Health Care and Colorectal Cancer

A story in www.DoctorsLounge.com says that although significant progress has been made in treating cancer, more than 1.6 million Americans are projected to receive a cancer diagnosis in 2013, according to the third American Association for Cancer Research's Cancer Progress Report 2013. The number of cancer survivors increased from three million in 1971 (one in 69) to 13.7 million in 2012 (one in 23). The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved 11 new drugs, three new uses for previously approved drugs, and three new imaging technologies, from Sept. 1, 2012, to July 31, 2013.

Despite this progress, in 2013, more than 1.6 million Americans are projected to receive a cancer diagnosis, and more than 580,350 are predicted to die of the disease. Cancer will account for nearly one in four deaths. More than half of cancers are related to preventable causes, including tobacco use, obesity and overweight, lack of physical activity, and poor nutrition. Cancer is the most costly disease to the United States, according to DoctorsLounge.com.

One of the most severe forms of cancer forms in the colon, often appearing there with no advance signs for months or years until the disease is discovered by medical tests. Getting a colonoscopy is not something most people look forward to, according to the Los Angeles Times -- but a new analysis suggests that it's worth it to follow screening recommendations and have the test done every 10 years (or every five for those at high risk.)

According to the Colon Cancer Alliance, no one knows the exact causes of colon cancer. Doctors often cannot explain why one person develops this disease and another does not. However, it is clear that colon cancer is not contagious. No one can catch this disease from another person. Research has shown that people with certain risk factors are more likely than others to develop colon cancer. A risk factor is something that may increase the chance of developing a disease. Studies have found the following risk factors for colon cancer:

--Age over 50: Colon cancer is more likely to occur as people get older. More than 90 percent of people with this disease are diagnosed after age 50. The average age at diagnosis is 72.

--Colon polyps: Polyps are growths on the inner wall of the colon or rectum. They are common in people over age 50. Most polyps are benign (not cancer), but some polyps (adenomas) can become cancer. Finding and removing polyps may reduce the risk of colon cancer.

--Family history of colon cancer: Close relatives (parents, brothers, sisters, or children) of a person with a history of colon cancer are somewhat more likely to develop this disease themselves, especially if the relative had the cancer at a young age. If many close relatives have a history of colon cancer, the risk is even greater.

--Genetic alterations: Changes in certain genes increase the risk of colon cancer.

--Personal history of cancer: A person who has already had colon cancer may develop colon cancer a second time. Also, women with a history of cancer of the ovary, uterus (endometrium), or breast are at a somewhat higher risk of developing colon cancer.

--Ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease: A person who has had a condition that causes inflammation of the colon (such as ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease) for many years is at increased risk of developing colon cancer.

--Diet and Lifestyle: Studies suggest that diets high in red meat and fat (especially animal fat) and low in calcium, folate, and fiber may increase the risk of colon cancer. Also, some studies suggest that people who eat a diet very low in fruits and vegetables may have a higher risk of colon cancer. However, results from diet studies do not always agree, and more research is needed to better understand how diet affects the risk of colon cancer.

--Inactivity and obesity have also been linked to higher risk of colon cancer. Studies have shown that daily physical activity can decrease colon cancer risk by as much as 50 percent.

--Cigarette smoking: A person who smokes cigarettes may be at increased risk of developing polyps and colon cancer.

Because people who have colon cancer may develop colon cancer a second time, it is important to have checkups. If you have colon cancer, you also may be concerned that your family members may develop the disease. People who think they may be at risk should talk to their doctor. Much more material on this subject can be found at this website: http://www.ccalliance.org/ .

In order to understand colorectal cancer, it helps to know something about the structure of the digestive system and how it works. After food is chewed and swallowed, it travels to the stomach. There it is partly broken down and sent to the small intestine. The small intestine is only called small because it isn’t very wide compared to the colon. In fact, the small intestine is the longest part of the digestive system -- about 20 feet. The small intestine also breaks down the food and absorbs most of the nutrients.

What remains goes into the colon (large intestine), a muscular tube about 5 feet long. The colon absorbs water and nutrients from the food and also serves as a storage place for waste matter (stool). Stool moves from the colon into the rectum, which is the last 6 inches of the digestive system. From there, stool passes out of the body through the opening called the anus.

The colon begins at the end of the small intestine – on the right side of the body at a place called the cecum. It goes up and bends to go across the top of the belly and turns down again on the left side. The rectum is in the lower part of the pelvis. More details can be found at this site: http://www.cancer.org/cancer/colonandrectumcancer/overviewguide/colorectal-cancer-overview-what-is-colorectal-cancer .

