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health

Breast Change and Breast Cancer: a Women?s Health Issue

May 31, 2010 – 6:41 pm

There is a wide incidence of women in the Western world who experience breast changes that are a direct consequence of their menstrual cycle and it is believed that as high as 70 percent of women are so afflicted. These women may find their breasts have become very uncomfortable due to their becoming tender, swollen or lumpy. This is one of the many women’s health issues that need to be studied and understood if one is to be able to treat the ailment and provide much needed succor to the patients. It is important to find an explanation for the condition and know which natural and medical treatments are available for this women’s health issue.

Breast Health: The Facts

Broadly speaking, women’s health issues can be categorized into several important concerns, of which include: breast problems, cystitis, endometriosis, fibroids, heavy periods, hysterectomy, irregular periods, menopause, miscarriage, no periods, osteoporosis, ovarian cysts, PMS, polycystic ovary syndrome, pregnancy, prolapse, thrush and vaginal infections. Women also face problems such as weight control and infertility.

In the case of breast cancer, one can safely say that it is widely prevalent in women living in the United States. This means that such an important women’s health issue needs to be better understood and this involves knowing the stage of the disease, new diagnostic methods versus recurrence, the woman’s age as well as prior treatments. Mostly, different women would respond to the crisis of having breast cancer in different ways but what is most important is for them to know and obtain as much information as possible so that they are better educated about the disease.

It is important that this women’s health issue be taken notice of, and a study of the risk factors involved with contracting breast cancer needs to be undertaken as some factors may have stronger links to breast cancer than others. These important risk factors are: gender, age, personal history of breast cancer, family history of cancer, high breast tissue density, breast hyperplasia, long term estrogen exposure, menopausal hormone replacement therapy, not having children or having first child after age 30, exposure to radiation, Ashkenazi Jewish heritage, genetics as well as diet, environment, and smoking. There is no denying the fact that breast cancer is an important women’s health issue for which no amount of research and development can be said to be enough.

Roland Parris Jefferson III is an online researcher based out of Los Angeles, California. For free tips, resources and expert advice on Women’s Health, please visit our Womens Health Issue Resource.

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health

Hypothyroidism – an Explanation

January 23, 2010 – 7:50 pm

Hypothyroidism is a condition in which the thyroid is not making enough thyroid hormone. The thyroid is a butterfly shaped gland located in the front of the throat. The thyroid is important because it makes a hormone that affects the way the body uses energy. Therefore, having hypothyroidism makes you feel overly tired and depressed. It can cause weakness. It can also raise cholesterol levels. While this may sound very serious, it is important to remember that hypothyroidism is easily diagnosed and treated. The worst part about hypothyroidism is the symptoms.

Symptoms of hypothyroidism also include memory problems, dry skin, a yellowing of the skin. Many people with hypothyroidism have trouble dealing with cold temperatures. Some people also exhibit symptoms such as a slowness in movement and slight weight gain. Another symptom that may appear is an enlargement in the front of the throat. Sometimes it can take years for any of these symptoms to appear. If you are concerned that you may have hypothyroidism, it is best to get tested.

Your doctor will do a thorough exam including an extensive medical history. If your doctor believes that you have hypothyroidism he or she will perform a simple blood test. Sometimes a thyroid ultrasound may be performed as well. An ultrasound is usually only used if an enlargement of the throat is found during a physical exam.

It is especially important for children and pregnant women to be checked for hypothyroidism. Doctors are required to test newborns because hypothyroidism can cause retardation in infants. Doctors also recommend screening on a regular basis for people over 35. It is also important to get tested if you have a close relative with hypothyroidism.
Other people who should get tested are those with diabetes or arthritis. Women who show signs of postpartum depression should also get tested as hypothyroidism may be a partial cause. Remember it is best to ask your doctor about getting tested if you fall into any of the above categories or if you exhibit any of the symptoms of hypothyroidism.

If you are diagnosed with hypothyroidism, treatment is also simple. Hypothyroidism is treated with medication, a synthetic hormone that mimics the one that the thyroid is supposed to produce. Many people improve after a few weeks of taking medication. However, some people may have to take medication for longer periods of time. The elderly and those with immune disorders may have to take medication indefinitely. Other people that may have to continue taking hypothyroidism medication are those undergoing chemotherapy or radiation treatment.

