by Tatya H.P.
Diane Jakubowski was diagnosed with Celiac Disease in spring of 2003,and her somewhat confused physician sent Jakubowski to the nearest health food market for answers. Celiac Disease, also known as Celiac Sprue, is a genetically-linked autoimmune disease in which the absorbing surface of the small intestine is damaged by gluten, the protein found in wheat, barley, rye, and sometimes even oats. But as recently as two years ago, this illness was considered very rare in this country, leaving many Celiacs misdiagnosed, under diagnosed, or simply overlooked altogether.
Approximately 1 in 4700 people in the USA are diagnosed Celiacs. But recent medical research indicates that this figure is extraordinarily inaccurate. Suddenly, the long-accepted thinking that Celiac Disease was rare has literally exploded off of the medical horizon. It is now known that 1 in 133 folks in this country (or more) are probably Celiacs...again going undiagnosed...and suffering needlessly for many years.
In Celiac Disease, nutrients pass through the damaged small intestine, unabsorbed, often creating a host of sometimes devastating health problems. Medical conditions and diseases that have been associated with Celiac Disease are: iron deficiency anemia, osteoporosis, gum problems, skin problems, Multiple Sclerosis, chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia, peripheral neuropathy, and infertility.
Celiac Disease is frequently misdiagnosed as Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Inflammatory Bowel Disease, (Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, proctitis) pancreatitis, and even gall bladder disease, to name but a few. There are literally millions of Celiac’s running around in this country….who don’t even know they are Celiacs. And the really significant additional concern is that all these folks are simultaneously running the risk of developing secondary autoimmune disease. This, due to the fact that many Celiacs go undiagnosed an average of eleven years…or even longer. In the author’s case, it was 52 years.
Jakubowski's desire is that people will be able to gain answers through information that has been made available on her website. Her wish is that sharing this information may possibly provide a service for those who suffer from digestive disease for decades due to the direct or indirect impact of this insidious disease.
Diane Jakubowski
http://www.celiacdiseaseinfo.org
Monday, December 7, 2009
'Sleep Work Play™ At Home' Program Helps People with Allergic Asthma Communicate Better About Their Condition
by Tatya H.P.
Millions of Americans share their beds with enough dust mites to trigger an allergic asthma attack in susceptible people. In fact, two million times a year those symptoms are severe enough to cause a trip to the emergency room. In an effort to help allergic asthma sufferers reduce their exposure to allergens in the home, Andrew Dan-Jumbo of TLC's While You Were Out has partnered with the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) on an educational campaign called "Sleep Work Play™ at Home."
As part of the "Sleep Work Play at Home" campaign, asthma and allergic asthma sufferers can enter an essay contest to win a personal "at home" consultation with Andrew and a $500 gift certificate for supplies to manage exposure to allergens in the home. Contestants can enter online at www.sleepworkplay.com by Thursday, July 13, 2006.
Sleep Work Play™ aims to improve the dialogue between patients and physicians by helping patients to explain their experience with asthma symptoms.
At the Web site, you can find a questionnaire designed to help patients better assess the impact allergic asthma has on daily functioning. By asking three simple questions, Sleep Work Play helps allergic asthma patients understand that interruptions of sleep, work, school or play are not inevitable aspects of their disease and that improved communication with their doctor can lead to better asthma management.
Mimi Gilles, one of 10 million Americans who suffers from allergic asthma, attests to years of interruptions in her sleep, work and play. Rushing to the ER because of an asthma attack became an accepted intrusion in her life-she even considered herself lucky when the hospital visits were limited to only once per month.
However, Mimi finally found relief from her allergic asthma symptoms by discussing another treatment option with her doctor. "Until you know there is another way to manage your illness, you don't know there's anything different about how you have been living," Mimi reflects.
If you are being treated for asthma and have tried reducing allergens in your home, but are still affected by symptoms, speak to your physician about a new treatment plan.
Millions of Americans share their beds with enough dust mites to trigger an allergic asthma attack in susceptible people. In fact, two million times a year those symptoms are severe enough to cause a trip to the emergency room. In an effort to help allergic asthma sufferers reduce their exposure to allergens in the home, Andrew Dan-Jumbo of TLC's While You Were Out has partnered with the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) on an educational campaign called "Sleep Work Play™ at Home."
