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Do you know what the number one killer in much of the developed world and especially the United States is? The answer is heart disease. With all the junk food that is available nowadays heart disease has turned in to the biggest killer today. So how can we beat this serial killer and add a few more years to our lives you ask? The answer is simple. We just need to eat healthier and the risk or contracting any sort of heart problem is greatly reduced. In fact you can add about 15 years to your life by just changing a few things in your diet.

The answer is really eating more raw foods and mostly vegetable foods. Raw vegetable foods contain zero cholestrol which is what causes heart disease in the first place.The reason people in the past sought to cook food so much is that it was often dirty and it would make us sick if we tried to consume it as it was. In African villages, people that do not have running water must go to the rivers and get it from there. Of course it is not clean so what do they do? They boil it first to kill the germs and then let it cool and then they will drink it. Nowadays the food we get from the stores is basically edible when we get it. We also wash the food at home so it is very safe for us to consume already. That means we are not taking any risks if we go raw with out diets, or at least replace some of our unhealthy eating habits with raw food.

Some people might be asking what is the main difference between raw and cooked food? Well the thing is when food is being cooked, the temperatures get so high that most of the nutrients present in the food will be destroyed! That means that we are not getting in as many nutrients as we would be led to believe. Many diseases that are prevalent today come about because people do not get as many nutrients as they should from the food they are eating.

When you eat raw clean food, you can rest assured that you will not miss out on any essential nutrients inside the food. Some people may also ask what the nutrients can do for them? Well the biggest thing is that they can easily prevent you from contracting any annoying niggling illnesses. Many people who have gone raw have not had any slight sign of the flu or cold in many years. Some even say it has been more than 15 years since they were last sick!

With all the advances in science and medicine, people in the developing world now have a life expectancy which is very high. Sometimes it is over 80 years old and that is despite people eating all of this unhealthy food. How many more years can we add to this if we all went raw? Maybe another 15 years! Japan has so many people living to an old age, probably because they eat so much raw food such as sushi, that it is actually becoming a huge problem for them!

Now going raw is a process and it is not going to happen overnight, but you have to take responsibility for your health. There are so many raw food recipes for beginners out there that you can try and they are very tasty. In fact you can save money and time because you do not have to stand around cooking food for so long. The many raw food recipes for beginners are easy to prepare and you will not regret as least incorporating a bit of raw food in your diet. There are also many other benefits you can get from raw food

The author invites you to visit: http://rawfoodforbeginners.info

Quote:

‘In eating, a third of the stomach should be filled with food, a third with drink and the rest left empty.’

Talmudin

Hello! May I start this article by sharing with you my most inner secrets. I want to reveal to you that no matter how difficult your weight problem may seem, you can change your life for the better. If I can do it, so can you.

As many know I wasn't always so strong or sure of myself, and much of that insecurity has to do with my weight. I have had a weight problem practically all my life and I always will. But now things are different, and they can do for you, too.

Enough of this lengthy intro, at least for now! OK? Then let’s dive in with the first success habit of thin or slim people.

Success Habits No.1. Follow A Rugged framework for diet and exercise.

Let me set the record straight! Diet and exercise guidelines can provide you with a framework for making these healthy changes, but ultimately it's up to you to devise your own rules and come up with your own strategies for healthy living and dieting. It is not expected of you to grab any article or a report and immediately start following the tactics and strategies recommended. Everyone’s body is different from another.

We have DNA’s that are very different even from our blood brothers and sister. Why then should you follow exactly what people tell you. Even advices herein. The best bet is to use your own body to study the actions and reactions of the guidelines given and applied there. Fair enough?

Success Habits No. 2. Adhere to a ‘low-fat' low-calorie diet and exercising regularly

Let me clue you in on an undisputed statement. In the largest study of successful dieters to date researchers have found that sticking with a ‘low-fat' low-calorie diet and exercising regularly helped the participants shed and keep off at least 30 pounds. Sounds impossible? But trust me it’s true. You can bet your eyeball on this fact.

By the way, are you are you getting into this, or it is rubbing you the wrong way? Just be patient and carry on reading. It’s worth your few minutes of your precious time. Then shall we proceed to secrets number three. OK?

