DiseaseIllness

Let me start by introducing myself; my name is Variola. It is a latin name
so most people just call me "Smallpox". I'm not going to lie to you
I am a horrible friend. I tend to keep you all to myself during our time together. I am highly contagious and only like to hang around with humans
as other mammals scare me. I can attack you in 2 forms: Variola major and Variola minor.

Variola major owns my more devilish qualities. In this form i tend to kill about 35% of those i get tied up with. Now
if me and you are to become friends
you should probably request that i give you my brighter side
Variola minor. This way
you only have a 1% chance of our friendship ending in death - to you. In the 20th century
I was responsible for up to 500 million fatalities.

If
after my wrath
you survive
i make sure that i have left my mark. You'll be very lucky to forget about our little fling
as in most cases i leave you with scars known as "potmarks". And i'm merciless when it comes to that. i dont mind leaving them anywhere and everywhere on your body
including your face. If you are even luckier
I will simply leave you blind so that you do not have to look at your scarred body in the mirror everyday. I do this through "corneal ulcerations"
which is not in the least bit enjoyable for you.

After telling you this story my message should be clear; STAY AWAY! If you see me coming
pretend as if you didn't notice
and walk slowly in the other direction.

Yours truly


Variola

Hepatitis C is a stealthy virus that mutates while hiding in liver cells and other organ cells like the spleen and gall bladder. The fact that the viral cells "hide" makes it very difficult for the body's immune system to eradicate it. Hepatitis C is a slowly progressing disease sometimes taking many years until symptoms are noticeable. It is at this point that the virus has reached advanced chronic stage and becomes difficult to eradicate. Hepatitis C results in 8
0
to 10
0
deaths annually. Hepatitis C is also the leading cause of liver transplants in the U.S.

Hepatitis C infection is caused by blood contact with someone who has the virus infection himself. The transmission of the virus can occur by illicit drug use with needles
sharing toothbrushes or razors with an infected person
by sexual means
by unsanitary tattooing or by exposure to blood at your workplace (like a hospital or blood bank). Some HCV infection may have been caused by receiving blood from a transfusion prior to 1992.

Hepatitis C is diagnosed via a blood test. Usually
the first thing that is noticed is that the liver enzyme levels for ALT and AST are elevated well above normal levels. Further investigation via HCV-RNA testing identifies whether the Hepatitis C virus is in your blood or not. Other tests for HCV include qualitative viral load tests
which measure the RNA particles in your blood. If you are being treated for HCV
your doctor is probably using either a HCV-RNA or viral load test to determine the effectiveness of the treatment.

The symptoms of Hepatitis C infection often do not occur in a person until 20 years after he/she had been infected. Since the HCV infects the liver and the liver is the organ in the body that makes all the energy for our daily activities possible
liver function deterioration often results in fatigue. Fatigue is the primary complaint or symptom of HCV infection. Other more severe symptoms are jaundice (yellowing of the skin/eyes)
bile retention (which can cause jaundice)
portal vein hypertension
skin rashes and itching
and autoimmune problems resulting from your body's immune system attacking normal cells.

Long term HCV infection may result in fibrosis or even cirrhosis of the liver. Fibrosis results from unchecked liver inflammation. As the HCV infection progresses
the damage to the liver results in scarring or hardening of the liver cells (fibrosis). Long term fibrosis may lead to cirrhosis which is when the scarring from fibrosis overtakes the normal liver cell structure causing deformity and loss of function in the liver. About 15%-20% of HCV patients end up with cirrhosis. A liver biopsy is currently the most accurate means of determining the amount of inflammation and fibrosis the liver has sustained.

Hepatitis C progression in the body can take several years or even decades to come to chronic stage or to a stage where severe liver damage is evident. This period of time allows a person to determine how to properly treat the disease and to decide on a course of disease management. Currently
the main treatment for HCV infection to eradicate the virus is combo alpha-interferon and Ribavirin. Sometimes a doctor may prescribe interferon alone. Interferon comes in standard form or in pegylated form. Standard form interferon is administered 3 times per week
while the pegylated form is administered only once per week. Your body makes its own interferon
which is a protein that fights viral infection and viral replication.

