Multiple Sclerosis Basics

Multiple Sclerosis Basics

Multiple Sclerosis Basics  

Multiple Sclerosis, also commonly known as MS, is a chronic, long-lasting and usually progressive disease affecting the central nervous system. MS progresses by cause sing continued damage to sheaths of nerve cells in the spinal cord, brain and optic nerves.

In MS, immune cells attack myelin. Myelin is a fatty-type substance that protects and insulates nerve fibers and nerve sheaths. Damage to myelin results in the growth of scar tissue. The scar tissue and other damage to the nerve sheath and nerve fiber disrupt and sometimes distort nerve impulses traveling back and forth between the brain and spinal cord. This distortion and disruption can produce many different symptoms across the entire body, which comprise the known effects of MS.

Resulting symptoms associated with MS include, but are not limited to:

• poor muscular coordination
• blurred vision
• difficulty with speech
• compromise basic bodily functions

There are 4 known types of MS, called "courses."

There are 4 Courses of MS:

Relapsing Remitting

The most common course of MS is Relapsing Remitting MS, occurring in an approximate 90% of MS patients. Patients with this course of MS typically experience symptoms of the disease in their 20s; attacks are periodic and then the disease goes into remission. Most patients with Relapsing Remitting MS will ultimately progress into a secondary progressive phase of the disease.

Primary Progressive

For MS patients with Primary Progressive MS, their symptoms generally see an increase (get worse) after being diagnosed with the disease. It is estimated that approximately 1 in 10 patients with MS are diagnosed with the primary progressive course of MS.

Secondary Progressive

Most MS patients develop Secondary Progressive MS after having Relapsing Remitting MS. In this course of MS, symptoms and attacks begin to steadily occur without remission. The time frame associated with Secondary Progressive MS is between 10 and 20 years after the patient is diagnosed with the Relapsing Remitting course of the disease.

Progressive Relapsing

Progressive Relapsing is the least common form of MS. In this course, symptoms do not abate and become progressive between each attack or relapse. Progressive Relapsing is sometimes seen as a more acute course of Primary Progressive MS. Studies suggest that only 5% of MS patients have this course of the disease.

How is MS Treated

There is no known cure for Multiple Sclerosis. Treatments for MS usually focus on helping a patient quickly recover from attacks or relapses and slowing down the progression of the disease while managing other symptoms consequent to the disease.

The cause of MS has not been discovered. There is, therefore, no known cure for the disease to date.

MS is not known to be hereditary; however, having an immediate relative with MS has shown to pose as a significant risk factor for disease development.

It is also widely believed by medical scientists that there are unknown environmental variables that trigger MS in people who have an inherent genetic predisposition to develop the disease.

As an example, the incidence of MS is significantly lower near the Equator. The underlying theory is Vitamin D plays an important role in the occurrence of MS. The populations residing near the earth's equator are exposed to significant amounts of sun-produced natural vitamin D. Vitamin D is thought to bolster the immune system functions and may fortify the immune system against immune mediated diseases such as MS.

There are many clinical studies focussed on finding cures and better therapies for multiple sclerosis. Some of these studies are observational, requiring answers to interview questions. Other studies measure the efficacy of a new or modified drug. Continental Clinical may have a paid study that may be of interest to you. Contact our study hotline at 443-574-4787 or visit us at http://www.continentalclinical.com

What Is Bradycardia?

What Is Bradycardia?

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Bradycardia is a type of arrhythmia characterized by reduced heart rate, which is less than 60 beats per minute (bpm). It can be considered as a variation of the norm in well-trained athletes, but most often it accompanies various cardiovascular pathologies. Slow heart rate is manifested by fatigue, semi-conscious state or transient loss of consciousness, cold sweats, darkening in the eyes, chest pain, dizziness, unstable levels of blood pressure; although, it can be asymptomatic as well.

