Top 10 Myths About Multiple Sclerosis

Most of us know or know of someone with multiple sclerosis (MS), but how much do we really know about this illness? MS is an autoimmune disease that occurs when the body's immune system misfires against myelin, a fatty substance that insulates the nerve fibers of the brain, spinal cord, and optic nerves.

Approximately 400,000 people in the U.S. are living with MS, yet there are many misconceptions about the illness (and its prognosis).

Here we debunk the top 10 myths, and tell you what you can really expect if you, or someone you love, has been diagnosed with MS.

The facts: MS is not a death sentence. Life expectancy is normal or close to normal for most people with MS.

It is a life sentence, however, meaning that there is no cure—although there are plenty of treatments to slow MS down and reduce symptoms.

"Many people with MS live full, active lives," says Nancy L. Sicotte, M.D., director of the Multiple Sclerosis Program at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles. "We think of it as a chronic disease that can be managed, but there are a small percentage of people with severe MS who will die from complications."

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The facts: Most people with MS will never need a wheelchair or other assistive device to get around. "When patients come in after their diagnosis, they are usually devastated because they think it means they will be in a wheelchair in five years, but this is simply not true," Dr. Sicotte says.

Thanks to earlier detection and better treatments, you can't assume that you'd know someone has MS just by looking at them.

Everyone's MS follows the same path

The facts: This is not your neighbor's MS or your mother's or that celebrity you follow on TV. The truth is that no two cases of MS are ever alike. Some people have mild numbness in the limbs once in their lifetime, while others may develop severe paralysis or loss of vision. The course of MS is often unpredictable.

"You can't even look at family members who have MS to say that 'this is how my MS will behave,'"says Carrie Lyn Sammarco, of the Multiple Sclerosis Comprehensive Care Center at New York University Langone Medical Center in New York City."MS varies from person to person, and even within the person."

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The facts: MS is not a disease of aging. Most people with MS are diagnosed between the ages of 20 and 50. That said, young children, teens, and even seniors can also develop MS.

According to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, approximately 400,000 people in the U.S. have MS—and 200 more people are diagnosed every week.

The facts: Researchers can't say for sure that MS is on the rise. "We may be getting better at diagnosing it and there may be cases that we would not have diagnosed in the past due to the advent of MRI scans," says Dr. Sicotte.

We can say that the gap between women and men with MS is expanding. "We know women are diagnosed with MS more frequently than men, but the ratio is increasing," she says. "It used to be two women for every one man and now it is approaching four women to every one man!"

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Women with MS can't get pregnant

The facts: Like with some other autoimmune diseases, pregnancy may actually be a good thing for women with MS. "The majority of women with MS will go into remission during their third trimester of pregnancy," Dr. Sicotte says. There is even a growing body of evidence that pregnancy can lower a women's risk for ever developing MS in the first place.

One study of more than 700 Australian women showed that women with at least one child were about 50% less likely to develop MS than women without kids. The reduction was even greater for women with three or more children. Researchers don't know why this is, but they suspect that hormonal milieu of pregnancy may play a role.

Women with MS can't breast-feed

The facts: While MS often goes into a period of remission during pregnancy, many women will relapse after delivery. "If the disease was active before pregnancy, there is a higher risk for a relapse afterward," Dr. Sicotte says.

Some of the medications used to treat MS flares can't be taken while breast-feeding. It's best to discuss your risks and medication with your doctor, but some women can safely breast-feed with MS. Don't despair, adds NYU's Sammarco. "We can help develop a plan that allows most women with MS to breast-feed."

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The facts: "It is clearly an autoimmune disease," Dr. Sicotte says. Genes do play a role, but they are not the be all and end all. "If you do a detailed family history, there will likely be other cases of MS or autoimmunity in the family, but this is just part of the equation."

Risk for MS is about 10 times higher if you have a family member with MS, but environmental factors and possibly infectious agents may play a role in determining who develops MS and who doesn't.

People with MS should avoid the gym

The facts: "In the olden days, people were told that they should not exercise if they have MS," says Dr. Sicotte. But now we know that the benefits of exercise outweigh the risks for people with MS—unless they are experiencing a relapse. The tide changed in 1996 when researchers at the University of Utah showed that aerobic exercise improved many of the symptoms of MS including bladder and bowel function, fatigue, and depression.

Many other studies support these findings. Exercise can cause someone with MS to become overheated, which can trigger symptoms, but staying hydrated and balancing activities with rest can help people stay cool."Weight loss can help too if you are overweight" says Dr. Sicotte. "The less you have to move around, the easier it is to move."

The facts: Unfortunately, there is no cure for MS yet. That said, long-term remission is possible for many people. Some may never experience any further symptoms after they are diagnosed with MS, but evidence of progression can still pop up on new magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans of the brain.