Success Habits No.3. Discover and Adapt to Better Dieting Therapies

OK, I know you’re probably shaking your head after reading success habits number three .But rests assured what you about to read is no rocket science materials. It is just plain and simple fact. Here goes!

Rest assured that successful dieters aren't afraid to do things far different from the norm. Just to find tactics that really works for them. And to use them when they work for them.

Time changes so does things. Remember the old adage, ‘Time and Tides awaits no man or for that matter woman’ Get my drift?

Up next,

Success Habits No. 4. A strong Belief in ‘Quitters Never Wins, and Winners never Quit’ motto.

Hello! Are you prepared to prepared to be shocked, disappointed and finally refreshed, reading this success secret no. 4. Right? Then let me get straight to the point! Make no mistake, along the road to change, lapses are inevitable for any one. But in and of themselves, they're not necessarily setbacks; it all depends on how you handle them.

Remember this weight loss thing is not a one shot affair. We have to live in our body every day of our lives, by the minutes, days, weeks, months and years. How our mind adapts to failures will largely determine the condition of our inherited body. Agreed?

Correct me if I am wrong. But what you are about to read may be shocking to you. If you are ready to see what’s next then go ahead and continue reading but brace yourself first!

Success Habits No. 5. Progressively overcoming unhealthy life styles

No matter how you argue or try to justify this habits number 5, common sense dedicates this obvious fact. Changing distasteful habits involves six predictable stages, researchers have found. If you can identify the stage where you are, you can take steps to spur yourself forward.

In case you don’t know the six stages, let’s have a fast reminder. Step One. Know the exact problem causing the unhealthy lifestyle. Step 2. Find alternative solutions to overcome the problem. Step 3. Select the best alternative to overcome the problem. Step 4. Schedule the start and finish times to work at this problem Step 5. Get down to solving the problem and step 6. Finish, follow up and revise if there is a need to. Simple enough?

To sum up, let’s recap! Firstly adopt a rugged framework for dieting and exercising . Secondly, to adhere to a ‘low-fat' low-calorie diet and engage in indoor or outdoor sports regularly. Thirdly to continue discovering and adapting to better dieting therapies Fourthly, have a strong belief in ‘Quitters Never Wins, and Winners never Quit’ motto. And finally take the concerted efforts to progressively overcoming unhealthy life styles.

In closing, let me add to these facts! This article has given you this weight loss information . It has given you the justification and the facts and the best advice we can give, the rest is up to you. Health is really is wealth in more than just financial, and whatever choices you make, we wish you best of luck in your pursue of a slimmer and healthier body. Goodbye and happy weight loss endeavor. Thanks for reading. Bye!

DISCLAIMER AND/OR LEGAL NOTICES

The information presented herein represents the views of the author as of the date of publication. Because of the rate with which conditions change, the author reserves the rights to alter and update his opinions based on the new conditions. This material is for informational purposes only and the author does not accept any responsibilities for any liabilities resulting from the use of this information. While every attempt has been made to verify the information provided here, the author and his referrals cannot assume any responsibility for errors, inaccuracies or omissions. Any slights of people or organizations are unintentional.

The primary step to keeping your skin healthy is preventing damage. Pollutants, air, sun as well as by just natural aging can certainly mortify the form of your skin. Frequent grumbles incorporate dry along with itchy skin, sagging, wrinkles, color alterations, together with age spots. Luckily, there are various methods that you can readily apply in order to maintain a healthy skin, feeling and looking at its most excellent appearance.

Keeping yourself fit, having enough rest, as well as getting healthy diet can set the basis for fine-looking and vigorous complexion. Moreover, a proper diet is not only the excellent way in attaining good health in general but it as well assists you to guarantee that your skin will get all of the vitamins and minerals, along with the nutrients that it requires to preserve and fix itself.

Another way to keep your skin healthy is to apply the right skin care products to your skin. The best anti aging skincare products that can aid you to hydrate the skin are now available at your favorite skin care product store online. Having a clean skin by using the best skin cleanser is also a great way of preventing skin damages.

One of the most essential ways to protect your skin is to keep it away from the harmful rays of the sun. Ultraviolet radiation harms the skin as well as it can result to wrinkles, premature aging, age spots or even cancer as well. An individual should really get further preventative measures in order to be certain that his or her skin is not totally exposed under the harmful rays of the sun. Do not fail to remember that one should apply a natural sunscreen, or a moisturizer that includes sunscreen (with minimum of SPF 15) every day. Although, it does not mean that you should not go out at all during the day, as if you are like a nocturnal creature. Your skin also needs some sunlight every day. A 10 to 15 exposures at sunrise or sunset will be alright.

