Oily face Control

Oily Face Home Remedy Treatments  An oily face can cause a great deal of embarrassment and stress especially through the teen years. Oily skin problems can come from many directions such as heredity, hormones, environment, food allergies, stress, wrong skin care, and aggravating cosmetics. Oily skin occurs when there is an overproduction of sebum. Normal, healthy amounts of sebum produced naturally by the sebaceous glands (oil glands) protects the skin from the harsh environment we live in and keeps it moisturized. Excess amounts of sebum cause problems for many individuals. Since this very common type of skin is prone to acne, it can lead to all kinds of skin care problems such as black heads, severe redness, pitting and scarring. Trying to apply any type of makeup or foundation for oily skin will make it almost impossible and end up looking blotchy, uneven and quick to fade. Some of these causes are within your ability to control. You can minimize the effects by properly treating oily skin by following a consistent good skin care regimen with the proper oily skin care product’ designed for your skin type and by also whipping up healthy treatment recipes. Home remedies for oily skin can be very effective to help control an oily face. There are easy oily skin care treatment home remedies to control oily skin that not only soothe and heal, but will regulate its oil production. Natural home remedies for oily acne prone skin care are low-cost, effective and free of chemicals, perfumes, and other harsh ingredients. Warning: Use caution when following these recipes. Always test for allergic reaction to ingredients. Home Remedy For Oily Skin Oily Skin Solutions can be easy to make up from your own kitchen Milk Face Wash - Milk mixed with almond meal (ground almonds) and lemon juice is an excellent oil free cleanser. Make a paste and gently massage the face, unclogging the pores of excess sebum/oil. Apple Cider Vinegar - Excessive oil can be reduced by using apple cider vinegar as a facial toner. It contains acetic acid that serves as a drying agent. After washing your face, dampen a cotton ball or pad in vinegar and apply over your face.Equal parts of rose water and cucumber juice can also be used as an oily skin toner. Tomato Mask - Mash up ripe tomato pulp and leave it on your face for 15 to 20 minutes. Rinse with lukewarm water. Egg White & Honey Mask - Mix 1 tbsp. of pure honey to one egg white and apply this on your face. Leave on 20 minutes and rinse with lukewarm water. Oily Face Yogurt Mask Treatment -1 tbsp. plain yogurt 1 tsp. corn flour 1 tbsp. pure honey 1 tbsp. lemon juice 2 drops of tea tree essential oil Mix ingredients together and apply on clean skin. Leave on for 15-20 minutes and wash with lukewarm water. Aloe Vera - Aloe has excellent healing properties. Apply Aloe Vera gel topically, as needed to your face to absorb oil, clear pores and give a refreshing cool feeling. Aloe can also be used to make a scrub- Example – Make a paste with almond meal. Apply to face, leave on for 15-20 minutes then wash off thoroughly. Try this easy recipe with either fresh Aloe or pure Aloe product- 2 tsp. Evening Primrose Oil (reduces inflammation) 2 tbsp. Aloe Vera Gel 1 tsp. Witch Hazel (anti-inflammatory, reduce excess oil and tighten pores) 4 drops Lemon Essential Oil Combine all ingredients and blend well. Apply to face and let dry. Facial Steamer Treatment – Giving yourself a at home facial steam treatment is an excellent way to open and clear clogged pores and remove impurities from the skin. It will rejuvenate your skin, heal oily face blemishes and make your complexion fresh and healthy. Bring a pan of water to a boil. Lean your head directly over the bowl and place a towel over your head to keep the steam from escaping. Relax and allow the steam to penetrate the skin for 10-15 minutes. Splash with cool water to seal pores. Optional- add a few drops essential oil to the water. Essential Oils for Oily Face Treatments There is a vast selection of Essential Oils to choose from when mixing your own oily skin recipes:  Cedarwood – Helps regulate sebaceous gland activity.  Cypress - Its astringent properties make it effective for balancing oily skin and controlling acne outbreaks. Helps promote cellular regeneration.  Geranium – Helps re-balance congested skin, reducing inflammation.  Sandalwood - A very soothing and strengthening oil, contains antiseptic properties to help control bacteria, is excellent for acne, and works to reduce excessive sebum production. Lemon - powerful astringent and antiseptic. Lemon oil also has uplifting, cleansing, and rejuvenating properties. Lavender –Well known for its very soothing properties. Powerful regenerative oil, Antibacterial. Tea Tree Oil - Powerful antibacterial and antiseptic. It helps soothe irritations, rashes and burns, excellent for acne conditions. Medicine cabinet “must have.” Rosewood - The strong drying properties of this oil helps reduce sebum production. Ylang Ylang - Helps balance and calm the skin’ oil production. Others include but are not limited to: Frankincense, Geranium, Vetivert, Patchouli, Bergamot, Clary sage, Lemon grass, Clove and Chamomile. Facial Masks Home Remedies For Oily Skin A weekly face mask can help to revive an oily face. Clay or mud-based masks help to draw out and absorb the oil in your skin. Honey Oatmeal Mask - An oatmeal and honey mask can be very effective for treating excessively oily skin. The oatmeal is a gentle exfoliant while the honey adds moisture and nutrients. Simply make a paste using uncooked oatmeal, honey, and lemon juice. Spread this mixture on your face and leave the mask on for about 15-20 minutes, and rinse it off with warm water. Cucumber Mask - Mix together 2 tbsp. of grated cucumber flesh into 1 beaten egg white. Apply mixture mask to face. Leave on for 15-20 minutes. Rinse off with warm water. Oatmeal Egg Mask - Blend ½ C cooked oatmeal, 1 egg white, 1 tbsp lemon juice and ½ C mashed apple into a smooth paste. Apply this paste on your face for 15-20 minutes. Rinse with warm water. The acids in the apple help exfoliation. Basic Green Clay Mask - Clay masks are soothing and healing to skin. They help draw out toxins, dirt and excess sebum. Fullers earth green clay (Betonite) (found at health food store) Mix enough with water to form a paste Add 1 tsp. pure honey Optional: Few drops of your favorite essential oilLeave on for 15-20 minutes and rinse of with lukewarm water. Halloween Facial Mask – Autumn Special Puree together in blender equal parts of apple and fresh pumpkin slice (peeled and cored) Add 1 tbsp. honey Add plain yogurt to form creamy paste Apply to face. Leave on for 15-20 minutes. Rinse off with tepid water. Learn what treatment for oily skin works best for your skin Good Anti aging News- On the plus side- Oil production decreases with age. With age, skin starts to wrinkle. Over time, people with oily skin tend to wrinkle less and are less prone to deep lines and furrows. Try some of these helpful oily skin treatments for controlling an oily face until you are ready to let that excess oil protect your skin from “Father Time” Source: http://www.anti-aging-skin-care-illusions.com/oily-face.html Share this page:  What's This?

