Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is the a bone disease characterized by reduced bone mineral density, leading to an increased risk of fracture.

Osteoporosis is a major public health issue, affecting 10 million Americans. The number, when combined with the 34 million Americans that suffer from osteopenia (thinning of the bone mass less severe than osteoporosis), accounts for more than half of the population over age 50.

As Americans are growing older, the problem of osteoporosis is growing increasingly clearer. Direct health-care costs from osteoporosis fractures total $1 billion, and those suffering from it will feel it, both in their health and bank accounts.

There is hope, however. Osteoporosis can be treated with simple lifestyle changes and certain medication, or a combination of both. Treatment for osteoporosis has one particular focus: preventing bone fractures. Since osteoporosis attacks and weakens the bone, preventing osteoporosis is essential in staying healthy. The following treatments are meant to treat and prevent osteoporosis. Making a few lifestyle changes may save thousands of dollars and maintain health in the future!

1. Exercise

Guaranteeing yourself exercise on a daily basis will provide you many health effects beyond preventing and treating osteoporosis. While exercise does not increase bone density, it can help you improve fitness and balance, preventing falls. Walking daily for up to half an hour can do wonders for your health. Of course, if you are already struggling with weakened bones, you should use extra caution with the intensity of exercise.

2. Quit Smoking

Smoking has been found to significantly decrease bone mass, especially when done over a prolonged period. In women, cigarettes can decrease estrogen levels, cause earlier menopause, and increase the risk of osteoporosis. Smoking also damages many other organs and present many additional health problems.

3. Calcium Supplements

Calcium is very instrumental in building stronger bones, especially earlier in life. Calcium supplements can not be considered a standalone treatment or cure for osteoporosis, but can work well as a preventive measure and supplemental treatment. Supplements are best taken in smaller doses with meals divided into 500 mg each.

4. Vitamin D

Vitamin D is also very important in healthy bone strength. As with calcium, Vitamin D supplements are not meant to be a sole treatment or cure for osteoporosis, but instead a preventive measure and supplemental treatment. Taking Vitamin D will help your body absorb dietary calcium, avoid osteomalacia, and increase bone density. Vitamin D deficiency is common in the United States, but can be easily matched with one or two multivitamin tablets per day.

5. Hormone Therapy

Estrogen hormone therapy has been found to counter the symptoms of osteoporosis. Women can take estrogen orally or in the form of a patch. Before choosing a hormone therapy, you should contact your doctor.

6. Medication

There are a number of medications that have been found to retain calcium in the bones. Bis phosphates can be taken to decrease the risk of fracture, selective estrogen receptor modulators can be used as a replacement for estrogen, calcitonin (a hormone) can prevent bone loss, and teriparatide (synthetic hormone) can help regulate calcium metabolism. Talk with your doctor for possible medications.

Epilepsy

If the body is an electrical unit, the brain is the epicenter. This epicenter is comprised of vessels which transmit electric waves throughout the entire body. But what happens if one of those vessels misfires? What information gets caught between two different portals? A seizure. The brain will report a current internal imbalance, forcing the body to fall into a seizure. This precise action is the main symptom of epilepsy; a disease which affects 1% of the population (approximately 65 million).

1. The brain is comprised of hundreds of nerve cells which communicate through electrical signals. In order for the brain to properly function, the interplay between the nerve cells must be regulated. The normal function is disturbed, when an abnormal electrical discharge causes an epileptic seizure.

2. Although the epileptic seizures are a direct result of abnormalities in the brain, the brain suffers no actual damage.

3. If an individual is experiencing epileptic seizures, it often originates genetically. In the case of focal epilepsy (meaning that it attacks a specific part of the brain), a brain scan can normally depict the precise cause.

4. When an individual is not experiencing epileptic seizures, there are not definitive symptoms. However, during these seizures, the individual will experience twitching in the muscles, abnormal sensations, or lose of consciousness.

5. Epilepsy is usually treated with prescribed medication, but in severe cases an individual may need surgery.

Multiple Sclerosis

This year alone, thousands of individuals will participate in 100 bike rides and 600 walks with the National MS Society, in order to spread awareness and hopefully, one day, find a cure for Multiple Sclerosis (MS). This disease currently affects over 300,000 individuals in the United States, and several hundred thousand around the world.

