Full Health Articles

It is hard to imagine that living in the most prosperous and powerful country in the whole world that there are over 47 million people in the United States who have no health insurance. That translates into 1 in 10 people without health care coverage in America. Our annual cost for health coverage, per capita, is nearly double that of health care in other countries. And for that amount of money, American citizens should definitely enjoy the best health services in the world.

But, the sad truth is we don’t. And what’s even sadder are the statistics that abide with those who have illnesses such as cancer. Of the 560,000 people with cancer who will die from their disease, The American Cancer Society estimates that 37,000 of those people will die with no health insurance. With alarming numbers like that, what can be done? Is there really a solution?

These people have a double battle to wage. One for their physical health, and the other for their finance health. As if facing cancer wasn’t hard enough, it’s unimaginable having to face it without adequate health insurance. The high cost of health care has stopped many a persons from getting preventive care, which in most cases, allows doctors to catch cancer when it’s most treatable, in the early stages of the disease.

How many people have gotten the door of health insurance slammed in their faces by insurance companies who tell them they are uninsurable because they have what’s deemed as a pre-existing condition? I always thought that health care was for the sick, since they are the ones who need it most. Insurance companies want to insure those who are young and healthy. But what they are doing is risky, and they are risking the lives of millions of people everyday.

It’s not just the destitute who are unable to afford health insurance, these days. This grisly, greedy monster is now knocking on the doors of the middle-class and even the financially fit. With the cost of health care rising by double-digits, each year, hardly anyone is able to keep up. People are paying more for their health care coverage and getting less.

Ask yourself a question. Is anyone getting spectacular health benefits on their jobs, anymore? Look at your own situation. Are your health benefits what they used to be? Or, are you like everyone else – paying more and getting less? Even if you are still receiving great benefits on your job, count your blessings because you’re among the elite few.

I don’t mean to be a bearer of bad news, but the trend that is now in place is suggesting that it won’t last long. More and more companies and individuals are looking for alternatives to traditional health care. And the good news is, there are wonderful alternatives available.

The best I’ve seen are what have been termed as Consumer Driven Health Care (CDHC) plans. Like it or not, this is where the market is going, so your best bet is to embrace it for the wonder that it is.

What it is doing is putting the delivery of health care where it ought to be – back in the hands of the consumer and not the insurance company. The plans are sold at a fraction of the cost of traditional insurance plans, and the consumer gets more for their money.

If you’re faced with fighting a disease as costly as cancer can be, and you find yourself without health care coverage, it would be to your advantage to investigate a CDHC. There are reputable companies out there just waiting for you to call on them.

Don’t subject yourself to the rejection of health insurance companies who don’t want to help you in your time of need any longer. It’s time to fight back. This time, hit them where it hurts – in their pocketbooks!

Take the time to find a Consumer Driven Health Care plan that suits the needs of you and your family. I guarantee, you’ll be glad that you did.

Recent findings in a report published in the latest issue of Cancer shows cancer death rates dropped steadily on average 2.1 percent per year from 2002 through 2004, nearly twice the annual decrease of 1.1 percent per year from 1993 through 2002. Despite overall higher death rates for men, the declines from 2002 through 2004 were 2.6 percent per year among men and 1.8 percent per year among women. Additionally, death rates decreased for the majority of the top 15 cancers in men and women. The leading causes of cancer in men: lung, prostate, and colorectal cancers experienced noticeable declines. And in women, the death rates from colorectal cancer and breast cancer decreased, with the rate of increase for lung cancer deaths slowing significantly.

Center for Disease Control and Prevention directer, Julie Gerberding, claims that, “The significant decline in cancer death rates demonstrates important progress in the fight against cancer that has been achieved through effective tobacco control, screening, early detection, and appropriate treatment.”

The rate at which new cancers are diagnosed also dropped a little during the period between 1992 and 2004 for both men and women. The incidence rate for breast cancer fell substantially during the 2001-2004 period and is believed to be partly due to the decreased use of hormone replacement therapy and recent decline in use of screening mammography. After long term increases, lung cancer incidence among women leveled off during the 1998-2004 period and, for men, declined 1.8% annually among males for the period 1991-2004.