Oily Face Home Remedies (Source:http://www.buzzle.com/articles/oily-face-home-remedies.html)

Expensive skin care products are not the sole oily skin solution. There are a number of easy home remedies for oily face. From managing one's diet to applying various simple face packs made from natural products, this article gives a comprehensive view about different oily face remedies.

 

 A beautiful skin is the desire of every woman. Not only does it enhance one's looks but a healthy skin is an indicator of an overall good health. A healthy skin is one that is free of blemishes and pimples and has the right amount of moisture in it. As far as moisture in skin is concerned, oily skin wins hands down. However, the bad news about oily skin is that it is prone to blackheads, acne and pimples. Besides these problems, a greasy face at a social gathering can be very embarrassing as well. Oily face remedies run deeper than cosmetics or make up. From a healthy diet to changing one's lifestyle, skin care requires a holistic approach. True, there are skin care products, specifically for oily skin. But, what if you knew some easy and inexpensive oily face home remedies that are a brilliant option for natural skin care?

What Causes Oily Face?

Oily skin is the result of overactive sebaceous glands that produce a substance called sebum. Sebum is a natural lubricant that traps in appropriate amount of moisture in the skin cells. It is due to this substance that oily skin is less prone to wrinkling and other signs of aging. However, the drawback of excess oil on skin is that the oil attracts dirt. Oily skin usually has large pores that get clogged with dirt and grime. The result is formation of blackheads. Acne and pimples are the most common problems of oily skin. Excessively oily skins are susceptible to eczema and fungal infections as well.

So, you have oily skin? Well, you could blame it on your genes. Oily skin can be hereditary. However, hormonal changes (primarily, among teenagers) and an unhealthy lifestyle are other reasons for oily skin.

Oily Face Remedies - Skin Care Tips

A clean face is the basis of a healthy, oily skin. Individuals with oily skin must wash their face with cold water 3 to 4 times a day. Not only does cold water give a refreshing feeling, but it also tightens the pores. However, do not overdo the washing, as it will rob the skin of its moisture. Individuals with oily skin must steam their face for 15 minutes, once every week. One can add a few drops of lemon juice to the water, as the acidic nature of the juice will dissolve excess oil. Oily skin also need to be exfoliated regularly (do this once every week). This removes dead skin cells from the surface that leaves the skin looking fresh and young.

Nowadays, many skin care products are available in the market. Be they natural or cosmetic, ensure that you use products that suit your skin type. People with oily skin should avoid products that are oil based. For proper facial skincare, always remember to remove your make-up carefully once you are back home.

Oily Face Remedies - Face Packs

Oily face treatment regimen can be easily carried out at home. Here are a few easy, but effective oily face home remedies. However, it is important to cleanse one's face with mild soap, before applying any of the following homemade facials.

• Mix 2 teaspoons of fuller's earth, six strawberries, a teaspoon of brandy and 2 teaspoons of chilled rose water. Apply this paste to the face, avoiding the delicate areas around the eyes. Leave it on for 30 minutes. Wash it off with cold water, by rubbing the face in gentle circular motions. This is a very useful home remedy for oily face.
• Clay masks are one of the best oily skin remedies. To make a clay mask, mix equal quantities of green clay and honey to make a smooth paste. Apply an even layer of this paste on the face, and wash off after 20 minutes.
• Make a paste of one peeled apple and half a tablespoon of honey. Apply this paste on the face. Wash it off after 20 minutes, with cold water.
• A mixture of lemon juice and cucumber juice in equal amounts can be applied on the face everyday. Wash it off with cold water, after half an hour.
• Beat one egg white in 1 teaspoon each of lemon juice and honey. Apply this mixture on the face, leaving the circles around the eyes. Wash it off with water after 10 minutes.
• Applying a paste of fully ripe tomatoes is also an effective method for oily face control.
• Use yogurt directly on the face or make a mixture with fuller's earth, before washing it off with cold water.

Oily Face Remedies - Lifestyle Changes

• Avoid heavy and fried foods.
• Fresh, green leafy vegetable and fresh fruits should be included in one's diet.
• Desserts and foods rich in sugar may also trigger excess oil production. Hence, such foods should be excluded from one's diet.
• Excessive consumption of soft drinks, coffee, tea and alcohol should be avoided.
• Water flushes out the toxins from the body and prevents clogging of pores. Hence, one should drink 8 to 10 glasses of water everyday for a healthy skin.
• Regular exercise hastens the process of eliminating toxins. Proper rest ensures that one is stress-free, which goes a long way in deciding the health of one's skin.

If taken proper care of, oily skin can be a blessing as it stays looking young long after other skin types start showing signs of aging. However, by now it must have become obvious to you that skin care is skin deep. Besides applying suitable face packs and using appropriate skin care products, a healthy diet and lifestyle are integral aspects of oily face remedies.

By Debopriya Bose

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Kulay Dilaw na Tamod?

Ang semilya ay maaaring mag-iba ang kulay depende sa mga factors tulad ng edad, diet, at dalas ng pagjajakol. Ang normal na kulay ng tamod ay whitish, cloudy fluid. Kadalasan malapot pagkatapos labasan ngunit magtutubig pagkatapos ng 20-30 minutes.

Ang kulay dilaw (yellow) na discoloration normally means na namatay ang isang partikular na bahagi ng sperm. Kumpara sa mga young adults at teenagers na nag-proproduce ng sariwang sperm at least araw-araw, nagiging manilaw-nilaw ang sperm kapag hindi ito nailalabas ng madalas. At kung palalabasin man, paglabas nito ay parang sago-sago na kulay dilaw at minsan ay medyo masakit kapag ini-release. Kung hindi ka nagjajakol regularly at least once a week, maaari itong mangyari sa'yo.

Ang pagbabago sa appearance ng ating tamod ay kadalasang pansamantala at walang kinalaman sa kundisyon ng ating kalusugan ngunit minsan ang pagbabagong ito ay isang sintomas na merong sakit ang isang tao na dapat matingnan. Kung ang pagbabagong ito ay tumagal ng 3-4 na linggo, mas maiging magpakunsulto sa espesyalista.

