2009 flu data reports

confirmed deaths worldwide. 14,286
europeon union and EFTA. 2290
central asia 457
middle east 1450
africa 116
north america 3642
central america 237
south america 3190
northeast asia 2294
southeast asia 393
australia and pacific 217

swine flu

Now a days most of the part of the world affected by this virus. though it was discoveed in 80's century but still the vaccine inventionis continuously going on to prevent this virus to effect peoples. be careful and be vaccinated .

Cardiology

Online weight loss plans

Online weight loss plans Online weight loss plans are web based fitness programs designed to help participants lose weight. They usually include assistance in the areas necessary for weight loss. For example, weight loss information, goal setting, progress tracking, meal and workout planning, and personal support from personal trainers or fitness coaches. This way of losing weight is fast becoming a distinct weight loss method.

How They Work

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Online weight loss plans are usually interactive programs that provide the user with diet information, workout routines, meal planning, goal tracking, and feedback. Web based programs usually attempt to incorporate all of these areas and customize them for a particular user. The user will usually fill out a questionnaire before preceeding. The questionnaire will contain information such as current eating patterns, fitness levels and goals.

A personalized meal plan and workout program are usually created for the user. A unique feature of these programs is the use of online tools to track improvements and to log workout and diet information. The idea behind these tracking tools is the idea that by tracking their fitness, a person can make more progress by aiming for, and meeting regular fitness goals. Programs range in price from the very basic which may cost $20 a month to highly customized programs created by celebrity fitness experts. These programs can cost in excess of $400 a month. There are also free web based programs. While they usually provide access to online tools, they may not provide any customized plans.

Online weight loss plans usually contain some of these elements:

Weekly Shopping Lists

Workout routines and meal plans

Regular support froma a fitness coach or personal trainer

Regular tracking of progress

Workout videos

Some type of online workout calendar/journal

A year long study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association participants of an online weight loss plan lost more than twice the weight of participants who took part in a more traditional program.It's been shown that people who've used online weight loss plans for 18 months were able to maintain significant weight loss.^[1]Many studies now show that internet programs are viable tools to help people maintain weight loss over the longterm. In one study a group of 250 people lost weight over a 6 monthe period and maintained weight loss for 12 months afterwards using a online weight loss plan. ^[2]The low cost combined with the lack of need for face to face meetings with a nutritionist or personal trainer make internet programs easy to maintain long term. The requirement of constantly updating weight and other measurements helps to hold the user accountable as well. This could help people maintain weight loss over a long period. Many studies even show that participants that logged into their online programs more also experienced, on average, more weight loss. There have been upsurge of companies specifically dealing with only online weight loss. Among them are companies such as eDiets.com and Shreddingpounds.com.These are companies that provide their services only over the web. Established weight loss companies such as WeightWatchers.com, have even begun offering online only weight loss programs.There has recently been research into the effectiveness of web-based weight loss programs in primary care settings.^[3] As more people join these types of programs there will be a significant increase in companies offering customized online fitness programs.

Active Living

Active Living is a way of life that integrates physical activity into daily routines, like walking to the store or biking to work.

Active Living brings together urban planners, architects, transportation engineers, public health professionals and others to build places that encourage routine activity. One example includes efforts to build sidewalks, crosswalks and other ways for children to walk safely to and from school. Compact, mixed-use development, where residential uses are located close to stores, jobs and recreational opportunities (parks, etc.) has also been found to encourage a more active lifestyle.

Nutrition and recovery

Proper nutrition is as important to health as exercise. When exercising, it becomes even more important to have a good diet to ensure that the body has the correct ratio of macronutrients whilst providing ample micronutrients, in order to aid the body with the recovery process following strenuous exercise.^[44]

Proper rest and recovery are also as important to health as exercise; otherwise the body exists in a permanently injured state and will not improve or adapt adequately to the exercise. Hence, it is important to remember to allow adequate recovery between exercise sessions. It is necessary to refill the glycogen stores in the skeletal muscles and liver. After exercise, there is a 30 minute window critical to muscle recovery. Before doing anything else, one should drink something for recovery. Liquids are ideal after exercise and there are several studies that show low-fat milk and chocolate milk as being effective recovery beverages because of its ideal 4:1 combination of carbohydrate and protein that fuels and replenishes our muscles the best.^[45][46] Branched-chain amino acids are also recommended for exercise recovery.^{[citation needed]}

The above two factors can be compromised by psychological compulsions (eating disorders such as exercise bulimia, anorexia, and otherbulimias), misinformation, a lack of organization, or a lack of motivation. These all lead to a decreased state of health.

Delayed onset muscle soreness can occur after any kind of exercise, particularly if the body is in an unconditioned state relative to that exercise.^[47]

Benefits

Physical exercise is important for maintaining physical fitness and can contribute positively to maintaining a healthy weight, building and maintaining healthy bone density, muscle strength, and joint mobility, promoting physiological well-being, reducing surgical risks, and strengthening the immune system.

