Colleen Bronstein is a melanoma and breast cancer survivor, mother, artist, entrepreneur and a contributor to the Focus On Cancer blog. After her melanoma diagnosis in 1999, Colleen started her own business, Sun Threadz, which promotes skin cancer awareness and protection with clothing designed to protect skin from the sun’s harmful rays.

As a melanoma survivor I understand the need to protect myself when I am exposed to the sun.

I love the beach and everything associated with the beach - swimming, sailing, beachcombing.

But when I was diagnosed with melanoma in 1999, my world was shaken to say the least. I was afraid I could no longer do the things I loved so much, and I was worried I would be homebound during my favorite sunny seasons.

To keep doing all these things that I loved, I had to be well protected from the sun. That meant I needed to do more than just apply sunscreen.

I researched sun protection clothing in 1999 and the clothing was very generic and unisex. Since I would have to wear this clothing out in public for the rest of my life, I wanted something stylish and feminine. I was disappointed in what I saw, so I decided to design some key pieces for myself.

Shirt and skirt from Sun Threadz

The design part was easy, but finding fabric that had sufficient SPF was not. After years of searching I did find a supplier and my clothing line, Sun Threadz, was launched Memorial Day weekend, 2008.

My clothing can be found at Faith & Hope Boutique at the Perelman Center for Advanced Medicine and on my website, www.sunthreadz.com. 

On my website, you will find SPF clothing for babies, women and men. I have hats, gloves, scarves, bathing suits and jewelry from my sea, sun and sand collection.

Recently, Sun Threadz was invited to be part of the Go Sun Smart Program sponsored by San Diego State University and Klein Buendel. This project is to educate vacationing Americans about comprehensive sun safety techniques and skin cancer prevention. The study is funded by the National Cancer Institute, and has the potential to reach a significant portion of the US population when they are most vulnerable to skin damage from the sun. Employees of the project will be outfitted in sun safe attire and will visit the resorts and interface with vacationers from a nationwide market.

You will always find me and my clothing at the Abramson Cancer Center’s Focus on Melanoma Conference which is held annually in May. I’ll be there to answer your questions, show pieces from my sun-safe collection, and share my own story.

Impotence is the inability of a man to perform the sexual act satisfactorily. It may consist of a weak erection, inability to gain an erection, loss of sexual desire, premature ejaculation or loss of normal sensation at the time of ejaculation.

Transient impotence is fairly common and it is often related to mild degrees of anxiety, depression, pre-occupation or fatigue associated with ordinary problems of daily living.

Chronic impotence, on the other hand, is due to either physical or psychological reasons. The physical factors include ageing, chronic debilitating disease, alcoholism, drug addiction, diabetic neuropathy, disease of the nervous system; especially spinal cord damage, endocrine disorder, damage to the urethra, large hydrocoeles and hernias.

Various drugs, including certain anti-hypertensive drugs, may produce impotence in some men. Other known causes of impotence are obesity, venereal diseases, stress and excessive intake of alcohol.

Psychological reasons for chronic impotence  include guilt and anxiety about the sexual act itself, hostility towards the partner, unwillingness to assume responsibility for all that goes with marriage and children, unhappiness at home and neglect by the wife, who may even neglect herself to the point of becoming unattractive and undesirable, especially after menopause.

When a couple cannot have a child, the wife is always thought to be the culprit and looked down upon as an outcast, with disdain. Yet, many a man constitutes the weak link in the chain most times, without the slightest suspicion that they are.

From observations, the failure to perform sexual acts effectively could be due to disuse of the organ over a long period. Every part of the body must be exercised (although, in this case, not indiscriminately!). Conversely, over-indulgence in sexual activity in early days in a man’s life should be avoided, particularly where stimulants are used. These can cause impotence at early, middle and old age.

In holistic lifecare, it is strongly advised that the client should go back to nature. Firstly, a strong cleansing herb is given to him, to help remove fats from his internal organs. The patient should abstain from sexual intercourse for a specific period while he is being treated. He must stop alcoholic drinks and smoking. A healthy, energy-giving diet is recommended.

Most importantly, the holistic remedy being suggested for impotence is a combination of natural extracts of herbs such as Colocasia antiquorum, Musa parasidiaca, Triumfetta cordifolia and Verbena officinalis.

Stomach pain is one of the most common ailments that everyone experiences. It can be caused due to various reasons like indigestion, PMS, gas formation, irritable bowel syndrome etc. Common stomach pain can be treated with simple remedies that are harmless and effective. If the pain persists after trying these remedies then you must consult the physician as it may indicate some other ailment.
        

