3 subtle warning signs of a heart attack that every woman needs to know

Hidden Signs of Heart Attack in Women

Women are at higher chance of dying from a heart attack, compared to all forms of cancer? What`s more, more women die from heart disease than men.

However, most people are not familiar with these facts, and heart disease is being perceived as “man`s” problem.  Hence, this lack of awareness puts women at higher risk for heart disease and premature death.

Heart Disease Facts and Figures

• Every year around 735,000 Americans have a heart attack
• Heart disease is the leading cause of death with 17.3 million deaths a year
• 48.3 million women suffer from some form of heart disease
• In America, heart disease is the #1 cause of death of women

What is a heart attack?

When a certain area of the heart lacks oxygen, a heart attack occurs.  Obstruction caused by plague in the coronary arteries is the most common cause of heart attack, as the coronary arteries are in charge of carrying both oxygen and nutrients to the heart.

Early Subtle Warning Signs of a Heart Attack That May Be Easy To Miss

1. Unusual Fatigue

Sudden or new fatigue is a matter of concern. Any feeling of heaviness in the chest followed by fatigue could be an early sign, too.

2. Sweating and Shortness of Breath

If sweating and shortness of breath persist while resting or after an exercise, you need to get checked up. In case they are accompanied with symptoms like chest pain, consult a doctor as soon as possible.

3. Pain in Areas Other Than the Chest

Pain indicates that there is something wrong, but it doesn’t necessarily point to the exact location of the root problem.  Back pain, pain in the arm, or jaw pain often indicate a heart attack.

Symptoms Common To Women at the Time of a Heart Attack

• Nausea
• Shortness of breath
• Lightheadedness
• Stomach pain or pressure
• A feeling of squeezing or fullness in any area of the chest
• Pain in the arms, jaw, back, or neck

  9 Tips to Reduce Your Risk of Heart Attack

1. Tame the inflammation with Curcumin

Excessive inflammation is linked to an increased risk of coronary artery disease as well as heart attack. Supplementing with curcumin, the active ingredient in turmeric, has been shown to the accumulation of buildup in the arteries due to its potent anti-inflammatory properties.

2. Easy on the sugar!

According to a 2014 study, those who eat 10-24 percent of their daily calories from added sugar are at 30 percent higher risk of death by cardiovascular disease. High calorie intake also lowers good cholesterol and increases the levels of triglycerides.

3. Combat Oxidative Stress with Vitamin C and Fish Oil

It has been scientifically shown that vitamin C deficiency increases the risk of dying from coronary artery disease.  To protect yourself and dilate the arteries, consider adding fish oil to your daily diet.

4. Add Vitamin D and Vitamin K to Your Health Regimen

For optimal protection, consider supplementing with vitamin D3 until your blood vessel is between 50-80 ng/mL. Additionally, make sure you get enough vitamin K as well, since lack of this nutrient increases the risk for calcification of the arteries.

5. Eat Garlic

Garlic helps lower the risk of heart attack by lowering blood pressure, the force of blood against the artery walls. In case you don’t like its smell, opt for supplements instead. For optimal results, take at least 480 mg a day.

6. Eat your fruits and veggies!

It has been shown that consuming more than five servings of fruits and veggies daily lowers the risk for coronary heart disease by 20 percent, compared to eating less.

7. Stop Smoking

Smoking increases the fibrinogen levels, a protein that increases the risk of dangerous blood clots and eventually a heart attack.  Once you quit smoking, the fibrinogen levels drop and go back to normal in a few years.

8. Meditate

According to a 2012 study, meditation reduced the risk of heart attack, stroke, and death in coronary heart disease patients.

9. Moderate Exercise

Women who exercise on a daily basis are at lower risk of heart attack than inactive women. However, intense workouts are at an increased risk too, so don’t overdo it.

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source: http://besthealthyguide.com

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Signs Of Heart Attack That You Have To Know!

Many people believe that the main symptom of heart attack is when the individual clutches at her/his heart dramatically with severe chest pain.

In fact, this is not true. 25% of the heart attacks occur silently, without any clear symptom or sign.

Dr. C. Crandall is a cardiologist who dedicated many years of his career in order to minimize, prevent and reverse heart disease. According to him, our heart actually gives us a sign of a potential heart attack before it happens.