As part of the "Sleep Work Play at Home" campaign, asthma and allergic asthma sufferers can enter an essay contest to win a personal "at home" consultation with Andrew and a $500 gift certificate for supplies to manage exposure to allergens in the home. Contestants can enter online at www.sleepworkplay.com by Thursday, July 13, 2006.
Sleep Work Play™ aims to improve the dialogue between patients and physicians by helping patients to explain their experience with asthma symptoms.
At the Web site, you can find a questionnaire designed to help patients better assess the impact allergic asthma has on daily functioning. By asking three simple questions, Sleep Work Play helps allergic asthma patients understand that interruptions of sleep, work, school or play are not inevitable aspects of their disease and that improved communication with their doctor can lead to better asthma management.
Mimi Gilles, one of 10 million Americans who suffers from allergic asthma, attests to years of interruptions in her sleep, work and play. Rushing to the ER because of an asthma attack became an accepted intrusion in her life-she even considered herself lucky when the hospital visits were limited to only once per month.
However, Mimi finally found relief from her allergic asthma symptoms by discussing another treatment option with her doctor. "Until you know there is another way to manage your illness, you don't know there's anything different about how you have been living," Mimi reflects.
If you are being treated for asthma and have tried reducing allergens in your home, but are still affected by symptoms, speak to your physician about a new treatment plan.
"Pinkeye" - Conjunctivitis
by Tatya H.P.
Commonly known as pinkeye, Conjunctivitis is the inflammation of the outer most layer of the eye and the inner side of the eyelid. Conjunctivitis infections commonly come in one of three flavours: viral, bacterial, or allergic. There is, however, several other cases of less common conjunctivitis:
- Chemicals
- Thermal and ultraviolet burns
- Foreign bodies
- Overuse of contact lenses
- Toxins
- Vitamin deficiency
- Dry eye, sometimes due to inadequate eyelid closure
- Exposure to chickens infected with Newcastle disease
Lets take a quick look at the three most common types of conjunctivitis.
The first is viral conjunctivitis. This type is transmitted by contact with a variety of contagious viruses. These required viruses need not be any harsher than the common cold virus, as these cases are generally associated with upper respiratrory tract symptoms.
Bacterial conjunctivitis is most commonly caused by the infected's own skin or respiratory flora due to pyogenic bacteria. Another common way to spread infection, generally by females, is through sharing of facial lotions or eye makeup. And lastly, it is possible to share this kind of "pinkeye" through contact with other people and/or their environment.
The last form that we will be looking at is allergetic conjuctivitis. This type generally follows a seasonal pattern, and is more common among those with allergic conditions. Unlike the others, allergetic conjuctivitis tends to take over both eyes, and is accompanied by swollen eyelids. It is caused by reactions to such substances as perfume, drugs, cosmetics, contact lenses, or protein deposits.
Commonly known as pinkeye, Conjunctivitis is the inflammation of the outer most layer of the eye and the inner side of the eyelid. Conjunctivitis infections commonly come in one of three flavours: viral, bacterial, or allergic. There is, however, several other cases of less common conjunctivitis:
- Chemicals
- Thermal and ultraviolet burns
- Foreign bodies
- Overuse of contact lenses
- Toxins
- Vitamin deficiency
- Dry eye, sometimes due to inadequate eyelid closure
- Exposure to chickens infected with Newcastle disease
Lets take a quick look at the three most common types of conjunctivitis.
The first is viral conjunctivitis. This type is transmitted by contact with a variety of contagious viruses. These required viruses need not be any harsher than the common cold virus, as these cases are generally associated with upper respiratrory tract symptoms.
Bacterial conjunctivitis is most commonly caused by the infected's own skin or respiratory flora due to pyogenic bacteria. Another common way to spread infection, generally by females, is through sharing of facial lotions or eye makeup. And lastly, it is possible to share this kind of "pinkeye" through contact with other people and/or their environment.
The last form that we will be looking at is allergetic conjuctivitis. This type generally follows a seasonal pattern, and is more common among those with allergic conditions. Unlike the others, allergetic conjuctivitis tends to take over both eyes, and is accompanied by swollen eyelids. It is caused by reactions to such substances as perfume, drugs, cosmetics, contact lenses, or protein deposits.