                                                   How To Cure  Stomach Pain Naturally
Lemon
Lemon helps to relieve stomach ache that is caused by flatulence and over eating. Mix 2 tea spoon lemon juice and a pinch of salt in a glass of warm water and drink it two times a day. It will give you immediate relief.
Dried Ginger Powder
Dried ginger powder is anti spasmodic. It relieves stomach pain caused by indigestion and constipation. Mix together ¼ tea spoon dried ginger powder, a pinch of asafoetida and a pinch of rock salt. Take it with warm water for stomach pain relief.
Mint
Mint relieves flatulence and irritable bowel syndrome. It has a cooling effect on stomach and helps to expel gas instantly. Mint is available in concentrated form and in form of capsules in the market. You can also take fresh mint juice in lime water for stomach pain relief.
Coconut Water
Fresh coconut water is an excellent remedy for stomach pain caused by irritable bowel syndrome. It cures acidity and inflammation in the stomach which occurs after eating spicy food.
Warm water
Drink warm water three to four times a day to relieve stomach pain. It helps to treat heaviness in stomach, aids digestion and it relieves pain that is caused by constipation.
Eat A Light Diet
Eat a light diet to treat stomach pain. Eat fruits and vegetables that are easily digestible. Avoid heavy foods like chick peas, whole urad dal and non vegetarian food when suffering from stomach pain. Avoid oily and deep fried food. Limit the intake of tea and coffee to prevent acidity. BRAT (Banana, Rice, Apple and Toast) diet is recommended for stomach pain relief.
Lie Down On Your Stomach
Bloating in the stomach often causes stomach pain. Lie down on your stomach to put pressure on abdominal area. It will help to expel wind and relieve stomach pain. Put a soft pillow under your stomach for more comfort.
Fermentation
Hot fermentation helps to relax tension in abdominal muscles. Place a hot water bottle on the affected area and relax in a comfortable position for 15-20 minutes. Fill a small muslin bag with rice, heat it on a girdle and place it on your stomach to relieve pain. Do it two to three times a day.
Relax With Your Legs Raised
Elevated legs position also helps to alleviate stomach pain especially menstrual cramps. It takes the pressure off lower abdominal muscles. Place 2-3 soft pillows under your legs to raise them and relax till the pain is relieved. Listen to soft music or read an interesting book to take your mind off the pain.

Bathing is a part of everyday life. Most people wake up in the morning, lather in the shower, rinse and start the day. But choosing the right bath soap is especially important because of its direct contact with the skin and also because there is possibility of wrong choice of soap leading to skin problems.

Whether it is a bath soap in bar or liquid form, its primary goal is to cleanse the skin. It can also help to soothe the skin and ensure it stays healthy. Moreover, the right type of soap for bathing can be determined by the type of skin. Skin types ranges from normal, dry, oily, or sensitive types. Some individuals, however, have a combination of different skin types.

Normal skin is moderately acidic, a mixture of sweat and natural sebum excreted from the pores. Although the skin pH should be around 5.5, it can vary from 4.0 to 6.5. A normal skin is neither dry nor oily. Pores are visible and fine, not large. It may occasionally have pimples.
Dry skin has thin papery texture, dry to the touch while an oily skin has a thick and coarse texture, often feels greasy and looks shiny. Oily skin often breaks out with pimples needs to be cleansed regularly and because of the high levels of sebum production. Unlike dry skin, sensitive skin is easily irritated, with regular feelings of itchiness, burning and chafing.

Soaps are to keep skin dirt and germ free, but in recent years, there has been a plethora of soap brands in the market. Though most soap brands use the same fundamental ingredients consisting of a fat and an alkali, the basic formula is modified to create thousands of products. However, the irritant potential of soap has long been known, thus the probe into what is the best cleanser for the skin and in the management of skin problems.

Surprisingly, for oily skins and some individuals with skin problem, acidic soaps such as black soap rather than the plethora of soap brands in the market are not the best.

In a study to assess the contribution of soap to skin problems in individuals seeking skin care, the bathing with neutral or mildly acidic soaps such as African black soap caused a significant improvement in skin conditions such as itchy skin and dry skin.

This was a study presented at the 6th Annual Scientific Conference and general meeting of the Nigerian Association of Dermatologists (NAD) in Ibadan by Dr Olufunmilayo Ajose, a consultant physician and dermatologist, Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, Ikeja.

“We found almost half of the patients who came to the skin clinic at LASUTH become better when we took them off soap and replace this with a soap substitute and they did not need any further treatment. This means the use of soap was largely contributory to their skin problem,” Dr Ajose stated.

Dr Ajose, who stated that majority of the patients complained of itchy and dry skin all over their body, declared: “When a person has an itchy skin, scratch will break the skin. When the skin layer is broken, it is easy to introduce germs and develop skin infections.”

