Weekly Medical Tips

ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis) Also know as "Lou Gehrig's Disease" 

 Is a progressive neurodegenerative disease. It affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord. When the motor neurons die the brain no longer can send signals to control muscle movement. When this happens the person effected with ALS becomes paralyzed.

ALS Association. (2010). What is ALS? Retrieved August 26, 2011, from http://www.alsa.org/about-als/what-is-als.html

A recent breakthrough for what causes ALS is a broken down protein, which prevents the recycling of nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord. They can now test drugs to regulate the protein. This can possibly aid in also treating Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease. This study can be found in the journal of nature by Northwestern University Feinberg School Medicine researchers.

xtri.com (August 2011). Significant ALS Research Breakthrough! Retrieved August 26, 2011, from
http://www.xtri.com/features/detail/284-itemId.511712816.html

Weekly Medical Tips

A brain eating bacteria has been lurking in our fresh water swimming holes for years and this week has been the only time that it has been brought to the public's attention. In 2007, the bacteria killed 6 boys and a young man. The heat increases the growth of the bacteria. The bacteria is called Naegleria fowleri and has killed 23 people in the United States, from 1995 to 2004. More reports  of deaths from this bacteria have recently been reported. The bacteria killed three people this summer, a 16- year-old girl, 9 year-old boy and a 20 year old. All living in different places, one in Florida, Virginia and Louisiana. The  bacteria thrives in warm water and can be found in lakes, rivers  hot springs and soil. The bacteria enters the nose and goes to the brain and that is where it eats the brain away. It will kill the victim within 2 weeks. Prevention is to stay out of fresh water swimming areas or wear a nose plug. Naegleria is microscopic amoebas found in the bottom of lakes and in the mud and temperatures that reach 80 degrees F. Symptoms: headaches, fever, nausea, vomiting, stiff neck, confusion, lack of attention to people and surroundings, loss of balance and bodily control, seizures and halluncinations. 

msnbc.com. (September 28, 2007). 6 die from brain-eating amoeba after swimming. Retrieved August 19 2011, from http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21034344/ns/health-infectious_diseases/t/die-brain-eating-amoeba-after-swimming/#.Tk8MDeFBvfI

Gehibach S. ( June, 2011). Health officials warn of amoeba, bacteria dangers. my fox Orlando. Retrieved August , 19. 2011, from   http://www.myfoxorlando.com/dpp/health/061511-health-officials-warn-of-amoeba-dangers

Viegas, J. (August 18, 2011). Brain-Eating Amoeba Thrives In Warm, Fresh Water. DiscoveryNews.  Retrieved August 19, 2011, from http://news.discovery.com/human/brain-eating-amoeba-110818.html

Weekly Medical Tips

A great discovery in gene therapy a possible cure for certain cancers

A medical team from the University of Pennsylvania have possibly found a cure for leukemia. Three patients who were diagnosed with leukemia received treatment a year ago. Two of the treated are cancer free. Patient's T-cells are used to kill the leukemia cells.  They are a type of a white blood cell that keys the immune system. They are soldiers that defend cells that are "unknown, the invaders." The T-cells travel to the thymus gland in the neck and when they are completely developed into various types of T-cells. They become energetic in the immune system following a response to a hormone "thymosin." T-cells come in a variation and all their functions are unknown. T-cells can produce cytokines and interleukins that stimulate the immune response. T-cells activation measures the health of HIV/AIDS patients. The "T" in "T-cells" stands for thymus were they mature. 

 CBS Philly. (August 10, 2011). Penn Team Develops Gene Therapy Breakthrough In Fighting leukemia. Retrieved August 12, 2011, from http://philadelphia.cbslocal.com/2011/08/10/upenn-team-develops-gene-therapy-breakthrough-in-fighting-leukemia/

Medicine Net.com. (April 27, 2011). Definition of T cell. Retrieved August 12, 2011, from http://www.medterms.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=11300

Weekly Medical Tips

The secrets of staying young According to Dr. Howard Murad the skin Guru

 *   Smoking and pollution can damage skin.
  *  The way you sleep can cause temporary lines to develop 
       on the face.   
    *  Dehydration
   *   Botox

Remedying the problems 

     *  Use products with Retin-A and glycolic peels, 
          vitamin C,  vitamin E.

     *   Don't forget to apply these on the chest and neck area.

     *   Botox can cause a ripple effect, due to the paralyzing of

           the skin.
      *   How to stay hydrated? Receive your water from raw
          fruits and vegetables because they have  
          anti-oxidants. 
      *   Ruffage can help cells to absorb water than if you
          drank a glass of water.  


 http://losangeles.cbslocal.com/2011/08/05/skin-guru-dr-murad-reveals-what-lifestyle-choices-cause-wrinkles/