Health Care and the Easter Celebration

For about two thousand years, Christians worldwide have celebrated the Easter weekend as the most holy of holidays. Believers who have trusted Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior wait for this holiday as a way to worship and praise God, and focus on all that is spiritual. Much of the world also celebrates this time, but for different reasons. And, for those who do not profess a strong religious bent, the general consensus is that it is a good time to have a long weekend with lots of good food and big sales at the mall.

Regardless of your reason to participate in church activities, special pageants or concerts full of music and drama, relaxing with family members with big dinners and lots of fun activities, or spending time in quiet contemplation, don’t miss the real focus of the Holiday. God performed a miracle on that first Easter Sunday by raising Jesus from the dead. Here is the account of the resurrection according to the Gospel of John, Chapter 20 (NIV) in the New Testament Bible:

The Empty Tomb:

20: 1 Early on the first day of the week, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene went to the tomb and saw that the stone had been removed from the entrance. 2 So she came running to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one Jesus loved, and said, “They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we don’t know where they have put him!”

3 So Peter and the other disciple started for the tomb. 4 Both were running, but the other disciple outran Peter and reached the tomb first. 5 He bent over and looked in at the strips of linen lying there but did not go in. 6 Then Simon Peter came along behind him and went straight into the tomb. He saw the strips of linen lying there, 7 as well as the cloth that had been wrapped around Jesus’ head. The cloth was still lying in its place, separate from the linen. 8 Finally the other disciple, who had reached the tomb first, also went inside. He saw and believed. 9 (They still did not understand from Scripture that Jesus had to rise from the dead.) 10 Then the disciples went back to where they were staying.

Jesus Appears to Mary Magdalene:

11 Now Mary stood outside the tomb crying. As she wept, she bent over to look into the tomb 12 and saw two angels in white, seated where Jesus’ body had been, one at the head and the other at the foot. 13 They asked her, “Woman, why are you crying?” “They have taken my Lord away,” she said, “and I don’t know where they have put him.” 14 At this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there, but she did not realize that it was Jesus.

15 He asked her, “Woman, why are you crying? Who is it you are looking for?” Thinking he was the gardener, she said, “Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have put him, and I will get him.” 16 Jesus said to her, “Mary.” She turned toward him and cried out in Aramaic, “Rabboni!” (which means “Teacher”).

17 Jesus said, “Do not hold on to me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father. Go instead to my brothers and tell them, ‘I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.’” 18 Mary Magdalene went to the disciples with the news: “I have seen the Lord!” And she told them that he had said these things to her.

Jesus Appears to His Disciples:

19 On the evening of that first day of the week, when the disciples were together, with the doors locked for fear of the Jewish leaders, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!” 20 After he said this, he showed them his hands and side. The disciples were overjoyed when they saw the Lord.

21 Again Jesus said, “Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.” 22 And with that he breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit. 23 If you forgive anyone’s sins, their sins are forgiven; if you do not forgive them, they are not forgiven.”
24 Now Thomas (also known as Didymus), one of the Twelve, was not with the disciples when Jesus came. 25 So the other disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord!” But he said to them, “Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe.”

26 A week later his disciples were in the house again, and Thomas was with them. Though the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!” 27 Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe.” 28 Thomas said to him, “My Lord and my God!” 29 Then Jesus told him, “Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”

30 Jesus performed many other signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not recorded in this book. 31 But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.

On this holy day, celebrate the risen Christ. He is the One who provides health, healing, and eternal life. Just think if you were to live your entire life, and miss the reason you were created. Enjoy Easter, and celebrate. Don’t miss it.

Until next time.

Message from the Elite, Hard-Bitten

Doctors and medical professionals, listen up: I am not your ordinary patient. I am most likely someone who has seen, first-hand, more than you.

Your experience with disease has most likely been across a wide swath of people; mine has been personal.

That experience should give me a better seat to all things medical and me.

So when I stop by the office to pick up the results of a test that the tech said would be ready, I expect to leave with the written report.

I do not wish to hear that my doctor will be out for the week, and I can leave her a message, which she will return after she returns.

I know enough to know that message will never be returned. The best that will happen, should I follow that advice, is I will have to call upon her return to make my request again.

But I should not have to wait a week for results that are available today. Not me. I am part of the medical elite, the hard-bitten, who have lived through medical bad news. That bad news is often the reason you keep on seeing me under these circumstances--wanting the results of some test or other that is always related, in some way, to that first ominous result.

Front desk people, please learn to recognize my face and do not attempt to tell me to wait a week. Instead, make the offer to do what you should so I don't have to ask.

Because I will ask. 100 percent of the time. I will say that there's no reason I should have to wait a week. I will ask you to ask the on-call doctor to approve releasing those results. I will ask for a call today.

And I will expect a call today, or I will call and follow up. 100 percent of the time.

And doctors, if you are the one on-call who inherits me, don't ask your office person to call me and tell me to wait until the lab results come back and I can get everything together--when that might be you will never mention.

All I hear when you instruct someone else to tell me that is that you're punting and don't want to be troubled to do your job. Yes, this is also part of your job. 100 percent.

The only other thing I could hear is that something is wrong, according to the test. If it's all good or nothing significant, why wouldn't you just let someone call and tell me that? They're going to make the call anyway.

So either you're lazy, or I'm in trouble. Don't play it like that with the medical elite, the hard-bitten.

What motivates self?

Self-development is an issue that more and more people becoming interested. Many of us feel a need for change in your life, and the reason for this may be many. The goal is well anyway to get as good a life as possible.

Self
Self is the collection of thoughts, experiences and feelings that make you who you are. Self gives you character, personality, and behavior patterns that characterize exactly you. When we talk about self-development, it is about changing the self. A change in the self will usually result in a change in the character, personality and behavior.

As a human, we have a unique characteristic in relation to the animals. We have the ability to reflect. It means that we can sit down and think about who we are and ask ourselves: Have I right? Am I satisfied? Can I get it even better than I have today? Should I change? I MUST change? Is there something more than what we can perceive through our senses?

The questions are endless when we first sit down.

The development of the self
This is a big topic in itself that I just briefly go into here.

There are numerous theories about the development of the self. What is left is that development consists of various phases. We go through several stages during the years of life.

When we are born, we have with us a biological code as a result of inheritance. When we grow up we become exposed to influences from the environment around us as we come in contact with.

A total of heredity and environment in determining how our self develops.

The interaction between us and the environment will always affect our thoughts, experiences and feelings. Boys are treated in a pan than girls. Lange people are met in a different way than low people. Blonde gets different treatment than brunettes.

How can we say that the piece is an interaction between ourselves and the environment. We affect the environment and the environment affects us.

After we have gone through the basic stages that infants, children, adolescents, etc., it is often said that we are fully developed when we are adults. As is our way to think and feel in complete matured, and we are ready to take responsibility for our own lives.

In fact many stops development after they have become adults. One might ask why this is so. Some are happy with themselves the way they are. Whether they have achieved what they wanted to accomplish as an adult, with a job, his own family and own interests. Or that they simply are not interested in further evolves. They feel they are doing well, and the urge to sit down and reflect on his life is nonexistent. Sadly enough, there are also people who simply do not have the ability to develop further in life.

Why is there a need to develop self?
I think there are three groups of people who feel a need for self-development.

The first group are those who were not covered their needs in childhood.
The basic need for care from their parents may have been missed. There may be people who have been unsure of themselves. Maybe they had few or no friends or had family members who gave much criticism and little support.

There may be people who have not learned how to behave in different social contexts. This group also includes people who have experienced traumatic events such as war, abuse, violence or other extreme situations.

The second group are those who despite a good upbringing, yet feel that something is missing.
This may be a better job, more money, more friends, other friends. Simply a need for higher social stauts.

The third group are those who are looking for something more than life on earth has to offer.
They have a need to find answers to existential questions. They are searching for something more in the spiritual sense. There are people who believe in a greater creativity, and I mean not pronounced religious people. Although many find their answers in different religions. It is man who is more spiritual in their approach to self development. They are interested in the New Age.

A fourth group may be a combination of all three. There are people who want development on several levels simultaneously. This can be difficult, and you can end up spending too much time and resources on something that is not successful.

It is difficult not to mention Abraham Maslow's hierarchy of needs when it comes to self-development. The American psychologist summed up the human development in five stages. On top of the pyramid he placed self-actualization, which is a state where we feel that we utilize our capacities and capabilities fully. However, man is constructed so that it will always aspire for something more, and therefore it will always search for further growth.

Whatever your goals with self development is, you've already gone a step further by allowing you sat down and reflected on yourself.

Can you handle criticism?

Constructive criticism on what we are doing is an important measure to control each other's behavior when we belong to a group. If someone does something stupid, negative feedback is a means to prevent the person from making the same mistake again. The same applies if he does something good. Then positive criticism may have a reinforcing effect. Constructive criticism may therefore be both positive and negative feedback.