In addition to that, a variety of fine skin care products such as an all natural moisturizer is one of the essential components for a vigorous complexity. Keep on moisturizing all through the day to keep your sensitive skin vigorous. Your hands as well as your face is especially vulnerable to everyday dent, and might require it to be moisturized further.

About The Author

The author invites you to visit: http://www.skincare-products.350.com

Natural Acne Scars Remedies - Common Sense Prevails

Acne is one of those things that everybody seems to get at one point or another, and yet nobody really likes it. While some cases are mild, other cases are quite severe and can lead to visible scarring. So, not only do these people have to suffer through a bad outbreak of acne, they then have to live with the scars for the rest of their lives. Or do they? The answer to that is no they don't, or at least they can try any number of acne scars remedies that will minimize the scars that are there. Not all of these treatments will work the same on everybody, but they are worth trying if it means you can feel better about yourself.

One of the best known remedies for acne scars is citrus juice. You can apply the juice of a lemon or lime directly to the problem areas. However, some people find that pure citrus juice irritates their skin, so you may want to try different dilutions until you find the one that's best for you. Apply it once or twice a day for several weeks and see how much lighter your scars look. It can take quite a while, but if it just doesn't seem to be working for you, then you can try other acne scars remedies.

A lot of people swear by olive oil for making their acne scars less visible. In fact, there are any number of different oils that you can try. Simply massage the oil into the scar and the surrounding area, and let it sit. This helps to soften and moisturize the skin which can help diminish the visibility of acne scarring.

Here's a natural remedy for acne that you may not be familiar with: tomatoes! That's right. Tomatoes are high in Vitamin A which keeps the body from producing too much sebum, which is the substance that is largely responsible for acne to begin with. Tomatoes are also rich in antioxidants which are beneficial for repairing the skin.

One of the most soothing acne scars remedies is a mixture of rose water and sandalwood. Simply add a few drops of the rose water to the sandalwood until it is at a paste like consistency. Then put the resulting paste directly on the scars and let it sit for about an hour. This is generally very gentle on the skin, so you can even leave it on as you sleep.

You have to be more careful if you are currently experiencing an acne outbreak, as you shouldn't let any foreign material (such as any of the above ingredients we've talked about) get into the sores. Not only can it be irritating, but it can also make the acne worse. However, if you need immediate comfort, you may want to try an icepack to help cool and temporarily tighten the skin.

While a lot of people have found success with the above acne scars treatments, you should always consult with a qualified medical professional before doing anything that has to do with your health.

About The Author

The author invites you to visit: http://www.my-net-biz.co.uk

Black molds are known to bring serious health problems in human beings. Though this type of fungus is essential for earth's ecosystem, it is not at all good for our health. You must stop this indoor toxin from growing, as it may result in serious health issues.

Black mold gets nutrition from dead organic materials by decomposing them into simpler forms. They reproduce through spore formation. Molds grow at an alarming rate and it becomes very difficult to control them.

Such mold releases mycotoxins in the air, which can be inhaled by people through breathing. Direct contact with these types of mold is another mode of entry. There are numerous health problems which are associated with the exposure to black mold.

Initial symptoms of this toxic fungus are allergic reactions to cold or dust, and ignoring these early symptoms can be dangerous. Health issues due to such mold may turn out to be very serious if no action is taken against its growth. Some of the symptoms of these types of mold are stuffy and runny nose, difficulty while breathing, throat irritation and headache. There can be many other allergic reaction of mold exposure, but it is advisable that you consult a doctor to know the exact cause of the allergy.

In some cases, people may feel congested as soon as they get in contact with such mold or enter an infected room. When these types of symptoms occur, you must be very careful. Skin rashes, itchiness and swelling are other common mold symptoms. People suffering from asthma may experience severe conditions in the presence of such mold. Other common mold health effects include weaker immune system, sickness, diarrhea and even death in some cases.

