The main causes of liver damage are:

1. Sleeping too late and waking up too late are main cause.
2. Not urinating in the morning.
3. Too much eating.
4. Skipping breakfast.
5. Consuming too much medication.
6. Consuming too much preservatives, additives, food coloring, and artificial sweetener.
7. Consuming unhealthy cooking oil. As much as possible reduce cooking oil use when frying, which includes even the best cooking oils like olive oil. Do not consume fried foods when you are tired, except if the body is very fit.
8. Consuming raw (overly done) foods also add to the burden of liver. Veggies should be eaten raw or cooked 3-5 parts. Fried veggies should be finished in one sitting, do not store.
We should prevent this without necessarily spending more. We just have to adopt a good daily lifestyle and eating habits. Maintaining good eating habits and time condition are very important for our bodies to absorb and get rid of unnecessary chemicals according to 'schedule.'

The main causes of liver damage are:

The main causes of liver damage are:

1. Sleeping too late and waking up too late are main cause.
2. Not urinating in the morning.
3. Too much eating.
4. Skipping breakfast.
5. Consuming too much medication.
6. Consuming too much preservatives, additives, food coloring, and artificial sweetener.
7. Consuming unhealthy cooking oil. As much as possible reduce cooking oil use when frying, which includes even the best cooking oils like olive oil. Do not consume fried foods when you are tired, except if the body is very fit.
8. Consuming raw (overly done) foods also add to the burden of liver.
Veggies should be eaten raw or cooked 3-5 parts. Fried veggies should be finished in one sitting, do not store.

We should prevent this without necessarily spending more. We just have to adopt a good daily lifestyle and eating habits. Maintaining good eating habits and time condition are very important for our bodies to absorb and get rid of unnecessary chemicals according to 'schedule.'

The top five cancer-causing foods are:

1. Hot dogs

Because they are high in nitrates, the Cancer Prevention Coalition advises that children eat no more than 12 hot dogs a month. If you can't live without hot dogs, buy those made without sodium nitrate.

2. Processed meats and bacon

Also high in the same sodium nitrates found in hot dogs, bacon, and other processed meats raise the risk of heart disease. The saturated fat in bacon also contributes to cancer.

3. Doughnuts

Doughnuts are cancer-causing double trouble. First, they are made with white flour, sugar, and hydrogenated oils, then fried at high temperatures. Doughnuts, says Adams , may be the worst food you can possibly eat to raise your risk of cancer.

4. French fries

Like doughnuts, French fries are made with hydrogenated oils and then fried at high temperatures. They also contain cancer- causing acryl amides which occur during the frying process. They should be called cancer fries, not French fries, said Adams .

5. Chips, crackers, and cookies

All are usually made with white flour and sugar. Even the ones whose labels claim to be free of trans-fats generally contain small amounts of trans-fats.

BRAIN DAMAGING HABITS

1. No Breakfast

People who do not take breakfast are going to have a lower blood sugar level. This leads to an insufficient supply of nutrients to the brain causing brain degeneration.

2. Overeating

It causes hardening of the brain arteries, leading to a decrease in mental power.

3. Smoking

It causes multiple brain shrinkage and may lead to Alzheimer disease.

4. High Sugar consumption

Too much sugar will interrupt the absorption of proteins and nutrients causing malnutrition and may interfere with brain development.

5. Air Pollution

The brain is the largest oxygen consumer in our body. Inhaling polluted air decreases the supply of oxygen to the brain, bringing about a decrease in brain efficiency.

6. Sleep Deprivation

Sleep allows our brain to rest. Long term deprivation from sleep will accelerate the death of brain cells.

7. Head covered while sleeping

Sleeping with the head covered increases the concentration of carbon dioxide and decrease concentration of oxygen that may lead to brain damaging effects.

8. Working your brain during illness

Working hard or studying with sickness may lead to a decrease in effectiveness of the brain as well as damage the brain.

9. Lacking in stimulating thoughts

Thinking is the best way to train our brain, lacking in brain stimulation thoughts may cause brain shrinkage.

10. Talking Rarely

Intellectual conversations will promote the efficiency of the brain

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The top five cancer-causing foods are:

The top five cancer-causing foods are:

1. Hot dogs

Because they are high in nitrates, the Cancer Prevention Coalition advises that children eat no more than 12 hot dogs a month. If you can't live without hot dogs, buy those made without sodium nitrate.


2. Processed meats and bacon
Also high in the same sodium nitrates found in hot dogs, bacon, and other processed meats raise the risk of heart disease. The saturated fat in bacon also contributes to cancer.




3. Doughnuts
Doughnuts are cancer-causing double trouble. First, they are made with white flour, sugar, and hydrogenated oils, then fried at high temperatures. Doughnuts, says Adams , may be the worst food you can possibly eat to raise your risk of cancer.



4. French fries
Like doughnuts, French fries are made with hydrogenated oils and then fried at high temperatures. They also contain cancer- causing acryl amides which occur during the frying process. They should be called cancer fries, not French fries, said Adams .




5. Chips, crackers, and cookies
All are usually made with white flour and sugar. Even the ones whose labels claim to be free of trans-fats generally contain small amounts of trans-fats.


BRAIN DAMAGING HABITS


1. No Breakfast
People who do not take breakfast are going to have a lower blood sugar level.
This leads to an insufficient supply of nutrients to the brain causing brain degeneration.

2. Overeating
It causes hardening of the brain arteries, leading to a decrease in mental power.

3. Smoking
It causes multiple brain shrinkage and may lead to Alzheimer disease.

4. High Sugar consumption
Too much sugar will interrupt the absorption of proteins and nutrients causing malnutrition and may interfere with brain development.

5. Air Pollution
The brain is the largest oxygen consumer in our body. Inhaling polluted air decreases the supply of oxygen to the brain, bringing about a decrease in brain efficiency.

6. Sleep Deprivation
Sleep allows our brain to rest. Long term deprivation from sleep will accelerate the death of brain cells.
7. Head covered while sleeping
Sleeping with the head covered increases the concentration of carbon dioxide and decrease concentration of oxygen that may lead to brain damaging effects.

8. Working your brain during illness
Working hard or studying with sickness may lead to a decrease in effectiveness of the brain as well as damage the brain.

9. Lacking in stimulating thoughts
Thinking is the best way to train our brain, lacking in brain stimulation thoughts may cause brain shrinkage.

10. Talking Rarely
Intellectual conversations will promote the efficiency of the brain

Your Guide to Masturbation

Your Guide to Masturbation

Masturbation is the self-stimulation of the genitals to achieve sexual arousal and pleasure, usually to the point of orgasm (sexual climax). It is commonly done by touching, stroking or massaging the penis or clitoris until an orgasm is achieved. Some women also use stimulation of the vagina to masturbate or use "sex toys," such as a vibrator.

Who Masturbates?

Just about everybody. Masturbation is a very common behavior, even among people who have sexual relations with a partner. In one national study, 95% of males and 89% of females reported that they have masturbated. Masturbation is the first sexual act experienced by most males and females. In young children, masturbation is a normal part of the growing child's exploration of his or her body. Most people continue to masturbate in adulthood, and many do so throughout their lives.

Why Do People Masturbate?

In addition to feeling good, masturbation is a good way of relieving the sexual tension that can build up over time, especially for people without partners or whose partners are not willing or available for sex. Masturbation also is a safe sexual alternative for people who wish to avoid pregnancy and the dangers of sexually transmitted diseases. It also is necessary when a man must give a semen sample for infertility testing or for sperm donation. When sexual dysfunction is present in an adult, masturbation may be prescribed by a sex therapist to allow a person to experience an orgasm (often in women) or to delay its arrival (often in men).

How do people masturbate?

Most guys masturbate by rubbing their penis with their hand or hands, or by rubbing the penis against something, such as a pillow. Girls masturbate by rubbing the outside of their vagina, or by inserting something (such as a vibrator) into the vagina. However, there are a lot of variations on these methods. JackinWorld contains dozens of techniques for guys to try.

