4 Steps To Choose A Great Mesothelioma Cancer Attorney

Choosing the best asbestos cancer attorney can make the difference between a long drawn out case with limited compensation and a quick recovery and great compensation.

1. Interview at least 3 attorneys

Some attorneys will not charge you up front but will take a percentage of the proceeds.

There will be a variance in the percentage each attorney takes from the proceeds.

This can vary from 20-50 percent of the compensation.

2. Experience of the attorney

Just because an asbestos lawyer receives a higher percentage of proceeds does not mean they are the most experienced.

Find out the number of years they have been practicing and ask for referrals.

3. Accomplishments of the attorney

Have them show you examples of suits they have won, because this will help you decide if they have the experience.

4. Will the attorney you interview be the one to represent you

Some asbestos law firms will have their lead attorney interview and then turn you over to a less experienced associate.

In conclusion, use these guidelines and you will save yourself and your family a lot of frustration, time and money. Interview, check experience, check accomplishments and be sure who is representing you.

About the Author:
Darrell Cochran
Not only have I studied litigation but have been through a number of cases and depositions in my own life, with my family and friends.
Please feel free to look at more comprehensive information on the subject of asbestos mesothelioma cancer on my website: http://www.Asbestos-Mesothelioma-Cancer.com
This article was posted on August 30, 2006
Article Source: articlecity

Chronic Prostatitis and Autoimmunity

Prostatitis can be categorized either as chronic bacterial or chronic prostatitis (CP), also known as chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CPPS) or pelvic myoneuropathy. Aside from these two types, the condition can also be classified as acute or asymptomatic inflammatory. The disease is defined as any form of inflammation of the prostate gland. This disease can affect both young and middle aged men.

Chronic bacterial prostatitis is a condition involving recurrent urinary tract infections originating from an infection in the prostate. Chronic prostatitis, on the other hand, can be inflammatory or non-inflammatory. Autoimmune and neurogenic inflammation have been theorized as the main factors behind CPPS. Neurogenic inflammation can be the result of dysregulation of the local nervous system which can be due to past traumatic experiences. An anxious disposition or unconscious pelvic tensing can also lead to neurogenic inflammation.

Men who suffer from prostatitis might feel pain during urination or ejaculation. CP/CPPS is believed to be the result of an autoimmune process or chronic inflammation that resulted from a breakdown of immunoregulatory mechanisms in the area around the prostate. A number of reasons have been identified to cause autoimmunity. These reasons include bacterial, fungal or viral infection, toxin exposure, physical trauma, genetics, stress and diet.

Infection that causes autoimmune reactions can be caused by a virus, bacteria or fungi. It can also be caused by parasites and normal bacterial flora. Researchers have also found that a persistent, ongoing infection can result to an autoimmune reaction. Aside from these organisms, antibiotics have also been implicated in autoimmunity. A study in 1999 reported that certain chemicals can cause genetic reshuffling or the activation of part of the immune system which can cause fatigue, rashes and muscle pain.

Another factor implicated in autoimmune reaction is physical trauma. One example of this is vasectomy. It is a well known fact that vasectomy often leads to an autoimmune reaction primarily due to the possibility of exposing the body's tissues to sperm through the incisions made during the operation. Diet is also believed to play a role in the development of autoimmune conditions. Several experiments that have been conducted showed that a diet rich in proteins, minerals and vitamins can lower a man's chances of developing an autoimmune disease.

Researchers also believe that susceptibility to autoimmune reactions can run in families, proving the theory of genetic predisposition in relation to CPPS and chronic bacterial prostatitis. Aside from genetics, psychological factors have also been implicated in the development of autoimmune conditions, with psychological stress being the primary factor linked with autoimmunity.

Chronic prostatitis is caused by a host of factors ranging from those found in the environment to elements that are beyond the control of man. With the onset of research studies supported by modern methods and techniques, this condition has become more controllable and this could only be good news to men all around the world.

About the Author:
Trevor Mulholland
Mensglands.com provides you with info on chronic prostatitis, its treatments and symptoms and how to overcome or reduce the risk of getting it. http://www.mensglands.com/
Article Source: http://www.articles2k.com

The Symptoms of Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is a form of cancer which is being discovered more and more frequently in elderly men. The most common cause of mesothelioma is from asbestos exposure and affects the membrane of many of the most vital internal organs such as the lungs and heart. Mesothelioma is particularly hard to diagnose because it shows similar symptoms to many other more common diseases.

The most common form of mesothelioma is called pleural mesothelioma. This type of mesothelioma accounts for 75% of all mesothelioma cases. Pleural mesothelioma affects the lining of the lungs and has symptoms such as chest pain, coughing, breathing and swallowing difficulties, shortness of breath, wheezing and weight loss. These symptoms apply to many less serious diseases but anyone with signs of these symptoms are strongly advised to consult their doctor as soon as possible.

A less common form of mesothelioma is peritoneal mesothelioma and this form of the cancer affects the abdomen. The tissue lining the abdomen is called the peritoneum and this is what is affected. Peritoneal mesothelioma accounts for 20% of all mesothelioma cases. The symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma are weight loss, abdominal pains, loss of appetite, weakness, nausea, and abdominal swelling. These symptoms become more and more severe as the cancer develops. To learn more about these symptoms go to http://www.1-mesothelioma.co.uk

Those who are exposed to asbestos or have been exposed have a risk of obtaining mesothelioma. It is important that mesothelioma is diagnosed in its early stages so that it can be treated quickly and aggressively. The earlier it is discovered, the more likely the treatment will be successful.

About the author:
William Johnston
All the detailed information you need on the symptoms, treatment, risks, science and more about mesothelioma can be found at: http://www.1-mesothelioma.co.uk
All the detailed information you need on the symptoms, treatment, risks, science and more about asbestos can be found at: http://www.asbestos-resource.co.uk
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Alcohol Increases The Risk For The Most Frequent Kinds Of Breast Cancer

A new report from the Karolinska Institute in Sweden states that women who have been through menopause, who drink daily more than 250 ml beer, 100 ml wine or 25 ml of high-per cent alcohol, clearly increase the risk of getting sick with the most frequent kinds of breast cancer. This risk is particularly increased if the women in addition to drinking alcohol are on hormone replacement therapy.

It is well-known that excessive consumption of alcohol increases the risk of breast cancer within women, especially those who have left menopause behind them. However at this point it has not been examined whether there is a connection between alcohol and the development of certain kinds of cancer of the breast.

The researchers had from 1987 to 1997 data to the consumption of alcohol of approximately 51,800 women collected. All participants in the Breast Mammography Study had gone through the menopause stage while still a part of the study where they could be assessed on an ongoing basis.

Already known is more than a half glass of wine daily clearly increases the risk of breast cancer. The Swedish researchers found that increasing the alcohol by 10 grams daily also increases the risk to get sick with an OS-positive cancer of the breast in such a way specified. This most frequent kind of cancer of the breast is propelled by the female sex hormone OS which channels growth.