Criticism is often perceived as negative. Why this is so may be because the society we live in has a generally negative outlook on life. The media provides an indication of this. It is flooded with negative events when we look at Newsnight. But we must distinguish between negative criticism and constructive negative criticism. It is important to find out what kind of criticism we face before we take it under advisement.

To determine if the criticism is constructive or only negative, we must look at who the sender is. Is there a person with a healthy attitude towards life in general, or is that a person who is looking to manipulate others in order to feel better too? Has the person a generally positive outlook on life, or is it a person who is negative to the most? Is there a person who actually want our best, or is there one that does not like us for who we are?

If it turns out that there are people who are manipulative, generally negative or do not like you, you should reject the criticism. It is actually always just negative and not constructive. When you are given the criticism was flawed, and why on earth do you deal with it? You will then have better things to spend your energy on, than to listen to the negative feedback from idiots!

If it is negative criticism from people who otherwise are positive and have a healthy relationship with life, constructive criticism even if it is negative. They want to give you feedback solution and change something you're doing wrong for the better. This is for your own good.

When I get the (negative) criticism of anything I've done, I know that my psychological defenses are activated. I hit the spikes out and wondering who in the world is wanting to hurt or harm me with such statements. Tunnel vision is turned up, and I fail to see the constructive in it right away. It's a shame, because usually it is a truth of constructive criticism, even if it immediately just seems like a negative feedback.

However, I am conscious of the way I react. Therefore, I try to give criticism a little time to settle. I give myself an opportunity to digest the criticism before I give any response. I need some time before I stick the right note on your feedback. Is it constructive negative, or is it only negative? I try to watch an content of the criticism and the one who gives me criticism.

I can hardly see myself from the outside as others see me. In regards to myself, others a unique opportunity to observe me and what I do. I have previously discussed self-observation as a tool to become aware of our thoughts and our behavior, so as to be able to change us. Why not listen to others who actually observing us from the outside all the time?

To help you cope with criticism, and to use it constructively, you can use the following list:

• Allow yourself to get a response when you receive negative criticism. It is normal psychological defenses will get started when you are critically evaluated by others.
• Once the immediate reaction has subsided, use a few seconds to decide whether the sender is an idiot who only comes with flippant and unfair feedback. Or if it's a person that's worth listening to, and who have reasonable and constructive criticism. Do you get written feedback you have even more time to make a decision. Take time well.
• Try to have a general positive attitude to what is happening around you. Consider the criticism, but focus on the positive in what is said. Have the attitude that other people see yourself from the outside better than you do. Constructive criticism is not criticism of you as a person, but it is a response to your actions. In constructive criticism is also much truth. Remember that.
• When you get constructive criticism, saying "thank you" and be friendly. You should be happy that someone bothered to care. If the criticism is coming from a person you knew before, it can actually be a good place to get yourself a new friend. You do know that the person is honest.
• Take the constructive negative criticism into account and change behavior. Rise above your own stubbornness, and see the criticism as a unique opportunity for yourself to get better. You earn it, and you shall cooperate with the win.
• When you get positive criticism, take it as a signal that you've done something right. Give yourself a pat on the back and reward yourself with a soda!

Be a positive person!

When you are with other people, have you noticed that some smile more, laugh more and talk more positive terms than others? It is pleasant to be around these people, right? They send out good and positive vibes that we picks up, and often rubs it over on us. The reason is that we are influenced by others' vibrations, whether we want to or not.

Over the years I have worked to become a more positive person. I've managed. I've learned to focus on the positive aspects, although I do not put blinders on. At the same time I have become more aware of myself, and not least, more aware of the people around me. I have become more aware of how other people talk, their body language and what kind of vibe they send out.

Something I particularly note is that there are so many negative people. When they speak, it is often in a negative tone. They talk about how hard it is to get up in the morning, they talk about how much they hate the winter, they talk about how much money they earn, they are talking about (and the neck) others in a negative way, they say all the time that the job they have a crap job. I can still recite, almost indefinitely. Negative people focus on the negative, and they send out negative vibes. They are simply NEGATIVE!

Being near negative people is very tiring. In the long run it will drain one of energy, and finally have a simply wanted to give the negative person is a real slap in the face, or find rope and go out into the forest itself. Negative people affect the environment in a negative way, and it is impossible not to be affected to some degree.

Do not overdo
On the other hand, I have also seen people who are excessively positive. These are people who outwardly shows a painted up positivity. They are so positive that one can question their reality experience. Many people who are excessively positive can remind people who are in a kind of abnormal state of mind. Ruset, manic, or that they have taken on a false mask to hide the fact that they really are depressive. Or happy-Christians, who are high on Jesus.

Such people are also exhausting to be around for a long time. It is not hard in the same manner as for negative people, but it is laborious because it is stressful. And because an unconsciously notice that something is not as it should be.

It is best to be positive but normal, if such a thing exists.

Pc crash is no reason for negative thoughts!
A while ago my PC crashed. Hard drive went to hell, and all I had saved was gone. This was also draft some posts on this blog. But I was in a bad mood for it? No! Annoying, yes, but it was a minor and I took it as a new start. The posts that I had written could be rewritten again. And it could be that those who were lost, was bad. Also it was a good experience (backup is a good thing!). Moreover, the PC has become very much better after I got the new hard drive. It seems more "smooth" and I've gotten rid of some problems that were present from when I bought it.

I have begun to use " Google Docs "when I write. When I post on the web, and can also write on them from any computer. (Tips!!!)

After that I consciously began to focus on positivity, life has actually become very much easier. I've started reading a lot about positivity and positive thinking. And positive thinking has a link to both the law of attraction and quantum mechanics that I'm going to write about in the near future. Positive thinking is perhaps the most important thing you need to concentrate on to achieve success, happiness and success. I am also sure that the positive focus has a positive effect on health.

So, start to focus positive, too. It will make your life much easier!

What life is really all about?

Wondering what life is really all about? Well, here's the answer: Life is basically about being the best. It means that we humans strive to be at the top of the hierarchy. This applies not only to humans but also plants and animals. All life on earth yearns to be better than "neighbor". But even if life is to be the best, you can skip this rodeo and rather concentrate on what you want.

I know for me that this article could have been very long. I could have written about the theory of evolution, that we are in a constant struggle for existence. A fight only the best wins. I could have written that we humans, thanks to our highly developed brain, has come up with solutions that help us to live in peace with each other. But for most people will bother to read the whole, I will only concentrate on the essence. And that is that you must be aware that other people work to appear to be better than you. All the time!

Two of the most popular articles on your vibes. Now have courses in more confidence and manipulative people . It's really not that surprising. Confidence is perhaps the most important feature in the battle to be the best. And many who are vying to be the best, uses manipulative techniques.

The battle to be the best
Even as children we are aware of who is better than whom. Children become aware early on who is physically strong, who are academically strong, who have parents with lots of money, who are handsome, etc. These are properties that are important when it comes to that asserting themselves.

As adults, we are able to "fight" with the other, and those that are considered better than others, precisely, stronger physically, more intelligent, more money, more beautiful people and have more sexual partners than average .

When you are better than others, you have social value. Others look up to you or want to be friends with you to take part in the social value. They will be proud to say they know you. How often do we hear praise that someone knows someone who has a lot of money? Or know someone who has been to a party with a celebrity?

Speaking of celebrity. When celebrity is a signal that you are better than others. Media focuses heavily on the rich and famous. Although they often portray them in a negative light, we are aware that they are still better than us. Not only are they beautiful, rich and famous, but celebrities are also being looked up to and regarded as better because they get lots of attention. Attention is a need we humans have from when we are young, and we admire those who get it. We go to the people who unknowingly get much attention because attention is a source of relaxation. When we feel good, we are better equipped in the struggle for existence.

Humor is basically about being better than others. The movie "Dumb and Dumber" is funny because it makes us viewers to feel superior. Jokes act almost exclusively on any wins over another in some way or some shit out.

In recent times beauty operations become more and more common. Although it costs more than a month salary, providing people the new boobs, new teeth and new faces, only to emerge as better than others. It is a delusion when they operated beauty says they only did it to feel better. The truth is that they feel better because they see themselves as pretty or prettier than his neighbor.

Commercial advertising provides a picture of people who are better than others. They are often successful and attractive. Celebrities are used over and over again. The commercials that play on humor, is about people who shit out for us prospective buyers may feel better. In funny commercials are main always in some way inferior to us, eg. either ugly or stupid.

What you will learn from this
What you will learn from this, is that you have to be aware that someone is always looking to be better than you. It is part of being a part of humanity. It's hard to get away. Therefore it is important that you equip yourself in battle, and not resign.

You have to learn self defense in a psychological sense. Provide you with more confidence and teach you various defenses when someone is trying to manipulate you. For it often happens when someone actually is better than the other, even if they have a desire to be there, is that instead of getting better though, they try to make others worse. They oppress others, and it may be you who is attempted to suppress.