"MRI changes occur 7-10 times more frequently than clinical activity," Dr. Sicotte says. The good news is that there are more MS treatments available today than ever before and advances with stem cell transplants and other cutting-edge technologies may one day represent a true cure for MS.

This article originally appeared on Health.com.

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What Should You Know About Cervical Cancer?

Cervical cancer is a malignant neoplasm arising from the cells originating in the cervix uteri. One of the most common symptoms of this type of it is abnormal vaginal bleeding, but sadly in some cases there might be no obvious symptoms until the it has progressed to the advanced stage. Treatment for this, is usually consists of surgery in early stages and chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy in more advanced stages of the disease.

What is cervix?

The cervix is the mouth of the uterus (womb) that is located at the back of the vagina; it's where a male sperm gets into make a baby and from where the baby comes out later. Cervical cancer is caused by an invisible virus - HPV (human papilloma virus) that is spread by having sex, similar to HIV and more than half of the women have it by the age of 35 years. Most men and women are not aware they have it, unless they get the kind that causes warts: like little bumps that may be seen or felt on their genitals. These warts are not cancer. The best way by which one can prevent this it is to have a Pap test

Pap test:

The most important factor for a woman is to have a regular Pap test done to prevent cancer of the cervix from ever occurring. Changes in the cervix are often caused by a virus called human papilloma virus (HPV). This HPV can lead to cervix cancer. Though Cervix cancer is rare in the country today because most of the women are aware and get a regular Pap test done for them. A Pap test helps medical professionals to find the early changes in the cervix cells that might lead to life threatening disease like cancer. It is done during the pelvic test, the result of the test may be found abnormal. With a Pap test, the medical professional takes a sample of cells from the cervix with the help of a swab or soft brush Cervix cancer is caused by a virus HPV.

HPV, is a short form for human papilloma virus. This virus can cause in the cervix. HPV is not the same as HIV. Most people who have ever had sex have had HPV at some time in their lives.

How HPV lead to cervix cancer?

HPV is spread through sex, and it can cause an infection in the cervix. The infection usually doesn't last long because your body because of its immune system is able to fight back the infection. If this HPV doesn't goes away, the virus may cause cervix cells to change into a pre-cancer cell. Pre-cancer cells are not cancer. Most cells with early pre-cancer changes returns to normal on their own. Sometimes, these pre-cancer cells may turn into cancer if they are not found and treated. Some women having a greater chance of getting cervix cancer if they: have HPV, and it body falls to incompetent in putting it away, have been infected with HIV and AIDS, excessive smoking may be some of the prime factors.

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7 Facts About Delivering With a Midwife

With all the talk about the Duchess of Cambridge planning for a “natural” birth of England’s future monarch, it’s a great opportunity to talk about the pros and cons of delivering with a midwife.

In England, many more women chose to have their births attended by a certified nurse midwife than we do here in the US.? After having the privilege of delivering more than 1,000 babies as a Board-certified Ob-Gyn, ?I have some tips for women who are considering this option.

From Kate’s pregnancy fashion to the odds on the name, click here for full coverage of the royal baby.

This is by no means a scientific or exhaustive discussion on the option of natural delivery or delivering with a midwife; it is simply a birds-eye view into the discussion that I would have with you if you were in my office or clinic.? I chose not to include statistics not because they?aren’t?important, but because 60 percent means nothing to you when it will be either 100 percent or zero percent for you personally.? We?aren’t?gambling or playing the odds here; we are considering what you as one pregnant woman may want to know before your labor and delivery train leaves the station!

My words here are meant to start the dialogue you may have with your health care provider, and also to give you some insight into my thoughts as an obstetrician and mother.? I hope it is helpful!

Delivering With a Midwife Does Not Necessarily Equal ‘Natural’ Childbirth

This is a myth that many people believe to be true.? I had the opportunity and great experience of working hand-in-hand with the best midwives in NYC for four years at Roosevelt Hospital, an affiliate of Columbia University College of Physicians & Surgeons. ?In fact, you can say that I was partially trained in the medical specialty of Obstetrics by midwives. I learned a tremendous amount from some of the best and most experienced certified nurse midwives in NYC.? (Thank you Barbara, Sandy, Jeannie and others!)

The fact is that many midwives can, will and do use the medication Pitocin, they use epidurals for pain relief, they use antibiotics when indicated and they recommend c-sections when necessary. The only procedure that midwives really cannot perform is a c-section.

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There are good midwives just as there are good obstetricians.? They key is finding one with a good reputation whom you trust.? Delivering in an environment that has the ability to rapidly respond to emergencies in minutes is also essential, in my opinion.? Using a midwife can mean having interventions just as delivering with an obstetrician can be done entirely naturally. Neither is an “all-or-none” situation. So, in many ways, in terms of the actual process of labor and delivery, midwives and obstetricians can do many of the same things.

