Diagnosing Breast Cancer

There are usually quite a lot of steps involved in diagnosing breast cancer which includes an assessment of the woman’s breast, ulrasonography, mammography and biopsy. A biopsy is the best way that breast cancer can be diagnosed, as all the other tests have a flaw to a certain degree.
A patient undergoes a breast examination which consists first of all of a visual inspection followed by a palpation of the breasts, the areas around her collarbone and her armpits. Throughout this assessment, the doctor palpates for lumps and thickening in the tissue in all of these areas.
Mammograms are basically x-rays of the breast which help to define what a lump is. Usually the doctor can tell from examining the patients mammogram results whether a lump which has been discovered in the breast is breast cancer or a benign cyst. However as no test is 100% reliable doctors usually like to do back up tests as mammograms alone are thought to miss up to 10-15% of breast cancers.
Mammograms can often provide a false-positive result suggesting a malignancy where no malignancy is later found on a biopsy. There is the possibility of false negative mammogram results where the findings appear negative when in fact a cancer is present.
A mammogram may not be adequate to assess a lump and your doctor may arrange supplementary tests. All lumps found in the breast should be defined as benign or malignant. There should be no room for error.
Your doctor may decide to perform an ultrasound in addition to your mammogram. An ultrasound consists of waves that create a picture of the breast. These then show whether the mass/lump is filled with fluid which would indicate a cyst, or whether they are solid.
Cancerous lumps are usually solid lumps, Ultrasound technology can be used as a biopsy or for the removal of fluid.
The only authoritative way to make a diagnosis of breast cancer with absolute certainty is to biopsy the tissue which is causing concern. A biopsy is done by removing a small sample of tissue via a very fine needle from the suspect area. There are a number of biopsy techniques which can be used.
One biopsy procedure is called a Fine needle aspiration. This involves placing a needle into the breast tissue and extracting a certain amount of cells which can then be examined by a pathologist. This technique is usually used when a mass is identified as a cyst and is not likely to be cancer.
Core needle biopsy is another type of biopsy using fine needles. It consists of a unique needle which extracts a small piece of tissue which can be examined for suspect cells. This test is usually used in conjunction with ultrasound or mammogram.
If the mass can be easily felt by the doctor he may remove the cells using a needle without any extra control. This method is less invasive and patients find it more comfortable so it is being used more frequently by surgeons. It also provides a sample of tissue for testing rather than having to remove the entire lump.

Aromatherapy and Pets: Flea Repellant

Aromatherapy is the art and science of using scent to stimulate the mind and emotions. Many plants and herbs that are used in Aromatherapy also have medicinally value. Thousands of years ago, many “medicines” were comprised of these herbal remedies and their various combinations together. These treatments were not only used to treat human ailments but were also used in the early forms of veterinarian care. Today, many people have neglected the value of many herbal remedies when it comes to the care of their pets.

After the industrial revolution and as science and knowledge had become more prevalent, the door was opened to using prepared commercial products for treating ailments, for both animal and human alike. Today, pharmaceutical companies abound and when there is any ailment, one looks for a “prescription” as a cure for all. Unfortunately, many people and pets are suffering from an over use of “prescription” medications. The body isn’t allowed to build up its own defenses in fighting off many germs, bacteria, and viruses and becomes dependent upon antibiotics. Now, many strains are becoming antibiotic resistant and the result is disastrous. Prescription medication does have its place in health and healing, but it should be reserved for the last resort, not the first choice to combat illness.

Herbs still hold great value in treating various conditions today. Many herbs range in their inherent properties and are useful as antiseptics, germicides, for purifying the bloodstream, as sedatives, stimulants and a host of more wonderful and beneficial properties.

Pets also, can greatly benefit from many of the benefits found in natural herbs and plants.
In fact, many of the plants that are beneficial to humans provide the same results in animals. This wasn’t news to our grandparents and their grandparents however. What is now deemed as “old wives tales” or “folk remedies” at one time served as the only physician or medicine available.

