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The Benefits of Natural Colon-Cleansing Foods

Colon cleansing is often a question of what is in your daily diet. Specifically, what kinds of food you are regularly eating and what foods you are skipping.

Colon cleansing methods

There are three main ways that you can cleanse your colon:

1. The first method involves a change in your diet, to literally “eat your way” to a healthier and cleaner colon.

2. The second method involves the use of chemicals to induce frequent elimination of feces. Synthetic and organic laxatives fall into this particular category.

3. The third method involves the use of manual douches or computerized hydrotherapy machines to draw out waste from the colon.

While laxatives and hydrotherapy are viable options, the first method is effective as well. For people who do not have enough time to go to salons or colonic clinics, a change in diet will work just as well.

The changes in your daily diet will involve both the addition of certain food types and the elimination of some bad ones.

Dangers of an un-cleansed colon

In many instances, colons that have remained impacted with waste through the decades are more prone to cancer and polyps.

Physiological maladies are also connected to toxic colons that have remained acidic for decades. Colon cleansing restores the balance in the human colon and allows for probiotic diets and supplements to work more efficiently when introduced to the digestive tract.

Bowel movement is also subdued when the colon has problems. Blockages are common. While most of these blockages are benign or are simply due to indigestible material, they still inhibit normal elimination.

The steps to a healthier colon

1. The first step is to consume increased amounts of water. Water is absolutely vital to every body process. Digestion and distribution of nutrients are just two of the most important. Blood volume and skin suppleness are also dependent on the amount of water you consume.

2. If you can, consume only organic vegetables and fruits. These might be more expensive, but at least you are not consuming the chemical residues like fertilizers and herbicides.

3. Sugars and heavy animal fats should be eliminated altogether. Other healthier energy sources are widely available. Switch your corn chips with boiled potatoes and see the difference.

4. If you like cooking, use aromatic herbs. Aromatic herbs allow you to season minus the salt. Certain herbs help cleans the colon as well. Basil for example, has been known to help improve digestion. Parsley has a high vitamin C content, which improves blood circulation and protects the lungs too.

5. Unfortunately, alcoholic beverages and coffee products should be eliminated as well. This is in line with detoxifying the body and giving the liver some rest.

6. Animal products, both land-based and aquatic should be minimized if you are detoxifying for a particular period of time. For some reason the human body has to work extra hard to digest animal proteins.

A fruit monodiet would be a great way to give all your organs some much-deserved rest. But remember, it is harmful to eat just one type of fruit for more than three days.

Wong Darren is an online medical researcher and webmaster of Colon Cleanse. Visit site for more useful articles: “3 Benefits of Colon Cleansing” and “6 Tips to Overcome Colon Cleansing Side Effects“.

Checklist – 7 Steps to Stop Sugar Cravings

Everyone has a craving at one time or another for some type of food. While having a craving is not a bad thing, in and of itself, what it leads to can cause stress and strain on the body that leads to disease and illness. One such craving is that for sugar.

To many people, sugar seems rather harmless but further research will show that it is a dangerous substance that causes havoc on the body. Sugar is a major craving for many people. With that said, how does one stop a sugar craving so that it does not get out of hand?

1. Stevia - The main thing you can do is not use sugar. If you don’t enjoy unsweetened foods, add a touch of the sweet herb Stevia or agave nectar to cereal or drinks. These are both very good all natural substitutes for sugar and they taste good too.

2. Protein - Sometimes when your body craves sweets it is a cry for something else, like protein. So try increasing your protein intake. Keep in mind that this is not true for everyone so, if having a bit of tuna or other protein does not help, then you need to consider other options.

3. Processed Carbs - Avoid processed carbohydrates. Items like white bread, white pasta, and white rice which are quickly converted to blood sugar, disrupt the body’s metabolic balance and fat-control systems. Processed carbs tend to make the body want something sweet and keeps it hungry as well.