“Although they complain of skin infection, the underlining problem was the use of soap. The skin is acidic but the soap is alkaline. So by putting a corrosive chemical on the skin, the corrosive chemical takes away all the oils on the skin. The oil is a natural lubricant on the skin and with its removal, it makes the skin more porous.

“When the skin is porous, it means that a lot of environmental allergens can penetrate into the skin. And when you have allergens enter the skin, it triggers itching. So the fundamental genesis of the problem is the use of soap.

Dr Ajose advocated that people use soap-less cleansers such as black soap, stating that since black soap did not contain soda, it belonged to an appropriate cleanser for the skin.

The study involved 5,600 referrals to the skin clinic at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, Ikeja, over a four year period. They were advised to change their alkaline skin cleansers to one of the two proprietary pH balanced skin cleansers, during the waiting time period to see the dermatologist, a period of between four and 12 weeks.

One of the skin cleansers was pH 7( neutral) while the other was pH 5.5. During the waiting period, data collected included disease history, basic skin and clinical examination as well as preliminary investigations comprising blood and urine tests, blood glucose and HIV status.

In the study, 85 per cent of the patients complied with the advice. Of these 65 per cent of the patients (55 per cent total clinic attendance) had their complaints sufficiently resolved requiring no further consultations. In addition, 30 per cent observed significant improvements in their skin condition. Although, 0.05 per cent reacted to the acidic alternative, none reacted to the neutral cleanser.

While patients reported more dramatic improvement in their skin with acidic cleanser, the researchers wrote that “the complaints that resolved completely were the acquired dryness of skin and pruritic skin lesions (an itchy skin condition). The inflammatory dermatoses were significantly improved. Whilst this was no cure for the infective dermatoses, symptoms were significantly relieved.” Skin diseases, or dermatoses, include , skin cancer, eczema, acne, impetigo, scabies, sunburn, warts, ringworm and pruritis.

Is it important that all individuals now start to bath with black soap. This might not be necessary in individuals with no skin problems.



Source:tribune

Many people  struggle to find the time or motivation to cook with many competing priorities in their lives. In my view, cooking is one of the single best things you can do for your health. Here are a few reasons why cooking is so good for you. Use this as inspiration to get back in the kitchen!




•Encourages Creativity: Cooking offers you the chance to let  your creative juices flow! Creativity can come by way of deciding what flavors you want to combine, how you want to present the food on the plate, etc.


•Reduces Stress: If you keep it simple, cooking can serve to lower stress and anxiety. When you are focused on preparing a meal, it's hard to focus on everything else in your life that stresses you out...it's like a mini-escape, a mental break. And, you can be in control; it's your kitchen!

•Provides Instant Gratification: Nothing is more gratifying than serving yourself or others a delicious meal. You do the washing, chopping, salting, garnishing and in anywhere from 15 minutes to an hour, a beautiful meal can be prepared. It's also gratifying to know that your meal was made with your own TLC and healthy ingredients. If you have anxiety about cooking, try cooking for yourself first then work your way up to cooking for others.

•Keeps you healthy: When using healthy ingredients, food prepared in your own home will almost always be healthier than eating a meal out. You control the ingredients and the portion sizes. Save yourself the calories for when you are dining out on weekends or special occasions.

•Saves Money. When well planned, cooking many of your meals at home will save you money. I save about 30-50% per meal by cooking at home and will admit I'm not the thriftiest shopper...I spend a premium for high quality ingredients (and this is in comparison to cheap take out food). It's not realistic, nor fun, to eat in every day, but try to migrate to cooking more meals at home gradually, starting with just once or twice a week if not everyday.

Discoveries in the realm of genetics and prostate cancer have been brisk as of late, and among the latest findings are two inherited genetic variants that can increase a man’s risk of developing prostate cancer by threefold or fourfold. The findings appeared in the online April 9 Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.




Among previous studies, scientists have discovered genetic markers linked to aggressive prostate cancer, and researchers at the University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center even identified a prostate cancer gene called SPINK1 that occurs in aggressive forms of prostate cancer. This latest discovery adds to the growing knowledge about genetics and prostate cancer risk.

More than 1,900 blood samples from men with prostate cancer and healthy controls were examined for the study, and the scientists discovered two different genetic variants or deletions in men who had aggressive prostate cancer. One affects the functioning of a known gene, and the other appears to regulate a cascade of genes. The second gene variant was found in what is known as a “non-coding” area, which means the gene does not make proteins, and this information is significant. Why?

