Thursday, March 26, 2009

smoking&cancer lung




Lung cancer is the most common cause of cancer
death in both men and women. High incidence of lung cancer over the past half century is directly linked to smoking.
Lung cancer

Smoking is responsible for 90% of all cancer deaths
Cases of lung cancer is increasing. Lung cancer is responsible for more deaths from cancer of colon and rectal cancer, breast cancer and prostate cancer combined.
Lung cancer is mainly that people over 45 years. At the time of each set of symptoms, the spread is usually the case.

Smoking

Lung cancer is directly related to smoking. More than 40 carcinogens have been identified in cigarette smoke. The risk of lung cancer is directly related to the number of cigarettes. Change in consumption of high-tar filter cigarettes Mufltrp to low tar cigarettes, which corresponds to a change in squamous cell carcinoma to adenocarcinoma. A long-term smoking cessation, and eliminate the risk of lung cancer. Up to 40% in newly diagnosed lung cancer of former smokers. (Do not the average duration of 9 years

Tuesday, March 24, 2009

Bone Marrow Transplant


Bone marrow surgery in the United States costs about $ 250,000 and the UK of around £ 150,000, but the cost can be reduced to about $ 30,000, with the same quality of treatment. How?

Patients can travel to India and get a bone marrow transplant surgery done in this very low cost, such as infrastructure costs are lower than those in the UK and Europe, the treatments are still world class and this is reflected in the success rate.

Success Rate 90%

India hospitals are performing the surgery to replace bone marrow for the same level of experience and with the same percentage of success in Europe and America for almost 90%, with a cost that makes the surgery of the bone marrow have an increased number of people than ever.

With this important transaction bone marrow transplant costs are considered, but even more important is the quality of treatment.

India is world-class treatments and experience at lower costs

India leader in medical tourism

With this major surgery and bone marrow of patients are rightly worried about traveling to another country, but India is a leader in medical tourism and is experienced in

address these problems.

Once you enter the hospital, translators are available, everything is done to make your stay as comfortable as possible, and this is reflected in an increasing number of people traveling to India to have large operations.

Facilities and expertise

The structures and the professionalism of the staff is second to none.

Hospitals are the most advanced equipment and facilities and this is combined with the doctors who are highly qualified.

Many patients in the West are already aware of the professionalism, due to the large number of expatriate Indian medical personnel working abroad and this inspires confidence.
Trust

The high regard the medical sector in India is reflected in support for the government and other countries in search of medical care in outsourcing in India.

Medical tourism has been the growth of the Indian Finance Minister Jaswant Singh, recently asked India to become a destination for global health. "

This enthusiasm for medical tourism an important generator of foreign exchange earnings is strong support among local governments and industry.

The ministry of tourism, state tourism offices and the private sector consists of travel agencies and tour operators, who are helping to develop the sector.

A recent newspaper article in India Abroad "has shown the potential for medical tourism.

It focused on a possible deal in which India could earn more than $ 1 billion annually and create 4 million jobs by outsourcing work of the National Health Service in Britain.

So you can have surgery, bone marrow at a fraction of the cost that you may have to pay in their country of residence.

Plan your trip

There are many specialized companies that are now in medical tourism packages in India and that will take care of everything:
Travel for the surgery and convalescence after surgery is performed. There goal is to make your trip stress free as possible.

Finally you world-class surgery at a very low cost
If you have not seen India before that time the benefits are compelling.

Low cost surgery for bone marrow treatments and world-class opportunity to relax after a beautiful and diverse country

Monday, March 23, 2009

cerebral stroke


The term cerebrovascular accident (stroke) is applied to events of severe acute cerebrovascular disease. Resulting in both physical and mental paralysis. WHO defines stroke as' rapidly developed clinical signs of focal disturbance of cerebral function, lasting more than 24 hours or resulting in death, with no other apparent cause of vascular origin. "

Causes and symptoms

The interruption of brain function may be due to three morphological abnormalities, ie, stenosis, occlusion or rupture of arteries.

Cerebral dysfunction manifested with different symptoms and neurological signs that are related to the scope and location of the area and its causes. These include coma, hemiplegia, paraplegia, monoplegia, more paralysis, slurred speech, paresis of the nerve, sensory, etc., which is the primary somato hemiplegic neurological disorders in about 90 percent of patients.

Line includes a number of syndromes with different etiologies, epidemiology, prognosis and treatment. These include subarachnoid hemorrhage, cerebral hemorrhage, cerebral thrombosis or embolism, and before occlusion of cerebral arteries, transient cerebral ischemia (more than 24 hours).

Risk Factors

Race does not occur at random, but risk factors like hypertension, cardiac abnormalities, diabetes, high blood lipids, obesity, smoking, blood coagulation and viscosity, and then continue several years.

Diet

The diet should be well balanced, particularly the B vitamins and vitamin C, because of the need for the health of blood vessels. Vitamin E helps prevent blood clots, reducing the need for oxygen. Reduce the weight more sensible diet is extremely important. Whole grains, fruits, vegetables, protein and supplements must be emphasized. All nutrients must meet the demands of stress and lower blood cholesterol

Thursday, March 12, 2009

Teens and Blood cancers


No doubt that blood diseases are very common in children and teens to the degree that leukemia is considered the number one cancer in children and lymphoma is also very common but the good news is that they are of the most easy managed and treated cancers with very high survival rate so let's read more about them.

Leukemia

Leukemia is one of the most common childhood cancers. It occurs when large numbers of abnormal white blood cells called leukemic blasts fill the bone marrow and sometimes enter the bloodstream.

Because these abnormal blood cells are defective, they don't help protect the body against infection the way normal white blood cells do. And because they grow uncontrollably, they take over the bone marrow and interfere with the body's production of other important types of cells in the bloodstream, like red blood cells (which carry oxygen) and platelets (which help blood to clot).

Leukemia causes problems like bleeding, anemia (low numbers of red blood cells), bone pain, and infections. It can also spread to other places like the lymph nodes, liver, spleen, brain, and the testicles in males.

The types of leukemia most likely to occur in teens are acute lymphocytic (pronounced: lim-fuh-sih-tik) leukemia (ALL) and acute myelogenous (pronounced: my-uh-ladj-uh-nus) leukemia (AML).

Virtually all people with ALL and AML are treated with chemotherapy, and some also receive stem cell transplants, in which they are given new stem cells from another person. Bone marrow transplants are a common form of stem cell transplantation. Some people also receive radiation. The length of treatment and types of medicine given will vary depending on the type of leukemia.

The chances for a cure are very good with certain kinds of leukemia. With treatment, most patients with ALL and many patients with AML are free of the disease without recurrence.


Lymphoma

Lymphoma refers to cancer that develops in the lymphatic system, which includes the lymph nodes, thymus, spleen, adenoids, tonsils, and bone marrow. The lymph system functions in the body by fighting off germs that cause infection and illness. Most teens with lymphoma have either Hodgkin's disease or non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.

Hodgkin's disease usually occurs in adolescents and young adults. It can show up in lymph nodes in the neck, armpits, chest, or other places. The lymph nodes become enlarged but are usually not painful. Hodgkin's disease is identified by large, unusual cells called Reed-Sternberg cells that are detected under a microscope after a biopsy, a procedure in which a doctor removes a small tissue sample to examine it for cancer cells. Chemotherapy and often radiation are used to treat Hodgkin's disease.

Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) is similar to leukemia (ALL) because both involve malignant lymphocytes (pronounced: lim-fuh-sytes), white blood cells found in lymph nodes, and because many of the symptoms of these diseases are the same. NHL is usually treated with chemotherapy.

Teens with Hodgkin's disease or NHL who have completed their treatment have an excellent chance for cure.

Teens and Cancers part 2


Today we continue to talk about more cancers which are more frequent to be seen in teens and we will get you simply to the pathology which lies beneath ewing't sarcoma and brain cancers.