Why masturbate?

First and foremost, because it feels good, and second, because ejaculating semen reduces the sexual tension that builds up in adult men and especially teenagers. However, recent studies suggest that ejaculating regularly isn't just fun, it can actually help prevent a certain kind of cancer later in life.

Is Masturbation Normal?

While it once was regarded as a perversion and a sign of a mental problem, masturbation now is regarded as a normal, healthy sexual activity that is pleasant, fulfilling, acceptable and safe. It is a good way to experience sexual pleasure and can be done throughout life. Masturbation is only considered a problem when it inhibits sexual activity with a partner, is done in public, or causes significant distress to the person. It may cause distress if it is done compulsively and/or interferes with daily life and activities.

Is masturbation healthy?

Masturbation is a healthy and normal practice, like daydreaming or napping. Even masturbating several times each day is completely harmless. You may encounter people, books, or websites that say masturbation is bad or harmful; this is just plain incorrect. As any reputable medical doctor will tell you, old myths about masturbation affecting the eyesight, causing permanent fatigue or insanity, etc., have long been disproved. In fact, recent studies suggest that ejaculating regularly isn't just fun, it can actually help prevent a certain kind of cancer later in life.

Is Masturbation Harmful?

In general, the medical community considers masturbation to be a natural and harmless expression of sexuality for both men and women. It does not cause any physical injury or harm to the body, and can be performed in moderation throughout a person's lifetime as a part of normal sexual behavior. Some cultures and religions oppose the use of masturbation or even label it as sinful. This can lead to guilt or shame about the behavior. Some experts suggest that masturbation can actually improve sexual health and relationships. By exploring your own body through masturbation, you can determine what is erotically pleasing to you and can share this with your partner. Some partners use mutual masturbation to discover techniques for a more satisfying sexual relationship and to add to their mutual intimacy.

Can I masturbate too much?

Unless you're rubbing yourself raw (try lubrication) or you're doing it so much that it's interfering with other aspects of your life, no, it is not possible to masturbate too much. Some Web sites claim that there is such a thing as "overmasturbation," but they're only doing this to scare people into buying phony pills that do nothing. Masturbation does not cause hair loss, chronic fatigue, etc. Don't let one bad Web site ruin your enjoyment of this healthy activity.

Is my penis normal?

If you're asking this question, there's probably about a 98% chance that your penis is normal. Perfectly good penises come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes, and teenagers' penises grow at very different rates. They are often curved somewhat, and the skin often has bumps and various colorations (which have nothing to do with STDs). Try not to obsess so much about your penis, and stop looking for things that might be wrong. It's there to create pleasure, not trouble and worry.

Can I make my penis bigger?

If you pay a plastic surgeon several thousand dollars, your penis can become fatter, but not really longer. And you know what? That's really the only method of penis enlargement that works. Everything else — particularly pills sold through magazines and the Internet — is a scam, aimed at malekind's #1 biggest insecurity. Some devices involving suction or vacuum can actually injure your penis. Instead of trying to change it, learn to accept your penis exactly the way it is. It's amazing how much incredible pleasure it can provide.

I can't reach orgasm! What can I do about this?

Some guys do have a lot of trouble reaching orgasm. Several possible reasons: (1) You may be giving up too soon. (2) You may have ejaculated too recently. Wait a day or two (or longer) and try again. (3) You may be too young still. Some guys don't develop the ability to reach orgasm and ejaculate until well into puberty. If you're an adult and have never been able to reach orgasm or ejaculate, seek an opinion from a professional such as a urologist.

When I reach orgasm, urine comes out instead of semen. What's happening?

This is actually a common experience in boys still going through the early stages of puberty. There is an internal mechanism that prevents urine from being expelled during ejaculation — but many guys are able to ejaculate before this mechanism fully matures. When this happens, a small amount of urine (rather than semen) may be expelled with orgasm. The condition will go away as you get older. If it's still happening by the time puberty is near completion, consult a physician.

My semen comes out clear, not thick and whitish. Am I sterile?

No, that's unlikely. Semen varies in color and texture, not only from person to person, but it can also vary over time. Particularly if you're still in the early stages of puberty, semen can be clear or watery, but it may still contain lots of viable sperm. Semen, whether clear or not, contains many other ingredients besides sperm cells.

What are these bumps or spots on my penis?

It's totally normal, and very common in teenagers, for there to be bumps, pimples, or different-colored spots on the penis. They might look a little gross, but there's nothing to be ashamed of and you can't really do anything about them. Bumps on the penis may be a form of acne or may occur where new hairs are starting to grow. We recommend not focusing so much on what may be wrong with your penis — most likely, everything about it is just fine. Instead, try to accept your penis as it is: an amazing part of your body that can provide you with huge amounts of pleasure for a lifetime.

What position do most guys masturbate in?

The most common is lying on the back. Other favorites are lying face down, standing up (such as in the shower), or kneeling.

I masturbate by lying on my stomach and rubbing against the bed — is that okay?
It's fine. that's just as valid as any other position.

I'd like to try to orally stimulate my own penis, but I can't quite reach it. How can I do that, and is it normal to want to try?

It's very common to want to do this. (There's an old joke that goes, "Why do dogs lick themselves? Because they can.") Actually doing it, though, is another question. Your penis has to be especially long (like over 8"), or you have to be especially limber, to succeed. Some guys are able to reach their penis by doing a backwards somersault and stopping in mid-roll. However, we must caution you to be careful when doing this. We heard from one fellow who wanted so badly to suck his own penis, he strained his back and had to be taken to the hospital — extremely embarrassing! Never perform any technique that makes you contort your body in an uncomfortable manner — you might be very sorry you did.

I'm unable to ejaculate by masturbating with my hand — I have to be rubbing against something. Should I worry about that?

No. It wouldn't hurt, though, to eventually learn to do it — that will open up options for sexual play with other people. We don't have any suggestions for this; just keep working at it (both literally and figuratively!).

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Masturbation techniques?

Masturbation is the physical stimulation of the sexual organs to produce feelings of pleasure. If you're a male and your body has matured to a certain point, masturbating will eventually result in semen (fluid containing sperm cells, among other things) being expelled from the penis, usually accompanied by a very good whole-body feeling known as orgasm.

Positions or techniques?

Just about every successful masturbation session begins with getting an erection (ee-RECK-shun), commonly called a "hard-on," "boner," or "woody." An erection occurs when your penis fills with blood to the point that it becomes quite a bit larger and firm to the touch, usually sticking straight out from your body or angled upward as you stand. (If you're lying on your back, your erect penis might rest against your abdomen.) Getting an erection is usually as easy as thinking sexy thoughts and rubbing your penis. If you're going through puberty, or if you haven't ejaculated in a while, you may not have to do anything to get an erection — they can happen spontaneously, or without provocation. This is normal and just one of those puberty things everyone has to deal with.Once your penis has reached its full length and hardness, take a hold of it and rub it lengthwise at a consistent rate. This will mimic what it feels like to move your penis in and out of a woman's vagina, which is what happens during sexual intercourse.
Here are four basic "grips" you can try. They're really just starting points; it's important for you to try little variations on them, as this will allow you to choose techniques that feel best to you.

THE FIST
In this common technique, you simply wrap your fingers around the shaft of your penis like a baseball bat and rub it up and down. It provides lots of contact between your hand and penis — and more contact means more pleasure. This technique is especially good if you have a big penis; if it isn't much longer than your fist is wide, you won't be able to stroke it very far, so another grip might be more effective.

THE FIVE-FINGER
In this technique, your hand and arm form an angle with your penis, with four fingers on top of the shaft at a diagonal and your thumb below. This allows you to get more control over the hand-to-penis contact, and it lets you move your hand along the entire length of the shaft, even if your penis isn't very large.

THE THREE-FINGER

This one is good if you have a smaller penis. Simply hold the penis as you would a pen or a pencil. This grip allows maximum control and maximum distance of motion (from the base of the penis all the way to the head), but the hand-to-penis contact is less than with the other grips.