According to Dr. Mark A. Rubin, the Homer T. Hirst Professor of Oncology in Pathology at Weill Cornell Medical College and one of the researchers, “We used to think that only genes that made proteins were responsible for disease, but this study shows us that there is inherited information in the non-coding areas of the genome that appear to play a strong role in development of cancer.”

Results of a new study support what researchers have known for some time: there is a connection between breast cancer and prostate cancer—at least when it comes to certain genes. The new study reports that men who have the mutated breast cancer gene BRCA1 are nearly four times more likely to develop prostate cancer than men without the gene.



The BRCA1 (breast cancer 1, early onset) gene is a tumor suppressor gene, and it produces a protein that helps prevent cells from growing and dividing uncontrollably, as occurs in cancer. BRCA1 genes also provide instructions for making a protein involved in repairing damaged DNA.  Mutated BRCA1 genes carry a cancer risk and can be inherited from either parent.

Researchers from the Institute of Cancer Research and the Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust reported that out of 913 men who underwent prostate cancer screening, three-quarters of those who had the mutated BRCA1 gene were diagnosed with prostate cancer before age 64, indicating that having the mutated gene might be an early warning for men with a greater risk of developing the disease at a younger age.

According to Prostate Action Chief Executive Emma Malcolm, “We’ve long known about the link between breast cancer and prostate cancer and this research confirms the likelihood of men developing prostate cancer from the inherited faulty BRCA1 gene.” Early detection of men with the mutated BRCA1 gene could allow doctors to monitor them for prostate cancer from a younger age.

Scientists at Lund University are on a quest to resolve a classic “if/then”  situation involving a protein discovery that could lead to new cancer treatment. Basically, if they can block a protein called gamma-tubulin, then targeted cancer cells should die while healthy cells survive.

One major problem with cancer treatment is that most chemotherapy drugs and radiation therapy not only have an effect on cancerous cells, but also damage healthy cells. This cell damage results in side effects and complications that can seriously impact a patient’s quality of life.

The Swedish investigators found that the retinoblastoma protein, which interferes with cell division, is not present in most cancer tumors. When this protein is absent, it leads to an increase in gamma-tubulin, another protein which, at elevated levels, promotes the development of cancer tumors.

That leaves the researchers with an if/then situation, and they are already searching for substances that can stop the effect of gamma-tubulin on cell division. If they find that substance, then it could be the basis for a new cancer treatment that only kills tumor cells and if targeted at the right place.

Among the latest potential prostate cancer treatments and vaccines is Prostvac, a vaccine about to enter Phase 3 trials in the United Kingdom, representing the first prostate cancer vaccine to ever reach this stage in Europe. Prostvac is currently in trials in the United States and will be entering trials in 18 other countries along with the UK.




Prostvac, which was developed by Bavarian-Nordic Immunotherapeutics for men with advanced prostate cancer that has resisted hormone therapy, is a combination of the virus used in a smallpox vaccine and a strain of a virus (fowlpox) that causes diseases in poultry. Four human genes were then added to the DNA of these viruses.

Prostvac is considered to be a vaccine because it reportedly works by using these viruses to transport the human DNA to direct the immune system to fight cancer cells. In the Phase 3 trial in the UK, researchers will enroll about 30 patients to see how Prostvac meets this challenge.

During the trial, the patients will be given a series of seven injections over a five-month period. According to Dr. Reiner Laus, president of the vaccine’s manufacturer, Prostvac has milder side effects than other treatments for prostate cancer, and the vaccine will hopefully be licensed by 2015.

Are you climbing the corporate ladder, struggling to maintain your social status, and experiencing lots of stress as a result? A new study in monkeys suggests a link between improvement in social status and changes in gene expression involved in immune response, suggesting a change in social status may affect your health.

It’s well accepted that stress has an impact on both physical and emotional health. Much research has linked stress levels with conditions ranging from gastrointestinal disorders to depression, heart disease, stroke, hair loss, and erectile dysfunction
 .
Yoav Gilad, PhD, associate professor of human genetics at the University of Chicago Biological Sciences, and his team studied social ranking and stress among a population of 49 captive female rhesus macaques of different social rank. They discovered that when a female monkey’s social rank improved, her gene expression changed within a few weeks, which suggests social influences or environment can alter genes.

According to Jennifer Tung, the postdoctoral researcher who led the study, “There’s a spooky side to this kind of research, in that an individual’s social rank is partially determining health status.” Gilad also noted that the study results indicate “Whatever it is that causes stress through social environment, you might be able to fix.”

A diet rich in a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables is important for cancer prevention, not to mention it’s trendy too.

An increasing number of farmers have been making their way to Philadelphia and its surrounding areas as a part of a nation-wide movement to buy local.

