Saturday, December 4, 2010

What You Need To Know About Omega 3 Fatty Acids

Humans can benefit from taking fish oil and foods that are high in omega 3 fatty acids. Since omega 3 is considered good fat, dietary supplements have been developed for human consumption. Main sources of omega 3 fatty acids are cold-water fish and fish oils. There are varying amounts of omega 3 in certain foods such as seeds, nuts, vegetable oils, flaxseed and eggs.

DHA and EPA are the most prominent components of omega 3 fatty acids. These components are vital for cellular membranes in humans. Cell membranes become more rigid during the aging process which greatly affects brain function and other tissues. DHA is the most influential element of omega 3 fatty acids to the brain since it directly affects brain functioning, chemistry and development. DHA is beneficial to both adults and children, but it is crucially vital to children's growth age in general.

Omega 3 is a familiar word especially to those with heart problems. People with heart diseases, high blood and cholesterol levels are often advised to take omega 3 supplements or stick with foods that are high in polyunsaturated fat. By doing so, the triglyceride levels in the blood are lowered as well as the risk of heart failure.

Due to its anti-inflammatory properties, omega 3 can help alleviate joint pains. Women who take regular doses of omega 3 can lower their risk of having joint problems. People with thinning and dull hair are recommended to take omega 3 since it helps in thickening the hair strands and gives it shine.

People who suffer with skin problems due to sun exposure are recommended to take omega 3 fatty acids. This can help reduce skin damage as well as the development of wrinkles.

There are also certain side effects associated with omega 3 such as stomach aches, overdose and mercury poisoning. But not all people are affected by these risks because they will depend on the body's response to the supplements and the recommended dose.

You can prevent the risks by consulting with your doctor before taking any supplements with omega 3 fatty acids. Replacing supplements with real foods that are high in omega 3 is possible. It is best to stick to the right dosage in order for your body to get the right amount of omega 3.

Some Facts About DHA Omega 3

The long chain of fatty acids in omega 3 is known as DHA omega 3 or Docosahexaenoic Acid. Omega 3 is a group of essential fatty acids that the human body cannot synthesize. DHA, EPA and ALA are the three main forms of omega 3.

Many believe that EPA and DHA are the most important forms of omega 3. They are generally derived from fatty fish such as salmon, tuna, herring and others. ALA, on the other hand, is derived from plants.

Since there are only a few food sources that contain this complex fatty acid, DHA omega 3 is not easy to include in the daily diet. There are other forms of omega 3 in the human body, but they are inadequately converted to DHA. Plant-derived fatty acids are not taken up directly into the cell membranes in contrast to DHA omega 3.

Getting DHA fatty acids from food sources can help them improve the supply of DHA in the body. Others choose to take supplements to boost the increase of DHA in the body. Fish and fish oils are high in DHA fatty acids, which is why many supplements are derived from fish oils instead of plant and other natural sources.

The human brain is 50% fat and DHA omega 3 represents 30% of brain matter. In the body, the retina is the part that has the highest concentration of omega 3. Omega 3 can also be found in breast milk, which in turn provides newborn infants nutrition for their nerve, eye tissue and brain development.

The links between well-known health conditions and DHA have been identified through research. Many behavioral and medical conditions in the west seem to be linked to the declining consumption of omega 3-rich foods. And since the human body cannot properly synthesize omega 3, food and supplements are the next best resources to obtain this fatty acid. The body's DHA level will drop if you will not consume omega 3 foods.

Food sources and fish oils can supplement the DHA omega 3 deficiency in the human body. You can provide the necessary requirement of your body by eating DHA-rich foods and taking a regular dose of supplement. Adequate amounts of DHA fatty acids can help boost your health. It is advisable to ask your doctor for advice and options, as well as the possible effects if you are thinking of taking supplements.

Omega 3 Fish Oil Capsules - Tips To Find The Right One For You

A variety of dietary supplements that act as additional sources of nutrients have been developed and introduced to the public. Omega 3 fish oil capsules have been around for quite a while and many people have experienced its numerous benefits.