Low-Risk Pregnancies Can Deliver With the Help of a Doctor or a Midwife

But delivering with a midwife is not recommended for high-risk pregnancies. ?The definition of high-risk can vary slightly so if you are not sure if you are considered high-risk, talk to your health care provider.? Some examples include breech presentations, placenta previa, serious maternal medical conditions, or a history of obstetric complications in prior pregnancies.

Discuss Your Wishes and Concerns With Your Provider, but Be Flexible

The vast majority of the time, labor and delivery proceed well and according to its own schedule, with little or no need for intervention.? Women were made for this!? However, childbirth, like parenthood, is a dynamic physiologic process and sometimes unanticipated issues arise. ?Just because childbirth is a natural process?doesn’t?mean that medical issues don’t occur. ?Being flexible and rolling with the punches is important physically as much as emotionally.? Remember the goal: healthy baby and healthy mommy.

There Are No Extra ‘Mommy Points’ for Delivering a Certain Way

There is so much pressure on women today: Pressure to look a certain way, pressure to act a certain way, and pressure to deliver their baby a certain way. ?We all need a reality check sometimes on the pressure that is put on us, and on the pressure we put on ourselves. ?Being a parent is hard enough, we don’t need to start the scrutiny at the moment we have our first contraction. Whether the baby comes out through the birth canal, through the abdomen, or through the ear (just kidding about the ear) does not matter.? It?doesn’t?make a woman any more or less of a woman or a mother by delivering a certain way.

Explore the Mind-Body Connection of Labor and Delivery

The feat of pregnancy and delivery continues to amaze and impress me.? The human body and female spirit is capable of incredible acts of strength and stoicism, and few things reflect that more than the process of having a baby.? Whether you are a royal mum or a regular mom, you can trust in your spirit, and in the natural strength of your body and its power.? A good way to start preparing for this fantastic experience is to explore the options of meditation, hypnosis or mind-body modeling.? These methods are safe and can be incredibly effective as a method of dealing with pain during labor. ?The only real risk is that they won’t be completely effective for you.? These methods include Lamaze, the Bradley Method, and various other forms of self-hypnosis. ?If you are considering this for your baby’s birth, I say, “Go for it!”

Minimal Intervention Does Not Mean No Supervision

Monitoring maternal and fetal vital signs during labor and delivery is important for both mommy and baby. ?Monitoring you and your baby intermittently versus continuously is an option.? Laboring and delivering in various positions is another option.? Being in different physical environments (a birthing center, a birthing tub or chair or a delivery bed) is yet another choice.? One of the most exciting deliveries I ever performed occurred in a birthing center with the mom on all-fours!?? There was no fancy equipment — just me, my patient and our nurse.? We had to rely on our knowledge, our judgment, our assessment and our communication with each other.

Everything turned out well, and my patient’s labor progressed smoothly. However, it’s important to remember that if there are signs that the baby or mom are not doing well, intervention is indicated to reduce the chances of serious complications to mother and baby.?? This may include anything from supplemental oxygen, to IV antibiotics, to various medications.? In addition, there is time to the course of labor for both first babies and subsequent deliveries.? When women deviate significantly from this ‘labor curve’ it can be a sign that the strength of the uterine contractions are insufficient and/or that the baby is not in the right position (or is too large) to navigate the maternal pelvis.?? Again, having trust in the medical professional who is attending your birth is key for understanding and dealing with these issues if they arise.

Get Ready for an Unbelievable Experience

Ideally, you will remember the events of your labor and delivery and actually enjoy the memories in the process.? It is your unique experience and no two deliveries are identical.? I try to liken the entire process to getting on a?roller coaster: there may be ups and downs, some parts may inch along slowly, other parts may pass in seconds.? You may scream, you may laugh, you may be afraid, you may be excited.? At the end, you may be eager to do it again, or you may say, “once is enough!” ?Whatever your opinions, they are yours to share with your baby.

Welcome to one of life’s greatest adventures. ?Enjoy it, baby!

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Facts About Stomach Cancer

Cells found in the deepest layer of the stomach are the place that the stomach cancer normally begins. The progress may get to the stomach wall over the years. It may even extend to the exterior layer and into the organs nearby including the intestine, pancreas and liver. There are regular treatments accessible to patients with this ailment. There are also substitute cancer remedies obtainable to them. They have the independence to choose whatever kinds of therapies they need.

Similar to other kinds of cancer, research has yet to establish the reasons for stomach cancer. Risk elements are known, however:

Location - If you reside in Japan, Eastern and Southern Europe, China, and Central and South America, you will probably carry this illness. But, if you live someplace in South Central Asia, Western and Northern Africa, and North America, your risk of obtaining this illness is reduced.