4. Wait 10 Minutes - When a craving hits, wait about 10 minutes. While you wait, do something else like take a walk, grab a magazine and read that article you have been meaning to read, make a phone call and jabber for a few moments; do anything but grab those sweets.

5. Eat Whole Foods - Eat more whole foods. Fruit and vegetables, legumes, nuts, and whole grains contain some naturally occurring sugars, but they also offer dietary fiber and important nutrients to help balance blood sugar.

6. Substitute Whole Fruits for Sweets - Substituting whole fruits for sweets really helps. The sugars in fruits are digested differently than the empty calories of white sugar that are in most sweet foods. The fiber in fruit also slows the absorption of the sugars so you don’t get as high a sugar rush followed by a low sugar crash.

7. Remove Temptations - Remove the temptations for your kitchen. Throw out all refined sugars, candies, cookies, pastries, artificial juices and anything that resembles sweets that are not whole and natural.

Sugar cravings are not good and in no way should one think that they are ok. However, you don’t have to beat yourself up if you are having a hard time getting rid of your craving.

Cravings are not easy to overcome. As with any addiction it is a process. However, if you want to rid your body and mind of any craving, it can be done. Your job is to take it one day, one step at a time and to just do it. Arm yourself with the knowledge you need and don’t just read it but apply it to your life as well.

Are cravings for sugar, salt, junk food, sodas, and coffee running your life? Are you tired and foggy-brained? Need more energy, more mental clarity, less cravings for sugar? Diana Walker, Sunrider Leader, Cravings Coach and CEO of Diana?s Healthy Lifestyleshttp://www.diana2.com provides natural, safe options for creating vibrant health. Free education at http://www.thecravingscoach.com

The Power Of 5! Anti Aging Health Drink!

The amount of antioxidants that you maintain in your body is directly proportional to how long you will live, quoted by Dr. Richard Cuttler, Former Director of the National Institute of Aging, Washington, D.C. USA . We are very sure that you would have, no you must have heard the buzz about this super anti-aging juice also known to some people as the Power of 5 Antioxidant Drink. This juice concentrates the power of the world’s top five antioxidant producing fruits in one product: Mangosteen, Noni, Acai Berry, Goji and Pomegranate. The combination of their juices leverages their synergic action in your body to the fullest, slowing your body’s cells’ aging process while preventing the occurance of terrible degenerative diseases.

This super anti-aging juice is an inviting, enticing and great tasting fruity juice blend that is ideal for the whole family! This power juice comes equipped with a number of healing properties and energizing benefits. Almost everyone who has ever tried the this product, whether they be distributors, importers, healthcare professionals and customers, everyone has classified it as the most powerful and best tasting juice ever! According to the latest information by health care experts and herbalists, this juice is the perfect solution for the common weight gaining issues, anti aging to fertility and sleep disorder problems.

Actually, there are 25 reasons to take this amazing fruit juice every day! And they are:

1) Decrease the levels of harmful free radicals, the cause of aging.

2) Keep your skin and hair healthy.

3) Fight funguses, virus and bacteria.

4) Increase your energy level.

5) Feel and look younger.

6) Prevent cancer.

7) Maintain a healthy blood pressure.

Control your blood’s sugar level.

9) Lose weight.

10) Sleep better.

11) Improve your vision.

12) Enhance your sex drive.

13) Improve your digestion.

14) Prevent gastritis, reflux and ulcers.

15) Maintain a normal cholesterol level.

16) Improve your memory.

17) Prevent diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.

18) Control inflammation and arthritis.

19) Prevent tumors.

20) Protect your kids’ health.

21) Keep your joints flexible and healthy.

22) Prevent respiratory conditions such as tuberculosis, bronchitis,

emphysema and asthma.

23) Improve your fertility.

24) Keep your liver healthy.

25) Maintain an overall state of good balance health.

