Stomach cancer is common throughout the world and affects all races, it is more common in men than women, and has its peak age range between 40 and 60 years old. Mortality is higher in Japan and Chile, presumably because of the different diets in those countries where they are less dependent on red meat.

Over the last 25 years the incidence of this type of cancer in the western world has decreased by 50% and the resulting death rate is less than a third of what it used to be but in less developed countries it is still a major cause of death, probably because in these countries by the time the disease is diagnosed (usually by means of a Barium meal) the stomach cancer is at a very advanced stage.

TYPES OF STOMACH CANCER

There are several different types of stomach cancer, some of which are very rare. The most common types start in the glandular cells of the stomach lining (adenocarcinomas), this is where stomach acid and digestive enzymes are made, and where most cancers start. When the tumor becomes more advanced, it can travel through the bloodstream and spread to organs such as the liver, lungs, and bones. Cancers that start in the lymphatic tissue (lymphoma), in the stomach's muscular tissue (sarcoma) or in the tissues that support the organs of the digestive system (gastrointestinal stromal tumors) are less common and are treated in different ways.

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS
Early clues to stomach cancer are chronic dyspepsia and epigastric discomfort, followed in later stages by weight loss, anorexia, a feeling of fullness after eating, anemia and fatigue. Blood in the stools may also be present and if the Cancer is in the Cardia (top) vomiting may occur.

CAUSATION
The exact cause is unknown although the presence of the Helicopter pylori bacterium seems to be a major factor. Predisposing factors include environmental influences such as smoking and high alcohol intake. Because stomach cancer is more common amongst those with a family history and with people with type A blood, genetic factors are also implicated. Dietary factors, particularly methods of food preservation such as pickling, smoking or salting also have an influence on the prevalence.

DIAGNOSIS
Stomach cancer is diagnosed through an examination that may include an upper gastrointestinal (GI) series; endoscopy or gastroscopy where a thin flexible tube is passed down the throat so the doctor can see into the stomach, esophagus and upper part of the bowel Barium meals and Barium swallows. Because the cancer can spread to the liver, the pancreas, and other organs near the stomach as well as to the lungs, the doctor may order a CT scan, a PET scan, an endoscopic ultrasound exam, or other tests to check these areas.

The cancer can spread (metastasize) to the esophagus or the small intestine, and can extend through the stomach wall to nearby lymph nodes and organs. Metastasis occurs in 80-90% of individuals with stomach tumors, with a five year survival rate of 75% in those diagnosed in early stages and less than 30% of those diagnosed in late stages.

TREATMENT
Although the cancer may be treated with surgery, radiation therapy, or chemotherapy, in many cases surgery is the treatment of choice. Even in patients whose disease is not considered surgically curable, resection offers a palliative effect and improves potential benefits from chemotherapy.

The nature and extent of the cancer determines what kind of surgery is most appropriate. Common surgical procedures include, partial and total removal of the stomach.
Antiemetics can control nausea, which increases as the cancer advances. In the more advanced stages, sedatives and tranquilizers may be necessary to control anxiety. Narcotics are commonly necessary to control sever and unremitting pain.
In some cases of advanced stomach cancer, a laser beam directed through an endoscope can vaporize most of the tumor and relieve obstruction without an operation.

PROGNOSIS
Stomach cancer is curable if detected early, but most people don't seek medical help until the disease is quite advanced, possibly because symptoms occur late and are often vague and non-specific. Eating fresh fruits and vegetables that contain antioxidant vitamins (such as A and C) appears to lower the risk of stomach cancer. The rate of cancer is about doubled in smokers so the cessation of smoking is essential.

In the United States and most of the Western world, the 5-year survival rate ranges from 5-15%. In Japan, where stomach cancer often is diagnosed early, the 5 year survival rate is about 50%. Five year survival rates for more advanced stomach cancers range from, around 20% for those with regional disease to almost nil for those with distant metastases.

Treatment for metastatic stomach cancer can relieve symptoms and sometimes prolong survival, but long remissions are not common. The survival of inoperable stomach cancer is usually only a few months if untreated. With chemotherapy the average survival is about 12 months. If cancer is found before it has spread, the five-year relative survival rate is about 61%.