Chief executive officer at the American Cancer Society, John Seffrin, believes, “The evidence is unmistakable: we are truly turning the tide in the cancer battle. The gains could be even greater if everyone in the U.S. had access to essential healthcare, including primary care and prevention services.”

To remain happy and healthy, you must have a strong immune system. The immune system protects us from getting infections and diseases such as cancer. It is the system that helps keep us healthy. The immune system is simply defined as a complex system responsible for identifying and protecting us from infections and foreign substances. The immune system seeks and kills anything invading the body. By having a strong and healthy immune system, you can prevent the onset of various forms of cancer.

Man used to be the hopeless victim of his circumstances. When Louis Pasteur discovered that bacteria caused diseases and that chemicals could kill bacteria, modern medicine was born. Since then, we have struggled to develop chemicals to enhance our health and fight bacteria-causing disease.

We live in an ocean of bacteria and viruses. Yet, these microorganisms do not cause diseases; we become infected by diseases when we have weakened and inefficient immune systems. We see the evidence of this truth constantly around us. One person in an office gets a very bad cold. The person sitting next to him doesn’t get a sniffle. Certainly both were exposed to the same microorganisms. What is the difference? It lies in their immune systems. That’s why we get a flu shot, to build up our immune system against the infection. The immune system destroys cells foreign to the body.

The alternative treatment of cancer has a popular expression that says: “All cancer is the result of an immune system that did not destroy the mutant cells.” Obviously, the cancer cells are foreign to the body. The immune system of a healthy person can destroy 10, 000 mutated (cancer) cells each day. When this defense mechanism fails, cancer cells can multiply and become a clinical case of cancer.

When a person has a strong, healthy immune system, they can either prevent cancer from occurring or slow down its rate of growth. Eating a healthy, well-balanced diet, taking vitamins and herbs, drinking plenty of water and exercising daily can boost the immune system, and in the long run, may prevent or slow down cancer. Nobel prize winner Dr. Linus Pauling noted in his recent book Vitamin C – The Common Cold and Flu, that autopsies performed on people who had never suffered from any form of cancer, revealed evidence that they had as many as three cases of different cancers during their life spans and never knew anything about it. He credited a strong, healthy immune system for automatically dealing with all of the diseases – an observation that underlines the importance of the immune system in eradicating cancer and other diseases.

In conclusion, there is a direct connection between having a strong, healthy immune system and preventing or controlling cancer. The immune system can be strengthened by daily exercise, eating healthy foods, and taking herbs and vitamins. Immunitril(tm) is the most complete immunity support formula available today. This revolutionary complex is a unique combination of herbs, extracts, minerals and anti-oxidant vitamins, providing maximum support for immune system function. This is just one more reason why every individual should strive to build up a strong immune system.

Following my partner, Glenn’s, diagnosis with an aggressive form of cancer, my hours of research led me to discover a series of medical researchers who have come to the conclusion that cancer is a metabolic disease.

A metabolic disease is one that develops as a result of our metabolism becoming corrupted. Simply put – metabolism is “the chemical processes occurring within a living cell or organism that are necessary for the maintenance of life.”

The medical researchers suggest that the metabolism becomes corrupted because the raw ingredients, that is the nutritional elements, required for the chemical processes are either missing or not available in sufficient quantity.

Their assertion is that what we call “illness” is simply a result of the body’s survival response “gone wrong” caused by our body not having the nutritional elements to continue life or to heal itself in a healthy manner.

History is full of examples of diseases cured by increasing certain nutritional elements: Scurvy which is prevented and reversed by increasing Vitamin C. Pellagra prevented and treated with Vitamin B3 (that is niacin). Beriberi prevented and treated with Vitamin B1 or thiamine. Pernicious anaemia which is treated with Vitamin B12.

So what about Cancer?

The researchers say that when we suffer an injury, either internal or external, the body goes in to a healing process that becomes corrupted.