Ewing's Sarcoma

Another type of cancer that affects the bone is Ewing's sarcoma. It is similar to osteosarcoma in that it also affects teens and young adults and is usually located in the leg or pelvis.

Most teens with Ewing's sarcoma receive chemotherapy as well as surgery. Some patients will also need radiation in addition to or instead of surgery to make sure that remaining cancer cells have been destroyed. Ewing's sarcoma generally responds well to chemotherapy and radiation.

Osteosarcoma and Ewing's sarcoma share common risk factors and side effects from treatment. Chances for recovery depend upon where the tumor is located, its size, and whether it has spread. But both types of bone cancer respond well to treatment and are curable in many cases.


Brain Tumors

Brain tumors are not common in teens.

Two of the most common forms are astrocytomas (pronounced: as-truh-sye-toe-muhz) and ependymomas (pronounced: ep-en-duh-moe-muhz). Astrocytomas are tumors of the brain that originate from cells in the brain called astrocytes. This type of tumor doesn't usually spread outside the brain and spinal cord and doesn't usually affect other organs. Ependymomas are tumors that usually begin in the lining of brain ventricles. The brain has four ventricles, or cavities, that are a pathway for cerebrospinal fluid, a liquid substance that cushions the brain and spine and protects them from trauma.

No one knows the exact cause of primary brain cancer. One possibility is that as the brain and spinal cord were forming, a problem with the cells occurred.

Treatments vary depending upon the type and location of the tumor. If it is possible to remove a tumor, surgery is usually performed, followed by radiation. Some patients receive chemotherapy as well.

The chance of surviving a brain tumor depends on its type, location, and treatment. But there is a very good chance that if the tumor can be removed and additional treatment is given, the cancer can be cured.

Teens and Cancers part 1


Cancers are like any other diseases that affect humans ,they are more prevalent in certain age groups and very rare in other ages like breast cancer with is more common in older women than teen girls which maybe related to certain causes or the exact nature of the cancer itself.

The types of cancers teens get have one thing in common: cells, the basic components or "building blocks" of the human body. Cancer occurs when cells develop abnormally and grow in an uncontrolled way. Read on to learn more about some types of cancer that teens may get, including warning signs and symptoms and how these cancers can be treated.

Osteosarcoma

Osteosarcoma (pronounced: os-tee-oh-sar-koh-muh) is the most common type of bone cancer. In teens, it can sometimes appear during their growth spurts. Osteosarcoma affects twice as many guys as girls and tends to show up in people who are taller than average. In most cases, there is no known cause for osteosarcoma.

The most common symptoms of osteosarcoma are pain and swelling in an arm or leg that is sometimes accompanied by a lump. Some people have more pain at night or when they exercise. Osteosarcoma is most often found in the bones around the knee but can occur in other bones as well. In some cases, a tumor can spread or metastasize to the lungs and other bones. (Metastasize is the word doctors use when cells from a tumor break away from the original cancer site and travel to a different tissue or organ.)

Treatment for osteosarcoma usually involves chemotherapy (medication that kills cancer cells) as well as surgery to remove the tumor. A doctor may perform limb-salvage surgery, where the bone that has cancer is removed and the limb (usually an arm or leg) is saved from amputation by filling the gap with a bone graft or special metal rod. In rare cases, a doctor may need to amputate (remove) part or all of the limb to fight the cancer.

Losing a limb can be devastating, especially for teens who are already dealing with body changes. Counseling and physical therapy (also called physical rehabilitation) can both be helpful in this situation. People who have amputations are usually fitted with a prosthesis (pronounced: prahs-thee-sus), or artificial limb. Most teens with a prosthesis are able to return to normal activities - even sports.

Most people develop side effects, such as hair loss, bleeding, infections, and heart or skin problems, from medicines used in chemotherapy treatment for osteosarcoma. Chemotherapy may also increase the person's risk of developing other cancers in the future. The good news is that most teens with osteosarcoma do recover.

Wednesday, March 11, 2009

computer addiction


Dictionary dependence explains how "the state of being enslaved to a habit or practice or something that is psychologically or physically habit formation, such as drugs, so his arrest causes severe trauma."

True! But as the computer can lead to something as serious as "addiction"?
Believe it or not, computers and the fields are tangled man, woman and child in their world so fascinating that he forgot the rules of social interaction.
Everyone around has become so fond of beating that record and do not copies and pens now! The easiest thing to do is sit in front of the PC and complete the work.

This seemed reasonable when it started has prevented all the efforts of teachers in terms of reading different handwritings and awkward job. But this did not take home is actually negative. The school can easily be copied from a friend with one click or even from Internet with minimal effort.

The computers were good, where the accounts should not be kept on paper and the machine that all the calculations, but as far as the computer bug to do it out of the calculations are so complex and a normal human being to crawl "what went wrong and that" it is almost impossible. Losing important data because of the sudden collapse of the computer can be very frustrating.
Such is the fate of each team.

Today, with the ease of obtaining an Internet connection, computers and the Internet is used almost as synonyms for each other.
Internet, like their counterparts in other starts with chocolaty whole picture, but its influence has been very negative for children.

Gambling and pornography are more of the negativity of this world of Internet and computer stand against a huge list of advantages, but, when measured on a scale, these things weigh the effect of all the positive aspects and Internet the computer has to offer

Cocaine and Crack Addiction


Crack addiction is a concern for many parents and loved ones of the users. That seems an increase in energy without a sense of stunned to be accompanied by a feeling of euphoria is very addictive. There may be a sense of omnipotence inexhaustible reserve of energy initially. How to build a tolerance, the authors are shorter, often set in the depression when the drug outside the door and the anxiety grows.

If an inhalation of cocaine or smoking crack, it runs the risk of heart problems that occur, and possible seizures. Chest pain and respiratory problems are more side effects. Despite the initial pleasure of a new experience, with the continued use of cocaine, drugs, often increasing paranoia. Anxiety and depression in the crack or dopamine effect disappears. This leads to a festival in a way to maintain some feeling or high symptoms including extreme irritability. The law of diminishing returns, often arises in which the effects of the drug are less and less. Within this creates a desperate situation in which you want to experience the joy of the early days of cocaine use drugs.

Drunkenness are often caused by this procedure and can be intensified because of the hallucinations. Legal complications can occur because the cost of drugs leads to a sense of urgency to get the money to pay more. You can hear himself on a slide, but not powerless to do anything. If someone is looking for in this cycle can be very painful and frightening.

Fortunately, you can be free of this cycle. By learning more about one of the options and see a door out, break the addiction and cocaine abuse can be overcome. The process of detoxification, treatment and counseling will be a great challenge but also an experience of transformation.

drug addiction


Drug addiction is serious. There are more around the world participate in an interview, a book or a movie. The fact is that drug abuse has become so prevalent in society today that most of us can identify a person suffering from an addiction, and then shake like if we had not seen anything. Maybe that's why so many addicts suffer without seeking help. It's easy to think that their community is isolated from such things as drug abuse. The truth is that even the most common is the perfect image for those living within its borders, who are drug addicts.

In Delray Beach, Florida, there are many drug treatment centers available for those who are struggling with addictions to drugs and alcohol. These medicines may include rehabilitation programs in hospitals and rehabilitation programs for drug rehabilitation services and outpatient medications. Usually thirty days to ninety days, depending on the depth of the individual battles. A bit of alcohol and drug addiction recovery programs offered by faith-based treatment programs for customers who prefer to work twelve steps and study the Scriptures in a safe environment.

Some people scoff and say that the problems of drugs in the United States are exaggerated and that the problems they see on television or in newspapers are false for the attention of the viewer / reader. Surprising then to read some of the following statistics were provided by the Drug Policy of the White House website.

In 2001, nearly thirty percent of children aged between twelve and seventeen reported drug use.

That same year, more than half of respondents between the ages of eighteen and twenty-five reported recent drug use.