Stomach cancer is common throughout the world and affects all races, it is more common in men than women, and has its peak age range between 40 and 60 years old. Mortality is higher in Japan and Chile, presumably because of the different diets in those countries where they are less dependent on red meat.
Over the last 25 years the incidence of this type of cancer in the western world has decreased by 50% and the resulting death rate is less than a third of what it used to be but in less developed countries it is still a major cause of death, probably because in these countries by the time the disease is diagnosed (usually by means of a Barium meal) the stomach cancer is at a very advanced stage.
TYPES OF STOMACH CANCER
There are several different types of stomach cancer, some of which are very rare. The most common types start in the glandular cells of the stomach lining (adenocarcinomas), this is where stomach acid and digestive enzymes are made, and where most cancers start. When the tumor becomes more advanced, it can travel through the bloodstream and spread to organs such as the liver, lungs, and bones. Cancers that start in the lymphatic tissue (lymphoma), in the stomach's muscular tissue (sarcoma) or in the tissues that support the organs of the digestive system (gastrointestinal stromal tumors) are less common and are treated in different ways.
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS
Early clues to stomach cancer are chronic dyspepsia and epigastric discomfort, followed in later stages by weight loss, anorexia, a feeling of fullness after eating, anemia and fatigue. Blood in the stools may also be present and if the Cancer is in the Cardia (top) vomiting may occur.
CAUSATION
The exact cause is unknown although the presence of the Helicopter pylori bacterium seems to be a major factor. Predisposing factors include environmental influences such as smoking and high alcohol intake. Because stomach cancer is more common amongst those with a family history and with people with type A blood, genetic factors are also implicated. Dietary factors, particularly methods of food preservation such as pickling, smoking or salting also have an influence on the prevalence.
DIAGNOSIS
Stomach cancer is diagnosed through an examination that may include an upper gastrointestinal (GI) series; endoscopy or gastroscopy where a thin flexible tube is passed down the throat so the doctor can see into the stomach, esophagus and upper part of the bowel Barium meals and Barium swallows. Because the cancer can spread to the liver, the pancreas, and other organs near the stomach as well as to the lungs, the doctor may order a CT scan, a PET scan, an endoscopic ultrasound exam, or other tests to check these areas.
The cancer can spread (metastasize) to the esophagus or the small intestine, and can extend through the stomach wall to nearby lymph nodes and organs. Metastasis occurs in 80-90% of individuals with stomach tumors, with a five year survival rate of 75% in those diagnosed in early stages and less than 30% of those diagnosed in late stages.
TREATMENT
Although the cancer may be treated with surgery, radiation therapy, or chemotherapy, in many cases surgery is the treatment of choice. Even in patients whose disease is not considered surgically curable, resection offers a palliative effect and improves potential benefits from chemotherapy.
The nature and extent of the cancer determines what kind of surgery is most appropriate. Common surgical procedures include, partial and total removal of the stomach.
Antiemetics can control nausea, which increases as the cancer advances. In the more advanced stages, sedatives and tranquilizers may be necessary to control anxiety. Narcotics are commonly necessary to control sever and unremitting pain.
In some cases of advanced stomach cancer, a laser beam directed through an endoscope can vaporize most of the tumor and relieve obstruction without an operation.
PROGNOSIS
Stomach cancer is curable if detected early, but most people don't seek medical help until the disease is quite advanced, possibly because symptoms occur late and are often vague and non-specific. Eating fresh fruits and vegetables that contain antioxidant vitamins (such as A and C) appears to lower the risk of stomach cancer. The rate of cancer is about doubled in smokers so the cessation of smoking is essential.
In the United States and most of the Western world, the 5-year survival rate ranges from 5-15%. In Japan, where stomach cancer often is diagnosed early, the 5 year survival rate is about 50%. Five year survival rates for more advanced stomach cancers range from, around 20% for those with regional disease to almost nil for those with distant metastases.
Treatment for metastatic stomach cancer can relieve symptoms and sometimes prolong survival, but long remissions are not common. The survival of inoperable stomach cancer is usually only a few months if untreated. With chemotherapy the average survival is about 12 months. If cancer is found before it has spread, the five-year relative survival rate is about 61%.