But where does this so called power juice come from? Glad you asked, it comes from the 5 most powerful berries on earth:

1) Pomegranate - (Egypt & Asia). One of the oldest fruits known to man. Rich in vitamins A, B & C, potassium, phosphorous, magnesium, calcium, sodium and fiber.

2) Goji - (Himalayas - Tibet, Mongolia). Considered miraculous since ancient times. Rich in polysaccharides; with 18 amino acids, vitamins A, B, C & E, 21 minerals, proteins, fiber and Omega-3 and Omega-6 oils.

3) Acai Berry - (Amazon Brazil). Legendary fruit from the Amazon that contains 10 to 33 times more antioxidants than grapes used for red wine.

4) Noni - (Polynesian Islands, India). Used as a medicinal plant for thousands of years to cure different conditions. Contains polysaccharide-based nutrients, organic acids, vitamins and minerals.

5) Mangosteen - (Thailand). An Asian native that has caused a commotion with its splended flavor. Known as the ‘Queen of Fruits’, possesses high levels of xanthones.

This berries are a gift of nature that has been consumed for its overall health and fitness benefits. These berries are not a new product to mankind, however it is a new concept blending the most powerful 5 berries together yeilding super antioxidants and a delicious irristable fruity flavor! These berries are loaded with vitamins, proteins, minerals and recent studies and experiments have shown that this super anti-aging Juice contains an extraordinary high content of antioxidants, more than any other single berry and berry drink that we consume today.

The key organic ingredients in this juice is equipped with many health benefits and also contains various powerful antioxidants. This juice product also works as a mood booster. It lowers cholesterol levels in our blood. The organic fruit juice aids in neurological disorders. If you are worried because you have gained a lot of weight, then this amazing berry juice is a perfect option for you.

The dynamics of the berry juice is known to help in fighting various diseases and because this super anti-aging juice is a completely organic herbal product, naturally there are no side effects arising out of it. This means that the berry juice is not only safe but also healthy for the entire family…even pregnant women. Recommended consumption amount is 2 ounces in the morning and 2 ounces 1-3 times a day, preferably before or with meals. However, this is a general rule of thumb and not an exhaustive prescription.

To summerize, consuming nourishing supplements which contain antioxidants is the principal way to combat the harmful effects of contamination in the body. Eating a balanced diet of fruits and vegetables rich in antioxidants can have a positive impact on your future health. “There is NO short term solution for long term health.”

The author, D. Grace Pruitt is a successful distributor of the fruity and delicious Le’Vive Antioxidant Juice. Read more on related articles and buy delicious tasting Levive Juice at: http://www.LeVive-Juice.com Today!

5 Ways To Improve Menopause Symptoms And Memory Loss

While you may experience the misery of hot flashes and mood swings as you enter menopause, one thing you can’t blame on the “change” is memory loss.

In the latest study that exonerates menopause as a cause of impairing the ability to recall, Taiwanese researchers compared the memory of hundreds of women before they had any menopausal symptoms to their memory as they entered menopause.

They found the women who were going through the menopausal process scored as well or nearly as well on five different cognitive function tests. Results of the study are to be presented Oct. 4 at the American Neurological Association annual meeting in Toronto.

“When women go into perimenopause, they don’t need to worry about cognitive decline,” said Dr. Jong-Ling Fuh, an attending physician at Taipei Veterans General Hospital and an associate professor of Yang-Ming University School of Medicine.

The researchers said the myth of memory loss during menopause is a perception some women have because as they went through menopause, they felt their memory wasn’t as sharp as it had been before. Studies suggesting that hormone replacement therapy might protect against dementia strengthened that belief. However, a large study later found that in older women, hormone replacement therapy not only didn’t help protect women from dementia, but could actually increase the risk.

To try to answer the question of whether menopause did have any effect on memory, Fuh and her colleagues studied nearly 700 premenopausal women living on a group of rural islands between Taiwan and China. The Taiwanese government restricted access to these islands until the 1990s, so the authors report that the study’s population was nearly homogeneous, which would help rule out other potentially causative factors of memory loss.