10 grams of alcohol is contained in a small beer glass (250 ml)
A half glass of wine (100 ml) already contains 12 grams of alcohol.

In the Swedish investigation the consumption of alcohol of more than 10 grams of alcohol per day increased the risk for an OS-positive cancer of the breast. Absolutely 232 in 100,000 got sick in the group with consumption of alcohol of more than 10 grams per day. Women who got cancer of the breast who did not drink during the study compared to women who did drink alcohol were only 158 in 100,000.

There is a particularly strong aggravation to the risk by alcohol when combined with hormone replacement therapy. This causes concern that the risk of breast cancer increases particularly strongly within the women who drink more than 10 grams of alcohol daily and take hormone replacement therapy. With them the risk for OS-positive tumors increased by 3.5%.

The researchers draw the result that their results show that with women who have gone through menopause with just a moderate consumption of alcohol have significantly increased the risk for OS-positive cancer of the breast. This realization is of importance, since OS-positive breast cancers are the most proliferated types of breast cancer in our modern society and thus gives some plausibility to the studies findings.

www.cancer-treatment-help.com

About the Author:
John Stone writes exclusively for cancer-treatment-help.com
www.cancer-treatment-help.com
Added: 12 Oct 2006
Article Source: http://articles.simplysearch4it.com/article/38779.html

Cervical Cancer Signs – Do You Know Common Symptoms of Cervical Cancer?

Cervical cancer is the second most common cancer in women worldwide. And in the United States, an estimated 13,000 cases of invasive cervical cancer are expected to be diagnosed each year. Women should know what the cervical cancer signs are so that proper medical help can be obtained when needed.

Cervical cancer is the second most common cancer in women worldwide. And in the United States, an estimated 13,000 cases of invasive cervical cancer are expected to be diagnosed each year.

Cervical cancer is usually caused by a sexually transmitted virus called the human papilloma virus or ‘HPV’. Most HPV infections will not lead to cervical cancer. However, infection with these viral types can lead to abnormal changes in the cells of the cervix. Certain changes called ‘high-grade lesions’ may progress to cervical cancer and cervical cancer signs if not treated.

Common cervical cancer signs include these symptoms:

• Vaginal bleeding after sexual intercourse

• Pelvic pain

• Pain during sexual intercourse

• Unusual vaginal discharge

• Abnormal bleeding between menstrual periods

• Heavy bleeding during your menstrual period

• Increased urinary frequency

Pap smears are the best screening technique currently available to evaluate the cells on the face of the cervix. The Pap smear is defined as a test for the signs of cervical cancer such as cancerous or pre-cancerous cells of the cervix. Most Pap smear test results come rated from Class I through Class V.

• Class I is normal,

• Class II means an irritation or inflammation,

• Class III means it is a true cervical dysplasia that can range from mild to serious,

• Class IV may be one of a variety of pre-cancers or cancers,

• Class V is one of the serious invasive cervical cancer signs.

Pap smear tests are necessary, but they are not always accurate. And their results sometimes appear normal even when a woman has the abnormal cells of cancer. If cervical cancer is suspected and the pap smear test comes back either as normal or as positive, consider getting another pap smear from a different laboratory and a second opinion from another doctor. If your Pap smear shows dysplasia, a biopsy can rule out cervical cancer.

Another testing method is being developed that uses a small fiber optic probe that may replace pap smears. This method is still being tested. Hopefully, it should give women more accurate screenings, eliminate unnecessary biopsies and help diagnose cervical cancer in its early stages.

Early stages of cervical cancer often go on without any noticeable symptoms! Cervical cancer is usually a very slow growing cancer. Cervical cancer is often diagnosed and treated in an advanced stage when the success rate is much lower. Most women that have invasive cervical cancer will be treated with surgery, chemotherapy and radiation or some combination of these. There are women that will have a hysterectomy as a consequence of cervical cancer that has spread within the cervix.

There are two types of hysterectomy -- the partial and the complete. In a partial hysterectomy, only the uterus is removed. In a complete hysterectomy, the uterus, fallopian tubes and ovaries are removed (the medical term for removal of the ovaries is oophorectomy).

A complete hysterectomy will have a significant impact on a woman’s hormonal balance and health since the ovaries are such an important source of hormone production. Even a partial hysterectomy can have a significant effect, first because the uterus plays a role in hormonal balance, and second because in most cases the circulation to the ovaries is impaired enough by the surgery to seriously affect their function.

There are conditions for which hysterectomy is advisable or medically necessary. These include ovarian, uterine or cervical cancer, uncontrollable bleeding, severe endometriosis (adenomyosis) and complex hyperplasia, to name a few.

Women should know what the cervical cancer symptoms are so that proper medical help can be obtained when needed. To learn more about cervical cancer signs, causes and natural treatments, visit Cervical Cancer Signs and Treatments to read more.

Copyright 2005 Olinda Rola.

About the Author:
Olinda Rola is the webmaster of http://www.safemenopausesolutions.com, a website of natural solutions for a variety of health problems. Visit her website and learn more about ways for improving your health. She is the editor of the free newsletter ‘Women’s Health Newsletter’. Go to http://www.safemenopausesolutions.com/womenshealthnewsletter.html to subscribe.
Submitted on 2005-10-05
Article Source: http://www.articlesarea.com/

Sun Exposure & UV Rays: The Basic Facts

The human body benefits from sun exposure. And a little bit of tan protects you from the sun. Right? Wrong!

The body does indeed benefit from sun exposure. But a little bit of tan does not necessarily protect you from the sun. Let’s see why.

The sun’s rays are a major source of vitamin D and help the body’s systems acquire much needed calcium for building healthy bones. However, most people don’t need to spend large amounts of time exposed to the sun in order to get their required amount of vitamin D.

In fact, the body’s health can actually suffer negative effects when it’s exposed too long to the sun’s rays, especially if it’s unprotected. Results can vary from skin and eye damage to immune system suppression and ultimately cancer, even for the young.

So let’s look at the basic facts about sun exposure.

There are three kinds of invisible ultraviolet (UV) rays in the sun that reaches earth: UVA, UVB, and UVC. When these rays come in contact with our skin, affects of UVA and UVB can be - tans, burns and other reactions (e.g. like acne and cancer).

It’s also notable that the effects of all UV rays are not the same. Depending upon the season, time of day and place on the planet in relation to the sun - (i.e. your altitude and latitude), the rays’ intensities vary. For example, during summertime, UV rays are at their strongest. Between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., the rays are strongest. And close to the equator and at high altitudes (where air and cloud cover are less, resulting in increased harmful penetration of UV rays into the environment), the rays are also strongest.

In order to protect ourselves from the harmful UV rays, let’s look at the skin’s first defense - melanin.