Jump off!
The problem with being in combat with others, is that we compare ourselves with others. When we compare ourselves to others, we will never be happy and balanced people. We will die more or less unhappy.

To not go into the same trap as most others do, you should make use of the most important assigned to you: Your brain. To assert yourself and also defend you best, you should strive to become a conscious human being. To get a quiet and comfortable life, you must be able to consciously make yourself so much that you're able to get out of and did not even participate in this match. Jump off. Run your own race!

You must be aware of your inner potential and work to manifest it. You can not get better than the potential that exists in yourself. If you are not aware of this you will always struggle to be better than others, even if your potential is not capable of it. You will constantly fight a battle that you will never win. Is not it better to spend energy on highlighting your best I instead?

If you misunderstood my message, do you think I mean you should be so much asshole you can to assert yourself. It is in that case error. My message is that you should work on yourself and get that good with yourself as possible, so that you can manage to rise above others' desire to be better than you. We can not improve than the potential that exists in us. All people have an intention in life that can accommodate what we really are.

Life is about being the best. It's about being the best fit. It's about being better than its neighbor. It's about being the person who is above all others. But it's up to you whether you want to continue that life.

Has your life become a bad habit?

Do you often go around thinking that you want to do something with your life? Hope you are soon to meet some people who show you the way to a better life? Do you have fantasies about that fate will send what you want right in your lap? In that case you have to wait long.

The truth is that it is up to you how your life will be. It is you who must make sure that you get it the way you want. Life is what YOU make it.

But it's so hard to motivate yourself and get going, you think. Yes that's right! It's hard to change your life.

Your life is a habit
The reason is that your life has become a habit. You have fallen into a pattern of behavior that it is almost impossible to get out of. All too often, life has become a bad habit.

A habit is a pattern of behavior or a mindset that is repeated automatically. The habit is learned, but have been implicated in both body and mind, and can almost feel like a behavior you do not have control over. A habit is actually rooted in your subconscious.

However, a habit is not as strong as an addiction or a mental illness. The difference is that you actually have control over the habit. It just requires willpower.

To maintain the habit, requires very little energy. This is what is dangerous. Physiologically, habit forming separate neural pathways in the brain, which helps to reinforce the behavior pattern. In addition, the habit of predictability and structure in their lives, something that feels as safe and well.

There are many areas in life that are controlled by the habits, good as well as bad. Morning Rituals when standing up is a habit. I am quite sure that you have certain things you do when you get up in the morning. Every single day! These habits are positive, then they save you a lot of time and effort in an otherwise stressful morning. Exercise is also a good habit, it adds something positive in your life.

The problem is the bad habits.

When the habit has negative consequences for you, it affects the quality of your life. Usually, when people talk about bad habits include nail biting, smoking, unhealthy diet, etc.

Have you been single a long time and waiting for a girlfriend to come knocking on your door? The problem is that your life as a single has become a bad habit. You have become comfortable with being single, and motivation to find a partner is in fact not present. Consciously or unconsciously.

And what do you do when you get home from school or work? You might make dinner, sit in front of television or computer, and where you are until you go to bed. Are you living your life from your couch? Comfortable, yes, but not very stimulating.

You must be out of your comfort zone!
It takes a lot to break the habit. It requires great effort to break the vicious circle, that is almost a reflexive behaviors.

Begin to be aware that you have a bad habit. Be aware of your behavior. To stop biting nails, there's a way you can put on the nails. Aid tastes terrible, and you are "disturbed" every time you try to bite nails. You become aware of the behavior or habit. As can you avoid and biting nails using willpower. The bad habit is over.

Is the life become a bad habit, is still the solution to be conscious. You must be aware of the patterns that create problems in your life. It can be difficult to "mock" them, since they are a part of you. In addition, maintaining the action patterns because you are comfortable with being the way you are. Some of you clutching habit it is to be you.

If you are single, you have incorporated you some habits that probably will never be appropriate in the company of a girlfriend. You shower as long as you want, you fart and burp loud, you eat what you want and when it suits you, and you have it as messy as you want. You are absolutely your own boss and have no need to take into consideration. These are habits that you feel is very comfortable, but you need to get you if you are with someone. This you know deep down inside. Anyway you might yearn for someone to share your life with.

The solution is referred to consciously make yourself habits, and you must be willing to let go of them. You must convince yourself that the benefits of having a girlfriend, surpassing the benefits of being your own boss in your life. You must be ready to pay attention to others. If you can not, the motivation to get stuck due to be low.

Not always just internal factors
A habit of sitting inside your own head. But you may feel there is anything remotely like holding you back, like. houses to maintain, kids, your job, your dog disease in others you have to take advantage of, lack of money, etc. Much can "prevent" you from changing behavior patterns.

You claim these conditions is an obstacle for you, so it's impossible for you to break the habit. This is completely wrong. Your external obstacles is still something that only exists in your head. But they work very well as an excuse for you to not have to take hold of your life, and continue as before. Remember that there is always room for changing life situation.

Awareness of habit is the first step to break with it. You must be aware of what you do, when to do it and why you do it. Then it is necessary to act.

It's about getting you out of your comfort zone. You must be ready to make an extra effort in your life. You must be prepared to have it a little uncomfortable period.

When Arnold Schwarzenegger built itself up to become the world's top bodybuilder, he did not do it because it was comfortable to train so much. When he trained, he is very uncomfortable. But he learned a technique, and it was that he focused on the comfort that came later. It was uncomfortable just a necessary evil that was inevitable.

The conclusion is that you must do something. You need to take action. You have the force necessary to change your inherent. Find it and get on with life.

Disease, it is good there!

In these times of flu we are showered with tips on how to stay healthy, and be as little ill as possible. There's even a vaccine against influenza. But the disease also causes something good with it.

This Christmas has for me been marked by illness. First I had a normal and straightforward colds that have lasted since the end of November, marked by exhausting cough. But 2 day of Christmas went over to fever and aching all over. This year's flu epidemic took my body and confiscated all the resources that exist. It was to be a cozy family dinner two days after Christmas, was a tiring meeting with family members I had not seen in a year.

Now that christmas peace has descended, and the vast majority of family companies is done, I can sit back and relax a little. I can concentrate on getting healthy.

I can not remember the last time I had the flu. It is many years since I've had to lie under the covers for several days, isolated from the outside world. My immune system has now been on my side.

Now I'm thankfully on the mend, and the forces start to come back. It feels great! In fact, it feels like I've been through some sort of purification.

In my opinion, namely disease a form of purification. Both a large and a little perspective. The big picture we get when we look at what the disease does to the Earth. In a cynical way disease affects the poorest hardest. They die.

Disease cleans away those individuals who are too weak, and allows for the healthy to live. To ensure the biology of those with the best genes survive and ensure the best offspring. To the best of life on earth in general.

The little perspective we find in ourselves.

When we get sick, it is a signal that we should take a break from everyday life. It is a signal that we need some focus on ourselves for a while, and that we need rest. Illness forces us simply to pay attention to these signals. Our life is changing in a really short period when we are sick, and purification is in this change.

We eat differently, maybe we only manage to eat fruit or soup. It's almost like a period of fasting . We sleep and rests us more than normal. We have less contact with other people, since we are away from work or school. We can not bear to have visitors, nor to go visit.

Illness can almost comparable to that of a ritual in which the person performing the ritual standing up on the other side as a new person. A ritual can mean a transition from something old to something new.

For it is often the case that when we recover from illness, so a renewed fervor in us that was not there before the illness hit us. We are happy to be healthy and we know that we have new powers. We think positive and maybe we will even see life differently.

I know people who have been cured of cancer. They have changed their lives completely. They got a real eye when they were sick. They have stopped smoking, they have begun to exercise and altered diet. They see their friends with completely different eyes. Both positive and negative. They have cut out friends who were bad, nor focused on the good. The disease has changed their lives in a positive way, after all.

Now you do not need to have cancer to change their lives. It can actually hold a little flu.

My tip here is that when you get sick, take the signals your body gives you. Rest as much as you need, and do only what you feel. Not that you would otherwise have imposed.

And an important thing in the end: Observe the thoughts that pop into your head when you are sick. Since both the physical and psychological defenses are put out of action due. disease, you may begin to think thoughts that you have not been aware that you had. The mind may have something to tell you. There may be thoughts about plans for the future, a project that you have thought of. Or thoughts about yourself, about your friends or other family members. Listen to your inner self.

Health Care and Acne

One of the most embarrassing skin conditions is acne, and you can usually find a lot of it especially on the faces of teenagers. The typical look of acne is red spots that break out due to many reasons— stress, genetics, and other causes. Acne can be serious or moderate, and there are some cases that require ongoing treatment by health care professionals.