1. Swelling

A lot of people believe that swelling of the ankles or feet is related to excessive standing or sitting without knowing that heart failure can lead to accumulated fluid in the body.

It can cause swelling the ankles, feet, legs, or abdomen. Many people can retain so much fluid and experience sudden weigh gain. When this occurs, the individual can lose the appetite.

2. Anxiety

People that have heart attack state that they had experienced anxiety attacks immediately before the heart attack happened.

Even though some people with anxiety attack consider that they are having heart attack, it is better to prevent than cure.

3. Pain in the other body parts

The pain starts in the chest and spreads to the jaw, shoulder, arms, back, and abdomen.

In some cases, people do not experience chest pain, but pain in some other parts of the body. Mostly, the pain occurs in one of both arms or between the shoulder blades.

4. Coughing

There are some cases when the victims cough bloody phlegm or have wheezing or nagging cough. This can indicate a heart failure and it is because of fluid accumulation in the lungs. Make sure to pay particular attention to this symptom!

These are some of the most common signs:

• Nausea
• Lightheadedness
• Chest discomfort
• Cold sweat
• Shortness of breath

It is very important not to ignore the symptoms hoping that they will go away. In a case they last for more than 5 minutes, make sure to call 911 or go to the hospital immediately. Taking an aspirin is also a helpful alternative, except for those who are allergic to it.

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source: http://besthealthpage.com/signs-heart-attack-know/

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12 early warning signs of dementia that anyone over 40 needs to know

Dementia is an umbrella term for a decline in mental ability, manifested by symptoms like memory loss and difficulties with thinking. It is a terrible condition which affects both the lives of the victims and their family members.

What is dementia?

As mentioned above, dementia itself is not a disease, rather a general term used to describe and categorize certain mental disorders. Among them are:

• Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus
• Parkinson’s Disease
• Vascular Dementia
• Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease (CJD)
• Dementia with Lewy Bodies
• Frontotemporal Dementia
• Huntington’s Disease
• Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome
• Alzheimer’s

There are more than 100 different types of dementia, all of which are progressive and damage the brain more and more as time passes by. Alzheimer`s is the most prevalent type of dementia, accounting for over 50 percent of all dementia cases. While only an estimate, about 5 million Americans suffer from some form of dementia.

Dementia Affects Different People in Different Ways

Dementia affects people differently; depending on their emotional and physical stability, personality, and the support they are given. While dementia is incurable at this point, early diagnosis can go a long way in helping to address the problem on time.

12 Early Warning Signs of Dementia

1. Short Term Memory Problems

Short term memory problems are one of the most common early signs of dementia. Initially, these changes are very subtle, causing the individual to remember events of many years ago, while failing to recall more recent events. They may also be unable to remember where they put something or why they went somewhere.

2. Difficulty with Choosing a Suitable Word

When the person has difficulty being able to choose a suitable word, it is very likely that dementia is setting in.  Very often, having a meaningful conversation can be very difficult for these people, and might take much more time than it would do normally. If frequently happens to them to try desperately to remember a specific word or choose the one appropriate for the situation.

3. Mood Swings

Mood swings are yet another common early sign of dementia.  Its victims often become depressed for short period. In addition to this, a change of personality is also possible, meaning that if someone who is ordinarily shy may become outgoing and gregarious.

4. Lethargy

Lethargy is very common in those who are in the early stage of dementia.  Victims are likely to lose interest in doing anything, even those things they enjoyed doing earlier.   They may be hesitant about going out as well as showing symptoms of losing interest in being with their loved ones.

5. Difficulties with Making Plans or Problem Solving

People in early stages of dementia often face difficulties in making plans or trying to follow a plan they have made earlier.  Others may also face problems when trying to deal with numbers.   Simply put, they experience a notable decline in the ability to focus on anything.

6. Finding it Difficult to Complete Ordinary Everyday Chores

Another very common symptom of dementia is then one finds it difficult to complete simple, day-to-day activities that have been previously done without even thinking about them.  In most cases the victim finds it difficult to drive to a once familiar place or remember the rules of certain simple game.

7. Difficulty in Understanding Time

Time is relative, and making associations with the future, present, or the past can prove challenging.  Victims very often fail to understand why something isn’t happening at the moment and being told that something will happen the next day might seem odd for them.