Hepatitis C may often be managed by taking herbal and vitamin supplements that help your body fight infection and limit inflammation. These supplements help your liver with the inflammation and give it the nutrients it needs to regenerate healthy new cells. Your doctor can recommend alternative or adjunct solutions you may want to try.

Proper treatment of the disease
a healthy and active lifestyle
a good diet
abstinence from alcohol and stress management are important factors in controlling Hepatitis C progression.

~ A Sudden Paralysis ~

It was after a weekend in St. Augustine
Florida that Jim Olbrich had his too-close-for-comfort brush with death. That night a blood clot rushed into his brain and caused a major hemorrhagic stroke. A stroke that has left Jim walking like Frankenstein.

Jim had driven the two hours back to his home in Orlando. Tired
he went to bed ... but
found he had trouble rolling over ... couldn't easily get into position for sleep.

During the night
it felt as if a little girl's hand pulled him out of bed. Jim headed for the bathroom ... not yet aware that his left side was already losing control. He banged off the walls ... stumbled his way ... finally made it. Jim fell off the toilet ... lay on the floor for awhile.

Next thing ... Jim was in a helicopter -- being whisked to the hospital. It happened that quick! And
it happened while he was sleeping.

~ Blood Pushing on the Brain ~

Later
in the ICU
Jim heard his skull crack ... a cracking sound on his right side. Then
his head started hurting. The on-duty nurse offered a simple solution
Well ... I'll get you a couple Tylenol.


But ... this wasn't a simple headache to be solved by a couple of pills. Soon
Jim was in a coma.

In the operating room
his skull was opened ... blood was drained ... the pressure was released. But ... "My brain fell out!"

When Jim woke up the next morning
I got a gazillion staples in my head ... holding everything together.
He'd also died.

~ Waking Up in the Morgue ~

Declared was declared dead and put in the morgue. A body bag was nearby and a nurse was putting a tag on Jim's big toe. Luckily for Jim
the rubber band tangled with the hair on his toe. When the nurse pulled it back ... she ripped out some of Jim's hair. He woke up!

When Jim sat up and spoke ... the startled nurse ran for the door. Instead she ran headlong into the wall. Now ... Jim had to wait for her to come to. Finally
he was wheeled back to his room ... a lot nicer than spending a night in the morgue.

"I would have spent the rest of my life looking at somebody else's feet."

~ What caused the stroke? ~

After years of being checked out constantly ... Jim feels the doctors are still guessing. His cardiologist believes it was an artery on the front of Jim's heart ... it exploded and blew off ... sending the deadly clot on its way to Jim's brain.

The clot caused a "brain bleed" -- a destructive hemorrhagic stroke. Pressure from the pooling blood "crushed" Jim's brain.

~ Jim's Still Paralyzed ~

Now
three years later
how's Jim doing? "Not bad." Jim's not one to complain. His sense of humour is one thing that has gotten him through this ordeal.

Sporting a carbon-fiber plate in his skull ... completely paralyzed on his left side ... suffering from constant headaches ... Jim chuckles at all his problems. "I walk like Frankenstein ... on a cane."

Jim is still on therapy and hopes to one day "become more graceful." If Jim's doctor had been correct ... Jim wouldn't walk at all. But ... Jim is stubborn. He may not walk pretty ... but
with his persistence
he does walk.

It is a source of relief to Jim ... he never lost his ability to talk. Also
his memory is still quite good ... barring a few blank spots. "They're a total mystery to me."

They may be lingering in a small piece of brain ... in a jar. A piece of brain -- "The size of my small finger" -- is still sitting in a jar downtown. Jim hasn't been able to see it yet ... but he'd like to. "I want to see where my memory is."

~ Can Jim's paralysis be treated? ~

"That's forever!"

