+ years and I find that one of the best statements I come across in dealing with this condition in every day life especially when I meet new people who do not know I have this is to state … "I do not suffer from this condition. 


  So to clarify I do not think that you suffer from this condition.  I count myself lucky that I have two arms, two legs, two eyes and of sound mind.  Though my sound mind might be contested by some!  I am glad to say that after having this condition for so long I do not suffer from any of the long term complications.  Those being of the most typical: – 


    

  •   Eyes 
    • 

  •   Kidneys 
    • 

  •   Nerves 
    • 

  •   Heart and blood vessels 
    • 

  •   Gums 
    • 

  •   Feet 
    • 



  All of these conditions are bought upon by not maintaining your blood sugar levels as close to as possible to those who are not diabetic.  In the UK your blood sugar lever should be in between 5.0-7.2.  Five being for example when you wake in the morning and before meals seven being about two hours after one has eaten, though.  In America and some other countries they use a different measurement and their normal blood sugar readings are calculated in a different measurement that being mg / dl as opposed to mmol / l as in the UK.  (Normal reading in USA are 70-130). 


  I here and do state that of course I have suffered from diabetes but only on a temporary basis.  I have had hypos which have had 999 (911) calls.  As well as so many to mention I do not care to remember where they have frazzled my brain.  Last one yesterday!  As well as having the dreaded Ketones where your mouth so dry its like the desert sand at the hottest part of day and your stomach being twisted in a vice like type grip! 


  With all this said about suffering please remember that is just that moment of time.  Long term complications I do not suffer from.  Yes I: – 


    

  •   Smoke (But quitting before 2010 will update @ said date) 
    • 

  •   Drink (But not to excess) 
    • 

  •   Sweet Eater (Yes I like me chocolate bars and boiled sweets) 
    • 

  •   Suffer from Stress (Who does not in this world?) 
    • 



  What do I do then to make sure all cool with me?  Simple I check my blood sugars every day and aim to be as close as possible to normal in my blood sugar at least.  I also participate in a healthy way of thinking via NLP. 

	


	





		

		
Posted on 
Type 2 Diabetes – Managing Your Blood Sugar Starts and Ends With You
	


	
	

		
It is easy to look for something or someone to blame for unacceptable outcomes in our life. At times taking full responsibility often proves to be a challenging exercise as blaming yourself can cause one to feel demoralized. And not taking responsibility when you know you probably should, can be a relief from the burden of responsibility. As a result, it is much more common to take the route where you are not the one to blame; even if you have a gut feeling suggesting you have not been honest with yourself.


A Type 2 diabetes diagnosis is one of the situations where many people will quickly try to point fingers at something or someone. Inevitably, however, at some point there will be a realization Type 2 diabetes is almost entirely self-inflicted. Gaining this awareness is an essential step, and hopefully, one you will take sooner rather than later if you are dealing with out of control blood sugar and weight gain.


Which brings us to the question of managing Type 2 diabetes. Whether diabetics follow through with this strategy or otherwise is not the similarity all diabetics share, but rather the potential of handling a disease that can be treated or somewhat controlled at least. While some people may not be convinced Type 2 diabetes is almost always a disease that could be effectively treated or reversed, all people diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes are at least aware something can be done. But pondering this idea may be as tricky as assuming full responsibility for the development of the disease because managing this form of diabetes is entirely a personal, self-driven task.


In a nutshell, managing Type 2 diabetes starts and ends with you. You are not only your guide, but also an enabler, and your blood sugar can only be managed with your full commitment. Your doctor, friends, and family can serve as your support group or provide helpful instruction. But ultimately, they cannot do anything for you. While you may not be alone in the pursuit of treating Type 2 diabetes and having a healthier body, as far as undertaking the task goes it all depends on you. The burden of making progress or not is on your shoulders, and you should not expect anyone else to share it with you.


By all means – talk to those who may be able to help or support you. Engage with those who can provide their opinions and a different perspective. Just remember from beginning to end, or more importantly, the process itself is entirely within your control.


Will you take full responsibility for managing your blood sugar levels and Type 2 diabetes?

	


	





		

		
Posted on 
HD-DVD vs. Blu-Ray: The Great Optical Disc Battle
	


	
	

		
Long gone are the times when all we had were compact discs, first for music, then for data storage and movies. The DVDs came next, boasting of what seemed then as tons of data storage.


But as they say, times quickly change, and so does the technology. Personal and commercial demands for data storage — be they for music, movies, games, or software — are outstripping the present capacities of optical discs.


Fortunately, two new players in the optical storage scene have arrived — HD-DVD and Blu-Ray. Both share similarities, and at the same time compete against each other to become the new standard technology for the future. This match-up will eventually determine the successor to the DVD. While it might seem a boon to consumers to have two disc types to choose from, the battle between the two discs might be disastrous to the industry.


