What Causes Cirrhosis of the Liver?
Cirrhosis of the liver can be caused by a number of factors.  The most common causes in the United States are heavy alcohol consumption and hepatitis C which cause damage to the liver.  Other causes include: obesity, coronary artery disease, protein malnutrition, certain medications, genetics and infections.  Any condition that results in damage or scar tissue forming on the liver may lead to cirrhosis, however 30-50 percent of cases diagnosed lack a known cause.

Breakdown of cirrhosis of the liver

Symptoms of Cirrhosis.
It may take years of damage before cirrhosis is diagnosed.  For this reason many people do not experience or notice symptoms until the liver begins to stop working properly.  Cirrhosis of the liver may result in fatigue, nausea, loss of appetite, fever, jaundice, fluid retention and abdominal pain.

Diagnosis and Treatment.
A biopsy of the liver can confirm cirrhosis, however this procedure carries a risk of serious complications.  For this reason liver biopsies are generally performed only on patients whose liver problems are unclear or unable to be confirmed as cirrhosis by other methods.  In many cases a diagnosis of cirrhosis is based on patient’s history, the presence of symptoms common to cirrhosis, medical tests and even physical palpation of the liver.

Treatment varies based on the suspected cause of cirrhosis.  Depending on the extent of damage to the liver and whether complications are present treatment can range from lifestyle changes to hospitalization.  Avoiding alcohol and other drugs is necessary to prevent further damage to the liver.  Whenever possible medications are prescribed to treat specific conditions, however in extreme cases a liver transplant may be the only option to prevent complete liver failure.

The goal of treatment is to slow the progress of the disease and recovery varies depending on the cause and advancement of the cirrhosis.  Since symptoms most often do not present in the early stages, the disease might be very advanced by the time a diagnosis is made.  Unfortunately half of the people diagnosed with severe alcohol related cirrhosis will succumb to the disease within two to five years.  If the cirrhosis is not advanced and treatment slows the progress it is possible to live a relatively normal life with cirrhosis as long as special care is taken to avoid further damage to the liver.

Cancerous cells are cells that have abnormal DNA.  The abnormalities may be be caused by genetic defects or a result of something you are exposed to in your environment.  Currently there is no cure available for cancer.  Each form of cancer responds differently to treatment, making prevention or early detection important for individuals at a high risk for developing cancer.

Cancer is named after the part of the body where it is first found.  Cervical cancer begins in the cervix which is located in the lower part of the womb (uterus).  Pap tests are performed to detect cervical cancer.  Before Pap tests became standard cervical cancer was the number one cause of death from cancer in women.  Thankfully those numbers have declined drastically due to early detection of cells that are not yet cancerous, which makes cervical cancer the only gynecological cancer that can actually be prevented through regular testing.  Without regular screening, these precancerous cells can develop into cervical cancer.  The symptoms of this form of cancer include but are not limited to the following:

•    Spotting in between menstrual cycles
•    Bleeding or pain while having intercourse
•    Abnormal discharge from the vagina
•    Weight loss
•    Urinary problems
•    Continuous leg, bag, or pelvic pain
These symptom are only a partial list and one or each of the aforementioned symptoms could be related to other causes other than cervical cancer.  Anyone experiencing these or other abnormal symptoms should consult their gynecologist for possible causes.  Cancer will only continue to grow if left untreated making it imperative to acknowledge and seek treatment for any unusual symptoms.  The single most effective way to prevent the development of cervical cancer is to have regular check-ups and at least one annual Pap test.

Treatment for women who have been diagnosed with cervical cancer could include surgery to remove cancerous cells, radiation or chemotherapy.

For more information to prevent cervical cancer or to find help if you have been diagnosed with this form of cancer visit the following websites:

http://www.cdc.gov/cancer/cervical/

\http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/hpv-vaccines

http://www.thegcf.org

Dangers of Smoking
There are more than 700 chemicals found in cigarettes many of which are considered toxic and prohibited from the food that we eat.  Reaching nearly 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit, once lit a cigarette releases thousands of chemical compounds including but not limited to carbon monoxide and other carcinogens.  Nicotine which is found naturally in tobacco leaves is an odorless colorless ingredient which is highly addictive to the smoker, both physically and psychologically.  Once inhaled nicotine can reach the brain in as little as 10 seconds and has can be found in literally every part of the body including breast milk for lactating woman.  The dangers of smoking are not limited to the smoker themselves but also to anyone who is exposed to secondhand smoke.  Smoking cigarettes can lead to various forms of lung cancer, a weakened immune system, respiratory ailments and cardiac arrest.

