Medsarticles. Medical Weblog » General Health

CHRONIC CONFUSION: SYPHILIS

admin — Tue, 14 Sep 2010 09:13:05 +0000

Syphilis is a venereal disease that is usually sexually transmitted. The state of the disease that can cause mental changes such as confusion occurs many years (often twenty or more) after the initial infection. The first stages may have been missed (painless lesions on the genitals and then rashes) or the infection may have been inadequately treated at the time. Any person with a chronic confusional state must have a blood test for syphilis. If it proves positive, some doctors also insist on a lumbar puncture to test the fluid in the spinal canal for syphilis as well. Sometimes the blood test is positive, indicating previous infection, but the spinal fluid (cerebrospinal fluid) is negative, showing that the infection is not causing the confusion and does not need to be treated. Some doctors do not insist on a lumbar puncture but treat according to the blood tests.

If treatment is necessary it usually consists of daily penicillin injections for about three weeks. The spouse may also have the infection and so positive cases are usually referred to the department of genito-urinary medicine so that skilled counselors can interview relatives and explain the need for further tests on them. The sooner the infection is treated the better the results. By the time the disease has caused a confusional state, complete recovery of full mental faculties is unlikely.

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CONJUNCTIVITIS TREATMENTS

admin — Tue, 14 Sep 2010 09:10:26 +0000

Doctors often prescribe antibiotic drops for bacterial conjunctivitis. Frequently, antibiotics are also prescribed for viral infections to help prevent bacteria from invading, since bacteria may infect the conjunctivia weakened by the virus.

Consumers should be careful in the use of eye drops which contain corticosteroids. While this hormonal-based remedy is effective, it can increase the pressure on the eye. Those with a herpes simplex eye infection, moreover, should not use the drops due to the very real possibility they will aggravate the infection.

A weak wash, made of the herb, Chamomile, relieves the inflamed eye and cures conjunctivitis, according to herbalists. Chamomile, one of the oldest and most versatile of medicinal herbs, was known to ancient Egyptian physicians, and is still widely used in Europe today. Chamomile can also be used in compress form to relieve “pink eye.”

Swedish Bitters, in addition to its curative powers over cataracts, also relieves tired eyes. Apply the herbal mixture to the closed eyelid in the same manner as prescribed for the cataract treatment.

In many instances, removing the original irritant is sufficient treatment for conjunctivitis. For example, if sustained sunlight prompted the irritation, then keeping your eyes out of the sun for a while and wearing dark glasses are the best remedies.

Eyelid infections such as a stye, an infection of an eyelid oil gland can also happen. Eyelid infections are potentially serious since the organisms can travel into blood vessels that connect directly with the brain. Antibiotic pills, lid scrubs, and hot compresses may be needed.

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STAYING YOUNG, ENERGETIC AND SEXY: RNA-DNA PROGRAMME AND HIGH-PEP ENERGY REGIMEN

admin — Tue, 01 Jun 2010 09:59:17 +0000

Basic Vitamin-Mineral RNA-DNA Programme

Along with proper diet, a good supplement regimen is important to the success of an RNA-DNA program. I’ve found that the following works best:

High-potency multiple vitamin with chelated minerals [time release preferred] a.m. and p.m.

Vitamin С, 1,000 mg. with bioflavonoids, a.m. and p.m.

Vitamin E, 400 IU [dry form] with antioxidants a.m. and p.m.

RNA-DNA, 100-mg. tablets, 1 daily for one month, then 2 daily for the next month, then 3 daily thereafter, 6 days a week

Stress В complex a.m. and p.m.

High-Pep Energy Regimen

Whether you want to feel good, or just look good, exercise, diet, and the right supplements are the tickets to high energy.

If you’re not into jogging, can’t afford the sneakers, don’t play tennis, find yourself reluctant to swim in twenty-below weather, and hate calisthenics, I have the perfect exercise for you — jumping rope.

A jump rope is inexpensive, convenient [you can take it everywhere], and lots of fun to use. And it works! In terms of calories burned, jumping rope can outdo bicycling, tennis and swimming. An average person of about 150 pounds uses up 720 calories an hour jumping rope [120 to 140 turns per minute]. When you realize that an hour of tennis uses up only 420 calories, you have a better idea of just how good jumping rope can be for you.

For keeping energy high, remember to eat a combination of two protein foods [or a protein drink], at each meal; drink at least six glasses of water daily [a half hour before or after meals]; avoid refined sugar, flour, tobacco, alcohol, tea, coffee, soft drinks, processed and fried foods.