In a study by a Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, the following statistics of drugs have been discovered:

In 2004 more than nineteen million Americans older twelve drugs currently in use have been the most difficult and illegal drugs.

There have been sixteen million American adults (over eighteen) to illicit drugs.

In 2004, almost twenty million Americans had three problems with drug addiction. About one eighth of the abuse of alcohol and drugs, and half of the total number of people who abuse alcohol, but has no problem with substance abuse.

Finally, consider the following statistics from the 2007 National Survey on Drug Use and Health by the Office of Applied Studies at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

In 2007, nearly twenty percent of adults who were more than eighteen respondents admitted using illicit drugs in a survey this month. Marijuana was the second highest drug used in this study and found little more than sixteen percent of the users interviewed.

The same survey found that men are more likely to abuse illicit drugs and marijuana, while all other drugs were about even with both sexes.

Since drug abuse is so common in our society, its officials and experts from many drug rehabs do not be surprised or shocked when you put your first call to start your drug and / or alcohol rehabilitation treatment. Instead there is an atmosphere that welcomes customers who want to get sober and be surrounded by people who are in the same boat as you are. The staff members of drug rehabs understand that drug use is not the shadow "thing" that "other people" do. Drug use can affect anyone, no matter how old he or she could be.

Statistically speaking, most American adults have tried some kind of drug at least once or twice in their lives. Delray Beach residents are no different from the rest of the country. So it is important for drug users to realize that there is no shame in seeking help. The statistics on adolescent and young adult drug use is so surprising when one considers that you or someone you care about may have a drug or alcohol problem, you should make an appointment for treatment of drug and alcohol center. The experts can help explain that drug use is nothing to be ashamed of and can be overcome.

sex addition


Sex addiction is a disease that lives around the world for men and women from different backgrounds and cultures. When a person is a sex-dependent, suffering from a disease that is incurable, progressive and capable of destroying the lives of not only the patient but their families.

Sex addiction can be managed with a program of recovery and therapy, but while in front of the unit, patients can not escape their obsessive and compulsive. Sex addiction often lived with other behaviors such as drug addiction and eating disorders. These are all behaviors of the same disease of addiction.

Similar to other addictions such as alcoholism and drug addiction, sex addiction is based on the obsessive-compulsive disorder and needs. The behavior of a worker of the opposite sex may include repeated vacuum business, compulsive masturbation, frequent use of prostitutes and other sex and, in extreme cases, can even progress of exhibitionism, voyeurism, rape and harassment of children.

Sex addicts are not bad people. His condition is not the lack of moral: it is a spiritual disorder.

Why is it so destructive Sexual Addiction?

In some Twelve Step fellowships to support groups, "bottom line" is identified. In short it is a term used to describe the behavior of the addict sex act.

Most addicts experience sex 'intrigue' that is the concern about sexual acts. Objectifying people, with the constant obsession with sex acts, flirting, and generally spend more time with the concern of sex is the mental state of a sex-dependent. Obsessions are followed by acts of compulsive sexual behavior.

Sex addiction is progressive. You can start with compulsive masturbation and an affinity for child pornography which then becomes a serious problem involving the use of prostitutes, money problems, families are broken and unemployment, after which suicide can be a accordingly.

When sex addiction has progressed to a serious level, the sex addict is unable to resist the impulse to act on their sexual behavior. To engage more with the behavior over longer periods of time, with greater intensity and violence to have the desired effect, it is their responsibility to be neglected. Unable to fulfill its commitment to act on behavior, they become irritable, anxious and angry. Despite the desire to avoid sexual compulsivity and not because their lives begin to crumble, they are unable to do so. Who are powerless to their sexual addiction and his life became unmanageable.

Treatment

Sex addiction is incurable, but treatable. However, with treatment, the abstinence of disorderly conduct and maintenance of a recovery program on a daily basis, a recovering sex addict can live a normal life again. Inpatient treatment at a counseling center can be very beneficial for a sex addict seeking help for their problem. Many sex addicts are in a state of denial of their problem, but once you have admitted to having a problem, you can begin the recovery process of healing.

Inpatient treatment usually involving group therapy and individual therapy has been found that the most effective methods of treating addiction to sex. Treatment plants are a safe place for recovering addicts sex is able to develop their capacity as individuals with experience and understanding. Need not be alone in his fight again.

While in a rehabilitation center, a sex addict begins to work each day recovery program, such as the Twelve Steps. There are scholarships that are dedicated to helping sex addicts receive help and support in their behavior. For an addict to abstain from sex does not mean that behavior must remain celibate for the rest of his life - which is a normal human behavior to engage in sexual acts, but not those which begin to destroy their lives and keep them in a cycle terrible shame and horror of self. A sex addict becomes celibacy as a way of addressing the problem is not addressing the root cause - similar to a "dry drunk."

With proper treatment and therapy, in combination with a recovery program, a sex addict can begin to lead a normal and happy again. A program for recovering addicts to keep aware of their sexual behaviors and dangerous situations that can lead to relapse, and teaching them the tools to cope with everyday life.

addiction


Addiction is a chronic, often relapsing brain disease that causes compulsive drug seeking and use despite harmful consequences for people who are dependent and those that surround them.

Now we know that experts define as a unit, lets you know what people with this disease have to say.

According to some, with whom I have spoken to over the last 14 years + descriptions run the range of flight, the realization of self-actualization. Apart from the obvious side effects that are associated with drug addiction and the propensity of addicts to participate in activities that are linked to a loss of freedom, of what actually happens to the drug addict to keep his fund of choice ?

On many occasions, I had the opportunity to sit down and talk only with a large number of drug addicts and really tried to hear what they had to say to describe themselves and their habits. Consequently, the dependence of these people were in a different way, some have been sex addicts, were employees of certain substances, some addicted to gambling, etc, etc, etc

The list of units to take a ream of paper, the point of interest for me at least it was when I had the opportunity to speak with someone who has drugs in addition to the terminology used, and the explanation is deleted, the content the conversation was always the same.

The basic component of a drug addict is:

1. The person is male / female or whatever.
The 2nd person who is white, black, brown, yellow, red, blue, pink or whatever.
The 3rd person is aged between 1 month to 100 years.
4 The economic situation is not very low, average, poor, poor in high, medium, low, medium, medium, medium high, low rich, heart, full top.
5 The person's level of education is retention, high school graduate, associate / bachelor / master, postgraduate, doctorate.
6 The religious ideology of the person is Christian, Catholic, Jewish, Islamic, etc, etc, etc

In the language, no sex bias, race, age of the specific economic-oriented, educational level factor that leads to someone becoming an addict. The addiction begins when the person was given a substance or situation that lent themselves to that person in a place identified by the self-confidence or power. Within this area of security and power, the person who was out of reach of harmful today. This feeling has been described as Nirvana, Shangri-La, return to the matrix, thus, neglect, dispersed, getting high, etc, etc, etc. Once this change is experienced, the desire to return to that same feeling is overwhelming to say the least. This is the "Virgin High" reached only once and never again. The pursuit of this "Virgin High" begins pathological behaviors that are recognized as part of "behavioral addiction"

Monday, March 9, 2009

Guide to quit smoking (part 5)


What to look for in smoking cessation program

Smoking cessation programs designed to help smokers recognize and deal with problems that arise during the boot. It also provides support and encouragement to stay quit. Studies have shown that the best programs will include one or a group or counseling. There is a strong link between the number of times and the time and advice (and the intensity and the degree of success. In general, the more intensive program, the greater chance of success.

For example, you may be increasing the intensity or more sessions or by increasing the number of weeks given sessions. Therefore, when searching for programs in an attempt to find the one with the following:

* Each session will take at least 20 to 30 minutes
* There are at least 4-7 Sessions
Program will continue at least 2 weeks - usually the best

Ensure that the Chairman of the training team to stop smoking.