If a person experiences any of the above symptoms, he or she should seek medical advice as soon as possible, since bradycardia can cause the following complications:

• Stokes-Adams attacks - periodic loss of consciousness. Such faints are followed by general muscle spasms, the pulse becomes too slow or undetectable, skin cover becomes very pale and breathing - deep;
• Sudden cardiac arrest;
• Arterial hypertension or unstable blood pressure;
• Coronary heart disease, effort or rest (unstable) angina pectoris;
• Development of chronic circulatory failure.

Pathological bradycardia can be the symptom of the following:
• Hypothyroidism - reduced production of thyroid hormones;
• Cardiovascular disorders like myocardial infarction, endocarditis or myocarditis;
• Acute intoxication (lead, pesticides, nicotine, narcotic substances);
• Traumatic brain injury, increased intracranial pressure;
• Infections such as typhoid, viral hepatitis, sepsis;
• Side effect of certain medications, for example, beta-blockers, cardiac glycosides, etc.

However, regardless of the cause of bradycardia, disturbed function of the sinus node (it means it cannot synthesize electrical impulses with the rate over 60 bpm) or inadequate spread of the impulses through the conduction pathways lie at the heart of this condition.

Preventive measures of bradycardia may include control and management of blood pressure and heart rate, healthy diet (reduced fat and salt consumption), smoking cessation and adequate alcohol consumption, maintenance of the work-rest regimen, fresh air, and regular physical activity. Annual medical check-ups will help to detect and cure any type of bradycardia.

Here are the basic principles of bradycardia treatment:
• If the heart rate is less than 60 bpm but no diseases of the cardiovascular system or other body organs are found, it's enough to apply preventive measures;
• The treatment of an underlying disease that provokes bradycardia;
• Change in the medications that can cause bradycardia;
• Severe bradycardia (heart rate less than 40 beats per minute) that leads to the development of heart failure can require a surgery to implant a pacemaker.

Dangerous forms of bradycardia require emergency treatment and hospitalization of the patient. Self-treatment is not an option.

Agoraphobia and Soclal Phobia

Agoraphobia and Soclal Phobia

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Agoraphobia - Fear of Open Spaces

Agoraphobia is a little more complex than that - it is the fear of being in any situation where things could go wrong without the chance to escape or get help. A lady contacted me who had been suffering worsening conditions for more than seven years. Initially it started as a little unease when people visited the house and developed into a situation where she could not go into a shop a bank or any public place without full-blown panic attack symptoms. Her heart would pound and she would feel sick and sweat all over, almost fainting at the thought of having to go and buy a loaf of bread. She also became more and more distressed at people visiting her home. Whether her symptoms were those of social phobia and or agoraphobia was never medically diagnosed. What was worse for her, was the youngest of her children was beginning to copy her behaviour in social situations and this was the final prompt for her to take action. Her doctor had given her medication but she didn't find it helped change anything in these difficult situations, just dulling the panic attack symptoms. No one really knows the causes of agoraphobia, although their may be some parental influences that affect whether a person is likely to develop either of these conditions such as being over protective or over emphasising the danger of strangers.

Social Phobia - More than being shy

Social phobia is much more than being shy, it is an absolute dread in certain situations that include meeting strangers, shopping, answering the telephone or starting conversations. We can make the mistake of perceiving someone as a shy person when in fact they are struggling hard to contain their panic attack symptoms. Unfortunately, as with my client, over time these symptoms become worse and often there is an increasing number of situations in which they develop. Guilt exacerbates the situation, guilt that loved ones have to go through it too, certainly in this case - the lady was upset that her children had to go to the shops for her, that she nor her children could have family and friends around, nor could she go to help them out or even attend family events. It was a vicious cycle of torment, in more ways than one. It is no doubt difficult for anyone not having been in this situation to even come close to understanding how badly it affects people's lives and relationships.