Abnormal semen color at posibleng sanhi:

Yellow-green or gold =Prostate infection
Yellow-tinted =Urine in the semen
Thick, lumpy or jelly-like =Male hormone deficiency
Pink, red or dark brown =Bleeding in the prostate

Ito nga pala mga ang Signs and Symptoms ng Prostate Cancer:

1. Madalas ng pag-ihi (lalo na sa gabi)

2. Nahihirapang umihi

3. hindi kayang pigilan ang ihi

4. Mahina o nauudlot ang daloy ng ihi

5. Pakiramdam na puno lagi ang pantog kahit kakataps lang umihi.

6. May dugo sa ihi o semilya

7. Masakit kapag umiihi

8. Masakit kapag nagkjajakol

9. Masakit ang likod, hip or pelvic area,

Para daw maging protektado sa prostate cancer nararapat daw na magkaroon ng at least more than 12 ejaculations kada buwan (i.e. pagjajakol o pakikipagsex). Ang pagtaas ng 3 ejaculations kada linggo ay nakakapagpababa ng risk para magka prostate cancer. (source: Journal of the American Medical Association)

A GUY'S GUIDE TO BODY IMAGE

Al's friend Rachel invited him to go to the lake for the day with her family. Rachel thought Al was fun to be around — plus he was cute. Rachel really hoped he'd say yes.

Al turned Rachel down. He liked Rachel, too, but was self-conscious about taking off his T-shirt. He worried that her family and others at the lake would see what he saw when he looked in the mirror — a scrawny excuse for a man. Al hadn't gone to the pool in more than a year because he was so self-conscious about his appearance.

The Truth About Guys

Many people think of guys as being carefree when it comes to their appearance. But the reality is that a lot of guys spend plenty of time in front of the mirror. It's a fact — some guys care just as much as girls do about their appearance.

You may hear a lot about being a tough guy, but how often do you hear that being a guy is tough? Guys might think that they shouldn't worry about how they look, but body image can be a real problem for them. Unlike girls, guys are less likely to talk to friends and relatives about their bodies and how they're developing.

Without support from friends and family, they may develop a negative self-image.
The good news is that self-image and body image can be changed.

Why Is Body Image Important?

Body image is a person's opinions, thoughts, and feelings about his or her own body and physical appearance. Having a positive body image means feeling pretty satisfied with the way you look, appreciating your body for its capabilities and accepting its imperfections.

Body image is part of someone's total self-image. So how a guy feels about his body can affect how he feels about himself. If he gets too focused on not liking the way he looks, a guy's self-esteem can take a hit and his confidence can slide. (The same thing can happen to girls, too.)

How Puberty Affects Body Image

Although body image is just one part of our self-image, during the teen years, and especially during puberty, it can be easy for a guy's whole self-image to be based on how his body looks. That's because our bodies are changing so much during this time that they can become the main focus of our attention.

A change in your body can be tough to deal with emotionally — mainly because, well, your body is yours and you have become used to it.

Some guys don't feel comfortable in their changing bodies and can feel as if they don't know who they are anymore. Being the only guy whose voice is changing or who's growing body hair (or the only guy who isn't) can also make some guys feel self-conscious for a while.

Some guys go into puberty not feeling too satisfied with their body or appearance to begin with. They may have wrestled with body image even before puberty started (for example, battles with weight or dissatisfaction with height). For them, puberty may add to their insecurities.

It Could Be in Your Genes

It can be tough to balance what you expect to happen to your body with what actually does happen. Lots of guys can have high expectations for puberty, thinking they'll develop quickly or in a certain way.

The best way to approach your own growth and development is to not assume you'll be a certain way. Look at everyone in your family — uncles, grandfathers, and even female relatives — to get an idea of the kinds of options your genes may have in store for you.

When Everyone Else Seems Bigger

Not everyone's body changes at the same time or even at the same pace.
It can be tough if all of your friends have already matured physically and are taller and more muscular. Most guys eventually catch up in terms of growth, although some will always be taller or more muscular than others — it's in their genes.

It's natural to observe friends and classmates and notice the different ways they're growing and developing. Guys often compare themselves with other guys in certain settings, and one of the most common is the locker room. Whether at a local gym or getting ready for a game at school, time in the locker room can be daunting for any guy.

Try to keep in mind in these situations that you aren't alone if you feel you don't "measure up." Many guys feel exactly the same way about their own bodies — even those whose physiques you envy. Just knowing that almost everyone else will go through the same thing can make all the difference.

You could try talking to a trusted male adult — maybe a coach, a doctor, a teacher, or your dad. Chances are they went through similar experiences and had some of the same feelings and apprehensions when their bodies were changing.

Picture Perfect?

Guys put enough pressure on themselves, but what about the pressure society puts on them to be perfect?
It used to be that only girls felt the pressure of picture-perfect images, but these days the media emphasis on men's looks creates a sense of pressure for guys, too. And sometimes (actually, many times) that "as-advertised" body is just not attainable. The men you see in those pictures may not even be real. Magazines and ad agencies often alter photographs of models, either by airbrushing the facial and muscular features, or by putting a good-looking face on someone else's buff body.

Building a Better Body Image

So in the face of all the pressure society places on guys — and guys place on themselves — what can you do to fuel a positive body image? Here are some ideas:

• Recognize your strengths. Different physical attributes and body types are good for different things — and sometimes the things you did well as a kid can change during puberty. What does your body do well? Maybe your speed, flexibility, strength, or coordination leads you to excel at a certain sport. Or perhaps you have non-sports skills, like drawing, painting, singing, playing a musical instrument, writing, or acting. Just exploring talents that you feel good about can help your self-esteem and how you think of yourself.
• A good body doesn't always translate into athletic success. Too often, the way guys see their body image is closely associated with their performance on a sports field or in the gym. The upside to this is that if you're good at a team sport, you might have a pretty good view of your body. But what if you don't like team sports or you got cut from a team you really wanted to make? In these cases, it helps to look at individual accomplishments.
  
  If you don't like team sports, that's OK. Find another form of physical activity that gets you going. Depending on your interests and where you live, that may be mountain biking, rock climbing, yoga, dancing, or jogging. This will help you stay in shape and help you to appreciate skills you may not have realized you had in a team environment.
  
  If you like team sports but didn't make a particular team, don't let it get you down. Use this as an opportunity to discover what you're good at, not to lament what you aren't best at. Maybe try out for another team — so soccer wasn't for you, but maybe cross-country running will be. Or, continue to practice the sport you were cut from and try again next year. The people around you probably won't remember that you didn't make the team — not being picked is a much bigger deal to you than it was to them.
• Look into starting a strength training program. Exercise can help you look good and feel good about yourself. Good physiques don't just happen — they take hard work, regular workouts, and a healthy diet. There's no need to work out obsessively. A healthy routine can be as simple as exercising 20 minutes to an hour 3 days a week. Another benefit to working out properly is that it can boost your mood — lifting weights can lift your spirits.
• Don't trash your body, respect it! To help improve your view of your body, take care of it. Smoking and other things you know to be harmful will take a toll after a while. Treating yourself well over time results in a healthier, stronger body — and that contributes to a better body image. Practicing good grooming habits — regular showering; taking care of your teeth, hair, and skin; wearing clean clothes, etc. — also can help you build a positive body image.
• Be yourself. Your body is just one part of who you are — along with your talent for comedy, a quick wit, or all the other things that make you unique. Your talents, skills, and beliefs are just as much a part of you as the casing they come in. So try not to let minor imperfections take over.