Remember, hypothyroidism is not a death sentence. It is an easily treatable condition. It is important that you talk to your doctor if you believe that you have hypothyroidism. Only your doctor can diagnose and treat you. Most people go on to live happy, normal lives after being diagnosed with hypothyroidism. Some are completely cured after a short period of time on the medication. Some people will have to take medication for the rest of their lives but the medication as minimal side effects so their quality of life should remain great.

At hypothyroidism diet you can learn more about hypothyroidism and its causes, cures, symptoms and what is the optimal thyroid diet. Go to: http://hypothyroidismdiet.net/Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/hypothyroidism-an-explanation-1771805.html

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health

Explanation Of The Foot – Part Two

December 14, 2009 – 4:12 pm

Our modern habit of confining our feet into the prisons of our shoes may be partly responsible for some of the problems we face. Our feet have evolved to manage the changing levels and types of surfaces as the toes grip the ground and reinforce the arches. With the universal use of shoes almost all of the time we have given our feet a much reduced role and they do not have to be able to manage the ground surface, being given a smooth firm plastic or leather one instead. The small intrinsic foot muscles weaken and lose function as they are deprived of their natural job, reducing the foot’s effectiveness.

The arches of the foot and the function of the toes alter as the intrinsic muscles of the foot weaken as the toes lose the ability to hold themselves straight when gripping the surface. Due to this they start to bend or claw, and as this progresses the muscles which extend the toes can shorten in sympathy, drawing the toes up in a flexed position. This takes the pads of the toes away from any possible contact with the ground, obliging them to take force on the tips perhaps. Overall the foot becomes less functional and the arches decrease in height.

The main arch along the inside of the foot can suffer a loss of strength and height, sometimes brought on by the inward rolling of the foot in gait, causing a stretch to the ligaments underneath the joints of the arch. Stretch of these tissues over some time can produce aching and pain in the foot arch on standing and walking. The transverse foot arch, the less obvious arch across the front of the foot, can collapse down as the small muscles weaken, leading to the bodyweight being applied to the underside of the second metatarsal head.

Having less padding under it, the second metatarsal is less equipped to manage the weight in standing, and people often feel like they are standing on a pebble under the ball of the foot. Hard skin areas known as calluses can develop over this area and are an indication that weight is being taken under the head. High heeled shoes can worsen this condition as the toes are typically crowded together as they are unable to push off in this position and the raised heel area moves the body weight forward over the forefoot.

Another abnormality which might develop is a bunion, an enlarged and often unsightly joint between the big toe and the first metatarsal. This can be something which is familial to some degree as many patients report their relatives are similar to them. As the joint enlarges it can become painful and the big toe deviates gradually towards the outside. Along with the loss of the strength of the foot arches this turns the foot from a dynamic movement tool to a static platform which is difficult and often painful to use.

The relationship between the big toe joint and the first metatarsal is not the whole determinant of a bunion problem, as the first metatarsal is typically angled towards the inside and this makes the abnormality worse. Orthopaedic surgeons can approach these problems with a number of operations with differing goals, the first metatarsal osteotomy being a common intervention to restore the natural alignment between it and the big toe. Day case surgery has taken over from overnight admission or longer in cases where the patient can learn to mobilise quickly either weight bearing on the heel or hopping and if the pain can be well controlled.

Physiotherapists who specialise in the area of foot assessment and subsequent treatment manage many of the less severe foot disorders due to abnormal foot postures. This needs specific training in the assessment and the use of the large variety of pre-formed insoles, typically called orthotics, to correct the postures of the hind foot or to give support to the arches of the foot. Exercises are often prescribed at the same time to attempt to restore strength and function in the intrinsic muscles which maintain the foot arches.

Jonathan Blood Smyth is the Superintendent of Physiotherapists at an NHS hospital in the South-West of the UK. He writes articles about back pain, neck pain, and injury management. If you are looking for physiotherapists in London visit his website.

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/explanation-of-the-foot-part-two-1579695.html

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