Omega 3 fish oil capsules are convenient, ready-to-consume fish oil supplements. It is crucial to take omega 3 supplement to fill in the nutrient gap, since the human body cannot produce this fatty acid on its own. You can find natural foods containing omega 3, but you can get enough supply of DHA and EPA fatty acids from omega 3 fish oil capsules.

You need to know the following considerations when choosing the right omega 3 fish oil capsules that are available in the market:

Select capsules that have maximum amounts of DHA/EPA per mg. There is less DHA/DPA per mg in cheaper capsules, so try to avoid them as much as you can. The higher the percentage of the ingredients, the purer the capsule.

Look for capsules that are easy to swallow. This is quite advantageous particularly for senior citizens.

The capsules should have anti-inflammatory properties. Look for a brand that provides all the information about the ingredients and benefits on the label. High-grade omega 3 fish oils from fish such as salmon and tuna, are often used and indicated by manufacturers on their labels. Others that use cheaper fish oils are likely to skip the most vital information that they should know.

Make sure to find encapsulated softgels. This is probably the innovation that allowed more and more people to take fish oil supplements. Fishy odor and aftertaste are not pleasant to the palate, so it's best to choose this type of omega 3 fish oil capsules to prevent the unpleasant experience.

High DHA levels. DHA is more favorable than other fatty acids since it's impossible for the human body to produce it. It is advisable to look for fish oil capsule with high DHA level.

Molecular distillation. Fish oil capsules have the capability of eliminating toxins from farm meats that humans consume. Dioxins, PCBs, furans, pesticides, and arsenic could be present in the farms where the meat originated, and molecular distillation can help get rid of these toxins.

Before you buy a bottle or two of omega 3 fish oil capsules, make sure that you know these simple tips so you can maximize on benefits.

Why You Should Attend Pilates Classes?

A large number of fitness lovers became interested in Pilates ever since it became a famous exercise program. As compared to other exercise programs, it is not concerned on increasing cardiovascular fitness like running. On the other hand, it is mainly focused on performing body movements using your mind. Intense focus is needed to execute Pilates routine since proper breathing and correct body alignment is a must. It can be said that it is quite similar to yoga since it’s done gradually using controlled movements and breathing. The main focus of pilates classes is to develop flexibility, strength, balance and coordination. Additionally,all you need are some equipments to complete your work-out. These equipments are Pilates mat, magic ring and comfortable clothing. If you already have them, then read on why you should attend Pilates classes:

Build strength.Pilates is great for building strength which starts from having a strong midsection.Core training is the emphasis of Pilates classes where you have to perform routines using your abdominals. Stretching and resistance training is heavily incorporated in the exercise itself which is why joining pilates classes is like joining a gym but not lifting heavy weights. Bulky muscles would be a thing of the past and you will have more toned and leaner muscles.Enhance stamina. This is one reason why many athletes incorporate pilates in their exercise program. Almost all sports activities require endurance especially during training season. In everyday living, people need stamina in performing the tasks assigned to them which can include staying long hours in front of the computer or walking around office buildings. No matter what task, enhanced stamina prevents you from getting tired easily.

Added flexibility. As people grow older, flexibility becomes limited causing their bodies to ache. Enrolling in pilates classes can add flexibility so you can prevent injury from sudden turns or movements. Pilates makes the muscle fibers longer thereby making a person more flexible and experience less muscle soreness. For this reason, many dancers also do pilates.

Develop balance. This seems unimportant but having the right balance especially for women prevents them from dangerous hip injuries. Also, men who like to play sports like basketball would prevent slips and falls if they are more balanced.

Indeed, joining pilates classes is one great way to totally improve your appearance and make you stronger too.