There are many ways to get rid of black mold and some people use bleaches to kill this mold. However, bleach cannot reach every single corner of your room, where molds nest. Moreover, bleaches clean the house for the time being but fail to prevent it from future contamination. Bleach is also not good for health, which further adds to health problems.

Natural black mold killer is a better option, because they are free from side effects and also prevent future mold growth efficiently. For best results, you must do regular inspection for mold growth. Before such mold invades your entire house, you must prevent its growth. You must avoid moisture retention and try maintaining good ventilation throughout the house.

About The Author

The author invites you to visit: http://www.yourblackmoldguide.com

Natural Component of Apple Peels Found To Help Prevent Muscle Weakening

In search of an effective method to prevent muscle wasting that comes with illness and aging, researchers have located a natural compound that is very promising.

The findings reported in the June issue of Cell Metabolism (a Cell Press publication), identify a natural component of apple peels known as Ursolic Acid as a promising newnutritional therapy for the widespread and debilitating condition that affects nearly everyone at one time or another.

"Muscle wasting is a frequent companion of illness and aging," explained researchers from The University of Iowa, Iowa City. "It prolongs hospitalization, delays recoveries and in some cases prevents people going back home. It isn't well understood and there is no medicine for it."

The research team first looked at what happens to gene activity in muscles under conditions that promote weakening. Those studies turned up 63 genes that change in response to fasting in both people and mice and another 29 that shift their expression in the muscles of both people who are fasting and those with spinal cord injury. Comparison of those gene expression signatures to the signatures of cells treated with more than 1300 bio-active small molecules led them to ursolic acid as a compound with effects that might counteract those of atrophy.

"Ursolic Acid is an interesting natural compound," they said. "It's part of a normal diet as a component of apple peels. They always say that an apple a day keeps the doctor away..."

The researchers next gave Ursolic Acid to fasted laboratory subjects. Those experiments showed that ursolic acid could protect against muscle weakening as predicted. When ursolic acid was added to the food of normal subjects for a period of weeks, their muscles grew. Those effects were traced back to enhanced insulin signaling in muscle and to corrections in the gene signatures linked to atrophy.

The subjects given ursolic acid also became leaner and had lower blood levels of glucose, cholesterol and triglycerides. The findings therefore suggest that ursolic acid may be responsible for some of the overall benefits of healthy eating.

"We know if you eat a balanced diet like mom told us to eat you get this material," the researchers explained "People who eat junk food don't get this."

It is not yet clear whether the findings will translate to human patients, but the goal now is to "figure out if this can help people." If so, they don't yet know whether Ursolic Acid at levels that might be consumed as part of a normal diet might or might not be enough.

Journal Reference:

mRNA Expression Signatures of Human Skeletal Muscle Atrophy Identify a Natural Compound that Increases Muscle Mass. Cell Metabolism

About The Author

The author invites you to visit: http://www.lmchealthshop.com

If you suffer from back pain you probably would not consider acupuncture as a treatment until you have exhausted many other alternatives. However, acupuncture is a type of ancient Chinese medicine that's been around for over 2,500 years and throughout this time it has been used for back pain relief, increasingly so in these modern times.

While it is not traditionally a part of western medicine, nowadays your doctor is quite likely to send you for this treatment if you are suffering from back or neck pain either persistantly or due to accident or injury.

If you are going to have this therapy you may want to know a little about how it works. The general belief is that the body has 20 energy flow patterns called meridians or pathways. Through these pathways it is thought that the life force or vital energy flows, this is known as the qi (it is pronounced chee) and is considered to be essential to maintain good health. There are over 2,000 points on our bodies that connect with these pathways and it is at these points which the hair-thin needles are inserted, this is done in varying specific combinations depending on the treatment required. These actions are believed to either correct the flow of qi or to reinforce it.

Even though it cannot be proven that this works as a type of pain relief, it is thought that as a result the central nervous system is stimulated. Most patients say that they get a pins and needles sensation on the insertion of the needles and indeed into the duration of the treatment, which usually lasts about 15 to 30 minutes. Some people report that they feel energised or even very relaxed so it appears as if the effect can be is somewhat different depending on the individual.