THE BACKHAND
This one — kind of a backwards version of the "fist" — is a little funny, but it feels very good. This time, grab your penis from the left side rather than the right (if you're right-handed). To do this, rotate your wrist so your thumb is pointing down; you may have to pull your penis slightly to the side. It's a little awkward at first, but it's an excellent grip to use when you just want to try something other than the "Fist" for a few minutes.

IS MASTURBATION ADDICTIVE?

Okay, so you've discovered this really nifty thing to do with the equipment between your legs, and it gives you some of the most intense feelings of pleasure you've ever felt. In fact, it's been so pleasurable you have begun to do it a lot — a whole lot. And now you might be wondering what you've gotten yourself into. You might have read somebody's comment about how addictive masturbation is. Or, you might have noticed how similar the desire to masturbate is to what you understand addiction to be. In short, you want to know if this practice is going to take control of your life and hurt you. Honestly, I think the answer is, "It depends" — one of those wishy-washy, yes-and-no, weasel answers. But it really does depend on a number of factors in your life, on how you experience masturbation, and what kinds of consequences masturbation has for you. To answer the question well, we need to review some knowledge about addiction.
First, consider the dictionary definition of the word. Webster's Collegiate Dictionary, 10th Edition, gives two:1. The quality or state of being addicted [to an activity or thing] (such as, being "addicted to reading")2. Compulsive need for and use of a habit-forming substance (such as heroin, nicotine, or alcohol) characterized by tolerance and by well-defined physiological symptoms upon withdrawal.Broadly — persistent, compulsive use of a substance known by the user to be harmful.In the second definition the phrase, "characterized by tolerance," means that over time the body builds a resistance to a substance such as alcohol, so that increased amounts are needed to get what feels like the same effect. Let's see how these definitions apply to what you and I know about masturbation.The first definition seems to be a lighter, more general use of the word "addiction" — much as we might say, "I just love to read (or masturbate)." The second definition is heavier and gets more to the heart of the concern that masturbation could be addictive. My experience has been that masturbation feels so good it can feel quite compelling. Since I discovered it, my desire to masturbate persisted, even in the face of strong discouragement from my mother when I was a boy. During adolescence, I think I was obsessed with it. As I grew older, the practice took its place among other very satisfying interests in my life. From what I have read at JackinWorld, I think my growth into adulthood is similar to that of many other men.When I have masturbated frequently, it has taken longer to achieve subsequent orgasms, and their intensity has seemed to diminish. This seems like it might be "tolerance," except for the fact that when my masturbation frequency decreases, the old intensity returns. I have never believed masturbation to be harmful to me. At times, for one reason or another, I have gone a long time without masturbating; I don't remember having any strong physical signs of withdrawal during these times — but when I resumed, the intensity of the orgasm was both astonishing and highly satisfying.So, when I try to fit my experience of masturbation to the definition of addiction, it seems to fit only slightly. Yes, masturbation is compelling. However, I don't get strong physical reactions if I abstain, even though it feels really great when I resume. The intensity of feeling seems to lessen the more frequently I masturbate, but it comes right back if I decrease the frequency. This doesn't sound as though my body is building a tolerance to masturbation the way it might to alcohol, nicotine, or heroin. By now I'm ready to say I don't think I can become addicted to masturbation — but I can become obsessed with it, just as I could become obsessed with many other kinds of behavior. Obsessive behavior is characterized by excessive repetition of some act. [Editor's Note: The repeated up-and-down movement of the hand isn't necessarily the "repetition of some act"!]Next, let's look at some other ideas that seem to apply both to obsession and addiction. Substances and behaviors can be addictive/obsessive to some people and not to others. And there are degrees of addiction/obsession.Take alcohol as an example. You may know people who drink responsibly. They can control their drinking so they always drink at appropriate times and places, and moderately so they don't become drunk and lose control of themselves inappropriately. You might know others who occasionally get drunk and lose control, even though most of the time they drink responsibly. And you might know a few unfortunate people who are addicted to alcohol. They are drunk more than they are sober, can't drive or hold a job, and have alienated their families because they cannot control their alcohol consumption. Alcohol is also destroying their bodies, and they are likely to die young because it attacks the liver and other organs.The physical and psychological dynamics of addiction are at least partially understood, but we still don't understand completely why some people can control their use of a substance such as alcohol, where others have no control at all. There is much obsessive-compulsive behavior connected with addiction. You might have heard of Alcoholics Anonymous, the highly successful program that helps people deal with their alcohol addiction. Much of that program deals with controlling obsessive-compulsive behavior. So it is possible that if you have the genetic predisposition, and if early childhood experiences contributed to it, you could become obsessed with masturbation to the extent that it harms you. But I think the chance is slight.Some people ask counselors or newspaper advice columnists if they are "addicted" to alcohol, drugs, sex, or whatever concerns them because they do a lot of it. And some people have written to JackinWorld to say they are worried about being addicted to masturbation because they do it so much. I think often they are referring to an obsession rather than addiction.Whether obsession or addiction, one way you can answer questions like these is to see if you can stop for a while without suffering major physical symptoms, such as getting the shakes or becoming ill. (Humping the davenport, doorknob, or barbecue grill does not count! Nor does running around going berserk. Yes, it's stressful, but we're talking major physical symptoms here.)Another way to answer questions such as these is to ask yourself to assess negative consequences. If you have been fired from your last three jobs because you missed work too much due to being hung over, you were arrested last week for drunk driving, and your wife just filed for divorce because last night you fell asleep on the front sidewalk and the neighbors complained, these are all strong suggestions that you are addicted to alcohol. If you were suspended from school yesterday for excessive tardiness (because you stayed home masturbating in the morning before going to school), or your parents had to come to the police station to pick you up because you were caught masturbating in a downtown park at noon, or you spurn sex with your partner because you prefer to masturbate exclusively, you are probably obsessed with masturbation.Most of us, however, can control our behavior so that it is appropriate. We masturbate in private — in bed at night, when we are home alone, or in a toilet stall or bathroom behind a locked door. In such cases, I can't see masturbation as an addiction or obsession — compelling, perhaps, but not an immobilizing addiction or obsession. Even if you do it a lot — a whole lot — it still is not an addiction or obsession unless you find it having some major, harmful consequences in your life.If you do find that masturbation is hurting you and you want to stop (or just cut down), you need to seek professional help near where you live. One way to find this kind of help is to call a local crisis hotline. These community services are listed in the blue pages of your telephone directory, along with government agencies and offices. They can refer you to an agency that can help you.Masturbation plays a big role in a normal sex life. Some of us discover it as children because it starts to feel so good between our legs. Others are shown by our friends. We continue to masturbate because it feels so good. It gets us ready for mature sexual relationships when we reach adulthood, and it helps us take care of those raging hormonal urges and surges when we are teenagers. Masturbation can enhance mature sexual relationships where two partners use it either as a prelude to other sexual activity, or as the main fare. And it keeps us going when relationships falter, such as when a partner is ill or away. It is a great equalizer in a relationship where one partner needs more sexual activity than the other. All of these uses of masturbation were reported by mature JackinWorld readers in response to the Adult Masturbation Survey undertaken last year. So stroke on in the comfort and joy of knowing that you probably are not addicted to or obsessed with masturbation, no matter how compelling it may be to you or how often you do it. And now you have some guidelines to help assess whether you are developing an obsession, and if so, what you can do about it.

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What is hyperthyroidism?

Hyperthyroidism is a condition in which an overactive thyroid gland is producing an excessive amount of thyroid hormones that circulate in the blood. ("Hyper" means "over" in Greek). Thyrotoxicosis is a toxic condition that is caused by an excess of thyroid hormones from any cause. Thyrotoxicosis can be caused by an excessive intake of thyroid hormone or by overproduction of thyroid hormones by the thyroid gland.

What are thyroid hormones?