A good pep-up protein drink:

2 tbsp. protein powder

1 tbsp. lecithin powder

2 tbsp. acidophilus liquid 1 tbsp. nutritional yeast

1 tbsp. safflower oil [optional]

Blend with milk, water, or juice in blender for 1 minute.

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GENERAL HEALTH

WIDOWHOOD: WIDOWED PERSONS’ GROUPS

admin — Tue, 01 Jun 2010 09:58:40 +0000

Strongly consider joining a widowed persons’ group, even if you have an abundance of friends and are not the joining type. During the past few decades widowed persons’ services have become widespread, sponsored by community centers, associations for the elderly and religious organizations. There is a reason for their popularity. In dealing with this type of wrenching loss, people need all the help they can get.

Your local office for the aging will have information about these programs. So will the Widowed Persons’ Service operated by the American Association of Retired Persons. Or look in the Yellow Pages under “widows” or “widowed persons’ services.” The most logical place to begin your search for a group is a place you already feel comfortable going, such as your church.

Generally, widowed persons’ services either offer individual counseling in which a trained (less recently widowed) volunteer visits you regularly or operate groups where widows and widowers meet to discuss their feelings and offer each other concrete help and emotional support.

Widowed persons’ groups are for normal people, not those who are emotionally disturbed. They offer a place where you can feel comfortable about expressing all your concerns – from the fear of going crazy to “silly” worries such as “How do I make coffee?” or “How do I check into a hotel?” Attending a group can also offer more subtle benefits.

Because I am a private person, I hated to tell my friends and relatives how out of control and lost I felt. There were so many practical things I needed to know: how to manage the money, how to deal with my mother-in-law, how to tell my children tactfully that they were treating me like a child. The widows’ group was a perfect solution. Even though not everyone there was just like me, our meetings gave me the chance to compare. Best of all, I was transformed from “poor Mrs. Johnson who needs sympathy” to “Mrs. Johnson who is able to reach out to others in need.” Once I found myself being helpful to other group members, I knew I would make it. I realized I could help myself too.

Consult as many books on widowhood as you can. There are now guides to handling problems ranging from the most pragmatic (dealing with the funeral director, paying estate taxes) to the most abstract (getting through the day). Visit your library or bookstore. There are so many things to educate you about!

This tragedy does have a silver lining. It is a chance to experience the love of family and friends and a chance to know yourself. In spite of their difficulties, many of Lopata’s Chicago widows said their husbands’ deaths had taught them an important lesson. They were stronger and more capable than they had ever thought.

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GENERAL HEALTH

YOUR CHILD’S HEALTH CARE/ GENITAL, GROIN AND URINARY TRACT PROBLEMS: SCROTAL SWELLING

admin — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 09:45:45 +0000

Hydrocoele

A hydrocoele is a soft swelling in the scrotum caused by a collection of fluid around the testicle. It does not cause pain. The fluid has been pushed down into the scrotum via a channel connected to the abdominal cavity. A hydrocoele may often be present at birth, and usually disappears after the child is 1 year old. It rarely needs any surgical intervention. If your child has any scrotal swelling, it is advisable to have your doctor check it. Sometimes hernias can be present at the same time as a hydrocoele.

Varicocoele

A varicocoele usually occurs after puberty. It is an abnormal enlargement of the veins around the testicle. It generally presents as a swelling around the testicle, usually the left one. A varicoele feels like a bundle of worms. If not treated sperm production may be affected. Treatment is surgical, and you should consult your doctor if you suspect that your child has a varicocoele.

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YOUR CHILD’S HEALTH CARE/ GENITAL, GROIN AND URINARY TRACT PROBLEMS: TWISTED TESTICLE (TORSION) AND UNDESCENDED TESTICLE

admin — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 09:44:45 +0000

This is a condition in which a testicle suddenly becomes twisted, and its blood supply is blocked off. If it is not corrected quickly, the testicle may die.

Cause

The cause of a twisted testicle is uncertain.

Clinical features

Your child may complain of rapid onset of severe pain in the groin and of a sore lower abdomen. Within several hours the scrotum over the affected testicle may become very tender, hot and swollen.

Treatment

You should see your doctor immediately if your child has a swollen or painful testicle. Torsion of the testicle is a surgical emergency and must be operated on immediately if the testicle is to be saved.

The testicle is straightened and sewn into position to prevent twisting from recurring. The other testicle may be sewn into position at the same time, also as a preventive measure.

Prevention

There is no way to prevent this condition from occurring initially.