Did you know most of the fresh fruits and vegetables you purchase in your supermarket have already spent as many as seven to 14 days in transit? Once produce is picked, it stops receiving nutrients from the source plant, but it is still alive. Produce loses heat and moisture over time through a process called respiration, which is one way nutrients and flavor are lost.

Asparagus, broccoli, mushrooms, and spinach have very high respiration rates and will lose moisture, flavor and nutrients quicker than an apple or onion, which have low respiration rates.

Spinach, for example loses up to 50 to 90 percent of its vitamin C content within 24 hours of being picked.

This is why local food is fresher and tastes better than food shipped long distances from other states or countries.

Should You Shop Local?

Although, farmer’s markets appear to be more expensive than supermarkets, food at local farmer’s markets may be more nutritious.

Most of the farmers’ markets accept Farmers' Market Nutrition Program paper vouchers, issued to seniors or WIC recipients. Farm to City, with its partner the Reading Terminal Market Corporation, has terminals that enable farmers to accept SNAP, debit, and credit cards, promoting fresh and local produce to everyone.

Buying local food keeps your dollars circulating in your community.

Shopping Local is a Fun Family Experience

Buy local because it’s fun for the whole family!

Shopping at farmer’s markets is a great way for kids to learn more about the fruits and vegetables on their plates. The farmers are knowledgeable and eager to share information with their customers.

Plus, many farmers sell homemade sausage, eggs, yogurt, cheese, jams, spreads, and baked goods in addition to fruits and vegetables.

To learn more visit www.buylocalpa.org and www.pasafarming.org

Farmers Markets in the Philadelphia Area

Clark Park Farmers Market
The Food Trust Farmers' Markets
43rd and Baltimore Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19104
Tel: 215-568-0830
Contact: The Food Trust
contact@thefoodtrust.org
http://www.thefoodtrust.org
Saturdays, 10 am- to 2pm

Cliveden Park Farmers Market
The Food Trust Farmers' Markets
Chew Avenue & Johnson Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107
Tel: 215-568-0830
Contact: The Food Trust
contact@thefoodtrust.org
http://www.thefoodtrust.org
Wednesdays, 2 pm to 6 pm

Fairmount Farmers' Market
22nd Street and Fairmount Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19107
Tel: 215-568-0830
Contact: The Food Trust
contact@thefoodtrust.org
http://www.foodtrustmarkets.org/markets.html
Thursdays, 3 pm to 7 pm

Headhouse Farmers' Market
The Food Trust Farmers' Markets
2nd and Lombard Streets, Philadelphia, PA 19147
Tel: 215-575-0444
Fax: 215-575-0466
contact@thefoodtrust.org
http://www.thefoodtrust.org/php/headhouse/
Sundays, 10 am to 2 pm

Overbrook Farms Farmers' Market
The Food Trust
Lancaster Avenue at City Avenue, (Overbrook Presbyterian Church), Philadelphia, PA 19103
Tel: 215-575-0444
Fax: 215-575-0466
contact@thefoodtrust.org
http://www.foodtrustmarkets.org/markets.html
Saturdays, 9 am to 1 pm

Farmers Markets in Southern New Jersey

Collingswood Farmers’ Market
Between Collings and Irvin Avenues, Collingswood
http://www.collingswoodmarket.com/
Saturdays, 8 am to Noon

Camden Community Farmers Market
http://www.camden-ahec.org/ahecservices/camdencommunityfarmersmarket.html

Our Lady of Lourdes Community Farmers Market
1600 Haddon Avenue
July 1 to October 28
Wednesdays, 2 pm to 5 pm

Camden Farmers Market
Walter Rand Transportation Center, Broadway
June 23 to October 27
Tuesdays, 10 am to 3 pm

Virtua Health Farmers Market
Atlantic & Mt. Ephriam Aves.
Thursdays 11 am to 3 pm
June 18 to October 29

Cancer-related lymphedema is characterized as secondary lymphedema since it is ‘secondary to’ known damage to the lymphatic system due to surgery and/or radiation associated with the treatment of cancer.

There are very few medical tests that are valuable in the diagnosis of lymphedema. The diagnosis is made primarily based on an extensive and accurate medical history and physical examination.

Lymphoscinitgraphy is one diagnostic test that may be performed. In this test, radioactive labeled protein is injected beneath the surface of the skin, and the uptake and transport of the labeled protein is observed over several hours. This test can characterize the impairment of the lymphatic system’s ability to transport proteins and fluid, but is rarely necessary to plan and provide appropriate treatment.

Stages of Lymphedema

The stage of lymphedema is determined as part of the diagnosis. Lymphedema can be successfully treated in all stages, but the best and most rapid results occur when the lymphedema is identified and treated early.