1. Multiple Sclerosis is a disease, which affects the connection between the brain and the spinal cord. Since MS, is an autoimmune disease, the immune system is the main culprit to severing the communication between the brain and the spinal cord.

2. Since MS, affects the spinal cord and the brain, the entire nervous system becomes imbalanced. This imbalance, produces a build up of scar tissue, which destroys all of the myelin which covers the nerves. Human beings depend on myelin to send messages back and forth to the spine and the brain.

3. Scientists and doctors have attempted to search for a cause for MS, but unfortunately, all that remains is hypotheses. Either hereditary or a contaminated environment, links individuals to the MS disease.

4. Individuals who have contracted MS, will experience; weakness, decreased coordination, blurred vision, and even eye pain.

5. There is no vaccination for MS, or even cure in sight, but there are medicines which can decrease the frequent symptoms. The two most notable medicines, shorten the attacks of MS and relieve the symptoms of the disease.

Celiac

50 percent of an individual’s proper diet, should consist of strictly carbohydrates. Each time an individual digests these carbohydrates, the body absorbs gluten; an internal protein which the body transforms into energy and fuel. This fuel is not only a nice advantage to delicious foods, but it is a necessity for everyday living.

1. The Celiac Disease creates road blocks, diversions, and detours throughout the entire energy highway. These obstacles disable an individual from digesting gluten and fully absorbing nutrients.

2. If an individual is suffering from Celiac Disease, they will not be able to properly digest gluton and absorb the necessary nutrients. Along with diverting the nutrient, Celiac Disease, will force the immune system to attack the body’s small intestines. In this event, individuals can develop osteoporosis, iron deficiency anemia, and raise the risk of lymphoma.

3. Presently, doctors are unaware of what causes Celiac Disease. On the other hand, they have discovered that small infections can actually trigger Celiac Disease within an individual.

4. An individual who is suffering from Celiac Disease will experience symptoms of bloating, rapid change in bowel movements, weight loss, fatigue, and weakness. Each individual will experience different symptoms, but the results will be the same.

5. Unfortunately, there is no permanent cure for Celiac Disease, there are remedies. Any individual experiencing Celiac Disease, should begin a gluten-free diet within the first two weeks of their diagnosis.

Tuberculosis

It is the latter part of the 19th century. Europe is plagued with a disease, called tuberculosis, which is killing one in four individuals. It is now the 20th century. The number of individuals effected by tuberculosis have subsided. It is now, 2009, and 3 million people this year will die from tuberculosis, alone.

1. Tuberculosis, also known as, TB, is a bacterial infection (Mycobacterium tuberculosis), which can spread through the lymph nodes and bloodstream, effecting any organ in the body.

2. Out of all the organs in the body, tuberculosis, is mainly a disease of the lungs. This bacteria can not only develop in the lungs themselves, but in the pleura (the outer lining of the lungs) and in the lymph nodes.

3. Most individuals who are exposed to tuberculosis, never develop any symptoms. On the other hand, if the person has a weak immune system, the tuberculosis bacteria will become active. Upon activation, the bacteria will begin to attack and deteriorate tissue within the organ system. If any the symptoms are left untreated, it can be fatal.

4. Tuberculosis is contracted through the inhalation of microscopic droplets, that are released into the air by infected individuals. Individuals infected with TB, can spread it through, coughing, sneezing, or even speaking. Even though the bacteria itself my remain in the air for hours, it is mainly killed by ultra violet rays, or sunlight.

5. Once, TB, becomes activated within the body, it will cause symptoms of chronic coughing, lose of appetite, weight loss, fever, fatigue, and night sweats.

6. In order to prevent, the contraction of tuberculosis, it is recommended that an individual receive the BCG vaccination. This vaccination not only, reduces the possibility of tuberculosis, but subsequent pulmonary TB.

7. If you or a loved one, happen to contract tuberculosis; not to worry. Today, tuberculosis, is treated over a six to nine month period with a vareity of antibiotics.