Agoraphobia Treatment

Traditional treatment for both agoraphobia and social phobia is usually provided in two ways - drugs and CBT. Anti-depressants are often prescribed since there can be correlation between depression and phobias, or mild tranquilizers to dull the panic attack symptoms. CBT is usually offered and is very effective, it is typically anything up to fourteen sessions and helps you identify unrealistic or unhelpful beliefs and teaches the skills to react more positively in those situations that are causing difficulty. My client had two sessions - the first one taking a full history and then a hypnotic therapy session. After the session I put her in the car and went to our local supermarket, her husband who had been in the car waiting outside, followed. We went straight in to the supermarket and danced, yes, danced in the aisles, knocking a few displays and trolleys I might add as neither of us were particularly skilled at a tango. The second session, two months later, to make sure that all was well and ensure that the therapy was embedded really deeply in her subconscious mind. Four years on and whilst I don't think she has danced in the aisles lately, she has attended her cousin's wedding, goes to church every week and no longer sends her kids for a loaf.

What Is The Paleo Diet?

What Is The Paleo Diet?

Paleo Diet  

The term paleo diet is synonymous with the caveman diet or Paleolithic diet. From the terms, it is clear that the paleo diet is primarily the diet that the Paleolithic human used to consume in the past. It is often touted as the healthiest diet since it discourages the use or consumption of processed foods in addition to the new foods that people stated eating after the Neolithic man. The Paleolithic man's diet was basically made up of meat, fruits, and roots. As the saying goes 'if a caveman dint eat, you should not eat it too'.

During the Paleolithic man period, people were hunters and gathers. The concept of farming had not been developed yet. As such, people hunted in the forests for meat while also gathering nuts, fruits and roots. The Paleolithic man was viewed as being stronger, taller and muscular compared to the present day man. Health experts argue that the change in diet as man developed due to agriculture and industrialization led to the consumption of processed food instead of the original caveman diet. As a result, the present man is often easily afflicted with ailments in addition to being weak. This can be attributed to the fact that the human body did not adapt fully to digesting the foods and grains we currently eat.

The diet is seen as the answer to the weight problem befalling the United States of America. Today, approximately 60% of the global population is overweight while 33% are viewed as being obese. Further, the change in diet has led to a large number of people globally suffering from diseases such as diabetes and cancer. It is vital to note that these statistics are continuing to get worse day by day. This is a clear indication that the present day diet is wrong and harmful to people. Thus, there is a need to revert back to the paleo (caveman) diet.

The diet excludes many products that make up today's sugar such as salt, dairy products, processed foods grains, vegetable oils and sugar. The exclusion of these three products from an individual's diet has a significant impact in reducing the probability of contracting lifestyle diseases.

So, what makes the paleo diet?

The paleo diet is made up of fruits, vegetables, lean meats nuts, seeds and roots, seafood and healthy fats. Healthy fats can be obtained from seeds, nuts, avocado, and fish oil.

If adopted, the diet is beneficial to people. Some of the advantages of embracing a paleo diet include; it reduces the probability of diabetes by stabilizing the blood sugar levels, enables an individual to shed off excess or stored fat, and leads to a reduction in allergies. Also, a paleo diet helps to improve a person's sleep patterns. These benefits illustrate the significance for the adoption of a paleo diet.

Paleo diet's advice to avoid eating processed foods and sugars is supported by modern studies which have found a link between processed food and sugars, and weight gain or lifestyle diseases.

In conclusion, a paleo diet has a positive impact on the life of people.

Low-Carb, Fat-Free or Calorie Counting

Low-Carb, Fat-Free or Calorie Counting

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It is a new year, so I would be going through my usual new year ritual: New year resolutions.

Over the years, I state my new year resolutions on the first day of the year and I always plan to stick to them, but then life happens.

By the end of the first week I would have forgotten most of my resolutions and reverted back to the status quo.

But, for the past few years there has been a constant resolution that I do not forget and that is: lose some weight.

Last year I tried the calorie counting weight loss plan, I downloaded an app on my phone and earnestly imputed my consumed food and drink.

It was so hard, I had to think twice before I consumed any single food item or drink and there was the added pressure of not exceeding my calorie limit for that day.

So no, calorie counting is definitely not for me.

