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Archive for February, 2011

As an introduction consider what Wikipidia says about MS.

“Multiple sclerosis (abbreviated MS, also known as disseminated sclerosis or encephalomyelitis disseminata) is an inflammatory disease in which the fatty myelin sheaths around the axons of the brain and spinal cord are damaged, leading to demyelination and scarring as well as a broad spectrum of signs and symptoms. Disease onset usually occurs in young adults, and it is more common in females.”

“A demyelinating disease is any disease of the nervous system in which the myelin sheath of neurons is damaged. This impairs the conduction of signals in the affected nerves, causing impairment in sensation, movement, cognition, or other functions depending on which nerves are involved.”

I would like to share my thoughts on what may happen to start the scarring due to demyelination in traumatic spinal injury. There are other sources of demyelination scarring which are covered in the above references which complicate and increase the condition I will consider.

I use the self created description of my work: Antalgic Posture Pain Specialist. Antalgic means against pain. In posture it means that one leans the body to try to avoid pain. Antalgic posture puts stress on joints and muscles causing them to develop pain. This can cause a cascade, each new pain causing new antalgic reflexes and associated pain. This can be very confusing to health care providers that have not specialized in this problem.

Among the clients referred to me many have been diagnosed as having MS. Working with them for some time and tracing back to the originating pain, has led to avery interesting observation.

The majority of them have an injury to the vertebrae at the junction between the low back and the ribs. This injury often happens with bending and twisting while lifting something heavy. A similar injury can happen between the low back and pelvis. This injury can damage the cells that contain the myelin insulation around the nerves where they pass between the vertebrae. It is believed when a hypersensitive immune system is exposed to myelin it becomes sensitized to it and attacks other weakened cells that contain it. This leads to multiple scars and the diagnosis of multiple sclerosis.

What can be done to help this condition? I have found the therapeutic method called Structural Relief Therapy can reduce the posture reflexes that have become habitual thus reducing the progressive insult to the spine and possible flare up of MS pain. I have also found that using a strong therapeutic magnet with the negative side over the injured part of the spine improves repair and reduces swelling and the resulting pain.

I hope this experience and observation will help some MS sufferers find relief.

Alzheimer – My mother’s mind has taken a turn for the worst (80 yrs old). She rambles a lot about her siblings and parents who are gone. She is physically healthy but mentally, a little out of touch. My sister (caregiver) is awesome! When my Mother, Aunt (78) and sister visited, I tried very hard to give my sister a break. I cooked breakfast, lunch and dinner for them every day, hoping that my organic way of eating would magically make things better. I couldn’t leave my mother alone for fear that she would fall or panic when she forgot where she was which was constant.

One day, I was sitting at the computer as she walked out of the kitchen area to the back doors; she reached for the key (in the place where we were hiding it) unlocked the door and went outside. I jumped to my feet and followed her to ensure that she didn’t fall down the steps or walk off or whatever. She found the broom, and swept the backyard. Her mind was great for about an hour after she swept, we sat on the patio, talked about the flowers and just laughed and enjoyed the day. She kept saying; it is such a beautiful day. For that time, she knew who she was, where she was, who I was and…, that her mind was bad. We talked about her condition and then we prayed about it. She said she knew she was blessed but she just wished she could get a handle on her memory. It was sad but wonderful. I am so grateful for that time.

I told one of my daughters, that if I get where Big Ma is, that she should put me in a home, with a garden, where I can receive professional care from people who go home after work. I suggested that they just come to visit. However, I also said, put me, Dad and my best buddies, in the same place (smile), if we still have long-term memory, we will have a blast! She said, okay mama, and just shook her head.

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In the meantime, I will continue to eat organic foods that will help to continually detoxify my body, enjoy fun exercise, socialize, and stay close to God. I am convinced that, the reason diseases like Alzheimer did not ravish our grandparents and great grandparents is because of the foods that they ate, the exercise that was a part of their daily routine, and their mental peace. In my experience, eating organically, participating in fun exercising, socializing regularly, and a spiritual relationship, will help keep our mind, body and soul healthy. Organically grown food taste better, cleanses your system, and does not create a hunger for more food, which promotes obesity (one woman’s opinion). I am encouraging everyone to eat better food, exercise, socialize and pray.