Thyroid hormones stimulate the metabolism of cells. They are produced by the thyroid gland. The thyroid gland is located in the lower part of the neck, below the Adam's apple. The gland wraps around the windpipe (trachea) and has a shape that is similar to a butterfly formed by two wings (lobes) and attached by a middle part (isthmus).
The thyroid gland removes iodine from the blood (which comes mostly from a diet of foods such as seafood, bread, and salt) and uses it to produce thyroid hormones. The two most important thyroid hormones are thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3) representing 99.9% and 0.1% of thyroid hormones respectively. The hormone with the most biological activity (for example, the greatest effect on the body) is actually T3. Once released from the thyroid gland into the blood, a large amount of T4 is converted to T3 - the more active hormone that affects the metabolism of cells.

What causes hyperthyroidism?

Some common causes of hyperthyroidism include:
Graves' Disease
Functioning adenoma ("hot nodule") and Toxic Multinodular Goiter (TMNG)
Excessive intake of thyroid hormones
Abnormal secretion of TSH
Thyroiditis (inflammation of the thyroid gland)
Excessive iodine intake

Graves' Disease

Graves' disease, which is caused by a generalized overactivity of the thyroid gland, is the most common cause of hyperthyroidism. In this condition, the thyroid gland usually is renegade, which means it has lost the ability to respond to the normal control by the pituitary gland via TSH. Graves' disease is hereditary and is up to five times more common among women than men. Graves' disease is thought to be an autoimmune disease, and antibodies that are characteristic of the illness may be found in the blood. These antibodies include thyroid stimulating immunoglobulin (TSI antibodies), thyroid peroxidase antibodies (TPO), and TSH receptor antibodies. The triggers for Grave's disease include:
stress, smoking, radiation to the neck, medications, and infectious organisms such as viruses.

Graves' disease can be diagnosed by a standard, nuclear medicine thyroid scan which shows diffusely increased uptake of a radioactively-labeled iodine. In addition, a blood test may reveal elevated TSI levels.

Grave's disease may be associated with eye disease (Graves' ophthalmopathy) and skin lesions (dermopathy ). Ophthalmopathy can occur before, after, or at the same time as the hyperthyroidism. Early on, it may cause sensitivity to light and a feeling of "sand in the eyes." The eyes may protrude and double vision can occur. The degree of ophthalmopathy is worsened in those who smoke. The course of the eye disease is often independent of the thyroid disease, and steroid therapy may be necessary to control the inflammation that causes the ophthalmopathy. In addition, surgical intervention may be required. The skin condition (dermopathy) is rare and causes a painless, red , lumpy skin rash that appears on the front of the legs.

Functioning Adenoma and Toxic Multinodular Goiter

The thyroid gland (like many other areas of the body) becomes lumpier as we get older. In the majority of cases, these lumps do not produce thyroid hormones and require no treatment. Occasionally, a nodule may become "autonomous," which means that it does not respond to pituitary regulation via TSH and produces thyroid hormones independently. This becomes more likely if the nodule is larger that 3 cm. When there is a single nodule that is independently producing thyroid hormones, it is called a functioning nodule. If there is more than one functioning nodule, the term toxic, multinodular goiter is used. Functioning nodules may be readily detected with a thyroid scan.
Excessive intake of thyroid hormones
Taking too much thyroid hormone medication is actually quite common. Excessive doses of thyroid hormones frequently go undetected due to the lack of follow-up of patients taking their thyroid medicine. Other persons may be abusing the drug in an attempt to achieve other goals such as weight loss. These patients can be identified by having a low uptake of radioactively-labelled iodine (radioiodine) on a thyroid scan.

Abnormal secretion of TSH

A tumor in the pituitary gland may produce an abnormally high secretion of TSH (the thyroid stimulating hormone). This leads to excessive signaling to the thyroid gland to produce thyroid hormones. This condition is very rare and can be associated with other abnormalities of the pituitary gland. To identify this disorder, an endocrinologist performs elaborate tests to assess the release of TSH.

Thyroiditis (inflammation of the thyroid)

Inflammation of the thyroid gland may occur after a viral illness (subacute thyroiditis). This condition is association with a fever and a sore throat that is often painful on swallowing. The thyroid gland is also tender to touch. There may be generalized neck aches and pains. Inflammation of the gland with an accumulation of white blood cells known as lymphocytes (lymphocytic thyroiditis) may also occur. In both of these conditions, the inflammation leaves the thyroid gland "leaky," so that the amount of thyroid hormone entering the blood is increased. Lymphocytic thyroiditis is most common after a pregnancy and can actually occur in up to 8% of women after delivery. In these cases, the hyperthyroid phase can last from 4 to 12 weeks and is often followed by a hypothyroid (low thyroid output) phase that can last for up to 6 months. The majority of affected women return to a state of normal thyroid function. Thyroiditis can be diagnosed by a thyroid scan.

Excessive iodine intake

The thyroid gland uses iodine to make thyroid hormones. An excess of iodine may cause hyperthyroidism. Iodine-induced hyperthyroidism is usually seen in patients who already have an underlying abnormal thyroid gland. Certain medications, such as amiodarone (Cordarone), which is used in the treatment of heart problems, contain a large amount of iodine and may be associated with thyroid function abnormalities.

What are the symptoms of hyperthyroidism?

Hyperthyroidism is suggested by several signs and symptoms; however, patients with mild disease usually experience no symptoms. In patients older than 70 years, the typical signs and symptoms also may be absent. In general, the symptoms become more obvious as the degree of hyperthyroidism increases. The symptoms usually are related to an increase in the metabolic rate of the body.

Common symptoms include:
Excessive sweating
Heat intolerance
Increased bowel movements
Tremor (usually fine shaking)
Nervousness; agitation
Rapid heart rate
Weight loss
Fatigue
Decreased concentration
Irregular and scant menstrual flow
In older patients, irregular heart rhythms and heart failure can occur. In its most severe form, untreated hyperthyroidism may result in "thyroid storm," a condition involving high blood pressure, fever, and heart failure. Mental changes, such as confusion and delirium, also may occur.

How is hyperthyroidism diagnosed?

Hyperthyroidism can be suspected in patients with:

tremors,
excessive sweating,
smooth velvety skin,
fine hair,
a rapid heart rate, and
an enlarged thyroid gland.

There may be puffiness around the eyes and a characteristic stare due to the elevation of the upper eyelids. Advanced symptoms are easily detected, but early symptoms, especially in the elderly, may be quite inconspicuous. In all cases, a blood test is needed to confirm the diagnosis.
The blood levels of thyroid hormones can be measured directly and usually are elevated with hyperthyroidism. However, the main tool for detection of hyperthyroidism is measurement of the blood TSH level. As mentioned earlier, TSH is secreted by the pituitary gland. If an excess amount of thyroid hormone is present, TSH is "down-regulated" and the level of TSH falls in an attempt to reduce production of thyroid hormone. Thus, the measurement of TSH should result in low or undetectable levels in cases of hyperthyroidism. However, there is one exception. If the excessive amount of thyroid hormone is due to a TSH-secreting pituitary tumor, then the levels of TSH will be abnormally high. This uncommon disease is known as "secondary hyperthyroidism."

Although the blood tests mentioned previously can confirm the presence of excessive thyroid hormone, they do not point to a specific cause. If there is obvious involvement of the eyes, a diagnosis of Graves' disease is almost certain. A combination of antibody screening (for Graves' disease) and a thyroid scan using radioactively-labelled iodine (which concentrates in the thyroid gland) can help diagnose the underlying thyroid disease. These investigations are chosen on a case-by-case basis.

How is hyperthyroidism treated?
The options for treating hyperthyroidism include:
Treating the symptoms
Antithyroid drugs
Radioactive iodine

Surgery treating symptoms

Treating the symptoms

There are medications available to immediately treat the symptoms caused by excessive thyroid hormones, such as a rapid heart rate. One of the main classes of drugs used to treat these symptoms is the beta-blockers [for example, propranolol (Inderal), atenolol (Tenormin), metoprolol (Lopressor)]. These medications counteract the effect of thyroid hormone to increase metabolism, but they do not alter the levels of thyroid hormones in the blood. A doctor determines which patients to treat based on a number of variables including the underlying cause of hyperthyroidism, the age of the patient, the size of the thyroid gland, and the presence of coexisting medical illnesses.