The women were between the ages of 40 and 54. None of them had had a hysterectomy, and none took hormone replacement therapy during the study.

All took five cognitive tests designed to assess their memory and cognitive skills at the start of the study, and then again 18 months later.

During the study period, 23 percent of the women began to have symptoms of menopause.

The researchers then compared the memory of the women who had entered menopause to those who had not, and found very little difference. In four of the five tests, there were no statistically significant differences in the two groups of women.

Only on one test was the difference statistically significant, and that difference, said Fuh, was very slight. This test was designed to assess verbal memory and involved showing the women 70 nonsensical figures. Some of the figures were repeated during the test, while most were not. The women were asked whether they had seen the figure earlier.

“For women, menopause does not mean you’ll develop memory loss,” said Dr. Raina Ernstoff, an attending neurologist at William Beaumont Hospital in Royal Oak, Mich. As you’re going through perimenopause and experiencing symptoms like hot flashes, she said, you may feel lousy and have trouble sleeping, which might temporarily affect your cognitive skills.

“I don’t think declining estrogen levels are what causes memory loss,” said Dr. Steven Goldstein, an obstetrician/gynecologist at New York University Medical Center in New York City. “It’s not like your memory is bopping along, doing fine and then takes this big dive during menopause, like bone density can.”

Both Ernstoff and Goldstein said they weren’t aware of many women who believed that menopause might cause significant memory loss. They also both felt that results from this group of women who were so homogeneous might not apply to different groups of women, such as those living in more industrialized society. And they both said that other factors that weren’t studied could play a role in memory loss, such as hypertension, which can contribute to vascular dementia.

Ernstoff also pointed out that the education backgrounds can play a large role in memory loss. Fuh acknowledged the researchers did attempt to control the data for educational differences.

SOURCES: Jong-Ling Fuh, M.D., attending physician, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, and associate professor, Yang-Ming University School of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan; Steven Goldstein, M.D., obstetrician/gynecologist, New York University Medical Center, and professor, obstetrics/gynecology, New York University School of Medicine, New York City; Raina Ernstoff, M.D., attending neurologist, William Beaumont Hospital, Royal Oak, Mich., and member, Alzheimer’s Board of Detroit; Oct. 4, 2004, presentation, American Neurological Association, Toronto.

Click on link to fine out more http://www.menozac.com/?aid=416660

Learn More About System II Defend

The Skin System II Defend is one of the latest products on the market to help you have flawless skin. Using this system will help you look years younger and help you get rid of the wrinkles that have developed on your face due to the pollution in the environment and your age.

It is suited for all skin types and comes in a kit containing all the products you need to protect your face. Your face is the part of your body that takes the most exposure from the sun and the elements of the weather and therefore needs the best protection you can provide whether you use an acne care system (http://www.vfhcinc.com/products.html) or get a mini face lift.

There are four main components of the System II Defend homecare program. You can use these in conjunction with your regular cleansers. The four components of this program are:

• Serum 15 AOX +. This is specially formulated with 15% L-absorbic acid and ferulic acid, two main ingredients that will protect your skin from the damage caused by UV rays. It helps to stimulate collagen production in your skin to give it more elasticity and to prevent the signs of premature aging. This component provides your skin with antioxidants that the skin can quickly absorb so they start working right away.

• Hydrating B-5 Gel. This gel is enriched with Vitamin B5, which works to repair damaged skin. It also contains hyaluronic acid, a moisturizer that does occur naturally in the skin and helps the skin to bind to retain moisture, keeping it from drying out. It helps to replenish the natural moisture in the skin so that it will feel smooth.

• Daily Sun Defense SPF 20. This cream contains 5% transparent zinc oxide to give your face the daily protection it needs from the sun.