Vital Pilates Mat Exercises for Beginners

Pilates mat exercises are set of exercises that can be done using a Pilates mat. As a beginner in pilates, you would realize that in order to perform advance pilates routines later, you must learn how to stabilize your body against movement. When you stabilize the body before executing any moves, you are in a way warming it up and protecting it from any injury. Stabilizing the body requires you to do some fundamental pilates mat exercises which can go a long way in strengthening your body and building control. There are some essential pilates mat exercises that you must master in order to gain the full benefits of a pilates program for beginners. Dont be deceived thinking that pilates mat exercises are easy, in fact, they can really be challenging enough. Now, bring out that pilates mat and try the following routines: Spine to Mat This is very fundamental and easy but really important. To do this, simply lie on the floor on your back. Try to raise your legs in the air with your toes reaching for the ceiling.You would notice that your back's vertebra is sinking to the floor as your spine elongates. Slightly lower your legs to the floor and if you observed that your back started to arch up, then your abs are still weak. Sure sounds simple but it's a great way to check if your back is already strong.

Spine peeled off from the mat Since you now learned how to anchor your spine to the mat, it's time to peel it off from the mat. Lie on your back with bended knees and feet flat on the floor.This is known as the neutral position. Place your hands on the back of your head with your arms to the sides. Inhale through the nose and gradually raise your back lifting the pubic bone. Hold for two seconds then exhale as you slowly bring down your back to the floor. Feel each vertebra as it touches the floor. Inhale slowly. Perform three times.

It is highly preferable that you do the given basic pilates mat exercises as some sort of a warm-up. Placing your body in a neutral position can help properly align your vertebra so you can safely proceed with other routines later on.

Why Pilates Ring Exercises Can be Good For You

One of the remarkbale things about Pilates is that there are very few equipments needed so health buffs do not need a large space when performing the routines. To be more specific, the most likely objects that you need are pilates ring and pilates mat. The pilates mat help you avoid slipping on the floor and cushioning your body in some movements. Plus, it enables you to move easily even on a hard floor. Another important equipment - the pilates ring, also known as the magic circle can provide resistance in some routines. Pilates rings have different resistance levels depending upon a users skill level. Also, it is a versatile but affordable tool which can be bought for less than $30 from any fitness store.

Pilates ring exercises can be done to supplement the basic routines in a pilates program. Usually, pilates ring exercises are used by practitioners of Windsor pilates. It can be effectively used in toning several areas of the body creating a sculpted and lean look. There is no need to go the gym to lift heavy weights and experience soreness afterwards. Likewise, pilates ring exercises can do away with heavy equipment to grow your muscles. Although using this equipment does not mean that there won't be any muscle soreness after doing pilates exercises, however, the pain is tolerable since the magic circles resistance level can be adjusted. As you increase strength, the level of pilates ring exercises can also be changed.

Another interesting feature of pilates ring exercises is that you can exercise almost anywhere. Even while on vacation, you can perform them in the comforts of your bedroom. There are numerous Pilates ring exercises DVDs that you can buy which makes your routines easier to follow. You can also search videos online that shows sample of pilates ring exercises so you can compare whether your'e using the pilates ring correctly. Several pilates classes also require students to use pilates ring since they often include pilates ring exercises in their routine to add variety. You have to diligently practice your pilates ring exercises in order to get the results you need. No matter how functional an equipment maybe, commitment is still the key to the success of an exercise program.

Very Basic Pilates Exercises for Beginners

Physically active individuals willing to try pilates for the first time are excited to do the routines they have watched on TV shows or public advertisements. However, like any type of fitness program, some things are required that would help in doing the routines. It is necessary to wear comfortable and light clothing that would allow you to perform the routine. Purchase a good pilates mat that’s at least ½ inch thick since it would serve as your cushion against the floor. Select a quiet place where you can do pilates exercise for beginners that would enable you to focus on to the routines. Once you have the necessary materials and a good location, try performing the pilates exercise for beginners: Warm Up – Typically, an exercise begins with a proper warm-up. Stretching is a good start so you can warm up your body. In the case of pilates exercise for beginners, the warm up can be done lying down on your back. A fundamental routine that you have to learn is the neutral position which is neccessary for any pilates exercise for beginners. The neutral position involves raising your knees with hip width apart and holding for a few seconds. Then, you slowly bring down your back on the floor.