Antithyroid Drugs

There are two main antithyroid drugs available for use in the United States, methimazole (Tapazole) and propylthiouracil ( PTU). These drugs accumulate in the thyroid tissue and block production of thyroid hormones. PTU also blocks the conversion of T4 hormone to the more metabolically active T3 hormone. The major risk of these medications is occasional suppression of production of white blood cells by the bone marrow (agranulocytosis). (White cells are needed to fight infection.) It is impossible to tell if and when this side effect is going to occur, so regular determination of white blood cells in the blood are not useful.
It is important for patients to know that if they develop a fever, a sore throat, or any signs of infection while taking methimazole or propylthiouracil, they should see a doctor immediately. While a concern, the actual risk of developing agranulocytosis is less than 1%. In general, patients should be seen by the doctor at monthly intervals while taking antithyroid medication. The dose is adjusted to maintain the patient in as close to a normal thyroid state as possible (euthyroid). Once the dosing is stable, patients can be seen at three month intervals if long-term therapy is planned.

Usually, long-term antithyroid therapy is only used for patients with Graves' disease, since this disease may actually go into remission under treatment without requiring treatment with thyroid radiation or surgery. If treated from one to two years, the data shows remission rates of 40%-70%. When the disease is in remission, the gland is no longer overactive, and antithyroid medication is not needed.

Recent studies also have shown that adding a pill of thyroid hormone to the antithyroid medication actually results in higher remission rates. The rationale for this may be that by providing an external source for thyroid hormone, higher doses of antithyroid medications can be given, which may suppress the overactive immune system in persons with Graves' disease. This type of therapy remains controversial, however. When long-term therapy is withdrawn, patients should continue to be seen by the doctor every three months for the first year, since a relapse of Graves' disease is most likely in this time period. If a patient does relapse, antithyroid drug therapy can be restarted, or radioactive iodine or surgery may be considered.

Radioactive Iodine

Radioactive iodine is given orally (either by pill or liquid) on a one-time basis to ablate a hyperactive gland. The iodine given for ablative treatment is different from the iodine used in a scan. (For treatment, the isotope iodine 131 is used, while for a routine scan, iodine 123 is used.) Radioactive iodine is given after a routine iodine scan, and uptake of the iodine is determined to confirm hyperthyroidism. The radioactive iodine is picked up by the active cells in the thyroid and destroys them. Since iodine is only picked up by thyroid cells, the destruction is local, and there are no widespread side effects with this therapy.

Radioactive iodine ablation has been safely used for over 50 years, and the only major reasons for not using it are pregnancy and breast-feeding. This form of therapy is the treatment of choice for recurring Graves' disease, patients with severe cardiac involvement, those with multinodular goiter or toxic adenomas, and patients who cannot tolerate antithyroid drugs. Radioactive iodine must be used with caution in patients with Graves' related eye disease since recent studies have shown that the eye disease may worsen after therapy. If a woman chooses to become pregnant after ablation, it is recommended she wait 8-12 months after treatment before conceiving.

In general, more than 80% of patients are cured with a single dose of radioactive iodine. It takes between 8 to 12 weeks for the thyroid to become normal after therapy. Permanent hypothyroidism is the major complication of this form of treatment. While a temporary hypothyroid state may be seen up to six months after treatment with radioactive iodine, if it persists longer than six months, thyroid replacement therapy (with T4 or T3) usually is begun.

Surgery

Surgery to partially remove the thyroid gland (partial thyroidectomy) was once a common form of treatment for hyperthyroidism. The goal is to remove the thyroid tissue that was producing the excessive thyroid hormone. However, if too much tissue is removed, an inadequate production of thyroid hormone (hypothyroidism) may result. In this case, thyroid replacement therapy is begun. The major complication of surgery is disruption of the surrounding tissue, including the nerves supplying the vocal cords and the four tiny glands in the neck that regulate calcium levels in the body (the parathyroid glands). Accidental removal of these glands may result in low calcium levels and require calcium replacement therapy.
With the introduction of radioactive iodine therapy and antithyroid drugs, surgery for hyperthyroidism is not as common as it used to be. Surgery is appropriate for:
pregnant patients and children who have major adverse reactions to antithyroid medications.
patients with very large thyroid glands and in those who have symptoms stemming from compression of tissues adjacent to the thyroid, such as difficulty swallowing, hoarseness, and shortness of breath.

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Coconut Oil

Coconut oil is rich in lauric acid, which is known for being antiviral and antibacterial. Studies have been done on its effectiveness in lowering the viral load of HIV/AIDS patients. Coconut oil is also being used by thyroid sufferers to increase body metabolism, and to lose weight. Virgin coconut oil is also used for making natural soaps and other health products, as it is one of the healthiest things we can put on our skin. This site aims to provide information on the health benefits of coconut products, particularly virgin coconut oil.

At one time coconut oil received bad publicity because of its high level of saturated fat. However, modern research has shown that not all saturated fats are alike and that the fatty acids in coconut oil, the medium chain triglycerides, do not raise serum cholesterol or contribute to heart disease like the long chain triglycerides found in seed oils. Also, most research done on coconut oil in the past was done on hydrogenated coconut oil, which has been altered from its original form.

Much research on the nutritional and medicinal benefits on coconut oil has surfaced in recent years. Much of that research has been done by Dr. Mary Enig. Dr. Enig has classified coconuts as a "functional food," which provides health benefits over and beyond the basic nutrients. She has specifically identified lauric acid as a key ingredient in coconut products.

"Approximately 50% of the fatty acids in coconut fat are lauric acid. Lauric acid is a medium chain fatty acid, which has the additional beneficial function of being formed into monolaurin in the human or animal body. Monolaurin is the antiviral, antibacterial, and antiprotozoal monoglyceride used by the human or animal to destroy lipid coated viruses such as HIV, herpes, cytomegalovirus, influenza, various pathogenic bacteria including listeria monocytogenes and helicobacter pylori, and protozoa such as giardia lamblia. Some studies have also shown some antimicrobial effects of the free lauric acid."

As a "functional food," coconut oil is now being recognized by the medical community as a powerful tool against immune diseases. Several studies have been undertaken on its effectiveness, and much research is currently underway on the incredible nutritional value of coconut oil.

Virgin Coconut Oil can only be achieved by using fresh coconut meat or what is called non-copra

How is Virgin Coconut Oil different from other coconut oils?

Most commercial grade coconut oils are made from copra. Copra is basically the dried meat of the coconut. It can be made by smoke drying, sun drying, or kiln drying, or derivatives or a combination of these three. If standard copra is used as a starting material, the unrefined coconut oil extracted from copra is not suitable for consumption and must be purified - i.e. refined. This is because the way most copra is dried is very unsanitary. Most of the copra is dried under the sun in the open air, where it is exposed to insects and moulds. The standard end product made from copra is RBD coconut oil. RBD stands for refined, bleached, and deodorized. Both high heat and chemicals (e.g. solvent extractions) are used in this method.
RBD oil is also often hydrogenated or partially hydrogenated. Hydrogenated oils have been shown to increase serum cholesterol levels which contribute to heart disease.
One of the main differences between Virgin Coconut oil and refined coconut oils is the scent and taste. All Virgin Coconut Oils retain a distinct fragrance and taste of coconuts, whereas the copra-based refined coconut oils have no taste or fragrance at all due to the refining process.
Why do some say that coconut oil causes high cholesterol levels?
While this claim has been widely disproved in many scientific studies and journals, unfortunately this perception is still around. The tropical oils were very popular in the US food industry prior to World War II. With the war and the shortages of imported tropical oils, an effort was made to promote local oils, like soybean and corn oil. The US is the largest exporter of soybeans. Studies were done to show that coconut oil, and all saturated fats, were bad for one's health because they raised serum cholesterol levels. However, these studies were done on hydrogenated coconut oil, and all hydrogenated oils produce higher serum cholesterol levels, whether they are saturated or not. Recent research shows that it is the presence of trans fatty acids that causes health problems, as they are fatty acid chains that have been altered from their original form in nature by the oil refining process.
In addition, numerous studies now show that the high lauric acid content of coconut oil is very beneficial in attacking viruses, bacteria, and other pathogens, and that it builds the body's immune system just as human mother's milk does, which also contains lauric acid. Promising studies have been done on patients suffering from immune deficiency diseases, such as AIDS. With polyunsaturated seed oils now largely replacing coconut oil in the American and British diet, there is a huge deficiency of lauric acid that was present prior to World War II. The need for quality coconut oil, like Virgin Coconut Oil, is greater than ever!