The mechanics of this are that oestrogen in the body triggers certain cells to become trophoblastic i.e. to multiply faster than normal, to heal the wound. We actually see this happen whenever we suffer a cut to our skin.

Normally this accelerated cell production is terminated when the wound is healed. However if certain elements are not present in the body, specifically pancreatic enzymes, then the cells continue to multiply, creating a mass or tumour.

If the body finally catches up and stops the trophoblastic cells, the mass is found to be benign or no longer active. If the cells are still proliferating we call it malignant.

This research indicates therefore, that cancer is simply an unterminated healing process caused by the lack of the basic nutritional elements the body uses to create pancreatic enzymes.

This is also the explanation given as to why, so often, surgery to remove tumours actually results in it spreading even further. Obviously, the surgery creates more wound sites, which trigger (and release) yet more uncontrolled trophoblastic cells that result in more cancer.

Take it a step further by looking at the common medical treatments of radiation therapy and chemotherapy.

Radiation therapy (a form of burning) simply creates even more wound sites and yet more opportunities for further corrupted healing processes.

Chemotherapy impacts drastically on the body’s immune system, reducing even further the body’s natural ability to heal.

All of which of course, simply increases the chances of more cancer, usually of the more virulent types known as secondaries.

Using a nutritional approach not only has none of these negative side effects, but also, of course, actually supports the bodys own natural healing processes.

Article Source: Health Guidance

Marilyn Bennett

Marilyn Bennett’s partner Glenn was declared cancer-free after 11 months using a nutritional approach. They are now on a mission to “spread the word” the many things they discovered we can all do to fight cancer. Please visit

In any cancer diet, there are many factors to be considered. One is that it is ideal that we get our nutrients from our foods, and that those foods are in as near their natural state as possible. By that I mean foods that have minimum processing.

The reason for this is that no matter how clever our scientists are there is still much they have not discovered about the way vitamins and the body interact. Every day we hear they have found either a new nutrient or another factor in how our bodies assimilate nutrients. If we eat foods that are as close to the state nature produces them we are most likely to get the nutrients we need together with all the other factors our bodies need to use them. This is crucial to any cancer diet.

A shining example is iron. Our bodies need Vitamin C in order to assimilate iron. However, there are still iron supplements on the market that do not have Vitamin C included in their mix. Now, parsley is a very rich source of iron and, you guessed it, is also full of Vitamin C. To further complicate matters, Vitamin C is heat affected and water soluble, so cooking, particularly in liquids destroys it – hence my assertion that eating foods – in this case parsley – in their natural state is best. Of course this won’t work for all foods – potatoes for example – but it is a good strategy to keep in mind when trying to maximize nutrition.

The other reason for eating foods in as near natural state as possible, is that cooking destroys the natural enzymes. Enzymes not only play a crucial role in digestion, and therefore influence the quality of the nutrients we get from our food, but some enzymes, particularly pancreatic enzymes, play a direct role in the fight against cancer. So how do we include raw foods when designing a cancer diet? The obvious answer is salads. Using as wide a variety of salad vegetables and incorporating as many different coloured salad veggies, is an excellent way to increase your intake of live enzymes.

But even with hot meals, many raw veggies can be added as a garnish. Eg parsley chopped up over scrambled eggs. Herbs stirred in a casserole after the heat is turned off. A couple of rings of capsicum on top of cooked fish. Use fruits to dress up a steak or a roast. Let your imagination go! Look for colour and variety and you will easily find dozens of ways to include raw foods.

Snacks are another way of getting raw veggies into the diet. Cut up celery and carrots into one inch/2cm lengths. Even broccoli and cauliflower are nice and crunchy as a snack. If you must dip them in something try a little cottage cheese rather than a fat laden dip!

By keeping your mind open and imagination engaged, you will soon be getting many more raw foods into your daily diet, giving yourself and your loved ones an edge in the cancer fighting stakes.