While it's important to have a positive body image, getting too focused on body image and appearance can cause a guy to overlook the other positive parts of himself. If you're like most guys who take care of their bodies and wear clothes that look good, you probably look great to others. You just might not be aware of that if you're too busy being self-critical.

Reviewed by: D'Arcy Lyness, PhD
Date reviewed: January 2012

Source: http://kidshealth.org/teen/your_body/beautiful/male_bodyimage.html#

The Newborn Screening

About Newborn Screening

Newborn screening is the practice of testing every newborn for certain harmful or potentially fatal disorders that aren't otherwise apparent at birth.

Many of these are metabolic disorders (often called "inborn errors of metabolism") that interfere with the body's use of nutrients to maintain healthy tissues and produce energy. Other disorders that screening can detect include problems with hormones or the blood.

In general, metabolic and other inherited disorders can hinder an infant's normal physical and mental development in a variety of ways. And parents can pass along the gene for a certain disorder without even knowing that they're carriers.

With a simple blood test, doctors often can tell whether newborns have certain conditions that could eventually cause problems. Even though these conditions are considered rare and most babies are given a clean bill of health, early diagnosis and proper treatment can make the difference between lifelong impairment and healthy development.

Newborn Screening: Past, Present, and Future

In the early 1960s, scientist Robert Guthrie, PhD, developed a blood test that could determine whether newborns had the metabolic disorder phenylketonuria (PKU). People with PKU lack an enzyme needed to process the amino acid phenylalanine, which is necessary for normal growth in kids and for normal protein use throughout life. However, if too much phenylalanine builds up, it damages the brain tissue and can eventually cause substantial developmental delay.

If kids born with PKU are put on a special diet right away, they can avoid the developmental delay the condition caused in past generations and lead normal lives.

Since the development of the PKU test, researchers have developed additional blood tests that can screen newborns for other disorders that, unless detected and treated early, can cause physical problems, developmental delay, and in some cases, death.

Most states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands now have their own mandatory newborn screening programs (in some states, such as Wyoming and Maryland, the screening is not mandatory). Because the federal government has set no national standard, screening requirements vary from state to state, as determined by individual state public health departments.

Almost all states now screen for more than 30 disorders. One screening technique, the tandem mass spectrometry (or MS/MS), can screen for more than 20 inherited metabolic disorders with a single drop of blood.

Almost all states offer expanded MS/MS screening on every baby. However, there's some controversy over whether the new technology has been tested adequately. Also, some experts want more evidence that early detection of every disease tested for will actually offer babies long-term benefit. Equally important, parents may not want to know ahead of time that their child will develop a serious condition when there are no medical treatments or dietary changes that can improve the outcome. And some questions about who will pay (states, insurance companies, or parents) for it have yet to be resolved.

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the federal government's Health Resources and Services Administration formed a task force of experts to examine these issues and recommend next steps. Their report identified some flaws and inconsistencies in the current state-driven screening system and proposed the following:

• All state screening programs should reflect current technology.
• All states should test for the same disorders.
• Parents should be informed about screening procedures and have the right to refuse screening, as well as the right to keep the results private and confidential.
• Parents should be informed about the benefits and risks associated with newborn screening.

How States and Hospitals Decide Which Tests to Offer

Traditionally, state decisions about what to screen for have been based on weighing the costs against the benefits. "Cost" considerations include:

• the risk of false positive results (and the worry they cause)
• the availability of treatments known to help the condition
• financial costs

And states often face conflicting priorities when determining their budgets. For instance, a state may face a choice between expanding newborn screening and ensuring that all expectant mothers get sufficient prenatal care. Of course, this is little comfort to parents whose children have a disorder that could have been found through a screening test but wasn't.

These questions have not yet all been decided, even though most states have acknowledged the recommendations and have expanded screening.

So what can you do? Your best strategy is to stay informed. Discuss this issue with both your obstetrician or health care provider and your future baby's doctor before you give birth. Know what tests are routinely done in your state and in the hospital where you'll deliver (some hospitals go beyond what's required by state law).

If your state isn't offering screening for the expanded panel of disorders, you may want to ask your doctors about supplemental screening, though you'll probably have to pay for additional tests yourself.

If you're concerned about whether your infant was screened for certain conditions, ask your child's doctor for information about which tests were done and whether further tests are recommended.

Screening Tests

Newborn screening varies by state and is subject to change, especially given advancements in technology. However, the disorders listed here are the ones typically included in newborn screening programs.

PKU

When this disorder is detected early, feeding an infant a special formula low in phenylalanine can prevent mental retardation. A low-phenylalanine diet will need to be followed throughout childhood and adolescence and perhaps into adult life. This diet cuts out all high-protein foods, so people with PKU often need to take a special artificial formula as a nutritional substitute. Incidence: 1 in 10,000 to 25,000.

Congenital Hypothyroidism

This is the disorder most commonly identified by routine screening. Affected babies don't have enough thyroid hormone and so develop retarded growth and brain development. (The thyroid, a gland at the front of the neck, releases chemical substances that control metabolism and growth.)

If the disorder is detected early, a baby can be treated with oral doses of thyroid hormone to permit normal development. Incidence: 1 in 4,000.

Galactosemia

Babies with galactosemia lack the enzyme that converts galactose (one of two sugars found in lactose) into glucose, a sugar the body is able to use. As a result, milk (including breast milk) and other dairy products must be eliminated from the diet. Otherwise, galactose can build up in the system and damage the body's cells and organs, leading to blindness, severe mental retardation, growth deficiency, and even death.

Incidence: 1 in 60,000 to 80,000. Several less severe forms of galactosemia that may be detected by newborn screening may not require any intervention.

Sickle Cell Disease

Sickle cell disease is an inherited blood disease in which red blood cells mutate into abnormal "sickle" shapes and can cause episodes of pain, damage to vital organs such as the lungs and kidneys, and even death. Young children with sickle cell disease are especially prone to certain dangerous bacterial infections, such as pneumonia (inflammation of the lungs) and meningitis (inflammation of the brain and spinal cord).

Studies suggest that newborn screening can alert doctors to begin antibiotic treatment before infections occur and to monitor symptoms of possible worsening more closely. The screening test can also detect other disorders affecting hemoglobin (the oxygen-carrying substance in the blood).

Incidence: about 1 in every 500 African-American births and 1 in every 1,000 to 1,400 Hispanic-American births; also occurs with some frequency among people of Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, and South Asian descent.

Biotinidase Deficiency

Babies with this condition don't have enough biotinidase, an enzyme that recycles biotin (a B vitamin) in the body. The deficiency may cause seizures, poor muscle control, immune system impairment, hearing loss, mental retardation, coma, and even death. If the deficiency is detected in time, however, problems can be prevented by giving the baby extra biotin. Incidence: 1 in 72,000 to 126,000.

Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia

This is actually a group of disorders involving a deficiency of certain hormones produced by the adrenal gland. It can affect the development of the genitals and may cause death due to loss of salt from the kidneys. Lifelong treatment through supplementation of the missing hormones manages the condition. Incidence: 1 in 12,000.

Maple Syrup Urine Disease (MSUD)

Babies with MSUD are missing an enzyme needed to process three amino acids that are essential for the body's normal growth. When not processed properly, these can build up in the body, causing urine to smell like maple syrup or sweet, burnt sugar. These babies usually have little appetite and are extremely irritable.

If not detected and treated early, MSUD can cause mental retardation, physical disability, and even death. A carefully controlled diet that cuts out certain high-protein foods containing those amino acids can prevent this. Like people with PKU, those with MSUD are often given a formula that supplies the necessary nutrients missed in the special diet they must follow. Incidence: 1 in 250,000.

Tyrosinemia

Babies with this amino acid metabolism disorder have trouble processing the amino acid tyrosine. If it accumulates in the body, it can cause mild retardation, language skill difficulties, liver problems, and even death from liver failure. Treatment requires a special diet and sometimes a liver transplant. Early diagnosis and treatment seem to offset long-term problems, although more information is needed. Incidence: not yet determined. Some babies have a mild self-limited form of tyrosinemia.

Cystic Fibrosis

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a genetic disorder that particularly affects the lungs and digestive system and makes kids who have it more vulnerable to repeated lung infections. There is no known cure — treatment involves trying to prevent serious lung infections (sometimes with antibiotics) and providing adequate nutrition. Early detection may help doctors reduce the problems associated with CF, but the real impact of newborn screening has yet to be determined. Incidence: 1 in 2,000 Caucasian babies; less common in African-Americans, Hispanics, and Asians.

MCAD deficiency (medium chain acyl CoA dehydrogenase deficiency)

Children with this fatty acid metabolism disorder are prone to repeated episodes of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), which can cause seizures and interfere with normal growth and development. Treatment makes sure kids don't fast (skip meals) and supplies extra nutrition (usually by intravenous nutrients) when they're ill. Early detection and treatment can help affected children live normal lives.

Toxoplasmosis

Toxoplasmosis is a parasitic infection that can be transmitted through the mother's placenta to an unborn child. The disease-causing organism, which is found in uncooked or undercooked meat, can invade the brain, eye, and muscle, possibly resulting in blindness and mental retardation. The benefit of early detection and treatment is uncertain. Incidence: 1 in 1,000. But only one or two states screen for toxoplasmosis.

These aren't the only disorders that can be detected through newborn screening. Other conditions that are candidates for newborn screening include:

• Duchenne muscular dystrophy, a childhood form of muscular dystrophy that can be detected through a blood test
• HIV
• neuroblastoma, a type of cancer that can be detected with a urine test

Hearing Screening

Most but not all states require newborns' hearing to be screened before they're discharged from the hospital. If your baby isn't examined then, be sure that he or she does get screened within the first 3 weeks of life.

Kids develop critical speaking and language skills in their first few years. A hearing loss that's caught early can be treated to help prevent interference with that development.

Should I Request Additional Tests?

If you answer "yes" to any of these questions, talk to your doctor and perhaps a genetic counselor about additional tests:

• Do you have a family history of an inherited disorder?
• Have you previously given birth to a child who's affected by a disorder?
• Did an infant in your family die because of a suspected metabolic disorder?
• Do you have another reason to believe that your child may be at risk for a certain condition?

How Newborn Screening Is Performed

In the first 2 or 3 days of life, your baby's heel will be pricked to obtain a small blood sample for testing. Most states have a state or regional laboratory perform the analyses, although some use a private lab.

It's generally recommended that the sample be taken after the first 24 hours of life. Some tests, such as the one for PKU, may not be as sensitive if they're done too soon after birth. However, because mothers and newborns are often discharged within a day, some babies may be tested within the first 24 hours. If this happens, the AAP recommends that a repeat sample be taken no more than 1 to 2 weeks later. It's especially important that the PKU screening test be run again for accurate results. Some states routinely do two tests on all infants.

Getting the Results

Different labs have different procedures for notifying families and pediatricians of the results. Some may send the results to the hospital where your child was born and not directly to your child's doctor, which may mean a delay in getting the results to you.

And although some states have a system that allows doctors to access the results via phone or computer, others may not. Ask your doctor how you'll get the results and when you should expect them.

If a test result comes back abnormal, try not to panic. This does not necessarily mean that your child has the disorder in question. A screening test is not the same as diagnostic test. The initial screening provides only preliminary information that must be followed up with more specific diagnostic testing.

If testing confirms that your child does have a disorder, your child's doctor may refer you to a specialist for further evaluation and treatment. Keep in mind that dietary restrictions and supplements, along with proper medical supervision, can often prevent most of the serious physical and mental problems that were associated with metabolic disorders in the past.

You also may wonder whether the disorder can be passed on to any future children. You'll want to discuss this with your doctor and perhaps a genetic counselor. Also, if you have other children who weren't screened for the disorder, consider having testing done. Again, speak with your doctor.

Know Your Options

Because state programs are subject to change, you'll want to find up-to-date information about your state's (and individual hospital's) program. Talk to your doctor or contact your state's department of health for more information.

Reviewed by: Louis E. Bartoshesky, MD, MPH

Date reviewed: June 2009

Source: http://kidshealth.org/parent/system/medical/newborn_screening_tests.html#

What is AIDS? What is HIV? What causes AIDS?

AIDS stands for Acquired ImmunoDeficiency Syndrome.

Acquired - means that the disease is not hereditary but develops after birth from contact with a disease causing agent (in this case, HIV).

Immunodeficiency - means that the disease is characterized by a weakening of the immune system.

Syndrome - refers to a group of symptoms that collectively indicate or characterize a disease. In the case of AIDS this can include the development of certain infections and/or cancers, as well as a decrease in the number of certain cells in a person's immune system.

A diagnosis of AIDS is made by a physician using specific clinical or laboratory standards.

What is HIV?

HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) is the virus that causes AIDS. This virus may be passed from one person to another when infected blood, semen, or vaginal secretions come in contact with an uninfected person's broken skin or mucous membranes*.

In addition, infected pregnant women can pass HIV to their baby during pregnancy or delivery, as well as through breast-feeding. People with HIV have what is called HIV infection. Some of these people will develop AIDS as a result of their HIV infection.

What causes AIDS?

AIDS is caused by infection with a virus called human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). This virus is passed from one person to another through blood-to-blood and sexual contact.