Some communities have nicotine did not give his name, said the meetings are held regularly. This group is one of the 12-step Alcoholics Anonymous program (A) of the dependence on smoking. This could include the acceptance that you are unable to rely on more than your nicotine, after presenting a talk with you and the temptation to smoke. These sessions are free, but donations will be most if you like.

Often, the local American Cancer Society, American Association for the lung, or local auspices of the Ministry of Health of the quit-smoking classes. Contact us for more information.

There are several programs to offer, as well as abroad. Not all ethics programs. Think twice before doing any the following programs:

* This promise, it is easy success with no effort on your part
* Injection or the use of contraceptive pills, especially "secret" ingredients
* Responsible for the high fees - review of the Better Business Bureau if you have doubts
* There are ready to give references of people who have used the program

The provision of material assistance: nicotine replacement and other medications and treatment

Nicotine replacement

As mentioned above, the nicotine in cigarettes leads to actual physical dependence. This can cause disturbing symptoms when a person tries to quit. Nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) gives you nicotine - in the form of gums, patches, spray, inhaler or product - but not the other harmful chemicals to tobacco. And can help to alleviate some of these symptoms so that they can focus on the psychological (emotional) aspects of the withdrawal.

How does it work nicotine replacement

Nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) can help with symptoms of difficult and the strong desire that the 70% to 90% of smokers say it is the only reason for not giving up on cigarettes. Smoker using NRT reduces withdrawal symptoms.

Although many smokers, smoking can not be left without the use of NRT, the majority of those who are trying to withdraw, we can not do so on the first try. In fact, often require many smokers trying to - and sometimes up to 8-10 - before they are able to withdraw altogether.

Lack of success is often linked to the start of the withdrawal symptoms. Quitters and most return to smoking within the first 3 months of withdrawal. Therefore, it will not feel frustrated if you start smoking again. Just try again in an attempt to stop and to make further progress, noting that means or another way to help you quit. Is it possible to reduce the symptoms of treatment with nicotine replacement and reduce the impact of methods of support. This gives you a better chance of withdrawal and to stay quit.
Access to more than nicotine replacement

Nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) deals only with physical dependence. He did not believe that the only way for you to quit smoking. Must be accompanied by cessation of smoking and other ways to help the psychological (emotional and habitual) part of the tobacco, smoking cessation program. Studies have shown that this approach - Pairing with the NRT, which help to change behavior - can double the chances of survival and the withdrawal of the resignation.

The United States Agency for Research and the quality of health care (AHRQ) clinical practice guidelines to stop smoking in 2000 recommended NRT for smokers than adults, except pregnant women and people with heart disease or circulatory system. But the most recent data indicate that NRT (especially nicotine patch) can be used safely under careful monitoring of the doctor, even in people who have heart or blood vessel (cardiovascular) disease. The study found the benefits of smoking cessation outweigh the risks of NRT in patients who suffer from diseases of the heart and blood vessels. In considering these cases, the benefits of smoking cessation must outweigh the potential health risks of NRT for each person. By the end of 2008, it was not good enough evidence to recommend another or the use of NRT in pregnant women. Pregnant smokers should talk with their doctors before using over-the confrontation between nicotine substitutes.

The best time to start NRT is to leave at first. Many smokers ask if it is possible to begin implementing a program to nicotine replacement while they are still smoking. At this time, companies and products NRT, which says it should not be used if you are still smoking. There is some research conducted with smokers while still using NRT and smoking, but it is still too early to say whether this represents a threat to your health. The most important thing is to make sure that you are not in excess of the dose of nicotine, which can affect the heart and circulatory system. Is it safe to be under the care of a doctor if you wish to try smoking and using NRT while you are tapering down your cigarette use.

The first smokers often try to leave by themselves and then decide to try NRT in a day or more to resign. This method does not give you the greatest opportunity for success, but do not let this discourage you. There are still many options available to stop smoking and stay quit.

Note that the NRT has not been established to assist people who smoked less than 10 cigarettes a day. You may wish to talk with your doctor to the lowest dose of NRT if you smoke less than half a pack a day, but it should be is the nicotine replacement.

Let me start in the use of alternative therapies for the treatment of nicotine?

You can start using NRT as soon as the dumping of another cigarette. You should not wait for a certain period of time to develop a patch or start using the gum, appointed, or nasal mist inhalation. You must verify this information with the instructions on the dual way in which you chose to replace the nicotine, but in general there is no need to wait to start using NRT.

Saturday, March 7, 2009

Guide to quit smoking (part 4)


Why quit?
No matter how old you are or when you smoke, and could help the withdrawal of life for longer and healthier. People who quit smoking before the age of 50 years and reduce the risk of death during 15 years in half compared with those who keep on smoking. Former smokers have a higher quality of life, less disease, influenza and cold viruses, self-reported improved health and reduced rates of bronchitis and pneumonia. For decades in his report, Surgeon General of the health risks associated with smoking. In 1990, and ended his general surgery: * Smoking cessation a significant and immediate health benefits for men and women of all ages. These benefits apply to the persons who are smoking-related diseases, and those who do not. * Ex-smokers live longer than people who keep on smoking. * Smoking cessation reduces the risk of lung cancer, and other types of cancer, heart attack, stroke and chronic lung diseases. * Women who quit smoking before pregnancy or during the first 3-4 months of pregnancy to reduce the risk of low weight at birth of a child that women who never smoked. * Health benefits of quitting smoking was much higher than the risks of being overweight or small (usually less than 10 pounds), or any psychological or emotional problems that can follow the withdrawal.
When smokers quit - What are the benefits over time?
20 minutes after quitting: blood pressure and heart rate decline. (Effects of smoking on atherosclerosis and pulse pressure, and zoom, Mahmoud, A., Feely, J. 2003. Hypertension: 41:183). 12 hours after quitting: Carbon monoxide level in your blood drops to normal. (U.S. surgeon general's report, 1988, p. 202) 2 weeks to 3 months after quitting: Your circulation improves and lung function increases your own. (U.S. surgeon general's report, 1990, pp.193, 194.196, 285, 323) From 1 to 9 months after quitting: Coughing and shortness of breath decrease; cilia (small hair-like structures to move mucus from the lungs) regain normal function in lungs, increasing ability to handle mucus, clean the lungs, and reduce the risk of infection. (U.S. surgeon general's report, 1990, p. 285-287, 304) One year after the withdrawal of 1: the increase in the risk of coronary heart disease, half of the smoker. (U.S. surgeon general's report, 1990, p. VI) 5 years after quitting: Your stroke risk reduction for non-smoker, from 5 to 15 years after quitting. (U.S. surgeon general's report, 1990, p. VI) 10 years after quitting: Lung cancer death rate is about half that of continuing smokers. Risk of cancer of the mouth, throat, esophagus, bladder, cervix and pancreas also decrease. (U.S. surgeon general's report, 1990, p. VI, 131, 148, 152, 155, 164166) 15 years after quitting: risk of coronary heart disease is the same with non-smoker. (U.S. surgeon general's report, 1990, p. VI)
The immediate withdrawal of rewards
Usually removed tobacco provides some benefits you will notice immediately that evolve over time. These rewards can improve your daily life in general. * Your breath smell better * Get teeth whiter than the contaminated * The smell of bad clothing and hair away * Your fingers and nails yellow disappear * Food tastes better * Your sense of smell to normal * Non-daily activities, I breathe (such as the rise of the stairs or light housework)
Costs
The possibility of improving health is the main reason for his withdrawal, but there are other reasons as well. Smoking expensive. It is not difficult to understand how spending on smoking: doubling the amount of money you spend on tobacco every day, 365 days) in the year). Is the surprise for you. This is now multiplied by the number of years that I have used tobacco and that amount will probably shock you. Double the costs in the year to 10 (10 years), and ask yourself what you do in a lot of money. This does not include other possible costs, such as the high cost of life insurance, health, health care is likely because of the costs associated with tobacco. Social acceptance Smoking less socially acceptable now than it was in the past. Work is now almost all of the rules of the type of smoking. Some employers prefer to employ non-smokers. Studies indicate that smoking employees cost companies more because they are sick. Staff and patients who are more often than others can raise the employer must be costly in the short term to replace the workers. It could increase insurance costs for both employers and other staff members, who often pay part of the labor insurance premiums. Smokers in the building can also raise the maintenance costs of keeping odors down, where the remnants of cigarette smoke stick to carpets, drapes and other fabrics. Can not choose who to rent to smokers since maintenance costs and insurance rates and an increase in the May-smokers living in the buildings. Friends may ask you to not smoke in their homes and their cars. Public buildings, concerts, sporting events and even a smoke-free. And more and more communities to restrict smoking in all public places, including restaurants and bars. Like it or not, to find a place to smoke can be easy. Can also be found in the smokers or the prospects for meeting emotional relationship, including marriage, are mainly limited to other smokers, who make up less than 20 per cent of the adult population.
Health of others
Smoking does not harm your health, but harmful to the health of those around you. Exposure to passive smoking (also called environmental tobacco smoke or passive smoking) includes Exhaled smoke and smoke from burning cigarettes. Studies have shown that passive smoking causes thousands of deaths annually from lung cancer, heart disease and in healthy non-smokers. If the mother smokes, there is greater risk of child asthma in childhood, especially if they smoke while they were pregnant. Smoking is also linked to sudden infant death syndrome SIDS), low birth weight infant. Infants and children in the family raised tobacco more ear infections, colds, bronchitis and pneumonia and other respiratory problems in children from families of non-smokers. It can also passive smoking causes eye irritation, headaches, nausea and dizziness.
Example