Article Source: Health Guidance

Marilyn Bennett

Marilyn Bennett’s partner Glenn was declared cancer-free after 11 months using a nutritional approach. They are now on a mission to “spread the word” the many things they discovered we can all do to fight cancer. Please visit

One of the greatest concerns America has today is cancer. The figures are alarming according to the National Cancer Institute studies a total of 1, 372, 910 new cases of cancer and 570, 280 deaths were predicted for the year 2005. Approximately one in every four deaths is due to cancer.

Research indicates that the lifetime probability of developing cancer is higher for men at 46% while for women it is 36%. The National Cancer Institute has put in place a challenge to eliminate suffering and death due to cancer by 2015. To meet this, the nation is tackling the problem on a war footing. And, to this end the creation of awareness has become a priority. To conquer cancer you must know what the risks are, how lifestyle changes can help, about intervention and preventive care, and where help is available.

The most common cancers are:

Men:

1. Prostate. This accounts for approximately 33%.

2. Lung and bronchus. Accounts for 13%.

3. Colon and Rectal. Accounts for 10%.

4. Urinary and Bladder – 7%.

5. Melanoma of skin – 5%.

6. Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma – 4%.

7. Kidney and Renal Pelvis – 3%.

8. Leukemia – 3%.

9. Oral Cavity and Pharynx – 3%.

10. Pancreas – 3%.

Women:

1. Breast – 32%.

2. Lung and Bronchus – 12%.

3. Colon and rectum – 11%.

4. Uterine Corpus – 6%.

5. Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma – 4%.

6. Melanoma of the skin – 4%.

7. Ovary – 3%.

8. Thyroid – 3%.

9. Urinary Bladder – 2%.

10. Pancreas -2%.

An organization called the CDC is taking giant strides in the field of cancer prevention and control. They advocate adoption of a healthy life style, eating nutritious and well balanced food, regular health checks, and screening for cancer. Screenings are quite often lifesaving as problems can be nipped in the bud. Many cancers are curable if detected in the early stages.

It is important to know that a cancer is a disease where healthy cells in the body divide uncontrolled to form tumors. This could happen anywhere in the body and some tumors are benign while others are malignant. Most cancers have different symptoms but to give you an idea, symptoms can include an unexplained lump in any part of the body may feel like a small marble; perceptible growth of a wart or mole; wounds and sores that do not heal; a persistent cough; changes in bowel or bladder habits; indigestion; weight loss or gain; unusual bleeding or discharge. These are symptoms that are caused by not just cancer but many other diseases. And, early cancer does not manifest itself in any outward signs so the only way is to undergo health checks. So, you need the help of a doctor to make an accurate diagnosis.

Screening will include routine physical examinations, lab tests, x-rays, and specialized tests like mammograms, CT scans, MRIs, sonography or laparoscopy. The physician will, after giving you a general check and noting down the history recommend any special tests if he finds anything that requires further investigation.

If you or someone you know is diagnosed with the
dangerous form
of cancer called mesothelioma
because of a known exposure to
asbestos you may
want to consider talking to some honest and trusted
mesothelioma attorneys.
There have been many big

mesothelioma law suits that have helped the families of the sick as
well as the patient, this can be a great help in covering the medical costs
associated with the horrible disease.

The internal organs of the human body are encased in a protective sac called the mesothelium. Examples of mesothelilial membranes are the peritoneum (abdominal organs), pleura (lungs), and pericardium (heart).

Under specific conditions, the cells of the protective membrane divide uncontrolled and become cancerous. This disease is termed as Mesothelioma, a rare form of cancer which is caused by prolonged exposure to asbestos dust.

The disease is found to occur among those who work in shipyards, asbestos mines and factories, industries that produce asbestos based products, and the heating and construction businesses. Approximately 3, 000 cases occur each year in the US, and most patients are between 50-70 years old. Statistics show that males are commonly affected and among them whites more than African Americans.

First studied in the late 1700s in depth studies were only done in the 1960s. Tumors of the Mesothelioma can be benign or malignant. The malignant Mesothelioma are categorized into three types:

* Epithelioid, accounting for 50-70% of mesotheliomas.

* Sarcomatoid, accounting for 7-20%.

* Mixed or bi-phasic, accounting for 20-35%.