Coconut Oil is the Healthiest Oil on Earth!

"If there was an oil you could use for your daily cooking needs that helped protect you from heart disease, cancer, and other degenerative conditions, improved your digestion, strengthened your immune system, and helped you lose excess weight, would you be interested? This is what coconut oil can do for you.

What Coconut Oil DOES NOT Do:

Does not increase blood cholesterol level.
Does not promote platelet stickiness or blood clot formation.
Does not contribute to atherosclerosis or heart disease.
Does not contribute to weight problems

What Coconut Oil DOES Do:
Reduces risk of atherosclerosis and related illnesses.
Reduces risk of cancer and other degenerative conditions.
Helps prevent bacterial, viral, and fungal (including yeast) infections.
Supports immune system function.
Helps control diabetes.
Provides an immediate source of energy.
Supports healthy metabolic function.
Improves digestion and nutrient absorption.
Supplies important nutrients necessary for good health.
Supplies fewer calories than other fats.
Promotes weight loss.
Helps prevent osteoporosis.
Has a mild delicate flavor.
Is highly resistant to spoilage (long shelf life).
Is heat resistant (the healthiest oil for cooking).
Helps keep skin soft and smooth.
Helps prevent premature aging and wrinkling of the skin.
Helps protect against skin cancer and other blemishes.
Functions as a protective antioxidant."

Why do some say that coconut oil is bad for you? Tropical oils were very popular in the US food industry prior to World War II. The US is the largest exporter of soybeans. The well oiled marketing machinery funded by the soy bean and corn industry and supported by the American Heart Association was committed to change the American Diet, calling among others, for the substitution of saturated fats for polyunsaturates. The Prudent Diet, as it was called, left a legacy which still haunts us today. 40 years on, this conceptual change in the eating habits of Americans has negatively influenced and changed the dietary regimes of societies all around the world that were initially not even affected by America's particular meat, potato and milk diet. So determined was the pursuit of the American industries in converting their claims into magnificent billboards of health and wealth that even small island nations in the South Pacific were converted by this powerful marketing machine to change centuries of dietary traditions of tropical oils to importing polyunsaturated fats. Today heart disease is still on the increase and obesity, linked to the “new” American diet, is a major social problem worldwide that has governments worried about the health care cost of future generations. The U.K. and Australia unfortunately, are racing to catch up to their allies with a large percentage of the population being defined as overweight.

Studies were done to show that coconut oil, and all saturated fats, were bad for one's health because they raised serum cholesterol levels. However, these studies were done on hydrogenated coconut oil, and all hydrogenated oils produce higher serum cholesterol levels, whether they are saturated or not. Recent research shows that it is the presence of trans fatty acids that causes health problems, as they are fatty acid chains that have been altered from their original form in nature by the oil refining process.
Although many studies at the time had also shown research to the contrary, the mud stuck and by the mid 60’s the reputation of all saturated oils in America had been destroyed. This reputation later extended to the rest of the western world.

Lauric Acid (found in coconut oil) is necessary for good health says Dr. Mary Enig, a Ph.D. nutritionist/biochemist and one of the world’s leading authorities on fats and oils. She states, “Approximately 50% of the fatty acids in coconut fat are lauric acid. Lauric acid is a medium chain fatty acid, which has the additional beneficial function of being formed into monolaurin in the human or animal body. Monolaurin is the antiviral, antibacterial, and antiprotozoal monoglyceride used by the human or animal to destroy lipid coated viruses such as HIV, herpes, cytomegalovirus, influenza, various pathogenic bacteria including listeria monocytogenes and heliobacter pylori, and protozoa such as giardia lamblia. Some studies have also shown some antimicrobial effects of the free lauric acid."

Coconut Oil and its Wonderful Health Benefits

Coconut oil has been used for centuries as a vital source of food for health and general well being in traditional communities of tropical regions. Recent research verifies traditional beliefs that the coconut palm is “The Tree of Life” and that, just like any other pure, whole food, coconuts and virgin coconut oil have a significant role to play in a well balanced, nutritious diet. Abandoning unhealthy lifestyles and reverting to natural foods can help to reverse many of the diseases that have manifested in our bodies through the highly refined diet of our modern society. This website provides information on the researched health benefits that can be derived from using coconuts and virgin coconut oil in conjunction with a well balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle. Coconut oil as a "functional food".

Medical research is in agreement that at least 30% of our daily nutritional intake should be made up of fats or oil. However, the structures of different oils are as diverse as nature itself and even a basic knowledge of what defines the different classification of fats will help us understand why this classification is so important when choosing oil to augment and support a healthy lifestyle for our children, families and ourselves.

Research shows that replacing other cooking oils with virgin coconut oil generally creates a more favorable HDL/LDL ratio. This oil has antiviral, antibacterial, antimicrobial, and antiprotozoal properties and, like all whole foods, contains nutrients for a healthy body.

Saturated Fat ~ A Vital Ingredient for a Healthy Body: Over many decades coconut oil received bad publicity due to its saturated fat content, but research has shown that not all saturated fats are alike and coconut oil is unique in its structural make-up. It is not only the highest source of saturated fats (92%) but included in this is the highest source of saturated medium chain triglycerides (62%) of any naturally occurring vegan food source.

Furthermore around 50% of these MCT’s are made up of lauric acid, the most important essential fatty acid in building and maintaining the body’s immune system. Apart from coconut oil, the only other source of lauric acid found in such high concentrations is in mother’s milk.

Tropical oils and mother’s milk are by far the richest food sources of medium chain fatty acids available. The closest other source of these vital building blocks for our immune system would be milk fat and butter, comprising around 3% of its content. Any other vegetable oil is completely deficient in these medium chain fatty acids.It should also be remembered that the negative research done on coconut oil in the past was the result of one study conducted four decades ago, using hydrogenated oil (which has been processed and altered from its original form), not on virgin coconut oil.

Research shows that some saturated fat is in fact necessary for human health and modern research shows that the medium chain fatty acids help to increase metabolism and are more easily digested than fats found in other oils. This is because they are processed directly in the liver and immediately converted into energy. There is therefore less strain on the liver, pancreas and digestive system and these MCFA provide the body with a wonderful, quick source of energy.

Virgin v. Extra Virgin Coconut Oil

Don't be mislead by the term "extra virgin" when used in conjunction with coconut oil. This term is borrowed from the olive oil industry and there is no such product or existing standard that can be applied to coconut oil production. If you see the term "extra virgin" be assured that it is simply a marketing ploy to encourage you to believe that the oil has something more to offer than virgin coconut oil.

Coconut Oil Capsules

There are a number of companies now selling coconut oil capsules. In many cases it is recommended that people consume 2 - 4 tablespoons of coconut oil per day. This would equate to approximately 28 x 1000mg capsules PER TABLESPOON! The companies selling these coconut oil capsules are recommending anywhere from 3 to 6 capsules a day, which is only a few drops of coconut oil. To ingest a therapeutic dose of oil using coconut oil capsules is going to be prohibitively expensive and also means that you would consume a large amount of gelatine.