If you have children, you may want to set a good example for them. In response to a question, nearly all smokers say they do not want their children to smoke, but children whose parents smoke are more likely to start smoking themselves. Is it possible to become a good model for their withdrawal from now.
Help available
With a large number of advisory services, and self-help materials and medicines available today, smokers more tools than ever before, to help them quit smoking for good. Remember, smoking and substance abuse, both mental and physical. For most people, the best way for the withdrawal will be a combination of certain drugs, and how to change personal habits, and emotional support. The following sections of this means and how it can be useful for you.

Psychological assistance part of the dependency
Some people are able to leave them without the help of others, or the use of medicines. But for many smokers, it may be difficult to get out of the social and emotional ties to smoking while access to more of the symptoms of nicotine withdrawal in the same time. Fortunately, there are many sources of support there - both formal and informal. In a telephone conversation on the basis that help to stop smoking Since 2008, all states run some type of free telephone on the basis of this program, such as the American Cancer Society Quitline ® tobacco cessation program, which connects callers with trained counselors. Specialists to assist in this plan to pull out of the way to suit each person's unique smoking pattern. Persons who use telephone counseling were twice as likely to quit smoking and who do not take this kind of assistance. Quitters help many of the adviser can help to avoid common mistakes. Telephone advice is also easier to use than other programs of support. It does not require driving, transport, or children, and available nights and weekends. Advisers may suggest a variety of methods, including the medicines, local classes, self-help manuals, and / or a network of family and friends. Contact us for assistance in finding a Quitline ® phone or other counseling program in your area.
With the support of family and friends, and give up its programs
He says many of the former smokers support network of family and friends are very important during the withdrawal period of the attempt. Others who can provide support, encouragement and co workers and family doctor. Choose to spend some time with non-smokers and former smokers who support your efforts to quit. Members of support groups for Quitters can also be useful for you. Nicotine did not give his name, for example, is an open support group which provides a means to find other people who are exposed to tobacco withdrawal. It also provides long-term in order to resign. (See "additional resources" section for contact information.), But this is one of the many types of support groups. You can check with the employer, health insurance companies, or local hospital to find support groups. Or at the invitation of the Association of Caribbean States

Guide to quit smoking (part 3)


Why should I quit?

your health

Health concerns usually top the list of reasons people give for quitting smoking. This is a very real concern: About half of smokers who maintain smoking in all will die from diseases linked to smoking.

Cancer

Almost everyone knows that smoking can cause lung cancer, but few people realize that is also a risk factor for many other types of cancer are many, including cancer of the mouth, voice box (larynx), throat (larynx), esophagus, bladder, kidney, pancreas and cervical, stomach and some leukemias.

Lung Disease

Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome has been included in the list of known diseases caused by smoking since 2004. Smoking also increases the risk of lung diseases such as emphysema and chronic bronchitis. These diseases are grouped under the term disease (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease). This disease causes chronic illness and disability, and worse with the passage of time - and sometimes be fatal. Emphysema and chronic bronchitis can be found on the person at the age of 40, but are usually found in later life, when the symptoms worse. Long-term smokers are more prone to develop severe disease.

Heart attacks, strokes and cardiovascular disease

The vulnerability of smokers likely to die from heart attacks as well as with non-smokers. Smoking is a major risk factor for peripheral vascular disease, and narrowing of blood vessels that carry blood to the muscles in the leg and arm. Smoking also affects the walls of the vessels that carry blood to the brain (carotid arteries), which can cause strokes. Men who smoke are more likely to develop erectile dysfunction (deficit) due to cardiovascular disease.

Blindness and other problems

Smoking causes an increased risk of Macular degeneration, which is one of the most common cause of blindness in the elderly. It is also too early for reasons of wrinkling of the skin, bad breath, bad smelling clothes and hair and nails yellow.

Special risks for women and children

Some women have unique risks associated with smoking. Women who smoke more than 35 and the use of contraceptive pills may be at risk of heart attack, stroke and blood clots in the legs. Women who smoke are more likely to miscarry (lose your baby), or who have low birth weight and infant. And low birth weight and infant more vulnerable to death or learning and physical problems.

Years of life lost due to smoking

On the basis of data collected in the late 1990s, the United States, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and it is estimated that adult male smokers lost an average of 13.2 years of life and female smokers lost 14.5 years of life due to smoking. Given that smoking can cause this disease, which could steal your quality of life long before they die. Smoking-related diseases can limit your activities, making it difficult to breathe, recover, or work to play.

Guide to quit smoking (part 2)


Symptoms of nicotine withdrawal can lead to smoking Quitters
When trying to quit smoking, or the dock, and the absence of nicotine leads to symptoms. Gravity is the physical and mental. Physically, the body's reaction in the absence of nicotine. Mentally, and usually have to give up the smoker, which calls for significant change in behavior. Physical and mental, both should be addressed to the process of withdrawal from work. Who smoked regularly for several weeks or more, and suddenly stop using tobacco or smoking to reduce the volume, there will be symptoms. The symptoms usually begin within hours of the last cigarette and peak about 2 to 3 days, while most of the nicotine and its products outside the body. Symptoms can last for several days to several weeks.
Symptoms may include any of the following:
* Dizziness (which may last only 1 to 2 days after quitting)
* Depression
* Feelings of frustration and impatience and anger
* Concern
* Insomnia
* Since the sleep disorders and sleep disorders to stay asleep, and bad dreams, nightmares and even
* The problem by focusing
* Insomnia
*Headache
* Fatigue
* Increased appetite
These symptoms may lead the smoker to start smoking again to strengthen the levels of nicotine in the blood to a level where there are no symptoms. (For more information on dealing with withdrawal, see the chapter: "How to pull out.")
Smoking makes the body get rid of certain drugs faster than usual. At smoking cessation, changes in your body how to deal with some medicines. Ask your doctor if you take medication on a regular basis and should be examined or changed after the quitting

Guide to quit smoking (part 1)


Guide to quit smoking

Should know about the resignation?

U.S. surgeon general, "to stop smoking [prevention of smoking] is the most important step that smokers can be to increase the volume and quality of life."