Or
until more T-cell research is permitted. Jim needs that ... he's on everybody's list to volunteer. What Jim needs now is a new president ... someone who won't be against such research.

Why is the current administration against T-cell research? "That's because they're healthy!"

~ How to Avoid a Stroke ~

Jim's advice? "Keep an eye on your cholesterol. Arteries clog up ... that's the problem."

High levels of LDL cholesterol will lead to atherosclerosis. And
the poor dietary habits that create this problem also bring on high blood pressure
diabetes
and obesity. All put you at a high risk of heart attack and stroke.

Take some time out today ... look at your diet. Could it be healthier? Start eating better
get some exercise
live a healthier
longer life.

Jim doesn't want you to join him. He's quite content being the only one who walks like Frankenstein. If his story can keep you from suffering what he has suffered ... you'll put a bigger smile on his face.

I’ve found a cool apartment! Okay
okay…so it’s not perfect. Just a few bugs. I mean literally! First expense? An exterminator! Is it worth the cash? Well
I can’t afford a more expensive place
so a one-time (please!) cash outlay should be okay. Maybe just a can of “Raid?”

I need a way to move my stuff. Daddy
can I borrow your truck? You don’t have one? Why not? Do you want one? I’ll help you pick it out! Well
it was just a suggestion. No need to get all bent out of shape! I guess I’d better call the truck rental places. What do you mean…$200…PLUS mileage? AND Gas? Good grief!

While I’m on the phone I’ll call the utility and phone companies. Yes
I know I haven’t used your services before. No
I don’t have a credit card; this is my first place. You want what? A $100 deposit? For EACH? Holy cow…do you people have a license to steal?

Daddy
I need $500 for moving expenses! I used all my money for the first and last months rent AND the damage deposit. Well
how was I to know this was going to be so expensive? Sell something? Daaaaad…I NEED my TV!

Boy
this place is pretty empty. Maybe I should buy a couch and a chair. Nah…I have my bed. That’ll be good enough. I don’t need a table; I’ll just use this box.

Renters Insurance? I don’t think so! What do I have to insure?

Just got my first phone call! I’d love to come to your party! Daddy
I need a car. Because it’s too far to walk to work
that’s why. Umm
Daddy…there’s car insurance too! Thanks
Dad…you’re the best! And gas? I didn’t think so…

Time for dinner. Let’s look in these boxes. Oh
No! No dishes or pans. No FOOD!

Uhhh
Mom?

This is according to the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases.

You might not know it
but you could be suffering from rheumatoid arthritis. Although rheumatoid arthritis is commonly associated with the older generation (people over the age of 65)
the disease is found in younger generations - even including children. How could you tell if you have it? Well if you're experiencing morning stiffness for no apparent reason (like if you had done a lot of strenuous exercise the night before
for example)
you might be suffering from one of it's symptoms. As mild as you might think morning stiffness is
you really ought to give it some serious thought and consult with your doctor because if that morning stiffness is related to rheumatoid arthritis
you can work to prevent it from disabling or crippling you later on down the road to a point where you can barely function. But rheumatoid arthritis isn't just a physical condition. It has the propensity to tax your mental and emotional state of well-being tpp.

This is because arthritis can change the way you work
the way you interact with your family
and the way you entertain yourself with recreational activities. You might even know someone with rheumatoid arthritis and have observed how this disease changed not only his or her mobility
but also his or her outlook on life. Those of us without rheumatoid arthritis tend to take our ability to move anyway we want for granted
but when that ability slowly disappears right before our eyes
it's no surprise that we get depressed about it.

But it doesn't necessary have to be that way. With proper medications
education
support
and prescribed exercises
you could work to prevent the most severe forms of the disease - or at least prolong the worst case symptoms.