Melanin is a chemical present in a variety of colors and concentrations in most people's skin that helps with defense from the sun. Melanin reacts with UV rays and absorbs them. Or rather, to be more specific, the rays act upon melanin, causing the melanin to spread out or grow, increasing its presence in response to the sun’s exposure. The result? A ‘sun tan’. The darker the skin color, the more melanin the skin has for protection. And ‘tanning’ for darker color is included here; ‘color’ does not have to refer to just the original skin color.

A word of caution…

Tanning may look great on the surface, - but the amount and length of time a person is exposed to the sun, determines the amount of possible damage. It also determines the future risk of damage that’s likely.

For example, people who are exposed to the sun in huge doses like ship crews, field workers and beach surfers, are at higher risks for skin damage than indoor workers. What happens is that when the amount of UV exposure is greater than what the skin's melanin can handle, sunburn can result. And those with lighter, fairer skin, who have less melanin, absorb less UV, suffering less protection.

Since research has shown that UV damage from the sun is the main cause of skin cancer, (with as high as 20% of some populations developing skin cancer during their lifetime), we need to take a proactive approach in relation to sun exposure to avoid harmful skin damage.

As we say colloquially here in Australia - “Slip, Slop, Slap”. (I.e. ‘Slip’ on a shirt, ‘Slop’ on a hat, ‘Slap’ on a sunscreen). Look after the skin you’ve got, because you’re the one who will be living with it!

About the Author:
Angela Perin is editor of the 'Safe Tan Ezine', which features practical articles and tips on Beauty, Fitness, Nutrition and more. To discover the Ultimate Experience in Natural Sunless Tanning, visit www.safetan.com.au
Article Source: http://www.articles2k.com

Robotic Prostate Surgery - What You Need to Know

Forbes, Science Daily, ABC News. It seems everyone is talking about the da Vinci robot lately. No, the robot has nothing to do with science fiction or the Italian Renaissance. It has to do with prostate cancer and the increasingly popular robotic prostatectomy.

About Prostate Cancer
In the United States alone, prostate cancer affects a quarter of a million men each year. The prostate exam is practically a right of passage for men entering their 40's. The most common treatment for prostate cancer is removal of the prostate (a.k.a., the prostatectomy).

About Laparoscopy
Over the years, laparoscopic techniques have been applied to all kinds of surgery. In general, laparoscopic or "minimally invasive" surgeries require less recovery time than open surgeries (mainly because the incisions are smaller, and the entry and exit process is less damaging). When you see a medical program on TV where the doctor is inserting slender cameras and tools into tiny incisions, you're seeing laparoscopic surgery.

Early Challenges
Even with all of its advantages, laparoscopy had a bumpy start with prostate surgery. The first U.S. surgeons to use laparoscopic techniques for prostate surgery found it too difficult. It was hard to teach, hard to perform, and physically exhausting.

The da Vinci Solution
In recent years, a new form of robotic prostate surgery has emerged. It's known as the da Vinci robot, and it solves some of the challenges of robotic prostatectomy (prostate removal). With the da Vinci system, a 3-D camera gives a magnified view inside the patient, while the surgeon operates the robotic arms from a console nearby.

Benefits to Patient
Robotic laparoscopic prostate surgery has several benefits over open surgery. First, the incisions are smaller. Patients treated with the da Vinci robotic system leave the operating room with much smaller incisions than patients who have open surgery. In most cases, this speeds up the discharge time. With da Vinci surgeries, patients often go home the next day and resume normal activities within a week, compared to the six-week average for open surgery.

Benefits to Surgeon
Many doctors who use the da Vinci robotic system appreciate the increased visibility. In an article at Forbes.com (July 27, 2005), Dr. David Samadi said this: "With regular laparoscopy you only have one camera, which gives you a two-dimensional view. You lose one dimension -- depth perception. The 3-D view with the robot is absolutely beautiful." The da Vinci method is also easier to learn than the earlier attempts at laparoscopic prostatectomy, and it's reported to be much less exhausting for the surgeons performing it.

Questions to Ask
If you are considering robotic prostate surgery over traditional open surgery, you should make the following questions part of your doctor-screening process: * How long have you been performing prostate surgery in general? * How long have you been using the da Vinci robot? * How many of these surgeries do you perform each year? * What is your overall success rate with robotic surgery? * Are there any unique considerations to robotic surgery as compared to open surgery?

Conduct Your Own Research
This article is not intended to glorify the da Vinci robotic approach to prostate surgery, or to claim that it's perfect. The purpose of this article is to give you a solid foundation of knowledge upon which you may conduct your own research. For this reason, I've provided a link below to an excellent information source.

About the Author:
Brandon Cornett
If you are considering robotic prostate surgery and would like to learn more about it, I recommend contacting the specialists at the Urology Team in Austin, Texas. You can also learn more about this and related subjects by visiting http://www.urologyteam.com or http://www.prostatecenterofaustin.com
Added: Fri Oct 13 2006
To find other free health content see e-healtharticles.com

What You Need to Know about a Mesothelioma Law Suit, Mesothelioma Law and a Mesothelioma Law Firm

There is some important information you should be aware of if you are considering pursuing a Mesothelioma Law Suit. Prior to pursuing a Mesothelioma Law Suit you should seek advice from a reputable Mesothelioma Law Firm and gain an understanding of Mesothelioma Law.

A Mesothelioma Law suit can be costly, but it can also provide you with adequate compensation that will help cover your legal, medical and ongoing expenses, related to your Mesothelioma Cancer.

Previously, there have been cases in which the Mesothelioma Cancer sufferers have received thousands of dollars in compensation for their diagnosis of Mesothelioma Cancer, due to exposure to an Asbestos related substance.

Currently, Mesothelioma Law is favorable towards Mesothelioma Cancer sufferers, who have been exposed to an Asbestos related substance through their work environment and companies are required to compensate their present, or previous employees for non-disclosure of the risks involved with handling an Asbestos related substance.

Mesothelioma Law works on the premise that this exposure to an asbestos related substance without prior knowledge has lead to the injury, or sometimes death of the Mesothelioma sufferer.

In almost all cases, whether indicated as injury, or death, the sufferer of Mesothelioma Cancer has had their life span considerable shortened, due to this exposure to an asbestos related substance.

Due to the legal processes of conducting a Mesothelioma Law suit, anyone who has been diagnosed with Mesothelioma Cancer and suspect, or know, that they were exposed to an asbestos related substance in the past, during their working life, should seek legal advice immediately.

Beginning your Mesothelioma Law suit early will ensure that you acquire adequate compensation in time to help with your medical expenses and ongoing support and treatment.

In order to begin a Mesothelioma Law suit you will need to find an experienced Mesothelioma Attorney, or Lawyer, that can usually be found at a reputable Mesothelioma Law Firm.

It is important that you disclose all information surrounding your Mesothelioma Cancer, including your diagnosis and prognosis, to your Mesothelioma Attorney, or Lawyer, as this will help them to form a solid Mesothelioma Law suit for your case.