Aging - Individuals with ages 51 and up are a lot more prone to this type of disease. Individuals with stomach cancer were identified between the ages of over 60 and 80.

Obesity - Obese people are prone to have cancers of the cardia. However, there is no evidence to assist this case.

Type A Blood - Those who have Type A blood might have this form of cancer for reasons still unfamiliar to many.

Work - People who are employed in industries, for example metal, coal and rubber, are in danger of getting stomach cancer.

Sex - Stomach disease is common to men than women.

Diet - Dieters that consume fruits and vegetables, which are full of antioxidants, may not suffer from or have reduced risk of possessing sickness.

Ethnicity - Stomach cancer is most typical to Asian/Pacific Islanders in the United States. It is more common to African Americans and Hispanic Americans.

Tobacco Use - The degree of use of tobacco can be linked to the amount of risk to stomach cancer.

Other dangers consist of:

Helicobacter pylori infectionStomach lymphomaPernicious anemiaMenetrier illnessEpstein-Barr virus diseaseAnd other passed down cancer syndromes

An individual with stomach cancer encounters the subsequent symptoms:

Lack of desire to eatUpset stomachA feeling of swelling in the stomach immediately after eatingStomach sorenessModerate seasickness

Nevertheless, those with advanced ailment have problems with these:

Throwing up, whether or not it is blood or notWeight reduction without tryingA sense of pain and bloat in the belly after eating foodBlood in fecal materialFatigue or weakness

Alternative Treatments for Stomach Cancer

Alternative cancer remedies are available to individuals with stomach cancer. Most, if not completely, may not have the capability to eventually cure the medical problem but they at the very least offer comfort to patients as they lessen the symptoms, as well as negative effects of the standard therapies. These are, but not limited to, detoxing, acupuncture, relaxation, spiritual healing, therapeutic massage, vitamins, natural herbs and others. More often than not, individuals who endure this disease opt to blend standard treatments with alternate cures.

Before starting any alternative process, patients should seek advice first with their doctors to stop any problems with the health-related plans.

With research from American Cancer Society, WebMD and Med TV

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Four Significant Factors About Cancer of The Colorectal System

Don't take light, as there is nothing crazy about a illness that kills more than 50,000 People annually despite the fact that it is avoidable with analysis,but only about 64 % of Americans are up to date on examining, and even less Nevadans. In 2010, Nevada ranked 46th in being up to date in colon cancer screening among the 50 states and 47th in mortality from this disease.

Here are four significant factors about cancer of the colorectal system analyzing that everyone should take note of:

The first is to know that you have a choice other than colonoscopy for analyzing. Although a colonoscopy every 10 decades is the suggested choice for avoiding cancer of the stomach , a second appropriate choice is a annually waste FIT that assessments for occult blood. This $15-20 assess properly secured with insurance coverage and done in the privacy of your own house will identify 85 % colon cancers, hopefully at an beginning curable stage. Too many People basically will not have a colonoscopy. Although a colonoscopy is suggested, a stool FIT is far better than doing nothing and joining the ranks of the 50,000.The second is to know the importance of a family history. If anyone has a origins of cancer of the colon in a mom or dad, kid or sibling, particularly if that cancer happened before the age of 60, the chances of cancer of the colon can be 3-4 times higher than normal. Examining then should begin 10 decades before age of the youngest family member with cancer, or age 40, whatever is very first. Moreover, if that relative's cancer happened before age 60, analyzing should be done every five decades instead of 10.The third is the importance of a thorough bowel planning. Do not worry about it. Every colonoscopy needs a cleaning of the stomach to let recognition and removal of any little polyps present that could later become a cancerous. This cleansing is as essential as the process itself. Today's polyp hidden by a poor preparation, can be tomorrow's cancer.Bowel preparation are much more appropriate than they use to be. The amounts are decreased by 50 %, and the flavor is more delightful. Cleaning is best and the planning is better accepted if it is divided in sections, 50 % taken the night before and the other five hours before the process. Getting the preparation efficiently can be challenging, but the attempt can secure your lifestyle.It all is to talk about with your family about the value of analyzing. Each Valentine's Day, consider whether you and your loved ones are up to date in colon cancer screening. There is nothing more satisfying than a couple's colonoscopy during Colon Cancer Awareness Month.Vaileria is a professional editor and writer for more than two decades, published in national and regional newspapers and magazines.I have done master's degree in health journalism and has written extensively about colon health, colon nutrition , colon cancer, colon treatment, colon cancer screening , personal finance and other consumer topics. Rate this Article

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Vaileria Sed has published 3 articles. Article submitted on March 28, 2013. Word count: 453

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