Parasitic insects such as fleas and ticks cause many of the ailments that plague pets. It is very important to realize how devastating these creatures are to the health of your pet. Powders, sprays, shampoo and conditioners, and collars are all used in an attempt to destroy these pests. Sprays are used to kill them in your pets sleeping area, however using chemicals may actually pose a hazard to your pet. Studies continually show that many of the remedies are in fact harmful to your pet. You should choose any commercial product carefully, and make sure that you read the safety instructions thoroughly before applying any product to your pet.

Often times pets can develop skin conditions such as rashes, or fungal infections. The same herbs that are effective in treating these conditions are suitable for use in your pet. Some examples of herbs that are effective on the skin include Black Walnut, Garlic, Echinacea, Barberry, Juniper, Saw Palmetto, Myrrh, Thyme, Plantain, Rosemary, and Goldenseal.

A wonderful herb that you should always have on hand for your pets is Tea Tree. Tea Tree is an antiseptic, anti fungal, and is powerful in aiding healing in wounds, cuts, and prevents infection. Lemon Tea Tree is a natural insect repellant and may be applied directly to your pet without fear of any harm.

Cellulite Myths

Cellulite is not a medical condition. The word is a non-medical term that describes the puckering and bumpiness of skin caused by underlying fat cells trapped beneath connective tissue. It therefore follows that cellulite is not medically harmful and it does not cause any known health problems.

Cellulite is not an affliction of the obese – in fact skinny people will be more aware of cellulite as their lack of body fat will make what cellulite they have far more visible.

Dieting does not cure cellulite – in fact it can appear to make the problem worse.

In a society that values looks above personality and contribution, cellulite is seen as a condition that in some way lessens the value of those that have it. The same goes for any condition that affects the looks of an individual such as visible birthmarks, freckles, acne or burn scars. This can cause enormous emotional and mental suffering to anyone who has a significant cellulite problem

There is not a great deal that can be done about cellulite. Whilst aerobic exercise and weight training help to keep the muscles and tissues toned the biggest benefit is in the increased circulation which carries more oxygen to affected areas, allowing the fat to be metabolised into useful energy. This increased circulation will also assist to carry away the by-products of energy production, or toxins, preventing them from lodging beneath the connective tissue.

Nutrition plays a part in just about every condition of the body and for cellulite it is important to enjoy a diet that is rich in water and good quality nutrients. Good nutrition will not cure the cellulite problem but it will help to prevent it getting any worse.

Whilst diet and exercise may not be able to directly remove cellulite attention to both activities can lead to an increase in levels of self esteem. Those who value themselves and the contribution they are able to make to their families, friends and environment are much less likely to be overly bothered by cellulite.

Many of the products on the market to combat cellulite have no real scientific studies proving the claims being made. As with all conditions affecting the human body, there are a lot of individual circumstances and sensitivities to be accounted for and where one product may offer results for one individual it may fail another. Rigorous scientific testing is not carried out because it is both expensive and time consuming and the cynical may even say that some manufacturers may resist such testing as they are fearful of the results.

There is no single cause of or cure for cellulite which makes it very difficult to treat. A lot depends on the individual’s metabolism and their body type.

Anyone seeking a treatment for cellulite should seek more evidence than the manufacturers promise on the product label. There is no medical reason to treat cellulite only an aesthetic need. Whilst the appearance of cellulite may be reduced it is unlikely that the condition can be completely eliminated

