A deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a blood clot (thrombus) that develops in a deep vein, usually in the leg. This can happen if the vein is damaged or if the flow of blood slows down or stops. Deep vein thrombosis can cause pain in the leg, and can lead to complications if it breaks off and travels in the bloodstream to the lungs.
IT IS now recognised that long periods of inactivity, combined with the cramped conditions and dehydration which can occur on long journeys, can cause a number of circulatory problems, ranging from swollen ankles and tired aching legs to more serious conditions such as deep vein thrombosis (DVT).
One in 20 people could be affected by flight-induced blood clots.
Contributing factors:
- Cramped conditions that many passengers may encounter during flights
- Low humidity
- Reduced cabin pressure
- Dehydration
Those at high-risk include:
- people with previous history of Venous Thrombosis (Blood Clots) and Pulmonary Embolism
- age above 40 (risk increases with age)
- pregnant women
- those who use oral contraceptives or hormone replacement therapy (HRT)
- those who had recent surgery or injury, especially to lower limbs/abdomen
- those with cancer and undergoing treatments, which can cause blood to clot more easily
- those with genetic blood clotting abnormalities (eg. Factor V Leiden)
Prevention is the best therapy
Helpful Tips:
- Don’t take sleeping pills
- Wear loose-fitting clothes
- Keep legs uncrossed
- Drink water regularly
- Avoid alcohol as much as possible
- Wear compression socks
Source: The Star...Travelling with DVT
Monday, October 24, 2005
8 steps to body beautiful
Your body can look and feel like a million bucks without going under the knife.
BOEY PING PING of The Star seeks out ways for you to try.
Body brushing
Brushing the skin...
Scrub me clean
Body scrubs help remove dead skin cells and flaky patches...
Soak your blues away
After a hard day’s work, a soak in the tub melts your worries away and sends your body into deep relaxation.
Soaps and suds
Notice how bathing gets you all refreshed and invigorated?
Fuzz busting
The best time to shave, wax or tweeze is after a shower when your skin and hair is soft and relaxed.
Smooth as butter
The best way to protect skin is to coat it with moisturisers and sunblock.
Boost your bust
It won’t take you from an A cup to a C cup but bust firming creams do help to increase elasticity and firmness, preventing your breasts from meeting your stomach.
Spot on
Your body needs just as much care and sun protection as your face.
And finally:
Mix your own milk bath
This recipe is said to leave your skin gently scented and feeling like silk.
Ingredients: l 3 cups powdered milk l 1/4 cup oatmeal l 1/4 cup dried orris root (it is the dried and ground root of a Dalmatian iris and has a soft violet scent; can be found in pharmacies/herbalists’)
l 1/3 cup almond meal
l 1 capsule vitamin E (break open into dry ingredients)
l 1/3 cup cornstarch
Directions:
This makes enough for a few baths. Combine ingredients, make sure they are completely mixed. Store in a container. When you are ready to add it to your bath, scoop the desired amount of the mixture and tie securely in a muslin bag or even a facecloth will do. Tie to the faucet allowing the warm water to run over and through the bag.
* To make almond meal:
Using a blender, grind up blanched or slivered almonds to a powdered consistency. (Almond meal can be found in shops retailing baking ingredients.)
(source: pioneerthinking.com)
Article source: The Star...8 steps to body beautiful
BOEY PING PING of The Star seeks out ways for you to try.
Body brushing
Brushing the skin...
Scrub me clean
Body scrubs help remove dead skin cells and flaky patches...
Soak your blues away
After a hard day’s work, a soak in the tub melts your worries away and sends your body into deep relaxation.
Soaps and suds
Notice how bathing gets you all refreshed and invigorated?
Fuzz busting
The best time to shave, wax or tweeze is after a shower when your skin and hair is soft and relaxed.
Smooth as butter
The best way to protect skin is to coat it with moisturisers and sunblock.
Boost your bust
It won’t take you from an A cup to a C cup but bust firming creams do help to increase elasticity and firmness, preventing your breasts from meeting your stomach.
Spot on
Your body needs just as much care and sun protection as your face.
And finally:
Mix your own milk bath
This recipe is said to leave your skin gently scented and feeling like silk.
Ingredients: l 3 cups powdered milk l 1/4 cup oatmeal l 1/4 cup dried orris root (it is the dried and ground root of a Dalmatian iris and has a soft violet scent; can be found in pharmacies/herbalists’)
l 1/3 cup almond meal
l 1 capsule vitamin E (break open into dry ingredients)
l 1/3 cup cornstarch
Directions:
This makes enough for a few baths. Combine ingredients, make sure they are completely mixed. Store in a container. When you are ready to add it to your bath, scoop the desired amount of the mixture and tie securely in a muslin bag or even a facecloth will do. Tie to the faucet allowing the warm water to run over and through the bag.
* To make almond meal:
Using a blender, grind up blanched or slivered almonds to a powdered consistency. (Almond meal can be found in shops retailing baking ingredients.)
(source: pioneerthinking.com)
Article source: The Star...8 steps to body beautiful
Cheaper cancer treatment
PM out to slash costs for cancer treatment
KUALA LUMPUR: Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi intends to perpetuate the work done by his late wife for cancer victims and has made it his personal mission to seek cheaper treatment for Malaysian patients.
The Prime Minister said that medicines for cancer treatment were now very expensive.
”The cost of cancer treatment is very high and I know the medicines are really expensive. It is my intention to make cancer treatment affordable to all.
“This should be our aim and this is what I want to work towards,” he told Parliament yesterday after Deputy Prime Mnister Datuk Seri Najib Razak tabled a motion to convey the MPs' condolences to the family of Datin Paduka Seri Endon Mahmood who died on Thursday.
‘The cost of cancer treatment is very high and I know the medicines are really expensive. It is my intention to make cancer treatment affordable to all' - Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi
Abdullah said that when Endon, who suffered from breast cancer, was undergoing treatment overseas, she told him of her immense pain.