The Hundred This is the most basic pilates mat work that every beginner must do. The purpose of this exercise is to wake up the body and warm it up for harder routines later. Simply lie on your back and bring your knees to your chest. Remember to curl your head and shoulders as you lift them up from the mat. Gradually reach for your legs at a certain level ( bent at 90 degrees). The arms have to move upward and downward while breathing for five counts. You have to do this with ten breaths. Repeat ten times.

The Roll Up - First, lie down on your back. Raise your arms to the ceiling and gradually go all the way up. Again, curl your head and shoulders as you roll your way up placing your head towards your knees.Then, slowly roll back to your first position and lie down with your arms reaching out.

The Reformer : Basic and Vital Pilates Exercise Equipment

Pilates practitioners have long understood that it takes persistence to get the desired results from Pilates program. One must persevere and constantly strive to repeat the routines until mastery is achieved. Pilates is not just any cardiovascular exercise where all you have to do is repeat movements. Instead, it is a unique form of exercise where you must focus your mind to control body movements. Aside from the mental discipline required to perform Pilates, there are also some traditional equipment that avid Pilates followers must know. This important pilates exercise equipment is known as the Reformer. This article would elaborate further on the important role of a Reformer in acquiring that Pilates sculpted body. Most individuals who see a Reformer for the first time assume that this pilates exercise equipment was used to torture people during the medieval period. Technically, the reformer is known as the Universal reformer or the rack. Picture your self squeezing in a contraption that occupies 3 by 8 foot space which seems rather small. Then, wrap your toes around a bar and cling to a pair of leather handles which you have to pull back and forth. It seems absurd or even unthinkable that such pilates exercise equipment can really do wonders for your body.

Seriously,this bedlike platform which slides back and forth allows Pilates buffs to do different types of exercises through several positions like lying on your back, on your knees and even standing. Like the mat, this unique pilates exercise equipment is as good as the Pilates mat for beginners. Nowadays, a large number of fitness buffs believe that they only acquire decent resistance training by going to the gym. However,the reformer is more functional and versatile than gym equipment which can really make your body exercise in a safe manner. Among the benefits of using a reformer are proper body alignment, better blood circulation, improved enhanced endurance, complete work-out for the vertebra, stretched spine and a lot more. It's really a whole body work-out that would not only sculpt your body but enhance balance and control as well. Indeed, the reformer is an essential pilates exercise equipment that a beginner can learn to appreciate. To check out different reformers, browse online and see various models.

What are the Pelvic Pain Symptoms?

Pelvic pain symptoms are based on the underlying condition that causes it. Some of the main causes of pelvic pain could be problems of the reproductive system, formation of a scar tissue in the pelvic area after an infection or surgery, diseases of the urinary tract or bowel, and psychological trauma from physical or sexual abuse. This article will talk about a few of the most common conditions that cause pelvic pain symptoms and other characteristics that go together with them.

One condition that results in to pelvic pain symptoms among women is endemetriosis. It is characterized by a growth in the lining of the uterus outside of the uterus and it may link to other organs like the ovaries, fallopian tubes, bladder, and intestines. This condition is called adenomyosis when the lining of the uterus grows in the uterus. One of its outcomes is pelvic pain symptoms especially during sexual intercourse and menstruation. The other symptoms are infertility, nausea, constipation, diarrhea, fatigue, excessive bleeding during periods, and lower back and stomach pains during periods.

Another condition that causes pelvic pain symptoms among women is vulvodynia. This condition is marked by a stinging, burning, irritation, or sharp pain in the vulva, and also in the labia and the entrance to the vagina. The sensation may be recurring, constant, or occurs only when the vulva is touched. The pain persists for at least three months. The affected individual may suffer when pressure is applied to the vulva for a lengthy period of time, like during sexual intercourse, horseback riding, upon inserting tampons, sitting, or biking. This condition results in to depression as well.