According to the National Cancer Institute, the estimated new cases and deaths from colon and rectal cancer in the United States in 2013 are as follows:

• New cases: 102,480 (colon); 40,340 (rectal)
• Deaths: 50,830 (colon and rectal combined)

To learn more about colon and rectal cancer symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and questions to ask, see your doctor. A significant amount of info on colorectal cancer can also be found at this site: http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/types/colon-and-rectal . You’ll especially want to ask your physician about the following topics and focus discussion about details if you are diagnosed or have the potential to develop colorectal cancer:

--Prevention, Genetics, Causes: Information related to prevention, genetics, and risk factors.

--Screening and Testing: Information about methods of cancer detection including new imaging technologies, tumor markers, and biopsy procedures.

--Treatment: Information about treatment, including surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, immunotherapy, and vaccine therapy.

Cancer is deadly, and not seeking regular checkups from your doctor can be fatal if you are diagnosed too late with the disease. Always use preventive care with your health care provider to keep your medical history up to date. Schedule a colonoscopy if you meet the typical criteria, and get regular blood tests as part of your annual medical screenings. Colon cancer and rectal cancer are serious, and getting regular checkups and exams help determine an early diagnosis for treatment. In cases like this, no news is not necessarily good news.

Until next time.

Health Care and Baby Formula

Infants require regular feeding, and common knowledge in pediatric medicine confirms the importance of breast feeding newborns and babies until they are weaned from their mother’s milk. However, in some cases, babies are unable to be nursed. In those situations, baby formula is a good substitute to help with growth, nutrition, and oral stimulation.

Baby formula has been around as a substitute food for infants for decades. Since the development of the first commercial infant formula more than 135 years ago, each decade has brought new advancements and the constant refinement of infant formula products’ nutrient composition to ensure that non-breastfed infants receive the essential nutrients needed to thrive.

Today’s baby formulas contain energy-providing nutrients (protein, carbohydrates, and fat as well as water), which provide the calories necessary to maintain bodily functions, support activity, and promote growth, according to this website: http://www.infantformula.org/news-room/press-releases-and-statements/positive-health-contributions-infant-formula .

They also promote desirable immune functions as an outcome of overall nutrition. Protein provides the building blocks necessary to form and repair tissue. Additionally, baby formulas contain appropriate vitamins and minerals, which are essential in the metabolism of the energy nutrients. Minerals play an important part in bone structure, regulate certain body functions and, together with water, help maintain the body’s water balance.

The baby formula industry, through ongoing research and innovation, has continually developed new products that can help infants thrive. These formulas are helping to improve the survival rates and long-term health outcomes of many infants, including helping to significantly reduce the rate of iron-deficiency anemia in specific populations, according to www.InfantFormula.org .

According to the Mayo Clinic, your baby needs iron to grow and develop, especially during infancy. If you're not breast-feeding, using iron-fortified formula is the easiest way to provide this essential nutrient. Some infant formulas are enhanced with docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and arachidonic acid (ARA). These are omega-3 fatty acids found in breast milk and certain foods, such as fish and eggs. Some studies suggest that including DHA and ARA in infant formula can help infant eyesight and brain development, but other research has shown no benefit.

Additionally, many infant formulas include pre- and probiotics — substances that promote the presence of healthy bacteria in the intestines — in an effort to mimic the immune benefits of breast milk. Early studies are encouraging, but long-term benefits of these substances are unknown. If you're unsure about enhanced infant formula, ask your child's doctor for guidance.

Don't buy or use outdated infant formula. If the expiration date has passed, you can't be sure of the formula's quality. While checking the expiration date, also inspect the condition of the formula container. Don't buy or use formula from containers with bulges, dents, leaks or rust spots. Formula in a damaged container may be unsafe. Infant formula is generally recommended until age 1, followed by whole milk until age 2 — but talk to your child's doctor for specific guidance. Reduced-fat or skim milk generally isn't appropriate before age 2 because it doesn't have enough calories or fat to promote early development. Much more detail about this subject is available at this website: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/infant-formula/PR00058/NSECTIONGROUP=2 .

Preparing baby formula isn't hard, but it's important to mix it in the proper ratio of formula to water to make sure that your baby is getting just the right amount of nutrients. Also, because your baby doesn't have much immunity to germs just yet, especially as a newborn, it's important to take precautions to protect him from foodborne illnesses, according to BabyCenter.com. Quite a bit if detailed information about preparing formula can be found at this particular site: http://www.babycenter.com/0_how-to-use-baby-formula-safely_1334673.bc .

There are several types of formula available but the two that are most used are milk formula and soy formula. Both of these are as nutritious and usually both are fortified with the same amount of nutrients. However, the soy based formula is important for those babies who have a problem digesting cow’s milk. It is not advisable to use soy formulas unless the doctor specifically recommends it. This is because soy formulas have very high estrogen levels and has been linked to several thyroid autoimmune conditions. Another important thing to consider while feeding your baby is that the formula should be hypoallergenic, according to http://www.pregnancy-baby-care.com/baby-nutrition/baby-nutrition-formula.html#continued .