"Never before in the history of man is it so important to emphasize the value of Lauric Oils. The medium chain fats in coconut oil are similar to fats in mother's milk and have similar nutriceutical effects." Jon J. Kabara, PhD - Professor Emeritus, Michigan State University

"The doctor of the future will give little medicine, but will interest his patients in the care of the human frame, in diet and in the cause and prevention of disease." Thomas A. Edison

Quotations About Life's Purpose

The cost of a thing is the amount of what I call life which is required to be exchanged for it, immediately or in the long run.Thoreau, Henry David

Look and you will find it-what is unsought will go undetected.Sophocles

You are a child of the Universe, no less than the moon and the stars; you have a right to be here. And whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the Universe is unfolding as it should.

Ehrmann, Max

Purpose serves as a principle around which to organize our lives.Anonymous

I don't know what your destiny will be, but one thing I do know: the only ones among you who will be really happy are those who have sought and found how to serve.

Schweitzer, Albert

The question is not whether we will die, but how we will live.

Borysenko, Joan

Our deeds determine us, as much as we determine our deeds.

Elliot, George

We were not sent into this world to do anything into which we can not put our heart.

Ruskin, John

Life is a promise; fulfill it.Mother Theresa
An age is called Dark, not because the light fails to shine, but because people refuse to see it.

Michener, James

Great minds have purposes, little minds have wishes

Irving, Washington

The reward of a thing well done is to have done it.

Emerson, Ralph Waldo

The purpose of life is to live a life of purpose

Leider, Richard

If you can not find the truth right where you are, where else do you expect to find it?

Dogen

Belief consists in accepting the affirmations of the soul; unbelief, denying them.

Emerson, Ralph Waldo

"I have done my best." That is about all the philosophy of living one needs.Yutang, Lin

Develop an interest in life as you see it; the people, things, literature, music-the world is so rich, simply throbbing with rich treasures, beautiful souls and interesting people. Forget yourself.

Miller, Henry

You are what your deep driving desire is; As your deep driving desire is, so is your will; As your will is so is your deed; As your deed is so is your destiny.

The Upanishads

That is happiness: to be dissolved into something complete and great.Cather, Willa

How far that little candle throws his beams! So shines a good deed in a weary world.

Shakespeare, William

Everyone can be great, because everyone can serve.

King, Martin Luther

Each small task of everyday is part of the total harmony of the universe.

St. Theresa of Lisieux

Seeing yourself as you want to be is the key to personal growth.Anonymous
The universe is change; our life is what our thoughts make it.

Aurelius, Marcus

If I have seen farther than others, it is because I was standing on the shoulders of giants.

Newton, Isaac

I would rather fail in a cause that will ultimately triumph than to triumph in a cause that will ultimately fail.

Wilson, Woodrow

Long years must pass before the truths we have made for ourselves become our very flesh.

Paul Valery

Time is but the stream I go a-fishin in. I drink at it, but while I drink I see the sandy bottom and detect how shallow it is. It's thin current slides away, but eternity remains.

Henry David Thoreau

If you have built castles in the air, your work need not be lost; that is where they should be. Now put the foundations under them.

Henry David Thoreau

Intense feeling too often obscures the truth.

Harry Truman

The mark of a good action is that it appears inevitable in retrospect.

Robert Louis Stevenson

Fortune is like glass--the brighter the glitter, the more easily broken. Publius Syrus
We are made wise not by the recollection of our past, but by the responsibility for our future.

George Bernard Shaw

There are no eternal facts, as there are no absolute truths.

Friederich Nietzsche

Time will explain it all. He is a talker, and needs no questioning before he speaks.

Euripides

The purpose of education is to replace an empty mind with an open one.

Malcom Forbes
Dost thou love life? Then do not squander time, for that is the stuff life is made of.

Benjamin Franklin

Life's Tragedy is that we get old to soon and wise too late.

Benjamin Franklin

The education of the will is the object of our existence.

Ralph Waldo Emerson

.Youth is a blunder; Manhood a struggle; Old Age a regret.

Benjamin Disraeli

There is an art of reading, as well as an art of thinking, and an art of writing.

Disraeli

There is a great deal of unmapped country within us which would have to be taken into account in an explanation of our gusts and storms.

George Eliot

Beware lest you lose the substance by grasping at the shadow.

Aesop

The man who makes no mistakes does not usually make anything.

Edward Phelps

The days that are still to come are the wisest witnesses.

Pindar

However gradual the course of history, there must always be the day, even an hour and minute, when some significant action is performed for the first or last time.

Peter Quennell

"It is not death that a man should fear, but he should fear never beginning to live."

Marcus Aurelius (121-180)

"Life is ours to be spent, not to be saved."‚ D.H. Lawrence

If you don't have time to do it right you must have time to do it over. Anonymous

You cannot teach a crab to walk straight. Aristophanes

The least initial deviation from the truth is multiplied later a thousandfold. Aristotle

.Nature does nothing uselessly. Aristotle

A great city is not to be confounded with a populous one. Aristotle

.Half the work that is done in the world is to make things appear what they are not. E.R. Beadle
Success is never final. Winston Churchill

By three methods we may learn wisdom: First, by reflection, which is noblest; Second, by imitation, which is easiest; and third by experience, which is the bitterest. Confucius

When you know a thing, to hold that you know it; and when you do not know a thing, to allow that you do not know it--this is knowledge. Confucius

Virtue is not left to stand alone. He who practices it will have neighbors. Confucius

A good book has no ending. R.D. Cumming

There is only one way to come into this world; there are too many ways to leave it.

Donald Harington

The only reward of virtue is virtue; the only way to have a friend is to be one.

Ralph Waldo Emerson

.So much of our time is preparation, so much is routine, and so much retrospect, that the path of each man's genius contracts itself to a very few hours.

Ralph Waldo Emerson

It is impossible for a man to be cheated by anyone but himself.

Ralph Waldo Emerson

Nothing endures but change. Heraclitus

There is no more miserable human being than one in whom nothing is habitual but indecision. William James

Luxury is more deadly than any foe. Juvenal

My father didn't tell me how to live; he lived, and let me watch him do it.

Clarence Buddinton Kelland

It takes less time to do a thing right, than it does to explain why you did it wrong.

Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

What we obtain too cheap we esteem too little; it is dearness only that gives everything its value. Thomas Paine

Life is not a spectacle or a feast; it is a predicament.

George Santayana

It is not good to be too free. It is not good to have everything one wants.

Blaise Pascal

Life is but a moment, death also is but another.

Dr Robert Schuller
no eternal reward will forgive us now for wasting the dawn -jim

I would rather be ashes than dust; I would rather that my spark should burn out in a brillant blaze than it should be stifled by dry-rot; I would rather be in a superb meteor, every atom of me in magnificent glow than in a sleepy and permanent planet; the proper function of man is to live, not to exist; I shall not waste my days in trying to prolong them; I shall USE my time. ---

Jack London

You see the Earth as a bright blue and white Christmas tree ornament in the black sky. It's so small and so fragile - you realize that on that small spot is everything that means everything to you; all of history and art and death and birth and love.----Russell Schweikart, astronaut contributed by Heath Batz

Such as we are made of, such we be.---William Shakespeare contributed by Edmund

You only live once- but if you work it right, once is enough. --- Joe E. Lewis contributed by Sara Grunden

The greatest happiness of life is the conviction that we are loved -- loved for ourselves, or rather, loved in spite of ourselves. -- Victor HugoContributed by Carol

We teach what we live.--unknown Contributed by Bill

In men whom men condemn as ill, I find so much of goodness still,In men whom men pronounce divine,I find so much of sin and blot, I do not dare to draw a line , Between the two where God has notunknown contributed by Lesa

"From time to time, to remind ourselves to relax, to be peaceful, we may wish to set aside some time for a retreat, a day of mindfulness, when we walk slowly, smile, drink tea with a friend, and enjoy being together as if we are the happiest people on Earth." -- Thich Nhat Hanhd

Time you enjoyed wasting is not wasted time.T.S. Elliot

In three words, I can sum up everything I've learned about life; it goes on!-----Leo Buscaglia--contributed by Kathleen

Let us rise up and be thankful, for if we didn't learn a lot today, at least we learned a little, and if we didn't learn a little, at least we didnt get sick, and if we got sick, at least we didn't die; so, let us all be thankful.---Buddha----contributed by Kathleen

It is better to deserve an honor and not receive it, than to receive one, and not deserve it!----- Mark Twain----contributed by Tom

Never does a man portray his character more vividly than his proclaiming the character of another.-- Winston Churchill-- contributed by kathleen

When you were born, you cried and the world rejoiced; live your life so that when you die, the world cries and you rejoice.--- Cherokee Saying contributed by Krystal

To live is so startling it leaves little time for anything else. --- Emily Dickinson

Retrograde ejaculation

Retrograde ejaculation refers to the entry of semen into the bladder instead of going out through the urethra during ejaculation.