8. Having Difficulty Recognizing Places

Victims may sometimes not recognize places and even being at home may seem unfamiliar. In addition to this, they may realize that they are in a certain place out of the blue, without being aware to recall how they got there.

9. Experiencing Problems with Writing

Just like these people have difficulty to find a suitable word, they also find it difficult to choose the right word when it comes to writing, which makes their job of writing more challenging and even frustrating.

10. Becoming Repetitive

Repeating something they have already said a few times earlier in the conversation is another symptom to look for in a dementia sufferer.  Victims often feel the urge to ask a question they already had asked or answered earlier.  Repetition towards actions like having a shave, combing hair, or brushing teeth is also possible.

11. Trying to Avoid Change

While many people are simply not fond of changes, the realization in those suffering from dementia can be frightening.  This particularly applies to certain aspects of their experiences like getting lost.  In order to avoid this, they will try anything to avoid change.

12. Not Being Able to Follow a Storyline

As already discussed earlier, dementia sufferers are likely to experience difficulty in focusing and concentration.  This is often manifested by inability to follow a storyline,  either while watching a movie or during an event someone is relating.

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source: http://www.healthy-holistic-living.com

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10 Warning Signs of Ovarian Cancer – The Silent Killer!

Ovarian cancer is also known as “the silent killer” because of its subtle symptoms that seem like menstrual symptoms. For women, this is one of the most dangerous cancers. According to the American Cancer Study, only 20-30% of women diagnosed with late stage ovarian cancer are alive 5 years later. This means that 70-80 percent of the women pass away.

There is not a good screening test that detects ovarian cancer. Often, it is discovered in an advanced stage because there are several symptoms that women can sense that something is not right. They may experience something like bowel sluggishness or menstrual symptoms and it can be a mild congestion in the pelvis or a feeling of fullness or bloating in the lower abdomen.

The risk of developing this disease can increase with the age. Ovarian cancer is the 2nd most common gynecological cancer and the 5th most common cancer in women in America. The death rate of this cancer is higher than for any other cancer in women due to its late detection.

If you deal with new and unusual symptoms that last more than 2 weeks, do not neglect them and seek help from your doctor. Get a pelvic exam and don’t let doctors tell you your symptoms are too mild to be taken seriously. Also, don’t let them say you are experiencing digestive issues or inflammatory bowel syndrome and that your feeling is normal of menstrual or menopausal symptoms. Doctors should take seriously all the women that come to doctors with abdominal symptoms.

The best way is to do a (transvaginal) pelvic ultrasound and a pelvic exam that doctors check manually for any abdominal growths. If there is something suspicious, you can have a blood test that includes HE4 and CA125 and CT scan.

The exploratory surgery may confirm the diagnosis. There are specialized doctors that focus on cancer in women – gynecologic oncologic surgeons and gynecologic oncologists, and surgeons that specialize in gynecologic surgeries. The best advice is to seek an opinion from a specialist than for a generalist who is more experienced for the best evaluation and care.

More valid diagnosis, appropriate treatment and better results can be given from the gynecologist surgeons. Find a doctor that can positively evaluate the stage of the cancer and the recurrence’s level of risk.

Researchers from the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center say that women with a family history of colorectal, breast and ovarian cancers may be at bigger risk. This mean than women should think about more pelvic exams with CA 125 blood test and ultrasound at least twice a year.

Below you can read the signs that are common for ovarian cancer, but also to many other diseases. That is why a thoughtful and thorough work-up is important. Make sure you don’t wait more than 2 weeks if the symptoms continue. Also, you don’t have to have all the symptoms because even one of them can be the clue that can save your life.

10 essential warning signs:

• Frequent urination
• Pain during sex
• Fatigue
• Appetite loss and feeling full after eating
• Pressure, bloating, and fullness
• Discomfort in the pelvis and pain
• Indigestion or persistent gas
• Constipation
• Abdomen size incensement
• Pain in the lower back

source: http://unknownremedy.com/

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8 ways your body is trying to warn you about a hormone imbalance

These days, many patients complain of symptoms like constipation, sexual dysfunction, menstrual dysfunction, weight gain, sleep problems, fatigue, brittle nails, and thinning hair. Although different, all of them point out to one particular problem: a hormonal imbalance.