If a mother didn’t receive the right nutrition when pregnant, the baby may be underweight and susceptible to various disorders. In such a case, the infant may need a protein based high calorie nutrition formula. A special 24 calorie infant formula is available which can give your child 24 calories per ounce of the formula. Such a diet is recommended for babies who are underweight at birth or those who are prematurely born.

According to Parents.com, choosing a formula for your baby can be a bit overwhelming. There are three types of formula: powders, which are mixed with water; concentrates, which are liquids that must be diluted with water; and ready-to-use liquids that can be poured directly into bottles. The formula type you choose depends on your budget (powder is the least expensive; ready-to-use is the most costly) and your baby's preference. To help you decide which formula to choose, ask your pediatrician which brand he/she recommends. Some parents find they need to try a few different kinds before finding the right match. Most pediatricians recommend staying with a formula for at least one week to see how a baby reacts to it.

Between birth and 6 months of age, your little one will need an average of 2-2.5 ounces of formula per pound per day. So if your baby weighs 10 pounds, she will need 20-25 ounces per day. Keep in mind that no baby -- regardless of age -- should have more than 32 ounces of formula each day. Here is an easy guide:

• Newborns may take only an ounce or two at each feeding
• 1-2 months: 3-4 ounces per feeding
• 2-6 months: 4-6 ounces per feeding
• 6 months to a year: as much as 8 ounces at a feeding

More info can be found at this site: http://www.parents.com/baby/feeding/formula/formula-must-knows/ .

Pediatricians can help guide new mothers through the feeding and care of newborns and infants. When you find the use of baby formula can be confusing at times, take time to talk with your family doctor, your pediatrician, or certified medical professionals to help guide you through the maze of choices available in the marketplace. There are valuable tools online and at your local health care offices to help you figure out what is best for your baby and you.

Until next time.

Health Care and 9/11--the Second Decade

We shall never forget! That has been the motto for twelve years as America remembers the tragic events that unfolded on a bright fall morning on Tuesday, September 11, 2001. Almost every adult that was awake that day saw the tragedy of lives lost in New York, Washington DC, and Pennsylvania as four planes loaded with unsuspecting crews and passengers became missiles in the hands of terrorists bent on destruction and death. Anyone who was alive then and recognized the terror of the day knows that the ones who gave up their lives either on a willing or unwilling basis is owed the deepest respect and honor.

Likely, this date will never be forgotten, much like the generation that experienced the “Day of Infamy” that took place December 7, 1941. Although those who were there, and those who were alive that day, are disappearing of old age and illness at a rate of thousands per day, America still remembers and pays tribute to the lives that were also lost that day. Americans do not forget tragic events. Those times are emblazoned into the conscious memory of the nation. When people remember, they become emboldened.

Americans also know that the events that took place twelve years ago this month remind everyone that the nation is vulnerable and needs constant vigilance. The country was rocked out of its comfortable bed that day in 2001 and shaken to its core. That day changed the way America lives, and the way the world has become.

Yes, air travel has become more inconvenient, but it has become safer. Yes, there are more cameras around, but that has reduced the amount of crime as a side effect. Yes, people are edgier and a little more jumpy now than they were before 9/11, but the price for heightened awareness by the military, police, and first responders is worth payment as the watch care is better than it ever has been. Let no one forget that their call is to serve and to protect against all enemies both foreign and domestic—they swear an oath of allegiance to the Constitution of the United States. They are willing to die for it, and so should every American.

According to USA Today, The 12th anniversary of the Sept. 11 attacks will be marked by formal events such as public readings of victims' names, wreath-laying ceremonies and charity fundraisers. But across the country, there will also be countless modest actions to honor the heroes and memorialize the victims of that day, such as a family blowing out the candles on a special cake. People will donate blood, fly American flags, attend religious services and take baked goods to firehouses. They will spend extra time with family, give money to charity and volunteer at soup kitchens.

Some who take these small but significant actions have a direct link to the horrors of Sept. 11, such as losing a loved one. Others don't have a close connection but want to commemorate the day. Nearly half of Americans plan to observe this anniversary in an informal way, such as saying a prayer or taking a moment of silence, according to a new American Pulse survey. Thirteen percent will do it in a more formal manner such as attending a memorial service. Even with the passage of time, the desire to recognize each anniversary remains strong.

There also are service projects available for people to do. The Points of Light Foundation believes that bringing people together in service builds a permanent and positive legacy that rekindles the spirit of unity that existed immediately after September 11, 2001. It brings together cultures, bridges differences and unites citizens of goodwill around the world. Points of Light and the Hands On Network affiliates will mobilize thousands of people in disaster preparedness training and building the capacity of nonprofit organizations to equip and mobilize volunteers in times of disaster.

