Bone Drugs Could Help Prevent Cancer
Doctors say Bone Drugs Could Prevent Breast Cancer
Bone-building drugs such as Fosamax and Actonel may help prevent breast cancer, a new study has suggested.
Research at the University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio revealed that women who were already using the medicines were about one-third less likely to develop invasive breast cancer over the next seven years.
Doctors said the study did not provide enough evidence to prove that the drugs, known as bisphosphonates, actually prevent cancer but said the results raise an “exciting possibility”.
A more definitive response is expected after further research is conducted over the next two years.
It was reported last year that the drugs reduced the chances of cancer coming back in women already treated for the disease.
Doctor Peter Ravdin, who reviewed the research for the San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium (SABCS), said: “Now we’re actually looking at this in the general population – healthy women who have never had breast cancer. And it looks like it’s protective in those women as well.”
Read More»The Natural Way to Clean Everything in Your House
Best Ways to Clean Your Home with Natural Products
There are dozens of products on the market designed to clean every square inch of your home. Unfortunately, most of them are full of noxious chemicals that can do harm to both the environment, yourself, and your family. There are several natural alternatives to using caustic chemicals. With a little elbow grease, you can get your hope clean using natural products. Regular soap and water are highly useful but often overlooked – the prevalence of sprays and special formulas has overshadowed the effectiveness of the basics.
How You Can Use Baking Soda as a Cleaner
Two overlooked cleaning components are baking soda and vinegar. Baking soda can be used in a multitude of applications.
1. Many people put a box of baking soda in their fridge, but did you know baking soda will absorb odors in other places too? Sprinkle it on musty carpets, let sit for 15 minutes, and vacuum it up. The smells will come with it. Sprinkle it into litter boxes to help absorb odors. This can also be used in shoes, boots, and other places where moisture causes smells.
2. Baking soda is as effective as other scouring agents, such as Comet. Use baking soda to clean your toilet bowl for a fraction of the cost.
3. Baking soda will help dissolve grease in pots and pans.
4. Put half a cup of baking soda in your laundry to help whiten whites and remove odors.
How You Can Use Baking Soda as a Cleaner
Plain white vinegar is used to freshen up all kinds of things, despite its initial stink.
1. Clean and deodorize a drain by pouring in 1 cup baking soda, then one cup of vinegar. Let it fizz for 5 minutes or so, then flush with lots of hot water. This can help dissolve most clogs and keep drains from smelling.
2. Mix ½ cup of vinegar and ½ cup of water in a bowl, and microwave it to a boil. Baked-on food will be loosened and wipe off easily.
3. Remove soap buildup from the inside of the dishwasher by pouring a cup of vinegar in it. Run the machine while empty.
4. Vinegar can also be used as a substitute for rinse agents. Fill the dishwasher rinse dispenser monthly and you’ll be good to go.
5. Remove mineral deposits from coffee makers and tea kettles. For a tea kettle, add ½ cup of vinegar to water to fill, and let sit overnight. If this doesn’t work, boil full strength vinegar in it for a few minutes. For coffee makers, fill the water reservoir with 1 cup of vinegar and run the cycle. Run 1 or 2 cycles after that with fresh clean water to rinse it.
6. Use it to dissolve grease off of vent hoods, pots, and pans.
7. Use full-strength vinegar to polish glassware. Vinegar, mixed with equal parts salt or baking soda can be used to scour more hardy items, such as coffee mugs.
8. Clean grout by pouring it on dirty grout, and let it sit for a few minutes. Scrub it with a toothbrush and wipe up.
For more great articles about natural living and much more please visit the Organic & Natural Living section on GKHealth.
Read More»Most Common Medical Surgeries & Their Costs
The Most Common Surgeries and What They Cost
The most common procedures in the US as of 2003, according to the Department of Health and Human Services, are as follows:
Cataract and other lens-related procedures — Cataracts are a leading cause of world blindness; live long enough and you’re almost certain to experience that clouding of vision that comes along with the natural aging process of the lens. Average cost: $3,900.