• Stage 0: Achiness, heaviness, increased warmth, sensation of fullness
• Stage 1: Visible swelling that is soft and ‘pits’ if pressed and may disappear with elevation or overnight in bed
• Stage 2: Swelling that doesn’t go away with elevation. Often the tissue is becoming more firm and less likely to be indented or ‘pit’ with pressure
• Stage 3: Hard swelling associated with other changes in the skin- callus formations or small mushroom-like growths called papillomas.

New figures from the Department of Health show the nation's average salt intake is continuing to decrease slowly - with women consuming significantly less salt than men.

Survey results reveal the mean estimated salt intake for adults aged 19 to 64 years was 8.1g per day. The findings showed the intake for men was 9.3g per day, while for women it was 6.8g. The Department of Health calculated the figures by measuring the amount of sodium in the urine of more than 500 people.

It's recommended that adults consume no more than 6g of salt a day but in 2000/01 the mean estimated salt intake stood at 9.5g. In 2008, the figure was 8.6g.

Victoria Taylor, Senior Dietitian at the British Heart Foundation, said: "It's good news that salt intakes appear to be slowly falling but there is still some way to go.

"Reformulation of foods has helped to reduce salt in our diets but it's vital this work continues across the food industry so we can make further progress towards the national target of no more than 6g of salt a day.

"What is also interesting is that men are lagging behind when it comes to salt intake. We know women take advantage of food labels which could be helping them avoid salty foods, but it looks like men might need more help in the supermarket. Clear and consistent front-of-pack labels, with traffic light colours, will help us all to make healthier choices."

Studies have consistently reported that women require reading glasses or bifocal lenses earlier than men. According to a recent Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science paper, the gender difference is caused by factors other than focusing ability, such as arm length or preferred reading distance, which should be considered when prescribing readers or bifocals.

The new evidence was found by a team of researchers who performed a meta-analysis using nine cross-sectional studies to compare the prevalence and magnitude of presbyopia - commonly described as the loss of near vision that occurs with age - among men and women. The researchers further subdivided the analysis to determine what differences in presbyopia might exist between men and women.

The new evidence was found by a team of researchers who performed a meta-analysis using nine cross-sectional studies to compare the prevalence and magnitude of presbyopia - commonly described as the loss of near vision that occurs with age - among men and women. The researchers further subdivided the analysis to determine what differences in presbyopia might exist between men and women.

While the results of a subgroup of studies showed that there was no significant gender-related difference in the eye's ability to focus clearly on objects at near distances, the overall analysis provided evidence that women have a need for higher power reading glasses or bifocals than men of an equivalent age. According to the researchers, this discrepancy is likely due to differences in preferred reading distances or arm length as women tend to hold reading materials closer than men do.

"These findings could impact global vision care in multiple ways," said Hickenbotham. "The findings reinforce the need for presbyopia correction programs for women - a group that often has greater unmet vision needs in developing countries. It also points out that presbyopia is a multi-factorial problem and requires solutions that are tailored to each individual."

While the researchers urge clinicians to do more than measure the eye's ability to focus when diagnosing presbyopia, they also suggest more carefully performed studies be conducted that better isolate and measure the various factors that contribute to its development. In particular, the paper states longitudinal studies that consider the interaction between the preferred reading distance and the change in accommodative amplitude across time for males and females could help determine to what extent biological factors or environmental factors plays a role in the loss of focusing ability with increasing age.

Lymphedema is a possible complication of cancer treatment. While it is a well known complication after breast cancer treatment with swelling in the arm or chest wall, lymphedema can also occur in the lower half of the body after treatment for cancers in abdomen and pelvis.

 

 

What is lymphedema?

The body’s lymphatic system performs several important functions.

• Drains protein and excessive fluid from the tissues
• Helps to digest fat
• Works as part of the immune system to protect against infection and cancer

Lymphedema is the accumulation of protein-rich fluid causing swelling, or edema, in the soft tissues. This edema irritates the tissues causing inflammation that can lead to thickening and hardening of the tissue. Lymph node sampling (removal) or radiation therapy, as part of treatment for cancer, are two known risk factors for the developing lymphedema after cancer.

Early signs and symptoms of lymphedema include:

• Achiness
• Heaviness
• Increased warmth
• Swelling
• Unusual sensation in the limb

Swelling in the region of surgery is normal after a surgical procedure, but swelling that persists for extended periods of time may be cause for concern.

Lymphedema in Lower Extremities

Cardiac disease, nutritional abnormalities or blood clots (deep vein thrombosis or DVT) are all conditions that can cause swelling in the legs. It’s important to have any swelling evaluated by a physician to determine the cause.