Arthritis works in two ways. First
it inflames the muscles
ligaments
and cartilage that sit in-between joints. And it's this inflammation that causes the pain
swelling
and heat. Those are symptoms that are typical indications of an injury and they're vital to understanding more about this disease. Second
arthritis works by releasing enzymes that basically consume or otherwise destroy the muscles
ligaments
and cartilage that have become inflamed to a point where they're not very useful and don't allow for easy movement. In the worse cases
cartilage disappears completely and as you can guess
this is extremely crippling and uncomfortable.

That's why we call rheumatoid arthritis a disease. Typically
inflamed muscles
ligaments
and cartilage are the result of an injury
like falling on the knees for example. But with arthritis
no injury has to occur. In fact
arthritis is a type of autoimmune disease and the cartilage inside joints is one of the things that it destroys. And any joint can be affected - one
two
maybe even more but most of the time
the disease targets fingers
hips
feet
and knees.

Bird flu is a disease caused by a specific type of avian (bird) influenza virus
the so-called H5N1 virus. This virus was first discovered in birds in China in 1997 and since then has infected 125 people in Vietnam
Cambodia
Thailand
and Indonesia
killing 64 of them. It is spread by infected migratory birds (including wild ducks and geese) to domestic poultry (primarily chickens
ducks
and turkeys)
and then to humans.

Since 1997
and especially since the beginning of 2004
approximately 150 million birds have either died from the disease or been killed to prevent further spread. Nevertheless
this very infectious and deadly virus has spread relentlessly to China
Thailand
Cambodia
Vietnam
South Korea
Japan
Taiwan
Laos
Russia
Indonesia
Mongolia
Kazakhstan
Malaysia
Turkey
Romania
England
Croatia
Macedonia
and other countries. This ongoing geographic extension of the virus is of great concern around the world. It is feared that it will continue to spread to all continents
including the Western Hemisphere—and it no doubt will.

Normally
different types of viruses infect just one
or a limited number
of species specific to the particular virus type. The bird-flu virus
however
has infected a large number of birds and animals
including ducks
chickens
turkeys
tree sparrows
peregrine falcons
great black-headed gulls
brown-headed gulls
gray herons
Canada geese
bar-headed geese
little egrets
pigs
clouded leopards
white tigers
mice
domestic cats
crows
magpies
peacocks
blue pheasants
rare eagles
turtledoves
swans
terns
and others. This is another sign of the virulence or destructiveness of the virus.

Researchers
historians
and infectious-disease experts have determined that influenza pandemics (global epidemics) occur approximately once every 30 years. The most deadly pandemic ever recorded occurred in 1918-19
killing more than 100 million people across the globe in less than two years. Two other much less severe pandemics occurred
one in 1957
when approximately two million people died
and one in 1968
when about one million people died. Because we have already had three pandemics in less than 100 years
we are “overdue” for another one.

And so this disease-causing virus continues to infect more and more species in more and more countries. In laboratory experiments
it has been shown to be one of the most lethal influenza viruses ever known. In addition
just recently and after 10 years of work
researchers determined that the H5N1 bird-flu virus is genetically more similar to the deadly 1918-19 influenza pandemic virus than to the viruses which caused the much less severe pandemics of 1957-58 and 1968-69.



To summarize the important points so far: The bird-flu virus is a very deadly strain of avian influenza called H5N1 that has killed millions of birds; 2) the virus is spreading relentlessly around the world; 3) the virus has infected many species
which is uncharacteristic of most viruses; 4) the virus has been shown to be similar to the most deadly virus ever known
which caused the 1918-19 pandemic; 5) the virus has been shown to be much more deadly in laboratory experiments than regular influenza viruses; and 6) the virus is known to have infected at least 125 humans and killed 64 of them so far
yielding a fatality rate of approximately 50 percent.

The virus continues to kill humans
but at a slow rate—it has not yet acquired the capacity to be easily transmissible between humans; humans become infected primarily from sick birds. Because humans alive today have no natural immunity to the H5N1 virus
once it becomes easily transmissible between humans a pandemic or global epidemic will occur. The central question is
when will it exchange enough genetic material with the usual seasonal human influenza-viruses to become more like a human-influenza virus—and thus become easily transmissible between people?

