Skin Cancer

by: Amy Otis, RN

Skin Cancer

Every year nearly
one million people in the United States learn that they have skin
cancer according to the National Cancer Institute. Skin cancer is
the most common type of cancer in the United States, Australia and
South Africa. Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in both
men and women.

The two most common
kinds of skin cancer are basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma.
(Carcinoma is cancer that begins in the cells that cover or line an
organ.) Basal cell carcinoma accounts for more than 90 percent of
all skin cancers in the United States. It's a slow growing cancer
that seldom spreads to other parts of the body.

Squamous cell
carcinoma also rarely spreads, but it does more often than basal cell
carcinoma. It is important that skin cancers be found and treated
early because they can invade and destroy nearby tissue. Basal Cell
Carcinoma occurs from sun exposure and it occurs occurs many years
after exposure.

Another type of
cancer that occurs in the skin is melanoma, which begins in the melanocytes.

Cause
and Prevention

Although anyone
can get skin cancer, the risk is greatest for people who have fair
skin that freckles easily -- often those with red or blonde hair and
blue or light-colored eyes.

Ultraviolet (UV)
radiation from the sun is the main cause of skin cancer. (Two types
of ultraviolet radiation -- UVA and UVB. Artificial sources of UV
radiation, such as sun lamps and tanning booths, tanning beds can
also cause skin cancer.

The risk of developing
skin cancer is affected by where a person lives. People who live in
areas that get high levels of UV radiation from the sun are more likely
to get skin cancer. In the United States, for example, skin cancer
is more common in Texas than it is in Minnesota, where the sun is
not as strong. Worldwide, the highest rates of skin cancer are found
in South Africa and Australia, areas that receive high amounts of
UV radiation.

In addition, skin
cancer is related to lifetime exposure to UV radiation. Most skin
cancers appear after age 45, but the sun's damaging effects begin
at an early age. So, protection should start in childhood to prevent
skin cancer later in life.

Whenever possible,
people should avoid exposure to the midday sun (from 10 a.m. to 2
p.m. standard time, or from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. daylight saving time).
Keep in mind that protective clothing, such as sun hats and long sleeves,
can block out the sun's harmful rays. Also, lotions that contain sunscreens
can protect the skin. Sunscreens are rated in strength according to
a sun protection factor (SPF), which ranges from 2 to 30 or higher.
Those rated 15 to 30 block most of the sun's harmful rays.

Symptoms

The most common
warning sign of skin cancer is a change on the skin, especially a
new growth or a sore that doesn't heal. Skin cancers don't all look
the same. For example, the cancer may start as a small, smooth, shiny,
pale, or waxy lump. Or it can appear as a firm red lump. Sometimes,
the lump bleeds or develops a crust. Skin cancer can also start as
a flat, red spot that is rough, dry, or scaly.

Both basal and
squamous cell cancers are found mainly on areas of the skin that are
exposed to the sun -- the head, face, neck, hands, and arms. However,
skin cancer can occur anywhere. Don't wait for something on your skin
to hurt as skin cancer rarely causes pain.

Diagnosis

Basal cell carcinoma
and squamous cell carcinoma are generally diagnosed and treated in
the same way. When an area of skin does not look normal, the doctor
may remove all or part of the growth. This is called a biopsy. To
check for cancer cells, the tissue is examined under a microscope
by a pathologist or a dermatologist. A biopsy is the only sure way
to tell if the problem is cancer.

Treatment

In treating skin
cancer, the doctor's main goal is to remove or destroy the cancer
completely with as small a scar as possible. To plan the best treatment
for each patient, the doctor considers the location and size of the
cancer, the risk of scarring, and the person's age, general health,
and medical history. Doctors commonly use a type of surgery called
curettage. After a local anesthetic numbs the area, the cancer is
scooped out with a curette, an instrument with a sharp, spoon-shaped
end. The area is also treated by electrodesiccation. An electric current
from a special machine is used to control bleeding and kill any cancer
cells remaining around the edge of the wound. Most patients develop
a flat, white scar.

Cryosurgery

Extreme cold may
be used to treat pre-cancerous skin conditions, such as actinic keratosis,
as well as certain small skin cancers. In cryosurgery, liquid nitrogen
is applied to the growth to freeze and kill the abnormal cells. After
the area thaws, the dead tissue falls off. More than one freezing
may be needed to remove the growth completely. Cryosurgery usually
does not hurt too much and patients may have pain and swelling after
the area thaws. A white scar may form in the treated area.

Laser
Therapy

Laser therapy
uses a narrow beam of light to remove or destroy cancer cells. This
approach is sometimes used for cancers that involve only the outer
layer of skin.