If it is determined that the swelling is caused by lymphedema it’s important to be evaluated by a health professional with expertise in lymphedema management. Only a few physicians in the United States have expertise in lymphedema diagnosis and management, but many specialists in oncology or physical medicine and rehabilitation recognize this condition and make referrals to specialists in lymphedema management.

Epilepsy is a nerve disorder that causes frequent seizures.
Epilepsy affects 3 million people, and more than 300,000 children younger than 14 have it. Some children eventually grow out it, but many children who are diagnosed with epilepsy continue to have seizures into adulthood. Seizure disorders like epilepsy may run in families.
Seizures are sudden, uncontrollable events that occur when the brain sends out abnormal electrical signals to the body. A person may feel sudden fear, anger, or panic or may notice changes in the way things looks, sound, smell, or feel before a seizure. After the seizure is over, weakness or confusion are common. Although epilepsy can't be cured, it can be controlled with medication.
Causes
Doctors don't know what causes epilepsy in 70 percent of cases. For the rest, the cause is related to something that affects how the brain works, such as head injuries, lack of oxygen during birth, or problems in brain development before birth, brain tumors, genetic conditions, infections like meningitis or encephalitis, and lead poisoning.
Some of the most common triggers for epileptic seizures include the following:
•    Changes in sleeppatterns, especially not getting enough sleep. It helps to follow a regular sleep schedule.
•    Not taking medicine as recommended. Many people with epilepsy take medicine to control seizures. Over time, some people are able to stop their medicine, but this should only be done with a doctor's approval.
•    Alcohol abuse. Heavy drinking can cause seizures.
•    Too much stress. Relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing, may help.
•    Flashing lights. About 5 percent of people with epilepsy are sensitive to some types of flickering lights.

Provenge® (sipuleucel-T) is a unique treatment option for men who have asymptomatic or minimally symptomatic prostate cancer that has spread (metastasized) and also resisted hormone therapy (also referred to as metastatic castrate resistant or hormone refractory prostate cancer). Before the introduction of Provenge, men with this type of prostate cancer had no promising treatment opportunities.
Studies show that hormone resistant prostate cancer progresses rapidly, therefore prompt treatment is critical. In fact, up to 80% of men with hormone resistant prostate cancer develop metastases, and 46% of men with this form of the disease develop metastases in only two years. (Smith 2005; 2011)

What is Provenge?

Provenge is unlike other prostate cancer treatments because it is a form of immunotherapy, which means it is designed to utilize and work with a man’s immune system to fight prostate cancer. In this sense, Provenge is sometimes referred to as a prostate cancer vaccine, because  vaccines are also a form of immunotherapy. However, unlike a true vaccine, Provenge cannot provide immunity against disease.
Provenge is an autologous cellular immunotherapy, which means it uses a man’s own immune cells (autologous) to battle prostate cancer. To accomplish this, a series of carefully orchestrated steps must be followed, with the end result being a drug that is personalized for each patient. Those steps are explained below (“How Provenge Treatment Works”).

How Provenge Differs From Other Prostate Cancer Treatments

The main reason Provenge differs from other treatments for prostate cancer is that it is the only prostate cancer immunotherapy approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the first in a new class of therapy to use this approach. Another way to look at Provenge versus other prostate cancer treatments is that while other therapies work against the body–chemotherapy and radiation therapy are toxic and focus on killing cancer cells, while hormone therapy stops production of hormones–Provenge is a positive approach that makes use of the body’s own immune cells (T-cells) which have been activated in a laboratory so they can recognize and battle prostate cancer cells.

Who Can Take Provenge

Dendreon Corporation, makers of Provenge, and The National Comprehensive Care Network recommend Provenge as a first-line treatment for men who meet the following criteria. Let’s take each factor individually.

• Asymptomatic or minimally symptomatic prostate cancer. This means a man has no cancer pain or if cancer pain is present, it is not severe enough to require treatment with narcotics.
• Cancer has metastasized. The prostate cancer has spread beyond the source tumor in the prostate to other areas of the body, such as the bones.
• Resistant to hormone therapy. The patient’s prostate cancer has worsened since undergoing treatment with drugs that stop the production of hormones.

Your healthcare provider can determine if you meet the criteria for treatment with Provenge. Physicians take several other factors under consideration when deciding if a patient is a candidate for Provenge. For example, men who have a lower tumor burden and an otherwise healthy immune system are positive candidates for Provenge. Physicians may also recommend Provenge so men can take advantage of immunotherapy before their disease progresses too far and they are no longer a candidate for treatment with Provenge.