One unfortunate aspect of the distance in time between then and now is the spiritual decline of Americans. When an event that galvanized the human spirit of every person in the nation on September 11, 2011, and then pulled the country together in a spirit of humility and worship, has waned, that is a problem. Perhaps, what individuals should remember is the reason America was founded and exists. Perhaps Americans need to focus on the One who protects from the evil one. Today, as you remember and pray, keep a watchful eye on the future and remember the words of President Reagan:

“Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We didn't pass it to our children in the bloodstream. It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them to do the same, or one day we will spend our sunset years telling our children and our children's children what it was once like in the United States where men were free.”

But today is also a day of hope, celebration, and patriotism. Officially, today is now Patriot Day. This is in honor of the resolve as Americans have shown in the face of adversity. Patriot Day is a day to remind your children and grandchildren what it takes to defend liberty and freedom. That democracy and a free people are ideas that must be defended throughout every generation.

While this tragedy left America and its people shaken, it also uncovered a steely national resolve and a commitment to justice that is uniquely American. Founded in democracy and a belief in divine providence and committed to personal liberty, the United States remains a beacon of freedom to the world. There are those who still grieve, and those who harbor hate in their hearts, but the spirit of forgiveness provides strength in times of need. The spirit of love provides the ability to forgive.

As you reflect on the events of that fateful day, lift America up in prayer, to intercede on behalf of the men and women in uniform who have fought and are fighting to preserve the freedom won in armed combat on remote battlefields. Remember, too, our first responders, our firefighters and peace officers who patrol our communities every day. Finally, please pray for national leaders, that they might be blessed with God's wisdom in the choices they make on the nation’s behalf at home and abroad. As well, say a prayer to help you depend on Him who shelters His children with His wings of protection and His Spirit of peace.

Until next time. We shall never forget.

Health Care and Exhaustion

When you are completely worn out physically, or mentally, you come to a state of exhaustion. Being “tired to the bone” is a common expression, and it usually means you are so tired you have a hard time doing another thing in your daily routine. If you get so incapacitated during your daily activities that you find it almost impossible to accomplish just one more task, then it’s time to take a break.

Americans have more sleep loss and longer work schedules than residents of most other industrialized countries, and both factors can lead to physical and emotional collapse, according to a study by the University of Chicago and reported in the Chicago Tribune. Experts say chronic stress can trigger a cascade of negative health effects.

When you're stressed, for example, the body's "flight or fight" response causes a surge in adrenaline, which can result in valves in the upper digestive tract staying open. When this happens, food and digestive enzymes can travel the wrong way, resulting in reflux, heartburn and other stomach problems. Sleep loss and fatigue also lead to problems with people's circadian rhythm, which can promote inflammation throughout the body and cause gastrointestinal issues.

In some cases, fatigue is a sign of an underlying disease, including cancer, low thyroid, anemia or other metabolic abnormalities, such as adrenal insufficiency. Exhaustion is commonly seen with depression and is a possible side effect of many prescription drugs, including beta blockers, muscle relaxants and mood stabilizers, according to the study. Plus, fatigue caused by dehydration, infection, drug or alcohol abuse, or lack of sleep — either due to insomnia or just burning the candle at both ends — is treatable in the outpatient realm. Exhaustion can also lead to low serotonin, which causes depression, anxiety and insomnia. But it's not accurate if the real diagnosis is drug or alcohol intoxication or overdose.

“Busy," "stressed," and "tired" are intimately connected. They describe the ethos of current times -- and its inevitable aftermath. You try to balance work, family, friends, and various self-improvement programs. You take in a steady stream of information from the people, screens, phones, and sounds that surround you every day. You may not sleep enough. You likely multitask like crazy, striving to get more done in less time. A recent CDC study found that 16 percent of women ages 18 to 44 reported feeling “very tired,” “exhausted,” or otherwise worn out most days, compared with 9 percent of men in the same age range.

For a while, maybe even years, it's easy to feel like you can handle this frantic pace -- or even thrive at it. But ultimately, it works against you. "Stress is pervasive in our society, and it's only getting worse," says integrative-medicine expert Woodson Merrell, M.D., author of "The Source: Unleash Your Natural Energy, Power Up Your Health, and Feel 10 Years Younger."

"And people do not necessarily have the coping skills to deal with it, even when they think they do." You often don't realize how much of your days are spent dealing with stressful situations, and on a physiological level, the effects of stress add up. "You don't start every day with a clean slate," he says. "You start the day with all the stress you've accumulated in your life, and you add to that." At this website, http://www.wholeliving.com/134966/exhaustion-cure , there are 10 tips listed to help you deal with exhaustion.

Children also get exhausted. According to the National Institutes of Health, a good night's sleep, along with healthy eating and exercise, is the crucial third leg in a child's health triangle. Long overlooked, lack of sleep is now considered a key contributor to children's behavior problems and physical well-being. Studies have shown that kids who don't sleep enough are inattentive, restless, irritable, and more likely to injure themselves. The American Academy of Sleep Medicine estimates that one in three kids is sleep-deprived on any given day.