Causes of Breast Cancer

There is currently a lot of interest and research linking genetics and breast cancer. The abnormal gene, BRCA1 when inherited increases the risk of developing breast cancer to almost 85%. Those women who have this abnormal gene also have an increased risk of developing ovarian cancer. The BRACA1 gene increases the risk for a woman to develop breast cancer at an early age.
Another abnormal gene, BRACA2 increases the risk of a woman developing breast cancer, although this does not include ovarian cancer. It is very expensive to test for these genes and most medical insurances do not cover the cost. Those women who test positive will also find difficulties obtaining medical insurance. Those who wish to be tested should discuss their options with their doctor as the issues around testing are very complicated.
There are also other influences that can affect the development of breast cancer. Those women who begin their menstrual periods at an early age or have a late menopause have a greater chance of developing breast cancer. Having an early menopause or being older at the first menstrual period can protect one from breast cancer.
Bearing a child before the age of 30 years can reduce the risk of breast cancer, and unfortunately statistics show those women who have not had any children are more likely to develop it. So far oral contraceptives have not proved to increase or decrease a woman’s chance of developing breast cancer.
Following extensive research, it has been found there is an increase in the risk of developing breast cancer in postmenopausal women who have been on a combination of estrogen and progesterone replacements for several years. It is therefore important to discuss the pros and cons with a medical professional if you are considering any kind of hormone therapy.
Diet can also play a role in the risk factor of breast cancer as it seems to occur more frequently in those countries that have a higher intake of fat. It is thought that this is due to an environmental influence rather than being genetic. A good example to illustrate this is in Japan.
Japanese women are at a low breast cancer risk whilst they are in Japan but their risk increases once they begin to reside in the United States where their environment and diet tends to differ.
However, studies so far, which have compared groups of women with high and low fat diets, have failed to show a difference in the rates of developing breast cancer.
Breast changes such as fibrocystic are very common. Breast that are fibrocystic are lumpy with thickened tissue and cause discomfort, particularly before a menstrual period. It is important to note however this condition does not lead to breast cancer.
There are certain types of benign changes in the breast such as proliferative or hyperplastic, which are diagnosed via biopsy that predispose women to later development of breast cancer. These women should have regular breast examinations.
There are other factors which can cause breast cancer such as radiation treatment. Although radiation can increase the development of breast cancer, this is only following a long delay, such as 15 years.

Aromatherapy and Joy, Peace, and Happiness

In today’s society, many people are living lives without joy, peace, or happiness. Depression, anxiety, and fear have become the norm and out of lack of fulfillment, people are turning to unhealthy addictions to fill the pain that lies within. Depression has become the standard and people are being prescribed anti depressants on a daily basis. If you are depressed it is important that you do whatever it takes to find meaning, purpose, and joy in your life once again. If you are already on a course of inner healing through various therapeutic practices, it is important that you dedicate yourself to working hard at your recovery. Psychiatry offers many alternatives for those who need to escape the sadness, gloom, and despair that they are faced with. However, some people do not feel comfortable taking medications and look for alternatives that are natural and healthy. This is where Aromatherapy has shown to be very helpful in this area.

There is a delicate balance between the body, mind, and spirit and like delicate threads that have been gently woven; it doesn’t take much pull to break one of the threads. When pressures from life pull on the body, mind, emotions, and spirit those threads begin to bend under the heavy weight. If you notice that you are losing your sense of joy and peace then you need to take immediate action to counteract the negative effects of depression, whether or not you decide to seek treatment with a psychiatrist. Depression is a serious illness and it must be treated immediately.

Sometimes the loss of excitement for life may be triggered by certain changes in one’s life. These may include a new job or loss of one, a death by someone close to you, divorce, stress, financial problems, or ill physical health. The depression may also be hormonal related and may be attributed to issues such as menopause or child. These facts may be the very root of what is causing the sudden loss of interest in life.

It is also important to realize that sometimes seasonal changes can affect your body, mind, and emotions. If this is the situation, than along with Aromatherapy, you may need to add light therapy to your course of treatment.

Aromatherapy can lift your mood and help restore a sense of joy and happiness to your senses. The power of scent is strong and by combining Aromatherapy with herbal essential oils, you can also use herbs that are recommended for treating specific physical symptoms of depression, while benefiting from the richly aromatic Aromatherapy.

You should also watch children and the elderly for signs of depression. Often when children become depressed, concerned parents rest on the false notion that it is simply a fad, and that the will grow out of it. This simply isn’t so. Both children and the elderly need to be safeguarded against depression.

One way to combat the effects of depression, fear, and anxiety is to create a wonderful Joy, Peace, and Happiness aroma. By combining the essential oils: Orange, Bergamot, and Ylang Ylang you will an instant pick me up that will boost your senses, as well as your spirit.