You should also try to provide your Mesothelioma Attorney, or Lawyer with details pertaining to the period in which your exposure occurred, who you where working for at the time and any details regarding whether you had prior knowledge of your exposure.

All information surrounding your Mesothelioma Cancer is important and will ensure that your Mesothelioma Attorney, or Lawyer, will be successful in your Mesothelioma Law suit. So, if you, or someone you know, have been diagnosed with Mesothelioma Cancer, seek appropriate legal advice.

About the author:
Peter Lenkefi
Learn more about mesothelioma treatment and asbestos litigation go here: http://www.mesothelioma-treatment-center.com/mesothelioma-lawsuit.htm
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Deciding on radiation. Breast cancer.

I opted not to have radiation after mastectomy and chemotherapy. It was advised by my oncologist, surgeon and radiologist. I sought a second opinion from a radiologist at another hospital with the same results; even though I had had a mastectomy, because of lymph node involvement (I had 8 positive for cancer) radiation to the chest and underarm area was advised.

I did my own research and discovered that only one major study had been done to show that there was some benefit from radiation for patients who had a mastectomy. The usual protocol until this study was to use radiation primarily on patients who had a lumpectomy.

Radiation scared me more than chemotherapy. Others have claimed the opposite, that they would prefer not having infusion, but rather surgery and only radiation. One radiologist scoffed at my questions, which is why I sought another opinion. The second radiologist answered my inquiries in depth. He agreed that radiation cannot be completely controlled. This means that other organs can be affected although not targeted. This would only be in a very tiny amount, even though the radiation you receive for breast cancer is considered small, however, that was enough to scare me. Survivors who receive radiation will tell you as much as 20 years later that their lungs, or heart, or something seems to have been damaged, and, it cannot be confirmed, but they name radiation to the chest wall as the culprit.

We have enough to scare us as breast cancer patients, so you may wonder why I would bring this up now. Frankly, I bring it up now because we all know that side effects from drugs and treatment are what we endure for a lifetime. I think we need to be honestly advised of what they are and how dangerous they can be for our future well-being. I am finding that doctors and researchers, even those with the best of intentions are far more concerned with eradicating cancer than the state we are left in when it is gone.

Even winners get wounded in the fight, and as survivors many of us are the walking wounded. Talk to your doctor, get all the facts, take your time and make a decision “you” can live with.

About the Author:
Kathy-Ellen Kups
Kathy's blog can be found at blog.healthtalk.com/breastcancer/ For more information, articles and programs about Breast Cancer and other cancers please visit healthtalk.com/cancer/
Article Source: http://www.articles411.com

Herbal And Alternative Treatments For Breast Cancer

Medical Doctors are finding that alternative treatments, such as herbs, help women with breast cancer during their chemotherapy and radiation. Research papers have shown that women with breast cancer find herbal remedies and alternative medicine helps in relief of fatigue, nausea and sleep disorders.

Herbal remedies have been around for for thousands of years. Now, women with breast cancer facing chemotherapy and radiation are supplementing this traditional medicine with herbal remedies and alternative treatments. They are not abandoning the usual breast cancer treatment; they are using herbal remedies and alternative treatments to curb the side effects.

Ginseng has been used by the Chinese for centuries. They believe that it stimulates the immune system and energies the patient. There are more than 30 active compounds in the ginseng root. Many of the compounds are believed to have anti-tumor properties. In a Chinese study it was found that women who took ginseng before their diagnosis had a higher survival rate than the women who took ginseng after their diagnosis. Women have reported that they have a higher quality of life and suffer less depression while using ginseng.

There is a mushroom, the Maitake that helps in boosting the immune system. Here again, in the East this has been used widely. Lab studies have been done using liquid Maitake extract. Many researchers believe that the mushrooms contain beta-glucans which helps to enhance the immune system. They still don't know why, but they are working on it.

Mistletoe extract has been used in Europe to treat cancer patients for over 80 years. It has been shown to kill cancer cells and boost the immune system. There have been very few studies done here on mistletoe, but some research is under way and will be out at the end of this year. Researchers are studying the safety, the effects on the immune system and its toxicity.

Acupuncture is especially helpful for nausea and post surgical pain. Many studies done by research oncologists have shown that acupuncture was better for women with breast cancer than the medication taken to fight nausea. It also helps in loss of appetite, fatigue and sleep disorders. The AAMA recommends women with breast cancer should get acupuncture during their chemotherapy treatments but only after you have spoken to your primary doctor.

All doctors and researchers stress that diet and exercise play a key role in treating cancer. Stick to a diet that is high in fruits, vegetables and grains. The National Cancer Institute recommends at least 5 servings of fresh fruits and vegetables per day. Phytochemicals are found in fruits and vegetables and they prevent cancers in a number of ways. Research shows that they help in detoxification of carcinogens, DNA repair, boosting of the immune system and maintenance of cellular control mechanisms. Obesity plays a role in getting cancer. Change your diet, eat healthy and go for a walk or ride a bike. This is a suggestion we should all take to heart.

These alternative methods may well help you through your breast cancer treatment and perhaps even get you a speedier recovery. New studies are being done everyday for women with breast cancer. Discuss these alternative therapies with your Doctor and always let your physician and your oncologist know about any therapies you want to take, before you take them. This will make sure that the alternative therapy won't interfere with your chemotherapy and radiation therapy.

Disclaimer: I am not a doctor nor am I in the medical field. This is just information that I researched out of curiosity and the desire to know all of the options available.

About the Author:
Visit Mary Hannas websites at: Gardening Herb Cruise Travel and Container Gardening Secrets
Submitted on 2006-10-14
Article Source: http://www.articlesarea.com/

The Causes of Prostate Cancer

What is the prostate? Where is it located? What does it do? What causes prostate cancer? There are many questions that may be associated with the prostate. We hope that we can answer some of those questions. The prostate is a gland located in a man’s pelvis. It is about the size of a walnut and weighs about 20 grams.

The prostate in found in front of the rectum, behind the pubic bone. It is below the bladder and surrounded by pelvic muscles. The prostate has an important role in seminal activity.

Unfortunately, there are many diseases that are associated with the prostate. Prostate cancer is a common one that affects many men but you may also suffer from enlarged prostate, prostitis and other complications.

Some symptoms or signs of problems may include difficult urination, increased urination at night, urgent urination, starting and stopping of a stream or feeling like you must “push” it out, urinary infection and others.

If you feel you may be having prostate problems, you need to see your doctor for an examination. You will be asked questions about yourself and your family history and there will be a physical exam and urine tests. A bladder ultrasound and a prostate ultrasound can also help diagnose.

When you have been diagnosed with a prostate condition, your doctor will discuss possible treatments with you. Medicine may be needed to shrink the prostate. There are different factors that can affect your chances of prostate cancer. You should talk to your doctor if you are concerned with this.

If someone in your family has had prostate cancer, you will want to have regular checkups and remain prostate healthy. You should not feel nervous or embarrassed to have check ups, they are very important to your future health.