Exercise also reduces levels of cortisol. Cortisol is a stress hormone that builds fat in the abdominal region, making weight loss difficult.^{[citation needed]} Cortisol causes many health problems, both physical and mental.^[8]

Frequent and regular aerobic exercise has been shown to help prevent or treat serious and life-threatening chronic conditions such as high blood pressure, obesity, heart disease, Type 2 diabetes,insomnia, and depression.^[9] Endurance exercise before meals lowers blood glucose more than the same exercise after meals.^[10]

There is some evidence that vigorous exercise (90-95% of VO₂ Max) is more beneficial than moderate exercise (40 to 70% of VO₂ Max).^[11] Some studies have shown that vigorous exercise executed by healthy individuals can increase opioid peptides (a.k.a. endorphins, naturally occurring opioids that in conjunction with other neurotransmitters are responsible for exercise-induced euphoria and have been shown to be addictive), increase testosterone and growth hormone,^[12] effects that are not as fully realized with moderate exercise. More recent research^[13][14] indicates that anandamide may play a greater role than endorphins in "runner's high".

Both aerobic and anaerobic exercise also work to increase the mechanical efficiency of the heart by increasing cardiac volume (aerobic exercise), or myocardial thickness (strength training). Such changesare generally beneficial and healthy if they occur in response to exercise.

Not everyone benefits equally from exercise. There is tremendous variation in individual response to training: where most people will see a moderate increase in endurance from aerobic exercise, some individuals will as much as double their oxygen uptake, while others can never augment endurance.^[15][16] Similarly, only a minority of people will show significant muscle growth after prolonged weight training, while a larger fraction experience improvements in strength.^[17] This genetic variation in improvement from training is one of the key physiological differences between elite athletes and the larger population.^[18][19] Studies have shown that exercising in middle age leads to better physical ability later in life.^[20]

Types of exercise

Exercises are generally grouped into three types depending on the overall effect they have on the human body:

• Flexibility exercises, such as stretching, improve the range of motion of muscles and joints.^[5]
• Aerobic exercises, such as cycling, swimming, walking, rowing, running, hiking or playing tennis, focus on increasing cardiovascularendurance.^[6]
• Anaerobic exercises, such as weight training, functional training or sprinting, increase short-term muscle strength.^[7]

exercise

Physical exercise is any bodily activity that enhances or maintains physical fitness and overall health. It is performed for many various reasons. These include strengthening muscles and the cardiovascular system, honing athletic skills, weight loss or maintenance and for enjoyment. Frequent and regular physical exercise boosts the immune system, and helps prevent the "diseases of affluence" such asheart disease, cardiovascular disease, Type 2 diabetes and obesity.^[1][2] It also improves mental health, helps prevent depression, helps to promote or maintain positive self-esteem, and can even augment an individual's sex appeal or body image.^[3] Childhood obesity is a growing global concern^[4] and physical exercise may help decrease the effects of childhood obesity in developed countries.

healthy diet

For a healthy diet, replace unhealthy and fattening foods with healthier alternatives, such as fresh fruits and vegetables

Weight Management

Definition

Weight management means keeping your body weight at a healthy level.

Information

Regular exercise and a healthy diet are crucial when it comes to controlling your weight. A weight management plan depends on whether you are overweight or underweight.

An easy way to determine your own desirable body weight is to use the following formula:

• Women: 100 pounds for the first 5 feet of height plus 5 pounds for each additional inch.
• Men: 106 pounds of body weight for the first 5 feet of height plus 6 pounds for each additional inch.
• For a small body frame, 10% should be subtracted. For a large frame, 10% should be added.

Body fat and body mass measurements are used to determine whether a person is under- or overweight. A registered dietitian or exercise physiologist can help you calculate your body fat. The recommended amount of body fat differs for men and women.

For women:

• The recommended amount of body fat is 20 - 21%.
• The average American woman has approximately 22 - 25% body fat.
• A woman with more than 30% body fat is considered obese.

For men:

• The recommended amount of body fat is 13 - 17%.
• The average American man has approximately 17 - 19% body fat.
• A man with 25% body fat or higher is considered obese.

Body mass index (BMI) is an indirect measurement of your body composition. It takes into consideration both your weight and height. BMI helps determine your risk for certain diseases, including diabetes and hypertension.

It is important to note that the terms "overweight" and "obesity" do NOT mean the same thing.

Weight management for people who have been overweight involves continued physical activity and monitoring the amount of food eaten.

UNDERWEIGHT

Anorexia nervosa and bulimia are eating disorders associated with a negative body image. Anorexia nervosa is a disorder in which people extremely limit their food intake. This results in dangerously quick weight loss, to the point of starvation. This disorder is most commonly found in adolescent females, but may also occur in males, children, and adults.