The acupuncturist will use up to 20 metallic needles during a treatment session and the depth they are inserted is dependent upon the area, deeper muscular or fatty areas need more penetration and the scalp for example would be just below the surface. The practitioner may turn the needles one way or another depending on what they are trying to achieve, in my personal experience they were turned on insertion, then again about half way through the treatment. At no point is the treatment painful, there is a mere sensation of the needles going in and they do not feel sharp at all, this is because unlike needles used for injections, an acupuncture needle’s tip come to a smooth point without sharp edges. They are also very thin, about 20 times thinner than a hypodermic needle. In my experience the most troublesome part of the treatment is lying in the same position without moving for up to 30 minutes, especially if you suffer from back pain or similar.

Although there are many medical experts who believe acupuncture is an effective way to treat certain conditions such as back pain, there is no true consensus. Some adhere to the theories of qi and meridians whilst others attribute acupunctures’ benefits to the biological changes that are brought about in the body as a result of treatment. Needless to say there will always be the sceptics who deny that acupuncture has any effect at all, but in my opinion if you are suffering from ongoing back pain it is certainly worth trying.

About The Author

The author invites you to visit: http://www.backpainreliefblog.org

Weight Loss (cont.)

1. Weight Gain Shockers Slideshow Pictures
2. Take the Quiz on Belly Fat
3. The Best Diet Tips Ever Slideshow Pictures

7 tips for successful weight loss

1. The desire to lose weight must come from the individual. If you're truly ambivalent about making changes in your lifestyle or are doing this to please someone else, you're likely to fail. When making changes, decide what's right for your lifestyle. Your best friend's diet and exercise plan may be completely wrong for your habits and interests. The key is to find a system that works for you.

2. Don't blame yourself if you aren't perfect. If you once fail at your attempt to curtail your overeating, it doesn't mean you are a failure at weight control and that you should just give up. Accept that you made a poor choice, but don't let that poor choice influence the rest of your plan. The same holds true with exercise. Skipping a few workouts doesn't mean you can't get back on track. Weight control does not involve making perfect choices all the time, rather it's about attempting to make good choices more often than poor ones.

3. Avoid surroundings where you know you're tempted to make poor food choices. Everyone has a time when we're most likely to overeat, whether it's the morning coffee break or after-work gathering with friends. Try to plan other activities or distractions for those times, or plan in advance how you're going to handle them and stick to it.

4. Surround yourself with people who support your efforts. Even our good friends can knowingly or unknowingly sabotage weight-loss attempts. Spend time with those people who will not pressure you to make poor food choices.

5. Decide on some nonfood rewards for yourself when you reach interim goals. For examples, at the end of the first week of healthy eating or after the first 5 pounds lost, buy yourself a new DVD or book.

6. Stock your pantry and refrigerator with healthy foods. Get rid of the high-calorie, low-nutrition snacks like chips and candy. But don't forget to have plenty of healthier options available as well, such as popcorn (hold the butter, try Parmesan cheese sprinkles), low-fat cheese and yogurt, fruit, instant cocoa without added sugar, sugar-free popsicles or puddings, or whatever appeals to you when you're hungry for a snack.

7. Set small goals and focus on these rather than the "big picture." Decide where you want to be in a week or in a month, rather than focusing on the total amount of weight you'd like to lose.

REFERENCE:

Uwaifo, Gabriel I., and Elif Arioglu. "Obesity." eMedicine.com. Dec. 8, 2010. <http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/123702-overview>

Let's look at an example of a successful no-diet weight loss program.

A 45-year-old woman complains that she has gradually put on 12 pounds over the past year. In the last month, she's faced a stressful work deadline and added another 4 pounds to her frame.

This individual's goal is to lose the 16 pounds she has gained. Since her weight has been gradually increasing, she knows that she is consuming more calories than she is burning, especially with her sedentary job. She decides that a weight loss of 1 pound per week (equal to a deficit of about 3,500 calories, or cutting 500 calories per day) would be acceptable and would allow her to reach her goal in about four months.

She decides to make some changes that will allow her to cut back an average of 250 calories per day.

• Skipping a large glass of sweetened iced tea will save about 200 calories.
• Substituting mineral water for the cola she regularly drinks during meetings can save another 150 calories.
• Foregoing her morning muffin snack (or eating only half a muffin) can also save 250 calories or more.

To reach her goal of a 500-calorie-per-day savings, she adds some exercise.