“Her illness really weakened her. But the lesson, I believe, is that there is already a stronger feeling among everyone on the need to overcome cancer.
“This can be through education and prevention, or having more treatments and types of medicine, which we hope, can be cheaper and more reasonably priced.”
Before she died, Endon had told him to ensure the completion of several projects she had started.
“God willing, I, together with o ur children, will help to ensure the success of the projects,” he added, while appealing to those involved in the projects to continue them as they were for the people's welfare.
“Endon was a loving, generous person who always wanted to help others,” he said.
He conveyed Endon's gratitude to those who had supported and helped her to carry out her charity works.
Among them were her Bakti colleagues, in particular her deputy Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor, non-governmental organisations, ministers, officers and everyone else who had worked with her on her cancer awareness project and other projects promoting batik, songket, and family values.
“She could not thank them herself because she was ill. So, allow me to thank them all on her behalf. She really appreciated everyone's help and even when she was sick, she always spoke about this.”
Abdullah related how Endon was unable to complete several projects because of her illness but added that she was touched by the support she received from people.
“I believe that Endon would have also really appreciated it if I thank as well as seek forgiveness from those whom she could have hurt in any way.”
Earlier, Abdullah said he was deeply touched by the initiative to table the motion to convey the condolences in Parliament.
Source: The Star
KUALA LUMPUR: Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi intends to perpetuate the work done by his late wife for cancer victims and has made it his personal mission to seek cheaper treatment for Malaysian patients.
The Prime Minister said that medicines for cancer treatment were now very expensive.
”The cost of cancer treatment is very high and I know the medicines are really expensive. It is my intention to make cancer treatment affordable to all.
“This should be our aim and this is what I want to work towards,” he told Parliament yesterday after Deputy Prime Mnister Datuk Seri Najib Razak tabled a motion to convey the MPs' condolences to the family of Datin Paduka Seri Endon Mahmood who died on Thursday.
‘The cost of cancer treatment is very high and I know the medicines are really expensive. It is my intention to make cancer treatment affordable to all' - Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi
Abdullah said that when Endon, who suffered from breast cancer, was undergoing treatment overseas, she told him of her immense pain.
“Her illness really weakened her. But the lesson, I believe, is that there is already a stronger feeling among everyone on the need to overcome cancer.
“This can be through education and prevention, or having more treatments and types of medicine, which we hope, can be cheaper and more reasonably priced.”
Before she died, Endon had told him to ensure the completion of several projects she had started.
“God willing, I, together with o ur children, will help to ensure the success of the projects,” he added, while appealing to those involved in the projects to continue them as they were for the people's welfare.
“Endon was a loving, generous person who always wanted to help others,” he said.
He conveyed Endon's gratitude to those who had supported and helped her to carry out her charity works.
Among them were her Bakti colleagues, in particular her deputy Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor, non-governmental organisations, ministers, officers and everyone else who had worked with her on her cancer awareness project and other projects promoting batik, songket, and family values.
“She could not thank them herself because she was ill. So, allow me to thank them all on her behalf. She really appreciated everyone's help and even when she was sick, she always spoke about this.”
Abdullah related how Endon was unable to complete several projects because of her illness but added that she was touched by the support she received from people.
“I believe that Endon would have also really appreciated it if I thank as well as seek forgiveness from those whom she could have hurt in any way.”
Earlier, Abdullah said he was deeply touched by the initiative to table the motion to convey the condolences in Parliament.
Source: The Star
Sunday, October 23, 2005
Treasures of qigong
BY DR AMIR FARID ISAHAK
The Star
THERE are many benefits of practising qigong, and some of the claims may sound incredulous to sceptics. But for those who diligently practise this ancient art, the benefits are real.
Kay (not her real name) was going through a difficult time in her life three years ago. She was suffering from depression, headaches, insomnia, indigestion, constipation and joint pains. As if all these were not enough, she was also suffering from pelvic pains due to endometriosis.
Read full article: Treasures of qigong...The Star
The Star
THERE are many benefits of practising qigong, and some of the claims may sound incredulous to sceptics. But for those who diligently practise this ancient art, the benefits are real.
Kay (not her real name) was going through a difficult time in her life three years ago. She was suffering from depression, headaches, insomnia, indigestion, constipation and joint pains. As if all these were not enough, she was also suffering from pelvic pains due to endometriosis.
Read full article: Treasures of qigong...The Star
Differentiating colds, flu and lung infections
A very enlightening article from Dr YLM of The Star.
By DR YLIM
WITH the avian flu and what not, I’m not sure I can tell the difference between having a common cold and a flu. Aren’t they one and the same? Should I panic if I get either one?
You shouldn’t panic, not in any circumstances. No, the common cold and the flu are not one and the same. People often confuse them, calling a cold the “flu” and vice versa. Colds are generally considered minor while a flu is more severe.
There are similarities between the common cold and the flu:
They are both caused by viruses
They are both infections of the upper respiratory tract, namely the nose and throat
They are both highly infectious and contagious
Even doctors sometimes can’t tell the difference between them. So when you present with similar symptoms, they will write the diagnosis as “URTI”, which means upper respiratory tract infection.
What are the differences between them?
Read more...Differentiating colds, flu and lung infections...The Star
By DR YLIM
WITH the avian flu and what not, I’m not sure I can tell the difference between having a common cold and a flu. Aren’t they one and the same? Should I panic if I get either one?
You shouldn’t panic, not in any circumstances. No, the common cold and the flu are not one and the same. People often confuse them, calling a cold the “flu” and vice versa. Colds are generally considered minor while a flu is more severe.
There are similarities between the common cold and the flu:
They are both caused by viruses
They are both infections of the upper respiratory tract, namely the nose and throat
They are both highly infectious and contagious
Even doctors sometimes can’t tell the difference between them. So when you present with similar symptoms, they will write the diagnosis as “URTI”, which means upper respiratory tract infection.