Many people believe that the virus will continue to spread around the world until it is present in most or all countries—before it will “go human” (become easily transmissible between people). And that may be the case. The pandemic of 1918-19 is thought to have started in Kansas (of all places). So it is certainly possible that the coming pandemic could start somewhere else than in Asia—although most experts believe it will
in fact
start there. It could start in a country which has not yet been host to the virus.

However
it is most certainly not necessary for the virus to march all the way around the world before a pandemic can begin. The fact that the virus already has spread to more than 15 countries
and to many different bird and animal species
provides the opportunity for it to commingle with a human-influenza virus and create the dreaded human contagion. There is no known reason why this could not happen tomorrow. While it is true that the probability of the switch increases with time
the probability of its happening tomorrow is far from zero.

The flip side to the possibility that the crossover could happen at any time is the fact that the virus has been around at least since 1997 and
as a matter of record
has not yet switched to a deadly human-to-human form. At least a few scientists believe that the virus can’t and won’t make the switch to a deadly form
possibly ever.

And so we are left with these two very different possibilities—at any time
and as soon as tomorrow
the virus could mutate into a deadly form
readily transmissible between people—or it might never transform itself into such a form. There appears to be much more evidence for the former and
presumably
that is why the vast majority of scientists and governments are scrambling to prepare for the worst.

This situation is analogous to living on the Gulf Coast during the beginning of hurricane season. Residents there have been through it before
but most of the time the storms are not too severe and the people can get by without too much hassle. However
there have been rare severe storms that have been devastating. Some day another hurricane is coming
and it appears that it might well be a Category IV or even V by the time it strikes land. However
that’s not certain—no one can say for sure
and no one knows exactly when it will strike land. So what should the residents do? What should the residents have done before hurricane Katrina?

The coming bird-flu pandemic might be mild and it might not come for years. On the other hand
it might be severe and it might start tomorrow. The U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) has said
“While the severity of the next pandemic cannot be predicted
modeling studies suggest that its effect in the United States could be severe.” We should also be mindful that the pandemic could come at any time
even before the virus methodically marches around the globe. No matter how advanced science has become
we still can not predict when the switch will occur; it is currently unknowable—and that does not mean it will come later
in a predictable fashion. As Miguel de Cervantes admonished
“Forewarned
forearmed.”

Bradford Frank
M.D.
M.P.H.
M.B.A.
The Frank Group
P.O. Box 138
Lakewood
NY 14750
http://www.AvoidBirdFlu.com

The term "Arthritis" refers to more than 100 different types of diseases which all cause pain
stiffness
and inflammation in the joints of affected people. All arthritis conditions involve some form of joint pain or the other. However
the seriousness of the joint pain
the duration of the joint pain and degree of the joint pain vary from one type of arthritis to another.

The two most prevalent types of arthritis include Osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid arthritis. Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis
in which joint cartilage is destroyed. In other cases of Osteoarthritis
the patient experiences bony outgrowth
also known as bone spurs and also lose of cartilage particles.

Osteoarthritis affects mostly aged people
from 55 years and older. That is why most people say it is an 'aged disease' of the joints. Osteoarthritis is mostly common in the hands
feet
spine
hips and knees of victims.

In rheumatoid arthritis
the patient experiences white blood cells in the synovial membrane dividing
growing and multiplying. These produce inflammation of the joint capsule and synovial membrane
loss of space in the synovial cavity
pain and stiffness in the joint. If there is no arthritis relief and treatment
this may lead to cartilage destruction.

Apart from these types of arthritis
another type of arthritis that commonly affects people is "Inflammatory Arthritis". This type of arthritis causes very severe inflammation in the joints and the tendons of the victims.

This is mostly characterized by the swelling and inflammation of the synovial membrane - thereby causing severe pain and stiffness in the joints of the victims. Inflammatory arthritis makes the joint look red and warm when touched. Arthritis relief for victims is necessary to reduce the pain.