• Getting up early for a 20-minute walk before work and adding a 10-minute walk during her lunch break add up to a half hour of walking per day, which can burn about 200 calories.
• On weekends, she plans to walk for 60 minutes one day and spend one hour gardening the next day for even greater calorie burning. If walking for 60 minutes is too much, two 30-minute walks one day would burn the same number of calories.
• Twice per week she plans to stop at the gym on the way home from work, even if only for a half hour of stationary cycling or swimming (each burning up to 250 calories).

By making just some of the dietary cutbacks mentioned and starting some moderate exercise, this individual can easily "save" the 3,500 calories per week needed for a 1-pound weight loss, leading to a healthy rate of weight loss without extreme denial or deprivation. Furthermore, her changes in diet and lifestyle are small and gradual, modifications that she can maintain over time.

Weight Loss (cont.)

1. Weight Gain Shockers Slideshow Pictures
2. Take the Quiz on Belly Fat
3. The Best Diet Tips Ever Slideshow Pictures

How fast should you expect to lose weight?

Most experts agree that a safe, healthy rate of weight loss is one to 1 ½ pounds per week. Modification of eating habits along with regular exercise is the most effective way to lose weight over the long term. It is also the ideal way to ensure that the weight stays off.

Starvation diets may result in rapid weight loss, but this weight loss is almost impossible to maintain for most people. When food intake is severely restricted (below approximately 1,200 calories per day), the body begins to adapt to this state of poor nutrition by reducing its metabolic rate, potentially making it even more difficult to lose weight. It is also possible to experience hunger pangs, bouts of hypoglycemia, headaches, and mood changes from overly stringent dieting. These symptoms can result in binge eating and weight gain. Since a highly restrictive diet is almost impossible to maintain for a long time, people who attempt to starve themselves thin often start to gain weight again when they stop dieting.

The no-diet approach to weight control

By adopting sensible eating habits and practicing portion control, you can eat nutritious foods so that you take in as many calories as you need to maintain your health and well-being at your ideal weight. Often, weight loss occurs on its own simply when you start making better food choices, such as avoiding

• processed foods,
• sugar-laden foods,
• white bread and pasta (substitute whole-grain varieties instead),
• foods with a high percentage of calories from fat,
• and alcoholic drinks.

While nothing is absolutely forbidden, when you do succumb to temptation, keep the portion size small and add a bit more exercise to your daily workout.

By replacing some unwise food choices with healthy ones, you'll be cutting back on calories. If you add some moderate physical activity, you have the perfect weight-loss plan without the need for special or inconvenient (and often expensive) diet plans.

Benign Brain Tumors

Medical Author: Charles Davis, MD, PhD
Medical Editor: Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD

Benign brain tumors are usually defined as a group of similar cells that do not follow normal cell division and growth patterns and develop into a mass of cells that microscopically do not have the characteristic appearance of a cancer. Most benign brain tumors are found by CTor MRIbrain scans. These tumors usually grow slowly, do not invade surrounding tissues or spread to other organs, and often have a border or edge that can be seen on CT scans. These tumors rarely develop into metastatic (cancerous or spreading) tumors. Most benign brain tumors can be removed; the benign tumors usually do not reoccur after removal. The exact causes of benign brain tumors are not known, but investigators have suggested that family history, radiation exposure, or exposure to chemicals (for example, vinyl chloride, formaldehyde) may be risk factors.

Benign brain tumors, however, can be life threatening because they can compress brain tissue and other structures inside the skull, so the term "benign" can be misleading. Terminology is further complicated by some investigators who classify low-grade cancerous tumors as either "benign" or "relatively benign." Regardless, compression of brain tissue or its additional structures (for example, nerves, ventricles) by a tumor mass is a major cause of the symptoms seen with benign (and malignant) tumors.