Here are some interesting statistics from the AAD (American Academy of Dermatology), which can also be located at this website--  http://www.aad.org/media-resources/stats-and-facts/conditions/acne :

• Acne is the most common skin disorder in the United States, affecting 40 million to 50 million Americans.
• Nearly 85 percent of all people have acne at some point in their lives, most often on the face, chest, and back.
• By mid-teens, more than 40 percent of adolescents have acne or acne scarring, which requires treatment by a dermatologist.
• The total direct cost associated with the treatment of acne exceeds $2.2 billion each year, including substantial costs for prescription and over-the-counter products.

According to Proactiv.com, from the moment you are born, your skin begins a lifelong process of shedding dead cells and producing oil. This process can be disrupted by your hormone balance, which changes throughout your life. The acne cycle is initiated when excess oil and dead skin cells combine to plug the pore of a hair follicle; behind the plugged pore, bacteria grow and multiply, triggering inflammation and swelling. That's an acne blemish.

Acne is what doctors call a chronic condition, which means it can last for years—even decades in adults. Because there is no cure, the key to a clear complexion is control and prevention with medicated daily maintenance therapy. The pimples you see today started as tiny microcomedones, or pre-pimples, deep inside your skin about three weeks before breaking out. Hundreds of tiny pre-pimples may be forming continuously in any of the thousands of pores on your face. Even when your skin looks clear, they may still be there—percolating invisibly under the skin's surface. Much more detail can be found at this website: http://www.proactiv.com/acne-information/what-causes-acne,default,pg.html .

Once a pore becomes clogged, it traps skin oil inside. Bacteria grows in this oil and can cause an inflammatory response in the skin. Acne lesions can be small and hardly noticeable, have a small white or black head, or can appear red with a white/yellow center. Sometimes a clogged pore will become so inflamed that it can lead to larger, more painful lesions called nodules or cysts, which can ultimately scar. Almost no one escapes some clogged pores and pimples, especially during adolescence--a fragile time when self-esteem and confidence is just emerging. Acne afflicts people of all ethnicities and is treated the same regardless, according to this site: www.Acne.org .

Your skin is healthiest and clearest when it is in balance. The more irritation your skin experiences, the more likely it is to break out. Conversely, the less irritation your skin experiences, the better it is able to remain clean. Sources of irritation include anything which rubs, scratches, or comes into prolonged contact with your skin, as well as anything which sends your skin out of balance such as overdryness, sunburns, shaving the face with irritating razors, and pore-clogging cosmetics. To best clear acne, try to keep your skin as untouched as possible. Acne is not caused by dirt, and washing your face, while it is fine to do up to twice per day, is going to do little to help with your acne. Much more info can be found at this site: http://www.acne.org/ .

People with acne often feel incredibly alone but the fact is, acne is the most common skin disease in the world, with tens of millions of sufferers, according to Proactive. More than 85% of Americans have acne breakouts at some time in their lives. Among teenagers, about 90% develop acne, and it can last all their teen years. Many adults have acne, too. Among adult women, about 50% experience acne breakouts at some point; among men, about 25%—and the chronic nature of the condition means adults may have to endure symptoms for decades if not treated with appropriate acne medication.

According to the NIH (National Institutes for Health), there are many myths about what causes acne. Chocolate and greasy foods are often blamed, but there is little evidence that foods have much effect on the development and course of acne in most people. Another common myth is that dirty skin causes acne; however, blackheads and other acne lesions are not caused by dirt. Stress doesn’t cause acne, but research suggests that for people who have acne, stress can make it worse. Factors that can cause an acne flare include:

• Changing hormone levels in adolescent girls and adult women before their menstrual period starts
• Oil from skin products (lubricants or cosmetics) or grease encountered in the work environment (for example, a kitchen with fry vats)
• Pressure from sports helmets or equipment, backpacks, tight collars, or tight sports uniforms
• Environmental irritants, such as pollution and high humidity
• Squeezing or picking at blemishes
• Hard scrubbing of the skin
• Stress.

Acne is often treated by dermatologists (doctors who specialize in skin problems), according to the NIH. These doctors treat all kinds of acne, particularly severe cases. Doctors who are general or family practitioners, pediatricians, or internists may treat patients with milder cases of acne. Depending on the extent of the problem, the doctor may recommend one of several over-the-counter (OTC) medicines and/or prescription medicines. Some of these medicines may be topical (applied to the skin), and others may be oral (taken by mouth).

There are several OTC topical medicines used for mild acne. Each works a little differently. Following are the most common ones:

• Benzoyl peroxide--Destroys P. acnes and may also reduce oil production.
• Resorcinol--Can help break down blackheads and whiteheads.
• Salicylic acid--Helps break down blackheads and whiteheads. Also helps cut down the shedding of cells lining the hair follicles.
• Sulfur--Helps break down blackheads and whiteheads.

Topical OTC medicines are available in many forms, such as gels, lotions, creams, soaps, or pads. In some people, OTC acne medicines may cause side effects such as skin irritation, burning, or redness, which often get better or go away with continued use of the medicine. If you experience severe or prolonged side effects, you should report them to your doctor.

People with moderate-to-severe inflammatory acne may be treated with prescription topical or oral medicines, alone or in combination, according to the NIH. Several types of prescription topical medicines are used to treat acne. They include:

• Antibiotics. Help stop or slow the growth of bacteria and reduce inflammation

• Vitamin A derivatives (retinoids). Unplug existing comedones (plural of comedo), allowing other topical medicines, such as antibiotics, to enter the follicles. Some may also help decrease the formation of comedones. These drugs contain an altered form of vitamin A. Some examples are tretinoin, adapalene, and tazarotene.

• Others. May kill P. acnes and reduce oil production or help stop or slow the growth of bacteria and reduce inflammation. Some examples are prescription strength benzoyl peroxide, sodium sulfacetamide/sulfur-containing products, or azelaic acid.

For patients with moderate-to-severe acne, doctors often prescribe oral antibiotics. Oral antibiotics are thought to help control acne by curbing the growth of bacteria and reducing inflammation. Prescription oral and topical medicines may be combined. Much more detailed material about acne can be located at this website: http://www.niams.nih.gov/health_info/acne/ .

Oil in the skin is a contributing factor to acne. According to a study published in the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, some of that excess oil production may be diet-related. This study found that high glycemic foods and dairy products can cause changes in the body that lead to increased cellular growth and oil production, which can increase the chances of developing acne. Yikes! Better cut back on that cheddar. But, what’s a glycemic index?

The glycemic index, according to this website, http://www.myhealthnewsdaily.com/3615-high-glycemic-foods-acne.html , is a measure of the speed at which sugar in food enters your bloodstream. High-glycemic foods are those that have the fastest blood sugar response. So, things like cupcakes and white bread are considered high glycemic. It’s important to note, though, that the glycemic index isn’t a measure of a food’s nutritional value, fat content, or anything else. It simply indicates how it will affect your blood sugar levels. It can be confusing, to say the least.

Here are some tips for eating a low-glycemic diet without stressing out:

--Avoid processed foods. Whole foods are usually lower on the glycemic index than processed foods. Apple juice will spike your blood sugar at a much faster rate than eating a whole apple.

--Try a protein pairing. Because protein is harder to digest, it can bring down the overall glycemic index of a meal. Just don’t use cheese or other dairy products as your protein. Remember, those may also cause acne.

--Choose fiber. Since it can’t be digested by the body, fiber is low on the glycemic index. Eat foods that are high in fiber, and there’s a good chance you'll steer clear of high GI foods.

The good news is that acne is treatable, and in many cases does not cause too much damage to the skin. However, if you are experiencing issues with it that are causing concern, see your doctor. He can suggest and prescribe some options to help you. Also, in more severe cases, your physician can refer you to a specialist. Dermatologists can help you with acne that is more chronic and difficult to manage. Although acne can be embarrassing socially, remember that in most cases it is temporary. Watch your diet and your daily skin regimen to self-manage most acne issues.

Until next time.

Health Care and Leprosy

Back in Biblical times, thousands of years ago, when someone shouted “Unclean, unclean,” that usually meant the person was suffering from a dreaded disease, typically leprosy. In that time it was commonly believed that you could catch that horribly disabling and fatal illness simply by being near someone or breathing the same air near the affected individual. Plus, it was a legal requirement for the victim to announce the fact they were in the area by shouting out those words. That way, everyone within ear shot could run the other way. Leprosy was seen as a plague on those who had it and a direct result of sin against their god.

A lot of knowledge about leprosy has been gained since then, as in most all medicine. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), leprosy was recognized in the ancient civilizations of China, Egypt and India. The first known written mention of leprosy is dated 600 BC. Throughout history, the afflicted have often been ostracized by their communities and families. Although leprosy was treated differently in the past, the first breakthrough occurred in the 1940s with the development of the drug Dapsone, which arrested the disease. But the duration of the treatment was many years, even a lifetime, making it difficult for patients to follow.