Irritable bowel syndrome is a condition that results in to pelvic pain symptoms among both men and women. The main cause of this condition is not known and it can only be diagnosed when other probable conditions have been eliminated. Some of the symptoms that accompany it are urgency for bowel movements, feeling of incomplete evacuation, bloating or abdominal distention, diarrhea or constipation. It is also common for people with irritable bowel syndrome to have gastroesophageal reflux, symptoms relating to the genitourinary system, chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, headache, backache, and psychological disorders like anxiety or depression.

What Conditions May Cause Lower Left Pelvic Pain?

Lower left pelvic pain is a symptom of a disease that is more frequently felt by the elderly and women. The lower left pelvic region contains a lot of body organs that may be causing this sensation. The organs that are found in this region include the muscles and skins covering the left side of the abdominal wall, nerves on the left abdomen, part of large blood vessels like the aorta and its branches, the left ovary and tube, part of the urinary bladder, the sigmoid colon, part of the descending large bowel, the left ureter, and the lower end of the left kidney. Therefore any conditions involving these body parts may result in to lower left pelvic pain and this article will discuss a few of them.

Trapped wind is a condition wherein there is a presence of excess wind in the large bowel or the stomach. It is caused by a variety of factors such as swallowed air, gas produced by bacteria from fermentation of indigestible food, a by-product gas from the reaction of acid and alkaline, and gas released from the blood into the gut. If the trapped wind is located in the large bowel, the condition will induce lower left pelvic pain.

One more probable cause of lower left pelvic pain is ovarian cyst. The pain manifests when the cyst is twisted or has ruptured. Its major symptom is a sudden pain that may transfer to the thighs as well. Some people may mistake it for appendicitis but the pain in this condition is more sudden, is not accompanied with fever, does not affect the appetite, and the person affected may be rolling in pain.

The last example of a condition that may cause lower left pelvic pain is transverse colon volvulus. This condition is characterized by the twisting of the transverse colon on itself. This condition may result in to intestinal obstruction hence it is deadly. Some of the leading causes of transverse colon volvulus are excessive high fiber diet, Clostridium Difficile Pseudomembraneous colitis, Crohn's disease, tumor or cancer at the colon, accumulation of fluid in the abdomen causing the liver to float, previous gastric or abdominal surgery, presence of congenital bands due to abnormal rotations from birth, and chronic constipation.

Understanding Pelvic Pain in Pregnancy

Pelvic pain in pregnancy, which is also referred to as pelvic athropathy, is a condition that pregnant women typically suffer from, which starts early in pregnancy and lasting after delivery. Pelvic pain in pregnancy can be too much for some women that their movement is severely limited and they have great difficulties walking. This is a result of the changes in the woman�s body which prepares the pelvic girdle for childbirth.

There are a few symptoms of pelvic pain in pregnancy. The pain that the woman experiences are usually focused upon the groin and the pubic region. The woman may experience grinding or clicking in the pubic area and the pain may go down inside the thighs or between the legs. The pain may also increase when separating the legs, moving around in bed, walking, or going up and down the stairs.

Pelvic pain in pregnancy may be explained from the hormones that are produced in pregnancy that causes the cartilage of the joints to become softer. Under normal circumstances, the bones are jointed in away to prevent movement. However, because of the changes in the woman�s body due to pregnancy, the bones can now move freely. The movement as well as the displacement of the bones is the main cause of the pelvic pain that is experienced by the woman. . This also causes lower backache for the pregnant woman.

Pelvic pain in pregnancy can be very intense for some women but there are a couple of things that she can do to help alleviate the pain. One of the things that she can do is move little and often as possible. Moving for extended period of time is not advisable as it may add to the pain that is experienced by the woman. The woman must also avoid heavy lifting or pushing as it can make the condition worse. When sitting, the pregnant women must sit upright in an ergonomic chair that has good lumbar support. Hot compress may also work in easing the pelvic pain in pregnancy. Pregnant woman may also try utilizing walking stick to help reduce the pressure when walking, or wear prenatal belt or girdle for additional hip support.

Understanding Pelvic Pain Treatment

Pelvic pain treatment may not be similar for each individual due to the numerous probable causes of this condition. Therefore in order to know the proper pelvic pain treatment for a patient, the doctor must first diagnose the underlying condition that causes pelvic pain. This article will discuss some of the procedures that are used in pelvic pain treatment.

