Genetic Testing Important

I know a few of my friends have undergone genetic testing while pregnant but I never had the need because I was never able to conceive (we have two adopted boys). For them, it was extremely important.

In the most recent years doctors have developed genetic testing so that tests can pinpoint missing or defective genes. The type of testing the doctor orders actually depends on the disease that a doctor may suspect.

In fact, when I saw my OBGYN today he suggested I genetic counseling and testing done. Counseling is different from testing in that a doctor will “counsel” you by evaluating your family history and medical records, order genetic tests, and help you reach decisions about results.

Testing is completed by analyzing samples of blood or body tissue. The testing determines whether you or your partner carry genetic disorders.

No, I am not pregnant but I may be carrying a colon cancer gene that links directly to endometrial cancer and breast cancer so it’s important that I seek genetic counseling.  I’m not worried about passing the gene on to my children BUT it would certainly be helpful for my brothers so know.

For more information on genetic testing About.com has some good information on the types of testing offered.

Actinic Keratosis Treatment

While in my health care provider’s office recently for a yearly checkup, he noticed some spots on my skin and sent me to a Dermatologist for a screening. I found that some spots I thought of as age spots were in reality Actinic Keratosis (AK).

Actinic Keratosis is seen most often found on the face or hands of both women and men, my lesions were found on my face. The lesions appear as dry, scaly, rough-textured patches or lesions that form on the outermost layer of the skin after years of exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light, such as sunlight and tanning beds. Lesions typically range in color from skin-toned to reddish brown and in size from that of a pinhead to larger than a quarter in some instances, another lesion will grow to resemble an animal horn and is called a “cutaneous horn.”

After the Dermatologist did a biopsy of my lesion, the results came back showing that the lesion was actually Actinic Keratosis and it was caught just in time to treat. After my scar healed, I was given a treatment called Efudex or Fluorouracil that was to be applied twice a day.

Fluorouracil is a chemotherapy drug (an "antimetabolite") that interferes with the formation of DNA and RNA, which are essential for cell division and growth. This inhibition results in the death of quickly growing cancerous cells, which absorb more fluorouracil than healthy cells.

The success rate of treating Basel cell carcinoma with fluorouracil is approximately 93%, based on a study of 113 lesions in 54 patients: Only 7 of 88 lesions weren’t treated successfully when treated with the cream. However, isolated, easily accessible Basal cell carcinomas should be treated with surgery, since success with such lesions is almost 100%. Unlike surgery, fluorouracil is not likely to leave scars or permanently discolor patches of skin.

As my treatment progresses I will post the outcome.

Actinic Keratosis is often found on those people 50 and older, the spots that are called age spots, which most of us have ignored for years should no longer be ignored. Make sure you bring any lesions or spots to your health care provider’s attention; this could save your life.

High Cholesterol The Causes

If you have high cholesterol you are not alone, there are approximately 100 million Americans that also suffer from this disease as well. High cholesterol comes from a variety of sources, including your family history and what you eat, the saying “you are what you eat",” in this case is so right.

Cholesterol is a waxy substance, which is produced by your liver; high cholesterol comes from eating certain foods, such as eggs and red meat. Cholesterol is a vital fat that circulates throughout your blood. Too much of the bad cholesterol, LDL raises your risk of heart disease, stroke, and other life threatening conditions. Low levels of the good cholesterol, HDL may also have the same effect.

Research has found that eating too much saturated fat can cause high cholesterol; this unhealthy fat is found in foods that come from animals. Beef, pork, veal, milk, eggs, butter, and cheese contain saturated fat. Packaged foods that contain coconut oil, palm oil, or cocoa butter may have a lot of saturated fat. You will also find saturated fat in stick margarine, vegetable shortening, and most cookies, crackers, chips, and other snacks. 

Some of the causes of high cholesterol are as follows:

When someone is over- weight it isn’t just bad for their social life it will also increase triglycerides and decrease HDL, or good cholesterol. Losing those unwanted pounds can go a long way toward improving your cholesterol level.

Get active the lack of physical activity may increase LDL, or bad cholesterol, and decrease HDL, or good cholesterol get off that couch and get moving something as easy as going for a daily walk will help.

Your age is a factor after someone reaches age 20; your cholesterol levels naturally begin to rise. In men, cholesterol levels generally level off after age 50. In women, cholesterol levels stay fairly low until menopause, after which they rise to about the same level as in men.

Your annual physical is the most important thing you can do to maintain good physical health. Ask you health care provider to explain your heart disease risk. Having certain diseases, such as diabetes or hypothyroidism, may cause high cholesterol.

If your family members have high cholesterol chances are that you will also. While talking to your health care provider be sure to make him aware of your family history.

Smoking can be deadly for example it can give you cancer, it can also lower your good cholesterol HDL as well as causing heart failure. Do yourself and your family a favor, stop smoking today.

 

ABC News Top Ten Medical Advances

From the start of the 21st century Medical and Research fields have advanced more than any time in history. Patient’s are being saved from death and find that they have a better quality of life more often than ever before.

Within the first decade of the 21st century there have been a number of discoveries, mistakes and medical advances that influenced medicine as we know it. These discoveries will affect patients from their bedside to their medicine cabinets for life.

These advances will change some of our deeply rooted beliefs in medicine, as well as opening up possibilities beyond what research and doctors thought were possible for years.

Patients suffering from diseases of the heart, cancer and other problems such as STD’s will all benefit from the amazing advances.

While watching ABC News, I was amazed at what had been accomplished in such a short period of time. With the world in so much turmoil it was refreshing to hear some good news; therefore I wanted to share it with you.

ABC News Top Ten Medical Advances: ABC News

Heart Healthy Brazil Nuts

With the holidays upon us we are all looking for healthy treats that will be enjoyed by everyone. One of the all time favorite treats for this time of year has to be (Brazil nuts). I remember as a child there was always a large dish of nuts on our holiday table.  Brazil nuts adorned my mother’s Christmas cakes as well as her cookies; little did we know that this treat was actually good for our hearts. If you are entertaining make sure to include some Brazil Nuts not only are they delicious they are also healthy.

When enjoying treats you should always remember to eat them in moderation, just 2 Brazil nuts a day can aid in your overall heart health.

Brazil nuts are the best way to add selenium to your daily diet they are also very tasty. A study carried out at the University of Otago in New Zealand shows us that eating just two Brazil nuts a day is even more effective in increasing selenium in your daily diet than taking supplements. Eating Brazil nuts can eliminate the need for high-selenium foods in the diet and you could avoid the fortification or supplements to improve selenium levels.   

It has been proven that (Selenium) is a trace mineral that is essential to good health but required only in small amounts. It is used in creating important antioxidant enzymes that help prevent cellular damage from free radicals. Research has proven that (Free radicals) are natural by-products of oxygen metabolism that are seen to contribute to the development of chronic diseases like cancer and heart disease. Patients with thyroid problems will be pleased to know that selenium is also critical for proper thyroid functioning, it also plays a large role in a healthier immune system.

When placing Brazil nuts in your families’ lunches for school and work, not only are you giving them a tasty treat you are also protecting their health from future chronic diseases.