About the Author:
James Hunt has spent 15 years as a professional writer and researcher covering stories that cover a whole spectrum of interest.
Read more at www.best-for-prostates.info
Article Source: http://www.articles2k.com

The Symptoms of Pleural Mesothelioma

Pleural Mesothelioma is generally an intense form of cancer that affects the membrane lining in the chest cavity. A few cases are good-natured as well. Today it is known that this form of cancer is caused by the inhaling of asbestos particles either during manufacturing or coming in contact whit the material or from living next to surroundings where asbestos is used. About three thousand new occurrences are brought to light in the USA every year.

The time mesothelioma needs to break out can be very long and vary highly. Sometimes it takes 15 years but there were also cases in the past where it took up to 40 years and longer. So most patients diagnosed with this disease are in the age group of sixties or also seventies. Because of this long latency period the disease can be in an advanced stage before it is diagnosed correctly. So the following treatment may be less effective.

It is very hard to diagnose pleural mesothelioma because this disease has no striking symptoms at the first view. The alarming indicators are disphagia (difficulty in swallowing), dyspnea (shortness of breath), persistent coughing and tightness in chest accompanied by chest pain. Warnings that the cancer has spread can be: a swollen neck, face and sometimes engorged arms. Other indications could also be fever, sweating, hoarseness or overfatigue. A further and more sophisticated stage of the symptoms can be the coughing up of blood. In this case those symptoms are mainly caused by a fluid collection in the thoracic area (effusion). It is also possible that the weak pellicle which is covering the lungs may fatten and decrease expansion and contraction. So it's harder to breathe. The cancer can spread without noticing. In certain circumstances no noticeable signs may show till it is out of hand.

84% of the patients have pleural effusions (fluid collection). The major symptoms of the pleural mesothelioma are shortness of breath (88%) and weight loss (28%).

About the Author:
Viktor Scharneweber is a young freelance writer who has put his focus on different forms of cancer especially on mesothelioma. He's the owner of http://www.mesoarticles.net/ an internet portal which offers a lot of information and articles on mesothelioma.
Added: 18 Aug 2006
Article Source: http://articles.simplysearch4it.com/article/34363.html

Are asbestos fibers visible to the eye ?

If you are in the construction business or employed by an industry that uses products containing asbestos, you may wonder “Are asbestos fibers visible to the eye”? Generally asbestos fibers are too small to be seen by the naked eye. Asbestos becomes dangerous when it has broken down into small fibers and is inhaled. It is nearly impossible to detect the presence of asbestos without taking the material to a lab for testing. A lab technician will put the material under a microscope to search for asbestos fibers. Asbestos does not cause an immediate reaction. It will not cause you to cough, sneeze, or your eyes to water. You cannot see, smell, or taste asbestos. If you skin becomes contaminated with asbestos it will not burn or itch.

Asbestos related diseases have a very long latency period. This is the time frame from when you are first exposed to asbestos until you become ill. Most persons do not become ill for at least ten years after exposure and some not until over forty years later. Asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma are all asbestos related diseases. Asbestosis occurs when asbestos fibers enter the lungs. The body will naturally produce an acid to combat the fibers. However, this acid can cause scarring in the tissue of the lungs and in advanced stages breathing becomes more difficult and painful. Asbestosis was first documented in shipyard workers. Asbestos can also cause lung cancer. If a person smokes and is exposed to asbestos, they have a much greater chance of developing lung cancer. Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that has only been linked to asbestos exposure. It is a cancer of the cells that line the peritoneum (area surrounding the abdominal organs) and the pleura (area outside of the lungs and inside of the ribs).

There is a lot of debate and controversy surrounding which types of asbestos is harmful. Some types of asbestos are thought to be more dangerous than others but all types of asbestos exposure should be avoided. Actinolite, amosite, anthophyllite, crocidolite, chrysotile (white asbestos), and tremolite are all types of asbestos. Chrysotile is the type of asbestos most commonly used in manufacturing products.

Asbestos fibers are not visible to the eye. If you feel you may have been exposed to asbestos, the most common method for testing is a chest x-ray. The x-ray will not show the asbestos fibers but it can spot early signs of lung disease. There is no known cure for asbestos related diseases.

About the author:
Jeff Lakie is the founder of Asbestos Resources a website providing information on asbestos
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Lung Cancer Symptoms

In approximately 25% of people with lung cancer, there are no symptoms and the cancer is detected during screening or a routine physical examination. However, in three-quarters of lung cancer patients there are warning symptoms and signs that can alert the patient or their physician.

Most commonly, lung cancer patients experience respiratory symptoms such as shortness of breath, wheezing, hoarseness and a persistent cough. These symptoms are very common among smokers, and are also present in a number of other conditions such as asthma, emphysema and chest infections. A new cough should always be evaluated, as it may be a symptom of lung cancer. Lung cancer may spread to the chest wall, causing chest, shoulder and back pain. If cancer cells erode lung blood vessels, the patient may cough up blood. There may also be other generalized effects that occur with most cancers, such as fever, fatigue, appetite loss and weight loss.

As a lung cancer grows, it increasingly compromises the normal functioning of an affected lung. Secondary complications may occur, such as collection of fluid in the tissue lining the lungs (pleural effusion), lung collapse, airway obstruction, and repeated lung infections. Lung cancer may also spread or metastasize to other parts of the body such as the lymph nodes, bones, liver and brain. Bone pain and abnormal liver or brain function may result.

The absence of symptoms does not necessarily indicate early disease, and the presence of non-specific chest symptoms can often go unheeded. Both these factors contribute to the fact that only about 15 percent of lung cancer patients are diagnosed in the early stages of disease. The later lung cancer is diagnosed, the less effective treatment options are. Delays in diagnosing lung cancer patients result in an overall survival rate of only 15 percent at five years after diagnosis.

About the Author:
Steve Valentino
Lung Cancer provides detailed information on Asbestos Lung Cancer, Lung Cancer, Lung Cancer Stages, Lung Cancer Survival Rate and more. Lung Cancer is affliated with Asbestos Exposure.
Added: Sat Apr 22 2006
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Cancer - The Chemical Connection

Cancer has become an epidemic with over 200 different types. Some will argue the increased incidence is due to the rise in life expectancy. Admittedly, we do live much longer now than 100 years ago but that alone does not explain the increase.

Everyday we are exposed to numerous pollutants and you would have to be incredibly deluded not to make some association between modern society and ill health.

"You have cancer" must be one of the most frightening phrases a person can hear and thankfully my recent scare proved benign. However, with 1 in 2 of all men and 1 in 3 of all women developing some form of cancer in their lifetime it's something many will experience. In 1901 it was 1 in 8000.

Cancer has become an epidemic with over 200 different types. Some will argue the increased incidence is due to the rise in life expectancy. Admittedly, we do live much longer now than 100 years ago but that alone does not explain the increase.