Sleeping well means more than putting in the hours, and the quality of sleep matters as well. Good sleep is uninterrupted, allowing your child to cycle through its five stages. By 6 months, a baby's sleep pattern resembles an adult's: the child progresses into deeper sleep for nearly 90 minutes and then enters a lighter rapid eye movement (REM) phase, when dreaming occurs.

And our kids aren't just resting when they're off in the land of Nod. During the deeper phases of sleep, energy is restored, damaged tissue is repaired, and growth hormones are released, according to Rafael Pelayo, M.D., head of the pediatric sleep service at the Lucile Packard Children's Hospital at Stanford University in Palo Alto, California. Much more detail on this subject can be found at this website: http://www.parenting.com/article/exhaustion-epidemic .

There are other types of exhaustion that are separate topics for discussion, but have equally devastating effects on the body and mind, such as heat exhaustion. According to this website, http://umm.edu/health/medical/altmed/condition/heat-exhaustion , heat exhaustion is one of those critical health care situations. Heat exhaustion occurs when your body gets too hot. The hypothalamus, the part of the brain that controls thirst and hunger, also controls the body's core temperature. Normally, the body cools itself by sweating.

When you are exposed to high temperatures for a long time (working outdoors in the summer, for example) and don't replace the fluids you lose, the body systems that regulate temperature become overwhelmed. As a result, your body produces more heat than it can release. Heat exhaustion requires immediate attention because it can progress to heat stroke, a life threatening illness.

And, mental exhaustion can be its own topic. If constant stress has you feeling disillusioned, helpless, and completely worn out, you may be suffering from burnout. When you’re burned out, problems seem insurmountable, everything looks bleak, and it’s difficult to muster up the energy to care—let alone do something about your situation. The unhappiness and detachment burnout causes can threaten your job, your relationships, and your health. But burnout can be healed. You can regain your balance by reassessing priorities, making time for yourself, and seeking support. More details about mental exhaustion can be found at this site: http://www.helpguide.org/mental/burnout_signs_symptoms.htm .

Regardless of the type, exhaustion is a serious health issue. Don’t push yourself to the ultimate collapse of your physical, mental, emotional, or spiritual end. Take time for yourself. Make plans to remove yourself from stressful, time consuming projects and routines that zap your strength, energy, and ability to function at a normal pace. If you don’t, you risk more traumatic issues; and some of that can be seriously problematic from not only a medical point of view, but also your mental state of well being can be significantly affected.

Until next time.

Health Care and Angst

When you worry about something, are you the type of person who constantly thinks about the situation and keep it as a dominant thought? Or do you feel that your anxious state of mind soon may pass with a resolution of some sort? Angst, often confused with anxiety, is a transcendent emotion in that it combines the unbearable anguish of life with the hopes of overcoming this seemingly impossible situation, according to the Urban Dictionary.

Without the important element of hope, then the emotion is anxiety, not angst. Angst denotes the constant struggle one has with the burdens of life that weighs on the dispossessed and not knowing when the salvation will appear. Here is an example:

An airplane crashes into the side of a remote snow-covered mountain; those passengers that worry about their lives without hopes of survival only face anxiety. In contrast, those passengers who worry about their lives with hopes of survival but do not know when the rescue party will arrive face angst.

The word itself was developed out of old German language and translated into English from German. Angst "neurotic fear, anxiety, guilt, remorse," came from Old High German angust, from the root of anger. George Eliot used it (in German) in 1849, and it was popularized in English by translation of Sigmund Freud's work, but as a foreign word until the 1940s, according to the Online Etymology Dictionary.

Angst is very commonly displayed in the teenage years. According to the The Observer online, Twice as many girls are suffering "teenage angst" as boys, according to research done in the UK that suggests growing up in Britain is toughest on young women. As many as 900,000 teenage girls describe themselves as "unhappy and depressed", and there is evidence that they have become more miserable over the past three years.

The problem is said to be particularly acute for those from lower socioeconomic backgrounds, according to a report published by the think tank Demos. The research follows recent studies which suggest that girls also lead unhealthier lifestyles than boys, skipping meals to lose weight, as well as drinking and smoking too much. Girls are more anxious than boys about their appearance, careers and a celebrity culture that places a premium on good looks. Some young women also feel burdened by an increased expectation to continue to move into areas of work that had been male-only. More info about this study can be found at this site: http://www.theguardian.com/society/2011/apr/17/teenage-girls-angst-depression-demos .

According to this website, http://life.familyeducation.com/teen/stress/39302.html , these are some of the reasons why teen girls bury their angst:

Fear of Exposure--Self-consciousness, which peaks during the adolescent years, inhibits many girls from revealing their struggles. They are afraid of being even more scrutinized by adults who already monitor their ups and downs. "My mother is constantly interrogating me about my friends. If I tell her anything bad that happened, it just makes it worse. Then she has to know everything!"