Why Snoring Can be Dangerous

Snoring is always portrayed as a harmless, silly trait for a person to have. However, few know that there are many hidden dangers in what can seem to be an innocent snore. Snoring is your body’s method of letting you know that it is having trouble getting the oxygen it needs to carry out its basic functions. Also, snoring can mask a greater problem known as obstructive sleep apnea, or OSA.

Obstructive sleep apnea occurs when a snoring condition gets so bad that total blockage occurs in the airway. When this happens, the person is unable to get oxygen, and the body is unable to get any in for over 10 seconds. This can cause the person to wake up in the middle of the night a sweat, wake up gasping for air, or wake up choking. People with sleep apnea often wake up the next morning with sore throats or headaches. This is due to the lack of oxygen that your body is getting. On top of that, the numerous times you wake up in the middle of the night really do damage to your sleep patterns.

Sleep apnea causes a lack of REM sleep, which can result in grogginess and a lack of concentration the next day. Your body is basically not getting the required rest that it needs, because it is too busy being worried about getting oxygen. This can translate to poor performance at work or school, difficulty concentrating on simple tasks, and a general state of irritability that can cause irreparable damage to both your social life and your job.

In addition to the short-term affects of being afflicted with sleep apnea, if the syndrome is left untreated, the sufferer bears a greater risk of heart attack and stroke. Also, significant weight gain can occur during an OSA affliction. Higher blood pressure is often found in people with OSA, as well as a lower blood-oxygen level. This forces the heart to work harder, and can result in such long-term problems as an enlarged heart.

Fortunately, there are ways of helping obstructive sleep apnea. For mild sufferers, simple snoring cures such as not sleeping on your back and losing weight can help to cure sleep apnea. However, for the more moderate to severe apnea sufferers, a process known as Continuous Positive Airway Pressure, or CPAP, can remedy the problem. It involves a nose mask that delivers air up through the nose, clearing the way for unobstructed air flow. Surgery is also a possible cure for severe sleep apnea, but is only administered after CPAP treatment fails.

So, as you can see, snoring is a problem that you shouldn’t take sitting (or laying) down. Find out if your condition meets the symptoms of sleep apnea, and even if they don’t, do your best to clear your snoring problem so that it does not debilitate into apnea.
Research the common reasons for a snoring condition, and see which of them sound like they fit you the most. Then, search out the proper treatments for these reasons.

Aromatherapy’s First Aid Kit

Every good mother understands the importance of carrying a first aid kit. You never know when your child may fall down, scrape their knee, or need an antiseptic. The importance of antiseptics and health is prevalent in our society. Products from kitchen cleaners to body scrubs contain antiseptic and germ killing properties. The number one rule of health is hand washing, and this is still the number one way to fight illness and disease. Hand washing is important after using the restroom, handling meat and other items in the kitchen, and when taking care of or in close association with other people.

Killing germs, bacteria, and virus is very important to preventing the spread of sicknesses such as Staph, Strep, and viruses. Before there was Clorox and Lysol, many people relied upon the use of natural plants and herbs for their antiseptic properties. These plants and herbs are just as effective today in treating germs and killing them, as they were hundreds of years ago. Some of the most common herbs that have natural antiseptic properties include: Barberry, Beth Root, Black Walnut, Buchu, Echinacea, Garlic, Goldenseal, Chaparral, Juniper Berry, Myrrh, Nettle, Plantain, Rosemary, White Oak, Thyme, Saw Palmetto, and Oregon Grape Root. These herbs also have natural antibiotic properties as well. These herbs help prevent the growth and spread of viruses, bacteria, and germs.

Bacteria grow in a moist environment. This is why when your child gets a cut or a scrape, the body is now open and has created the perfect environment for bacterial growth. By applying an antiseptic solution to the wound immediately will help prevent the growth of bacteria. Bacteria will also grow in places such as your kitchen counter, sink, and even your kitchen sponge. That is why it is important that you consistently use antibacterial and antiseptic products in your home.