The WHO reports that leprosy is a chronic infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium leprae, an acid-fast, rod-shaped bacillus. The disease mainly affects the skin, the peripheral nerves, mucosa of the upper respiratory tract and also the eyes. Leprosy is curable and treatment provided in the early stages averts disability. Here are some key facts about this disease:

• Official figures show that almost 182,000 people, mainly in Asia and Africa, were affected at the beginning of 2012, with approximately 219,000 new cases reported during 2011.

• M. leprae multiplies very slowly and the incubation period of the disease is about five years. Symptoms can take as long as 20 years to appear.

• Leprosy is not highly infectious. It is transmitted via droplets, from the nose and mouth, during close and frequent contacts with untreated cases.

• Untreated, leprosy can cause progressive and permanent damage to the skin, nerves, limbs and eyes.

• Early diagnosis and treatment with multidrug therapy (MDT) remain the key elements in eliminating the disease as a public health concern. Here is more detail about leprosy found on the WHO website: http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs101/en/index.html.

The medical name for leprosy is Hansen's disease, according to American Leprosy Missions (ALM). Norwegian doctor Armauer Hansen was the first to view the bacillus under a microscope in 1873. The bacteria attack nerve endings and destroy the body's ability to feel pain and injury. Without feeling pain, people injure themselves and the injuries can become infected, resulting in tissue loss. Fingers and toes become shortened and deformed as the cartilage is absorbed into the body. Repeated injury and infection of numb areas in the fingers or toes can cause the bones to shorten. The tissues around them shrink, making them short.

Early signs include spots on the skin that may be slightly red, darker or lighter than normal skin. The spots may also become numb and have lost hair. Often they appear on the arms, legs or back. Sometimes the only sign may be numbness in a finger or toe. If left untreated, hands can become numb and small muscles are paralyzed, leading to curling of the fingers and thumb. When leprosy attacks nerves in the legs, it interrupts communication of sensation in the feet. The feet can then be damaged by untended wounds and infection. If the facial nerve is affected, a person loses the blinking reflex of the eye, which can eventually lead to dryness, ulceration and blindness. Bacteria entering the mucous lining of the nose can lead to internal damage and scarring which in time causes the nose to collapse. Untreated, leprosy can cause deformity, crippling and blindness, according to ALM.

Leprosy is transmitted primarily through coughing and sneezing. In most cases, it is spread through long-term contact with a person who has the disease but has not been treated. Scientists don't fully understand how leprosy is spread. Most people will never develop the disease even if they are exposed to the bacteria. Approximately 95% of the world population has a natural immunity to leprosy. Approximately 5,000 people in the U.S. are cured but suffer from the effects of leprosy and continue to receive care through outpatient clinics and private physicians. Approximately 150 people are diagnosed with leprosy each year in the U.S, per American Leprosy Missions. More info can be found on their website: http://www.leprosy.org/ .

According to the National Institutes for Health (NIH), most cases are in the South, California, Hawaii, and U.S. islands. Effective medications exist. Isolating people with this disease in "leper colonies" is not needed. People with long-term leprosy may lose the use of their hands or feet due to repeated injury because they lack feeling in those areas. Prevention consists of avoiding close physical contact with untreated people. People on long-term medication become noninfectious (they do not transmit the organism that causes the disease). Call your health care provider if you have symptoms of leprosy, especially if you've had contact with someone who has the disease. Cases of leprosy in the United States need to be reported to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Much more info can be found at this website: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/001347.htm .

Leprosy is a disease that largely has been contained in most places in the world, especially in the US, even though there are new cases every year that are diagnosed. However, most people who contract this disease are located in more impoverished third world nations where sanitary living conditions are not readily available, or that have limited access to health care, or who live in a population largely ignorant of disease prevention. As with any health care need, always talk with a medical professional for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Until next time.

What Isn't a Risk?

This article about radiation being a threat to heart health even years after treatment has made the bc rounds. I've commented on it in a few places and knew I wanted to write about it, because the topic is important.

It's not new news that nuking the chest would possibly affect the heart. In fact, it's more along the lines of common sense.

It was a concern of mine as I struggled to make the decision about radiation, which was the hardest decision I made regarding treatment.

Thankfully, my radiation oncologist was also concerned about my heart and tried to design the radiation path to miss as much as he could. Also thankfully, my treatment center used the "gated" machine that this article mentions--one that is synced to zap at a certain point in your breathing to shield the heart as much as possible.

But I'm sure I got the highest dose they mention in the article, because my treatment involved daily regular doses and then weekly boosts of intense doses. I suppose you could say "Just don't give me the boosts," but that would risk losing the full benefit of the treatment. I'm an all in kind of gal once I decide to be all in.

I think getting radiation was a very good decision for me. In fact, I have come to think it might have been the thing that made the difference and is the reason I am still here, cancer-free six and a half years later. I'd love there to be more research on this exact point.

But that doesn't mean I don't have a risk for heart problems down the road. My heart took a measurable hit from chemo drugs and from Herceptin. But time and exercise have reversed that.

I file the heart risk away, along with all the other health ailments I may one day face because I had breast cancer and chose aggressive treatment for it.

It's a long list.

To say I don't worry about those things would be a lie, but it is true that I prefer to focus on something certain. That is the knowledge that I have had more than six years past cancer to mother my son, and I anticipate many, many more years to come.

If heart problems or other complications from cancer--or cancer itself--should come back, it'll have to catch me, because I'm already up to a sprint past that whole noise.

If Only It Were This Simple

As simple as this headline claims, then most of us who have cancer wouldn't. Or if we did, we could somehow "get better" short of chemo, etc.

I support healthy eating, living and exercise. I do it, for the most part. Always have, always will. Didn't stop me from getting breast cancer at 37.5 years old. Doesn't stop a whole bunch of other people from getting diseases either.

The message to do your best for yourself where your health is concerned is good. The undertone that we who are unlucky enough to get sick big are at fault is not.

Health Care and GERD

When you swallow anything, that item goes through a tube that connects your mouth to your stomach whether it is a liquid or a solid substance. That bodily throughway is called an esophagus. When that area gets irritated, you can suffer from more serious medical issues including a condition called GERD—Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease. If you have symptoms similar to heartburn or acid indigestion that is not caused by eating certain types of spicy food, you may have GERD.

Also known as acid reflux, GERD can cause serious damage to your esophagus over time. The burping, heartburn, and spitting up associated with GERD are the result of acidic stomach contents moving backward into the esophagus (called reflux), according to KidsHealth.org. This can happen because the muscle that connects the esophagus with the stomach (the esophageal sphincter) relaxes at the wrong time or doesn't properly close.

Many people have reflux regularly and it's not usually a cause for concern. But with GERD, reflux occurs more often and causes noticeable discomfort. After nearly all meals, GERD causes heartburn, also known as acid indigestion, which feels like a burning sensation in the chest, neck, and throat. In babies with GERD, breast milk or formula regularly refluxes into the esophagus, and sometimes out of the mouth. Sometimes babies regurgitate forcefully or have "wet burps." Most babies outgrow GERD between the time they are 1 and 2 years old. But in some cases, GERD symptoms persist. Kids with developmental or neurological conditions, such as cerebral palsy, are more at risk for GERD and can have more severe, lasting symptoms. Much more info can be found at this site: http://kidshealth.org/parent/medical/digestive/gerd_reflux.html .

The symptoms of GERD may include persistent heartburn, acid regurgitation, nausea, hoarseness in the morning, or trouble swallowing, according to the American Academy of Otolaryngology (AAO). Some people have GERD without heartburn. Instead, they experience pain in the chest that can be severe enough to mimic the pain of a heart attack. GERD can also cause a dry cough and bad breath.

According to the AAO, GERD can be diagnosed or evaluated by a physical examination and the patient’s response to a trial of treatment with medication. Other tests that may be needed include an endoscopic examination (a long tube with a camera inserted into the nose, throat, windpipe, or esophagus), biopsy, x-ray, examination of the esophagus, 24 hour pH probe with or without impedance testing, esophageal motility testing (manometry), and emptying studies of the stomach. Endoscopic examination, biopsy, and x-ray may be performed as an outpatient or in a hospital setting. Endoscopic examinations can often be performed in your ENT’s office, or may require some form of sedation and occasionally anesthesia.

Most people with GERD respond favorably to a combination of lifestyle changes and medication. Medications that could be prescribed include antacids, histamine antagonists, proton pump inhibitors, pro-motility drugs, and foam barrier medications. Some of these products are now available over the counter and do not require a prescription. Children and adults who fail medical treatment or have anatomical abnormalities may require surgical intervention. Such treatment includes fundoplication, a procedure where a part of the stomach is wrapped around the lower esophagus to tighten the lower esophageal sphincter muscle (LES), and endoscopy, where hand stitches or a laser are used to make the LES tighter. You can find more details about GERD at this site: http://www.entnet.org/HealthInformation/GERD-and-LPR.cfm .