Bulimia is binge eating followed by self-induced vomiting. It's often associated with anorexia nervosa. Many people with bulimia don't lose a lot of weight, and may not get medical attention until they seek help.

Excessive intentional weight loss can cause a person to be dangerously underweight. To maintain their weight, people with eating disorders must eat enough food to prevent them from losing the weight they have gained.

CALORIES FOR WEIGHT MAINTENANCE

To maintain your weight, you can use the following formula:

• 10 calories per pound of desirable body weight if you are sedentary or very obese
• 13 calories per pound of desirable body weight if your activity level is low, or if you are over age 55
• 15 calories per pound of desirable body weight if you regularly do moderate activity
• 18 calories per pound of desirable body weight if you regularly do strenuous activity

Activity levels:

• Low activity: No planned, regular physical activity; occasional weekend or weekly activity (such as golf or recreational tennis) is the only type of physical activity
• Moderate activity: Participating in physical activities such as swimming, jogging, or fast walking for 30 - 60 minutes at a time
• Strenuous activity: Participating in vigorous physical activity for 60 minutes or more at least 4 - 5 days per week

A BALANCED DIET

• Do not eat meat more than once a day. Eat fish and poultry more often than red or processed meats because they are less fattening.
• Avoid frying food. Fried food absorbs the fats from the cooking oils, increasing your dietary fat intake. Instead, bake or broil food. If you do fry, use polyunsaturated oils, such as corn oil.
• Cut down on your salt intake. Limit table salt, or flavor intensifiers that contain salt, such as monosodium glutamate (MSG).
• Include adequate fiber in your diet. Fiber is found in green leafy vegetables, fruit, beans, bran flakes, nuts, root vegetables, and whole-grain foods.
• Do not eat more than 4 eggs per week. Although they are a good source of protein, and they're low in saturated fat, eggs are very high in cholesterol.
• Choose fresh fruit for dessert, rather than cookies, cake, or pudding.
• Eat a well-balanced diet. Too much of anything -- calories or a particular type of food -- has its drawbacks.
• Follow the recommendations of the food guide pyramid.

RECOMMENDATIONS FOR WEIGHT MANAGEMENT

To successfully manage your weight, follow these basic guidelines:

• Eat a healthy, well-balanced diet.
• Balance physical activity with diet to maintain your desired weight. Aerobic exercise will help increase muscle tissue and burn calories.
• Gradually adjust your eating habits to encourage a permanent lifestyle change. You may need counseling and behavior modification to change your diet.
• Avoid alcohol, or drink in moderation.

RESOURCES

A registered dietitian is an excellent resource for individualized weight management. The registered dietitian can provide information on classes and programs available in your community.

The Federal Trade Commission offers consumer brochures that evaluate commercial weight management programs.

Note: 1 calorie equals 1000 calories or 1 kilocalorie.

allergic reactions

Definition

Allergic reactions are sensitivities to substances, called allergens, that are contacted through the skin, inhaled into the lungs, swallowed, or injected

Considerations

Allergic reactions are common. The immune response that causes an allergic reaction is similar to the response that causes hay fever. Most reactions happen soon after contact with an allergen.

Many allergic reactions are mild, while others can be severe and life-threatening. They occur more often in people with a family history of allergies.

Substances that don't bother most people (such as venom from bee stings and certain foods, medications, and pollens) can trigger allergic reactions in certain people.

While first-time exposure may only produce a mild reaction, repeated exposures may lead to more serious reactions. Once a person has had an allergic reaction (is sensitized), even a very limited exposure to a very small amount of allergen can trigger a severe reaction.

Allergic reactions can be mild or serious. They can be confined to a small area of the body or may affect the entire body.

Most severe allergic reactions occur within seconds or minutes after exposure to the allergen. However, some reactions can occur after several hours, particularly if the allergen causes a reaction after it has been ingested. In very rare cases, reactions develop after 24 hours.

Anaphylaxis is a sudden and severe allergic reaction that occurs within minutes of exposure. Immediate medical attention is needed for this condition. It can get worse very, very fast and lead to death within 15 minutes if treatment is not received.

Causes

Common allergens include:

• Animal dander
• Bee stings or stings from other insects
• Foods, especially nuts, fish, and shellfish
• Insect bites
• Medications
• Plants
• Pollens

When should one consult a doctor?

One should consult a health-care provider if he or she develops the symptoms associated with lung cancer, in particular, if they have

• a new persistent cough or worsening of an existing chronic cough
,


• blood in the sputum,



• persistent bronchitis or repeated respiratory infections
,


• chest pain
,


• unexplained weight loss and/or fatigue
,


• breathing difficulties such as shortness of breath or wheezing.

What are the types of lung cancer?