By Dick Aronson

Tuberculosis arthritis is a form of arthritis that usually involves only one joint at a certain period although sometimes it may involve more than one joint. This usually spreads from a primary focal infection coming from the lungs or the lymph nodes. In most cases, there is a previous history of injury to the joint that occurred a few weeks earlier. The spine, ankle, elbow, hip, knee, shoulder and wrist are the joints most commonly affected with tuberculosis arthritis. This disease however is no longer as widespread as it was some generations ago. This disease used to be commonly caused by a type of germ coming from a bovine and transmitted by raw milk. The advent of milk pasteurization and tuberculin testing of dairy cows has minimized the occurrence of this type of arthritis.
During the early stages of tuberculosis arthritis, the joint involved usually emits less pain. The only noticeable symptom is swelling of the affected area without inflammation. One of the bones near the joint is usually the starting point of the infection. If the infection is left unchecked and untreated, the joint will likely be invaded and followed by an attack in the articular cartilage and finally permanent damage to the joint. The good news is, early treatment of the active tuberculosis can arrest the development of the disease at its initial stage before damage to the articular cartilage sets in. This could also mean restoration of the joint's normal activity. However, as a rule, tuberculosis arthritis continues until there is destruction of the joint tissues. Healing only occurs when there is already a stiffened permanent joint, where the joints finally bond together. The infection usually terminates itself after the damage is done and with no fatal outcome.
Tuberculosis arthritis comes with systemic symptoms similar to any forms of tuberculosis. These include a daily rise in body temperature, anemia and loss of weight, strength and appetite. This also exhibits local symptoms like pain upon pressure or motion and thickening or swelling of the joint tissues. The joint muscles may experience spasm causing limited motions. During the course of the infection, abscesses may develop. Pus is produced by these abscesses and can drain through an opening in the skin, abdominal cavity, chest cavity or the spinal canal. Usually a surgical intervention to drain the abscess is recommended.
A person suffering from tuberculosis arthritis can do the following:
1. He should seek professional and medical care since self treatment is practically useless in this type of arthritis. However, proper treatment by a competent medical professional may result positively especially if the treatment is initiated during the early stage of the disease.
2. Orthopedic devices can help put the affected joint at rest which is essential in reducing strain on the joint.
3. Tuberculosis arthritis can benefit from sunbathing especially done at high altitudes. In some early cases, complete healing can be attained through this regimen.
4. Many cases attain recovery and improvement through surgical intervention with the addition of some chemical remedies.
5. As with any other forms of tuberculosis, tuberculosis arthritis requires the same general program of diet given to patients suffering from other forms of tuberculosis.

By Michael Russell

You may not realize just how important your wrists are until one of them gets hurt. There are basically two types of wrist injury. One is acute, such as a sprain or a fracture. The other is overuse, caused by the repetitive motion of activities such as typing. The overuse injury that most often affects the wrists is tendinitis. People who use their hands a lot such as carpenters, computer operators, musicians can develop tendinitis if the tendons in their wrists are not strong and flexible enough. Overuse can also affect the ulnar nerve, which runs along pinkie side of the wrist and hand. And it can cause tissues in the wrist to swell and put pressure on the median nerve, leading to carpel tunnel syndrome. Both conditions can produce tingling, numbness, and pain in the fingers and hands as well as in the wrists. Here are some tips that you can consider to adopt to relieve wrist pain.

1. Build Some Muscles

You can prevent future wrist pain by strengthening the muscles in your forearms. It is recommended holding a 6-ounce can of tomato paste in each hand and flexing your wrists back and forth 15 to 20 times. Or you can simply squeeze a tennis ball in each hand. Squeeze the ball for 5 seconds and release, then repeat 12 to 15 times.

2. Ease Back Into It

A wrist that has been immobilized may become stiff from lack of use. Some gentle stretching can help restore flexibility. It is recommended pressing on a tabletop with the palm of your hand. Bend your wrist until you reach the angle of pain, then back off just a hair. By riding the edge of discomfort and stopping just before you feel pain, you are doing beneficial stretching. Hold this position or as long as you find comfortable, working up to 2 minutes. Repeat three to four times daily.

3. Treat It Gingerly

A compress made from ginger can draw out toxins and accelerate the healing process. To make the compress, simply boil some grated gingerroot, allow it to cool, place it in a moist washcloth, and lay the washcloth over your wrist. The washcloth should be as hot as you can tolerate. Leave it on for 15 to 20 minutes, and repeat every other hour.