Arthritis relief is therefore very important
especially in a country like the United States where Arthritis is the number one cause of physical disability. There are an estimated total number of 43 million Americans - 16 percent of the population
suffering from one form of arthritis or the other.

It is not only adults who need arthritis relief
but also children. In the United States
about 300
0
children suffer from one type of arthritis related disease or another. Children
being very susceptible to pain
need arthritis relief and treatment more than ever before. Unlike adults who can endure joint pains to a great degree
children cannot and therefore need arthritis relief as soon as the problem starts.

Flowering landscape trees are the crown jewels of the yard.
Perhaps no other plants
individually
can have as great an
impact on how a yard looks in spring. Browse the articles to
which I've linked below for information on particular varieties
of flowering landscape trees. Pictures are included.

Crape Myrtles: Landscape Trees of the South

A popular choice in flowering landscape trees for Southerners

crape myrtles have a long blooming period (mid-summer to
fall). The blooming clusters of these flowering landscape trees
come in pink
white
red and lavender. The clusters appear on
the tips of new wood. Northerners can sometimes get away
with treating these flowering landscape trees as perennials
that die back in winter but come back in spring.

Trees

Not all specimens with a weeping habit are flowering
landscape trees
but this article looks at several weeping
varieties that do bloom
headed by four types of cherry.
Saucer Magnolias

The size and shape of the blooms are what suggested the
common name for these flowering landscape trees. Want a
specimen with a brilliant bloom as big as a saucer? Access
information on these beauties here.

Rose of Sharon

Although some people think of it as a landscape "tree"
(because it gets tall and can be pruned so as to have a single
trunk)
rose of sharon is
in fact
a flowering shrub. The fact
that it blooms relatively late -- and for a long time -- makes it
a valuable plant for those looking to distribute their yard's
color display throughout the growing season.
Top 10 List of Flowering Landscape Trees and Shrubs for
Spring |

This article features information on ten flowering landscape
trees and shrubs that brighten our spring seasons. Included
are redbud
callery pear and crabapple.
Hawthorn: Late-Blooming Landscape Trees

This article offers information on Washington hawthorn trees

which are perhaps most valued for the time at which they
bloom (late spring to early summer). Many of the popular
flowering specimens bloom earlier in the spring
and while
their blossoms are pleasant sights for eyes sore from winter's
barrenness
they desert us too quickly!

Bipolar disorder
also known as manic depression
is a life-long illness affecting the chemistry of the brain. In classic cases
it causes severe mood swings from manic episodes of extreme highs to depressive episodes of debilitating lows
with relatively normal periods in-between. According to the National Institute of Mental Health
over 2 million people age 18 and older have been diagnosed with bipolar disorder.

Unfortunately
there is no cure for bipolar disorder at this time. But as with any chronic illness
such as diabetes
heart disease or epilepsy
proper treatment
management and understanding of the illness is crucial. Most people with bipolar disorder can lead full
productive and satisfying lives by taking crucial steps to control and manage their illness.

Some key steps to consider if you or a loved one have bipolar disorder include:

1. Find a mental health professional you trust. A person diagnosed with bipolar disorder needs to establish a relationship with a trusted mental health professional where an open and honest exchange can take place.

2. Take medication as prescribed. This is first and foremost the most important step in taking control of bipolar disorder. It is the one element that needs to be strictly adhered to. In order for medication to work effectively it must be taken consistently and for the long term. It may be tempting to stop taking medication as symptoms lessen and one starts feeling better. However
this could have devastating consequences.

3. Reduce Stress. Mental health professionals typically believe that increased stress can trigger an episode of manic depression. Finding time to relax
sharing extra responsibilities
or simply talking to someone during a stressful event may help to bring on an increased feeling of calmness.

4. Do not become isolated. Do not try to "handle" bipolar disorder alone. Seeking out the comfort and understanding of family and friends is central to a person's treatment. It can be very helpful to join a bipolar disorder support group because the people there understand the feelings and difficulties of living with the illness. They can lend insight and encouragement to a person confronting a diagnosis.