Lung cancers, also known as bronchogenic carcinomas, are broadly classified into two types: small cell lung cancers (SCLC) and non-small cell lung cancers (NSCLC). This classification is based upon the microscopic appearance of the tumor cells themselves. These two types of cancers grow and spread in different ways and may have different treatment options, so a distinction between these two types is important.

SCLC comprise about 20% of lung cancers and are the most aggressive and rapidly growing of all lung cancers. SCLC are strongly related to cigarette smoking, with only 1% of these tumors occurring in nonsmokers. SCLC metastasize rapidly to many sites within the body and are most often discovered after they have spread extensively. Referring to a specific cell appearance often seen when examining samples of SCLC under the microscope, these cancers are sometimes called oat cell carcinomas.

NSCLC are the most common lung cancers, accounting for about 80% of all lung cancers. NSCLC can be divided into three main types that are named based upon the type of cells found in the tumor:

• Adenocarcinomas are the most commonly seen type of NSCLC in the U.S. and comprise up to 50% of NSCLC. While adenocarcinomas are associated with smoking, like other lung cancers, this type is observed as well in nonsmokers who develop lung cancer. Most adenocarcinomas arise in the outer, or peripheral, areas of the lungs. Bronchioloalveolar carcinoma is a subtype of adenocarcinoma that frequently develops at multiple sites in the lungs and spreads along the preexisting alveolar walls.



• Squamous cell carcinomas were formerly more common than adenocarcinomas; at present, they account for about 30% of NSCLC. Also known as epidermoid carcinomas, squamous cell cancers arise most frequently in the central chest area in the bronchi.



• Large cell carcinomas, sometimes referred to as undifferentiated carcinomas, are the least common type of NSCLC.



• Mixtures of different types of NSCLC are also seen.

Air pollution

Air pollution from vehicles, industry, and power plants can raise the likelihood of developing lung cancer in exposed individuals. Up to 1% of lung cancer deaths are attributable to breathing polluted air, and experts believe that prolonged exposure to highly polluted air can carry a risk for the development of lung cancer similar to that of passive smoking.

Prior history of lung cancer

Survivors of lung cancer have a greater risk of developing a second lung cancer than the general population has of developing a first lung cancer. Survivors of non-small cell lung cancers (NSCLCs, see below) have an additive risk of 1%-2% per year for developing a second lung cancer. In survivors of small cell lung cancers (SCLCs, see below), the risk for development of second lung cancers approaches 6% per year.

Lung diseases

The presence of certain diseases of the lung, notably chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), is associated with an increased risk (four- to sixfold the risk of a nonsmoker) for the development of lung cancer even after the effects of concomitant cigarette smoking are excluded.

Familial predisposition

While the majority of lung cancers are associated with tobacco smoking, the fact that not all smokers eventually develop lung cancer suggests that other factors, such as individual genetic susceptibility, may play a role in the causation of lung cancer. Numerous studies have shown that lung cancer is more likely to occur in both smoking and non-smoking relatives of those who have had lung cancer than in the general population. Recently, the largest genetic study of lung cancer ever conducted, involving over 10,000 people from 18 countries and led by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), identified a small region in the genome (DNA) that contains genes that appear to confer an increased susceptibility to lung cancer in smokers. The specific genes, located the q arm of chromosome 15, code for proteins that interact with nicotineand other tobacco toxins (nicotinic acetylcholine receptor genes).

Radon gas

Radon gas is a natural, chemically inert gas that is a natural decay product of uranium. Uranium decays to form products, including radon, that emit a type of ionizing radiation. Radon gas is a known cause of lung cancer, with an estimated 12% of lung-cancer deaths attributable to radon gas, or about 20,000 lung-cancer-related deaths annually in the U.S., making radon the second leading cause of lung cancer in the U.S. As with asbestos exposure, concomitant smoking greatly increases the risk of lung cancer with radon exposure. Radon gas can travel up through soil and enter homes through gaps in the foundation, pipes, drains, or other openings. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency estimates that one out of every 15 homes in the U.S. contains dangerous levels of radon gas. Radon gas is invisible and odorless, but it can be detected with simple test kits.

Asbestos fibers

Asbestos fibers are silicate fibers that can persist for a lifetime in lung tissue following exposure to asbestos. The workplace is a common source of exposure to asbestos fibers, as asbestos was widely used in the past as both thermal and acoustic insulation. Today, asbestos use is limited or banned in many countries, including the U.S. Both lung cancer and mesothelioma (cancer of the pleura of the lung as well as of the lining of the abdominal cavity called the peritoneum) are associated with exposure to asbestos. Cigarette smoking drastically increases the chance of developing an asbestos-related lung cancer in workers exposed to asbestos. Asbestos workers who do not smoke have a fivefold greater risk of developing lung cancer than nonsmokers, but asbestos workers who smoke have a risk that is 50- to 90-fold greater than nonsmokers.