• Foaming Cleanser. This is a bonus that you receive when you buy the System II kit. It provides deep cleaning of your pores and removes excess oils that cause blackheads and pimples. This cleanser is perfect for removing makeup before you go to bed at night.

The price of the System II Defend (http://www.vfhcinc.com/aesthetic.html) ranges from $160 to $174 when you make your purchase online. Most retailers of this skin care product will provide free shipping. Check the cost of the shipping to see if it will add to the cost of your purchase before you buy. You do receive a bag to keep all the components together in your bathroom vanity or for packing in your suitcase when you travel.

If you are in any doubt about how System II Defend can help you get back and retain the youthful look of your skin, you only have to read user reviews online. However, this is one of the products that cannot be shipped internationally, which means you will have to find a seller in your own country. The sites do have secure ordering for your convenience so that you don’t have to worry about entering your credit card information online.

It is in your best interest to do everything possible to protect your face from the damage it endures every day from the environment. With this system you can feel confident that you are doing everything you can to give your skin the protection that it needs when you get dressed each morning.

Sarah Martin is a freelance marketing writer based out out of San Diego, CA. She specializes in aesthetic medicine, beauty treatments, and is in the beginning stages of creating her own acne care system. For more information about System II Defend, please visit http://www.vfhcinc.com/.

Why Would I Choose an Irish Ring When Aging?

With so many different types and styles of rings out there, you may be asking yourself why you would want to choose an Irish Ring above all of the other designs out there. Well, there is the fact that you might originally come from Ireland and will only buy jewelry that is specifically made in the Emerald Isle because you know the quality is top notch; and feel that you will not be able to get anything better anywhere else. Another reason that you might choose to buy an Irish Ring is that you are simply fascinated or captivated by the Claddagh or any of the other designs that are native to Ireland and really symbolize the Emerald Isles perfectly.

I would like to find an Irish Ring that has shamrocks

This is easy, as the most people equate the lovely little shamrock to the Emerald Isle automatically without thinking twice about it. Is it any wonder that people really want to find rings, key chains and anything else that has this beautiful little plant on or in it? There is a very beautiful Stainless Steel Titanium (combination) Sandblasted Shamrock Irish Ring that you can find that looks to be what you are asking about. This ring will appeal to the Lads as well as the Lasses with those little shamrocks all around the band. What makes this ring so beautiful is the sandblasting that was used in the manufacturing process to give the recessed part of the band something of a frosted or dulled look while the shamrocks themselves and the edges are shimmering.

I want a Claddagh ring without anything else in the design

This is not something that is that hard to find either as the Claddagh design is just as well known as coming exclusively from Ireland. There are many different sizes of this fascinating symbol of Friendship, Love and Loyalty out there that are not that hard to find in any jewelry store, catalog or website that specializes in jewelry. If you are looking for a Puffed Heart Claddagh Irish Ring you are in luck here, as there is just such a ring on this site that has the classic Claddagh design with the Heart in the center being slightly puffed out. This is available in sizes 4 through 10.

I am looking for a Birthstone Claddagh Irish Ring

I want to find a Birthstone Claddagh Irish Ring for myself to celebrate my birthday in Irish style and as a gift for someone very special to me; where can I find these? That is pretty easy to find as the Claddagh rings are also made with an Emerald that forms the Heart at the center of the design, as the Emerald is as much a symbol of the Emerald Isle as the Claddagh and the Shamrock are.

Miscellaneous Thoughts

Have you made up your mind yet about which Irish Ring you want now? It really is not surprising if you still have not made your choice yet.

Why Would I Choose An Irish Ring when aging? Because Irish Rings from http://www.irishindeed.com are only the finest quality, like the great Claddagh Ring.