According to the National Institutes for Health (NIH) risk factors for GERD or reflux include:

• Alcohol (possibly)
• Hiatal hernia (a condition in which part of the stomach moves above the diaphragm, which is the muscle that separates the chest and abdominal cavities)
• Obesity
• Pregnancy
• Scleroderma
• Smoking

Heartburn and gastroesophageal reflux can be brought on or made worse by pregnancy and many different medications. Such drugs include:

• Anticholinergics (e.g., for seasickness)
• Beta-blockers for high blood pressure or heart disease
• Bronchodilators for asthma
• Calcium channel blockers for high blood pressure
• Dopamine-active drugs for Parkinson's disease
• Progestin for abnormal menstrual bleeding or birth control
• Sedatives for insomnia or anxiety
• Tricyclic antidepressants

If you suspect that one of your medications may be causing heartburn, talk to your doctor. Never change or stop a medication you take regularly without talking to your doctor, according to the NIH. More material about GERD can be found at this website: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0001311/ .

Depending on how severe your GERD is, according to this website: http://heartburn.about.com/od/gerdacidrefluxdisease/a/gerd_acidreflux_3.htm , treatment may involve one or more of the following lifestyle changes, medications, or surgery:

Avoid reflux producing foods--These foods include:

• Fried foods
• Fatty foods
• Citrus fruits
• Tomato products
• Caffeine
• Alcoholic beverages
• Citrus fruit drinks
• Chocolate
• Peppermint
• Pepper

If you smoke, stop--Smoking inhibits the production of saliva. Saliva is one of your body's defenses against damage to the esophagus. Saliva also aids in neutralizing refluxed acid. Smoking also stimulates the production of stomach acid, and can weaken and relax the lower esophageal sphincter (LES).

Do not drink alcohol--Alcohol increases the production of stomach acid, relaxes the lower esophageal sphincter, allowing stomach contents to reflux back up into the esophagus, and can make the esophagus more sensitive to stomach acid.

Lose weight if needed--Obesity increases abdominal pressure, which can then push stomach contents up into the esophagus. Losing weight may help reduce acid reflux.

Eat small meals--Large meals expand your stomach and increase upward pressure against the esophageal sphincter.

Wear loose-fitting clothes--Clothing that fits tightly around the abdomen will squeeze the stomach, forcing food up against the LES, and cause food to reflux into the esophagus. Clothing that can cause problems include tight-fitting belts and slenderizing undergarments.

Avoid lying down for 3 hours after a meal--Gravity helps to keep the stomach juices from backing up into the esophagus. Lying down with a full stomach makes reflux more likely.

Raise the head of your bed--With the head higher than the stomach, gravity helps reduce this pressure. You can elevate your head in a couple of ways. You can place bricks, blocks or anything that's sturdy securely under the legs at the head of your bed to raise it 6 to 8 inches. A foam wedge under the mattress can also be used. You can also use a wedge pillow to elevate your shoulders and head.

According to Fox News, popular over-the-counter medications like Tums, Maalox, Rolaids and Mylanta neutralize stomach acid and provide fast-acting relief in mild or isolated cases of acid reflux. Some antacids come in liquid form to coat the lining of the esophagus and help reduce the amount of acid in the stomach. But they won’t aid in reducing inflammation of the esophagus associated with GERD. More details about medicines to control GERD can be found at this site: http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,412202,00.html .

GERD can be serious. If you suspect you may have it, see your doctor. Don’t put off an appointment if you are suffering from the symptoms. It may be that you have other health related issues, but if you really have acid reflux, your family physician can help you deal with it.

Until next time.

Health Care and Colonoscopy

When your primary care doctor raises the topic about any invasive procedure, most of the time people cringe about the thought of any type of surgery or medical treatment involving going inside your body. For men especially, a colonoscopy is typically going to come up in conversation with your physician if you are close to the age of 50, or have any type of abnormal bleeding in your urine or other waste. A colonoscopy can be a “routine” way of finding out if there are any abnormalities in your colon. For any patient, though, there is nothing routine about this procedure.

Additionally, men over the age of 75 have a higher risk of additional health care problems. According to HealthLeaders Media, colonoscopies in seniors over age 75 should not be performed because risks of harm outweigh benefits; as many as 30% of these "potentially or probably inappropriate" procedures were still being performed, with huge pattern variation across the nation, especially in Texas.

For patients between 70 and 74, "procedures were repeated too soon after a negative exam," increasing the odds of avoidable harm, such as "perforations, major bleeding, diverticulitis, severe abdominal pain or cardiovascular events." The guidance, from the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, which was released in 2008, also set a 10-year interval for routine colonoscopies for people between age 70 to 75 unless the patient develops certain symptoms.

"For example, in adults between the ages of 76 to 85, there are some considerations that would support the use of screening colonoscopy, such as a patient has a higher risk of developing an adenoma. But in general, screening guidelines indicate that should be exception, rather than the rule,” according to a study released in the Journal of American Medicine (JAMA). Much more detail about this particular focus for colonoscopies in seniors can be found at this website: http://www.healthleadersmedia.com/content/HEP-290006/Colonoscopy-Potentially-Inappropriate-for-30-of-Seniors## .

According to the American Cancer Society (ACS), a colonoscopy is an exam that lets a doctor closely look at the inside of the entire colon and rectum. The doctor is looking for polyps (pah-lips) or signs of cancer. Polyps are small growths that over time can become cancer. The doctor uses a thin (about the thickness of a finger), flexible, hollow, lighted tube that has a tiny video camera on the end. This tube is called a colonoscope. The colonoscope is gently eased inside the colon and sends pictures to a TV screen. Small amounts of air are puffed into the colon to keep it open and let the doctor see clearly.

The exam itself takes about 30 minutes. Patients are usually given medicine to help them relax and sleep while it’s done. Your doctor decides how often you need this test, usually once every 10 years, depending on your personal risk for colon cancer. It’s important for you to talk with your doctor to understand your risk for colon cancer, the guidelines you should follow for testing, and whether you need to start having the tests at age 50 or earlier.

Plus, these exams are usually not painful, according to the ACS. Patients are given medicine to make them sleep through a colonoscopy, so they don’t feel anything. During both of these tests, air is pumped into the cleaned-out colon to keep it open so that doctors can get the best pictures. The air pressure may cause some discomfort and cramping, but it should not hurt. As with most medical tests, complications are possible with both of these tests. Some can be serious — for instance, bleeding and puncture of the colon — but they are very uncommon. Make sure you understand how these tests work, how you can expect to feel during the test, and possible problems that may come up. Much more detail can be found at this website: http://www.cancer.org/healthy/findcancerearly/examandtestdescriptions/faq-colonoscopy-and-sigmoidoscopy .

Per the Cleveland Clinic, here is what you should expect after a colonoscopy:

• You may feel some cramping or a sensation of having gas, but this quickly passes.

• If a biopsy was taken or a polyp was removed, you may notice light rectal bleeding for one to two days after the procedure. If you have a large amount of rectal bleeding, high or persistent fevers, or severe abdominal pain within the next 2 weeks, please go to your local emergency room and call the doctor who performed your exam.

• If polyps were removed or a biopsy was taken, the doctor performing your colonoscopy will tell you when it is safe to resume taking your blood thinners. You will also be told if you need to stop taking medications such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), which include aspirin, ibuprofen (Motrin®, Advil®) and naproxen (Aleve®).

Note: To follow are other important questions to ask your doctor. Keep in mind that each doctor and/or his or her health care facility has their own unique set of instructions for their patients. Most doctors/health care facilities are in general agreement with the following answers. However, ALWAYS ask your doctor for his/her specific instructions. Additional tips are as follows:

--Driving home. If sedation has been given, a responsible adult (a family member or friend) must drive you home.

--Being alone when home. For safety reasons, you probably shouldn’t be alone. Ask your doctor how long you should remain with family or friends.

--Returning to normal diet and activities. Unless otherwise instructed, most patients can return to their normal diet immediately following the colonoscopy. Other typical advice is to avoid alcohol, driving, regular activities, and operating machinery for 24 hours following the procedure.

More details can be found at this site: http://my.clevelandclinic.org/services/colonoscopy/hic_colonoscopy_procedure.aspx .

Also, another option is for a virtual colonoscopy. According to the Mayo Clinic, the virtual colonoscopy is an exam used to detect changes or abnormalities in the large intestine (colon) and rectum. During virtual colonoscopy, an imaging technique known as computerized tomography (CT) is used to produce hundreds of cross-sectional images of the abdominal organs. The images are combined and digitally manipulated to provide a detailed view of the inside of the colon and rectum. Unlike traditional colonoscopy, virtual colonoscopy doesn't require sedation or the insertion of a scope into the colon. Virtual colonoscopy is one option used to screen for colon cancer. Discuss your colon cancer screening options with your doctor to determine whether virtual colonoscopy is the right option for you. The Mayo Clinic has a lot of material about this health care topic and more, beginning at this website: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/colonoscopy/my00621 .