Cancer is not an infectious disease and appears to be related to advances in our civilised life-style. Most scientists agree at least 80% of all cancers are related to toxins and carcinogens and in isolated communities where synthetic and toxic chemicals are uncommon and pollution is rare, so is cancer.

The disease is caused when constant exposure overwhelms the body's natural immune system and we lose the ability to purge the toxins and chemicals. The continual build up causes healthy cells to mutate and eventually affects critical life processes.

Scientific research suggests diet and life style play a major role in the prevention or onset of cancer. Unfortunately chemicals are everywhere and we find them in the foods we eat, our water, the products we use and the air we breathe.

As a nation we are better fed than we have ever been and yet when it comes to vitamins and minerals we are incredibly malnourished. Our over farmed soils are depleted of natural nutrients and the wide spread use of pesticides, insecticides and fertilisers as well as airborne industrial pollutants makes our crops a hazard to health.

The body is an amazing machine but even the strongest immune system is hard pressed to battle the amount of chemicals we are faced with on a daily basis.

Life style choices such as smoking and sun worship are two common causes of cancer despite all the health warnings. Not all smokers develop cancer but their likelihood of getting it increases with the number of years they have been smoking.

Skin cancer is caused by excessive exposure to intense sunlight but you can protect yourself from sun damage by limiting exposure, staying covered as much as possible and using a high quality NON-TOXIC lotion that blocks out the full spectrum of solar rays. However, many over the counter sun block creams and lotions contain known carcinogens and toxic chemicals which build up over time and predispose sun bathers to melanoma. Health and beauty do not always go together.

Your skin is the largest eliminatory organ in the body. It is a two-way membrane. Toxins are eliminated through the skin via perspiration and absorbed into the body through hair follicles and sebaceous glands. One square inch of skin contains 65 hairs and 100 sebaceous glands. This means if you put a chemical compound on your skin your body is likely to absorb it. You have a lot of hairs and sebaceous glands.

Impurities in the personal care products industry are not restricted. In USA the FDA admit "Cosmetics and their ingredients are not required to undergo approval before they are sold. Manufacturers can use any ingredients, except for 10 prohibited substances, without government review".

Despite the known dangers associated with many of the ingredients in cosmetics, skin care and personal care products, some manufacturers continue to use them. This is because they are inexpensive. Products can be created that look, feel and smell good for little money but which produce huge profits. That's good for the beauty business but what is the real cost to you?

A UK study discovered traces of methylparabens in breast cancer tumours. This harmful synthetic chemical is commonly used in body creams, lotions, washes, anti-perspirants and deodorants. The only way to ensure health and beauty really do go together is to seek 100% harmful synthetic chemical free cosmetics, personal and skin care products.

Fortunately there is a company which produce a range made from purely natural ingredients Certified Organic to Food Standards. These are so safe you could even eat them.

Currently the only skin care products on the planet to have submitted to independent 3rd party certification, the active ingredients feed and nourish the skin with bio available nutrients. With NO harmful synthetic ingredients to cause health problems these Certified Organic Cosmetic and Skin Care products prove that health and beauty can go together.

Now doesn't that give you peace of mind?

About the Author:
For details of the World's First cosmetic, skin and personal care products certified to Food Grade Standards free of toxins and harmful synthetic chemicals see www.bestorganicsforhealth.com Jean Shaw is the author of I'm Not Naughty, I'm Autistic and Autism, Amalgam and Me www.jeanshaw.com
Submitted on 2006-09-13
Article Source: http://www.articlesarea.com/

General Aspects of Leukemia

Many people suffer from leukemia these days. A large number of cases of cancer are identified to be leukemia. Leukemia is a sort of cancer of the blood and marrow. The disease is characterized through the overproducing of immature blood cells (stem cells) that aren’t able to fully develop and to carry out the activities of normal blood cells.

According to their functions and structure, there are three different types of cells within the normal blood: red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets. Through the process of hematopoiesis, these three types of blood cells are developed from a distinctive type of blood cell called stem cell. Stem cells divide and go through several stages of development to finally form a mature blood cell of a particular type, with a certain, distinctive function in the body. The process through which a stem cell morphs into a mature blood cell takes place within the bone marrow.

According to the speed of development and the persistence of the disorder, there are two types of leukemia: acute leukemia and chronic leukemia. Acute leukemia is known to develop very rapidly, while chronic leukemia is developed slowly. According to the types of blood cells affected by the disease, leukemia can either be lymphocytic or myelogenous.

Lymphocytic and myelogenous types of leukemia are developed from different types of cells: the lymphocytic type of leukemia develops from cells called lymphoblasts or lymphocytes in the spongious tissue of the bones, while the myelogenous type of leukemia (sometimes refered to as myeloid and myelocytic leukemia) develops from myeloid cells.

In the case of acute forms of leukemia, the abnormal cells come from early, immature cells. Such forms of the disorder have a very fast rate of development, due to the fact that normal stem cells tend to multiply frequently. Leukemia cells usually don’t divide faster and more frequently than normal stem cells, they simply don’t stop their process of division when they should. Sometimes the numbers of white blood cells are very high, while in other cases they can be normal or low.

Chronic leukemia, apart from its slow development, is different from acute leukemia by the level of maturation that the diseased cells are able to reach. Stem cells affected by chronic leukemia reach a higher level of maturation but they present abnormalities and they can’t act as healthy white blood cells do. Unlike acute leukemia, in the chronic form of the disease the unhealthy cells have much longer periods of life and they tend to accumulate in different parts of the body.

Leukemia affects people of all age groups. While children usually respond better to the treatment for leukemia and sometimes deal well with the disease, adults difficultly cope with this form of cancer.

Regardless of age and sex, many people are diagnosed with forms of leukemia. Children tend to respond better to some types of leukemia, while adults difficultly cope with the disease. The cases of acute leukemia exceed those of chronic leukemia by approximately 10 percent. Older adults seem to be affected the most by acute leukemia. Around two thirds of acute leukemia cases seem to occur after the age of 60.

About the Author:
Groshan Fabiola
If you want to find great content on different leukemia related issues like chronic leukemia, acute leukemia and many more visit www.leukemia-guide.com .
Article Source: http://www.articles2k.com

More Cancer Treatment Failure

At the recent meeting of the American Association of Clinical Oncologists (ASCO), some 25,000 doctors met to discuss advances in cancer therapy. Over 10,000 scientific abstracts were presented.

Surely now, after countless billions have been spent on research since President Nixon's war on cancer was declared in 1971, there must be some dramatic cures. Something must have emerged from this meeting to reverse the growing cancer epidemic and justify the skyrocketing medical costs for cancer treatment.

Surely.

But not so.

The meeting highlighted how that cancer therapy is shifting from conventional cut-burn-poison to a more technologically sophisticated, molecularly targeted pharmaceutical approach. It's a cash cow heyday for drug companies and a wonderful fix for the addicted Rx generation.

