ACID REFLUX (HEART BURN): RELIEF IS NOT FAR FETCHED.

          Acid reflux is when some of the acid content of the stomach flows up into the esophagus - into the gullet, which moves food down from the mouth.The stomach contains a strong acid, hydrochloric acid, to help with the efficient digestion of food and to protect against undesirable microbes such as bacteria.

MOTION SICKNESS: WHY YOU EXPERIENCE IT AND WAYS TO PREVENT THE ASSOCIATED DISCOMFORT.

          Motion sickness is a very common disturbance of the inner ear that is caused by repeated motion such as from the swell of the sea, the movement of a car, the motion of a plane in turbulent air, etc.

WHY WE FORGET AND HOW TO BOOST YOUR MEMORY.

          Memory lapses can be both embarrassing and troubling. But a few slipups don’t necessarily doom you to a future of utter forgetfulness. A memory is made by linking two or more of the 100 billion nerve cells in your brain, called neurons, then solidifying the connection so you can use it later, says Neal Barnard, an adjunct associate professor of medicine at the George Washington University School of Medicine, in Washington, D.C. And “your brain continues to develop neurons and build new connections to strengthen memory as you age, a phenomenon called neuroplasticity,” says Brianne Bettcher, a neuropsychology fellow at the University of California, San Francisco, Memory and Aging Center. “So it’s never too late to improve your powers of recall.” lets look into the reasons why we forget in the first place.

1. Retrieval Failure 
          Have you ever felt like a piece of information has just vanished from memory? Or maybe you know that it's there, you just can't seem to find it. The inability to retrieve a memory is one of the most common causes of forgetting.

          So why are we often unable to retrieve information from memory? One possible explanation of retrieval failure is known as decay theory. According to this theory, a memory trace is created every time a new theory is formed. Decay theory suggests that over time, these memory traces begin to fade and disappear. If information is not retrieved and rehearsed, it will eventually be lost. One short coming of this theory is that research has demonstrated that even memories which have not been rehearsed or remembered are remarkably stable in long-term memory.


 2. Interference
          Another theory known as interference theory suggests that some memories compete and interfere with other memories. When information is very similar to other information that was previously stored in memory, interference is more likely to occur.

 There are two types of interference, proactive and retroactive.
  •  Proactive interference is when an old memory makes it more difficult or impossible to remember a new memory. 
  •  Retroactive interference occurs when new information interferes with your ability to remember previously learned information.

3. Failure to Store
          Sometimes, we just don’t store the information we take in, or just fail to store it to long-term memory. Our short-term memory can only recall about seven things in the span of about 30 seconds, and after that, it becomes more difficult. Distractions can also be a big factor in being unable to store information, whether we cause them ourselves or whether they come from outside.

4. Motivated Forgetting

          This is a theory involving voluntary suppression or unconscious repression of memories that make us feel uncomfortable, or are too traumatic to deal with. Repressed memories, however, are not a universally accepted theory, due to the near impossibility of testing the phenomenon.

Other Reasons We Forget

  • Multitasking: multitasking can play a huge part in memory failure. Switching back and forth between tasks, whether it be by choice or because of interruptions, can severely impair our ability to focus. Although you might think switching between several tasks is more productive, the sad truth is that it forces your brain to ‘reset’ each time you switch tasks. That can actually increase the time needed to complete each task.

  • we overlook defining details:  in Joseph T. Hallinan’s book “Why We Make Mistakes” Hallinan presents a page with 15 different versions of the familiar penny. The book challenges the reader to identify, from memory, the correct version that represents the common one cent piece as it actually exists. According to Hallinan, less than half of those tested choose the correct image. The reason? We know the shape and colour of a penny, which we’ve all seen many times, and have a vague idea of the rest. This is because our brains take a short cut, only storing information vital to identifying the penny as distinct from other coins.

What You Can Do

So how can we fight against our own forgetfulness? Loftus and Hallinan both have some suggestions that may help:
·         Perhaps the most helpful thing, whether it be in a journal, on your tablet, or on your phone, is creating a to-do list.

·         Take advantage of daily planning appsSchedule Planner in the Apple (and Android) store lets you set alarms, export calendars to Dropbox, and has quite a few other handy features as well.