Cessation of smoking is not easy, but you can do so. To obtain the best chance of success in the boot, you need to know what you're against, what are the options available to you, and where to go for help. Will find this information here.

Why is it so hard to quit smoking?

Mark Twain said, "It's easy to quit smoking. Done a thousand times." I probably tried to quit, too. Why resign and withdraw from difficult to stay for such a large number of people? Answer is nicotine.

Nicotine

Nicotine is a drug naturally found in tobacco. It is addictive - as addictive as heroin or cocaine. With the passage of time, the person becomes physically and emotionally addicted to (dependent (nicotine. Studies have shown that smokers must deal with both physical and psychological (mental) and a reliance on the resignation and stay quit.

Nicotine, as is the case in terms of go, and the duration of the stay

When inhaled in the smoke and nicotine and are deep in your lungs. It is absorbed rapidly in the blood stream, and in all parts of the body. Nicotine affects many parts of the body, including heart and blood vessels, and hormones, your metabolism and your mind. Can be found on the nicotine in breast milk, even in the cervical mucus of smokers. During pregnancy, nicotine freely cross the placenta and found in amniotic fluid and blood of the umbilical cords of newborn babies.

Several different factors may affect the duration, which should be the authority to remove nicotine and its by-products. In most cases will remain regular smokers or nicotine products, such as Cotinine in their bodies for about 3 to 4 days after the end.

How nicotine hooks smokers

Nicotine produces a good feeling that smokers want to smoke more. They also serve as a kind of depression by intervening in the flow of information between nerve cells. Adaptation of the nervous system as nicotine, smoking and tend to increase the number of cigarette smoke. This, in turn, increases the amount of nicotine in the blood of smokers. After a while, and the development of tolerance for smoking drugs. Tolerance means that it takes more nicotine to get the same effect that smokers use to get smaller amounts. This leads to an increase in smoking over time. Nicotine smokers up to a certain level, and then kept smoking to maintain this level of nicotine. In fact, nicotine in cigarette smoke inhalation, up to the brain faster than drugs that enter the body intravenously (IV).

Wednesday, March 4, 2009

Smoking and Female Health


This article shows the results of recent study about the effects of smoking on female health and it really gives you the motive to quite smoking if you didn't do that yet.

According to a recent study carried out by European researchers, female smoking is implicated with even more health hazards than was previously suspected. Norwegian scientists have revealed that smoking women have a higher incidence and earlier onset of heart disease in comparison with male smokers. The finding was published in the journal of the European Society of Cardiology.


Naturally, women suffer from cardiovascular disease less frequently than men, which can be explained by a heart-protective effect of the female hormone estrogen. However, due to estrogen-inhibiting qualities of nicotine, smoking females tend to secrete less of this beneficial hormone during their reproductive years. They are also likely to have an early menopause. These factors contribute to a documented vulnerability of female smokers to heart attacks and other cardiovascular problems. In addition, smoking women are likely to develop myocardial infarction a decade earlier than their non-smoking peers. In comparison, male smokers usually develop heart problems approximately six years earlier than non-smoking males.

In the study, researchers led by Dr. Morten Grundtvig examined health histories of almost 2,000 heart attack patients hospitalized in Lillehammer, Norway. The records showed that, at the average, non-smoking men suffered from their first heart attack at the age of 72, while non-smoking women had their first myocardial infarction at the age of 81. However, with smoking patients the situation was quite different: smoking men tended to have their first heart attack as early as at the age of 64, while smoking women – at the age of 66.

Italian cardiologist Silvia Priori says that women have to realize that they can suffer severe health consequences if they choose to smoke. Early heart attack is just one of them.

What smoking do to you ?you have to read it.


Well many have talked to you about this topic until maybe you are smothered and just continue smoking to tease them.My friend it is true smoking kills and it do that painfully .Today we will talk about the effects of your smoking on your social life and many other things that u may or may not know ,i hope you to read this article till the end and understand it well .

Smokers not only develop wrinkles and yellow teeth, they also lose bone density, which increases their risk of osteoporosis (pronounced: ahs-tee-o-puh-row-sus), a condition that causes older people to become bent over and their bones to break more easily. Smokers also tend to be less active than nonsmokers because smoking affects lung power.

Smoking can also cause fertility problems and can impact sexual health in both men and women. Girls who are on the pill or other hormone-based methods of birth control (like the patch or the ring) increase their risk of serious health problems, such as heart attacks, if they smoke.

The consequences of smoking may seem very far off, but long-term health problems aren't the only hazard of smoking. Nicotine and the other toxins in cigarettes, cigars, and pipes can affect a person's body quickly, which means that teen smokers experience many of these problems:

  • Bad skin. Because smoking restricts blood vessels, it can prevent oxygen and nutrients from getting to the skin — which is why smokers often appear pale and unhealthy. An Italian study also linked smoking to an increased risk of getting a type of skin rash called psoriasis.
  • Bad breath. Cigarettes leave smokers with a condition called halitosis, or persistent bad breath.
  • Bad-smelling clothes and hair. The smell of stale smoke tends to linger — not just on people's clothing, but on their hair, furniture, and cars. And it's often hard to get the smell of smoke out.
  • Reduced athletic performance. People who smoke usually can't compete with nonsmoking peers because the physical effects of smoking (like rapid heartbeat, decreased circulation, and shortness of breath) impair sports performance.
  • Greater risk of injury and slower healing time. Smoking affects the body's ability to produce collagen, so common sports injuries, such as damage to tendons and ligaments, will heal more slowly in smokers than nonsmokers.
  • Increased risk of illness. Studies show that smokers get more colds, flu, bronchitis, and pneumonia than nonsmokers. And people with certain health conditions, like asthma, become more sick if they smoke (and often if they're just around people who smoke). Because teens who smoke as a way to manage weight often light up instead of eating, their bodies lack the nutrients they need to grow, develop, and fight off illness properly.

Kicking Butts and Staying Smoke Free

All forms of tobacco — cigarettes, pipes, cigars, and smokeless tobacco — are hazardous. It doesn't help to substitute products that seem like they're better for you than regular cigarettes, such as filtered or low-tar cigarettes.

The only thing that really helps a person avoid the problems associated with smoking is staying smoke free. This isn't always easy, especially if everyone around you is smoking and offering you cigarettes. It may help to have your reasons for not smoking ready for times you may feel the pressure, such as "I just don't like it" or "I want to stay in shape for soccer" (or football, basketball, or other sport).

The good news for people who don't smoke or who want to quit is that studies show that the number of teens who smoke has dropped dramatically. Today, about 23% of high school students smoke.

If you do smoke and want to quit, you have lots of information and support available. Different approaches to quitting work for different people. For some, quitting cold turkey is best. Others find that a slower approach is the way to go. Some people find that it helps to go to a support group especially for teens. These are sometimes sponsored by local hospitals or organizations like the American Cancer Society. The Internet offers a number of good resources to help people quit smoking.

When quitting, it can be helpful to realize that the first few days are the hardest. So don’t give up. Some people find they have a few relapses before they manage to quit for good.

Staying smoke free will give you a whole lot more of everything — more energy, better performance, better looks, more money in your pocket, and, in the long run, more life to live!

Smoking ,the silent killer


If you ask your parents about smoking in the past ,you may be surprised to find out people could buy cigarettes and smoke pretty much anywhere even in hospitals!!!!!!!!!! Ads for cigarettes were all over the place but the most strange is that some doctors were promoting smoking!!!!!!!!
Today we are more aware about the hazards of smoking but still many can't quit and so consumed by smoking to the degree it can kill them but still they can't stop.

Almost everyone knows that smoking causes cancer, emphysema, and heart disease; that it can shorten your life by 10 years or more; and that the habit can cost a smoker thousands of dollars a year. So how come people are still lighting up? The answer, in a word, is addiction.