3 Things to Know Before Buying Those Anti-aging Creams

One of the miracles of the scientific world is the power to turn back the clock for a moment in life with just the use of anti aging creams. Nature has also contributed its secrets of late; it is no longer reserved for those who sit about in animal skin loincloths in the wilds of Brazil. From bark, root, leaf and oils - even salt, these are just some of the ingredients that are being used to turn back the clock and return that youthful glow to the skin once again. The problem here is that of late, there has been an explosion of products all over the world, and cream of every colour has slapped itself on the market. Differentiating the good and the bad has never been so hard, so here are 3 things to know before buying those anti aging creams.

One, make sure that all the ingredients are spelt out in black and white at the back. Not literally colours-wise. There should be transparency in a cream you are going to apply to your skin. While some big named companies still use vague descriptions for certain ingredients, the basic chemical name and formula is still there - the process is the one that really makes them stand out. Compare these chemicals with your allergy list, or a list provided by your local FDA. Some companies, especially those that are using the internet as a platform come from countries where certain chemicals and plant extracts are being used - ones that may be banned from the country you are living in, usually for a very good reason. Always consult your doctor on your plans of purchasing an anti-aging cream, and try and do a skin sensitivity test as well. Also, you have to know what type of anti aging cream you are buying.

Some of them are used mainly as whitening agents and they cover the dark spots and blemishes that aging brings about. Others are purely moisturizers, which give you skin an added glow and prevent it from becoming dry and cracking. Other skin creams employ a variety of vitamins and compounds to wane away the fine lines and wrinkles that come with the territory of grey hair and back pains. As you can see, there is a multitude of uses for creams so you have to be sure of which is the one you want.

Of course there are “all-in-one solutions” but I prefer to use focused products for a focused problem. At the end of the day, I still feel that skin creams work best with a formula that works from the inside. Ingesting a lot of fruits and vegetables means that you will be able to get the vitamins and minerals needed to promote healthy skin. The ageless look that we are all going for is possible with a combination of the two - and if you follow these steps you will always be able to look younger then you really are. But if you really need the additional help from cosmetics, be sure to choose the right anti aging cream for you by following the abovementioned tips.

Click here to get free advice on how you can enhance the look of your skin. Ray A. Rubio is a skin care specialist providing advice on choosing the best anti aging creams for you. Visit http://www.BestAntiAgingSkinCreams.com for more details.

Side Effects of Chemotherapy

Many cancer patients receive chemotherapy treatment, which does; however, have serious side effects. Some information concerning these is set out below.

What is Chemotherapy?

In Chemotherapy, treatment is by means of chemicals, often called ‘anti-cancer drugs’, because they kill off cancer cells and prevent their growth, or at least slow it down.

Chemotherapy may involve a number of different drugs in combination, and may be given before or after surgery, or together with other forms of therapy.

The drugs affect the patient’s whole body, and sometimes have difficulty defining which cells are normal and which are cancer cells. The body’s cells, both normal and malignant, are dividing all the time; fast dividing cells are especially targeted by the drugs.

The side effects which may be caused by this process are as follows:

Nausea- This side effect is very common, and in worst cases can lead to vomiting. It can also lead to dehydration and constipation, as well as loss of appetite.

Hair Loss- Although this hair loss is not permanent, people do find it distressing because of the effect on their appearance. The cells in your hair follicles are amongst the body’s fastest dividing cells.

Fatigue- Most cancer patients report feeling tired and lacking energy. This feeling can last for any length of time from a few days to some months. It is caused by low blood count, sleep disturbance, appetite problems and pain.

Constipation and Diarrhea- Other body cells which are particularly fast growing are those in the lining of the intestines. Damage to these cells leads to diarrhea. Other causes may also be malnutrition, stress and anxiety, or effects of colon surgery. Accompanying the diarrhea may be pains in the stomach, nausea, appetite loss, bloating or irritation of the skin.

Muscles and Nerves- Sometimes the drugs cause muscles to be sore or weak, or feelings of numbness, pain, tingling, burning or weakness resulting from nerve problems. These issues can lead to difficulties with hearing, walking or balance, or pain in the stomach or jaw, as well as trembling.