What are the differences between them?
Read more...Differentiating colds, flu and lung infections...The Star
Saturday, October 15, 2005
The wonder fruit - the banana
Because of their impressive potassium content, bananas are highly recommended by doctors for patients whose potassium is low. One large banana, about 9 inches in length, packs 602 mg of potassium and only carries 140 calories. That same large banana even has 2 grams of protein and 4 grams of fiber. No wonder the banana was considered an important food to boost the health of malnourished children! Those reducing sodium in their diets can't go wrong with a banana with its mere 2 mgs of sodium. For the carbohydrate counters there are 36 grams of carbs in a large banana.
Vitamins and minerals are abundant in the banana, offering 123 I.U. of vitamin A for the large size. A full range of B vitamins are present with .07 mg of Thiamine, .15 mg of Riboflavin, .82 mg Niacin, .88 mg vitamin B6, and 29 mcg of Folic Acid. There are even 13.8 mg of vitamin C. On the mineral scale Calcium counts in at 9.2 mg, Magnesium 44.1 mg, with trace amounts of iron and zinc.
Putting all of the nutritional figures together clearly shows the banana is among the healthiest of fruits. The plantain, when cooked, rates slightly higher on the nutritional scale in vitamins and minerals but similar to the banana in protein and fiber content.
Source: banana.com
More information on the goodness of the banana:
The real source of the following insightful is unknown so if you do know the source, please email me so that credit can be duly given.
Never, put your banana in the refrigerator!!!
This is interesting. After reading this, you'll never look at a banana in the same way again.
Bananas contain three natural sugars - sucrose, fructose and glucose combined with fiber. A banana gives an instant, sustained and substantial boost of energy. Research has proven that just two bananas provide enough energy for a strenuous 90-minute workout. No wonder the banana is the number one fruit with the world's leading athletes.
But energy isn't the only way a banana can help us keep fit. It can also help overcome or prevent a substantial number of illnesses and conditions, making it a must to add to our daily diet.
Depression: According to a recent survey undertaken by MIND amongst people suffering from depression, many felt much better after eating a banana. This is because bananas contain tryptophan, a type of protein that the body converts into serotonin, known to make you relax, improve your mood and generally make you feel happier.
PMS: Forget the pills - eat a banana. The vitamin B6 it contains re gulates blood glucose levels, which can affect your mood.
Anemia: High in iron, bananas can stimulate the production of hemog lobin in the blood and so helps in cases of anemia.
Blood Pressure: This unique tropical fruit is extremely high in pot assium yet low in salt, making it perfect to beat blood pressure. So much so, the US Food and Drug Administration has just allowed the banana industry to make official claims for the fruit's ability to reduce the risk of blood pressure and stroke.
Brain Power: 200 students at a Twickenham (Middlesex) school were h elped through their exams this year by eating bananas at breakfast, break, and lunch in a bid to boost their brain power. Research has shown that the potassium-packed fruit can assist learning by making pupils more alert.
Constipation: High in fiber, including bananas in the diet can help restore normal bowel action, helping to overcome the problem without resorting to laxatives.
Hangovers: One of the quickest ways of curing a hangover is to make a banana milkshake, sweetened with honey. The banana calms the stomach and, with the help of the honey, builds up depleted blood sugar levels, while the milk soothes and re-hydrates your system.
Heartburn: Bananas have a natural antacid effect in the body, so if you suffer from heartburn, try eating a banana for soothing relief.
Morning Sickness: Snacking on bananas between meals helps to keep b lood sugar levels up and avoid morning sickness.
Mosquito bites: Before reaching for the insect bite cream, try rubbing the affected area with the inside of a banana skin. Many people find it amazingly successful at reducing swelling and irritation.
Nerves: Bananas are high in B vitamins that help calm the nervous system.
Overweight and at work? Studies at the Institute of Psychology in A ustria found pressure at work leads to gorging on comfort food like chocolate and crisps. Looking at 5,000 hospital patients, researchers found the most obese were more likely to be in high-pressure jobs. The report concluded that, to avoid panic-induced food cravings, we need to control our blood sugar levels by snacking on high carbohydrate foods every two hours to keep levels steady.
Ulcers: The banana is used as the dietary food against intestinal d isorders because of its soft texture and smoothness. It is the only raw fruit that can be eaten without distress in over-chronicler cases. It also neutralizes over-acidity and reduces irritation by coating the lining of the stomach.
Temperature control: Many other cultures see bananas as a "cooling" fruit that can lower both the physical and emotional temperature of expectant mothers. In Thailand, for example, pregnant women eat bananas to ensure their baby is born with a cool temperature.
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD): Bananas can help SAD sufferers b ecause they contain the natural mood enhancer tryptophan.
Smoking: Bananas can also help people trying to give up smoking. The B6, B12 they contain, as well as the potassium and magnesium found in them, help the body recover from the effects of nicotine withdrawal.
Stress: Potassium is a vital mineral, which helps normalize the heartbeat, sends oxygen to the brain and regulates your body's water balance. When we are stressed, our metabolic rate rises, thereby reducing our potassium levels. These can be rebalanced with the help of a high-potassium banana snack.
Strokes: According to research in "The New England Journal of Medic ine, "eating bananas as part of a regular diet can cut the risk of death by strokes by as much as 40%!
Warts: Those keen on natural alternatives swear that if you want to kill off a wart, take a piece of banana skin and place it on the wart, with the yellow side out. Carefully hold the skin in place with a plaster or surgical tape!
So, a banana really is a natural remedy for many ills. When you compare it to an apple, it has four times the protein, twice the carbohydrate, three times the phosphorus, five times the vitamin A and iron, and twice the other vitamins and minerals. It is also rich in potassium and is one of the best value foods around. So maybe its time to change that well-known phrase so that we say, "A banana a day keeps the doctor away!"