How
To Do a Skin Self-Exam

You can improve
your chances of finding skin cancer promptly by performing a simple
skin self-exam regularly. The best time to do this self-exam is after
a shower or bath. You should check your skin in a well lighted room
using a full-length mirror and a hand-held mirror. It's best to begin
by learning where your birthmarks, moles, and blemishes are and what
they usually look like. Check for anything new -- a change in the
size, texture, or color of a mole, or a sore that does not heal.

Check all areas, including the back, the scalp, between the buttocks,
and the genital area.

1. Look at the
front and back of your body in the mirror, then raise your arms and
look at the left and right sides.

2. Bend your elbows
and look carefully at your palms; forearms, including the undersides;
and the upper arms.

3. Examine the
back and front of your legs. Also look between your buttocks and around
your genital area.

4. Sit and closely
examine your feet, including the soles and the spaces between the
toes.

5. Look at your
face, neck, and scalp. You may want to use a comb or a blow dryer
to move hair so that you can see better.

By checking your
skin regularly, you will become familiar with what is normal. If you
find anything unusual, see your health care provider right away. Remember,
the earlier skin cancer is found, the better the chance for cure.

CoolNurse.com

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Basic Nutrition and Anti Aging.(Part One of Two)

The Wellness Foundation

Nutrition is one of the most important factors that impact health in all areas of the lifecycle. In recent years there has been a profusion of so-called 'health foods' emerging in the market. Unfortunately due to lack of information, most of us have jumped on the health food bandwagon before finding out how they work or whether they are safe enough for long term consumption.

The search for advanced nutrition never ends.....
There are health enthusiasts who spend a fortune on most advanced supplements that the average layman have never heard of - for instance liquid oxygen booster, negative calorie food, ionic nano-calcium, bio-identical hormones, nitric oxide supplement, ionic foot detoxifier, to name a few and many of which are just modern day phonies based on dubious psuedo-science and unsubstantiated claims, selling hopes, and miracles cures, but surprisingly even the most educated sometimes falls prey to their claims.

Can we attained good health without Basic Nutrients?
Most people intuitively knows what constitutes good nutrition, but how often do we fail to practice in our daily lives. Good nutrition means getting enough calories and nutrients at the right amount.

Nutrients are usually divided into 5 classes: carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, and minerals. All are equally important to our well being, although there needed in varying quantities, and can e obtain through a proper diet.

Healthful diets enabled children to grow, develop and do well in school. There also help people of all ages to work productively and feel their best. Eating right can also help reduced the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, certain cancer type, diabetes, stroke and osteoporosis, which are the leading causes of death. and disability. Finally it also reduces obesity, high blood cholesterol, and lower the risk of diseases.

How much do we need?
I believe we are all food experts, but when it comes to the area of nutrition, very few has any idea on what is the optimal requirements.The Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA). is just a simple guideline and it doesn't takes many factors into considerations i.e. genetic make-up, lifestyle, disease condition, medication used, physical and emotional stress level, etc..

( To be continue..)

A splendid blend for anti aging

Aging is the physical and mental changes that occur in a person over a period of time. Aging will also increases a person's vulnerability to chronic and degenerative diseases.

Here's a complete formulation that I have come across recently selling in the U.S.A.

Vitamin A (as retinyl acetate)
Vitamin C (ascorbic acid)
Vitamin D3 (a cholecalciferol)
Vitamin E (as d-alpha tocopheryl acetate)
Vitamin K (as phylloquinine)
Riboflavin
Siberian Ginseng-powder extract (bark)
Co-enzyme Q10
Germanium Sesquioxide (should be organically petite bonded.)
Oleic acid
Cellulose fiber
Gelatin
Purified water
Magnesium stearate
Glycerin.

This synergistic formulation that contains Co-Q10, Organic Germanium Sesquioxide, and other powerful ingredients derived from vegetable seed and sesame seed concentrate powder and Siberian Ginseng powder were recommended for the following benefits:

# Enables your cells to use oxygen more efficiently and more completely. (slows down
regeneration.)

# Helps maintain healthy circulation.

# Co- enzyme Q10 is the electron carrier inside the mitochondria of your cells. Also one of its
functions is to neutralize free radicals, thus reducing the damage they cause to your body.
(Anti aging effect). It also spares Vitamin E and has an antioxidant property.

# The antioxidant vitamins A, C, E, and organic Germanium Sesquioxide, is said to enhance its
antioxidation ability.

Final thought is this particular formulation is undergoing "On Going Clinical Testing".
Can you beat that?

Vibrant Health Questionaire.

Our "Nutritionist" was kind enough to put up this quick checklist for those of us, who wants to have some kind of ratings on their energy level.