Hypersensitivity or Allergic Reactions- The patient’s immune system may respond to the drugs by allergic reaction or hypersensitivity. The most severe allergic reaction may be anaphylaxis, which is life threatening. Other possible reactions include swollen tongue, lips or eyelids, rashes or redness, and diseases of the kidney or liver.

Skin Problems- As well as allergic rashes, the drugs may also cause itchy, cracked, dry or flaky skin.

Sores in the Mouth & Throat- The throat and mouth linings are irritated by the drugs and can develop sores, or ulcers. These can make eating or talking painful. The throat and gums themselves may also be tender and sore.

Bone Marrow- Bone marrow cells are also fast dividers, and hence readily attacked by chemotherapy drugs. Platelets, red and white blood cells are all produced in the bone marrow, and reduced production of these has a number of effects, as outlined below.

Anemia-The effects on the bone marrow result in a reduced red blood cell count, and hence the blood is less able to carry oxygen around the body. Resulting symptoms include tiredness, weakness, dizziness and shortness of breath.

Infection- This results from reduced white blood cell count, making the body vulnerable to viruses, bacteria, parasites and fungi. The intestines, lungs, mouth and throat, genital tract and sinuses are areas commonly affected.

Bleeding- Reduced platelet production means a likelihood of bleeding, since the blood’s ability to clot is diminished. The patient may notice bleeding for a long time after a cut, easily bruising, blood in the stools, bleeding gums or nose, headaches, vision disturbance, and so on.

Flu-like Symptoms -For a few hours following chemotherapy the patient may notice flu-like symptoms, including joint or muscle pains, chills and fever, nausea and headache.

Seomul Evans is a SEO Services consultant, Internet Marketing writer and contributor of Medical Remedies Articles.

Prostate Cancer: The Early Symptoms

In the early stages of prostate cancer there are often no symptoms, which means by the time a person detects the symptoms the disease has usually spread to other parts of the body, such as the bone or lymph glands. It is very important that you consult your doctor if you have any of the symptoms outlined in this article, to be sure you do not have prostate cancer.

Risk factors for developing prostate cancer are smoking, high alcohol consumption, family history, exposure to heavy metals, eating high amounts of saturated fats, and an inactive lifestyle. Some races, especially African American, are also prone to the disease, which is most common in men over the age of 70. Hence age is the major risk factor.

What is it?

The prostate is a gland found in men’s sexual organs. Men who have one or more of the above risk factors, especially age, family history and high fat diet, should be particularly careful to ensure that they have regular checks, especially because most people do not experience early symptoms of this disease.

Many of the earlier signs of prostate cancer are easily confused with other problems, such as pain in the upper leg or back, and urinary problems.

Symptoms of Prostate Cancer

There are other disorders of the prostate which can produce similar symptoms, therefore to confirm the presence of cancer, tests will need to be carried out. The usual symptoms, of prostate cancer, however, are as follows:-

• frequent urination

• difficulty when urinating (either holding it in, or starting)

• a painful, burning feeling when urinating

• weak or interrupted urine flow

• blood in urine or semen

• pain when ejaculating

• pain in the hips, pelvic region, lower back or thighs

If pain is experienced in areas other than the prostate area or groin, this could be a sign that the cancer has spread to nearby parts of the body. If the man experiences this symptom then the matter is very serious, and he needs to see his doctor straight away.

Although these symptoms may indicate a benign condition as well, you should still consult your doctor to have them checked out, and confirm whether you do or do not have cause to worry.

Treatment

If cancer is confirmed and is in its advanced stages, then the outlook is bad. Cancer can be removed by surgery, but this will just buy the patient more time. If cancer is detected sufficiently early, then treatment may extend his life or even remove the cancer altogether. Treatment options, which may be used together or alone, are as follows.