Primary dysmenorrhea is one of the primary causes of this condition and the pelvic pain treatment that is employed for it is anti-inflammatory drugs. Anti-inflammatory drugs stop the body from producing prostaglandins during menstruation which in turn stops the uterus from contracting. Another pelvic pain treatment that is used for an underlying condition that is caused by hormones and menstruation is hormone therapy. Birth control pills are prescribed to the patient to help control the hormonal imbalance in the woman�s body.

One more typical pelvic pain treatment method is surgery. This pelvic pain treatment is advisable for patients who have a growth, cyst, or tumor that is causing the pain. Some of these particular conditions are uterine fibroid and endemetriosis. Some of the surgical procedures that are used for pelvic pain treatment are laparoscopy, hysterectomy, and myomectomy. Hysterectomy is the most invasive of these three procedures and it can also affect the woman�s ability to become pregnant, therefore it is often not the first option for treatment.

Medicines are also utilized in pelvic pain treatment. Antibiotics are utilized to treat pelvic infection that causes pain. Drugs are also utilized to treat sexually transmitted diseases, urinary track infections, and irritable bowel syndrome that also cause chronic pelvic pain. Pain relievers are also prescribed to patients to be ingested regularly and not just on the occurrence of pain to make the treatment more effective. Sometimes, chronic pelvic pain patients undergo depression as well and that is why tricyclic antidepressant medicine is prescribed to them as well, to help them deal with the pain and depression.

Furthermore, patients may also try out complementary pelvic pain treatment to help them cope up with the pain. Examples of these treatments include guided imagery, relaxation, biofeedback, hypnosis, acupuncture, counseling, and physical therapy.

Understanding the Causes of Simultaneous Pelvic Pain and Back Pain

There are several conditions that can bring about both pelvic pain and back pain. Organs that cause pelvic pain like the uterus, bladder, fallopian tubes, and cervix have nerves that are connected to the lumbar discs, ligaments, and muscles. Several neurologists think that the spinal cord mix up the pain signals when there is too much coming in, hence the brain of the individual experiencing it interpret it as both pelvic pain and back pain. This article will discuss a few conditions that can possibly cause both pelvic pain and back pain.

A condition that may result in to both pelvic pain and back pain is pelvic joint instability. This condition occurs during pregnancy or after childbirth. When a woman becomes pregnant, her body creates a hormone called relaxin which will loosen the usually immovable pelvic joint so that the baby can be delivered from inside the uterus. This condition severely restricts the woman�s movements as it makes it hard for her to walk. Women who have this condition are advised not to do heavy lifting or pushing, lunging, or climbing up stairs as they can make the pain worse.

Endemetriosis is also a possible condition that can bring about both pelvic pain and back pain. In this condition, the lining of the uterus grows outside of the uterus itself. The growth can attach to other organs like the ovaries, fallopian tubes, bladder, or intestines. These tissues do not get discarded during menstruation unlike when they in the uterus, which results in to a painful menstruation and sexual intercourse. Besides pelvic pain and back pain, the other symptoms of endemetriosis include premenstrual spotting, fever, headaches, painful defecation, bloating, diarrhea, long uncontrollable menstrual periods, chronic fatigue, and constipation.

A final example of a condition that can possibly cause both pelvic pain and back pain is kidney stones. Kidney stones are crystal aggregations produced in the kidneys from dissolved urinary by-products. When kidney stones become too big, they can obstruct the ureter and cause intense pain on a person. The other symptoms of kidney stones aside from pelvic pain and back pain are nausea, vomiting, bloody urine, pus in the urine, and reduced urinary volume.

Friday, December 3, 2010

What Are The Facts About Colon Cancer?

Around the world, colon cancer has been know as one of the huge cause of death, and it is only wise to be equipped with some of the colon cancer facts.

Colorectal cancer is a disease originating from the epithelial cells lining the colon or rectum of the GI tract . Some of these are acquired and some are inherited . More often than not, it takes a lot of time to cultivate and it gives us more time to detect it early to have a great large opportunity for treatment.

