BREAST CANCER

 

 

 

 

Breast cancer (malignant breast neoplasm) is cancer originating from breast tissue, most commonly from the inner lining of milk ducts or the lobules that supply the ducts with milk. Cancers originating from ducts are known as ductal carcinomas; those originating from lobules are known as lobular carcinomas.

Prognosis and survival rate varies greatly depending on cancer type and staging. Computerized models are available to predict survival. With best treatment and dependent on staging, 10-year disease-free survival varies from 98% to 10%. Treatment includes surgery, drugs (hormonal therapy and chemotherapy), and radiation.

Worldwide, breast cancer comprises 10.4% of all cancer incidence among women, making it the most common type of non-skin cancer in women and the fifth most common cause of cancer death. In 2004, breast cancer caused 519,000 deaths worldwide (7% of cancer deaths; almost 1% of all deaths). Breast cancer is about 100 times more common in women than in men, although males tend to have poorer outcomes due to delays in diagnosis.

Some breast cancers are sensitive to hormones such as estrogen and/or progesterone which makes it possible to treat them by blocking the effects of these hormones in the target tissues. These have better prognosis and require less aggressive treatment than hormone negative cancers.

Breast cancers without hormone receptors, or which have spread to the lymph nodes in the armpits, or which express certain genetic characteristics, are higher-risk, and are treated more aggressively. One standard regimen, popular in the U.S., is cyclophosphamide plus doxorubicin (Adriamycin), known as CA; these drugs damage DNA in the cancer, but also in fast-growing normal cells where they cause serious side effects. Sometimes a taxane drug, such as docetaxel, is added, and the regime is then known as CAT; taxane attacks the microtubules in cancer cells. An equivalent treatment, popular in Europe, is cyclophosphamide, methotrexate, and fluorouracil (CMF). Monoclonal antibodies, such as trastuzumab (Herceptin), are used for cancer cells that have HER2/neu overexpressed. Radiation is usually added to the surgical bed to control cancer cells that were missed by the surgery, which usually extends survival, although radiation exposure to the heart may cause damage and heart failure in the following years.

For more information you can check at the follow url http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Breast_cancer

Fungal Skin Infections

Fungal skin infections can be unpleasant, but with the right treatment they usually clear up fairly easily. Sadly, some of us are prone to get them again and again, without really knowing why.

Doctors say that some people are just more likely to get fungal skin infections, like some people are more likely to pick up a nasty cold, or be susceptible to allergies. In fact, the tendency for adults to get recurring fungal skin infections on the feet and toenails is actually genetically programmed. That's because the skin cannot get rid of it easily because it doesn't recognise the invading fungus as something foreign.

The good news is that there are things you can do to prevent a recurrence of fungal skin infections, and help keep those incidents at bay. While there is no guarantee that you'll never get a fungal skin infection again, you can reduce the likelihood of this happening by taking the right precautions...

Types of Fungal Skin Infections:

Affecting the skin, hair and nails, fungal skin infections will result in scaly patches of skin or flaky, yellowed nails. They are caused by fungi that are attracted to moist warm environments, and often are confused with other skin conditions such as eczema and dermatitis.

There are several types of fungal skin conditions, know medically as "tinea". Some types of tineas run in families. Here are the most common types:

• Tinea Paedia (athlete's foot): Affecting only humans, this infection rarely is seen amongst children. It occurs as the foot is a warm, often sweaty area in which fungus love to thrive. Wearing sweaty socks and plastic shoes that do not allow your feet to breathe will contribute to this condition.
• Tinea Unguiuim (nail fungus): Hard to get rid of, this usually affects the toenails and is common amongst people who also have athlete's foot. The nail eventually will turn yellow and break off. Rarely are fingernails affected.
• Tinea Cruis (jock itch): More common in men than women, this gets its name from athletes who often have sweaty groin areas, where fungi are likely to congregate. More common among men who also have athlete's foot, it produces a red border in the groin area that is itchy and unpleasant.
• Tinea Corporis (ringworm): Not really a worm at all, this infection can be anywhere on the skin, forming a ring. It can be spread through human-to-human contact and you can also catch it from an infected dog or cat.
• Tinea Capitis (scalp ringworm): This can result in patches of hair loss which will eventually grow back, although with a kerion, or inflammatory scalp tinea, you may need special medications to prevent permanent hair loss.

Preventing Recurrence of Infections

As mentioned, fungi thrive in hot, moist environments, which is another reason they spread so quickly and easily from one person to another. Sharing combs, towels and flip flops is one way to spread a fungal infection.