PASS IT ON TO YOUR FRIENDS
PS: Bananas must be the reason monkeys are so happy all the time! I will add one here; want a quick shine on our shoes?? Take the INSIDE of the banana skin, and rub directly on the shoe...polish with dry cloth. Amazing fruit.
Monday, October 10, 2005
Fad diets don't work
Fad diets don't work or do they? Let's hear what a member of the British Medical Research Council has to say. Excerpts are from an article from the Sunday Mail.
Who would you like to look like, Ms Zellweger, Ms Kidman, Ms Cattrall or Ms Bullock? Find out their secret.
ATKINS DIET
THEORY: Cut down on carbohydrates and fill up on red meat, cheese and cream.
CLAIMS: Lose weight while "eating luxuriously" and never be fat again.
CELEBRITY FAN: Renee Zellweger.
SOUTH BEACH DIET
THEORY: Stock up on lean meat, fish, shellfish, salads, fruit and wholegrains.
CLAIMS: A healthy heart and weight loss without exercise.
CELEBRITY FAN: Nicole Kidman
GI DIET
THEORY: Eat slow-burning wholegrain carbohydrates and avoid white bread, potatoes, cakes and biscuits.
CLAIMS: Permanent weight loss without going hungry.
CELEBRITY FAN: Kim Cattrall.
ZONE DIET
THEORY: Get 40 per cent of your calories from carbohydrates, 30 per cent from protein and 30 per cent from fat and take fish oil supplements.
CLAIMS: Keeps fat down by controlling insulin levels.
CELEBRITY FAN: Sandra Bullock
Now we know why they look so gorgeous!
Sunday, October 9, 2005
Living with the disorder
A PATIENT'S reaction to a diagnosis of lymphoma is similar to that of any cancer – shock, disbelief, anger, disappointment, fear, resentment. It is important for the doctor to give patients the reassurance that lymphoma is very treatable and a diagnosis of lymphoma does not mean a death sentence.
Patients with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma can often enjoy relatively long periods of time in which they have few, if any, symptoms (for example, if they have indolent disease or are in remission after having treatment). During these times, many patients find that they are able to live normal or near-normal lives.
Many patients with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma wonder about what changes may be needed to their lifestyle as a result of their condition or its treatment. Any changes that are needed will vary from person to person, since everyone's experience of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma is different.
While it is impossible to generalise for all patients, those with indolent non-Hodgkin's lymphoma often have relatively minor symptoms over long periods of time, sometimes leading to a “watch and wait” approach, to be used until treatment becomes necessary. In comparison, patients with aggressive forms of the disease usually need treatment straight away, although the chances of a cure are higher.
The most important thing for patients, and their family and carers, is to maintain a positive attitude. The doctor and nurse will work with the patient to ensure that they have the most appropriate and best treatment possible, and family, friends and support groups can be a valuable source of information, reassurance and support
A healthy diet, adequate exercise and adequate rest are all important. Patients are also advised to avoid alcohol during treatment.
Some of the treatments for non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, both chemotherapy and radiotherapy, can affect the body's immune system and increase the risk of infection. This effect is temporary and during these periods, it might be wise for patients to avoid exposure to large crowds and contact with people who obviously have an illness.
Coping with stress
Despite the fact that many patients with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma will have a lengthy period of remission or may even be cured, people often feel a sense of indignity and that they have lost control over their lives. In addition, patients are often nervous about the impact of the side effects of treatment on their wellbeing and their ability to live a normal life.
Every patient will approach a diagnosis of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and its treatment in their own way. It may also be helpful to take along a family member, partner or friend to hospital visits, not only to provide support but also to help remember information that is given out and prompt any questions that the patient may have.
Many patients try to reduce feelings of stress by trying to keep their life as normal as possible after being diagnosed with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. Relaxation techniques can also be of great benefit to patients, as they can be performed in almost any situation and allow people to feel a sense of control over their feelings.
One of the most common questions that patients have when they are diagnosed with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma is how the treatment will affect their ability to have children. Chemotherapy and radiotherapy can cause, in women, menstrual periods to become irregular or stop and, in men, the sperm count to decline.
Although this may be temporary, infertility may be permanent with some treatments. It is therefore important to talk to the lymphoma team about this before treatment begins.
Source: The Star
Patients with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma can often enjoy relatively long periods of time in which they have few, if any, symptoms (for example, if they have indolent disease or are in remission after having treatment). During these times, many patients find that they are able to live normal or near-normal lives.
Many patients with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma wonder about what changes may be needed to their lifestyle as a result of their condition or its treatment. Any changes that are needed will vary from person to person, since everyone's experience of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma is different.
While it is impossible to generalise for all patients, those with indolent non-Hodgkin's lymphoma often have relatively minor symptoms over long periods of time, sometimes leading to a “watch and wait” approach, to be used until treatment becomes necessary. In comparison, patients with aggressive forms of the disease usually need treatment straight away, although the chances of a cure are higher.
The most important thing for patients, and their family and carers, is to maintain a positive attitude. The doctor and nurse will work with the patient to ensure that they have the most appropriate and best treatment possible, and family, friends and support groups can be a valuable source of information, reassurance and support
A healthy diet, adequate exercise and adequate rest are all important. Patients are also advised to avoid alcohol during treatment.
Some of the treatments for non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, both chemotherapy and radiotherapy, can affect the body's immune system and increase the risk of infection. This effect is temporary and during these periods, it might be wise for patients to avoid exposure to large crowds and contact with people who obviously have an illness.
Coping with stress
Despite the fact that many patients with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma will have a lengthy period of remission or may even be cured, people often feel a sense of indignity and that they have lost control over their lives. In addition, patients are often nervous about the impact of the side effects of treatment on their wellbeing and their ability to live a normal life.
Every patient will approach a diagnosis of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and its treatment in their own way. It may also be helpful to take along a family member, partner or friend to hospital visits, not only to provide support but also to help remember information that is given out and prompt any questions that the patient may have.