Surgery: The prostate and surrounding tissue are removed under a procedure known as radical prostatectomy. Sexual life does not have to cease, as surgery can allow sufficient nerve tissue to remain for erections to be possible.

Radiation: A beam of radiation is directed onto the prostate from outside the body. Alternatively, the doctor may use a needle to plant a radioactive seed in the prostate. Both of these can be undergone as outpatients.

Observation: If the patient is elderly or has other medical problems, then this is usually the approach. The patient is regularly examined by their doctor, who watches for any change. No action is taken unless obvious changes occur.

Which Treatment?

The treatments are usually discussed amongst the patient and family, the doctor or a number of doctors. Having weighed up the benefits, side effects and processes, the choice of treatment is made, according to what is generally felt to be best in each particular case.

Seomul Evans is a Internet Marketing Company consultant for a leading Free Content resources and contributor of Free Medical Articles.

Symptoms & Treatment of Teenage Depression

The best people to help teenagers who are depressed are the parents, even though this is a very difficult task for them. Below are some tips which will help you to be able to recognize the symptoms of teenage depression and know what to do.

It is natural for teenagers to suffer from moods, but not when these start to affect their daily lives. Chronic anxiety is a different thing from moodiness. It is not normal to panic over small problems. Teenagers may not communicate well with parents at this stage and therefore don’t tell them about their fears. This problem can lead to depression.

It is the parents who can help their teens through this time of change. It is better to support them through this than to cope with the pain of helping them recover their mental health.

Teenagers feel lots of pressure: parental pressure to do well at school, pressure of multiple activities, from school and so on. They also frequently don’t perform up to their own or others’ expectations and this leads to low self esteem.

Teenagers therefore need to be reassured that success takes time and practice, and it’s OK to fall short of expectations, because it’s all part of learning.

It will help to build up your teens’ self esteem if you show them respect and appreciation. Allow them to develop at their own pace and don’t place expectations on them which are too high. This includes family responsibilities.

Discuss relevant issues with your child, such as career choice, choices with regard to smoking, sex or drugs, friendship issues, peer pressure and so on. Clear boundaries are also important.

Ensure that you are available to discuss issues with your child even if you are tired. Do not intrude on their personal space, but be there if they need you. It is also important that you set good examples for your teens when it comes to matters such as dealing with stress and managing your own life. Allow your teen to feel free to discuss feelings with you, and listen patiently. Often all it takes to defeat depression is to have someone listen as you tell them about your emotions. As they talk be sure not to make fun of them or be aggressive towards them.

Teenagers suffering depression are often withdrawn, showing signs of sadness and shyness. Some, however, react to depression by displaying difficult behavior at school and at home, or their school grades or attendance may drop.

Other emotional signs of the depressed teen are showing hatred or anger towards their family. Sometimes they feel that nobody cares or understands, and this makes them want to withdraw from other people. It is important, therefore, that you show them that you are concerned and that you love them.

Self destructive behavior is also typical of depressed teenagers, who may talk about death and suicide. Parents need to take these signs seriously and seek help right away. Do not be afraid to discuss these notions of self harm with your child. Avoid sarcasm and criticism when you discuss issues with your teen, who may see these as signs of rejection.

Other symptoms of teenage depression include feeling worthless, difficulty becoming involved in fun activities, carelessness with regard to daily routine tasks, excessive worrying, difficulty concentrating and making decisions.

In order to treat the depression you need to know the cause. Watch what is happening and see what happens that could be the cause and which you can fix by yourself. Most causes of depression can be corrected within the family, before there is need for a psychiatrist.

The next step is psychotherapy or cognitive behavior therapy, and this can be quite daunting. Relaxation and meditation can also help. Teenagers may be happy confiding in a mentor or life coach. In severe cases anti-depressants may be necessary.

Seomul Evans is a SEO consultant with Dallas Search Engine Optimization Company and an Entrepreneur Blog contributor of Free Parenting articles.

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