Colon cancer facts say that more than one-third of colorectal deaths could be prevented if people over 50 years old had regular screening tests .

One of the colon cancer facts also reveals that most cancer of this type begin as polyps (these are the growths on the inner wall of the colon or rectum) .

Because people who have polyps or colorectal cancers do not manifest the symptoms at the early stage, screening tests are vital for the treatment to work at its peak upon early findings.

Colon cancer facts include that colon cancer is one of the most curable cancers . Through screening test, pre-cancerous polyps can be removed before they turn into cancer .

One of the colon cancer facts is that the risk increases as we age and both genders are at risks .

Colon cancer facts explains that its cancer cells spread outside the colon or rectum, cancer cells are often found close to lymph nodes . And once they reached these nodes, they may have also spread to other lymph nodes and other vital organs in our body .

An ongoing infection in your body may be manifested by the unusual enlargement of lymph nodes.

Colon cancer facts count the cancer of this type to be not contagious . To use research as the basis, people with certain risk factors are more likely to develop this disease from others .

These are only some of the colon cancer facts . But there is no better way than consulting a doctor and undergo screening tests for you to determine if your colon cancer exists or not .

How to Prevent Colon Cancer?

From the large rate of mortality emerging from colon cancer disease, people have to pay attention of the preventive measure that would less likely cause a colon cancer.


In order for us to get ahead with the colon cancer, it is advisable to know some of the colon cancer prevention to give us the idea what to do in the right time .


One of the most basic part of colon cancer prevention is screening. You may decrease the probability of progressing into colon cancer by undergoing colonoscopy procedure if you think that you already have the signs of having polyps.


Screening test from colon cancer prevention consists Fecal Occult Blood Test, where stool samples are checked for signs of cancer and Flexible Sigmoidoscopy much more like the same for colonoscopy only that the viewing tube is shorter so the Doctor to only look at the last part of the colon .


There is also this Computed Tomographic Colonography as part of the colon cancer prevention, in which it makes a detailed picture of the colon to make the Doctor look for polyps .



With this diagnostic procedures, colon cancer prevention needs you to have self-discipline and help in your part. Smoking cessation, keeping an active lifestyle, and maintaining a healthy diet contributes to your health and decrease the occurence of other risk factors .


If you are having trouble over having the proper diet, a suggestion includes having five servings of vegetables, fruits, and whole grains a day or fiber, calcium and folic acid .


Decrease the intake of red meat, saturated fat and alcohol as much as possible . Include exercise in your daily routine for at least half an hour and reduce radiation exposure, this is also a part of the cause of developing colon cancer .


The concern for colon cancer disease made the society vulnerable, that it helped them research on introducing a vaccine that is designed to ramp up the immune system to recognize abnormalities and initiate attack .


Along with the awareness over this colon cancer prevention and precautions, setting up an appointment to your Doctor is still the best way to identify the colon cancer probability for you and your family.

The Way To Treat Your Colon Cancer

For the benefit of the patients who wants to have and early therapy decision as soon as possible, different treatments for colon cancer have been classified correspondingly

There are three standard treatments which includes surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy

The most common care is surgery colon cancer treatment . A Doctor will use Colonoscope procedure,(a thin tube-like instrument with a light and lens for viewing), it will not require the cutting of abdominal wall, instead, a tube is inserted into the rectum up to the colon and cut the cancer out, if the cancer has been found out at its early stage.

Resection of the primary tumor is still offered in order to reduce morbidity caused by tumor bleeding in case of multiple metastases (spread of cancer) .

Chemotherapy colon cancer treatment is one way to help kill the cancer cells . It is applied to reduce the tumor size, delay tumor growth and decrease the likelihood of metastasis development. It is regularly implemented after surgery, before surgery, and has been the options for many as primary treatment .

For patients who have received after surgery chemotherapy colon cancer treatment, they usually survived longer and go for extended periods of time without recurrence of colon cancer than patients who undergone the surgery alone .