Smoking Cessation
With 70% of smokers interested in quitting it is important to understand that not one method will work for everyone.  The following are just a few methods that are commonly used to quit smoking, if you do not find success with the one- don’t give up, the health benefits from smoking cessation are well worth your best efforts.  Many smokers attempt to quit and fail several times;  keep trying until you find success, you life may depend on it!

•    Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT)-  There are many products on the market that are designed to help “wean” you off your nicotine addiction.  Nicotine patches, gum, nasal spray and inhalers may be prescribed by your doctor to help you by replacing the nicotine fix you get when smoking cigarettes.  While you are still getting a dose of nicotine you are avoiding the other dangerous elements associated with smoking a cigarette.  It has been found that if used correctly using NRT can double your chances of quitting successfully.
•    Cold Turkey-This method is as simple as it sounds.  You quit, cold turkey.  No patches, no gum, no cigarettes.  This method works best for people who have a strong will power and are ready and willing to overcome their nicotine withdrawal on their own.  Some people find this to be the easiest method while others may need more help in the quest to become smoke free.
•    Reduction- A slow gradual reduction in the number of cigarettes you smoke over time is a method commonly used by smokers trying to quit.  The main goal would be to gradually reduce the number of cigarettes until you are able to quit, however this may take quite a bit of time in which you are still exposed to the cancer causing chemicals in cigarettes.

The easiest way to avoid the ugly side effects associated with nicotine withdrawal is to not begin smoking in the first place.  Times have changed and the way society views cigarette smoking is no longer glamorous or popular.  For teens and young adults avoiding the addiction in the first place is by far the best option.  Keep in mind that the longer you smoke the harder it is to quit and the longer you have been exposed to the dangers that come with smoking.  Regardless of your age, young or old, you will benefit from quitting smoking so make the decision today to quit the habit once and for all.

Asthma treatment is used to help people with asthma maintain a healthy lifestyle which allows them to participate in physical activities and exercise.  You’ll need to work out what your triggers are, monitor your symptoms and keep up with your asthmatic medication to ensure your safety and health but the proper asthma treatment typically makes exercise possible.

Exercise for People with Asthma

Everyone with asthma experiences slightly different “triggers” – the causes of their asthmatic symptoms.  For some, the symptoms are brought on by exercise while others experience asthma symptoms as a result of allergies or weather changes.

Most people with asthma find they are most tolerable to exercises involving short, intermittent periods of exertion.  Sports like baseball, volleyball, wresting and gymnastics are good activities for people with asthma, in general.  Swimming, while it is an endurance sport with constant activity, is typically tolerated well by asthmatics because it is performed in a warn and moist air environment.

Sports that require long periods of exertion may cause problems for people with symptoms that are triggered from exercise, like soccer, hockey, running, ice-skating, cross country skiing, and basketball.  With appropriate treatment and asthma plan, many people can still participate in these activities, even with asthma.

It is recommended that everyone exercise four or five times per week for twenty or thirty minutes at a time.  Speak with your asthma doctor about how much exercise you should be getting.

Controlling Asthma During Exercise

There are a number of methods for helping people keep their asthma in check when exercising, including:

•    Following your doctor’s recommended asthma plan
•    Using your pre-exercise asthma inhaler before exercising
•    Wearing a hat with a face mask or a scarf over nose and mouth during cold weather activities to make it easier to breathe.
•    Properly warming up and cooling down before and after exercise
•    Knowing and respecting your personal asthma triggers – if allergens trigger your asthma avoid outdoor exercise when the pollen counts are high
•    Understand that you need to decrease your exercise if you already have a cold or other viral infection, as your breathing will already be impaired

Asthma does not need to prevent an active lifestyle or prevent you from exercising.  With a proper asthma plan in place and treatment, people with asthma can enjoy the physical and mental health benefits of exercise without experiencing asthma symptoms.

If you do have an asthma attack or increase in symptoms when exercising, stop immediately and use your quick relief medication (like albuterol).  If your symptoms stop, you can resume exercise.  If your asthma symptoms return, you will need to use your quick relief inhaler again and stop your activity until you consult with your asthma doctor for more direction.  If your symptoms turn into a full-on asthma attack which cannot be controlled with your quick relief medication, see a health care professional immediately.