A new fleet of drugs include tyrosine kinase inhibitors such as Gleevec and Iressa. Tarvesa is an ingenious pharmaceutical that targets the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) in neoplasms. Another category is antiangiogenic drugs, such as Avastin, that inhibit the growth of blood vessels in tumors.

There have been some qualified 'successes' but not without downside serious side effect risks. For example, Avastin causes serious and even fatal bleeding into the lungs (hemoptisis). In one instance 31% of patients experienced this side effect.

But, you might say, so what if there is a good chance of cure? Surprisingly, during this meeting, little discussion could be heard about meaningful results. Everyone was giddy about the science (like kids with new toys), but the take away for the cancer victim was sobering and depressing.

There was a lot of talk about mechanisms of action and theory. There was also many numbers and charts about the effectiveness of the new drugs used alone or in various combinations with others, including conventional chemotherapy. The package presented to attendees was impressively wrapped in science, but what about the results.

In one instance it was found that the new therapies increased survival from 10.8 months to 12.9 months. Progression-free-survival (PFS) was changed in another comparison from 7.2 months to 7.6 months. In another comparison overall survival was changed from 10.2 to 12.5 months and PFS changed from 4.5 to 6.4 months. In yet another comparison the overall survival changed from 5.91 to 6.37 months-- about two weeks. One week was added to remission-free survival.

These pathetic results did not dampen the enthusiasm of pharmaceutical purveyors out in force at the meeting with product booth displays rivaling those at the super bowl half time. One company called their drug a "breakthrough… providing new hope for patients with advanced… cancer." Doctors, looking at only the statistical numbers, concluded that the results were "important" and "exciting" because they were "not due to chance". Of course the mainstream media jumps right on with wild claims about how the cure is now just around the corner.

Please. One week!

What's the cost benefit of this "exciting" new progress? In just two years, spending on cancer drugs will increase from 22 billion dollars to 32 billion. Just adding one of the new drugs, Avastin, to a treatment regimen will increase costs to the patient of $8,000 per month. While these miracle life extensions of a couple months or a week are going on, costs are escalating 500 fold. If you submit to this leading edge cancer treatment miracle, expect to pay about $250,000.

Recently I was talking to a pharmaceutical salesman who was excitedly detailing the benefits of the drugs he represented. He had impressive numbers of how his drug produced results better than competitor's drugs. I asked him how his results compared to no treatment at all. Stunned by the question, he had to admit he had no idea.

That's the first and most obvious question that should be asked before submitting to any potentially toxic or invasive therapy. Those were not the sorts of answers that came out of the ASCO meeting however.

You see, the medical and patient imperative is to 'do something,' meaning medical intervention. Never mind that the disease may be self-limiting or reversible by simple life style, dietary or natural treatment options. Why, it would be unethical to do a study where a comparison group was not treated!

Do you see the failed logic here? Can you see that the bias that cancer is a disease that 'strikes' us ignores real causes—lifestyle and dietary changes that put us out of sync with our genetically adapted to environmental roots?

If you are struck with any disease, before submitting, ask the question and demand the evidence: "What is the proof, my good doctor, that the treatment you are recommending is superior to no treatment at all or to safe and natural lifestyle and dietary changes"?

Modern allopathic medicine is just too risky, dangerous and expensive to just roll over and expose your soft underbelly to them.

One also has to make the decision that if fatality is inevitable, whether extending life in a hospital bed, being a pin cushion, living your last moments in misery from drugs and expending your family's entire savings is worth a couple of months or weeks of life… if even that is true.

The cure for cancer is to prevent it. Learn how to live life healthily and get at it. If it strikes, don't panic and fall victim to the 'something must be done' mania. 'Fighting' cancer is also not surrender to the medical establishment.

True health care means patients must be active partners, not mere passive recipients. The paradigm must be changed such that primacy is given to self-responsibility for prevention, and respecting and encouraging the innate capacity for self-regulation and healing. By engaging, patients gain a feeling of control and emotional strength. The psychological stress of the disease combined with essentially no coping strategies is a primary reason for recurrence.

Modern tumor-based cancer care, on the other hand, is about a love affair with biomedicine and its fragmentation and overspecialization. More attention is paid to lymphocyte counts than to the patient. The result is dehumanization, dependency and disempowerment for patients, and more machines, pharmaceutical reps and money for medicine.

This is not to say there have not been therapeutic successes. Surgically debulking tumors (although surgery can also incite benign to malignant), chemotherapy for some forms of leukemia and skin cancer, are such examples. But that is an embarrassing result in terms of the overall scale of the disease. For the 10 major killing cancers, survival has not improved over the past 50 years.

Your best hope, as always, begins with thinking. Learn think about what there is about your life that caused the disease. Change your life and investigate alternative approaches (See Wysong Resource Directory).

There is hope, but as with anything else in life it resides in what you do to yourself, not what others do to or for you.

Refs.
Cancer – The Missing Point http://www.wysong.net/health/hl_956.shtml
Is Common Sense or Research Needed to Cure Cancer
http://www.wysong.net/health/hl_937.shtml
Research on Pancreatice Cancer... http://www.wysong.net/health/hl_898.shtml
Wysong e-Health Letter Archives http://www.wysong.net/archivesehl.shtml
Wysong Resource Directory "Cancer"
http://www.wysong.net/page/WOTTPWS/PROD/EDUAIDS/MM028
http://lungdiseases.about.com/mbiopagel.htm
R. Moss, PhD., Townsend Letter for Doctors, Aug, 05, p. 44
"New Cancer Drugs Are Driving Up Cost of Care," LA Times, May 14, 2005
Ramirez, A., et al, "Stress and relapse of breast cancer," British Medical Journal, 1989: 298: 291-293
Spiegal D., et al, "Effect of psychosocial treatment on survival of patients with metastatic breast cancer," Lancet 989: 888-889

About the Author:
Dr. R. L. Wysong
For further reading, or for more information about, Dr Wysong and the Wysong Corporation please visit http://www.wysong.net or write to wysong@wysong.net. For resources on healthier foods for people including snacks, and breakfast cereals please visit http://www.cerealwysong.com.
Added: 16 Nov 2006
Article Source: http://articles.simplysearch4it.com/article/42976.html

Lifestyle Choices May be a Predictor of Bladder Cancer

The thought itself is astounding: a way possibly exists to predict if a person could possibly contract bladder cancer in the future. In recent studies, debate is emerging in regards to one theory – that lifestyle choices and the impact of living life a certain way may be related to bladder cancer. A recent study by the Department of Preventive Medicine of Nagoya University School of Medicine indicates that there might, in fact, be a strong and credible link between lifestyle and bladder cancer.

The department studied 258 bladder cancer patients in order to determine if lifestyle choices played a role in allowing medical professionals to prognosticate the possibility that patients might be susceptible to bladder cancer. This was a follow-up study of patients who had suffered from bladder cancer in metropolitan Nagoya, Japan and were recruited for study. Their personal survival information was derived from a database that was maintained by the Nagoya Bladder Cancer Research Group.