Please answer all the questions by ticking if it is a yes, and then totaling them up for analysis below. Happy self discovery.

DO YOU HAVE TOXINS?

Constipation :
Piles :
Smoker or passive smoker :
Drink alcohol:
Hard stools i.e. straining during bowel movements :
Incomplete stools evacuation :
Foul-smelling stools :
Bad breadth :
Body odor :
Cellulite :

ARE YOU HAVING A HEALTHY DIET?

Eating out most of the time :
Skipping meals ang overeating on the next :
Too busy and not eating a balance meal :
Eating less than five servings of fruits and vegetables a day :
Addicted to barbecued, or roasted food :

ARE YOU ENERGETIC?

Feel lethargic and tired despite having a good night rest :
Feeling sleepy during the day :
Difficulty in concentrating on things :
Forgetfulness :
Do not exercise :

Total Score : /25

If your score is:

0-5 - You are generally energetic and fit enough for daily activities.

6-15 - Try to take up a program to do some detoxification on your body for better energy,
and appearance.

16-25 - You are likely to have high levels of toxins, leading to low energy levels, constipation
and be overweight. Need to go for detox, exercise and balance up your diet.

Ear Candle Therapy/Tibet Sunyata

The ancient Indian tribes in North America put straws into their ears and then burnt them. This happens during their sacrificial ritual of body cleaning. After this ritual, it is said that, everyone will feel comfortable and clearheaded. Their believes were that this could cure many diseases, and could even exorcise demons. The Europeans who immigrated into North America discover this mysterious ancient practice. They later applied this medically.

The history of Ear Candle Therapy dates back, thousands of years from ancient Egypt, India, and Tibet, to modern Europe. This therapy is now introduce into medical courses in Germany.

In the late 18th century, Canadians dipped coarse into mugwort juice, rolling it into cylinder, and then dipping it in aromatherapy oil. This became the first ear candle to be develop. This marvelous curative effect was proven when the Indians used these on ear diseases, and to cleanse soul, balance airstreams in the head, and regulate metabolism in the body.

Benefits of Ear Candle Therapy

1. Calm the spirit and act as a pain stopper.

2. Unique fragrant promotes blood circulation.

3. Activation of good "Chi".

4. Relief swelling and expels wind.

5. A mild tonic which treats headache, dizziness, itching of the ears, and help in
detoxification and purification.

The HeartMDPhD.com Cardiology Web Site (Homework for Befriending Hunger)

The HeartMDPhD.com Cardiology Web Site (Homework for Befriending Hunger): "Andrew B. Chung, MD/PhD
Board-Certified Cardiologist

Overeating is simply terrible for our hearts along with the rest of our bodies. This is because eating until we are full (overeating) results in the formation of bad internal fat. The medical term for this is visceral adipose tissue (VAT). Oozing from this harmful VAT, there are many toxins that cause inflammation to occur throughout our bodies especially in our blood vessels. All blood vessels, joints, muscles, and organs are damaged by this process. The medical term for these toxins is pro-inflammatory adipocytokines (PIACs). Our bodies are essentially being destroyed by a constant state of internal civil war when these PIACs are around so that we have aches and pains, our blood pressure is up and down (more up than down), we have trouble either concentrating or remembering things, we have difficulty sleeping, our cholesterol is elevated, and we are starting to have type-2 diabetes (or already have it along with heart disease).

Yes, we now know it is wrong for us to overeat (eat until we are full) and yet we keep doing it. This is a compulsion because we are doing something that we know to be harmful. Yes, this is also a loss of free will. When there is a loss of free will, we can pretty much forget about using willpower to get out of trouble.

Please conside"

Cool testimonies from ladies boomers.

I was lucky enough to be able to capture some valuable information from some ladies boomers health seekers, who allow me to share with you. Please click on image to enlarge.
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Page Three

Constipation and anti-aging.

It was said that, more than 80 percent of our illnesses begins at the intestinal area.
A constipated and sluggish colon, can give rise to numerous unhealthy problems, including prematured aging.

Throughout medical observations, harmful substances, which have fermented, will caused chemical changes that produces toxins. These toxins may have a detrimental effect on our liver. It will hinder our liver to perform detoxification, a process our liver perform to kill germs, and reproduce red blood cells (cleansing process). Subsequently it may lead to a shorter life span.

A healthy functioning intestinal system will consists of about 15 to 20 percent of good intestinal flora (probiotics), but as we approach 60 years and above our probiotics or friendly bacteria will drop to 2 to 3 percent left, leaving us without much choice. Look for a good brand of probiotics preferably with prebiotics and enzymes to help in the aging process.