Colon cancer treatment of this type use anti-cancer drug to kill cancer cells . It can be taken by mouth, or by inserting a needle into a vein or a muscle of the body . There is also a systemic type of chemotherapy where the drugs enter the bloodstream and kill cancer cells throughout the body .

Radiation therapy is the type of colon cancer treatment that is rarely used because of its complication to identify specific areas of the colon. This is applied to cure colon cancer pain as it targets metastatic tumor deposits and treat pain .

Being diagnosed with cancer results a huge change from the person's psychological being . With these therapies, support resources can be accessed from hospitals and other agencies that offer counseling and cancer support groups that will help the patient cope with his medical state to other part of his life .

Getting to Know The Symptoms of Colon Cancer

Colon Cancer is also named by the Medical Society as Colorectal Cancer or Large Bowel Cancer. It is known to be second-most common cancer death in the United States and third-leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the Western World .

The risk generally increases as adults get older . The importance of understanding the colon cancer symptoms will help you work with your Doctor on planning you long-term health plan because they are usually not obvious.

Rectal bleeding or pain, change in a regular habit, unexplained anemia, weight loss, bright red or dark red blood in the stools, and occurrence of abdominal pain are those that includes in the list of colon cancer symptoms .

A change in the bowel habit is the onset of diarrhea and constipation in the absence of another cause, and a feeling of incomplete defecation, or a reduction in the diameter of stool .

The increased presence of mucus comes with colon cancer, because of this, the passage of bright red stool in colon cancer symptoms may indicate lower gastrointestinal bleeding.

On the other hand, upper gastrointestinal bleeding brings out Melena or black tarry stools that is sometimes encountered in colon cancer when it is located at the beginning of the large bowel .

There is a possibility of the presence of tumor in colon cancer symptoms and if it cause chronic bleeding, iron deficiency anemia and weight loss will be manifested . This is reflected by fatigue, palpitation, pale appearance of the skin and decreased appetite .

The reduction in the diameter of the stool in colon cancer symptoms gives us an insight to what may be going on in our bowel . Thin or ribbon-like stools can indicate that there may be an obstruction or something that is blocking the stool .

Colon cancer follows you discreetly and have you alarmed if it already reached the critical stage.

Make an appointment with your Doctor right away if you experienced any of these colon cancer symptoms for any length of time to discuss your concerns and let them take your medical history, the necessary tests and schedule for a follow up to get to the bottom of your symptoms .

Colon Cancer Surgeries At A Glance

Colon cancer surgery is the most widespread treatment for colorectal cancer when its prevalence and treatments are out of control.

When we say surgery, it doesn't have to be seen as an aggressive approach . Colon cancer surgery is a local therapy that cures the cancer in the colon or rectum, and the area close to the tumor .

Larger cancer requires an incision into the abdomen to remove the tumor and part of the healthy colon or rectum while a small malignant polyp may be detached from the colon or upper rectum with the aid of a colonoscope.

When the lymph nodes are removed, the Doctor checks the rest of the intestines to see if the cancer has spread .

What are we expecting for a colon cancer surgery? . Colon cancer surgery is usually the major suggestion in rehabilitating colon cancer. It helps your Doctor analyze the degree of your disease .

One of the common types of colon cancer surgery is Colectomy . It includes removing a part of your colon and as many infected lymph nodes as possible . To make one long tube again, the colon is reattached .

Colostomy from colon cancer surgery is when the tumor is large enough and blocks your colon completely . In order for the surgeon to attach a bag for your stool to pass, Colectomy before Colostomy is done first and instead of reconnecting the ends of your colon, the surgeon will have an opening in your mid-section part of the abdomen.

It is prone to infection that is why colostomy needs to be looked after . You will be provided of training from the nurse on how to take care of it so you can do this on your own . It could be scary at first, but you'll get used to it over time .

The Doctor will determine what kind of colon cancer surgery is recommended for you . Before you decide over which, understand the risks, side effects and post-operation procedures to manage the timeframe of recovery for you . Follow them so to decrease post-op complications and speed up the healing process .

 
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