When asbestos fibers are breathed into the lungs they travel through large air passages to reach the smaller passages and from them the pleura. In the pleura they damage: the mesothelial cells leading to cancer; lung tissue causing lung cancer; and the development of scar tissue within the lungs known as asbestosis. When asbestos fibers are swallowed they reach the abdominal cavity and cause peritoneal mesothelioma.

Research reveals that the disease only manifests 20-50 years after being exposed to asbestos dust. The symptoms are not specific to the disease but a patient may develop:

* Breathlessness.

* Chest pain accompanied by tightness believed to be caused by accumulation of fluid in the pleura.

* Low back pain.

* Swelling of face and arms.

* Sensory loss.

* Muscle weakness.

* Nausea.

* Vomiting.

* Weight loss that is unexplained.

* Persistent dry cough.

* Sore throat.

* Anemia.

* Fever.

* Constipation.

* Problems with blood clotting.

Since the above are common to minor ailments, patients often ignore the symptoms. It is advisable to consult a doctor if any of the above symptoms persist or if you feel you have been knowingly or unknowingly exposed to asbestos.

A doctor will:

* Take down a detailed medical history and try and determine the symptoms and risk factors.

* Do a thorough physical examination and check for signs of:

1. Pleural effusion, fluid accumulated in the chest cavity.

2. Fluid in the abdominal cavity.

3. Pericardial effusion, fluid in the lining of the heart.

* Take a chest x-ray and check for thickening of the pleura, calcifications, and lowered lung fissures.

* Ask for a CT scan to determine clearly the location, size, and extent of the problem if any is suspected.

* Recommend tests of tissue samples and pleural fluids.

Other risk factors are cigarette or cigar smoking, exposure to radiation, exposure to zeolite a compound that is similar to asbestos, exposure to or infections caused by SV40, a Simian virus.

Those who work in a risky environment should wear protective clothing, have the surroundings tested regularly for suspended asbestos particles, and ensure that they have regular medical tests and report to the doctor any ailments that persist.

Being aware of the disease and its problems helps.

There are several types and classifications of anaemia. This is a condition in which the body lacks the amount of red blood cells to keep up with the body’s demand for oxygen. Understanding the different classifications can help to recognise the symptoms and also to avoid anaemia in the first place…

Iron deficiency anaemia

Iron deficiency anaemia is a condition in which the body has too little iron in the bloodstream. This form of anaemia is more common in adolescents and in women before menopause. Blood loss from heavy periods, internal bleeding from the gastrointestinal tract, or donating too much blood can all contribute to this disease. Other causes can be from poor dietary habits or from chronic intestinal diseases.

The signs and symptoms of this disease are:
1. Paleness
2. Headache
3. Irritability

Symptoms of more severe iron deficiency anaemia include:
1. Dyspnea
2. Rapid heartbeat
3. Brittle hair and nails

Treatment usually takes the form of oral iron supplements and dietary modifications.

Folic Acid Deficiency Anaemia

This form of anaemia is characterised by a lack of folic acid, one of the B group of vitamins, in the bloodstream. This is usually caused by an inadequate intake of folic acid, usually found in vegetables or by the overcooking of the vegetables. Alcoholism can also be a contributing factor in this form of anaemia. During pregnancy when the folic acid is used more or in infancy, this disease can also manifest itself. It can also be caused as a side effect of other blood disorders.

Symptoms of the disorder include:
1. Weakness
2. Fatigue
3. Memory lapses
4. Irritability

This condition can be avoided by including foods with folic acid in the diet. Such foods include beef liver, asparagus, and red beans.

Pernicious anaemia

Pernicious anaemia usually affects people between the ages of 50 and 60 and is a result of a lack of vitamin B12. The disease can be hereditary but some forms of the condition can be autoimmune diseases. People who have any autoimmune diseases are more likely to contract pernicious anaemia.