If you have any concerns about getting a colonoscopy, see your doctor or closest available health care provider. They are painless, and in the vast majority of cases have no lasting side effects. In most cases, your health insurance should cover most of the cost. Additionally, if any abnormalities are found during the procedure, they are addressed at the time and with any required follow up. Don’t be afraid to get one, especially if your physician recommends it. Although preparing for one and recovery can be a little uncomfortable, the results with a clear screening can be worth the aggravation, especially if you have positive results and are clear from any more medical issues. The old saying “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure,” is particularly valid with a colonoscopy.

Until next time.

What is a mouse arm?

Mouse arm / elbow / lateral epicondylitis

What is a mouse arm ?

A mouse arm is simply a tendon inflammation of tendons on the outside of the forearm. The reason for this disorder is called both mouse arm and elbow is because this is typical causes of that suffering develops. We are talking about thousands of small strain on the tendon attached which are individually insignificant but which together exceed the tissue tolerance capacity and develop an injury.

What causes a mouse arm ?

In today's society, our jobs so specialized that we often do the work day with only small variations in load patterns. When one employee who uses the PC the work day, only use one arm and the working day otherwise offer little variety, then you are very likely to'll develop mouse arm .

Although PC user is clearly the most frequent cause of development of mouse arm then also other stresses cause irritation and damage to the tendon attachments on the exterior of the arm. Both artisans and others who use their hands and arms much of the work is delayed.

How can we prevent the development of mouse arm ?

There are a number of measures can be initiated to prevent the development of museram. It is important to create enough variety in their tasks. This may be going out on that one cuts up the work PC to multiple sessions during the day. It is also important to take frequent short breaks during the day so the tendon structures get enough time to rest between periods of stress.

There are also many different variations of computer mouse. It is important to try to work out a solution that works for the individual. Some workplaces have access to a physiotherapist or occupational therapist who can help with getting this organized properly.

A simple but massively effective trick may be to learn to use both the right and left arm on PC mouse. This can be somewhat clumsy at first, but after a few days so mastered most use also the other arm. For those who use the computer a lot during a day, so this is something that certainly should be considered as a preventive measure.

Programs focusing on strength training can also be helpful. When the body is stimulated by exercise and build stronger tendon structures that can better withstand the strain exposed to.

What is Tendonitis?
A Tendonitis is an acute response of tendon and muscle as a result of overload or friction. Many compares a tendonitis mistaken for an infection. This can be explained by the word inflammation often used in connection with inflammation. The infection then a foreign bacteria or similar attack the body. This body must defend against, and in some cases one has to use antibiotic to help the body on the way.

The inflammation, however, is a physiological response to an overload, and completely natural. When a structure, for example. A tendon is overloaded as it is the body's natural defense mechanism to initiate the inflammatory process. The first few weeks so the area can become swollen, hot and painful. This process is a repair phase and the body is dependent on the process of repairing the damage.

Acute or chronic? 3 phases

Acute phase:

An acute tendonitis is the phase where the pain first appears. The pain provseres of stress and is often limited in localization to a smaller area. The area is often irritated and swollen. It is often painful to touch muscle and tendon and for many it is also pain at night when the arm is at rest.

On ultrasound , one can see that there is more fluid in the tissue and collagen fibers see something untidy out.

Failed healing:

In this phase it happens further changes in the tissue that suggest the extent of the damage. In some cases, one might indeed ultrasound now see the ingrowth of blood vessels in the tendon tissue, which otherwise do not exist in fresh tendon tissue. Major changes in the organization of collagenfibrene is evident, and one can often see areas of the tendon where collagen fibers are almost gone. This tendon is much weaker than a healthy tendon, and if this is not treated then you will probably experience a relapse of pain when Resuming activity.

Man when "failed healing" phase when the body in an attempt to repair an acute injury, errors and further tendon injury aggravates the situation. Immune system and the repair phase. Recent research suggests that drug use in the acute phase may be one reason why many tendon injuries are the acute phase and over in this phase. The drugs stop effective reparation of tissue, while a pain subdued ties are more susceptible to further congestion.

Chronic phase:

In this phase there is damage to the tissue most evident on ultrasound. Damaged collagenvev is often replaced by areas of calcium deposits. Small tearing of the tendon are not uncommon, when a chronic tendon injury makes the scene very vulnerable to further structural damage. In the chronic stage as is the risk of a complete tear of the tendon greatest.

Why is inflammation painful?
Just like when we break a leg, you want your body to protect the body part that is damaged. The same applies to the inflammation. The brain receives the pain stimuli from the damaged area so that we keep it quiet enough in the repair process will take its course. Pain Stimuli coming because inflammatory cells into the damaged area make tissue sensitive to strain. This is not cells that enter the tissue as a bacterial infection, but tendon tissue's own cells that release chemicals which irritate nerves to transmit impulses of pain to the central nervous system.

At a protracted pain from an injured tendon, save brain information so that less and less load, before this is perceived as painful.

Should I take medication?
We do not recommend that you take medication either in the acute or chronic phase of the infection . In the acute phase, so that works NSAID Voltaren, Brexidol, Naproxen and Ibux good at pain since this is drugs that suppress the activity of the cells that stimulates pain. But inflammation should be suppressed if the pain is so intense that it becomes difficult to sleep or move. Nyee research suggests that there is a inflammation as previously thought, but a chemical reaction and release of neurotransmitters from tissue which activates nerve fibers to transmit impulses to the brain. This process is a natural physiological response to an overload, and the body has the best advantage of this phase will burn itself out. When prevents the repair phase stops and the damage sustained.

If the pain is too bad so you might as well take common pain relievers like Tylenol or similar, to mitigate the most intense pain. But be careful that you do not overload the tendon when the pain is muted. Treatment with laser can also have a good analgesic effect, while treatment can accelerate the repair process significantly.

What about cortisone?
It is not clear how cortisone affect tendon tissue by inflammation. But research shows that some chronic tendon injuries may benefit from treatment with cortisone. What we do know is that steroids can have pain relief. In addition damper cortisone effective immune system, and part of the pain-relieving effect should probably be attributed to this particular point. Immune system activity by an injury is pain rewarding, and a slowing of the process would thus provide pain relief.

But since we now have good treatment by pressure waves, eccentric training and laser on acute and chronic tendon inflammation, so not recommended treatment with cortisone before other methods are tried first. Just as one should avoid drugs in the acute phase, so one should avoid cortisone in this phase.

Corticosteroids should be administered by a properly trained physicians with special expertise in this. Cortisone treatment is only effective when the person puts injection to hit precisely. If you miss one reason or another, so the treatment is useless and one may be led to believe that the diagnosis is wrong. Research says that 50% of cortisone injections inserted without ultrasound guidance, booms. About the doctor puts injection is not a specialist in the area so the chances are even greater for the injection misses the target, and the result is either an aggravation of the injury or no effect of treatment.

There is some research that shows that the tendons are more likely to smoke after treatment with cortisone. What reason is we do not know for sure, but it's presented several hypotheses. I'm not going to go into this in this article.

Supraspinatus tendinosis definition

Supraspinatus tendinosis / Inflammation in the shoulder


Do you have pain in the shoulder?
If you have pain in the shoulder, this can be due to many reasons. A common cause is an injury or overuse of the tendons that support the shoulder bullet in the shoulder joint. One of the ligaments that often gets damaged is supraspinatus. The extent of damage will determine what treatment is most effective. This can be evaluated by a clinical examination supplemented by ultrasound diagnostics . Using ultrasound then physiotherapist see how the scene moves in the joint and the large extent of the damage.

What can you see with ultrasound?
Using ultrasound as physiotherapist can look in on your bones and joints. Comparing photos of the fresh side helps the physiotherapist to determine whether the findings obtained in the pictures, is relevant for your ailments. Before a scan with ultrasound device implemented physiotherapist takes a thorough medical history and do a relevant clinical examination.

There are a number of pathological conditions an experienced clinics can view ultrasound images . The most common conditions we look for is damage to the muscle and connective tissue ingrowth of vessels and nerves in tendon tissue which may indicate inflammation, deposition of calcium in the muscle and tendon tissue and enlarged mucus bags. It is also common for fluids that may indicate damaged tissue.

When it comes to the shoulder so you can not see what's hiding under the roof which forms the acromion. (Bony edge of the shoulder blade, which is above the joint as a roof). You have to either take the radiograph with precise angle, MRI or CT.

What is calcification?
Lime is calcium deposited in the tendon tissue. This may occur where, for example, a tendon has been injured and how the injury has not healed sufficiently. In most cases it is not the lime in itself a problem, as it generally is never painful. But physiotherapist can find calcium in your shoulder as this is a proof that the tendon is damaged and not functioning optimally. As I said, not the lime problem in itself in most cases, but in the shoulder, the situation is slightly different. Where can chalk making the tendon becomes too thick to get into the acromion. In those cases it will make the tendon cup crushed bones under this roof and damaged and irritated by repetitive movements. Then one can also find that slime bag between the acromion and supraspinatus becomes inflamed. This mucus bag which is also called a bursa may then be so inflamed forming more liquid adhesives bag and it expands. Then the cycle stopped by both tendon with classification and slime bag takes up so much space that they do not manage to squeeze into the acromion. This would provide a same terminal the joint that can be very painful.