5. Maintain a healthy lifestyle. It is important to establish regular healthy routines such as exercising the same time everyday
going to bed at the same time each night and waking up at the same time each morning. Maintain a healthy diet and get plenty of sleep
because erratic sleep patterns can increase the symptoms of bipolar disorder. Do not use caffeine or recreational drugs.

6. Become an expert on bipolar disorder. Become involved in understanding the symptoms and treatment of bipolar disorder and the effects it can have on family and friends. Consult a qualified mental health professional with questions and concerns. Read books about the illness or listen to lectures by experts. Learn as much about bipolar disorder as possible because knowledge is a powerful tool in taking out the mystery of the illness.

7. Enhance life with enjoyable things. Make it a priority to engage in things that bring about feelings of joy
happiness
and accomplishment. Hobbies or activities that enhance a sense of peace or relaxation serve one well in dealing with the confusion of bipolar disorder.


A diagnosis of bipolar disorder does not have to mean the end of one's world; rather it can be considered a new beginning. One that
at last
provides an explanation and ultimate relief from some of the unexplained and destructive behaviors a person might exhibit
freeing them to live rich and fulfilling lives.

Mental health authorities estimate that more than 2 million adults have been diagnosed with bipolar disorder (also called manic-depression)
a chemical imbalance in the brain causing extreme mood swings from manic highs to agonizing lows. Although a diagnosis of bipolar disorder can be frightening and confusing
it is a treatable and manageable condition.

If you or someone close to you has been diagnosed with bipolar illness
the first step in relieving fear and uncertainty is education. The more you know about the disorder
the less control it will exert over you and others who may be affected.

The National Institute of Mental Health (www.nimh.nih.gov)
The National Alliance for the Mentally Ill (www.nami.org)
and The National Mental Health Association (www.nmha.org) are just a few of the recognized national organizations providing information
facts and support to anyone who may be directly or indirectly affected by bipolar disorder.

Below are some essential facts about bipolar disorder provided by these organizations that may alleviate some of your concerns and questions surrounding a recent diagnosis.

Bipolar disorder affects many people: According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)
bipolar disorder affects approximately 2.3 million adults
or 1.2 percent of the population
in any given year.

Bipolar disorder has many potential causes: There does not appear to be one cause for bipolar disorder. Evidence suggests that many components may come into play
all of which affect the chemical balance of certain parts of the brain. Several studies on the occurrence of bipolar disorder in families demonstrate a genetic disposition toward the illness. Other factors may include extremely traumatic life events
chronic illness
alcoholism
and drug abuse.

Bipolar disorder has varied symptoms: The most pronounced symptoms of bipolar disorder are dramatic mood swings consisting of extremely “high” manic episodes to debilitating episodes of depression and then back again with relatively normal moods in between. Behaviors during a manic episode include heightened feelings of euphoria
extreme energy
decreased need for sleep
extreme irritability and distractibility
and increased aggression. Depressive episodes bring about excessive feelings of despair
hopelessness
worthlessness
guilt
and sometimes thoughts of suicide.

Bipolar disorder affects both sexes in children to adults: Manic depression is not selective in who it touches. Women and men are equally affected
as are children and adolescents (although a diagnosis in children and teens is more difficult to determine). A majority of those diagnosed with bipolar disorder have a least one family member with the illness. And children of parents with the illness are more likely to develop it themselves.

Bipolar disorder has effective treatment modalities: Bipolar disorder is treated with medications
called mood stabilizers
to assist in controlling fluctuation in moods. The important thing to understand about bipolar disorder is that it is a life-long
recurring illness requiring ongoing care. In addition to medication
psychotherapy is also prescribed in the management of the illness. Psychotherapy assists people to understand their illness and to develop coping skills to help deal with life events and stressors that may trigger manic and depressive episodes.