Passive smoking

Passive smoking or the inhalation of tobacco smoke by nonsmokers who share living or working quarters with smokers, also is an established risk factor for the development of lung cancer. Research has shown that nonsmokers who reside with a smoker have a 24% increase in risk for developing lung cancer when compared with nonsmokers who do not reside with a smoker. An estimated 3,000 lung cancer deaths that occur each year in the U.S. are attributable to passive smoking.

What causes lung cancer?

Smoking

The incidence of lung cancer is strongly correlated with cigarette smoking, with about 90% of lung cancers arising as a result of tobacco use. The risk of lung cancer increases with the number of cigarettes smoked and the time over which smoking has occurred; doctors refer to this risk in terms of pack-years of smoking history (the number of packs of cigarettes smoked per day multiplied by the number of years smoked). For example, a person who has smoked two packs of cigarettes per day for 10 years has a 20 pack-year smoking history. While the risk of lung cancer is increased with even a 10-pack-year smoking history, those with 30-pack-year histories or more are considered to have the greatest risk for the development of lung cancer. Among those who smoke two or more packs of cigarettes per day, one in seven will die of lung cancer.

Pipe and cigar smoking also can cause lung cancer, although the risk is not as high as with cigarette smoking. Thus, while someone who smokes one pack of cigarettes per day has a risk for the development of lung cancer that is 25 times higher than a nonsmoker, pipe and cigar smokers have a risk of lung cancer that is about five times that of a nonsmoker.

Tobacco smoke contains over 4,000 chemical compounds, many of which have been shown to be cancer-causing or carcinogenic. The two primary carcinogens in tobacco smoke are chemicals known as nitrosamines and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. The risk of developing lung cancer decreases each year following smoking cessation as normal cells grow and replace damaged cells in the lung. In former smokers, the risk of developing lung cancer begins to approach that of a nonsmoker about 15 years after cessation of smoking.

How common is lung cancer?

Lung cancer is the most common cause of death due to cancer in both men and women throughout the world. The American Cancer Society estimates that 219,440 new cases of lung cancer in the U.S. will be diagnosed and 159,390 deaths due to lung cancer will occur in 2009. According to the U.S. National Cancer Institute, approximately one out of every 14 men and women in the U.S. will be diagnosed with cancer of the lung at some point in their lifetime.

Lung cancer is predominantly a disease of the elderly; almost 70% of people diagnosed with lung cancer are over 65 years of age, while less than 3% of lung cancers occur in people under 45 years of age.

Lung cancer was not common prior to the 1930s but increased dramatically over the following decades as tobacco smokingincreased. In many developing countries, the incidence of lung cancer is beginning to fall following public education about the dangers of cigarette smoking and the introduction of effective smoking-cessation programs. Nevertheless, lung cancer remains among the most common types of cancers in both men and women worldwide. In the U.S., lung cancer has surpassed breast cancer as the most common cause of cancer-related deaths in women.

What is lung cancer?

Cancer of the lung, like all cancers, results from an abnormality in the body's basic unit of life, the cell. Normally, the body maintains a system of checks and balances on cell growth so that cells divide to produce new cells only when new cells are needed. Disruption of this system of checks and balances on cell growth results in an uncontrolled division and proliferation of cells that eventually forms a mass known as a tumor.

Tumors can be benign or malignant; when we speak of "cancer," we are referring to those tumors that are malignant. Benign tumors usually can be removed and do not spread to other parts of the body. Malignant tumors, on the other hand, grow aggressively and invade other tissues of the body, allowing entry of tumor cells into the bloodstream or lymphatic system and then to other sites in the body. This process of spread is termedmetastasis; the areas of tumor growth at these distant sites are calledmetastases. Since lung cancer tends to spread or metastasize very early after it forms, it is a very life-threatening cancer and one of the most difficult cancers to treat. While lung cancer can spread to any organ in the body, certain organs -- particularly the adrenal glands, liver, brain, andbone -- are the most common sites for lung cancer metastasis.

The lung also is a very common site for metastasis from tumors in other parts of the body. Tumor metastases are made up of the same type of cells as the original (primary) tumor. For example, if prostate cancer spreads via the bloodstream to the lungs, it is metastatic prostate cancer in the lung and is not lung cancer.

Diode Laser: Before and After

Diode laser therapy may require several sessions to maximize results. In this image, acne has improved significantly six months after a series of five diode laser treatments.

Thermage: Before and After – Eyelids

Droopy eyelids respond particularly well to Thermage. The results won't appear until four to six months after the procedure, but the difference can be dramatic.

Botox: Before and After

Botox injections usually take three to seven days to reach their full effect. The result is smoother skin in the treated area. As the muscles slowly regain the ability to contract, lines and wrinkles reappear. To maintain the desired effect, injections must be repeated every four to six months.

