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Parkinson Disease

admin — Mon, 14 Nov 2011 23:43:59 +0000

Parkinson’s disease (PD) belongs to a group of conditions called motor system disorders, which are the result of the loss of dopamine-producing brain cells. It occurs when certain nerve cells (neurons) in a part of the brain called the substantia nigra die or become impaired. Normally, these cells produce dopamine. Dopamine allows smooth, coordinated function of the body’s muscles and movement. When approximately 80% of the dopamine-producing cells are damaged, the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease appear.

The four primary symptoms of PD are tremor, or trembling in hands, arms, legs, jaw, and face; rigidity, or stiffness of the limbs and trunk; bradykinesia, or slowness of movement; and postural instability, or impaired balance and coordination. As these symptoms become more pronounced, patients may have difficulty walking, talking, or completing other simple tasks. PD usually affects people over the age of 50. Early symptoms of PD are subtle and occur gradually. In some people the disease progresses more quickly than in others. As the disease progresses, the shaking, or tremor, which affects the majority of PD patients may begin to interfere with daily activities. Other symptoms may include depression and other emotional changes; difficulty in swallowing, chewing, and speaking; urinary problems or constipation; skin problems; and sleep disruptions. There are currently no blood or laboratory tests that have been proven to help in diagnosing sporadic PD. Therefore the diagnosis is based on medical history and a neurological examination. The disease can be difficult to diagnose accurately. Doctors may sometimes request brain scans or laboratory tests in order to rule out other diseases.

PD is the most common cause of chronic progressive Parkinsonism, a term which refers to the syndrome of tremor, rigidity, bradykinesia and postural instability. PD is also called “primary parkinsonism” or “idiopathic PD” (classically meaning having no known cause although many genetic mutations associated with PD have since been discovered). While many forms of parkinsonism are “idiopathic”, “secondary” cases may result from toxicity most notably of drugs, head trauma, or other medical disorders. The disease is named after English physician James Parkinson, who made a detailed description of the disease in his essay: “An Essay on the Shaking Palsy” (1817).

Other symptoms may include depression and other emotional changes; difficulty in swallowing, chewing, and speaking; urinary problems or constipation; skin problems; and sleep disruptions. There are currently no blood or laboratory tests that have been proven to help in diagnosing sporadic PD. Therefore the diagnosis is based on medical history and a neurological examination. The disease can be difficult to diagnose accurately. Doctors may sometimes request brain scans or laboratory tests in order to rule out other diseases.

Diabetes

admin — Sat, 05 Nov 2011 11:45:29 +0000

There are two basic types of diabetes, type 1, which used to be referred to asjuvenile diabetes, and type 2, also known as adult onset diabetes. With type1, the body’s own immune system attacks the insulin producing cells within the pancreas, leaving the body unable to naturally lower the amount of sugars, or glucose, in the bloodstream.

Unlike type 1, insulin is still produced in people with type 2 diabetes, although the body isn’t able to recognize or utilize the insulin properly. This causes a condition known as insulin-resistance, where the glucose isn’t able to enter the cells, but instead builds up in the bloodstream, leaving the cells unable to function correctly.

Causes

The exact causes for type 1 diabetes are still not known. Researchers do know that genetics may play a role, as well as being exposed to certain types of viruses that may ultimately trigger the onset of the disease. Although not every person with type 2 diabetes is overweight, being obese and getting a lack of exercise are two of the most common causes of the disease. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) in the U.S., these two factors together are responsible for over 90% of all cases of diabetes.

Treatment

The proper treatment, which will depend upon the type of the disease, and ongoing care are both of the utmost importance for diabetes patients. By controlling the disease, the risks of other complications are decreased. Those with type 1 diabetes will need to faithfully monitor blood sugar levels, take insulin, maintain a normal weight, and stay physically active.

The majority of those diagnosed with type 2 diabetes will need to take oral medication to control the levels of glucose within the blood. Along with the many types of medication available for treating diabetes, dietary changes and a regular exercise routine are usually most recommended for further controlling the disease.

People with type 2 diabetes will also have to monitor the level of sugar in the blood, possibly needing to check the number as often as once or twice per day, or as little as once or twice per week.

Prevention

Although type 1 diabetes cannot yet be prevented, having a close family member, such as a parent or sibling with diabetes increases your own risk of developing the disease. Scientists are continuing to test various methods of preventing or at least delaying this type of diabetes using oral insulin, and studying new ways of preserving one’s insulin production.

Making healthy lifestyle choices are the most important means of preventing type 2 diabetes. Besides eating right, staying active, and losing excess weight, there are many risk factors associated with type 2 diabetes that can be avoided or controlled to lessen the chances of getting the disease.