Inguinal and femoral hernia repair — An abdominal hernia develops when an organ pushes out of the abdominal cavity that normally contains it. Inguinal and femoral hernias are two different types of abdominal hernia. Average cost: $5,800
Certain surgeries on muscles and tendons — For example: rotator cuff repair, exploratory surgery on the hand, and the removal of lesions. Average cost: $5,400
Tonsillectomy and/or adenoidectomy — The removal of the tonsils or adenoids. Average Cost: $3,800
Excision of semilunar cartilage of knee — Knee injuries are very common, due in part to the complexity of the structure and the amount of weight that it bears. When cartilage is torn, sometimes it must be removed via surgery. Average Cost: $6,200
Myringotomy (ear tube surgery) — Ear tubes can help children (or adults) with constant ear infection by allowing the middle ear to drain fluid more easily. Average Cost: $2,800
Joint Surgery — For example: removal of lesions and inflamed joint tissue from the knee. This surgery is common for people with various types of arthritis. Average Cost: $6,600
Surgery on nose, mouth, and pharynx — For example: different types of sinus surgery, such as the removal of sinus lesions, and turbinectomy, which is the removal of part of the nasal turbinates. Average cost: $5,700
Arthroscopy — Arthroscopy is a procedure which allows doctors to see inside a joint and perform operations on a very small scale, using an arthroscope. It is commonly performed for arthritis sufferers. Average cost: $7,000
Transurethral drainage, excision, or removal of an obstruction — This is surgery performed through the urethra, with the aid of special instrumentation. Average cost: $6,300
Breast Lumpectomy or quadrantectomy — The removal of part of the breast, as done in both of these procedures, is commonly performed when the patient suffers from breast cancer. Average cost: $4,900
Diagnostic dilatation and curettage (D&C) — This procedure is often done when fibroids or polyps appear in the uterus; in it, the lining of the uterus can be scraped or suctioned out. Then, as needed, samples from the uterus can be examined. Average cost: $3,900
Other cervix and uterus surgery — For example, the removal of uterine lesions and endometrial ablation. Average cost: $5,200
Cholecystectomy and common duct exploration — These are, respectively, the removal of the gall bladder and the exploratory surgery of the bile duct. Average cost: $8,100
Decompression of the peripheral nerve — Nerve compression becomes necessary when a nerve is under pressure from surrounding structures, in order to avoid permanent damage to the nerve. Average cost: $3,600
Surgeries on the skin and breast — For example: breast reductions, breast implants, skin removal, and the removal of cysts and abscesses. Average cost: $6,700
For more interesting articles on surgeries and much more please visit the Surgery section on GKHealth.
Read More»What is a Cure for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
Top Cures for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
When people mention carpal tunnel syndrome, the nasty word “surgery” rears its ugly head. Nobody wants someone to cut in their hands and play with their nerves. Not to mention, CTS surgery limits a person’s use of their hands for weeks. Our hands are essential in every way to the life we live. With that in mind, there are a variety of non-surgical treatment approaches for CTS. These avenues should be explored before surgery. In the medical community, practitioners debate the causes and treatments of CTS without much agreement.
What is CTS?
CTS happens when the median nerve becomes compressed by bones, tendons and muscles at the wrist. The compression causes numbness, muscle weakness and pain in the hand. In severe cases, the muscle weakness and numbness can progress to a loss of function including movement and grip. Additionally, severe cases include fingers permanently stuck in a claw-like position. When CTS lasts over two weeks, treatment should be sought immediately from a physician.
Many causes of CTS are unknown. The most common cause is attributed to work-related activities, such a repetitive motions to include typing, but many physicians suggest psychological factors play a role, as well.
What is a Cure for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
An increasingly common, but rarely studied treatments involves Vitamin B6, biotin and riboflavin. A combination of these vitamins and nutrients has been shown in some studies to relieve and cure the effects of CTS over 12 weeks. Approximately 100 to 300 mg of B6 and biotin are the key ingredient. B6 is considered to the best most effective vitamin for nerve health.
A wide range of stretching exercises has been shown to reduce the symptoms of CTS. When people bend and flex their wrists regularly, that frees the nerve and eases tension, reducing the pain. These exercises are recommended especially for CTS diagnosed as a cause of repetitive motion.Additionally, breaks between repetitive activities such as typing are recommended.
CTS patients can run their hands and wrists in hot and cold water to reduce the pain. The water creates the same effect of IcyHot by numbing the pain and increasing blood flow.
Some physicians consider CTS to be a psychosomatic disease caused by stress in life or latent psychological problems. They recommend coping and stress relief methods, such as listening to calming music.
Pharmaceutical Treatments to CTS
Most doctors do not prescribe pharmaceuticals for treatment. Some doctors will write prescriptions for a high-dose anti-inflammatory such as Ibuprofen. The goal for the Ibuprofen is to reduce the swelling of tendons and nerves near the wrist, in hopes the nerve will regain free motion.
Over-the-Counter Aids
Creams such as Bengay or IcyHot have been shown to relieve the pain. Their mixture of cooling and warming sensations dulls the pain and improves blood flow. Decreased blood flow in the nerve area has been linked to CTS.
Wrist and elbows support promote proper positions for the elbow by limiting bending and compression. The support limits the bending at the elbow and wrist, so the nerve stays straight. A splint worn at night allows the hand to relax and heal overnight, reducing many symptoms while the patient sleeps.