Many patients try to reduce feelings of stress by trying to keep their life as normal as possible after being diagnosed with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. Relaxation techniques can also be of great benefit to patients, as they can be performed in almost any situation and allow people to feel a sense of control over their feelings.
One of the most common questions that patients have when they are diagnosed with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma is how the treatment will affect their ability to have children. Chemotherapy and radiotherapy can cause, in women, menstrual periods to become irregular or stop and, in men, the sperm count to decline.
Although this may be temporary, infertility may be permanent with some treatments. It is therefore important to talk to the lymphoma team about this before treatment begins.
Source: The Star
Causes of lymphoma
The exact cause of lymphoma remains unknown. However, some forms of lymphoma are more likely to develop in people who have taken drugs to prevent rejection of an organ following a transplant or who have reduced immunity, for example people with HIV or AIDS.
It is thought that certain chemicals in insecticides and wood preserving materials may cause lymphoma.
According to Dr Goh, most patients are very concerned if there is good treatment available for their lymphoma. “Patients must be reassured that NHL is a very treatable, and sometimes curable, condition. It is very important to give patients hope because there is hope!
“Many patients with lymphoma respond well to treatment and remain in remission for many, many years,” she assures.
She advises individuals to not ignore painless swellings – get medical advise immediately! With the latest advances in medicine, lymphoma is a very treatable condition.
Understanding lymphoma
Source: The Star
It is thought that certain chemicals in insecticides and wood preserving materials may cause lymphoma.
According to Dr Goh, most patients are very concerned if there is good treatment available for their lymphoma. “Patients must be reassured that NHL is a very treatable, and sometimes curable, condition. It is very important to give patients hope because there is hope!
“Many patients with lymphoma respond well to treatment and remain in remission for many, many years,” she assures.
She advises individuals to not ignore painless swellings – get medical advise immediately! With the latest advances in medicine, lymphoma is a very treatable condition.
Understanding lymphoma
Source: The Star
Diagnosis of lymphoma
According to Dr Goh, there are two main methods of diagnosis: fine needle aspirate (FNA) and excision via surgical removal.
“Any patient who is suspected to have lymphoma should be referred to a haematologist for further treatment.
“Further investigations will involve x-rays and CT scans to evaluate the extent of disease spread and to get a good image of other nodes which are not palpable,” says Dr Goh.
Disease awareness is a significant factor in encouraging patients to seek medical advise.
“Correct diagnosis is important to ensure optimal management and treatment. More importantly, early diagnosis is important and has a bearing on prognosis and treatment outcomes.
Causes of lymphoma
Source: The Star
“Any patient who is suspected to have lymphoma should be referred to a haematologist for further treatment.
“Further investigations will involve x-rays and CT scans to evaluate the extent of disease spread and to get a good image of other nodes which are not palpable,” says Dr Goh.
Disease awareness is a significant factor in encouraging patients to seek medical advise.
“Correct diagnosis is important to ensure optimal management and treatment. More importantly, early diagnosis is important and has a bearing on prognosis and treatment outcomes.
Causes of lymphoma
Source: The Star
Types of lymphoma
There are many different sub-types of lymphoma, which are divided into two main types: Hodgkin’s lymphoma (Hodgkin’s disease) and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.
Hodgkin’s lymphoma is rare form of lymphoma that is characterised by a particular abnormal tumour cell – Reed Sternberg cells – not present in other forms of lymphoma.
Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL) is essentially any lymphoma that is not Hodgkin’s lymphoma NHL is the most common cancer of the lymphatic system and it occurs mainly in adults, with a peak incidence between 45 and 60 years old.
Approximately 286,000 people worldwide are diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma each year (58% are male and 42% are female). Approximately 161,000 people die of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma each year.
There are more than 30 different subtypes of non-Hodgkin lymphoma, which are generally classified into two groups, depending on the rate at which the tumour is growing – Indolent (low-grade) and aggressive (intermediate/high grade).
Indolent (low grade)
Here, tumour cells divide and multiply slowly. They often cause no symptoms at first, and so often go undetected for some time. Even after diagnosis, many do not need immediate treatment, sometimes for months or years.
Treatment, when needed, is usually effective at making them shrink and even disappear, giving a disease-free period, or “remission”, to the patient. However, they often relapse, or “recur”, and more treatment will then be needed. Patients may live many years with the disease, yet standard treatment cannot cure the disease in its advanced stages.
Aggressive (intermediate/high grade)
Tumour cells divide and multiply rapidly in the body and, if left untreated, can be fatal within six months to two years. They are more likely to cause symptoms than the indolent type, and they usually need treatment straight away.
Although the name “aggressive” sounds very frightening, these lymphomas often respond very well to treatment. Unlike indolent NHL, treatment of aggressive NHL can lead to patients being cured. They are, in fact, more likely to be completely cured than indolent non-Hodgkin’s lymphomas.
Most lymphomas diagnosed in Malaysia are non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL, 80% to 90%) with a small number of Hodgkin’s disease (10-20%), notes Dr Goh.
“There are two main types of NHL – aggressive NHL and indolent NHL. Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma is the most common sub-type of aggressive NHL. There is a slight predominance in males, and these occur mainly in the 40-60 age group, even though children may develop lymphoma.
“Hodgkin’s disease is found mainly in female patients and mainly in the 20-30 age group.
“Lymphoma is a very peculiar disease as it can appear anywhere in the body – brain, eye, chest, spine, stomach, thigh,” observes Dr Goh.
The typical patient is a 40-year-old male with swelling in the neck or armpit, and usually not very sick.
Diagnosis of lymphoma
Source: The Star
Hodgkin’s lymphoma is rare form of lymphoma that is characterised by a particular abnormal tumour cell – Reed Sternberg cells – not present in other forms of lymphoma.
Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL) is essentially any lymphoma that is not Hodgkin’s lymphoma NHL is the most common cancer of the lymphatic system and it occurs mainly in adults, with a peak incidence between 45 and 60 years old.