·         EAT RIGHTThe foods you eat – and don't eat – play a crucial role in your memory. curry, celery, broccoli, cauliflower, and walnuts contain antioxidants and other compounds that protect your brain health and may even stimulate the production of new brain cells.Coconut oil is another healthful fat for brain function. According to research by Dr. Mary Newport, just over two tablespoons of coconut oil (about 35 ml or 7 level teaspoons) would supply you with the equivalent of 20 grams of medium-chain triglycerides (MCT), which is indicated as either a preventative measure against degenerative neurological diseases, or as a treatment for an already established case.

·         EXERCISE: Exercise encourages your brain to work at optimum capacity by stimulating nerve cells to multiply, strengthening their interconnections and protecting them from damage.
During exercise nerve cells release proteins known as neurotrophic factors. One in particular, called brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), triggers numerous other chemicals that promote neural health, and directly benefits cognitive functions, including learning.
·         GET A GOOD NIGHT REST: Research from Harvard indicates that people are 33 percent more likely to infer connections among distantly related ideas after sleeping,3 but few realize that their performance has actually improved. Sleep is also known to enhance your memories and help you "practice" and improve your performance of challenging skills. In fact, a single night of sleeping only four to six hours can impact your ability to think clearly the next day.

·         PLAY BRAIN GAMES: If you don't sufficiently challenge your brain with new, surprising information, it eventually begins to deteriorate. What research into brain plasticity shows us, however, is that by providing your brain with appropriate stimulus, you can counteract this degeneration.
·         Try Mnemonic Devices: Mnemonic devices are memory tools to help you remember words, information or concepts. They help you to organize information into an easier-to-remember format. Try:
o    Acronyms (such as PUG for "pick up grapes")
o    Visualizations (such as imagining a tooth to remember your dentist's appointment)
o    Rhymes (if you need to remember a name, for instance, think "Shirley's hair is curly)
o    Chunking, which is breaking up information into smaller "chunks" (such as organizing numbers into the format of a phone number)
·         Stop Multitasking! Take the time to concentrate on one task at a time, and you’ll be able to do better work faster.

·         Take a mental picture: if you often forget where you place your keys, try thinking of the items surrounding them too, when you put them down. Try to take in identifying details, like the color of the surface they are sitting on or what might be nearby.

·         Repeat what someone says back to them. This not only helps you confirm what they said, but it also lets the other person know you are listening.

·         Take a closer look, and try to take in the smaller details. This will not only help you commit things to memory, but also allow you to better understand the information.

·         Keep yourself organized. Separate your notes and documents in a way that makes sense, and use something as simple as a shoebox to keep them together and tidy.

Memory can be critical in business. Be sure to keep your memory sharp with some of these important tips.








RESOURSES:


7 MOST COMMON CAUSES OF SINGLE AND RECURRENT MISCARRIAGE.

A "MUST READ" FOR EVERY WOMAN: 7 MOST COMMON CAUSES OF SINGLE AND RECURRENT MISCARRIAGE.

If you have had a miscarriage, chances are you want to know what caused it, and what you can do to prevent it from happening again. For starters, relax. “Since you got pregnant once, the odds are 80 percent that you will go on to have a healthy baby, and as many healthy babies after that as you want,” says 

NEED AN ADMIRABLE 6-PACK ABS?... TRY THESE.

The hallmark of fitness is a nice six pack, because it not only represents a certain level of
effort in the gym, but also maintaining a relatively low body fat percentage.For this, both diet and exercise play important roles, but the reward is a set of abs that are the envy of everyone you know. 


Here are six ab exercises to get you that highly sought, but rarely achieved, holy grail; the six pack.