Remember: These methods are recommended for light to mild cases of CTS. CTS cases involving a loss of motion should be seen by a doctor as soon as possible to prevent long-term and sometimes
Read More»Home Remedies That Can Help Whiten Teeth
Whitening your teeth at home
There are many ways you can whiten your teeth with a few simple items you probably already have around the house. If you have baking soda and hydrogen peroxide you could make a simple, yet effective paste for a little at home do it yourself whitening. Take two teaspoons of baking soda and two teaspoons of hydrogen peroxide. You then mix these two simple ingredients together in a small bowl creating a paste. You are looking for the consistency of toothpaste so continue to add a bit of peroxide until you reach the desired consistency. Once you have the consistency right, simply brush with this homemade paste for two minutes, being careful not to swallow.
After two minutes rinse your mouth well and then brush with your regular toothpaste which will not only get rid of the taste but will remove all of the peroxide residue. If you want to skip mixing you can simply use peroxide as a mouthwash and swish with it for a minute following brushing. You will probably feel some burning, which is normal, but you will be left with whiter teeth. Be sure not to swallow any and rinse thoroughly with water afterwards.
If you want something a little tastier try strawberries! For a quick fix you can simply rub the strawberry across your teeth. You can also mash the strawberry and use it as a paste. The secret to this inexpensive home whitening method is malic acid, which acts as an astringent to remove surface discoloration. Because of the sugars and acid also found in strawberries it is important to brush immediately following using the strawberry trick to keep the sugars from damaging your white smile. It is recommended to brush with a fluoride toothpaste and then floss to make sure you didn’t miss any seeds. To help protect your enamel it is important not to use this remedy too often. Every couple of weeks should be safe and sufficient.
There are some foods that can help whiten your teeth just by eating them. Foods like celery, apples, pears and carrots trigger lots of saliva which helps to scrub away stains on your teeth. Chewing sugarless gum also triggers saliva, which helps to eliminate teeth stains. The trick with saliva is that it neutralizes acid that causes tooth decay.
You may have heard that lemon juice is good for whitening your teeth. This is not true. The acidity in the lemon juice actually causes your teeth to lose calcium which mean irreparable damage. Calcium is a major component of healthy teeth, and once it is lost, your teeth become very susceptible to decay. So as you can see with some simple homemade recipes it is easier than ever to brighten your smile.
Read More»Human Genome Sciences Create New Drug to Treat Lupus
New Lupus Drug available
Imagine being in relentless agony due to painful, swollen joints accompanied by extreme muscle pain, not being able to breathe deeply without discomfort, and being constantly fatigued. For one Oklahoma woman, this was what she endured daily since being diagnosed six years ago. She suffered from a chronic autoimmune disease called systemic lupus erythematosus, called lupus for short.
This disease strikes mostly young women, but men, teens and children can also get it. The disease causes the production of antibodies that attack almost every healthy organ and tissue of the body, including the kidneys, brain, heart, lungs, skin, blood, and joints. There are four types of lupus: systemic lupus erythematosus, discoid lupus erythematosus, drug-induced lupus erythematosus, and neonatal lupus. Systemic lupus erythematosus is the most common and serious form of lupus.
Lupus is a chronic disease with no known cure, so the treatment focuses on easing the severity and frequency of symptoms. Doctors have been treating lupus for decades with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, antimalarials, immunosuppressants, and steroids. While these medications do ease the symptoms of this disease, the side effects can range from uncomfortable to very toxic. Additionally, many lupus patients suffer from debilitating pain, and must be prescribed painkillers, which can be addictive.
The woman from Oklahoma was one of the first people with lupus to take part in a clinical trial for a new experimental drug for lupus called Benlysta. She says that her symptoms are all but gone in the few months since taking the new drug.
Benlysta is the first new medication developed in 50 years to treat lupus, and is expected to be approved by the Food and Drug Administration in 2010. Benlysta has shown very few side effects, which is consistent with what the Oklahoma woman has experienced. Compared with the medication she was taking before—a steroid called prednisone—she says that the side effects were so minimal it was like she wasn’t on any medication at all.
Although some lupus patients are skeptical, the researchers in the clinical trials note that over 50\% of the patients in the study showed marked improvement over the course of a year, compared with 44\% of the patients who were taking a placebo. Only 6\% of the patients in the study reported any side effects at all.
Many physicians, scientists, and patients in the lupus community are encouraged by the results of the clinical trials and are happy to see the development of the first safe and effective treatment for lupus in 50 years.
As for the Oklahoma woman, she is thrilled to be living virtually symptom-free for the first time in over six years, and is looking forward to enjoying the activities she has missed out on for so long.
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