Mirror, Mirror, Say It Ain't So

At some point, the mirror betrays you. It shakes your sense of youth with vivid signs of aging – little wrinkles around the eyes or lips, age spots, maybe some sagging skin. There used to be few options for turning back the clock without going under the knife. But today, you can soften the signs of aging with a wide range of non-surgical procedures for the face. Learn how these techniques work – and see before-and-after photos.

skin cancer

Uncommon types of skin cancer include Kaposi's sarcoma, mainly seen in people with weakened immune systems; Merkel cell carcinoma, which is usually found on sun-exposed areas on the head, neck, arms and legs but often spreads to other parts of the body; and sebaceous gland carcinoma, an aggressive cancer originating in the oil glands in the skin.

skin problem

The black widow spider produces a protein venom that affects the victim's nervous system. Some people are slightly affected by the venom, but others may have a severe response. The first symptom is acute pain at the site of the bite though there may only be a minimal local reaction.

The local pain may be followed by localized or generalized severe muscle cramps, abdominal pain, weakness, and tremor. In severe cases, nausea, vomiting, faintness, dizziness, chest pain, and respiratory difficulties may follow.

The severity of the reaction can depend on the age and physical condition of the person bitten. Children and the elderly are more seriously affected than young adults. Read more about the symptoms and treatments for black widow spider bites.

What is diabetes?

Diabetes mellitus is a group of metabolic diseases characterized by high blood sugar (glucose) levels, that result from defects in insulin secretion, or action, or both. Diabetes mellitus, commonly referred to as diabetes (as it will be in this article) was first identified as a disease associated with "sweet urine," and excessive muscle loss in the ancient world. Elevated levels of blood glucose (hyperglycemia) lead to spillage of glucose into the urine, hence the term sweet urine.

Normally, blood glucose levels are tightly controlled by insulin, a hormoneproduced by the pancreas. Insulin lowers the blood glucose level. When the blood glucose elevates (for example, after eating food), insulin is released from the pancreas to normalize the glucose level. In patients with diabetes, the absence or insufficient production of insulin causes hyperglycemia. Diabetes is a chronic medical condition, meaning that although it can be controlled, it lasts a lifetime.

chronic pain pic

What are stem cells?

Stem cells are cells that have the potential to develop into many different or specialized cell types. Stem cells can be thought of as primitive, "unspecialized" cells that are able to divide and become specialized cells of the body such as liver cells, muscle cells, blood cells, and other cells with specific functions. Stem cells are referred to as "undifferentiated" cells because they have not yet committed to a developmental path that will form a specific tissue or organ. The process of changing into a specific cell type is known as differentiation. In some areas of the body, stem cells divide regularly to renew and repair the existing tissue. The bone marrow and gastrointestinal tract are examples areas in which stem cells function to renew and repair tissue.

Testing for Colon Cancer

In the new study, Kraus and colleagues first measured levels of the CD24 protein in 63 people with colon cancer, 19 people with adenomas, or precancerous colon growths, and 68 healthy people.

"CD24 was [dramatically] elevated in colon cancer and adenoma patients, compared with healthy subjects," Kraus says.

Then, they further tested the accuracy of the CD24 blood test in 73 people: 11 had colon cancer, 24 had adenomas, and 38 showed no signs of colon cancer.

The researchers found that the test accurately detected colorectal cancer in 92% of cases; only 8% of colon cancers were missed. It gave false-positive results to 8% of people who didn't have the cancer.

As for adenomas, the test accurately caught 84% of growths. The false-positive rate was 11%.

The next step is to validate the findings in studies of larger groups of people, Kraus says.

The test is expected to cost less than $50, she says.

This isn't the first time researchers have reported they're a step closer to developing a blood test for colon cancer. Just last year, two teams of European investigators said they had developed tests that look for genetic fingerprints of tumor growth and spread in the blood, for example.

Which tests will eventually make it out of the lab and into the clinic is still anyone's guess, doctors concede.

"People are putting a lot of thought into developing blood tests that are highly accurate and can detect colon cancer at an early stage," says Robert P. Sticca, MD, of the University of North Dakota School of Medicine and Health Sciences and moderator of a news briefing.

Liver Health

The liver is the body's second largest organ and certainly the busiest, performing 500 separate tasks in the body. Its primary job-the everyday process of neutralizing toxins-produces an extraordinary number of free radicals, which can occasionally damage its own tissues. It is for this reason that the liver possesses the remarkable ability to regenerate itself. Despite its size -weighing in at about three pounds with the approximate volume of a football - we would never know it was there unless something went wrong with it.

But how do you know if your liver is sick? Look for signs like fatigue, 'overnight' allergies and chemical sensitivities, discomfort in the right-side of your abdomen, weight gain, poor skin, intolerance to alcohol and darkish urine.

In the US, 25,000,000 people are afflicted with liver disease or gallbladder disease (the galibladder stores bile produced by the liver). Every year, 43,000 people die from liver-related disorders.