Some of the most common antiseptics that are used today in a variety of products include alcohol, benzalkonim chloride (a common skin disinfectant), boric acid, hydrogen peroxide, iodine, phenol, sodium chloride, and sodium hypochlorite. Along with these chemical solutions, you can create many of your own herbal remedies that have just as many antiseptic properties by using the plants that are known to be effective germ fighters. Many of the natural antiseptics may be used to treat conditions such as mouth sores, gingivitis, wound and cut cleaning, yeast infections, and for disinfecting the house.

Aromatherapy is a powerfully effective tool that can assist you in your germ killing fight. You can create your own healthy sprays and disinfectants. You can also burn aromatherapy candles that have natural antiseptic properties. There are also many herbs that are natural insect repellants. You can make air fresheners with the oils of plants that will repel insects. These aromatic sprays are much more then air fresheners they are disinfectants, germ killers, and insect repellants.

You can make your own portable first aid antiseptic kit that you can carry in your purse. This is the perfect remedy for treating cuts and wounds when you are out and about and may not have immediate access to soap, water, and other disinfectants. To make your own first aid kit, use antiseptic Lavender, Manuka, and Tea Tree. Tea Tree is one of the most powerful antiseptic herbs. It grows in Australia and is an excellent antibiotic and antiseptic.

Stop Eating from Emotion

There are several reasons why one may decide to eat. Unfortunately, not all of these are for nutrition, balance or keeping a healthy diet. If you have found that you like to eat for several reasons, then it is time to fix the problem. One of the main reasons why you may find yourself eating is from emotion. If this is a problem, then there are several ways that you can stop eating from this type of inner response.

There are several characteristics that are involved with emotional eating. If you don’t recognize these, it can lead to you continuing to gain weight or not being able to have a balanced and nutritious lifestyle. An emotional eater will often eat if they feel angry, depressed or stressed out. Boredom is also a cause for overeating. These will only begin the process of beginning to eat food out of emotion.

Beyond this, are also other factors that are related to emotional eating. For example, one who eats from emotion will often times head straight for the refrigerator after they come home from work. It may also be observed that it is hard to talk about emotions openly with others. Instead, the food takes place of talking.

The first thing to do if you believe that you have an emotional eating problem is to identify which emotions are causing this problem. You can monitor your behaviors as well as notice when you are eating. There are several different characteristics that you can follow and evaluate in order to determine whether you have an emotional eating problem. Usually, this can be recognized by noticing when you eat and how much you eat. If you eat when you are not hungry, eat quickly, or eat instead of responding to something that is stressful, you could likely have an emotional eating problem.

From here, you can begin to solve the problem. If you notice when you are eating, move away from the food areas. You can go into an area until you calm down and allow your emotions to slow down. You can also begin breaking habits, such as eating when you get home from work. By recognizing your patterns, then allowing yourself to break them, it will help you in being able to stop eating from emotion.

Another thing that you can do is to check out different sources that provide help. There is advice to help you in moving past emotions and beginning to express them effectively. Finding the right type of help, once you have recognized that you have a problem will allow you to take major steps to recover from your emotional eating problem.

Emotional eating problems are a common problem among several kinds of people. If you feel that you have an eating problem, then it is important to begin solving it. This can help you to eat healthier, more balanced and to lose weight. Recognizing the problem is a major key in beginning to move past your eating problem.