Lupus

The country has lined up a collection of its finest soldiers to protect the land. Although they may have faltered in the past, any enemy they have come across they have conquered. Ready. Aim. And suddenly, they begin to fire back at their own. This is the precise idea behind the autoimmune disease (when the immune system attacks the body, as apposed to protecting it), Lupus.

1. Lupus is an autoimmune disease, which forces the body’s natural protector; the immune system, to attack the the internal tissues. When this occurs, it forces internal inflammation and swelling of the damaged tissue.

2. Initially, an individual who suffers from Lupus, will experience inflammation internally. If the Lupus evolves into a severe form, it can cause problems with the heart, lungs, nervous system, or the blood system.

3. Although the exact cause of Lupus is unknown, scientists do have a wide range of theories. The two most notable theories are that Lupus is triggered by a viral infection or through hereditary lines.

4. When an individual first contracts Lupus, they will experience joint pain, a skin rash, or a fever. Once the symptoms relapse, an individual becomes susceptible to more severe symptoms, such as organ problems.

5. Since Lupus, produces a wide range of symptoms; there are several different remedies. If the individual experiences a skin rash, a doctor will prescribe a corticosteroid cream; in the event of joint pain, and individual will be prescribed non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and if the person feels an overwhelming sense of fatigue, a doctor will take antimalarial medicines.

Asthma

There is tightening within your chest. The more you attempt to breathe, the less air you can grasp. The sensation of drowning is overwhelming, but you have not set a foot in the water. Asthma is a chronic disease, which can rob an individual of its most basic necessity; air.

1. Asthma is a chronic disease, which creates an inflammation within the air passage ways; making it difficult to breathe.

2. In an average individual, the bands of muscles that line the air passage ways are smooth, but an individual with asthma; an allergic reaction forces the muscles to tighten. This inflammation creates a shortness of breathe and wheezing. The inflammation within the air passage ways not only causes an immediate reaction, but can establish long term damage. Due to the muscles, tightening and shrinking rapidly, an individual’s bronchial tubes redden and swell.

3. An individual who experiences asthma, is normally born with the disease. The inflammation reaction, however, is caused by a variety of triggers; flu, pollen, dust, exercise, anxiety, tobacco smoke. Each one of these “triggers” can cause an allergic reaction within the individual’s esophagus, creating an inflammation within the air passage ways.

4. When an individual with asthma comes in contact with a “trigger”, they experience an asthma attack. An asthma attack a sudden sensation of coughing, wheezing, shortness of breathe, and tightness within the chest.

5. If you or a loved one seem to experience signs of asthma; contact a local allergist immediately. The two treatments an individual can undergo are a daily inhaler or an at home ventilator; to create cleaner air.

Graves

“This is all the effect of our good feeding; and lest when I am gone, you may be at a loss for an epitaph for me, let me give you one, in three words: “He Fed Fevers.” This quote; much like his discoveries, still remains on a statue erected in Dublin, Ireland for Sir Robert S Graves. The discovery Sir Robert S Graves is known for is the recognition of hyperthyroidism, or Graves Disease.

1.  An exophthalmic goiter, Basedow’s disease, or more commonly known as Graves disease is a thyroid problem (hyperthyroidism), which produces excessive hormones.

2. When an individual’s body is afflicted with Graves Disease, he/she will produce an excessive amount of hormones. Due to this over production of hormones, the body’s metabolism will convert into a high gear.

3. There is no direct cause for Graves Disease. Scientists, till this day, still debate of its origin; whether it be hereditary or stress.

4. If an individual is suffering from hyperthyroidism, he/she will experience sweating, trembling, weight loss, and extreme conditions; protruding eyes. The last of these symptoms, exophthalmos, is only if the individual irritates the eye muscles and/or tissues.

5. Graves Disease is actually quite easy to treat. In most cases, the disease will actually fall into remission or dissapaer on its own. In the event, that the disease remains, a doctor must be contacted. The doctor will prescribe a thyroid suppresor, along with a metabolism balancer.