Once You Start, It's Hard to Stop

Smoking is a hard habit to break because tobacco contains nicotine, which is highly addictive. Like heroin or other addictive drugs, the body and mind quickly become so used to the nicotine in cigarettes that a person needs to have it just to feel normal.

People start smoking for a variety of different reasons. Some think it looks cool. Others start because their family members or friends smoke. Statistics show that about 9 out of 10 tobacco users start before they're 18 years old. Most adults who started smoking in their teens never expected to become addicted. That's why people say it's just so much easier to not start smoking at all.

How Smoking Affects Your Health

There are no physical reasons to start smoking. The body doesn't need tobacco the way it needs food, water, sleep, and exercise. In fact, many of the chemicals in cigarettes, like nicotine and cyanide, are actually poisons that can kill in high enough doses.

The body is smart. It goes on the defense when it's being poisoned. For this reason, many people find it takes several tries to get started smoking: First-time smokers often feel pain or burning in the throat and lungs, and some people feel sick or even throw up the first few times they try tobacco.


The consequences of this poisoning happen gradually. Over the long term, smoking leads people to develop health problems like heart disease, stroke, emphysema (breakdown of lung tissue), and many types of cancer — including lung, throat, stomach, and bladder cancer. People who smoke also have an increased risk of infections like bronchitis and pneumonia.

These diseases limit a person's ability to be normally active, and they can be fatal. Each time a smoker lights up, that single cigarette takes about 5 to 20 minutes off the person's life.

Asthma and smoking ,why you should stop?


We not live in a perfect world and one of the most bad habits that we see ,smell and complain of is smoking.you may cough, wheeze, and feel short of breath while u smoke because smoke irritates the airways, causing them to become swollen, narrow, and filled with sticky mucus which are the same things that happen during an asthma flare-up.
So what is the relations between smoking and asthma ,let's find out.

If You Smoke

You may have started smoking because all your friends do or because you grew up in a house where lots of people smoked. Some people try smoking because they are curious or bored. No matter why you started, if you're thinking about quitting, it would probably help your asthma.

Smoking can undo the effect of any controller medicine you're taking. It also can force you to use your rescue medicine more often. It can also disturb your sleep by making you cough more at night and can affect how well you perform in sports or other physical activities. Worst of all, it can send you to the emergency department with a severe asthma flare-up.

If you decide to quit smoking, you don't have to go it alone. Seek the support of others who are also trying to quit. You also might ask your doctor about medication or different strategies that can help you crave cigarettes less.

If Other People Smoke

Even if you don't smoke, you may still run into smoky situations in restaurants, parties, or even at home if one of your family members smokes. Secondhand smoke is a known asthma trigger, so you'll want to avoid it as much as possible if you have asthma.

If you hang out with smokers or have a family member who smokes in the house, you are likely to have more frequent and severe asthma symptoms. You may have to take more medicine and your asthma may be harder to control. Finally, you may find yourself at the doctor's office or emergency department more often because of asthma symptoms.

There's not much you can do about other people's behavior, but you should let your friends and family know that what they are doing is making your asthma worse. Ask them not to smoke in your house or car. It's your air, after all.

How to Deal With your Asthma?


Asthma is very common these days than it used to be years ago for many reasons we talked about them in previous article.There is also a good news which it is more easy control and treat asthma these days.
you're probably used to seeing people take a break from sports to use an inhaler or take a moment after school to test their airflow with a peak flow meter. But even though asthma is a part of so many people's daily lives, there are times when they can feel annoyed or frustrated at having asthma — just as they get annoyed or frustrated by anything else.

Different people have different reactions to the ways that asthma affects their lives. For example, some worry that they might have to avoid all physical activities — even those approved by their doctors — and miss out on fun. Others go to the opposite extreme, denying they have asthma at all and maybe forgetting or refusing to take the medications that can control it. Still others find that asthma is a convenient excuse to get out of chores or gym class.

Taking Action

If you have asthma and don't want it to have control over you, take control first.

The best tool for controlling asthma is something your doctor gives you called an asthma action plan. Following all the steps described in an action plan allows people with asthma to enjoy daily activities just like everyone else.

Your asthma action plan offers you the best protection against potentially dangerous (not to mention embarrassing) episodes — such as having an asthma attack at a party where people are smoking.

Unfortunately, people may not always stick with their plan for lots of different reasons. Maybe they forget to take medications. Perhaps they don't completely understand why they're supposed to take certain steps or medications. A few might feel embarrassed about checking their airflow or using an inhaler in front of others. And some may mistakenly think they don't need medicine after they start feeling better — putting them at risk for potentially dangerous flare-ups.

Here are some simple steps that can help you get around these common problems:
  • Understand your plan. Ask your doctor to explain why each medication and step of the plan is important. You'll feel more in control if you understand exactly what's going on and what will happen if you follow (or don't follow) your plan. Check in with your doctor often and go over the plan, explaining where you may have had trouble with it and why.
  • Use asthma management tools. Even if you're feeling absolutely fine, don't abandon tools like daily controller medicines and peak flow meters if they're a part of your treatment plan. Although it can be tempting to skip recommended daily meds and rely only on occasional rescue medicines, this usually doesn't work.
  • Set up a schedule. It can be easy to slip up and forget to take a medication — but this is less likely to happen if you follow the steps on your action plan at the same time every day. Make your medicine part of your daily routine, like brushing your teeth.
  • Don't smoke. Cigarette smoke is a common cause of asthma aggravation in teens. Talk to your parent or a doctor about how to quit if you smoke. If your friends smoke, don't stand nearby when they light up because secondhand smoke is a common trigger of asthma attacks. If someone in your family smokes, talk with him or her about quitting.
  • Control your environment. Environmental triggers, such as dust mites and pet dander, can be hazardous if you have asthma. If you have pets, keep Fido or Fluffy out of your room. Also, try to keep your room dust free by cleaning it regularly, and talk to your doctor about using special mattress and pillow covers.
  • Find a sport or activity that works for you. Some sports, such as swimming and baseball, are less likely to trigger asthma flare-ups. Other sports may be more challenging for people with asthma, like endurance or cold-weather sports. Many athletes have found that with proper training and medication, they can participate in any sport they choose. Sports can boost your mood — a great help for those times when you may feel frustrated about having asthma.

Using a management plan to deal with asthma is good for more than your health. Getting used to following an asthma action plan can give you the discipline to stick with a plan and succeed in other areas of life as well.

Depression part 2


For the reader to understand depression better we will make an example jeane recently felt like herself.Her friends have noticed it, too.They were surprised when Lindsay turned down their invitation to go to the mall last Saturday.. There was really no reason not to go, but jeane just didn't feel like it. Instead, she spent most of Saturday sleeping.Jeane feels tired all the time but has difficulty falling asleep. She's gained weight too. When her mother asks her what's wrong,she didn't know what is really wrong with her.For an external observer she is depressed, jeane may not realize it yet, but it is true.

How Is Depression Different From Regular Sadness?

Everyone has some ups and downs, and sadness is a natural emotion. The normal stresses of life can lead anyone to feel sad every once in a while. Things like an argument with a friend, a breakup, doing poorly on a test, not being chosen for a team, or a best friend moving out of town can lead to feelings of sadness, hurt, disappointment, or grief. These reactions are usually brief and go away with a little time and care.

Depression is more than occasionally feeling blue, sad, or down in the dumps, though. Depression is a strong mood involving sadness, discouragement, despair, or hopelessness that lasts for weeks, months, or even longer. It interferes with a person's ability to participate in normal activities.

Depression affects a person's thoughts, outlook, and behavior as well as mood. In addition to a depressed mood, a person with depression can also feel tired, irritable, and notice changes in appetite.

When someone has depression, it can cloud everything. The world looks bleak and the person's thoughts reflect that hopelessness and helplessness. People with depression tend to have negative and self-critical thoughts. Sometimes, despite their true value, people with depression can feel worthless and unlovable.