About Yoga

The word ‘yoga’ is taken from the Sanskrit word ‘Yuga’ which means ‘to join.’ Yoga aims for the perfect union of the body, mind and spirit by a system of posture, breath control, meditation, sounds and many more practices.
Yoga classes are generally longer than other exercise classes as they typically last around two to three hours. During a yoga session, your teacher will guide you through a series of moves and you will find many for the yoga positions have simple names such as ‘the plank,’ ‘the cat,’ or ‘the warrior.’
Yoga, in comparison to other classes you may have tried, is based on precision and many spend large amounts of their time getting the positions perfect.
Many yoga teachers use specific terminology during their sessions. You may feel overwhelmed at first with terms such as asana, pratyahara or pranayama. Don’t let these put you off because it is not vital to learn and master all yoga terminology.
Yoga has many benefits, the main benefit being an increase in suppleness. It aims to increase the muscle and tendon flexibility, thus decreasing your risk of njuries. Yoga does not increase your aerobic fitness; apart from ‘astanga yoga’ so it is recommended you combine yoga sessions with aerobic type exercises. Brisk walking or jogging are good examples. Yoga’s prime aim is to control breathing and meditation for stress reduction.
There are many types of yoga available and although no type of yoga is particularly harder, it is advisable to check how experienced your class is before you join. There are usually beginner’s classes available.
Here are some examples of the types of yoga available:
Hatha Yoga
‘Hatha’ is an overall term for the physical part of yoga. Hatha covers most types of yoga and a class known as Hatha Yooga is generally balanced and moderately intense. Posture and breathing exercises will be practised.
Iyengar Yoga
This is also a Hatha Yoga style, focusing on how to understand the body and how the body works. Those practicing this type of yoga focus on symmetry and alignment sometimes using props, such as wooden blocks, straps to achieve their postures. Students hold each post for a longer amount of time than other types of yoga.
Astanga Yoga
Astanga Yoga is a physically demanding workout. It involves a fast paced series of poses that is sequential beginning with sun salutations. Astanga Yoga students use postures in a continual flow linking their movements from breath to breath. This type of yoga is physically demanding and was developed to build their strength, stamina and flexibility. Those who wish to embark on this type of yoga would fit it easier if they are physically fit.

Aromatherapy Antiseptic Remedies

Bacteria, viruses, and mold can plague our bodies, our houses, the outdoors, our clothes, and work their way through any opening they can find. Whether it is a cut in the skin, or a spot left on a wall, nothing can prevent these substances from occurring, but we can stop them in their tracks, as soon as they begin to form.

Antiseptic remedies and treatments are a very important part of the overall health of our society. Yet, there are many people who prefer more organic and gentle treatments to harsh chemicals and medicines when it comes to combating these forces. When it comes to cleaning the house, bleach, ammonia, and chemical sprays such as Lysol promise to kill mold, germs, bacteria, and viruses. Some however do not appreciate the fumes left behind from these chemical cleaners.

There are many natural and organic plants and herbs that have intrinsic antiseptic properties that are suitable for cleaning homes as well as for preventing infection in minor cuts and wounds. These herbal remedies were used well before the industrial revolution and are just as effective today.

When combining aromatherapy with the benefits of antiseptic remedies we serve a double purpose. Aromatherapy can release the benefits of antiseptic remedies into the air, where they are released to cleanse the air. They can also be used to repel insects naturally and organically. Some methods of aromatherapy include bathing, and infusions such as soaking the hands and feet, or inhalation methods such as vaporizers. You can also use aromatherapy candles. These candles are made with essential oils and may be made out of organic wax such as Soy.
For skin that is infected, or has eruptions, soaking in an aromatherapy bath can provide great relief as well as results. You can create an aromatherapy bath by adding a few drops of your specified essential oil directly into the bath water, or by using fresh herbs, crushed seeds, or roots which have been added to a muslin or mesh bag. These can be infused into the bath water. Whichever method you prefer, make sure that the water is hot and that you soak for at least 20-30 minutes. Keeping the bathroom door closed will allow the steam to remain in the room adding greater benefits to your aromatherapy bath.

Try burning aromatherapy candles as you soak in your bath as well. Dim the lights, or turn them off completely and just relax with the illuminating glow of your fragrant healing candles.

Some of the most effective antiseptic essential oils include: Bergamot, Arnica, Arrowroot, Benzoin Gum, Camphor, Clove, Echinacea, Barberry, Myrrh, and Rosemary. Before adding essential oils to bath water, make sure that they won’t cause skin irritation. If your skin can handle it, Garlic oil is highly antiseptic and cleansing but if you find it too harsh for topical application, take it either raw or in capsule form for internal healing as well.

Burning antiseptic candles will bring freshness to your home. Look for candles that contain Clove, Myrrh, Frankincense, or Rosemary for a wonderful refreshing treat. Citrus-based candles will also bring antiseptic properties as well as leave a marvelous scent behind, consider orange, tangerine, grapefruit, lemon, or lime.