Luckily, there are ways to get rid of fungal skin infections fairly easily, usually by using a special anti-fungal shampoo or cream, or taking a medication designed to eradicate the problem.

You can help stop the little critters from coming back by:

• Having proper foot hygiene, including washing your feet daily and making sure they are completely dry before putting on footwear of any kind.
• Wearing only breathable shoes (not plastic) and 100 per cent cotton socks.
• Wearing flip flops (or the equivalent) in public places such as locker rooms and public showers, where the environment is moist and humid.
• Wearing only loose-fitting cotton underpants if you are prone to jock itch or yeast infections of any kind.
• Not lounging around in wet swimming costumes.
• Washing all bed linen regularly to get rid of any fungal spores, and washing all linen and any clothes that have touched the head in a hot wash if anyone in your family has scalp ringworm.

Fungal skin infections are not the end of the world but they can make life miserable for a time. Know what they are and take steps to prevent those little fungi from flourishing.

For more info, please visit http://www.skinhelp.co.uk/hard-skin.html

ALEXANDER TECHNIQUE

 F.M. Alexander (right) giving John Dewey an Alexander Technique

The Alexander technique is a training process in which a person learns to identify and change faulty posture and movements. The goal is to free the body of muscular tensions that cause stress and fatigue by eliminating common postural problems resulting from such habits as slouching, holding the head in an awkward position when talking on the telephone or carrying a heavy bag on one shoulder.

A number of poor posture patterns are the result of well-intentioned reminders by parents or teachers to stand or sit up straight. Many people respond by holding their spinal muscles in a constant state of tension instead of aiming for a relaxed balance of head, neck and torso. Tight or restrictive clothing and high heeled shoes are other common culprits that contribute to incorrect posture and muscle tension.

Origins

The technique was developed in the late 19^th century by an Australian actor, F. Mathias Alexander, during a period in his career when he was losing his voice. While examining his movements in a triple mirror, he realized that the tense and artificial postures he habitually assumed with his head, neck and torso during performances were affecting his vocal chords. By changing his self-defeating habits, he was able to ‘liberate’ his voice.

Encouraged by his success, he began to teach others some of his methods and in 1908, he published on of his earliest pamphlets: ‘Re-education of the Kinesthetic System (Sensory Appreciation of Muscular Movement) Concerned with the Development of Robust Physical Well-Being.’ In the decades that followed, he attracted many distinguished followers, among them philosopher John Dewey, authors George Bernard Shaw and Aldous Huxley, as well as a number of physicians and scientists. By the time he died in 1955, his technique was being taught worldwide.

Practitioners

Instructors are trained and certified at centers affiliated with the North American Society Of Teachers of the Alexander Technique. They may give private lessons and also conduct group classes and workshops.

Some doctors and physical therapists use the method and many hospitals, rehabilitation centers and pain clinics now offer instruction to their clients. So do performing arts institutions, including the Juilliard School in New York and the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Arts.

When it is used

The technique is most frequently recommended as a way of dealing with back and neck pain. It is also used to counteract some of the effects of scoliosis (curvature of the spine) and arthritis, to improve respiratory function and as an adjunct to breathing exercises for asthma patients.

Some performing artists claim that it has helped them to overcome stage fright; many athletes have found that it not only enhances their skills but also helps reduce the likelihood of sports injuries. A growing number of people who work at computers are investigating the Alexander technique as a way of avoiding stress injuries from repetitive movements, which have become a disabling occupational hazard.

How it works

The Alexander technique is based on the assumption that the body can move freely and naturally only when the head, neck and torso are properly aligned. This requires awareness of faulty muscular movements and correction of them.

What to expect

Teaching sessions usually last from 30 to 45 minutes. Their number is determined by the severity of the problem and how quickly the person learns to correct it. Typically, 10 to 15 classes are sufficient to address most problems.

Alexander technique is extraordinarily helpful

During one of the first lessons, the student may be told to lie on a padded table while the instructor discusses ways in which the body parts relate to each other. The goal is to help the person achieve a natural rest position that can be practiced at home. Then the student’s body  is observed as she/he goes about ordinary tasks – rising from a chair, speaking on the telephone, carrying a pile of books, lifting a heavy carton from the floor. During each of these exercises, the instructor uses a hands-on approach to explore the neck and shoulders of the student for signs of muscle tension. At the same time, the instructor points out faulty movements so that they can be corrected. Critical assessment of posture and movement is often made in front of a mirror so that the client can see the difference between bad habits and better ones.

Precautions

> Ascertain that a teacher of the Alexander technique has the proper training and certification.

> Find out about payment arrangements before committing yourself to a series of lessons.