In addition, infected pregnant women can pass HIV to their babies during pregnancy or delivery, as well as through breast feeding. People with HIV have what is called HIV infection. Some of these people will develop AIDS as a result of their HIV infection.
Source: CDC (USA)


Source: http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/releases/17131.php

What is gonorrhea?

Gonorrhea is a sexually transmitted disease (STD). Gonorrhea is caused by Neisseria gonorrhoeae, a bacterium that can grow and multiply easily in the warm, moist areas of the reproductive tract, including the cervix (opening to the womb), uterus (womb), and fallopian tubes (egg canals) in women, and in the urethra (urine canal) in women and men. The bacterium can also grow in the mouth, throat, eyes, and anus.

How common is gonorrhea?

Gonorrhea is a very common infectious disease. CDC estimates that more than 700,000 persons in the U.S. get new gonorrheal infections each year. Less than half of these infections are reported to CDC. In 2009, 301,174 cases of gonorrhea were reported to CDC.

How do people get gonorrhea?

Gonorrhea is spread through contact with the penis, vagina, mouth, or anus. Ejaculation does not have to occur for gonorrhea to be transmitted or acquired. Gonorrhea can also be spread from mother to baby during delivery.
People who have had gonorrhea and received treatment may get infected again if they have sexual contact with a person infected with gonorrhea.

Who is at risk for gonorrhea?

Any sexually active person can be infected with gonorrhea. In the United States, the highest reported rates of infection are among sexually active teenagers, young adults, and African Americans.

What are the signs and symptoms of gonorrhea?

Some men with gonorrhea may have no symptoms at all. However, some men have signs or symptoms that appear one to fourteen days after infection. Symptoms and signs include a burning sensation when urinating, or a white, yellow, or green discharge from the penis. Sometimes men with gonorrhea get painful or swollen testicles.
In women, the symptoms of gonorrhea are often mild, but most women who are infected have no symptoms. Even when a woman has symptoms, they can be so non-specific as to be mistaken for a bladder or vaginal infection. The initial symptoms and signs in women include a painful or burning sensation when urinating, increased vaginal discharge, or vaginal bleeding between periods. Women with gonorrhea are at risk of developing serious complications from the infection, regardless of the presence or severity of symptoms.
Symptoms of rectal infection in both men and women may include discharge, anal itching, soreness, bleeding, or painful bowel movements. Rectal infection also may cause no symptoms. Infections in the throat may cause a sore throat, but usually causes no symptoms.

What are the complications of gonorrhea?

Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)

Untreated gonorrhea can cause serious and permanent health problems in both women and men.
In women, gonorrhea is a common cause of pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). About 750,000 women each year in the United States develop PID. The symptoms may be quite mild or can be very severe and can include abdominal pain and fever. PID can lead to internal abscesses (pus-filled “pockets” that are hard to cure) and long-lasting, chronic pelvic pain. PID can damage the fallopian tubes enough to cause infertility or increase the risk of ectopic pregnancy. Ectopic pregnancy is a life-threatening condition in which a fertilized egg grows outside the uterus, usually in a fallopian tube.
In men, gonorrhea can cause epididymitis, a painful condition of the ducts attached to the testicles that may lead to infertility if left untreated.
Gonorrhea can spread to the blood or joints. This condition can be life threatening. In addition, people with gonorrhea can more easily contract HIV, the virus that causes AIDS. HIV-infected people with gonorrhea can transmit HIV more easily to someone else than if they did not have gonorrhea.

How does gonorrhea affect a pregnant woman and her baby?

If a pregnant woman has gonorrhea, she may give the infection to her baby as the baby passes through the birth canal during delivery. This can cause blindness, joint infection, or a life-threatening blood infection in the baby. Treatment of gonorrhea as soon as it is detected in pregnant women will reduce the risk of these complications. Pregnant women should consult a health care provider for appropriate examination, testing, and treatment, as necessary.

How is gonorrhea diagnosed?

Several laboratory tests are available to diagnose gonorrhea. A doctor or nurse can obtain a sample for testing from the parts of the body likely to be infected (cervix, urethra, rectum, or throat) and send the sample to a laboratory for analysis. Gonorrhea that is present in the cervix or urethra can be diagnosed in a laboratory by testing a urine sample. A quick laboratory test for gonorrhea in men with symptoms that can be done in some clinics or doctor’s offices is a Gram stain. A Gram stain of a sample from a urethra allows the doctor to see the gonorrhea bacterium under a microscope.

What is the treatment for gonorrhea?

Antibiotic-Resistant Gonorrhea

Antibiotics can successfully cure gonorrhea in adolescents and adults. However, drug-resistant strains of gonorrhea are increasing in many areas of the world, including the United States, and successful treatment of gonorrhea is becoming more difficult. CDC now recommends dual therapy (i.e. using two drugs) for the treatment of gonorrhea. Persons with gonorrhea should be tested for other STDs.
It is important to take all of the medication prescribed to cure gonorrhea.  Although medication will stop the infection, it will not repair any permanent damage done by the disease. People who have had gonorrhea and have been treated can get the disease again if they have sexual contact with persons infected with gonorrhea. If a person’s symptoms continue even after receiving treatment, he or she should return to a doctor to be reevaluated.

How can gonorrhea be prevented?

The surest way to avoid transmission of STDs is to abstain from sexual intercourse, or to be in a long-term mutually monogamous relationship with a partner who has been tested and is known to be uninfected.
Latex condoms, when used consistently and correctly, can reduce the risk of transmission of gonorrhea.
Any genital symptoms such as discharge or burning during urination or unusual sore or rash should be a signal to stop having sex and to see a doctor immediately. If a person has been diagnosed and treated for gonorrhea, he or she should notify all recent sex partners so they can see a health care provider and be treated. This will reduce the risk that the sex partners will develop serious complications from gonorrhea and will also reduce the person’s risk of becoming re-infected. The person and all of his or her sex partners must avoid sex until they have completed their treatment for gonorrhea and until they and their sex partners no longer have symptoms.

 

 

All STD Fact Sheets

Where can I get more information?

Division of STD Prevention (DSTDP)
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
www.cdc.gov/std
CDC-INFO Contact Center
1-800-CDC-INFO (1-800-232-4636)
Email: cdcinfo@cdc.gov

Resources:

CDC National Prevention Information Network (NPIN)
P.O. Box 6003
Rockville, MD 20849-6003
1-800-458-5231
1-888-282-7681 Fax
1-800-243-7012 TTY
E-mail: info@cdcnpin.org
www.cdcnpin.org
American Social Health Association (ASHA)
P. O. Box 13827
Research Triangle Park, NC 27709-3827
1-800-783-9877
www.ashastd.org

Sources

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Sexually Transmitted Diseases Treatment Guidelines, 2010. MMWR 2010;59(no. RR-12).

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Sexually Transmitted Disease Surveillance, 2009. Atlanta, GA: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, November 2010.