"Lord Of The Rings" Star Sean Astin Talks About Bipolar Disorder And Calls For Earlier Symptom Recognition
by Tatya H.P.
Actor Sean Astin, best known for his role as Sam Gamgee in the Oscar-winning "Lord of the Rings" film trilogy, is willing to share his personal experience living with a family member diagnosed with bipolar disorder in order to help increase awareness of the symptoms associated with the condition. Astin witnessed the condition's trademark highs and lows throughout his childhood when his mother, actress Patty Duke, experienced symptoms of undiagnosed bipolar disorder for years before receiving an accurate diagnosis and effective treatment. Duke's delayed diagnosis is not uncommon and mirrors the results of a new survey of more than 500 people with bipolar disorder, which shows an average delay of 13 years between symptom onset and diagnosis.
The survey, which was conducted online by Harris Interactive and sponsored by AstraZeneca, included 500 persons medically diagnosed with bipolar disorder.
"Though my mom was the one who struggled with the symptoms, the impact of bipolar disorder was felt by my whole family. Her depression was sad and painful to watch, and we'd feel frightened when her mood became manic," recalls Astin. "We wrongly attributed these extreme moods to the force of her personality. Had she understood earlier that her moods and behavior were symptoms of a chemical imbalance that could be treated, I believe she would have sought appropriate medical care and been accurately diagnosed much sooner."
Loved Ones Play a Leading Role in Symptom Recognition and Evaluation
Over half of respondents in the survey (56 percent) credited family members, friends, and even coworkers with being the first to notice their symptoms. Over one-third (35 percent) said they would have been unlikely to seek professional help for their condition had others in their life not prompted them to do so.
Mood swings (49 percent), getting into arguments (40 percent) and reckless behavior (31 percent) were the symptoms most often recognized by loved ones. Overspending and substance abuse were also symptoms loved ones often recognized first. All these behaviors are associated with manic episodes.
In contrast, survey respondents were most often able to recognize depressive symptoms by themselves, reporting that thoughts of death or suicide, hopelessness and loneliness were the feelings they most often noticed. In fact, 70 percent were initially misdiagnosed solely with depression.
"I know that family members can help close the time gap between symptom onset and proper diagnosis," says Astin. "For my family, it was something like 11 or 12 years. In the survey, it was 13 years. I want to help close the gap between symptom recognition and accurate diagnosis. My mom is proof that the road to recovery starts with listening, communicating with empathy and recognizing symptoms." Astin wants families facing bipolar disorder to know that with the right diagnosis and proper treatment, there is hope.
Courtesy of Rio Films
Actor Sean Astin
Actor Sean Astin, best known for his role as Sam Gamgee in the Oscar-winning "Lord of the Rings" film trilogy, is willing to share his personal experience living with a family member diagnosed with bipolar disorder in order to help increase awareness of the symptoms associated with the condition. Astin witnessed the condition's trademark highs and lows throughout his childhood when his mother, actress Patty Duke, experienced symptoms of undiagnosed bipolar disorder for years before receiving an accurate diagnosis and effective treatment. Duke's delayed diagnosis is not uncommon and mirrors the results of a new survey of more than 500 people with bipolar disorder, which shows an average delay of 13 years between symptom onset and diagnosis.
The survey, which was conducted online by Harris Interactive and sponsored by AstraZeneca, included 500 persons medically diagnosed with bipolar disorder.
"Though my mom was the one who struggled with the symptoms, the impact of bipolar disorder was felt by my whole family. Her depression was sad and painful to watch, and we'd feel frightened when her mood became manic," recalls Astin. "We wrongly attributed these extreme moods to the force of her personality. Had she understood earlier that her moods and behavior were symptoms of a chemical imbalance that could be treated, I believe she would have sought appropriate medical care and been accurately diagnosed much sooner."
Loved Ones Play a Leading Role in Symptom Recognition and Evaluation
Over half of respondents in the survey (56 percent) credited family members, friends, and even coworkers with being the first to notice their symptoms. Over one-third (35 percent) said they would have been unlikely to seek professional help for their condition had others in their life not prompted them to do so.
Mood swings (49 percent), getting into arguments (40 percent) and reckless behavior (31 percent) were the symptoms most often recognized by loved ones. Overspending and substance abuse were also symptoms loved ones often recognized first. All these behaviors are associated with manic episodes.