Need for Autonomy--Teens are working hard to establish age appropriate separateness from their parents. Thus they avoid admitting to weaknesses that could result in dependency. "If I show my parents my poor grade on my math test," and, "they're going to take over my entire life. They'll keep asking me if I studied, and then my dad will insist on helping me every night and probably confuse me more."

Fear of Repercussions--Almost without exception, girls are afraid of what their parents will do if they find out they are overwhelmed or struggling. "They'll make me see a tutor and I won't have any time to myself. And if I did really bad, they might say I can't go online anymore or go out with my friends on weekends."

Reluctance to Raise Parental Anxiety--Girls are keenly aware of the challenges in their parents' lives, such as jobs, poor health, marital conflicts, divorce, and single parenthood. They also know that merely mentioning their struggles in some area or another can instantly provoke or inflame their parents' worries. Skilled at empathizing, teens often fear "making things even worse."

Avoidance of Flaws--In the midst of developing their own identities, girls' self-confidence is already shaky. Unable to recognize that they are still evolving, they often see their deficiencies as permanent flaws--a view that is sometimes shared by adults. "Parents and society want you to be perfect. If you have one or two bad days, they think you're just this really bad person."

Comparisons to the Ideal--Girls' most obvious and available adult role models, their mothers, are middle-aged women who often have come to terms with themselves and their accomplishments. What teens don't usually see are their mothers' false steps, early mistakes, and insecurities, which women themselves have either forgotten or take for granted. Idealizing their mothers can inhibit girls from revealing their own struggles.

According to MetroParent.com, sometime around age 11, kids begin to realize the power emotions play. From realizing the attention that a slammed door grabs to experiencing sympathetic pangs of angst for a forlorn friend, many children are drawn to drama. Fueling the instinctual drama of many tweens or teens, some children seem to be magnets that also regularly attract angst-ridden friends. Combined with an adolescent's natural tendency to evoke a dramatic scene, having teen drama king and queen friends can be a parent's worst nightmare!

If you've been trying to curb your child's appetite for drama or to make better choices in friends, you're not alone. Although drama can be frustrating and counterproductive, you can take steps to ensure you no longer feel like you're fighting an uphill battle. Young boys tend to bottle up their emotions until they can no longer contain their feelings. Boys will often explode by shouting, or melt down into an angry pile of tears.

Many teens turn to drama because they're looking for additional attention. It is possible your daughter is trying to belong to a social group. She may be struggling with peer pressure or how to express herself to her family and friends. Talk with her to provide clarity as to how she develops friendships and chooses to express her feelings, concerns or fears, according to MetroParent.com.

Dramatic young men might be teetering between wanting to be babied and wanting to be treated like an adult. They might be feeling conflicted between pressure to "act like a man" and the childlike desire to be coddled. Taming your teen drama king or queen takes a skillful mix of patience, creativity and persistence. Provide consistent boosts to your child's self esteem and confidence to eliminate the need to gain attention through drama and the associated angst. More details can be found at this site: http://www.metroparent.com/Metro-Parent/December-2011/Angst-Drama-with-Tweens-and-Teens-How-to-Deal/ .

Actually, angst is an emotional state that is prevalent in just about every age group and type. Although usually more widely displayed in teens and young adults, older men and women experience angst as well. One major aspect of this psychological and social malady is that if left untreated or unattended over time, the symptoms may develop into darker aspects of mental trauma. If you feel you are suffering from angst, and it appears to be getting worse and not better, then seek professional help through a counselor, pastor, physician, or someone trained to deal with this type of health issue. Better to know, and the less angst you have.

Until next time.



Health Care and Nail Fungus

Have you ever been victim of a common disease that infects your nails, especially your toe nails? Toenail fungal infections (onychomycosis) aren't pleasant. If you have had it, you may experience anything from toenail discoloration, awful odor and discharges, to the nail completely dropping off. While it can seem worrying at the time, the good news is that it is treatable.

The future good health of your toenails is generally assured, provided you continue to take good care of them and observe appropriate precautions to avoid future infections. Be aware that treating nail infections, while certainly easy and doable, is a long process and will likely require the involvement of a doctor.

According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), onychomycosis, is a chronic infection of the fingernails and/or toenails by dermatophytes, yeasts and molds leading to gradual destruction of the nail plate. It is more likely to affect toenails, particularly the first toenail, than fingernails. And, recent surveys in the United States suggested that 7 to 10 percent of the population is affected. An infected nail often will have unsightly white/yellow or orange/brown patches or streaks. It can also turn thicker, crumbly, ragged or dull, according to the Mayo Clinic. In some cases the nail will emit a slightly foul odor and it may separate from the nail bed, a process known as onycholysis.