UNDESCENDED TESTICLE

Cause

In the developing foetus the testicle forms within the abdomen and later moves down into the scrotum. An undescended testicle is one which does not lie fully within the sac of the scrotum. This is a relatively common condition, and 2% of newborn have one or two undescended testicles. Within a year, these usually slip down to lie within the scrotum.

Treatment

If, after a year, this has not occurred, then surgical intervention is usually necessary to prevent damage to the testicle. Consult your doctor if you suspect your child has an undescended testicle.

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YOUR CHILD’S HEALTH CARE/ GENITAL, GROIN AND URINARY TRACT PROBLEMS: MENSTRUAL CRAMPS (DYSMENORRHOEA)

admin — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 09:43:54 +0000

Cause

Menstrual cramps are caused by the contraction of the muscles of the uterus, under the influence of hormonal changes occurring at the time of menstruation.

Clinical features

Cramps may begin several hours before the flow of blood appears. They are usually in the lower abdomen and may feel like spasms, occurring frequently and lasting for several minutes at a time. Your daughter may have an associated headache, and even nausea. All these symptoms are usually only present on the first day of the period.

Treatment

A hot water bottle can help ease cramps. Try to encourage your daughter to maintain normal activity if she can. Make sure tampons are changed every 3-4 hours, so that build up of blood (which can lead to severe infection or toxic shock syndrome) does not occur. Sometimes a mild painkiller such as paracetamol may be helpful, but if they become necessary on a continual basis, you should see your doctor. Placing a young girl on the Pill will occasionally improve symptoms of a painful period.

When to see your doctor

• if your daughter’s period pains are significantly interfering with her school attendance;

• if despite the above measures, she has such severe pains that she needs to lie in bed;

• if the pains persist, or she has an offensive vaginal discharge;

• if she has a fever.

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YOUR CHILD’S HEALTH/GENITAL PROBLEMS: PENIS, PROBLEMS WITH THE FUSED LABIA

admin — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 09:42:50 +0000

FUSED LABIA

Sometimes baby girls are born with their labia minora (inner lips of the vagina) fused together by a thin membrane. This can also sometimes happen following an infection. The opening of the vagina is sometimes covered over. If you suspect that your daughter has this problem, you should see your doctor to discuss its management.

PENIS, PROBLEMS WITH THE

Hypospadias

Hypospadias is an abnormality of the penis which is present at birth in 1 out of every 350 males. In this condition the opening of the urethra (the tube through which urine is emptied from the bladder) is on the underside of the penis instead of at the tip. If severe, it can be associated with a bent penis (chordee). Surgical repair is essential for hypospadias. Boys with hypospadias should not have a circumcision at birth, because it is sometimes necessary to use this skin to repair the hypospadias. If you notice that your child has hypospadias, it is advisable to seek early medical advice.

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YOUR CHILD’S CARE: GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT

admin — Thu, 21 May 2009 06:55:06 +0000

All babies and children are different, each with his own unique set of individual characteristics that makes him special. Yet growth and development do progress along pathways that are predictable. The stages and milestones described in this chapter are ones that most children go through and achieve at around the ages specified.

Remember, however, that there is a good deal of variation between children. The times and stages described here serve only as a guide to the range at which most children achieve milestones. Just because your child does not exactly coincide with these times does not mean that anything is wrong. Please do not worry if your child is different.

On the other hand, if you do have any concerns about your child’s growth and development, do not hesitate to seek professional advice. Do not wait — see your doctor or nurse who will be able to reassure you and give you appropriate advice.

Growth and development take place in the context of a continuing transaction between the child and his environment. Both intrinsic factors within the child and environmental influences (such as nutrition, stimulation, family interactions) are important.

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VITAMINS – VITAMIN A; D; K

admin — Mon, 18 May 2009 06:05:23 +0000

An excess of Vitamin A is recognised to cause certain illnesses, and some explorers in the Arctic and Antarctic who have eaten the livers of seals and polar bears — which contain an enormous quantity of Vitamin A — have died from the effects of this.

Vitamin D is found in fish oils, dairy products, eggs. It is also produced in the body by the action of ultraviolet light on substances in the skin. And so in Australia a deficiency of this vitamin is rare.

Vitamin D is necessary for the calcium and phosphorous metabolism of the body and, so, the normal structure of bone. As with Vitamin A, an excess intake can cause serious symptoms.

Vitamin Ê also is a fat-soluble vitamin, and it is used in the liver in the manufacture of prothrombin, an essential factor in the clotting of blood.

Vitamin Ê occurs in green vegetables, and also some of the bacteria which normally live in the bowel manufacture this vitamin which we absorb and use.

An excess of Vitamin Ê has not been shown to cause any serious side-effects.

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