What is a bursa ?
A bursa or bursa is a structure that is found everywhere in the body. It is a thin, flexible fiber bag with a thin content of fluid that lubricates the inside of the slime bag . bursae has the property that it acts as a friction pad where bones and muscles glide over each other. In this way it prevents the muscle fibers are damaged when they are pulled over and past the bones. When this slime bag becomes inflamed by excessive friction or impact, then fill it with fluid and become painful. When we call it a bursitis or bursa inflammation .

What happens during an inflammation of the supraspinatus ?
One of the most common findings as one does in a damaged and painful supraspinatus tendon is fluid and damaged tendon fibers. The fluid then fills up the room where the damaged fibers normally would. By using a special form of ultrasound (power Doppler) you can see if there are blood vessels in this part of the tendon. In a healthy tendon that are not normally such vessels, and their presence is therefore a sure sign of damage. Research has revealed that blood vessels and small nerve fibers growing into a tendon is injured, but this happens only after the immediate inflammation has subsided. Then tendon tissue normally has little blood flow, it is necessary to increase this through bleeding to ensure reparation takes place satisfactorily.

Prolonged and excessive damage to the fibers of the tendon, one can also find a corresponding scale in parts of the tissue, which we regard as a proof that the tissue has been damaged and not properly healed on a stage. But that's not necessarily a bad lime in late, and you can also find calcium in a painless slow, so the cup itself is not evidence of any ongoing pain condition (inflammation) or progressive claims.

Lime Chicken - a method description

Lime Chicken - a method description

Introduction:
Classified tendinosis represents a clinical challenge to both patient and treat. For large Scale formation in the subacromial space so the patient will in many cases end up with a acromionresection to create more space.

A method that is constantly evolving but now sailing up as a good option, lime chicken. The method is that you under sonographic guidance and local anesthesia, enters shoulder tendon with an injection needle. It is then pumped into numbing agent (fast-acting local anesthetic). The air flow from inside the chalk formation ensures that the cup that dissolves flushed into the syringe and the level of calcium in the tendon reduced.

The treatment is concluded by conducting a dry needling of residual calcium remaining in the tendon for the body to break this down even, should it be necessary. In order to avoid a sharp inflammation of the subacromial bursa after the procedure so inserted 1 ml kenacort (cortisone). This ensures that the patient does not get severe pain after the procedure, and since it goes into slime bag so it does not prevent macrophage task of eating the chalk formation after surgery or healing, the tendon tissue after dry needlingen.

The patient comes to the control after 4-6 weeks, considering the need to repeat the treatment.

Lime Chicken:
Lime Chicken is a method that is increasingly well documents in research. There are described several methods, both with one and two injection needles. If one uses the technique with one needle so it is important to place the needle correctly in classification. It is also essential for the result that the classification are of such type that it can be dissolve. This can in some cases decide in advance in connection with the ultrasound scan. Chalice indeed appear as a by this time, structure in otherwise normal tendon tissue, and it provides some "shadow" in the picture that indicates that it has a harder consistency than the rest of the tendon tissue.

Classification that have stood for a long time can provide a powerful shadow on the ultrasound images. These classification are often impossible to resolve with rinsing, and you must change the technique to dry needling as described later in this article.

Method with 1 needle:

Pull up about 4 ml numbing agent in a 10-20 ml large syringe. Select a gross injection needle of sufficient length to reach the chalk formation under sonographic guidance. Needles of 50 mm is suitable often. The thickness of the needles should be 19-21G. Less serious injection needles tend to clog with lime enters the classification and the method will not work as intended. Make sure you start to inject some numbing agent on the way in when you pass bursae and controls the needle into the chalice. This way you avoid clog the needle and the patient will be sedated enough so that the interference is not experienced pain. There is no need for anesthesia before surgery.

Once you have placed the needle in the cup so it is important not to lead the needle too far. If one causes the needle through the cup and into the tendon tissue on the other side, so you create an output of the solution. It will make it impossible to create enough pressure in chalk formation to get this to flow into the needle and into your syringe.

Do not be impatient if it does not come any scale back the syringe immediately. Pump gently and rhythmically the sprayer. Tap and release immediately. Slowly but surely, they will loosen calcium crystals from tendon tissue and follow the solution back into the syringe. It is crucial that you now hold the rear end of the syringe below nåletuppen so that gravity can do prevails.

Keep on with the technique until you notice that it comes out more lime. Then you can gently try to change the position of the needle and continue. When you can no longer get out more calcium you need to do an evaluation if you have removed enough to end the procedure. If you are successful then optimally remove the needle, and ends the procedure of putting 1 ml kenacort (cortisone) mixed with 2 mL Marcaine (local anesthetic) into the subacromial bursa. This is also under sonographic guidance to ensure proper placement. Due to the procedure ends with a cortisone injection in the slime bag because it will leak some lime into this during the procedure, and this creates a powerful bursitis. To prevent the patient is in pain after treatment, so you set the quick-acting cortisone. This does not appear to damage the healing, the injury or the body's ability to absorb the rest of the cup.

If you closed the lime chicken not feel that you have gotten out enough calcium, or parts of it are hard to wash out, so you can stop the procedure by performing a sonographic guided dry needling of residual calcium in the tendon. This causes the cup to fragment so that the body can break down the rest.

Method with 2 needles:

Method with two needles are relatively similar with one needle. The only difference is that one uses one injection needle for pumping the liquid to loosen the lime, and build up the required pressure inside it, and a second needle end of the cup. Method with two needles requires that you bring a colleague who can keep one syringe during surgery.

Dry needling of soner classification
There are a variety of different shapes and phases of calcified tendinosis. Some are like a lot of toothpaste inside a restricted area of ​​the tendon tissue. Other shapes may be hard as bone tissue, while a third form appears scattered lime deposits over a larger area of ​​the tendon tissue without forming a common structure. The first form is often suitable for lime chicken as mentioned earlier in the article. The second and third form of hard Scale formation or scattered deposits suited to dry needling.

The method is that you go in with a needle attached to a 5.2 ml syringe. The needle may be 40mm-50mm long and thick 21-23G. When the needle passes into the tendon tissue as you carefully inject about 2-3 ml of numbing agent around limestone formation. One lets the needle stand patient and wait about 5 min before gently leads needle into and out of lime deposits the tendon so that this fragment sufficient for the body to absorb it. The trauma caused to the tendon tissue by this method appears to create a reaction that causes the body to break down the calcium tissue and absorb this.

The procedure is concluded by injecting 1 ml kenacort (cortisone) were mixed with 2 ml of Marcaine (local anesthetic) in the subacromial bursa. Use a new needle and syringe for this so as to avoid spraying lime from the needle into the bursae.

Control or 4-6 weeks
All patients who have undergone a dry needling or lime chicken must come to the control after 4-6 weeks. They will then undergo ultrasound examination to identify the need for further treatment. Some need 2-3 treatments to get rid of all the cup, while some patients need only the first procedure to get satisfactory results.

Why must the cup away?
It is a controversial issue of the chalice in a shoulder tendon needs to be removed to obtain satisfactory results. One can see that research has shown that ESWT treatment of calcified tendinosis is an effective treatment compared with placebo treatment rarely leads to the cup is gone.

A general rule for assessing lime importance for the clinical outcome, whether it creates a thickening of the tendon tissue or not. The cup is that a deposition in the tendon, but does not create any lack of space under the acromion as it is not necessary to remove it.

But if the cup gets the tendon to bulge considerably and secondary creates a structural impingement, so it is easier to argue for taking this away.

As an alternative to the acromion resection
One justification for operation with acromion resection is failure to respond to conservative treatment. Included in the conservative treatment is considered here MTT, Redcord, ESWT and / or injection therapy. If acromion also has a type 2 or 3 form that creates a lack of space, then surgery may be the only solution for the patient. But there are many patients who have developed a lack of space due to a calcified tendinosis. These patients do not necessarily need surgery to be good. If one can use simple methods as mentioned above in this article as with the need to remove the acromion roof away.

One can also argue that it is worth a try to take away the cup before choosing surgery. The interference with lime chicken or dry needling is little invasive and provides a shorter rehabilitation. It is also considerably cheaper treatment and relief specialist health / hospitals that have already blasted capacity.

Rehabilitation is vital for performance
After successful treatment where lime is removed from skuldersenene, so expect further action from a physiotherapist. This group of patients often have had long-term pain and impaired function, and the function will not automatically back by the loss of the structural cause of impingement in the shoulder.

The patient must be referred to a physiotherapist for rehabilitation of shoulder function and treating additional concerns already that one often finds in chronic shoulder pain. Since the space under the acromion is now improved so you will now have a greater chance for successful rehabilitation of these patients.