HD-DVD


HD-DVD stands for either High Density Digital Versatile Disc or High Definition Digital Video Disc. The HD-DVD’s look is a familiar one — it is 120 mm in diameter, the same size as a CD and DVD. A single-sided HD-DVD can hold 15 GB of storage, while a dual-sided one can store 30 GB. A triple-sided HD-DVD, a huge possibility courtesy of Toshiba, can hold 45 GB.


HD-DVDs use the iHD Interactive Format, which will allow interactive content to be written for the discs.


Blu-Ray


Blu-Ray takes its name from the laser that it uses — a 405 nm wavelength blue laser, which is also employed by the HD-DVD. A single-sided Blu-ray disc, which shares the same diameter with the HD-DVD, CD, and DVD, can hold 25 GB of storage, while a dual-sided one can store 50 GB.


As a counterpart of the HD-DVD’s iHD Interactive Format, Blu-ray will use the HDMV, as well as Java software support to implement interactive menus.


A Comparison


Factors going for the HD-DVD:


    The DVD Forum is its big daddy.


    The movie industry, which counts among its ranks Universal Studios, Warner Brothers, New Line Cinema, and Paramount Pictures, supports the format.


    The giants of the IT industry — Toshiba, NEC, Sanyo, the DVD Forum, Microsoft, and Intel — also support the format.


    All HD-DVDs and HD-DVD players are backward compatible, meaning they will still support old DVDs.


    It is cheaper and faster to manufacture than Blu-Ray discs.


Factors going for Blu-Ray:


    Blu-Ray has the support of the world’s largest electronic companies — Sony, HP, Dell, Pioneer, Philips, Panasonic, Samsung, Apple, LG-Electronics, and Mitsubishi Electric.


    Their are also companies from the entertainment industry that support the format — Electronic Arts, MGM, Walt Disney, and 20th Century Fox.


    The PlayStation 3 will be supporting Blu-Ray discs.


    Blu-Ray discs have faster data transfer rates than their counterparts.


    Blu-Ray discs have larger storage capacities than their counterparts.




As you can see, each side has its advantages and disadvantages. It’s really too tough to call at this point as to who will emerge the winner. But one thing is certain — the commercial industry disdains this battle of attrition, as any format war has the potential to split the market into two incompatible sub-markets; these smaller markets means that the format war kills off revenues.

	


	





		

		
Posted on 
ADHD Information – The Facts You Need to Know About the Disorder
	


	
	

		
  Do you or your child suffering from ADHD?  Do you know the symptoms, causes and treatment of ADHD?  If not, this article presents some of the important important information regarding ADHD you must be informed about. 


  1. ADHD is predominately present in children – Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, also known as ADHD is a condition that mainly strikes children.  Children between the ages of 3 and 6 are most like to develop ADHD.  The condition, if not cured completely, carries on into their teenage life and adulthood too.  This is, unfortunately very common and so we have many adults with ADHD too. 


  2. Causes – While going through ADHD information, you will see that the causes of ADHD include injury to the brain, being exposed to lead, use of tobacco and alcohol during pregnancy by the mother, genetics and low body weight at the time of birth .  All these are attributed to be causes of ADHD.  However, there are cases too where the disorder sets in, irrespective of the above mentioned causes, but such cases are rare. 


  3. Symptoms of ADHD – There are basically three important symptoms of ADHD – hyperactivity, impulsiveness and inattentiveness.  ADHD information must be handed out to everyone so that the correct analysis of the symptoms happens and the patient is treated properly.  It must be remembered here that the symptoms of ADHD are often confused and so before any treatment is started, the child must and tested and ADHD confirmed. 


  4. Treatment – ADHD can be treated with the help of medicines, exercise, proper diets and an improved lifestyle.  Popping the pills, however, remain the most popular mode of treatment.  Unfortunately this is a very dangerous practice.  The prescription drugs for ADHD are very harmful for the body and end up causing more damage than cure.  The children suffer from side-effects and even get addicted to them.  However, there is hope as now there are some wonderful alternative medications available for the treatment of ADHD.  These medicines are gentle, while being very effective at the same time. 


  5. Effect of lifestyle on ADHD – The way you lead your life has a huge effect on your health.  It has been seen that children with ADHD who have a monitored lifestyle, deal much better with the condition than those who are not disciplined and follow unhealthy habits.  For instance, a child affected with ADHD must eat a low-oil, low-salt, low-sugar diet.  The consumption of aerated drinks should be lessened.  If these guidelines are followed, the symptoms of ADHD do reduce.  Fortunately, there is a lot of ADHD information available today and helps you in understanding the problem better. 

	


	





		

		
Posted on 
Erasing Your Metabolism Fears
	


	
	

		
  Go into the diet or weight loss area of ​​any bookstore and you are sure to run across various books on metabolism.  Inevitably the topic of metabolism is packed with fear.  Our fitness culture handles metabolism as if it's this fragile thing that can break and degrade if we so much as miss a workout or skip a meal or two.  The image of walking through a full scale rifle with a five foot tall Ming vase comes to mind.  I used to fall for this fear myself, but now I believe differently. 


  For one thing, the biggest impacts on your metabolism are things you can not change and in other cases change very slowly.  These include your genetics, age, gender, height and how much lean body mass you're carrying around. 