HepatoGen (found in this section) has been designed to benefit anyone with hepatitis, cirrhosis or elevated liver enzymes from any cause. HepatoGen contains factors that have been shown in clinical research to have significant regenerative effects on the liver.

The most common cause of liver disease is excess alcohol. B 1, C and N-Acetyl Cysteine helps detoxify the breakdown products of alcohol. Intox Rx is an effective liver formula as well, with its principle ingredient, Kudzu Extract, known to help detoxify alcohol and prevent the desire for alcohol in alcoholics.

Mercury poisoning and mercury toxicity is becoming increasingly recognized as a serious problem - from mercury amalgams in our teeth, to mercury in immunizations, and in fish. For those desiring complete and thorough mercury detoxification, DMSA (dimercapto succinic acid) is a very specific and effective chelator for mercury.

Infection & Bacteria

By 1939, as penicillin and other antibiotic drugs began to replace silver colloids, the American Medical Association recognized at least 96 different proprietary silver-based products in clinical use at the time. Even today, silver suifadiazine is considered by most medical experts to be the topical antiseptic of choice for patients with extensive burns. Mild Silver Protein is known to inhibit the growth of nearly all pathogenic bacteria and fungi, including some species that are resistant to antibiotics. These silver formulas represent a revolutionary form of stabilized colloidal silver atoms that kills virtually any germ with which it comes into contact, has no known side effects, and does not lead to the development of resistant organisms. Also included are some other natural antibiotics that can kill a variety of different pathogens. There are no better anti-infective formulas on the market.

Immune System

With age our immune system weakens, leaving us vulnerable to chronic diseases like cancer, diabetes, and infectious illnesses. With a strong, healthy immune response, not only are we resistant to the yearly onslaught of colds, flu, allergies and other 'bugs,' but life becomes more enjoyable. We have greater reserves of energy, we sleep better at night, our hair and skin looks more healthy and resilient, and we are more content and happy. The old maxim, "At least, I have my health," rings true.

The immune system is the body's first line of defense in maintaining health, preventing illness and hastening recovery. Research has shown that supplementing the immune system can help us resist some illnesses. Worldwidehealthcenter.net offers formulas that play vital roles in the healthy functioning of the immune system.

Heavy Metal Detox

Heavy or toxic metals is a real concern in the toxic world that we live in. These toxic metals can cause a myriad of health problems ranging from autism, ADD, mental problems, chronic fatigue, MS, bowel disorders, migraines and even cancer.

There are a number of natural chelation agents that do not have the side-effects of drugs - these products are included here, along with a self-test for mercury that can help you determine how mercury-toxic you and your loved ones really are!

Heart & Vascular

Cardiovascular diseases, especially myocardial infarction (heart attack) and stroke, kill at least 12 million people each year throughout the world. In the United States, cardiovascular diseases are the primary cause in about half of all deaths.

Elevated serum cholesterol levels (hypercholesterolemia) have long held center stage as the predominant risk factor for developing coronary heart disease. However, there have been newly discovered risk factors, which threaten cholesterol's claim to being number one on cardiologists' "most wanted" list.

Elevated blood levels of fibrinogen a protein found in blood, have recently been identified in a number of studies to be a major risk factor for coronary heart disease (heart attacks) and cerebrovascular disease (strokes).

Elevated fibrinogen levels have also been associated with a number of other diseases, including cancer, diabetes and hypertension (Welin, 1987; Kannel, 1987). Turmeric extract appears to be an extremely safe, highly effective means of reversing elevated blood levels of fibrinogen.

A high level of homocysteine, an amino acid formed from the metabolism of another amino acid, methionine, is now widely recognized as an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Taking supplemental B6, B12, folic acid, and trimethylglycine (Methyl Caps) quickly and effectively restores homocysteine to safe levels.

Another indicator ot heart disease is the presence of metastatic calcium. Natural chelators in Oral ChelatoRx remove metastatic calcium found in the arteries the, joints, and even in the brain where it causes the pineal gland to become calcified. Oral ChelatoRx not only contains EDTA, a synthetic amino acid that binds with toxic heavy metals like aluminum, mercury, lead, and cadmium for excretion through the urine, but also contains other chelating agents that act synergistically with the EDTA.

other formulas in this section work to improve heart health via standardized botanical extracts and select polyphenols.

Hair Health

About 90 percent of the hair on a person's scalp is growing at any one time. The growth phase lasts between two and six years. Ten percent of the hair is in a resting phase that lasts two to three months. At the end of its resting stage, the hair is shed. When a hair is shed, a new hair from the same follicle replaces it and the growing cycle starts again.

Scalp hair grows about one-half inch a month. As people age, their rate of hair growth slows. Natural blondes typically have more hair (140,000 hairs) than brunettes (105,000 hairs) or redheads (90,000 hairs). Most hair shedding is due to the normal hair cycle, and losing 50-to-100 hairs per day is no cause for alarm. However, if you are experiencing excessive hair loss or dramatic thinning, other factors may be at work.