How Provenge Treatment is Prepared

If your healthcare provider decides you are a candidate for Provenge, he or she will not write a prescription and send you off to a pharmacy to fill it. Instead, each dose of Provenge is unique and tailor made for you. Therefore, a series of steps are necessary to create each personalized dose of Provenge using your own blood cells. Here is how the process works.

• Your doctor will order a complete blood count to check your blood cell levels.
• To make your personalized dose, you must undergo a process called leukapheresis, which involves having your blood drawn either through a vein or through a central venous catheter placed into a large vein near the heart. The blood flows through a tube to a machine where immune cells, platelets, and some red blood cells are collected from the blood sample. The machine then returns the rest of the cells and the blood to the body. This entire process is an outpatient procedure and takes about 3 to 4 hours to complete. You can read, rest, listen to music, or watch a movie during the procedure.
• The collected immune cells are sent to a facility where they are activated with a recombinant antigen, which is designed to prompt the immune cells (T-cells) to look for and attack prostate cancer cells. Within 2 to 3 days, the completed personalized dose is then shipped to your doctor or infusion location.
• The activated immune cells–your personalized Provenge dose–is given by infusion within about three days of the leukapheresis procedure. The infusion process takes about 2 hours: 1/2 hour before the infusion, you will be given acetaminophen or an antihistamine to help reduce the possibility of side effects associated with the infusion. After the one-hour infusion, you will be observed to be sure there are no adverse reactions to treatment.
• Treatment with Provenge involves three infusions, so you must undergo a second leukapheresis procedure two weeks after the first one, and then a third leukaphersis two weeks after the second one. Each leukapheresis is followed by infusion of the personalized dose of Provenge within three days of the collection process.

To recap: A treatment course with Provenge involves three leukapheresis procedures, each of which is followed within 3 days by an infusion of Provenge. The entire treatment course takes 5 weeks. Because each personalized dose of Provenge has a short shelf life, men who miss an infusion appointment will need to undergo another leukapheresis so clinicians can prepare another dose of Provenge.

How to Prepare for Provenge Treatment

If you and your doctor have decided you will undergo Provenge treatment, be sure to tell your healthcare provider about any medical problems you have, including heart problems, lung disorders, and any history of stroke. Also tell him or her about any medications (both prescription and over-the-counter), vitamins, and other supplements you use.
To prepare for the leukapheresis procedure, it is helpful to follow these tips:

• Drink more water than you normally do to stay well hydrated
• Do not drink any caffeinated beverages on the day of your leukapheresis procedures
• Wear comfortable clothing, including sleeves that can be easily raised above the elbow
• Eat a breakfast that contains calcium-rich foods, such as almonds, blueberries, bananas, yogurt, and calcium-enriched orange juice or cereal
• Ask someone to drive you home after the procedure. Many men feel fatigued after leukapheresis.

How Provenge Affects PSA

Doctors typically use the prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test to monitor the progression of prostate cancer and the effects of treatment. Men who take Provenge should know that even if they do not see an improvement in PSA levels, this does not mean Provenge is not working. Provenge can be effective regardless of any changes reflected in PSA levels.

Benefits of Provenge

The goal and primary benefit of Provenge treatment is to help men with prostate cancer live longer. In a clinical study involving 512 men, Provenge reduced the risk of death in men by 22.5%. More specifically, the median survival for the 341 men who took Provenge was 4.1 months longer than that of the 171 men in the placebo group (25.8 months compared with 21.7 months). (Kantoff) In addition, data from Dendreon Corporation note that at three years, 37.8% more patients treated with Provenge were alive when compared with controls. (Dendron)
Another benefit of Provenge treatment is that men who use Provenge can then go on to use other prostate cancer therapies. In fact, because Provenge stimulates the immune system, men who undergo this immunotherapy are often in better condition to handle immunosuppressive therapies, such as chemotherapy.

Side Effects of Provenge

The most common side effects of Provenge treatment, occurring in at least 15% of patients, are back pain, chills, fatigue, fever, headache, joint ache, and nausea. Side effects are generally not severe enough to cause men to stop treatment. In one study, less than 1.5% of men who took Provenge stopped treatment because of side effects.
Infrequently, Provenge can cause serious reactions, including stroke or severe infusion reactions within one day of infusion, which have been shown in 3.5% of patients. Severe infusion reactions may include breathing problems (reduced oxygen level, shortness of breath, wheezing), chills, dizziness, fatigue, fever, headache, high blood pressure, muscle ache, nausea, vomiting, and weakness.
Men who take Provenge should contact their doctor if they experience any of the mentioned side effects as well as any symptoms not listed that concern them.