  Ask your doctor about changes in metabolism and you're likely to hear numbers like a decrease of 1-2% per year or something around that.  So a change in your metabolism is not like the radical shifts our diet and exercise books like you to believe.  Fearing a drastically changing metabolism is like fearing a run away glacier. 


  In reality our metabolism is not like a Ming vase that's so fragile and frail, but it's more like a chunk of rock that only changes and erodes with lots of time and consistent pressure.  Skipping a meal or missing a workout will not cause your metabolism to come crashing down and shatter beyond repair. 


  So do not worry.  Eat good food, get some sleep and stay active.  Unless you have a drastic and constant change in your diet or exercise plan (or you shrink a foot or two), your metabolism is not going anywhere anytime soon. 

	


	





		

		
Posted on 
Using Tea to Reduce Your Cholesterol
	


	
	

		
  High cholesterol is a health concern for many Americans.  High levels of LDL cholesterol are a leading contributor to heart disease.  LDL cholesterol is what contributes to clogged arteries.  Arteries become clogged and narrowed when LDL cholesterol circulating in the blood becomes oxidizes and hardens into plaque.  The more LDL cholesterol you have circulating in your blood, the more plaque you'll develop. 


  A second type of cholesterol, known as HDL cholesterol is what we refer to as "good cholesterol".  This form of cholesterol carries away LDL cholesterol to the liver, where it can pass out of the body.  This is why we should have high levels of HDL cholesterol.  However, when our levels of LDL cholesterol are high, our HDL levels are typically low. 


  If you're trying to lower your LDL cholesterol levels and raise your HDL cholesterol levels there are a few things you can do. 


  The first is watching your diet.  Avoiding foods high in saturated fat and cholesterol like butter, eggs and red meat can help you lower those LDL cholesterol levels.  In addition, you can help raise your HDL levels by replacing those saturated fats in your diet with healthy fats like olive oil, canola oil, avocados and nuts.  These fats raise our HDL levels and keep us healthy. 


  Secondly, to reduce LDL cholesterol levels, it's important to exercise.  Walking is a great way to help reduce your cholesterol levels, and it will help lower your blood pressure, as well. 


  If you're overweight, losing weight will help you reduce cholesterol levels, as well.  Making the dietary changes mentioned above and beginning to exercise should make dropping a few pounds easier.  If you're a smoker, you should stop.  Smoking significantly increases your risk for heart disease. 


  Your cholesterol level is also affected by your heredity.  Some people are prone to high cholesterol even if they exercise regularly and eat a healthy diet.  If you fall into this category, you may require medication in addition to lifestyle changes in order to get your cholesterol under control. 


  Another way to help reduce LDL cholesterol levels is to drink tea.  Green tea has been shown in many studies to help prevent LDL cholesterol from oxidizing and turning into plaque.  These studies have suggested that even if your LDL cholesterol level is high, drinking tea may prevent it from causing a problem. 


  However, it appears that drinking tea may actually have the power to lower your blood cholesterol levels, too.  A study conducted by the University of Hong Kong studied various types of Chinese tea and their effect on cholesterol in rats.  The rats were all fed a high cholesterol diet for a week before beginning the study.  Then, the rats were divided into several groups.  Each group was fed a different type of tea while continuing the high cholesterol diet for another eight weeks.  A control group of rats received water instead of the tea. 


  The types of tea used for evaluation including Jasmine, Iron Buddha, Pu-erh, oolong and green tea.  The reason that multiple types of tea were used was to evaluate whether fermented teas are as effective at decreasing cholesterol as those that are not fermented.  Green tea is completely unfirmed, Jasmine tea is mildly fermented, and oolong and Iron Buddha are semi-fermented.  Pu-erh is a fully fermented tea. 


  In addition to measuring the cholesterol levels in the mice participating in the study, the weight and fattiness of the liver was also measured. 


  This study concluded that the teas that had been minimally fermented (Jasmine and green tea) had a significant effect on both the serum and liver levels of cholesterol.  In addition, these teas reduced the weight and fat of the liver.  These teas were able to significantly lower the cholesterol levels, while the fermented teas and the water did not. * The levels of triglycerides and HDL cholesterol were not significantly different among the groups. 


  So, it appears that green tea may be a powerful way to help reduce your cholesterol level, particularly when combined with a healthy diet and exercise.  If you combine the results of this study with those of past studies, you can come to the conclusion that consuming tea, particularly green tea may be able to help reduce the actual level of LDL cholesterol circulating in your blood and may also be able to prevent the cholesterol that is there from oxidizing and turning into plaque. 


  If you're struggling to get your cholesterol level under control, green tea is definitely worth a try.  It has no side effects, and is well tolerated by nearly everyone – even those who are sensitive to caffeine.  And, in addition to helping you lower your cholesterol, green tea may have other added benefits. 


  Green tea may be able to help you lose weight and may prevent heart disease, diabetes and cancer.  Green tea just might be the one supplement to your diet that can help with many of the health problems plaguing Americans today.