Hormone Imbalance Symptoms

The Different Types of Hormonal Imbalance

For instance, poor sleep and fatigue indicate that there is something wrong with the adrenals, the glands that are responsible for the production of stress hormones. Fatigue, combined with symptoms like brittle nails, thinning hair, weight gain, and constipation, suggest thyroid-related problems, the gland responsible for the production of thyroid hormone. Menstrual problems and menopausal issues point out to imbalances with testosterone, progesterone, and estrogen, the sex hormones.  Fatigue and weight gain are typically a combination of these three hormonal imbalances.

However, weight gain can also indicate that there are too many starches and sweets in your diet.  Carbohydrate-intolerance is often to blame, as people become insulin “resistant” due to the excessive consumption of carbs.

How Conventional Testing May Be Sub-Par

Simply put, feeling and looking ill isn’t a normal side-effect of aging.  It basically shows that your hormones might be out of balance, seeking a total reboot. Even if the doctor has checked your adrenals, blood sugar, and thyroid and found nothing wrong, it is very likely that you may be suffering from a hormonal imbalance.

Instead of coming to terms with this, you should look for a way to fight back and balance your hormones. This article presents 10 tips on how to balance your hormones, no matter what your age.

10 Ways To Fix The Underlying Cause of Hormonal Imbalance

1. Cut back, way back on the sweets and starches

Too many sweets and starches set the hormones on a ride. Try to limit their intake, or even better, eliminate them completely for a few weeks to see how your body reacts to this change.

2. Try reducing your grains, legumes and high sugar fruits for two weeks

Many people are carbohydrate-intolerant, without even being aware of it. Excessive intake of these carbs causes metabolic problems in those people who fail to process them properly or are insulin resistant.

3. Eat more healthy fats- and let of fat-phobia

Adding more healthy fats to your daily diet helps stimulate the production of hormones that boost energy, suppress cravings, and increase feeling of satiety.

4. Be good to your microbiome

Feeling the gut with fermented foods and fiber helps support good bacteria and keeps bad ones under control.  Apart from keeping both elimination and digestion functioning properly, it boosts hormone function as well.

5. Avoid reactive, inflammatory foods

Gluten, sugar, and processed foods are considered inflammatory foods, as they take their toll through the gut, immune system, and the endocrine system.

6. Aim to sleep more and better

Lack of sleep and poor sleep affect the entire organism, and are also known to inhibit body`s ability to release the hormones that are needed to restore and refresh the cells. Consequently, one ends up with more rapidly aging brain and body.  So, aim at getting more and better sleep!

7. Cool it on the stimulants

High caffeine intake, whether in the form of coffee soda, tea, or energy drinks, is known to interfere with the hormones responsible for restorative sleep.

8. Cut the chemicals

Lowering your exposure to chemicals commonly found in food, water, air, cosmetic, and household cleaners, is one of the first steps towards balancing your hormones and keeping them functioning optimally. So, try switching to the less toxic products in order to limit your exposure to detrimental chemicals.

9. Minimize the medications

Long-term exposure to medications, whether they are prescription or over-the-counter remedies, can cause hormone imbalance and stress out the microbiome. Make sure you avoid hormone-disrupting OTC medications as much as possible! In case you must take them, ask for the smallest dose possible.

10. Train yourself to unwind

Train yourself to unwind and relax once in a while, whether it`s through watching a movie and laughing, dancing, or simply having fun with your friends.  Add a regular meditation to your daily life too, and you`ll naturally balance your hormones, while staying more relaxed and fit.

source: http://besthealthyguide.com/hormone-imbalance-warning/

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2 Signs of Ovarian Cancer Often Disregarded As Nothing Serious

Ovarian cancer is a cancer that is often misdiagnosed. This is because most of its symptoms are very common that are often disregarded as nothing serious or something that will just fade away after a couple of days.

This does not actually show distinctive symptoms that we could easily identify it as one. Family is a high factor risk but there is no routine screening available for the said disease.

Late diagnosis makes this disease more dangerous.

Here are the two most common symptoms you might downsize as nothing serious:

1. Frequent urination

This is often confused as urinary tract infection. If you already undergone treament but the side effect stays, you should seek help from your gynecologist.