1. Pullup

Grab a pullup bar with a grip that's slightly wider than shoulder width. Pull your shoulder blades down and back, bend your legs behind you, cross your feet, squeeze your butt, and brace your abs (this ensures your core gets worked). This is the start position (a). Pull yourself up until your collarbone reaches the bar, driving your elbows down toward your hips (b). Return to the start position (c). If unable to pull yourself up, loop an exercise band over the bar and around your knees.
Sets: 3  Reps: to failure  Rest: 120 seconds between sets

2. Medicine Ball Slam

Grab a fairly light-weight medicine ball and hold it up above your head (a). Keeping your torso totally upright with good posture, throw the medicine ball directly downward at the ground as hard as you can (b)  be careful: Some bounce back!
Sets: 3  Reps: 20  Rest: 60 seconds between sets


3. Ab Wheel Rollout

Kneel on the floor with your knees directly under your hips and your hands directly under your shoulders holding the handles of an ab wheel. Slowly push your hips forward and roll the ab wheel out, keeping your back flat and allowing your arms to extend in front of your body (a). As soon as it feels like you can’t roll any more without the risk of falling, push your palms toward the floor, simultaneously squeezing your abs and pushing your hips back toward the start position until you reach it (b).
Sets: 4  Reps: To failure  Rest: 90 seconds between sets


4. Pallof Press

Attach a D-handle to a cable cross machine and adjust the pulley to chest height (a resistance band around a pole works, too). Stand about two feet away from the machine and pull the handle to your chest (a). If your right shoulder is closest to the machine, your right hand should hold the handle and your left should be more of a guide. While bracing your core, push the handle straight out, so the handle stays directly in front of your chest (b). Slowly return the handle to your chest (c).
Sets: 4  Reps: 10 on each side  Rest: 60 seconds between sets

5. Barbell Landmine

Wedge one end of a barbell in the corner of two walls. Lift the barbell up by the other end and hold it on your chest (a). Next, press the barbell directly out from your chest with both hands, fingers laced (b). Keeping your arms straight, rotate from your shoulders to one side, then to the other. Return to the start position (c).
Sets: 3  Reps: 10 on each side  Rest: 120 seconds between sets


6. The Pendulum

Lie on the floor flat on your back and raise your legs until you have a 90-degree bend at the hips. Keeping your legs straight, lower them to the right, allowing them to come almost all the way to the floor (a). Return the legs to the upright position and then lower them to the left (b). Repeat in this fashion until all prescribed reps are performed.
Sets: 4  Reps: 10 to each side  Rest: 60 seconds between sets



Resources:
http://www.mensfitness.com

CERVICAL CANCER SERIES (4): TREATMENT OPTIONS

TREATMENT OPTIONS

Surgery

Surgery (removing the cancer in an operation) is sometimes used to treat cervical cancer. The following surgical procedures may be used:

CERVICAL CANCER SERIES (3): PROCEDURES FOR DIAGNOSIS AND HOW IT SPREADS TO OTHER PARTS OF THE BODY.

TESTS AND DIAGNOSIS

The following procedures may be used:
·         Physical exam and history : An exam of the body to check general signs of health, including checking for signs of disease, such as lumps or anything else that seems unusual. A history of the patient’s health habits and past illnesses and treatments will also be taken.

·         Pelvic exam : An exam of the vagina, cervix, uterus, fallopian tubesovaries, and rectum. A speculum is inserted into the vagina and the doctor or nurse looks at the vagina and cervix for signs of disease. A Pap test of the cervix is usually done. The doctor or nurse also inserts one or two lubricated, gloved fingers of one hand into the vagina and places the other hand over the lower abdomen to feel the size, shape, and position of the uterus and ovaries. The doctor or nurse also inserts a lubricated, gloved finger into the rectum to feel for lumps or abnormal areas.

PAP TEST
·         Pap test: A procedure to collect cells from the surface of the cervix and vagina. A piece of cotton, a brush, or a small wooden stick is used to gently scrape cells from the cervix and vagina. The cells are viewed under a microscope to find out if they are abnormal. This procedure is also called a Pap smear.

·         Human papillomavirus (HPV) test : A laboratory test used to check DNA or RNA for certain types of HPV infection. Cells are collected from the cervix and DNA or RNA from the cells is checked to find out if an infection is caused by a type of HPV that is linked to cervical cancer. This test may be done using the sample of cells removed during a Pap test. This test may also be done if the results of a Pap test show certain abnormal cervical cells.

·         Endocervical curettage : A procedure to collect cells or tissue from the cervical canal using a curette (spoon-shaped instrument). Tissue samples are taken and checked under a microscope for signs of cancer. This procedure is sometimes done at the same time as a colposcopy.