According to this website: http://www.livescience.com/34786-nail-fungus-symptoms-treatment.html , onychomycosis is not self-healing and may be a source of more widespread fungal lesions on the skin, or vice versa. Both topical and oral treatments are available. Oral antifungal medications such as terbinafine (commonly marketed under the trade name Lamisil), itraconazole (Sporanox) and fluconazole (Diflucan or Trican) encourage the growth of new, non-infected nail, while slowly cycling out infected portion of the nail, according to the Mayo Clinic. The medication is usually taken for six to 12 weeks, but a toenail may take up to 78 weeks to grow fully and preventative measures should be taken during that gap to avoid recurrent infection.

Over-the-counter antifungal creams and ointments generally do not help cure onychomyocis because of poor penetration into the nail, according to the NIH. However, some nail lacquers have shown to be somewhat effective in a large study where only nails infected at the free edge were treated.

Successful eradication of the fungus may still leave the nail looking permanently abnormal because of trauma to the nail bed and nail plate by the disease, according to a 2007 article published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology. Therefore a cure should be based on lab tests and not on visual appearance.

According to APMA (American Podiatric Medical Association), because it is difficult to avoid contact with microscopic organisms like fungi, the toenails are especially vulnerable around damp areas where you are likely to be walking barefoot, such as swimming pools, locker rooms, and showers, for example. Injury to the nail bed may make it more susceptible to all types of infection, including fungal infection. Those who suffer from chronic diseases, such as diabetes, circulatory problems, or immune-deficiency conditions, are especially prone to fungal nails. Other contributing factors may be a history of athlete's foot and excessive perspiration.

Treatments may vary, depending on the nature and severity of the infection. Your podiatrist can detect a fungal infection early, culture the nail, determine the cause, and form a suitable treatment plan, which may include prescribing topical or oral medication, and debridement (removal of diseased nail matter and debris) of an infected nail, according to APMA.

Newer oral antifungals, approved by the Food and Drug Administration, may be the most effective treatment. They offer a shorter treatment regimen of approximately three months and improved effectiveness. Your podiatrist may also prescribe a topical treatment, which can be an effective treatment modality for fungal nails. In some cases, surgical treatment may be required. Temporary removal of the infected nail can be performed to permit direct application of a topical antifungal. Permanent removal of a chronically painful nail that has not responded to any other treatment permits the fungal infection to be cured and prevents the return of a deformed nail.

Trying to solve the infection without the qualified help of a podiatrist can lead to more problems. With new technical advances in combination with simple preventive measures, the treatment of this lightly regarded health problem can often be successful, according to this website: http://www.apma.org/Learn/FootHealth.cfm?ItemNumber=1523 . And, a separate website with the National Nail Fungus Organization shows treatment options: http://nationalnailfungus.org/treatment-guide/ .

Fungi are everywhere, but you can take steps to prevent them from infecting your nails. Prevention is especially important after you’ve been treated for a fungal nail infection, as the recurrence rate is high. According to this website: http://www.nail-fungus.com/nail-fungus-101/prevention/ , here are basic tips for practicing good nail hygiene:

• Keep your hands and feet dry. Towel yourself off thoroughly after swimming, bathing, or showering—including between your toes.
• Keep your nails short and clean. Trim your toenails straight across.
• Don’t pick at the skin around your nails. Those cracks are just invitations for fungi to enter.
• Wear absorbent socks—ones that wick moisture away from your feet. And change your socks frequently.
• Remove your shoes whenever possible, but especially after exercising. Wear open-toe shoes when appropriate.
• Use an antifungal spray or powder in your shoes.
• Wear flip-flops or other shoes when visiting public showers, gyms, and swimming areas.
• Wear rubber gloves when washing dishes or doing other tasks that require putting your hands in water. Be sure, though, to dry the gloves thoroughly by turning them inside out.
• Don’t share nail clippers, nail files, shoes, or socks.
• If you get manicures and pedicures, make sure the salon you patronize sterilizes its instruments between customers—or, better yet, bring your own instruments.

Often times, it is hard to eliminate nail fungus once you have it, it will cost you time and money. Doctors advise their patients that it is always better to be cautious and try to prevent it. Having this type of ailment not only affects your health but also your psychological and psychosocial development. Being cautious about your health is very important. Nails that are infected with fungus not only look terrible, they can also interfere with whatever you are doing on a daily basis.

You might think that having nail fungus is nothing serious; but once it affects you and the ailment becomes severe, that’s when you may regret not having it treated during its early stage of development. Once the situation becomes worse, the harder it is for the ailment to get cured. It will cost you not just large amount of money since the treatment and its prices varies, but it will also give you more stress than you can even imagine. See your doctor if you feel you may be experiencing nail fungus, and do yourself a favor by seeking early treatment.

Until next time.

Health Care and Gray Hair

If you have ever looked into the mirror and found one day that you had a gray hair, then join the club. It may be a sudden shock to see your first one, but sooner or later, if you live long enough, those locks of auburn, red, blonde, brown, or black will start to turn to a silver or gray colored tint. One of the most successful industries in the world is the hair color business—providing an answer to those who feel that vanity must outweigh the truth of time.