Approximately 286,000 people worldwide are diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma each year (58% are male and 42% are female). Approximately 161,000 people die of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma each year.
There are more than 30 different subtypes of non-Hodgkin lymphoma, which are generally classified into two groups, depending on the rate at which the tumour is growing – Indolent (low-grade) and aggressive (intermediate/high grade).
Indolent (low grade)
Here, tumour cells divide and multiply slowly. They often cause no symptoms at first, and so often go undetected for some time. Even after diagnosis, many do not need immediate treatment, sometimes for months or years.
Treatment, when needed, is usually effective at making them shrink and even disappear, giving a disease-free period, or “remission”, to the patient. However, they often relapse, or “recur”, and more treatment will then be needed. Patients may live many years with the disease, yet standard treatment cannot cure the disease in its advanced stages.
Aggressive (intermediate/high grade)
Tumour cells divide and multiply rapidly in the body and, if left untreated, can be fatal within six months to two years. They are more likely to cause symptoms than the indolent type, and they usually need treatment straight away.
Although the name “aggressive” sounds very frightening, these lymphomas often respond very well to treatment. Unlike indolent NHL, treatment of aggressive NHL can lead to patients being cured. They are, in fact, more likely to be completely cured than indolent non-Hodgkin’s lymphomas.
Most lymphomas diagnosed in Malaysia are non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL, 80% to 90%) with a small number of Hodgkin’s disease (10-20%), notes Dr Goh.
“There are two main types of NHL – aggressive NHL and indolent NHL. Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma is the most common sub-type of aggressive NHL. There is a slight predominance in males, and these occur mainly in the 40-60 age group, even though children may develop lymphoma.
“Hodgkin’s disease is found mainly in female patients and mainly in the 20-30 age group.
“Lymphoma is a very peculiar disease as it can appear anywhere in the body – brain, eye, chest, spine, stomach, thigh,” observes Dr Goh.
The typical patient is a 40-year-old male with swelling in the neck or armpit, and usually not very sick.
Diagnosis of lymphoma
Source: The Star
Treatment matters
ACCORDING to consultant haematologist Dr Goh Kim Yean, early stage lymphoma responds well to treatment, has good prognosis, good treatment outcomes and good long-term survival.
The most common treatment modalities are chemotherapy, radiotherapy and surgical excision done in combination with chemo or radiotherapy. Depending on the stage and extent of the disease, these treatments can either be given alone or in combination.
Chemotherapy is generally well tolerated and mostly given in the outpatient setting. “Most patients are anxious when they hear about chemotherapy – 'Is it possible for me to avoid chemotherapy?', 'Is it hard to take?', 'Will I have to be in bed or can I move about?'“ observes Dr Goh.
There are side effects of chemotherapy, such as some hair loss, nausea, vomiting and tiredness. “But hair will grow back and new drugs are available to make all the side effects very tolerable,” stresses Dr Goh.
For example, there's treatment to prevent nausea and vomiting (antiemetics), treatment to reduce risk of infections (growth factors) and so on.
“In this day and age, chemo is very tolerable and doctors are able to treat the disease as well as the side effects of therapy to ensure patients are better able to cope with their treatment. This gives patients a better chance of recovery,” she adds.
Immunotherapy is the latest advance in the treatment of lymphoma and was first introduced in the US in 1998 and in Malaysia in 2000.
“The introduction of rituximab (a monoclonal antibody) has improved treatment outcomes in NHL. It is termed the smart bullet because it recognises specific cells which are implicated in B-cell lymphoma, binds to these cells and kills them. When used in combination with chemotherapy, there is a synergistic effect and enhanced tumour kill,” syas Dr Goh.
“Rituximab is effective in all stages of lymphoma. Even patients who have failed on standard chemotherapy can benefit from rituximab treatment,” she adds.
The Groupe d’Etude des Lymphomes de l’Adulte (GELA) conducted a landmark trial in elderly patients (60 to 80 years old), results of which were published in 2002 in the New England Journal of Medicine. It showed that more patients who received a combination of Rituximab with standard chemotherapy achieved complete response (complete resolution of disease) compared to patients who only received conventional chemotherapy.
In 2005, the GELA group published the results of a five-year follow-up of these patients and consistently more patients who received rituximab have remained disease-free compared to the patients who only received conventional chemotherapy.
Another international trial also showed that the addition of rituximab to conventional chemotherapy resulted in a statistically significant improvement in time to treatment failure (TTF) compared to patients who only received conventional chemotherapy.
This trial was halted early because its primary efficacy endpoint (TTF) was met two years earlier than expected. In this study, time to treatment failure (TTF) was defined as documented progressive disease or failure to achieve a complete response rate.
Chemotherapy is generally done once every three weeks and most patients will need six to eight cycles of chemo. Patients will be assessed halfway through treatment and at the end of their treatment schedule to determine response and progress.
At the end of treatment, patients who go into remission will be followed up every few months for a number of years.
Source: The Star
The most common treatment modalities are chemotherapy, radiotherapy and surgical excision done in combination with chemo or radiotherapy. Depending on the stage and extent of the disease, these treatments can either be given alone or in combination.
Chemotherapy is generally well tolerated and mostly given in the outpatient setting. “Most patients are anxious when they hear about chemotherapy – 'Is it possible for me to avoid chemotherapy?', 'Is it hard to take?', 'Will I have to be in bed or can I move about?'“ observes Dr Goh.
There are side effects of chemotherapy, such as some hair loss, nausea, vomiting and tiredness. “But hair will grow back and new drugs are available to make all the side effects very tolerable,” stresses Dr Goh.
For example, there's treatment to prevent nausea and vomiting (antiemetics), treatment to reduce risk of infections (growth factors) and so on.
“In this day and age, chemo is very tolerable and doctors are able to treat the disease as well as the side effects of therapy to ensure patients are better able to cope with their treatment. This gives patients a better chance of recovery,” she adds.