2. Bloating
This is normally associated with constipation, indigestion, improper nutrition and alike gastrointestinal issues. However, when the bloated feeling after you eat, lasted for more than one week, you should already seek advice from a doctor.

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source: http://mrhealthyplanet.com

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8 Early Warning Signs of Colon Cancer Most People Miss!

The colon, also known as the large intestine, is located in the digestive system and is considered as the lowers part of this system. Within this organ, water and salt from waste are extracted prior the waste moves down the rectum and leaves the body through the anus.

Colorectal cancer (also known as colon cancer, rectal cancer or bowel cancer) is the development of cancer in the colon and the rectum (parts of the large intestine). Most colorectal cancers start in the cells that create and release mucus and other fluids, which leads to a formation of tumor in the lining of the large intestine. Colon cancer is the third most common type of cancer in the world and statistically, it makes about 10% of all cancer cases. It is more common in the developed countries, where 65% of the cases are detected.  While only an estimate, there were  about 95,300 new cases of colon cancer in the United States in 2016.  Prior discussing the risk factors and symptoms of this cancer, it is worth noting that it occurs more often in men than women.

This disease can be treated when discovered early, which is the reason why  it is of utmost importance to be aware of the risk factors, signs, and symptoms of colon cancer!

Risk Factors for Colon Cancer

• Obesity– being overweight increases the risk of the development of colorectal cancer in both men and women.
• Physical inactivity– increased physical activity lowers the risk of developing any disease, and not just colon cancer. Regular exercising will help your body healthy.
• Diet– Diets that are rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains are associated with a lower risk of colorectal cancer. You should also avoid red and processed meat.
• Alcohol– several studies have confirmed the connection between colorectal cancer and increased alcohol intake, especially among men.
• Other risk factors include smoking, older age, and exposure to radiation. People who suffer from inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) or diabetes are also at higher risk of developing colon cancer.
• Genes: Genetic predisposition that is inherited from the parents or close relatives can also be to blame. It is possible to be born with a faulty gene which makes one more susceptible to cancer.

Signs and Symptoms of Colon Cancer

• Blood in your stool or bleeding from your rectum — any amount of bleeding might be a sign. So, it is very important to visit a professional if you have experienced this symptom.
• Sudden weight loss.
• Loss of appetite.
• Constant bloated feeling, and pain in the abdomen.
• Feeling of tiredness and weakness all the time.
• A change in bowel habits that lasts for an extended period (such as diarrhea or constipation).
• Jaundice (a yellow or green coloring of the skin and the white part of the eye).
• Nausea and vomiting in people who are over 50.

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source: http://besthealthyguide.com/8-early-warning-signs-colon-cancer-people-miss/

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6 Early-Warning Signs of Rectum-Cancer Everyone is TOO Embarrassed to Talk About

Anal cancer is a type of cancer that begins at the opening of the rectum (also known as anus). This unusual form of cancer is overlooked by almost everyone due to the location of the affected area. Most people who have experienced the symptoms of anal cancer do not discuss it with neither their doctor nor the people they know due to embarrassment.

Anal cancer should not be confused with colorectal cancer. Whereas colorectal cancer affects the whole large intestine and the rectum, the anal cancer affects only the beginning of the rectum.

Each year, more than 8,000 Americans are diagnosed with anal cancer. It is expected that 1,000 of them will die from it. Statistically, one of every four people who suffer from anal cancer has been diagnosed after the disease has spread to lymph nodes, and one of every ten people has been diagnosed after it has spread to other organs. Although the cases of anal cancer are not as frequent like the other types of cancer such as colon, rectal, or colorectal cancer, the number of people who suffer from it has grown rapidly in the last decade.

The Symptoms of Anal Cancer!

It is very difficult to detect the presence of anal cancer in its earliest stages because most symptoms are not present during that time. However, as cancer progresses, it usually causes many different symptoms such as pain and itching in the anus, anal bleeding, unusual discharge from the anus, a lump outside the anus, and unusual bowel movements.