Learn the symptoms of benign brain tumors »

 

*Adult brain tumor facts Medically Edited by: Charles P. Davis, MD, PhD

• The brain is a soft mass of tissue that has three major parts, the cerebrum, cerebellum and the brain stem, all of which are effectively surrounded and protected by the bones of the skull; the brain is the tissue that controls people's voluntary and involuntary actions.
• Cancer is the unregulated growth of abnormal cells in the body (cancer cells are also termed malignant cells).
• Malignant brain tumors contain cancer cells; benign brain tumors do not contain cancer cells but do contain abnormally replicating cells that do not metastasize (spread to other organs) but may still cause problems, often because of their size and are regulated to grow in a specific area.
• Primary brain tumors are composed of abnormal types of brain cells with unregulated growth; the most common type is termed gliomas that arise from brain glial cells, but there are many other types (for example, astrocytomas, ependymomas, medulloblastomas and others).
• Secondary brain tumors are tumors that have spread to the brain tissue, but are composed of cancer cells from other organs (for example, breast, lung).
• The exact cause of brain tumors is unknown; however, people at higher risk for them are children and the elderly, white males, people with family members that have brain tumors, radiation exposure, and exposures to many different chemicals.
• Symptoms of brain tumors, many of which are non-specific and occur in other diseases, may include headaches, nausea, vomiting, speech, hearing or vision changes, memory problems, personality changes and paresthesias (an abnormal sensation of the skin such as numbness, tingling, prickling, burning, or creeping on the skin that has no objective cause).
• Brain tumors are diagnosed preliminarily by many methods including detailed physical exam, CT and/or MRI exams, angiograms, and X-rays; definitive diagnosis is by removing tissue from the tumor (tumor biopsy) and examining the cells microscopically.
• Treatment choices for a brain tumor depends on joint decisions made by the patient and the patient's physician team (team members may include oncologists, surgeons, therapists and others the patient may choose, including other doctors who may give a second opinion); treatment methods are based on the individual's disease and may consist of surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, combinations of these methods or no treatment.
• Side effects of treatments are common and numerous but vary from patient to patient depending on the disease, method(s) used and the effectiveness of medications and other methods to reduce them; some of the most common side effects are weakness, nausea, edema, skin changes and hair loss but may include more serious problems such as infections, seizures, disabilities such as speech problems, mental changes and occasionally, death.
• Rehabilitation is frequently included in the treatment plan; specialists like physical, occupational and speech therapists can help the patient improve.
• Follow-up appointments are part of the treatment plan for brain tumors to catch any recurrent disease and to help with rehabilitation treatments.
• Support groups are available to patients with brain tumors and to patients who have and are undergoing treatments; for example, the American Cancer Society, American Brain Tumor Society

DRUG CLASS AND MECHANISM: Aldesleukin is a man-made protein that has the same actions as native human interleukin-2 (IL-2). Interleukins are the messengers by which white blood cells communicate with each other to coordinate inflammation and immunity. Among its actions, IL-2 increases the number and activities of certain types of white blood cells called lymphocytes, monocytes, and macrophages that are involved in inflammation and immunity. For example, lymphocytes fight viral infections, regulate the immune system, and fight cancers. (The exact mechanism by which aldesleukin fights tumors is unknown.) Aldesleukin in given only by injection. Aldesleukin was FDA approved in 1992.

GENERIC AVAILABLE: no

PRESCRIPTION: yes

PREPARATIONS: Vials containing 22 million IU (international units) of aldesleukin as a lyophilized (freeze-dried) powder, with diluent.

STORAGE: The vials should be stored in a refrigerator at 2- 8°C (36-46°F ) before and after reconstitution with diluent. The vials should not be frozen. The solution should be brought to room temperature prior to infusion and used within 48 hours of reconstitution. Since the vials do not contain a preservative, any unused portion must be discarded.

PRESCRIBED FOR: Aldesleukin is used in treating wide-spread (metastatic) cancer of the kidney (renal cell cancer) and skin (melanoma). It is being investigated in several other diseases including acute myelogenous leukemia, non- Hodgkin's lymphoma, HIV infection, Kaposi's sarcoma, and leprosy.

DOSING: Aldesleukin is given by slow intravenous infusion or subcutaneously (under the skin).

DRUG INTERACTIONS: Use of aldesleukin with drugs that share similar toxicity and side effects results in shared side effects that are more severe. For example, drugs that cause damage to the heart, e.g. doxorubicin (Adriamycin) can worsen the toxic effects of aldesleukin on the heart. Similarly, drugs that damage the kidneys, e.g., aminoglycosides (Garamycin, Nebcin, Amikin) or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil) can worsen the toxic effects of aldesleukin on the kidneys. Finally, drugs that cause liver damage such as isoniazid (INH). increase the toxic effects of aldesleukin on the liver.