Hook EW III and Handsfield HH. Gonococcal infections in the adult. In: K. Holmes, P. Sparling, P. Markh et al (eds). Sexually Transmitted Diseases, 3rd Edition. New York: McGraw-Hill, 1999, 451-466.

Sutton MY, Sternberg M, Zaidi A, St Louis ME, Markowitz LE. Trends in pelvic inflammatory disease hospital discharges and ambulatory visits, United States, 1985–2001. Sexually Transmitted Diseases 2005; 32(12):778–784.

Weinstock H, Berman S, Cates W. Sexually transmitted disease among American youth: Incidence and prevalence estimates, 2000.  Perspectives on Sexual and Reproductive Health 2004; 36: 6-10.

source: 

http://www.cdc.gov/std/gonorrhea/stdfact-gonorrhea.htm 

Man-opause (Source: http://www.healthtoday.net)

The uncomfortable hormonal change that women go through in midlife has a male equivalent.


By Ivan Olegario, M.D.

Magdagdag ng caption

OCTOBER 2011

More women may complain about growing old, but that does not mean it is not an issue for men—they just don’t talk about it in the open. The truth is that aging is as much an issue for them, or arguably even more so.

Men seem to become more devastated as old age confronts them. In the media, for example, people suffering from midlife crises are almost always portrayed as male. The plight of the aging man is exemplified by the character of Roger Murtaugh (portrayed by Danny Glover) from the Lethal Weapon series, who keeps complaining that he is too old for all the troubles that come his way. The character was again referenced in the sitcom How I Met Your Mother, when Ted Mosby made a “Murtaugh List” which enumerated things that someone is too old to do, such as get one’s ear pierced, eat an entire pizza in one sitting, put off going to the doctor or drink from a beer bong.

While various diseases can be attributed to the decline men go through as they age, especially when they hit their mid-50s, another condition may be the culprit: andropause, or male menopause.


ADAM’s plight

In women, menopause is characterized by the cessation of menstruation and shutdown of the reproductive system. This process occurs over only a few years.

Norwin Uy, M.D., a urologist at The Medical City, says andropause, or more appropriately called androgen deficiency in the aging male (ADAM), is caused by a decrease in the male sex hormone, testosterone. This is due to the diminishing function of the male gonads (testicles) that comes with normal aging. There is an estimated 10 percent decline in testosterone every decade of a man’s life, beginning at age 30.

Unlike menopause, andropause is not a complete and permanent shutting down of the reproductive system. A man in andropause can still father children, but it may not be an easy task. As Dr. Uy explains, a man in andropause may experience lower libido and difficulty having or maintaining an erection. But like a woman in menopause, men may also experience a decreased sense of well-being, depression, lack of motivation, sleep disturbances, hot flashes, increased body fat, decreased muscle and bone mass, and hair and skin changes.

“The age when andropause starts, as well as the rate and degree of decline of testosterone, varies among men,” Dr. Uy notes. Most experience changes in their 50s or 60s, with a more dramatic decline in their 70s.


Testosterone tumbling down

Testosterone is a naturally occurring hormone primarily secreted in the testicles. It plays a key role in the development of male reproductive organs (e.g., the testicles and the prostate gland, the production of sperm cells, as well as male secondary sexual characteristics like body hair). It is also responsible for the greater muscle and bone mass seen in men, so those with testosterone deficiency are more prone to osteoporosis.

Aside from effects on a man’s body, testosterone also has effects on a man’s mental well-being. It promotes mental and physical energy, drive, motivation, attention, memory and libido. As testosterone levels fall during andropause, most of these physical and psychological effects decline as well, leading to its tell-tale symptoms.

There are some experts who believe that there is no such thing as male menopause because men can continue to reproduce into old age. However, the relationship between age, lower testosterone levels, and the symptoms of andropause is strong. Dr. Uy highlights that although male menopause is more of a syndrome (a collection of symptoms) rather than a distinct disease, its presence should be recognized, diagnosed and treated accordingly to ensure the best quality of life even in old age.


Turning back time

While andropause is generally considered a normal part of aging, a man’s life does not have to slide with his decreasing hormones. Although treatment will not completely stop the process, it can slow it down and improve a person’s well-being.

For more information on andropause and available treatments, check out the October issue of HealthToday, out now in major newsstands and bookstores.

Source:
http://healthtoday.net/HealthyLiving/2011/10Oct/Manopause.aspx

When sex gets dirty: the harm of sexually transmitted infections (Source: http://www.healthtoday.net/HealthyLiving/2011/02Feb/Whensexgetsdirty.aspx)

Carelessness and lack of knowledge have helped the dangerous spread of sexually transmitted infections.

By Yves Saint James Aquino, M.D.

A lot of movies and TV series have used sex as a usual plot catalyst because, as we all know, sex sells. The reality, however, can be less-than entertaining. Sex isn’t just a punch line or a plot device, especially when casual sex, along with the diseases that come with it, results in serious health problems.

You feeling risky?

A person’s risk of catching STIs depends mostly on sexual behavior and lifestyle, and how the following dangerous risk factors may be present:

Starting sexual activity at an early age can lead to more aggressive sexual behavior in the long-term. Also, the younger you are, the less you are concerned about consequences. 


Having multiple sexual partners also puts you at a high risk of transmitting infection. 


Drinking alcohol or using illegal substances can lower your inhibitions, making you more likely to take risks. 


Being infected with an STI also increases the chance of getting another type of infection.

The common diseases

Despite the prevalence of STIs, most people, especially younger ones, remain unaware of the risk and consequences of such diseases, except for the most popular type: AIDS or acquired immune deficiency syndrome. According to the Department of Health (DoH), one of every four teenagers and young adults will get an STI, even if they know how to protect themselves. Other STIs include gonorrhea, syphilis, genital herpes, HPV infection, among others.

For your protection

Abstinence, or not having sex at all, assures you of 100 percent protection. But for those who choose to be sexually active, here are some tips:

Use latex condoms. Condoms protect genitals from shared bodily fluids, which can carry the organisms responsible for STI. This may not protect you 100 percent, but it is the best protection against STIs. 


Practice monogamy. Since promiscuity is a risk factor, having just one sexual partner (who is also monogamous) protects you from infection. 


Learn the symptoms. Knowing the symptoms can help you determine if your sexual partner has an STI.

Get the help you need. Even without any signs or symptoms, if you are involved in risky sexual practices, it is important to have regular medical check-ups to determine the presence of STI. Many of the STIs can take weeks, even years, before symptoms show. Visit your local health clinic, a private doctor, or hospital clinics to have yourself checked. Some of the tests may include blood work or urine test, while others may involve culturing body fluid or discharge from the genitals or open sores.

For more basic facts on different sexually transmitted infections, check out the full article on the February 2011 issue of HealthToday.