Symptoms of this form of anaemia may include:
1. Fatigue
2. Dyspnea
3. Heart palpitations
4. Numbness or tingling in extremities

Aplastic anaemia

Aplastic anaemia is caused by an absence or reduction of red blood cells. This can happen through injury where the blood forming tissue in the bone marrow is destroyed. Because of this, the sufferer is unable to fight infection and is likely to be a heavy bleeder.

Symptoms include:
1. Lethargy
2. Paleness
3. Purpura
4. Bleeding
5. Rapid heartbeat
6. Infections
7. Congestive heart failure

There is no definite known cause for aplastic anaemia but it is thought to be caused by exposure to certain toxins and also to the hepatitis virus.

Sickle Cell Anaemia

This form of anaemia is of a hereditary nature and is a result of an abnormal type of red blood cells. Sickle cell anaemia is a life threatening disease and there is no prevention.

Symptoms of this condition include:
1. Painful attacks in arms, legs and stomach
2. Jaundice in whites of the eyes
3. Fever
4. Chronic fatigue
5. Rapid heartbeat
6. Paleness

Complications include leg ulcers, shock, cerebral hemorrhage, and orthopedic disorders.

Polycythemia Vera

This disease is more common in middle aged men and is characterised by an increase in red blood cells, leucocytes, and thrombocytes. There is a very fast and intense reproduction of cells and the bone marrow cells mature more rapidly than usual. The cause of this condition is unknown.

Symptoms are:
1. Purplish coloured skin
2. Bloodshot eyes
3. Headache
4. Dizziness
5. Enlarged spleen

Although the signs and symptoms of anaemia may seem overwhelming, the good news is that most forms can be effectively controlled with medication and dietary changes.

A vein is a blood vessel that carries blood throughout the body. Normally, these veins do their job like a well oiled pump but sometimes these veins break down, causing the flow of blood to become abnormal.

I am sure most of us have, or know someone who has the enlarged, twisted, superficial veins in their lower legs and ankles known as varicose veins.

Varicose veins can occur in any part of the body but are more common in the lower extremities.

These veins can be due to genetic default but this is not the only cause. Other contributing factors can be prolonged standing or pregnancy. For many women, the first signs of varicose veins appear during pregnancy. Obesity is also a contributing factor. The added pressure of supporting excess weight is almost certain to result in chronic venous breakdown.

The signs and symptoms of varicose veins not only includes the unsightly rope-like veins but also a constant dull ache, cramps, swelling and fatigue after standing.

There may also be a brownish discolouration of the skin which is known as stasis pigmentation. This is caused by a breakdown of blood cells leading to a leakage in the affected area and is common in people who have suffered from this condition for a lengthy period of time.

Usually diagnosis is simply a case of visual observation but sometimes a procedure called phlebography is used. This is a painless procedure in which a solution called a radio-opaque contrast medium is introduced into the bloodstream. Imaging of the veins is then carried out to detect the abnormalities in the blood flow and venous pressure.

Another diagnostic procedure available is the use of ultrasound to examine the blood flow in the major arteries and veins in the arms and legs. This procedure is known as Doppler’s ultrasonography. Ultrasound is high frequency sound waves that echo off the body. It is performed by applying a water soluble gel to the body and then passing a hand held device known as a transducer over the area.

Treatment of varicose veins an be as simple as wearing elasticised compression stockings, controlling your weight, undertaking a moderate exercise program, avoiding prolonged periods of standing, and elevating the legs whenever possible.

Another method of treatment is called compression sclerotherapy. In this procedure, points of abnormal flow from deep to superficial veins are located and permanently obliterated by the injection of a substance called a sclerosant. Application of continuous pressure then restores the pumping capacity of the vein.

In severe cases, a surgical procedure called stripping and ligation may be considered necessary. During this surgery, one or more incisions are made over the varicose veins, and the vein is tied off (ligated). If several valves in the vein and the vein itself are heavily damaged, the vein (or the diseased part of the vein) is usually removed (stripped). An incision is made below the varicose vein, a flexible instrument is threaded up the vein to the first incision, and the vein is grasped and removed.

If you have varicose veins, it is necessary to seek medical advice. Your health practitioner will advise you of treatment options and will assist you in the care of your condition.