Aldesleukin stimulates the immune system. Corticosteroids, e.g. methylprednisolone (Medrol) and prednisone, inhibit the immune system. Therefore, aldesleukin and corticosteroids will have opposing effects if used together. Use of such combinations, in fact, may decrease the anti-tumor effect of aldesleukin. Nevertheless, when aldesleukin is used, clinicians may use dexamethasone (a very powerful corticosteroid) to decrease side effects of aldesleukin such as dyspnea, confusion, fever, nephrotoxicity, or hepatotoxicity, despite the possible decrease in benefit.

PREGNANCY: It is not known whether aldesleukin can cause harm to the fetus. Because of it known side effects, the manufacturer recommends that it only be given to pregnant women using extreme caution.

NURSING MOTHERS: It is not known whether aldesleukin is excreted in breast milk. Because of it known side effects, the manufacturer recommends that it only be given to pregnant women using extreme caution.

SIDE EFFECTS: When given as an infusion into a vein (intravenously), aldesleukin causes side effects in almost every organ. Because of these side effects, aldesleukin only can be given to patients who are physically and mentally able to tolerate them. Most of the side effects are due to "capillary leak" which begins immediately after treatment is started. Capillary leak results in the leakage of proteins out of blood. This causes a loss of fluid from the blood, a decrease in the volume of blood, and a decrease in blood pressure. The decrease in blood pressure can be dramatic and even result in death. More than two-thirds of patients require injectable medications to treat the low blood pressure.

Other problems associated with capillary leak include congestion in the lungs, difficulty breathing (which can occur in one-half of patients), wheezing, respiratory failure (1 out of every 11 patients), and swelling due to fluid accumulation in various tissues in the body (half of all patients). Abnormal heart rhythms occur in 1 out of every 12 patients, and heart attacks in 1 out of every 50. Bleeding from the stomach, intestines, and kidney or liver damage also can occur. In fact, between two-thirds and three-fourths of all patients receiving aldesleukin develop kidney damage. Most of the side events caused by capillary leak begin to resolve a few hours after stopping aldesleukin therapy.

Is It Depression or J

By Mary Anne Dunkin

Reviewed by Brunilda Nazario, MD

just the Blues?

I dont even want to begin to think of the amount of calories in that food choice.

Another possible option is the deep fried cheese-stuffed portabello mushroom between two cheeseburgers as seen in this picture:

and then there's the 3000 calorie (estimate) two pound McDonalds cheeseburger

If you're interested in being really grossed out, fascinated with the food choices that people make or want a laugh, PLEASE, go to This Is Why You're Fat, and if you want to do something about it, get my book Fat Loss Fundamentals and learn the techniques and foods to eat to get the results you're looking for.

Labels: junk-food, Weight Gain

This is Why You're Fat

Read more: Former Fat Guy - Weight Loss Blog http://www.formerfatguy.com/weblog/blogger.asp#ixzz22n8HLGpC

Energy bars were originally introduced to the market as a fuel for athletes. Carbohydrate-rich bars were taken by high endurance athletes in order to give them that extra boost of energy.

They were once only found in health food stores and mountaineering shops, but are now available in your local supermarket and used by many sport enthusiasts, major athletes and quite simply, those on the go!

Today’s generation is a work-focused one. Working hours are no longer 9 until 5; they now begin even earlier and end even later, which is why more and more working individuals are investing in the humble energy bars.

Having a packet of energy bars stashed in your office drawer is a great security measure. You may find yourself having to stay later than planned, you may find your stomach making an assortment of noises in an unplanned meeting or you quite simply may have to work through the lunch hour.

It is always a good idea to have a few energy bars stashed in your bag, as you never know what the day might bring you. The breakfast date you had planned could turn into a delayed train and a missed breakfast, without anything to eat; you may have to stave it out until the lunch hour, which is of course where the humble energy bar comes into play.

Many energy bars claim a variety of benefits, which include the likes of housing enough energy to fuel a small marathon and also enough nutrients to meets both male and female nutritional needs.

With so many variations available, it is wise to shop around a little. Some energy bars may offer more than you need, whilst others won’t offer enough. It’s important to choose a bar that does contain plenty of energy-rich ingredients, not just sugar and flavourings. Protein rich energy bars are an excellent choice for those who exercise regularly.                                                                                                                                                  culled from:health blogs.org