7 ALTERNATIVES FOR BETTER HEALTH (Source: http://www.healthtoday.net/Feature/2010/11Nov/AlternativeHealth.aspx)

Different therapeutic methods practiced centuries ago are being considered as part of mainstream medicine.

BY LYNDA CORPUZ

What follows are seven of the most popular health care alternatives.

1. Natural products

The Philippine Institute of Traditional and Alternative Health Care (PITAHC) was established through R.A. 8423 or the Traditional and Alternative Medicine Act of 1997. It serves to preserve and protect local alternative and traditional health care. It upholds “the right of every Filipino for better health through the provision of safe, effective, and affordable traditional and alternative health care products, services, and technologies.” 
Allied with the Department of Health, PITAHC has endorsed the following medicinal plants: akapulko, ampalaya, garlic, guava, and lagundi.

2. Mind-body medicine

Traditional Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine rely on the mind to treat an illness, complemented by therapies with herbs, massage, and yoga. The 2007 American National
Health Information Survey (NHIS) found that progressive relaxation and guided imagery were among the top 10 complementary and alternative medicinal therapies for adults.
Deep breathing and yoga ranked high among children.

3. Manipulative and bodybased practices

Ancient Greeks were known to employ spinal manipulation, while references to massage appear in the ancient texts of China, Japan, India, the Arabic states, and Rome. Manipulative and body-based practices focus primarily on the structures and systems of the body, including the bones and joints, soft tissues, and circulatory and lymphatic  systems.


The 2007 NHIS survey ranked massage in the top 10 complementary and alternative medicinal therapy for adults and children.

4. Movement therapies

A broad range of Eastern and Western movement-based approaches promotes physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual wellbeing. Feldenkreis method, Alexander technique, Pilates, and Trager psychophysical integration are examples of movement therapies.

5. Traditional healing

Employing indigenous theories, beliefs, and experiences, traditional healing is often holistic, or one that integrates the mind and body. Treatments involve a union of approaches such as psychotherapeutics, herbal medicine, nutritional therapy, and physical therapeutics.

6. Energy

The use of electromagnetic fields like magnets or light therapy and putative energy forms or biofields, reflects on the concept that human beings are infused with subtle forms of energy.

7. Whole medical systems

Evolved over time, these complete systems of theory and practice are employed by medical doctors (M.D.) or doctors of osteopathy (D.O.). Ayurvedic and traditional Chinese medicine are examples of whole medical systems, as is Homeopathy, from Europe, which stimulates the body’s ability to heal itself through the ingestion of small doses of highly diluted substances. Naturopathy, another system, aims to support the body’s ability to restore itself through dietary and lifestyle changes, along with herbs, massage, and joint manipulation.

Word of caution

While alternative, complementary, or traditional health care are becoming widely accepted, the World Health Organization acknowledges that issues including national policy and regulation, safety, effectiveness, quality, knowledge and sustainability, and patient safety still need to be completely addressed.


When seeking alternative and traditional health care, it is best to err on the side of caution. Get as much information as you can about your practitioner. Remember, one man’s cure may not work for you.

Full article featured in HealthToday November 2010 issue.

Forget Me Not (Source: http://www.healthtoday.net/HealthyLiving/2010/11Nov/ForgetMeNot.aspx)

Memory loss seems inevitable once we reach a certain age, but when does it become a symptom of a disease?

By Yves Saint James Aquino, M.D.

All of us have experienced taking care of a grandparent, and we are not foreign to the idea of aging loved ones forgetting our name, or who we are to them. My Lola always mistook me for my eldest brother, while my Lolo thinks I’m my dad. Most of the time, I don’t correct them anymore, I just answer to whatever name they were going to call me whenever I visit.

Aging and memory loss seem to go hand in hand, as the brain begin to lose cells and the body start to make less of the chemicals for the brain cells to work. The older we get, the more of these changes can affect our memory. But when do we consider memory loss normal, and when do we say  it’s a disorder?

Dementia, a disorder

Dementia is not a specific disease; it’s actually a syndrome, or a descriptive term for a collection of symptoms that can be caused by different conditions that affect the brain. This syndrome is characterized by: impairment in memory impairment in the ability to organize thoughts and reason, the ability to use language, or the ability to see accurately the visual world the impairments are severe enough to cause a decline in the patient’s usual level of functioning Memory loss may be a common symptom of dementia, but having it doesn’t automatically mean one has dementia. Doctors make a diagnosis of dementia when two or more brain functions, such as memory, language skills, perception, or reasoning are significantly impaired.

Different kinds

Many different diseases can cause dementia, with memory loss being severe enough to interfere with activities of daily living.

• Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause of dementia, especially in people who are aged 65 years and older. Alzheimer’s is characterized by abnormalities in the brain in the tissue and cellular level, accompanied by gradual and progressive deterioration of brain function. The disease presents with initial impaired memory and judgment, which progresses to language problems, personality changes, delusions, and deterioration of motor control.

• Vascular dementia is another common cause, and it is usually a result of brain damage from vascular (blood vessel) problems, usually in the form of strokes, but it may also be caused by genetic diseases or inflammatory diseases like lupus. The symptoms of dementia begin suddenly, frequently associated with a stroke episode.

Other conditions that can cause dementia include:

• infection, which can be noted in HIV-associated dementia, a type associated with human immunodeficiency virus

• degeneration of nerve cells, as seen in fronto-temporal dementia

• genetic abnormality, exemplified in Huntington’s disease

• constant head trauma, seen in Boxer’s syndrome

Getting managed

It is important to have a comprehensive clinical evaluation because many disorders can cause dementia. A patient suspected to have dementia will undergo a thorough medical work up, a neurological examination that test memory and other brain functions, and a psychiatric evaluation to assess mood, anxiety, and clarity of thought.

Imaging of the brain via CT (computed tomography) scan or MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) is usually advised to check if physical abnormality or structural problems are the ones causing the symptoms. Other laboratory tests such as complete blood count or spinal fluid assessment may be requested depending on the disease entity that is entertained by your physician.

Treatments, in most cases, are not meant to reverse or halt disease progression. Patients, however, can avail of certain medications and other methods of treatments that can help slow down the disease.

A group of drugs called cholinesterase inhibitors are used for Alzheimer’s disease. These drugs slow the breakdown of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter that is reduced in the brains of people with Alzheimer’s.

Depending on the specific cause of dementia, other medications such as antidepressants, sedatives, or anticonvulsants may also be prescribed.

Besides use of drugs, behavioral modification—or the rewarding of appropriate behavior and ignoring of inappropriate behavior—may also help. Many people with dementia, especially in the early stages, can benefit from mental exercises that improve performance in specific aspects of brain function. These are usually in the form of memory aids, mnemonics, or note taking.