The cause of anal cancer remains unclear in most cases, but still, there are many factors that can increase the risk of developing anal cancer, like frequent irritation of the anus, smoking, and a weakened immune system. People who are at higher risk of developing anal cancer are the ones who are older than 60 years. 80 percent of the cases have been detected in people who belong to this category. Men under 35 are at higher risk to develop this uncommon disease when compared women who belong to the same age category. However, after the age of 50, women are at higher risk of developing anal cancer.

How to Detect Anal Cancer Early?

Detecting anal cancer during its early stages is decisive in overcoming it. There are many procedures that can detect the presence of anal cancer. Here are some of them:

• Digital Rectal Exam – The doctor first looks at the outside of the anus to find out whether you have hemorrhoids or fissures. Then, he puts on a latex glove and inserts a lubricated finger into the rectum to search for lumps or any other abnormalities.
• Anoscopy – This is a method when a small, tubular instrument called an anoscope is inserted a few inches into the anus so the doctor can determine whether you have anal fissures, anal polyps, hemorrhoids, infection, or tumors. The doctor will perform this procedure only if he finds something abnormal during the digital rectal exam.
• Biopsies, ultrasounds, x-rays, CT scans, MRIs and PET scans are all procedures that can be used to detect the presence of anal cancer. However, all of these procedures are surrounded by controversies as a result of many studies which suggest that they either spread or cause cancer.

source: http://familylifegoals.com

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15 Cancer Warning Signs People Assume Aren’t Dangerous Until It’s Too Late

People with a family history of cancer are extremely cautious and always watch for the specific signs.  They work with their doctor, track their health, and take all the preventive measures needed.

However, many people fail to notice the cancer signs they were not expecting.  The cancer industry promotes only awareness for a few cancer types only, which doesn’t help at all. Therefore, knowing as much as possible is of utmost importance so that you can react on time.

Universal Cancer Signs and Symptoms

Every cancer type has its own signs and symptoms and everything depends on the location of the cancer cells and how widespread they have become.  Still, there are some symptoms which are the same for most cancer types.

Most of them are associated with the way the body responds to unwanted organisms. Below, you have a list of 15 cancer warning signs which most people assume aren’t dangerous. Check them out!

1.      Changes in your #2’s

Frequent diarrhea, constipation, or suddenly different stool size, may indicate cancer in the lower digestive tract. The same applies to regular pain.

2.      Changes in your #1’s

More frequent trips to the bathroom or pain related to urinating can be a sign of cancers affecting the prostate or bladder.

3.      Sores

Sores can be a sign of a few types of cancer, such as oral cancer, skin cancer, and cancer affecting the genitals.  In case you notice any sore on your body, consult your doctor right away.

4.     Bleeding

A couple of cancer types may cause bleeding and the source depends on the type itself.  Common signs include bloody stool or urine, bloody discharge, or coughing up blood.

5.     Lumps or thickening

Any new lump or an old one which is changing in size seeks medical attention.  It should be noted that several types of cancer are linked to growths and tumors which can be noticed through the skin.

6.     Indigestion

Given the fact that indigestion is very common issue, it is one of the most misdiagnosed symptoms. However, it is often a sign of cancers of the upper digestive tract.  Difficulty swallowing and persistent stomach pain can be also warning signs of cancer.

7.     Changes in freckle or mole

Any change in the color, shape, or size of the freckle or mole can indicate cancer.  Consult a doctor in case you notice anything unusual, particularly in a case of pain.

8.     Unusual hair growth

It is important to mention that unusual hair growth is not limited to skin cancers only! Sometimes, it can indicate something else as well.  In case you notice something new, consult your doctor right away as sudden change in the body is the biggest factor for cancer.

9.     Skin changes

Again, skin changes are not limited to skin cancer only.  Reddened, yellowed, or darkened skin is the most common warning sign.

10.    Pain

Any pain which doesn’t seem to go away, such as headaches or back pain can indicate certain type of cancer.  Different areas of the body are associated with different type of cancer and any chronic pain seeks medical attention.

11.    Fever

Even though fever is usually linked to cancers of the immune system, it can indicate any type of cancer which is beginning to spread to other organs.

12.    Weight Loss

Sudden weight loss without any reason, such as medication, diet or lifestyle changes, can be a sign of cancer. Most cancer patients experience sudden weight loss, according to The American Cancer Society.