Getting gray, silver, or white hair is a natural part of growing older, and here's why, according to The Nemours Foundation. Each hair on your head is made up of two parts:

1. a shaft — the colored part you see growing out of your head

2. a root — the bottom part, which keeps the hair anchored under the scalp

The root of every strand of hair is surrounded by a tube of tissue under the skin that is called the hair follicle. Each hair follicle contains a certain number of pigment cells. These pigment cells continuously produce a chemical called melanin that gives the growing shaft of hair its color. Melanin is the same natural chemical that makes your skin's color fair or darker. It also helps determine whether a person burns or tans in the sun. The dark or light color of someone's hair depends on how much melanin each hair contains.

As you get older, the pigment cells in your hair follicles gradually die. When there are fewer pigment cells in a hair follicle, that strand of hair no longer contains as much melanin and becomes a more transparent color — like gray, silver, or white — as it grows. As people continue to get older, fewer pigment cells are around to produce melanin. Eventually, the hair looks completely gray.

People can get gray hair at any age, according to The Nemours Foundation. Some people go gray at a young age — as early as when they are in high school or college — whereas others may be in their 30s or 40s before they see that first gray hair. How early you get gray hair is determined by your genes. This means that most people start having gray hairs around the same age that their parents or grandparents first did.

Gray hair is more noticeable in people with darker hair because it stands out, but people with naturally lighter hair are just as likely to go gray. From the time a person notices a few gray hairs, it may take more than 10 years for all of that person's hair to turn gray. Some people think that a big shock or trauma can turn a person's hair white or gray overnight, but scientists don't really believe that this happens.

Even the seemingly accelerated speed at which certain sections go gray (temples first for some, the crown area for others) and the exact shade of gray you get (white, charcoal, or any of the other variations) are genetically predetermined. Your head has roughly 100,000 hair follicles, and each functions autonomously. If one runs out of melanin, even if you pluck the resulting gray hair, there is no impact on surrounding follicles, according to Prevention Magazine.

While going gray is a normal and unavoidable part of the aging process and is not of itself associated with disease, some autoimmune diseases can cause premature graying. However, some people start going gray in their 20s or earlier and are perfectly healthy. Also, according to About.com, smoking is known to increase the rate of graying. Anemia, generally poor nutrition, insufficient B vitamins, and untreated thyroid conditions can also speed the rate of graying. And, your hair will also change texture, so it is a good idea to switch to products especially formulated for graying hair. And, don't forget to deep condition your hair on a regular basis.

According to YouBeauty Magazine, researchers have also found that hydrogen peroxide (a powerful bleaching agent) is produced naturally in the hair follicle, but it's broken down by enzymes. As you age, those enzymes dwindle, letting the hydrogen peroxide bleach hair from the inside out. Most people will have some gray hair by their 50th birthdays. Different ethnicities tend to go gray at different ages. Speaking in broad generalities, the average is mid-30s for Caucasians, late 30s for Asians and mid-40s for people of African descent. But, others hold onto their hair color until they’re 80.

According to Dr. Oz’s Blog, whether you are seeing your first grays, or are already into the salt-and-pepper zone, dealing with gray hair can be frustrating. Fortunately, there are plenty of tricks to make emerging grays look stylish and chic. Here are a few:

Whatever You Do, Do NOT Pluck! -- Sure, when it’s just a stray strand or two, grabbing the tweezers can feel super tempting – but you may live to regret the shortcut. Plucking can damage the hair follicle and the strand may never grow back – and as you age and your hair naturally thins, you’ll need every strand of hair you can get. Gray hair is perfectly good hair – it just needs pigment.

Play With Your Part Line--For many women especially, grays often grow in more heavily on one side of the head than the other. If grays are more prominent on one side, try switching your part to the other side. A zigzag or diagonal part may also help conceal grays that are growing in more scattered around the head.

Cut Hair So It Falls Forward--For those who have grays are around the face or on the sides of their head, ask your stylist to cut layers shorter in the back and longer in the front so that hair falls forward. A blowout with a brush that accentuates the forward-falling motion can help cement the clever style.

Although gray hair is often seen as a stigma in society, there is something to be said about a man or woman who wears their silver locks with dignity. Gray hair has as far back as ancient times been regarded as a sign of wisdom. Even the Bible talks about the stateliness of gray hair in the Book of Proverbs:

Proverbs 16:31—“Gray hair is a crown of glory; it is gained in a righteous life.”

Proverbs 20:29--The glory of young men is their strength, but the splendor of old men is their gray hair.

So, although in modern society gray hair may be discounted and frowned upon by a majority of people, those with gray hair, when combined with wisdom, have something to offer. You may wish to listen to them, especially when you need advice on life changing decisions or even the small choices, such as what hair color should you use to keep looking young.

Until next time.