I have previously explored popular dietary plans in the Diets category and so I could choose from one of those, but what is all this stuff I hear in the media today.

What exactly are the Low carb, Fat free and Calorie Counting?

Low-carbohydrate diets or low-carb diets as they are popularly known are dietary plans that limit the consumption of foods high in carbohydrates.

Foods high in carbohydrates include bread, pasta and rice. These food groups are replaced with foods rich in protein such as eggs, nuts, seeds and vegetables.

The Atkins, Paleo and Zone diets are low-Carb diets.

Fat-Free diets are dietary plans that are low in fat. There are variations to this plans from totally fat-free to a low-fat diet.

It can be quite difficult to totally eliminate all fat from a diet and might not be totally healthy because some fats such as Monounsaturated and Polyunsaturated can help control cholesterol.

Calorie Counting involves counting the calories based on the food items consumed on a daily basis. It is used in weight management and there are numerous apps to help monitor the foods consumed. These apps act like a food diary of sorts.

So what is the best dietary plan? Well that is a personal choice, you have to stick to what works for you.

I think I would try the low-carb diet this year, I would tell you how it goes.

It is advised that you consult a certified health care provider before starting any weight loss program.

Why Is Bio Identical Hormone Replacement Therapy Gaining Popularity?

Why Is Bio Identical Hormone Replacement Therapy Gaining Popularity?

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Bio identical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) is a form of therapy that is used to attain an optimum level of hormones in the human body. While BHRT is mainly confined to the United States, there is a significant level of interest directed towards it. What this form of therapy is believed to achieve is to improve the overall hormone levels in the body. Bio identical hormone replacement therapy has garnered interest particularly with women as they are convinced that it helps them during menopause, making them feel stronger and revitalised. BHRT has gained popularity as a number of American women are of the opinion that conventional hormone replacement therapy has several side effects that could be life-threatening.

Bio identical hormone replacement therapy has numerous benefits especially for women as it is believed to prevent the occurrence of a number of chronic diseases that develop with age. Bio identical hormones are made from plant chemicals and share a similar molecular structure to that built in a woman's body. The benefits of BHRT include and are not confined to:

1. It builds muscle strength as a person (especially women) ages. With age, the human body experiences a gradual breakdown in muscle and fat which weakens the physical state of an individual.

2. Bio identical hormone replacement also improves libido as a result of increasing the levels of hormones in the body.

3. BHRT is said to improve energy levels, provide better sleep, and sharpen the mental state of a person.

4. In a fast-paced world where time is of the essence, there is hardly ever enough time for an individual to relax and feel rested. The modern lifestyle is driving people towards depression. Bio identical hormone replacement therapy reduces the risk of depression, leaving one feeling calmer.

5. This form of therapy is also believed to increase bone strength even as a person ages, reducing the risk of osteoporosis. This is a result of BHRT improving the bone density.

6. BHRT is custom-compounded, which literally translates to the hormones being made to suit every individual patient's condition. By this, it makes for a more balanced and accurate increase in hormone levels.

7. As it creates a calming effect on an individual, BHRT also improves sleep. When consumed, natural progesterone helps in promoting a patient's sleep and allows for proper rest.

8. Bio identical hormone replacement therapy reduces the risk of endometrial and breast cancer besides fighting Alzheimer's disease.

There has been some opposition in the practice of BHRT and while there is currently little significant evidence to completely prove that this form of therapy carries with it benefits, it has helped a lot of patients dealing with hormonal imbalance. A lot of reviews and tests are being carried out to show that bio identical hormone replacement therapy can successfully help a patient balance out the body's hormones. For patients suffering from high cholesterol, BHRT is said to improve or stabilise the levels and improve the overall health of an individual, thus increasing one's lifespan in the process.

I am Rohit Bisht, an expert in Sales and Industrial Marketing. I seek information about the latest trends in the market and provide necessary updates about the same. If you want to know more about bio identical hormone replacement therapy you can follow me and read the articles on related topics.

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