4. Keep Still

For a more severe case of tendinitis, immobilizing the joint with an elastic wrist support may provide some relief. You will find these devices in drugstores and medical supply stores. It is recommended wearing one while you sleep, to prevent your wrist from twisting awkwardly as well as during your waking hours, when your wrist is in use. The support should keep your wrist in about 10-degree dorsiflex position. In other words, if your palm is facing downward, your wrist should be bent slightly upward.

5. Put It On The Rocks

Ice is a vasoconstrictor. That means it decreases the blood supply in your wrist, which helps reduce any swelling. It is recommended putting ice cubes in a plastic bag, wrapping the bag in a towel, and applying the pack to your wrist for about 20 minutes. Repeat the treatment four to six times a day.

6. Raise Your Hand

Elevation is not as crucial for an injured wrist as for an injured ankle or knee. Still, it can help keep any swelling down. Just be sure to prop your wrist so that it is above heart level.

7. Turn On The Heat

Once any swelling subsides, or if your wrist simply feels stiff and achy, heat can help. It is recommended to follow these instructions. Rub vinegar on your wrist, cover it with plastic, then apply a heating pad wrapped in a towel for about 20 minutes. You can repeat this treatment every hour as needed.

By Raymond Geok Seng Lee

You wince at the pain. You cry at the ache. You tremble at the torture. No, you are not pregnant (thank goodness guys!) but you are suffering from kidney stones. Did you know that women report kidney stone pain to be more torturous than childbirth? Can you say, "OUCH?" But you are suffering for NO reason!

And almost one in every 20 people will develop a kidney stone sometime in their life. And if the pain is not the worst part, you can actually be part of the millions who spend thousands of dollars on hospital visits, various treatments, harsh side-effect medication and surgery. And the best or worst news (depending if you have spent the thousands of dollars on kidney stone treatment or not), you can treat kidney stones naturally with a simple home remedy for kidney stones. In fact, the body can naturally pass your stones with no medication, no surgery and not using 2 months of your salary.

If you are a kidney stone sufferer, here are 10 remedies that could be the difference between misery and bliss. I hope your treatment starts in the next 2 minutes.

10 Remedies to Treat Kidney Stones Naturally

1. Water! Typically, kidney stones are caused by dehydration (not getting enough water). If you live in an area with hot, humid weather or where clean water is rare, your odds of getting kidney stones are tripled. Therefore, you must begin your natural treatment with drinking at least 10 tall glasses of water a day. A good tip is to compete against a friend or spouse. Who can drink the most water?

2. Distilled! If you live in a country with the option of distilled water, buy it! Distilled water is pure from any and everything including minerals that could aid in the formation of kidney stones. Distilled water is almost perfect for flushing your system and passing stones.

3. Citric Acid! Did you know that lemons are potent with citric acid? And citric acids and lemons have been known to dissolve hard materials, even stones. Add a lemon to your drinking water to spruce things up.

4. Play again! Get outside or in the gym and do a little exercise. There are thousands of reasons to exercise but besides feeling better about yourself, you can actually give your body a boast of overall health. And overall health includes flushing the kidneys.

5. Cranberry juice from concentrate! By drinking cranberry juice, you can maintain your urinary tract which will help prevent kidney stone formation.

6. Citrates! Citrates reduce the build up of uric acid and eliminate the build-up of calcium salts which cause the formation of kidney stones. To get an adequate amount of citrates, drink plenty of fruit and vegetable juices such as carrot, grape and orange juices.

7. Drink Soda! If you drink at least 10 glasses of water a day, then a daily soft drink could possibly prevent future kidney stones by dissolving the stones. A recent study proved this theory and a natural cure working in 2 hours will pass kidney stones in less than one day. Discover more at our website.

8. Sugar! High sugar intake is associated with increased risk of kidney stones. You can cut hundreds of calories and prevent future kidney stones by staying away from sugary drinks and foods.

9. Flush! No, not your toilet! But you need to flush your liver, kidney and gallbladder with a simple water-soluble fiber vegetable that has been labeled a miracle by my customers.

10. Believe! I know it sounds corny but you need to believe in yourself! We preach it to our kids but it is time you practice what you preach. If you are serous about treatment, start today!

What is your next move?

You might be thinking yourself, "These remedies seem too simple?" And they are but they are the beginning of an effective treatment because your miraculous body wants to heal itself. And these simple tips are the beginning of what your body needs.

By Joe Barton