In contrast, survey respondents were most often able to recognize depressive symptoms by themselves, reporting that thoughts of death or suicide, hopelessness and loneliness were the feelings they most often noticed. In fact, 70 percent were initially misdiagnosed solely with depression.
"I know that family members can help close the time gap between symptom onset and proper diagnosis," says Astin. "For my family, it was something like 11 or 12 years. In the survey, it was 13 years. I want to help close the gap between symptom recognition and accurate diagnosis. My mom is proof that the road to recovery starts with listening, communicating with empathy and recognizing symptoms." Astin wants families facing bipolar disorder to know that with the right diagnosis and proper treatment, there is hope.
Courtesy of Rio Films
Actor Sean Astin
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
"Bird Flu": What You Need To Know
by Tatya H.P.
Before you become overly concerned about "bird flu," there are a few important facts you need to know about this disease.
"Bird flu" is not the same thing as human pandemic flu. "Bird flu"-H5N1 highly pathogenic Asian avian influenza-is a severe disease of birds. All the people known to have gotten it had close contact with infected birds, mostly in rural villages in Asia. Where there is no close contact with infected birds, there's no human disease.
More good news: The food supply is protected. The poultry industry and the U.S. government take Asian avian influenza very seriously because it can threaten commercial poultry. It's spread by migratory birds, so the federal government monitors wild birds in areas where there could be contact with Asian birds.
In addition, security on poultry farms is very tight. Poultry are kept away from wild birds. Strict procedures keep the virus from being tracked into the birds' living space. Poultry farmers' number one priority is to protect their flocks.
The industry and state governments sponsor extensive testing programs to watch for any signs of Asian avian influenza. Under the National Chicken Council's program, which nearly all chicken companies follow, each flock is tested. Any poultry flock found to be infected with Asian avian influenza would be destroyed on the farm and would not enter the food supply.
You can also feel confident about your chicken or turkey dinners. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), you can't get "bird flu" from properly handled and cooked food. Just be sure to follow the instructions already printed on each package of fresh meat and poultry sold in the United States. The instructions are the same as they have always been-nothing special is needed. On the remote chance that an infected bird got into the food supply, it wouldn't affect consumers. The U.S. Department of Agriculture recommends cooking poultry to a minimum internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit. This is more than enough to destroy any flu viruses that may be present.
"American consumers don't have to worry about getting the avian flu virus from eating poultry," says Dr. Michael Doyle, director of the Center for Food Safety at the University of Georgia. "We know that if you properly cook poultry, it's safe."
Before you become overly concerned about "bird flu," there are a few important facts you need to know about this disease.
"Bird flu" is not the same thing as human pandemic flu. "Bird flu"-H5N1 highly pathogenic Asian avian influenza-is a severe disease of birds. All the people known to have gotten it had close contact with infected birds, mostly in rural villages in Asia. Where there is no close contact with infected birds, there's no human disease.
More good news: The food supply is protected. The poultry industry and the U.S. government take Asian avian influenza very seriously because it can threaten commercial poultry. It's spread by migratory birds, so the federal government monitors wild birds in areas where there could be contact with Asian birds.
In addition, security on poultry farms is very tight. Poultry are kept away from wild birds. Strict procedures keep the virus from being tracked into the birds' living space. Poultry farmers' number one priority is to protect their flocks.
The industry and state governments sponsor extensive testing programs to watch for any signs of Asian avian influenza. Under the National Chicken Council's program, which nearly all chicken companies follow, each flock is tested. Any poultry flock found to be infected with Asian avian influenza would be destroyed on the farm and would not enter the food supply.
You can also feel confident about your chicken or turkey dinners. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), you can't get "bird flu" from properly handled and cooked food. Just be sure to follow the instructions already printed on each package of fresh meat and poultry sold in the United States. The instructions are the same as they have always been-nothing special is needed. On the remote chance that an infected bird got into the food supply, it wouldn't affect consumers. The U.S. Department of Agriculture recommends cooking poultry to a minimum internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit. This is more than enough to destroy any flu viruses that may be present.
"American consumers don't have to worry about getting the avian flu virus from eating poultry," says Dr. Michael Doyle, director of the Center for Food Safety at the University of Georgia. "We know that if you properly cook poultry, it's safe."
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