13.    Coughing

Chronic cough or scratchy throat may indicate cancer of the respiratory tract, such as throat or lung cancer.  Consult your doctor if the cough doesn’t subside.

14.    Unusual lymph nodes

Even though we have many lymph nodes over the body, any tender, swollen and uncomfortable lymph node seeks medical attention.

15.    Fatigue

Last but not least, fatigue is often a warning sign of cancer as it is the natural response of the immune system.  Some cancers may also cause blood loss, which also causes fatigue.  Consult your doctor in case you feel chronically fatigued.

Note:  Seek medical attention regardless of which of the aforementioned symptoms you experience. Reacting on time is of utmost importance as it increases the chances of beating the cancer before it spreads to other body parts.


source: http://mrhealthyplanet.com

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8 Early Warning Signs Of Carpal Tunnel. Try These Strategies Before You Agree To Surgery!

Carpal tunnel syndrome is the leading cause of wrist, hand, and finger symptoms.  In fact, nearly 4 percent of the population suffers from numbness, tingling, and hand pain caused by this disorder.

Symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

• Pain
• Weakness
• Loss of hand function
• Difficulty gripping
• Mild occasional numbness
• Tingling
• Pins and needles sensation
• Burning

The symptoms are often relieved by flicking the hands and they tend to be worse at night. Even though this syndrome can get better over time, there is a risk of progressing and even causing permanent nerve and muscle damage.

What Causes Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

The carpal tunnel is located at the wrist of the palm and it is made up of wrist bones on three sides and a ligament of the fourth. This tunnel is actually the place where the median nerve travels through. The median nerve provides muscle function in the hand and when squeezed, the nerve impulses are blocked.

Even though the real cause of this compression is often unclear, it is believed that irritation of the membranes around the tendons in the carpal tunnel, repetitive bending of the wrist, and forceful grasping can put pressure on the nerve.

According to Dr. Axe, “The most common causes of carpal tunnel include poor posture, excess typing at the computer, and working with wrists extended.”

Moreover, there are certain conditions which are known risk factors, such as obesity, migraines, arthritis, hypothyroidism, diabetes mellitus, certain autoimmune diseases, history of trauma to the wrist, and metabolic syndrome. Pregnancy, female gender, and age are also considered risk factors.

Tips for Preventing Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

• Pistol grips on tools are better than straight-handle tools. Avoid vibrating tools, if possible
• Don’t rest your wrists on hard surfaces for an extended period of time
• Take breaks from repetitive hand movements
• At a computer, adjust the height of your chair so that your forearms are level with your keyboard and mouse
• Keep your hands warm by wearing fingerless gloves if you can’t raise the temperature in your environment
• Avoid bending your wrist all the way up or down
• Relax your grip
• Write with thick pens with oversized, soft grips

Diagnosis of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Given the fact that physical examination of the hand is not reliable, additional testing is often obligatory.

1. Nerve Conduction Testing

This testing involves a small electrode placed onto the skin, generating electrical current and stimulating the nerve. This method measures the impulse in the hand and if it takes longer to get to the hand, it indicates damage of the median nerve.

2. Electromyography

This test measures the degree of abnormal function of the muscles which are provided by the median nerve. It involves use of a tiny needle which measures the impulse, indicating whether the muscle performs normally if not. If the nerve is compressed, the muscle won`t perform properly.

3. Ultrasound and MRI

These tests are used to determine the swelling of the median nerve and certain abnormalities of the tunnel wall and its contents.

Conventional Treatment of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

The conventional treatment of this syndrome involves the use of anti-inflammatory drugs, cortisone infections, and splinting the wrist to reduce pressure on the median nerve.

Carpal tunnel release surgery is another option which involves opening of the tunnel to relieve pressure on the nerve. This surgery mostly has positive outcomes and less than 5 percent of the patients experience reoccurrence of the symptoms.

Natural Treatments for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

In addition to the conventional treatments, there are natural treatments available as well. Among them are:

1. Low-level laser therapy

This therapy reduces inflammation, pain and swelling, and it also encourages healing of nerves, wounds and deeper tissues.

It involves use of non-thermal photons of light to penetrate into the skin and stimulate the release of ATP, which in turn reduces oxidative stress and improves cellular function.

It has been scientifically shown that laser therapy improves grips strength, improves nerve conduction, alleviates pain, and reduces tingling and numbness.

