Tuesday, June 18, 2013

Skin cancer

Skin is the largest organ for human body. It is function for protecting the internal organ from injury, serves as a barrier to germs and  also helps to get rid of certain body wastes. Skin cancer is the most common of all cancer. It is the uncontrolled growth of abnormal skins. It occurs when unrepaired DNA damage to skin cells triggers mutations  that lead to skin cells to multiply rapidly and form malignant tumours. There are three types of skin cancers : basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma.

Symptoms
  • A spread of pigmentation beyond the border, such as dark coloring that spreads past the edge of a mole or mark
  • Changes of the skin, especially size, colour,spot or a new growth
  • Bleeding, scaliness,oozing of the bump
  • Feeling of itchiness, tenderness, or pain


Cause
  • Unprotected or excessive exposure to ultraviolet radiation
  • Occupational exposure to coal tar,pitch,creosote,arsenic compounds,or radium
  • Family history of skin cancer
  • Multiple or unusual moles
  • Severe sunburns in the past
  • Smoking
  • The use of many immunosuppressive drugs
  • Chronic non healing wounds

Action plan
  • Avoid direct exposure to the sun between 10am- 4pm.
  • Cover up with protective clothes to protect skin from the direct sunlight exposure
  • Apply sunscreen with sun protection factor (SPF) 30 by 30 minutes before outdoor activities.
  • Undergo regular checkups and bringing changing lesions to the attention of doctor.
  • Increase the consumption of carrot,orange,tomatoes, red peppers, spinach and kale which rich in antioxidant to lower the risk of skin cancer.

Wednesday, June 12, 2013

Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis is an auto-immune disease where the body attack own tissues and cells that result in chronic inflammatory condition. It may affect many tissues and organs but more targeted on flexible joints. It may cause mobility difficulties and pain which can lead to substantial loss of functioning if not adequately treated.

Symptoms

  • Painful and swollen joints ,especially hands,feet and knees
  • Difficulty moving joints
  • Stiffness and pain in affected joints
  • Fever
  • Red, puffy hands
  • Fatigue
  • Hard bumps just under the skin near the joints
  • Loss of appetite

Cause


  • Genetics 
  • Food allergies
  • Abnormal gut and bowel permeability
  • Deficiencies of B vitamins
  • Deficiencies of essential fatty acid 
  • Smoking
  • Chronic stress
  • Adrenal weakness
  • Constipation
  • Infection

Action Plan

  • Increase the intake of fruit and vegetables for the antioxidant.
  • Eat more deep sea dish like salmon,mackerel and sardines for the omega-3 fats as anti-inflammatory agent.
  • Take supplement such as vitamin B-complex, vitamin D and E.
  • Avoid the intake of refined food such as white bread, pastas and sugar.
  • Reduce intake of red meat and trans-fatty acids that found in commercially baked goods such as cookies,cakes,doughnuts and processed foods.
  • Avoid caffeine and other stimulants, alcohol and tobacco.
  • Maintain a regular exercise such as swimming, walking,  or biking for 30 minutes of 3-5 times a week.
  • Use hot and cold treatment by applying direct to the pain site; heat maybe useful for chronic pain while cold provide relief to acute pain.
  • Try massage therapy to relax the muscle, reduce the tension, and relief arthritis pain.

Monday, June 3, 2013

Pancreatitis

Pancreatitis is the inflammation of the pancreas. The pancreas is an organ that  produces digestive enzymes that help to break down protein, fat and carbohydrates from food as well as insulin and glucagon that control blood sugar levels. Pancreatitis can be acute or chronic. The acute pancreatitis may only last a few days and may resolve completely .For chronic pancreatitis, it starts off as acute and scarred it may not recover and the  damage can worsen. Often there is no pain in chronic pancreatitis; this may be a signed that the pancreas has stopped working altogether.


Symptoms
  • Severe upper abdominal burning pain
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Fever
  • Chill
  • Jaundice
  • Increase heart rate

Cause
  • Alcohol abuse
  • Gallstones
  • Medications
  • Oxidative stress
  • Antioxidant deficiencies
  • Injury
  • Genetics
  • Surgery
  • High blood calcium level
  • Scorpion sting
  • Autoimmune disease
  • Infections
  • High blood fats

Action plan
  • Maintain a low fat foods diet but make sure to eat some sources of essential fat daily for anti-inflammatory functions that needed for health.
  • Increase the intake of fruit and vegetables that rich in antioxidant to reduce pain and severity of pancreatitis.
  • Avoid the intake of alcohol which will put a huge strain on the pancreas.
  • Limit the intake of refined carbohydrates, processed fats and saturated fats.
  • Supplement with antiocidants such as vitamin C,E, beta-carotene and methionine.
  • Eat small, regular meals and snacks to put less strain on the pancreas and digestive system.
  • Stop smoking as cigarette create free radicals damages and used up antioxidant.