Hereditary balding or thinning is the most common cause of hair loss. The tendency can be inherited from either the mother's or father's side of the family. Women with this trait develop thinning hair, but do not become completely bald.

Dihydrotestosterone, or DHT, is a metabolite of testoterone that causes excessive hair loss. DHT on the scalp and within the hair follicles can eventually cause follicles to 'miniaturize,' and atrophy, eventually choking off any new hair growth. Worldwide Health Center offers a new hair rejuvenation formula that limits the formation of DHT on the scalp as well as the time tested efficacy of Polysorbate 80.

Did you know?
• Hair is the fastest growing tissue in the body, second only to bone marrow.
• Each hair grows for about five years and then falls out.
• Smokers are more likely to have grey hair than nonsmokers.
• If you have dry or brittle hair, it could be the result of a zinc deficientcy.
• 35 meters of hair fibre is produced every day on the average adult scalp.

Growth Hormones

Growth hormone is a naturally occurring substance in the human body that is secreted by the pituitary, the master gland of the body's endocrine system. Growth hormone stimulates bone growth, and induces immune-cell function and bacteria-fighting capacity. It stimulates amino acid uptake, protein synthesis, and muscle glucose uptake, as well as increases the mobilization of fat from adipose tissue. It also plays a key role in maintaining good cardiovascular health. Secretion of growth hormone is increased during exercise, extreme stress, trauma, and injury, as well as during certain phases of the menstrual cycle. Its release is reduced with the consumption of high-fat meals. 

Historically, growth hormone has been used to stimulate growth in growth-retarded children. Growth retardation can occur for a variety of reasons, including malnutrition, genetics, resistance to the precursors of growth hormone, or certain medical conditions such as chronic renal failure (CRF). CRF is often characterized by reduced growth hormone levels, or resistance to its metabolic products. Normal nutritional therapies usually fail to improve growth in these conditions; however, treatment with growth hormone results in resumption of normal growth and improved bone density.

Fatty Acids

Fatty acids can be divided into two types basically:

1. Omega 3 - these are essential to health and are normally found mostly in fish such as salmon, herring, mackerel and other fatty, cold water fish. Some Omega 3 is also found in walnuts and flaxseed oil.

2. Omega 6 - these fatty acids are also essential to health and are found in borage oil or the Evening Primrose.

Eyes & Vision

Royal Air Force doctors and flight surgeons in World War II discovered that bomber pilots' night vision improved after they ate European blueberries. Clinical research sparked by this discovery found that other natural substances also improved other aspects of sight. Lutein (LOO-teen), a carotenoid found in vegetables and fruits, is associated with reduced incidence of cataracts and age-related macular degeneration, the leading cause of blindness in older adults. Together with zeaxanthin, lutein may protect the macula from potentially damaging forms of light. Researchers have found a 57% decrease in risk of macular degeneration in adults with intake of lutein. Based on clinical research, a number of formulas have been developed that provide the nutrients necessary for optimal vision health and optimum eye health.

Energy Enhancers

One of the most common reasons people go to the doctor is fatigue and lack of energy. Stress and fatigue can further deplete energy reserves while suppressing immune response, and even accelerating your rate of aging.

If you've experienced the symptoms of coffee overload following a stressful four-or-five cup day, the jitteriness and irritability you feel are signs that you're running on "empty." In reality, that is exactly what is happening, at least in regard to epinephrine and norepinephrine, the brain's primary stimulatory neurotransmitters which comprise the dopaminergic system. When your dopaminergic system is functioning at peak level, awareness is heightened and you're primed to handle heavy stress, danger, or excitement.

The amino acids phenylalanine and tyrosine are nutritional precursors of these neurotransmitters. Phenylalanine and tyrosine are among the few amino acids that readily cross the blood-brain barrier and can directly affect brain chemistry. These amino acids convert directly into dopamine, epinephrine and norepinephrine in the brain, important neurotransmitters involved in mood, sex drive, memory, alertness, and learning. Tyrosine is also used by the thyroid gland to produce thyroxin. Thyroxin is important for immune function, metabolic rate, and other vital functions.

Human experiments on soldiers undergoing various forms of stress found that soldiers receiving tyrosine performed better on a variety of tests than those who did not. They were more efficient, more alert, and had fewer complaints. Clinical studies have shown that tyrosine can be helpful in reducing the irritation, tiredness and depression of PMS sufferers, as well as being an effective antidepressant in some more major forms of depression. One of our most popular formulas is appropriately named Blast Off, which provides these energy-making factors in capsule form.

We also have formulas that help the body produce another form of energy - cellular energy - produced by tiny intracellular powerhouses called mitochondria. Diseases due to mitochondrial dysfunction include chronic fatigue, fibromyalgia and Parkinson's.