After reviewing the tests and their results, researchers were able to pinpoint several key factors that impact the occurrence and reoccurrence of this type of cancer. Univariate analysis showed that there was a significant relationship between 5 year survivorship and the level of education a person possessed, their marital status, drinking habits, and the degree of green tea consumption in males. Additional factors were the age at which the cancer was diagnosed, the histological type and grade of the any tumors, the degree of metastasis, and the state of metastasis in both sexes.

The results were adjusted for age, stage, histology (histological type and grade), and distant metastasis by means of a proportional hazards model.The consumption of alcoholic beverages was also significantly associated with the prognoses of bladder cancer in males. The ratio of adjusted hazard was 0.46 with a 95% confidence interval of 0.26 – 0.79 among males that consumed alcoholic beverages.

Detailed analysis revealed that former drinkers and every level of current drinkers exhibited hazard ratios smaller than unity, although no correlation between dosage amounts was detectable. Other factors, such as smoking habits, uses of artificial sweeteners and hair dye, and consumption of coffee, black tea, matcha (powdered green tea), and cola were detected, leading one to believe that it is reasonable to conclude that drinking any type of beverage, not just alcohol, plays a significant role in the development or reoccurrence of bladder cancer.

The significance of this is vague in terms of prognosis, although that ratio seems to indicate that at least among those who participated in the study and were bladder cancer survivors, drinking alcohol is not a very good idea. Additionally, the study showed that the higher risk factor in regards to bladder cancer and males can be correlated directly to drinking in terms of reoccurrence propensity. If you are male and have had bladder cancer, along with dietary changes and other lifestyle choices, avoiding alcoholic beverages might increase the possibility of avoiding the sickness in the future.

This, however, is not, and should not be considered conclusive, but merely the very compelling result of one specific study. Also, the indication that other factors, such as smoking, did not seem to increase the risk of reoccurrence, should not be construed as rock solid justification for those behaviors.

For instance, the fact that smoking does not apparently increase the risk bladder cancer does not in any way obviate the fact that smoking has been risked to other diseases or maladies such as heart disease, lung cancer, strokes, or degradation of blood circulation. All of these conditions are just as life-threatening as bladder cancer.

One significant factor seems to be that dosage amounts of alcohol do not seem to correlate with the propensity of reoccurrence. In fact, this study seemed to show that among moderate to heavy drinkers, the reoccurrence rate was unaffected. If one were to take this at face value, one could conclude that any drinking at all increases the chances of bladder cancer coming back.

About the Author:
Jon M. Stout is the Chairman of the Golden Moon Tea Company. Golden Moon Tea carefully selects the finest rare and orthodox teas, which are processed slowly and handcrafted with extreme care. At their website, you can learn more about their current tea offerings, including their exceptional green tea, white tea, black tea, oolong tea (also known as wu-long and wu long tea) and chai. Visit http://www.goldenmoontea.com for all details concerning the Golden Moon Tea Company's fine line of teas.
This article was posted on November 28, 2006
Article Source: articlecity

Healthy eating with fruits and vegetables

Dietary experts recommend that every person should eat at least five servings of fruits and vegetables every day. The importance of fruits and vegetables to a healthy diet has been known for quite some time, but studies have shown that very few people eat the amount of fruits and vegetables recommended for a healthy diet.

That’s a shame, since eating a sufficient number of fruits and vegetables just may be the single most effective thing you can do to improve your overall health. The five a day approach to healthy eating may be the single most important strategy you can adopt for a healthier lifestyle.

The many health benefits of eating fruits and vegetables have been established for quite some time now. Study after study has shown that a diet rich in fruits and vegetables lowers the risk of certain cancers, heart disease and other chronic diseases and conditions. Some studies have suggested that as many as 35% of cancer deaths can be attributed to diet, and that diets high in fats and low in fruits and vegetables contributes to unnecessary cancer deaths.

Fruits and vegetables have a lot of advantages besides just their nutritional importance. For one thing, they taste great and add a great deal of variety to everyday meals. Fruits and vegetables come in such a wide variety of colors, textures and flavors that they can be used in virtually every meal. Those seeking to maximize their consumption of fruits and vegetables should get into the habit of using fruits in salads, as toppings and as garnishes.

In addition to their great taste, fruits and vegetables are packed full of many essential vitamins and minerals, including many micronutrients that are not included in packaged vitamin supplements. For instance, foods like butternut squash, pumpkins, carrots, mangoes, peaches, pawpaws and green leafy vegetables are rich in beta carotene. Beta carotene is vital for healthy skin and eyes.

In addition, most varieties of fruits and vegetables contain vitamin C, another important vitamin and a strong antioxidant. Good sources of vitamin C include Brussels sprouts, citrus fruits, strawberries, broccoli, nectarines and kiwi fruit. Many fruits and vegetables, including spinach, broccoli and avocadoes, are also good sources of vitamin E, another excellent antioxidant.

Men and women alike should always strive to eat a healthy diet, but women have an extra incentive to get all the nutrition they need. Proper nutrition is essential to a healthy pregnancy, and some of the baby’s biggest nutritional needs happen before the pregnancy is discovered. Folic acid is perhaps the best known essential nutrient for pregnant women. Folic acid has been proven effective at preventing a variety of birth defects, including Spina Bifida. Good dietary sources of folic acid include Brussels sprouts, broccoli, spinach and oranges. In addition, due to its importance to women of child bearing years, many common foods such as cereals and breads, are supplemented with folic acid.

In addition to their importance as source of vitamins and minerals, fruits and vegetables also provide essential dietary fiber. Adequate fiber in the diet is important in preventing heart disease and some kinds of cancer.

Another great feature of fruits and vegetables, especially to those watching their weight, is the high nutrition, low fat, low calorie nature of these foods. Fruits and vegetables contain very low levels of fats, and a diet low in fat can be quite effective for long term weight loss. In addition, fruits and vegetables contain no cholesterol, and they are lower in calories than many other types of foods.

With all these things going for them, it is no wonder so many dietary experts recommend eating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables. Not only are fruits and vegetables delicious and nutritious, but they can be quite inexpensive as well. Buying fruits and vegetables that are locally grown, and that are in season, is usually the most cost effective way to get the freshest fruits and veggies at the lowest possible cost.

This buying strategy also helps to ensure a steady stream of new fruits and vegetables every month, as some go out of season while others are just coming in. Trying a variety of different fruits and vegetables, including some you may not be familiar with, is also a great way to create exciting new dishes and prevent yourself from becoming bored with the same old diet. Whether your goal is to lose weight or just increase your level of fitness, it is hard to go wrong with a diet rich in fruits and vegetables.

About the author:
Zaak O'Conan discovers and presents useful information on how to enhance and/or repair your life, body and relationships. You'll find his other articles on eating better and other ways how to improve your life at http://your-health-center.com
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