These risk factors include:

- Eating a high-fat diet

- Having high blood pressure

- Having high levels of blood triglycerides (fats)

- Having gestational diabetes, or giving birth to a baby larger than 9 pounds

- Consuming large amounts of alcohol

- Having a sedentary lifestyle with little or no regular exercise

- Being overweight or obese

- Ethnicity, African Americans, Native Americans, Japanese and Hispanic

Americans all have a higher risk of developing diabetes as opposed to non- Hispanic whites

- Having a family history of the disease

- Age, the risk rises after age 45, and then rises again considerably after age 65

Effects

Serious side effects from diabetes usually occur when a person’s glucose (blood sugar) level remains high for long periods of time. These problems usually include kidney damage and dialysis, vision problems, heart disease, blood and circulation problems, damaged nerve cells in any part of your body. And that may lead to amputation (especially feet and legs).

Brush Up For Your Oral Exam!

admin — Thu, 03 Nov 2011 23:44:53 +0000

We all know someone whose breath is kicking. I mean just downright “they musta ate their own poop cuz it smells something awful” kinda breath. You know the co-worker who always comes over and tells you about his weekend even though you aint ask. And besides his usually horrible breath, he just ate a tuna fish sandwich! At this moment you wanna scream at the top of your lungs and say “dammit! Your breath smells like ****!”

But you don’t wanna be rude, so you suffer in silence, holding your breath for long stretches at a time so you don’t get a whiff of the funk. This guy has halitosis and probably gingivitis. The huge bacteria population, along with proteins trapped in the mouth, produce a foul odor. The tongue is the main culprit, as many bacteria thrive on the food remnants and it is usually poorly cleansed. Be honest. How many of you clean your tongue?

Most mouthwashes only cover up the smell, but do little to help the problem. Foods such as garlic, onions, dairy products and fish can cause bad breath. The food goes in the bloodstream and gets expelled from the lungs and out of your breath. Chronic bad breath is a sign of gingivitis.

Gingivitis, often referred to as gum or periodontal disease, begins with an excess of bacteria growing inside the mouth, infecting the gums, and also the tissue that surround the teeth. Gingivitis causes the gums to become swollen, red, and sensitive, often bleeding while brushing the teeth. And that is sooo not sexy!… Since there is no real pain associated with gingivitis, many people make the mistake of not seeking the treatment they need to correct the problem before permanent damage occurs.

Gingivitis is often confused with the more serious form of gum disease periodontitis, which occurs below the gum line if mild gum disease is left untreated. With periodontitis, the gums are so inflamed and swollen that they actually pull away from the teeth, exposing gaps and deep pockets for bacteria to thrive, and eventually damage the bones supporting the teeth. The teeth may then appear longer, become loose, fall out, or have to be extracted.

Causes and Risk Factors

Plaque, the clear and sticky substance that’s produced in the mouth, contains bacteria, which if not removed, build up and feed on what we eat and drink.

This bacteria then produce toxins that will eventually destroy the tissue within the mouth, irritating the gums and causing them to bleed and swell. In addition to the usual bacteria, there are several other factors that may adversely affect gum health. Besides smoking and using tobacco, which are both known culprits for causing serious gum disease, certain medications may also increase one’s risk of gingivitis or periodontitis. Some heart medication, birth control pills, and antidepressants may inadvertently contribute to gingivitis, as well as high levels of stress and tension, and a diet lacking in the proper nutrients.

Hormonal changes and fluctuations such as those caused by puberty, pregnancy, or menopause, as well as heredity may also affect gum health and increase the risk of developing gingivitis. Other conditions such as leukemia, AIDS, or uncontrolled diabetes may also contribute to the development of gum disease.

Diagnosis and Treatment

For a diagnosis of gingivitis, a dentist will do an examination looking for bleeding gums, areas where the gums seem to be receding or pulling away from the teeth, and the presence of hard deposits called tartar or calculus that appear above and below the gums. X-rays may also be done to look for any signs of damage to the bones supporting the teeth.

Gingivitis may be treated simply by a daily and thorough brushing of the teeth, along with regular flossing and visits to the dentist for a professional cleaning and checkup. If the gingivitis has already progressed to periodontitis, antibiotics may be necessary to treat the bacterial infection within the mouth, as well as a process referred to as root planing and scaling to remove the build-up of tartar and plaque.

Prevention

Although more common in adults, people of any age are susceptible to gum disease without practicing good dental hygiene. The best ways of preventing gingivitis include flossing the teeth once per day, brushing at least twice per day, but preferably after every time you eat. Use a toothpaste that contains fluoride. Remember to brush your tongue too. Replace your toothbrush every 2-3 months. See the dentist twice a year for cleanings and avoiding tobacco products will also help to keep the gums at their healthiest.

The Dentist- recommended time for brushing your teeth is 2-3 minutes, but the average American only brushes for 30 seconds!