Immunotherapy is the latest advance in the treatment of lymphoma and was first introduced in the US in 1998 and in Malaysia in 2000.
“The introduction of rituximab (a monoclonal antibody) has improved treatment outcomes in NHL. It is termed the smart bullet because it recognises specific cells which are implicated in B-cell lymphoma, binds to these cells and kills them. When used in combination with chemotherapy, there is a synergistic effect and enhanced tumour kill,” syas Dr Goh.
“Rituximab is effective in all stages of lymphoma. Even patients who have failed on standard chemotherapy can benefit from rituximab treatment,” she adds.
The Groupe d’Etude des Lymphomes de l’Adulte (GELA) conducted a landmark trial in elderly patients (60 to 80 years old), results of which were published in 2002 in the New England Journal of Medicine. It showed that more patients who received a combination of Rituximab with standard chemotherapy achieved complete response (complete resolution of disease) compared to patients who only received conventional chemotherapy.
In 2005, the GELA group published the results of a five-year follow-up of these patients and consistently more patients who received rituximab have remained disease-free compared to the patients who only received conventional chemotherapy.
Another international trial also showed that the addition of rituximab to conventional chemotherapy resulted in a statistically significant improvement in time to treatment failure (TTF) compared to patients who only received conventional chemotherapy.
This trial was halted early because its primary efficacy endpoint (TTF) was met two years earlier than expected. In this study, time to treatment failure (TTF) was defined as documented progressive disease or failure to achieve a complete response rate.
Chemotherapy is generally done once every three weeks and most patients will need six to eight cycles of chemo. Patients will be assessed halfway through treatment and at the end of their treatment schedule to determine response and progress.
At the end of treatment, patients who go into remission will be followed up every few months for a number of years.
Source: The Star
Understanding lymphoma
According to consultant haematologist Dr Goh Kim Yean, most lymphomas diagnosed in Malaysia are non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL, 80% to 90%), with a small number of Hodgkin’s disease (10-20%).
The second World Lymphoma Awareness Day took place on Sept 15, 2005. The event was established to heighten awareness of lymphoma, a widely unknown cancer that damages the body’s immune system and kills more than 200,000 people globally each year.
THERE is a dire lack of public awareness of lymphoma across the globe. Early detection makes a huge difference in the ability to combat this disease. It is therefore essential that the public is educated of this condition, its symptoms, and how it affects lives.
To drive this much-needed awareness, the Lymphoma Coalition – a network of patient groups from around the world – launched the first worldwide Lymphoma Awareness Day (WLAD) on 15 September 2004. By improving symptom recognition, the Lymphoma Coalition hopes to increase early diagnosis and treatment, which will improve prognosis and even save the lives of those affected by lymphoma.
What is lymphoma?
Source: The Star
How will I know if I have lymphoma?
Most lymphoma patients present with enlarged lymph nodes, most commonly in the neck, groin and armpit, according to consultant haematologist Dr Goh Kim Yean. Usually patients are able to feel these enlargements themselves.
There are instances where patients do not detect any lymph node enlargement but experience other less common symptoms like:
Difficulty breathing – caused by an enlarged lymph node in the chest cavity compressing on the airway.
Abdominal discomfort – caused by enlarged lymph nodes in the stomach.
Intestinal obstruction – caused by enlarged lymph nodes in the bowel walls.
According to Dr Goh, as lymphomas are painless swellings, most patients are misled by the fact that there is no pain and tend to take it lightly.
“Non-cancerous lymph node swellings are usually painful and will reverse once inflammation subsides. Infections in the head and neck region can cause enlarged lymph nodes in the neck, but once the infection resolves, the swelling comes down.
“In lymphoma, the lymph node swellings tend to grow progressively, some faster than others,” she notes.
Types of lymphoma
Source: The Star
There are instances where patients do not detect any lymph node enlargement but experience other less common symptoms like:
Difficulty breathing – caused by an enlarged lymph node in the chest cavity compressing on the airway.
Abdominal discomfort – caused by enlarged lymph nodes in the stomach.
Intestinal obstruction – caused by enlarged lymph nodes in the bowel walls.
According to Dr Goh, as lymphomas are painless swellings, most patients are misled by the fact that there is no pain and tend to take it lightly.
“Non-cancerous lymph node swellings are usually painful and will reverse once inflammation subsides. Infections in the head and neck region can cause enlarged lymph nodes in the neck, but once the infection resolves, the swelling comes down.
“In lymphoma, the lymph node swellings tend to grow progressively, some faster than others,” she notes.
Types of lymphoma
Source: The Star
What is lymphoma?
Lymphoma is a general term for cancer of the lymphatic system. The lymphatic system is part of the body’s immune system, made up of a complex network of lymph organs. Organs that form up the lymphatic system include the lymph nodes, bone marrow, tonsils, appendix, thymus and the spleen.
These are all linked by a network of vessels called lymphatic vessels, which transport excess fluids away from the spaces between the body tissues (usually containing waste material and nutrients that are not used by the cells) and return it to the blood stream.
The fluid in these lymphatic vessels is called lymph fluid.
In addition to this transportation function, the lymphatic system contains plenty of defence mechanism cells like lymphocytes to help filter and defend your body against bacteria, viruses and fungi.
When some of the cells in the lymphatic system multiply uncontrollably and abnormally, they become cancerous or malignant. This is then called lymphoma. There are many types of lymphoma, which are then differentiated by the type of cell that multiplies and how the cancer presents itself.
How will I know if I have lymphoma?
Source: The Star
These are all linked by a network of vessels called lymphatic vessels, which transport excess fluids away from the spaces between the body tissues (usually containing waste material and nutrients that are not used by the cells) and return it to the blood stream.
The fluid in these lymphatic vessels is called lymph fluid.
In addition to this transportation function, the lymphatic system contains plenty of defence mechanism cells like lymphocytes to help filter and defend your body against bacteria, viruses and fungi.