How to prevent or help hardening of the arteries is actually one of the most important questions when dealing with the main causes of cardiovascular or heart problems.

Learning how to prevent or help hardening of the arteries is crucial, given the frightening heart disease statistics in the United States and around the world.

First, let us explore the different causes of such occurrences. The different ways on how to treat, prevent, and reduce the risk of this potential and serious disease will be revealed.

Hardening of the arteries is caused by either constant damage of the arterial walls by the immune system or high blood cholesterol levels.

Another known cause of hardening of the arteries is inflammation of the arteries.

These causes can appear as one or a combination of all three. However, this usually varies from one person to another.

In a nut shell, the deposited cholesterol plaques in the arteries are the ones responsible for blocking and narrowing the arteries.

Take note that the larger the plaque becomes, the more oxygen and blood flow becomes restricted. When these arteries are completely blocked, this will result in what we call the dreaded heart attack or stroke.

With such occurrences becoming more frequent, it is now time to answer the question – “how to prevent or help hardening of the arteries?”

As we look at the possible causes, it becomes highly apparent, that for us to prevent or reverse this condition, we need to come up with successful ways to reduce inflammation, lower bad cholesterol levels, and repair damaged inner arterial walls, as follows:

Reducing Homocysteine Levels
Homocysteine, a type of amino acid can damage the arterial walls due to formation of cholesterol plaque, so look to reduce it. Moreover, high levels of amino acids also cause blood clotting.

Reduce Blood Cholesterol Through Diet
This is actually one of the most effective ways on how to prevent or help hardening of the arteries. This simply means that we have to get rid of foods that are high in saturated fat and processed foods as well.

Adding a natural cholesterol lowering supplement to your diet will ensure you achieve excellent cholesterol levels, as some natural ingredients are capable of reducing the absorption of cholesterol from food by up to 50%!

Become Physically Active
Physical inactivity is usually associated with the hardening of the veins and arteries. To make this work for you, try to do a thirty-minute exercise daily, five days a week.

Furthermore, reducing or eliminating smoking and excessive alcohol consumption are two of the best ways to deal with how to prevent or help hardening of the arteries.

The word Aneurysm is originated from Greek word “aneurysma” and it means a widening. In medical terminology, Aneurysm is the dilation of blood vessel which affects an area of localized widening. Aortic Aneurysm includes aorta, the large arteries, which supplies fresh oxygenated blood from heart for different parts of body. In case of aneurysm, the aorta bulges like a weak spot on the old damaged tire. When the problem of Aneurysm is detected on abdominal aorta, it is called Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm.

If we close view the position of abdominal aorta, it will be found that abdominal aorta passes through diaphragm and it continues the downward movement within the abdomen until gets split into two iliac arteries that go to each of the legs. The problem may occur at any part of aorta however mostly this kind of dilation is seen in abdominal aorta section mainly. Most the complication is found near the renal arteries although there are several instances where abdominal aneurysms may extend to the iliac arteries, on one or in both.

Most of the abdominal aortic aneurysms are seen in fusiform: like the shape of spindle and the problem of widening of the artery is observed around the total circumstances of the aorta. The inside walls remain filled with blood clot in laminated condition that remains layered like a small piece of plywood type of substance.

One of the most common causes of Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm is the problem of arteriosclerosis, which means the complication of hardening of arteries die to excessive amount cholesterol in blood. Due to arteriosclerosis, the aortic walls faces extra pressure on them which results in unusual expansion of the same and ultimately turns into flattening of the walls.

Although the increase of cholesterol might be the result of different conditions, a few factors are observed as risk factors. Some of these risk factors are

Smoking– smoking not only initiates the development of whereas it aggravates the situation of rupture of the same in case of Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm which may tend to prove as fatal condition for the concerned patient.