Bipolar disorder has no cure: As of today
there is no known cure for bipolar disorder; however
it is a treatable and manageable illness. With a close relationship with a mental health professional
a proper diagnosis
and vigilant adherence to taking medications and sticking to prescribed treatment plans
most individuals with bipolar illness lead very productive and rewarding lives.

These are just a few of the facts pertaining to bipolar disorder. It is not a simple illness
yet it is manageable and treatable. If you or someone you know has been diagnosed with bipolar disorder
do not hesitate to seek information and help. Any one of the above-mentioned organizations can offer you education
guidance
and support. Obtaining knowledge is one of your first steps in alleviating the uncertainty and anxiety of dealing with such a diagnosis.

With an increasing number of our youths suffering ADHD
stress syndromes
unemployment
depression
drug use
crime and higher rates of youth suicide than ever before
today’s parents and teachers are finding their roles more and more difficult.

According to renowned family relationships specialist
Marguerite Clancy
there are no overnight solutions for issues such as ADHD
but there are a few quick things struggling parents can do now to start dealing with it:

1) Get into a routine and stick to it (try to include fun times and laughter)

2) Set up a punching bag or get your child playing a sport

3) Be consistent with discipline and offer rewards where appropriate

4) Use positive language
keep directions short
maintain calm

5) Agree on consequences for behaviour together

“There are many options available to parents and carers. It is important to show love and respect
and to lead by example”
says Marguerite. “There are also many forms of therapy available to help that don’t rely on medication.” For example
she recommends Sandplay Therapy
which is a well established technique for enhancing emotional growth through play. She suggests parents encourage their child to use toys to represent things that are bothering them. Dolls
action figurines
cars
balls
and even blocks can all be used to represent people
objects
and everyday situations that may be very hard for the child to put into words. “You’d be surprised what problems your child is experiencing – many of them would be things you’d never have even dreamt of”
says Marguerite. “By recognising the significance of imaginary play
you give your child a way to express themselves using a language they’re fluent in.”

According to Marguerite
parents can then talk about these problems with their child. Then if they’re still experiencing problems
they may want to try a punching bag or a sport. “With an easier way to communicate and an outlet for your child’s frustrations
you should find it far easier to figure out how to improve your situation.”

What are the Stats on Psoriasis?

It is estimated that about 2.2 percent of American adults have been diagnosed with psoriasis
confirming that psoriasis is a common disease.1

11 percent of those diagnosed with psoriasis have also been diagnosed with psoriatic arthritis. This is a prevalence of 0.25 percent of American adults in the general population.

Psoriasis prevalence in African Americans was 1.3 percent compared to 2.5 percent of Caucasians.

The prevalence of psoriasis in Western populations is estimated to be around 2-3%. It affects both sexes equally and occurs at all ages.

And What Causes Psoriasis?

Several factors are thought to aggravate psoriasis. These include stress and excessive alcohol consumption. Individuals with psoriasis may also suffer from depression and loss of self-esteem. As such
quality of life is an important factor in evaluating the severity of the disease. There are many treatments available but because of its chronic recurrent nature psoriasis is a challenge to treat.

Plaque Psoriasis

About 80% of people living with psoriasis have plaque psoriasis
which also is called “psoriasis vulgaris.” “Vulgaris” means “common.”

How to recognize Plaque Psoriasis:

1. Raised and thickened patches of reddish skin
called “plaques
” which are covered by silvery-white scales.

2. Plaques most often appear on the elbows
knees
scalp
chest
and lower back. However
they can appear anywhere on the body
including the genitals.

3. Plaques vary in size and can appear as distinct patches or join together to cover a large area.

In the early stages
the psoriasis may be unnoticeable. The skin may itch and/or a burning sensation may be present.

Plaque psoriasis usually first appears as small red bumps. Bumps gradually enlarge
and scales form. While the top scales flake off easily and often
scales below the surface stick together. The small red bumps develop into plaques (reddish areas of raised and thickened skin).

Now that you know abit more about psoriasis
we urge you to find out more about this!