·         Colposcopy: A procedure in which a colposcope (a lighted, magnifying instrument) is used to check the vagina and cervix for abnormal areas. Tissue samples may be taken using a curette (spoon-shaped instrument) or a brush and checked under a microscope for signs of disease.

·         Biopsy : If abnormal cells are found in a Pap test, the doctor may do a biopsy. A sample of tissue is cut from the cervix and viewed under a microscope by a pathologist to check for signs of cancer. A biopsy that removes only a small amount of tissue is usually done in the doctor’s office. A woman may need to go to a hospital for a cervical cone biopsy (removal of a larger, cone-shaped sample of cervical tissue).

tests to find out if cancer cells have spread within the cervix or to other parts of the body.

After diagnosis is is advisable to test if the cancer cells has spread within the cervix or to other parts of the body. The process used to find out if cancer has spread within the cervix or to other parts of the body is called staging. The information gathered from the staging process determines the stage of the disease. It is important to know the stage in order to plan treatment.

The following tests and procedures may be used in the staging process:
·         CT scan (CAT scan): A procedure that makes a series of detailed pictures of areas inside the body, taken from different angles. The pictures are made by a computer linked to an x-ray machine. A dye may be injected into a vein or swallowed to help the organs or tissues show up more clearly. This procedure is also called computed tomography, computerized tomography, or computerized axial tomography.

·         PET scan (positron emission tomography scan): A procedure to find malignant tumor cells in the body. A small amount of radioactive glucose (sugar) is injected into a vein. The PET scanner rotates around the body and makes a picture of where glucose is being used in the body. Malignant tumor cells show up brighter in the picture because they are more active and take up more glucose than normal cells do.

·         MRI (magnetic resonance imaging): A procedure that uses a magnet, radio waves, and a computer to make a series of detailed pictures of areas inside the body. This procedure is also called nuclear magnetic resonance imaging (NMRI).

·         Ultrasound exam: A procedure in which high-energy sound waves (ultrasound) are bounced off internal tissues or organs and make echoes. The echoes form a picture of body tissues called a sonogram. This picture can be printed to be looked at later.

·         Chest x-ray : An x-ray of the organs and bones inside the chest. An x-ray is a type of energy beam that can go through the body and onto film, making a picture of areas inside the body.

·         Cystoscopy : A procedure to look inside the bladder and urethra to check for abnormal areas. A cystoscope is inserted through the urethra into the bladder. A cystoscope is a thin, tube-like instrument with a light and a lens for viewing. It may also have a tool to remove tissue samples, which are checked under a microscope for signs of cancer.

·         Laparoscopy : A surgical procedure to look at the organs inside the abdomen to check for signs of disease. Small incisions (cuts) are made in the wall of the abdomen and alaparoscope (a thin, lighted tube) is inserted into one of the incisions. Other instruments may be inserted through the same or other incisions to perform procedures such as removing organs or taking tissue samples to be checked under a microscope for signs of disease.

·         Pretreatment surgical stagingSurgery (an operation) is done to find out if the cancer has spread within the cervix or to other parts of the body. In some cases, the cervical cancer can be removed at the same time. Pretreatment surgical staging is usually done only as part of a clinical trial.

The results of these tests are viewed together with the results of the original tumor biopsy to determine the cervical cancer stage.

ways that cancer spreads in the body.

Cancer can spread through tissue, the lymph system, and the blood:
·         Tissue. The cancer spreads from where it began by growing into nearby areas.
·         Lymph system. The cancer spreads from where it began by getting into the lymph system. The cancer travels through the lymph vessels to other parts of the body.
·         Blood. The cancer spreads from where it began by getting into the blood. The cancer  travels through the blood vessels to other parts of the body.

The metastatic tumor is the same type of cancer as the primary tumor. For example, if cervical cancer spreads to the lung, the cancer cells in the lung are actually cervical cancer cells. The disease is metastatic cervical cancer, not lung cancer




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CERVICAL CANCER SERIES (2): SYMPTOMS, RISK FACTORS AND PREVENTION.

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS
Women with early cervical cancers and pre-cancers usually have no symptoms. Symptoms often do not begin until a pre-cancer becomes a true invasive cancer and grows into nearby tissue. When this happens, the most common symptoms are:

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