Hypertension– The chronic patients of hypertension often suffers from excessive cholesterol problem in blood. There it has been observes that people with chronic hypertension suffer; mostly females patients suffer from Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm although male patients are not always spared.

The chronic patients of diabetes may face the problem as the side effect of their hormonal anomaly and acute problem in blood circulation.

High serum cholesterol– it is one of the prime factors for developing Aortic Aneurysm. In more than 70% instances high serum cholesterol plays a trigger for infliction of Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm in a patient.

Your child may have just been diagnosed or he is showing symptoms of an autism spectrum disorders and you now wonder, What is Asperger’s Syndrome? With a recent – or anticipated – diagnosis you are wondering where to turn. Perhaps you are trying to figure out what this will mean for your child and your family’s future. Here you can find an overview on what Asperger’s Syndrome is and what to expect in the future.

First of all, Asperger’s is an autism spectrum disorder. Autism is a developmental disorder than affects the way a child…or adult…interacts with, perceives and interprets the world. A spectrum means that there are many different forms of autism, ranging from very severe to very mild. Those on the more high functioning side usually get a diagnosis of Asperger’s Syndrome.

Many children as well as adults may be misdiagnosed…this is unfortunately all too common. Many are initially diagnosed with ADHD or OCD or some other condition before a proper diagnosis is reached. This is unfortunate because it delays the start of effective training and treatments that can help someone with Asperger’s syndrome.

So what does this mean?

  • Social Aspects of Asperger’s Syndrome

Asperger’s Syndrome is primarily a syndrome that has to do with deficits in social functioning. Someone with Asperger’s will have often have trouble both understanding language and using language in a proper way. They often have a pedantic style of talking, and are often referred to as “walking dictionaries.” People with Asperger’s are often very smart, and can talk about facts very easily, but have a lot of trouble with small talk or really any social connections at all, at least when they’re younger.

People with Asperger’s syndrome don’t tend to understand sarcasm or jokes, and take everything you say very literally…even when they are adults. They have very concrete thinking, and are very rule oriented. Those with Asperger’s often depend on routines to get through the day, and can be very upset if their routines are interrupted; children may have meltdowns while adults may get angry or autocratic. They are prone to emotional upset if something does not go right.

Due to their deficits in social skills, children and adults with Asperger’s syndrome often have trouble making friends. When they are kids, they will not understand the concept of playing with others. They will often do something called “parallel play” where they might play next to, but not with, another kid. They have to be taught to share toys and be flexible enough to play with another child. Adults can become very isolated after years of not being able to establish long-lasting friendships.

  • Obsessive Interests

The interests of children and adults often deviate from their peers, especially when they are older. Those with Asperger’s are often obsessive about specific subjects, such as geology, a particular sports team, or trains, and their peers find this uninteresting. This constant focus on one topic and lack of interest in topics that others bring up tends to isolate them further.

Obsessive interests are a main fabric of the cloth of Aspergers syndrome. Most kids with Asperger’s have something that they are very interested in and talk about it endlessly. One child might be obsessive about cars. Another “Thomas the Train”. A third with volcanoes. And so forth.

Because they are unable to truly show interest in a wide range of subjects that are of interest to their peers, they become social outcasts. This all contributes to the social isolation that is so common in kids with Asperger’s especially when kids start school. While their friends are talking about baseball or video games, the Aspergers child may exclusively talk about volcanoes. It doesn’t take long before his or her peers in school loose interest in both the subject of volcanoes AND in the child.

In an adult, the inability to show interests in general office politics or to chit-chat about sports or the latest TV shows can isolate a person from his or her colleagues. This lack of social integration may make the person with Asperger’s seem like an “odd duck” or just “not fitting in” which can lead to lay offs and lack of promotions.