According to researchers from Harvard Medical School, “low-level laser therapy can be used effectively for nerve regeneration and pain relief.”  The treatments take only a couple of minutes; don’t provide any side effects and are painless.

2. Vitamin B6

Vitamin B6 affects metabolic pathways involving nerve function and it usually 100-150 mg of B6 on a daily basis leads to positive results. According to a recent study, 120 mg daily over the course of three months reduced pain, tingling, weakness, clumsiness, and numbness.

3. B-complex

Addition of other B vitamins enhances the effectiveness of vitamin B6. For example, vitamin B12 helps convert B6 into pyridoxal 5’-phosphate.

It is recommended to take a B-complex vitamin two times a day along with extra vitamin B6, but nothing more than 200mg of B6 daily. Take these vitamins over the course of three months before measuring the results.

4. Alpha Lipoic Acid and GLA

Alpha lipoic acid is a strong antioxidant with ability to nerve sensitivity to pain. On the other hand, GLA is an essential fatty acid which acts as powerful anti-inflammatory agent.  It is recommended to supplement combining alpha lipoic acid (600 mg per day) and GLA (360 mg per day).

5. Curcumin

Curcumin is scientifically shown to relieve pain and provide strong anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, and antioxidant properties. It has been found that combination of alpha lipoic acid (300 mg twice daily), curcumin phytosome (500 mg twice daily), and B vitamins (low doses) taken for three months before and after carpal tunnel surgery significantly reduced nighttime pain after surgery.

6. Acupuncture

Various therapies and massages, such as stretching, exercises, and soft tissue mobilization improve carpal tunnel syndrome. For optimal results, combine them with supplementation or low-level laser therapy.

Top Foods for Carpal Tunnel

• Foods high in B6:  Consume more B6-rich foods, such as beans, wild meats, and green leafy vegetables as Vitamin B6 deficiency can lead to carpal tunnel syndrome
• Green drinks: Any green drink which contains highly nutritious grasses and sea vegetables can reduce inflammation
• Whole fruits and vegetables:  Nutrients from fruits and vegetables heal and help fight inflammation. Consume more foods rich in potassium to decrease fluid retention
• Water: It is recommended to drink 8 oz of water every 2 hours to decrease fluid retention and relieve pain
• Flax or chia seeds:  Increase omega-3 intake to reduce inflammation

Carpal Tunnel Foods to Avoid

• Foods high in saturated fat:  Avoid saturated fat from bacon, sausage, cheese, or other high fat processed meats, as saturated fat can slow circulation
• Alcohol: It increases systemic inflammation and reduces the amount of B vitamins in the body
• Processed grains, especially gluten: Grains increase inflammation and worsen the condition
• Sugar: Increases inflammation that can increase pain
• Sodium:  Sodium intake causes fluid retention and swelling

source: http://besthealthyguide.com

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12 Early Warning Signs Of Prostate Cancer That Every Guy Needs To Know! Do Not Ignore!

According to the World Health Organization, prostate cancer is one of the most common causes of death among men Unfortunately in most cases, prostate cancer symptoms only appear in the cancer’s early development.


The symptoms of prostate cancer are different for each man so never rule out the possibility that some of these symptoms may be caused by other illnesses.

It’s extremely important, especially for men past the age of 50, to undergo medical examinations to find out potential problems in their bodies.

Protect yourself and look out for these symptoms early on to prevent any possible complications.

12 Early Warning Signs of Prostate Cancer

1. Frequent urges to urinate especially during the evening

2. Difficulties in urination when in the standing position. There is also difficulty in starting and ending the urination process.

3. Decreased flow of urine and changing the color of urine.

4. A burning sensation during urination

5. An unpleasant feeling at the beginning of the urination process

6. Pain or numbness that occurs in the hips, thighs, legs and/or lower back

7. Bone pain which may leads to fractures

8. Discomfort and Swelling in legs or pelvic area

9. Problems with ejaculation – Painful ejaculation

10. Impotence – Erectile Dysfunction

11. Blood in urine (Hematuria)

12. Blood in semen (Hematospermia)

Remember to visit your doctor if you experience any of these signs and symptoms.


source: http://dailyhealthmedia.com

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