When some of the cells in the lymphatic system multiply uncontrollably and abnormally, they become cancerous or malignant. This is then called lymphoma. There are many types of lymphoma, which are then differentiated by the type of cell that multiplies and how the cancer presents itself.
How will I know if I have lymphoma?
Source: The Star
Tuesday, October 4, 2005
Artificial Sweeteners - The bitter truth
Aspartame sugar substitutes cause worrying symptoms from memory loss to brain tumours. But despite US FDA approval as a 'safe' food additive, aspartame is one of the most dangerous substances ever to be foisted upon an unsuspecting public.
Aspartame is the technical name for the brand names, NutraSweet, Equal, Spoonful, and Equal-Measure. Aspartame was discovered by accident in 1965, when James Schlatter, a chemist of G.D. Searle Company was testing an anti-ulcer drug. Aspartame was approved for dry goods in 1981 and for carbonated beverages in 1983. It was originally approved for dry goods on July 26, 1974, but objections filed by neuroscience researcher Dr John W. Olney and Consumer attorney James Turner in August 1974 as well as investigations of G.D. Searle's research practices caused the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to put approval of aspartame on hold (December 5, 1974). In 1985, Monsanto purchased G.D. Searle and made Searle Pharmaceuticals and The NutraSweet Company separate subsidiaries.
Aspartame is, by far, the most dangerous substance on the market that is added to foods. Aspartame accounts for over 75 percent of the adverse reactions to food additives reported to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Many of these reactions are very serious including seizures and death as recently disclosed in a February 1994 Department of Health and Human Services report.(1) A few of the 90 different documented symptoms listed in the report as being caused by aspartame include:
Headaches/migraines, dizziness, seizures, nausea, numbness, muscle spasms, weight gain, rashes, depression, fatigue, irritability, tachycardia, insomnia, vision problems, hearing loss, heart palpitations, breathing difficulties, anxiety attacks, slurred speech, loss of taste, tinnitus, vertigo, memory loss, and joint pain.
According to researchers and physicians studying the adverse effects of aspartame, the following chronic illnesses can be triggered or worsened by ingesting of aspartame:(2)
Brain tumors, multiple sclerosis, epilepsy, chronic fatigue syndrome, parkinson's disease, alzheimer's, mental retardation, lymphoma, birth defects, fibromyalgia, and diabetes.
Extracted from Nexus Magazine,Volume 2, #28 (Oct-Nov '95) and Volume 3, #1 (Dec '95-Jan '96).
PO Box 30, Mapleton Qld 4560 Australia. editor@nexusmagazine.com
Telephone: +61 (0)7 5442 9280; Fax: +61 (0)7 5442 9381
From our web page at: www.nexusmagazine.com
© 1995 by Mark D. Gold, 35 Inman St, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
Phone: (617) 497 7843,
E-mail: mgold@holisticmed.com
Web page: http://www.holisticmed.com/aspartame/
Originally published in Blazing Tattles, Vol. 4, Nos. 4, 5, 6, April-June 1995
PO Box 1073, Half Moon Bay,
CA 94019 USA.
Email: blazing@igc.apc.org
www.concentric.net/~blazingt
Read full article: THE BITTER TRUTH ABOUT
ARTIFICIAL SWEETENERS
Aspartame is the technical name for the brand names, NutraSweet, Equal, Spoonful, and Equal-Measure. Aspartame was discovered by accident in 1965, when James Schlatter, a chemist of G.D. Searle Company was testing an anti-ulcer drug. Aspartame was approved for dry goods in 1981 and for carbonated beverages in 1983. It was originally approved for dry goods on July 26, 1974, but objections filed by neuroscience researcher Dr John W. Olney and Consumer attorney James Turner in August 1974 as well as investigations of G.D. Searle's research practices caused the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to put approval of aspartame on hold (December 5, 1974). In 1985, Monsanto purchased G.D. Searle and made Searle Pharmaceuticals and The NutraSweet Company separate subsidiaries.
Aspartame is, by far, the most dangerous substance on the market that is added to foods. Aspartame accounts for over 75 percent of the adverse reactions to food additives reported to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Many of these reactions are very serious including seizures and death as recently disclosed in a February 1994 Department of Health and Human Services report.(1) A few of the 90 different documented symptoms listed in the report as being caused by aspartame include:
Headaches/migraines, dizziness, seizures, nausea, numbness, muscle spasms, weight gain, rashes, depression, fatigue, irritability, tachycardia, insomnia, vision problems, hearing loss, heart palpitations, breathing difficulties, anxiety attacks, slurred speech, loss of taste, tinnitus, vertigo, memory loss, and joint pain.
According to researchers and physicians studying the adverse effects of aspartame, the following chronic illnesses can be triggered or worsened by ingesting of aspartame:(2)
Brain tumors, multiple sclerosis, epilepsy, chronic fatigue syndrome, parkinson's disease, alzheimer's, mental retardation, lymphoma, birth defects, fibromyalgia, and diabetes.
Extracted from Nexus Magazine,Volume 2, #28 (Oct-Nov '95) and Volume 3, #1 (Dec '95-Jan '96).
PO Box 30, Mapleton Qld 4560 Australia. editor@nexusmagazine.com
Telephone: +61 (0)7 5442 9280; Fax: +61 (0)7 5442 9381
From our web page at: www.nexusmagazine.com
© 1995 by Mark D. Gold, 35 Inman St, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
Phone: (617) 497 7843,
E-mail: mgold@holisticmed.com
Web page: http://www.holisticmed.com/aspartame/
Originally published in Blazing Tattles, Vol. 4, Nos. 4, 5, 6, April-June 1995
PO Box 1073, Half Moon Bay,
CA 94019 USA.
Email: blazing@igc.apc.org
www.concentric.net/~blazingt
Read full article: THE BITTER TRUTH ABOUT
ARTIFICIAL SWEETENERS
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