  • Sensory Issues Are A Common Symptom Of Asperger’s Syndrome

People with Asperger’s syndrome often have a lot of difficulty with sensory processing. The typical person can usually tune out extraneous noise, smells and visual stimuli, among others. They do it without even thinking about it, because that’s the way their brain is set up.

People with Asperger’s syndrome, however, lack a “barrier” between their brain and the sensory onslaught of the world. They are far, far more sensitive to loud noises – or even soft ones no one else notices; to smells of all kinds…from what comes from your kitchen to the perfume of a passerby on the sidewalk. They often have trouble with the feeling and texture of clothing; with how tight or loose it is, and with the tags on the back. Visual stimuli can also be quite distracting. These sensory concerns need to be minimized for a child with Asperger’s to function in his or her environment, and their concerns need to be taken seriously. Many adults have difficulty holding a job because of the noise, distractions and overall sensory overload of a “cubicle farm” in which they must work. A co-worker tapping a pencil or bright fluorescent lights can overwhelm an adult with Asperger’s.

  • Fixation On Routine Is A Common Symptom Of Asperger’s Syndrome

Aspies (as those with Asperger’s syndrome are affectionately called) often fixated on a routine. Following a set routine is extremely common. And any change in routine may cause a meltdown. Yet stubbornly sticking to routine helps those with Asperger’s feel safe and grounded. Yet family, friends, and co-workers can feel that this fixation with routine is extreme. With kids, even small change in routine, like sitting in a different chair around the dinner table, can cause a meltdown.

A lot of children with Aspergers need to know exactly what will happen in order not to feel completely overwhelmed. A good tip is to ensure that you tell your child, in advance, if there will be any change in his or her routine (such as an upcoming vacation). A good strategy is to write down what you will do, where you will go, who will be there etc. Paint a picture in your loved one’s mind so that he or she can turn the future vacation into a routine before it occurs. The more your child understand what will happen and when, the more accepting he will be of the changes and the easier he will be able to handle the new experience.

Most adults learn to handle changes in routine…if for no other reason than the world around them is never predictable and they must learn in order to survive. Nevertheless, most adults with Asperger’s still feel much more comfortable following a routine. This lack of spontaneity can cause challenges in relationships…how many girlfriends want their boyfriend to always take them to the same restaurant? And once there to order the same diner time after time.

  • Good Things About Asperger’s Syndrome

While not a comprehensive list, these are the main and most common features of Asperger’s syndrome. Not to fear, though, not everything about having Asperger’s is negative.

  1. People with Asperger’s are often more likely to be unfailingly honest, loyal, and hard working.
  2. They are often very intelligent and can make great contributions…especially in fields that they are passionate about…when they are older.
  3. They have a unique way of looking at the world that can benefit all those around them.

Bill Gates, Albert Einstein, and some of the great thinkers of the world are suspected to have or have had Asperger’s. While many aspects of Asperger’s Syndrome will always remain a challenge, and while there is no question your child will have a more difficult path through the world than many others, always remember there is often benefit to thinking a little bit differently. When you think about a diagnosis of Asperger’s and its associated symptoms and wonder “What is Asperger’s” remember you have a choice about the way you look at it.

Were you told that your feet require special attention now that you have Type 2 diabetes? An ounce of prevention now is worth so much more when it comes to your feet and toes. We often neglect our feet during the day… we squash them into unsuitable shoes, pound them over all sorts of terrain, as well as put all our weight on the tiny bones that make up the structure of our feet. The primary care of your feet is entirely up to you!

Toenail fungus is a condition that can lead to more serious lesions for people with Type 2 diabetes. Infections of the nails can lead to permanent nail deformities, fungal infections in other parts of the body or paronychia, an infection of the skin around the nail. This is particularly common in diabetics. Paronychia should be treated with antibiotics or antifungal agents to prevent its spread to other soft tissue, blood or bone.

Researchers at the Department of Microbiology and Clinical Microbiology, Erzurum Region Educational and Research Hospital in Erzurum, Turkey, looked at risk factors for the disease. Their work was published in the Journal of the American Podiatric Medicine Association, January 2011.