Diabetes

According, to recent statistic estimates, in the year 2025, 24,324,778 United States citizens will suffer from -blank-. Are you intrigued yet? Are you nervous? Well, what if I told you exercise and a proper nutrition can enhance your chances of never receiving this disease? Due to our sedentary lifestyle, and improper nutrition, the prevalence of Diabetes, has skyrocketed in recent years. If we as a nation, want to diminish the increasing rate, we must understand the disease.

1. Diabetes is a metabolism disorder. During consumption, our body breaks most of our food down into glucose. It just so happens, that the main source of energy and fuel is, glucose. When an individual has diabetes their body does not produce enough insulin to be able to move their glucose throughout their body. Therefore, that individual does not receive the necessary fuel and energy.

2. Type 1 Diabetes: This is an autoimmune disease which causes the immune system to fight against the body. When an individual has diabetes, their immune system attacks the insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas. Due to this, the glucose becomes sedentary and can not survive. In order to survive, an individual with diabetes, must take an insulin shot daily.

3. Type 2 Diabetes: Insulin resistance, or Type 2 Diabetes is the most common form of diabetes. In the case of Type 2 Diabetes, an individual is producing sufficient insulin, but for unknown reasons can not effectively use it. Although, the origin is different from type 1 diabetes the result is the same; the glucose becomes sedentary, rendering it useless.

4. Gestational Diabetes: Gestational Diabetes can only occur during pregnancy. This disease is strictly based on plasma glucose values measured during the OGTT. A woman’s glucose levels must be closely monitored during pregnancy, because their levels normally drop. In the case, of gestational diabetes, however, they almost become non existent.

Skin Diseases

There are almost an infinite amount of diseases in the world today, ranging from the common cold to deadly cancer.  Some diseases are more common than others, and many can make a profound difference in the life of those infected.  One of those types of diseases are skin diseases.

Skin disease, also known as dermatosis, is defined as any disease of the skin.  To be more specific, the skin is the largest organ of the body, and one of the most vulnerable.  It acts as a protecting shield for the body for harmful pathogens, but is not immune to disease on its own.  Disease is defined as an abnormal condition of an organism that negatively affects bodily functions.  Skin disease, then is the abnormal condition of the skin organ that impairs the function of the skin.

There are many skin diseases that are common, including acne, warts, and eczema.  The psychological effect of these diseases is not to be underestimated.  Since the skin is the most visible organ of the body, skin disease can cause significant psychological stress, especially amongst peers.  For example, a child struggling with acne may be ridiculed by his or her classmates in grade school, though it is often not their fault and uncontrollable.  Disease can be a life-changing thing, and skin disease is no different.  While most skin diseases do not require a visit to the doctor, there is a number of skin diseases that can be extremely severe and even fatal.

Some of the more common skin diseases plague people around the world on a daily basis.  The rest of this article will focus on highlighting some of the more common skin diseases:

1.  Acne

The bane of adolescents going through puberty, acne is a disease of the hair follicles and sebaceous glands.  The clogging of these glands leads to pimples, which almost 17 million people in the United States suffer from.  The clogged glands may be a result of rising hormone levels causing additional oil.  The pimples and lesions develop from the spilling of oil, skin cells, and bacteria onto the skin.

2.  Calluses and Corns

Golfers and guitar players are good examples of people suffering from calluses.  Corns are smaller calluses developed on top of toes from repeated rubbing and pressure from shoes.  While calluses are usually painless, corns can be very painful.  There are many treatments for this type of skin disease available in stores everywhere, including rubbing the callus with a pumice stone.

3.  Psoriasis

A common chronic skin disease, psoriasis causes red, raised areas that develop as scales on the scalp, elbows, knees, and lower back.  It affects 5 to 7 million people in the United States.  The cause of the disease is unknown, but is theorized to be caused by abnormally fast-growing skin cells.  Treatment for psoriasis usually is in the form of a cream or other medications.

4.  Eczema

Eczema is a disease that causes an inflammation of the epidermis.  It causes a persistent skin condition that is usually characterized by redness, swelling, itching and dryness, blistering, or bleeding.  Eczema can cause extreme irritation, usually due to the itchiness of the skin.  It is usually treated through anti-inflammation drugs or oilments and creams that reduce itching.