Because of feelings of sadness and low energy, people with depression may pull away from those around them or from activities they once enjoyed. This usually makes them feel more lonely and isolated, making the depression and negative thinking worse.

Depression can be mild or severe. At its worst, depression can create such feelings of despair that a person thinks about suicide.

Depression can cause physical symptoms, too. Some people have an upset stomach, loss of appetite, weight gain or loss, headaches, and sleeping problems when they're depressed.

Getting Help

Depression is one of the most common emotional problems in the United States and around the world. The good news is that it's also one of the most treatable conditions. Therapists and other professionals can help. In fact, about 80% of people who get help for their depression have a better quality of life — they feel better and enjoy themselves in a way that they weren't able to before.

Treatment for depression can include talk therapy, medication, or a combination of both.

Talk therapy with a mental health professional is very effective in treating depression. Therapy sessions can help people understand more about why they feel depressed, and ways to combat it.

Sometimes, doctors prescribe medicine for a person who has depression. When prescribing medicine, a doctor will carefully monitor patients to make sure they get the right dose. The doctor will adjust the dose as necessary. It can take a few weeks before the person feels the medicine working. Because every person's brain is different, what works well for one person might not be good for another.

Everyone can benefit from mood-boosting activities like exercise, yoga, dance, journaling, or art. It can also help to keep busy no matter how tired you feel.

People who are depressed shouldn't wait and hope it will go away on its own because depression can be effectively treated. Friends or others need to step in if someone seems severely depressed and isn't getting help.

Many people find that it helps to open up to parents or other adults they trust. Simply saying, "I've been feeling really down lately and I think I'm depressed," can be a good way to begin the discussion. Ask your parent to arrange an appointment with a therapist. If a parent or family member can't help, turn to your school counselor, best friend, or a helpline to get help.

When Depression Is Severe

People who are extremely depressed and who may be thinking about hurting themselves or about suicide need help as soon as possible. When depression is this severe, it is a very real medical emergency, and an adult must be notified. Most communities have suicide hotlines where people can get guidance and support in an emergency.

Although it's important to be supportive, trying to cheer up a friend or reasoning with him or her probably won't work to help depression or suicidal feelings go away. Depression can be so strong that it outweighs a person's ability to respond to reason. Even if your friend has asked you to promise not to tell, severe depression is a situation where telling can save a life. The most important thing a depressed person can do is to get help. If you or a friend feels unsafe or out of control, get help now. Tell a trusted adult, call 911, or go to the emergency room.

Depression doesn't mean a person is "crazy." Depression (and the suffering that goes with it) is a real and recognized medical problem. Just as things can go wrong in all other organs of the body, things can go wrong in the most important organ of all: the brain. Luckily, most teens who get help for their depression go on to enjoy life and feel better about themselves.

Depression



Depression affects as many as 1 in 8 people in their teen years so it is very common and it affects people of every color, race, economic status, or age.Recent studies also show that it affects more girls than boys.

How Do People Respond to Someone Who's Depressed?

Sometimes friends or family members recognize that someone is depressed. They may respond with love, kindness, or support, hoping that the sadness will soon pass. They may offer to listen if the person wants to talk. If the depressed feeling doesn't pass with a little time, friends or loved ones may encourage the person to get help from a doctor, therapist, or counselor.

But not everyone recognizes depression when it happens to someone they know.

Some people don't really understand about depression. For example, they may react to a depressed person's low energy with criticism, yelling at the person for acting lazy or not trying harder. Some people mistakenly believe that depression is just an attitude or a mood that a person can shake off. It's not that easy.

Sometimes even people who are depressed don't take their condition seriously enough. Some people feel that they are weak in some way because they are depressed. This is wrong — and it can even be harmful if it causes people to hide their depression and avoid getting help.

Occasionally, when depression causes physical symptoms (things like headaches or other stress-related problems), a person may see a doctor. Once in a while, even a well-meaning doctor may not realize a person is depressed, and just treat the physical symptoms.

Why Do People Get Depressed?

There is no single cause for depression. Many factors play a role including genetics, environment, life events, medical conditions, and the way people react to things that happen in their lives.

Genetics

Research shows that depression runs in families and that some people inherit genes that make it more likely for them to get depressed. Not everyone who has the genetic makeup for depression gets depressed, though. And many people who have no family history of depression have the condition. So although genes are one factor, they aren't the single cause of depression.

Life Events

The death of a family member, friend, or pet can go beyond normal grief and sometimes lead to depression. Other difficult life events, such as when parents divorce, separate, or remarry, can trigger depression. Even events like moving or changing schools can be emotionally challenging enough that a person becomes depressed.

Family and Social Environment

For some teens, a negative, stressful, or unhappy family atmosphere can affect their self-esteem and lead to depression. This can also include high-stress living situations such as poverty; homelessness; and violence in the family, relationships, or community.

Substance use and abuse also can cause chemical changes in the brain that affect mood — alcohol and some drugs are known to have depressant effects. The negative social and personal consequences of substance abuse also can lead to severe unhappiness and depression.

Medical Conditions

Certain medical conditions can affect hormone balance and therefore have an effect on mood. Some conditions, such as hypothyroidism, are known to cause a depressed mood in some people. When these medical conditions are diagnosed and treated by a doctor, the depression usually disappears.

For some teens, undiagnosed learning disabilities might block school success, hormonal changes might affect mood, or physical illness might present challenges or setbacks.

What Happens in the Brain When Someone Is Depressed?

Depression involves the brain's delicate chemistry — specifically, it involves chemicals called neurotransmitters. These chemicals help send messages between nerve cells in the brain. Certain neurotransmitters regulate mood, and if they run low, people can become depressed, anxious, and stressed. Stress also can affect the balance of neurotransmitters and lead to depression.

Sometimes, a person may experience depression without being able to point to any particular sad or stressful event. People who have a genetic predisposition to depression may be more prone to the imbalance of neurotransmitter activity that is part of depression.

Medications that doctors use to treat depression work by helping to restore the proper balance of neurotransmitters.

Types of Depression

For some people, depression can be intense and occur in bouts that last for weeks at a time. For others, depression can be less severe but can linger at a low level for years.

Doctors who treat depression distinguish between these two types of depression. They call the more severe, short-lasting type major depression, and the longer-lasting but less severe form dysthymia (pronounced: diss-thy-me-uh).

A third form of depression that doctors may diagnose is called adjustment disorder with depressed mood. This diagnosis refers to a depressive reaction to a specific life event (such as a death, divorce, or other loss), when adjusting to the loss takes longer than the normally expected timeframe or is more severe than expected and interferes with the person's daily activities.

Bipolar disorder (also sometimes called manic depressive illness) is another depressive condition that involves periods of major depression mixed with periods of mania. Mania is the term for abnormally high mood and extreme bursts of unusual activity or energy.

What Are the Symptoms of Depression?

Symptoms that people have when they're depressed can include:

  • depressed mood or sadness most of the time (for what may seem like no reason)
  • lack of energy and feeling tired all the time
  • inability to enjoy things that used to bring pleasure
  • withdrawal from friends and family
  • irritability, anger, or anxiety
  • inability to concentrate
  • significant weight loss or gain
  • significant change in sleep patterns (inability to fall asleep, stay asleep, or get up in the morning)
  • feelings of guilt or worthlessness
  • aches and pains (with no known medical cause)
  • pessimism and indifference (not caring about anything in the present or future)
  • thoughts of death or suicide

When someone has five or more of these symptoms most of the time for 2 weeks or longer, that person is probably depressed.

Teens who are depressed may show other warning signs or symptoms, such as lack of interest or motivation, poor concentration, and low mental energy caused by depression. They also might have increased problems at school because of skipped classes.

Some teens with depression have other problems, too, and these can intensify feelings of worthlessness or inner pain. For example, people who cut themselves or who have eating disorders may have unrecognized depression that needs attention.