Three hundred and twenty-one volunteers with Type 2 diabetes were included in the study. Forty-one were found to have fungal infections of their toenails. Associations were found between having toenail fungus and having diabetic eye and nerve problems, obesity, a family history of Type 2 diabetes and duration of diabetes. It was therefore concluded people with Type 2 diabetes needed to control their blood sugar, lose excess weight, and take good care of their nails and feet.

Toenail fungus can make the toenail appear as if it had been bashed with something heavy. The toenail can be:

  • brittle
  • change in shape
  • crumble
  • suffer debris trapped underneath it
  • turn white or yellow
  • become detached
  • appear dull, or thickened

 

If you see these signs, report them to your doctor. Treatment for toenail fungus includes oral medications and removal of the nail to allow the new healthy nail to grow in.

Paronychia gives the skin around the nails a red, swollen appearance and can be painful. Pus-filled blisters can also form.

If the infection spreads the diabetic can experience:

  • chills
  • fever
  • a general feeling of illness
  • joint pain
  • muscle pain, or
  • a spread of the swelling and redness

 

The condition should be reported and treated before serious complications appear.

Besides keeping blood sugar and weight under control, diabetics should take good care of their feet:

  • it is often suggested toenails should be professionally trimmed
  • your ten toes and your feet should be kept clean and dry
  • always wear well-fitting shoes with clean, dry socks

You may have heard of an unfortunate situation where a diabetic has lost a toe or limb through amputation due to complications related to diabetes. However, this not mean everyone must suffer this fate. If you stay on top of taking care of your feet with your diabetes management, you stand a good chance of keeping your toes and feet healthy.

Pachygyria is a kind of pre-natal developmental disorder which affects a child and his spontaneous mental growth process. Predominantly, the condition is recognized in a child by the bulky convolutions of the cerebral cortex.

This discrepancy gets originated probably due to unusual and abnormal neuron migration in brain and nervous system development process. In case of pachygyria, the concerned gyri are found flat and broad in nature. However, the problem of pachygyria hardly affects complete brain and therefore, the symptoms often are found variable in nature. As the condition often affect partial functionality of mental development process as well as brain development process, it is called incomplete lissencephaly.

There are three common symptoms of pachygyria and these three common symptoms are delay in usual development, mental problems, and seizures. Apart from these three common issues some other associated problems are observed here like small head size, serous feeding issues, and inadequate muscle control of the baby. However almost all cases related to pachygyria is isolated in its own way and therefore the symptoms often vary from one child to another affected child.

The treatment of pachygyria is often based on symptoms; it is variable and ideally should be supportive so that the problem can be intervened for having control on the complications and their outcomes. Most of the pachygyria affected children may appear normal apparently; however, a neurologist can detect the problem by his expertise and accordingly suggest the treatment after due diagnosis.

The treatment of pachygyria often depends on its diagnosis; mostly the application of MRI and CT scan is applied to understand the condition of the patients and accordingly the treatment schedule is planned in correlation of the symptoms and major obstruction.

Underlying cause, the degree of abnormality of brain, and successive neurological losses are the main factors needs to be verified for the right prognosis; the treatment of pachygyria is largely dependent of the prognosis. The treatment of pachygyria may include the administration of anti-seizure medication, and special education including occupational, physical, and different types of speech therapies; however these therapies and cognitive interventions may vary from one patient to another depending on his level of complications and age.

Pachygyria is basically a structural defect; therefore specific treatment of this pachygyria is still not available especially of associated seizure problem. Treatment of pachygyria may include the treatment of gastronomy; the process involves the insertion of a feeding tube in order to reduce possible malnutrition and repeated spell of aspiration pneumonia in the affected child. However, gastronomical intervention may not be the treatment of the prime disease but it is a kind of back- up for the immunity of the concerned child in order to make the health system comparatively robust and scale of immunity can be improved.