Alternative Names
Ejaculation retrograde

Causes, incidence, and risk factors
Retrograde ejaculation may be caused by prior prostate or urethral surgery, diabetes, some medications, including some drugs used to treat hypertension (high blood pressure) and some mood-altering drugs.

The condition is relatively uncommon and may occur either partially or completely. The presence of semen in the bladder is harmless. It mixes with the urine and leaves the body with normal urination. Men with diabetes and those who have had genitourinary tract surgery are at increased risk of developing the condition.

Symptoms
Little or no semen discharged from the urethra in conjunction with the male sexual climax (during ejaculation)
Possible infertility
Cloudy urine after sexual climax
Signs and tests
A urinalysis performed on a urine specimen that is obtained shortly after ejaculation will reveal a large amount of sperm in the urine.

Treatment
If retrograde ejaculation is caused by drugs, your doctor may recommend that you stop taking such drug. This can make the problem go away.
Retrograde ejaculation caused by diabetes or after genitourinary tract surgery may be treated with epinephrine-like drugs (such as pseudoephedrine or imipramine).

Expectations (prognosis)
If retrograde ejaculation is caused by medications, discontinuation of the medication often restores normal ejaculation. If retrograde ejaculation is caused by surgery or diabetes, it is often not correctable.


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Infertility

Infertility is the inability to become pregnant after 12 months of unprotected intercourse.
Alternative NamesBarren; Inability to conceive; Unable to get pregnant
Causes, incidence, and risk factors
Primary infertility is the term used to describe a couple that has never been able to conceive a pregnancy, after at least 1 year of unprotected intercourse.
Secondary infertility describes couples who have previously been pregnant at least once, but have not been able to achieve another pregnancy.

Causes of infertility include a wide range of physical as well as emotional factors. Approximately 30 - 40% of all infertility is due to a "male" factor such as retrograde ejaculation, impotence, hormone deficiency, environmental pollutants, scarring from sexually transmitted disease, or decreased sperm count. Some factors affecting sperm count are heavy marijuana use or use of prescription drugs such as cimetidine, spironolactone, and nitrofurantoin.
A "female" factor -- scarring from sexually transmitted disease or endometriosis, ovulation dysfunction, poor nutrition, hormone imbalance, ovarian cysts, pelvic infection, tumor, or transport system abnormality from the cervix through the fallopian tubes -- is responsible for 40 - 50% of infertility in couples.

The remaining 10 -30% of infertility cases may be caused by contributing factors from both partners, or no cause can be identified.
It is estimated that 10 - 20% of couples will be unable to conceive after 1 year of trying to become pregnant. It is important that pregnancy be attempted for at least 1 year. The chances for pregnancy occurring in healthy couples who are both under the age of 30 and having intercourse regularly is only 25 - 30% per month. A woman's peak fertility occurs in her early 20s. As a woman ages beyond 35 (and particularly after age 40), the likelihood of getting pregnant drops to less than 10% per month.
In addition to age-related factors, increased risk for infertility is associated with the following:

Multiple sexual partners (increases risk for sexually transmitted diseases)
Sexually transmitted diseases
History of PID (pelvic inflammatory disease)
History of orchitis or epididymitis in men
Mumps (men)
Varicocele (men)
A past medical history that includes DES exposure (men or women)
Eating disorders (women)
Anovulatory menstrual cycles
Endometriosis
Defects of the uterus (myomas) or cervical obstruction
Long-term (chronic) disease such as diabetes

Symptoms

Inability to become pregnant.
A range of emotional reactions by either or both members of the couple. In general, such reactions are greater among childless couples. Having at least one child tends to soften these painful emotions.

Signs and tests

A complete history and physical examination of both partners is essential.

Tests may include:

Semen analysis -- the specimen is collected after 2 to 3 days of complete abstinence to determine volume and viscosity of semen and sperm count, motility, swimming speed, and shape.
Measuring basal body temperature -- taking the woman's temperature each morning before arising in an effort to note the 0.4 to 1.0 degree Fahrenheit temperature increase associated with ovulation.
Monitoring cervical mucus changes throughout the menstrual cycle to note the wet, stretchy, and slippery mucus associated with the ovulatory phase.
Postcoital testing (PCT) to evaluate sperm-cervical mucus interaction through analysis of cervical mucus collected 2 to 8 hours after the couple has intercourse.
Measuring serum progesterone (a blood test).
Biopsying the woman's uterine lining (endometrium).
Biopsying the man's testicles (rarely done).
Measuring the amount of luteinizing hormone in urine with home-use kits to predict ovulation and assist with timing of intercourse.
Progestin challenge when the woman has sporadic or absent ovulation.
Serum hormonal levels (blood tests) for either or both partners.
Hysterosalpingography (HSG) -- an x-ray procedure done with contrast dye that looks at the route of sperm from the cervix through the uterus and fallopian tubes.
Laparoscopy to allow direct visualization of the pelvic cavity.
Pelvic exam for the woman to determine if there are cysts.

Treatmen

t
Treatment depends on the cause of infertility. It may involve:
Simple education and counseling
Medicines to treat infections or promote ovulation
Highly sophisticated medical procedures such as in vitro fertilization
It is important for the couple to recognize and discuss the emotional impact that infertility has on them as individuals and together and to seek medical advice from their health care provider.

Whooping cough (pertussis)

Whooping cough (pertussis) is an acute, highly contagious respiratory infection that is caused by a bacterium. The first outbreaks of pertussis were described in the 16th century. The bacterium responsible for the infection, Bordetella pertussis, was not isolated until 1906. The incidence of pertussis has been steadily increasing since the 1980s. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), a total of 25,827 cases of pertussis were reported in 2004 in the U.S.

Can whooping cough be prevented with a vaccine?
Whooping cough commonly affects infants and young children but can be prevented by immunization with pertussis vaccine. Pertussis vaccine is most commonly given in combination with the vaccines for diphtheria and tetanus. (Pertussis is the "P" in the DTaP combination inoculation routinely given to children, and the "p" in the Tdap vaccine administered to adolescents and adults.) Since immunity from the pertussis vaccine wears off with time, many teenagers and adults get whooping cough.

What are the stages, symptoms, and signs of whooping cough?
The first stage of whooping cough is known as the catarrhal stage. In the catarrhal stage, which typically lasts from one to two weeks, an infected person has symptoms characteristic of an upper respiratory infection, including runny nose, sneezing, low-grade fever, or a mild, occasional cough, similar to the common cold.

The cough gradually becomes more severe, and after one to two weeks, the second stage begins. It is during the second stage (the paroxysmal stage) that the diagnosis of whooping cough usually is suspected. The second stage is characterized by:

-Bursts (paroxysms) of coughing, or numerous rapid coughs, are apparently due to difficulty expelling thick mucus from the airways in the lungs. Bursts of coughing increase in frequency during the first one to two weeks, remain constant for two to three weeks, and then gradually begin to decrease in frequency.
-At the end of the bursts of rapid coughs, a long inspiratory effort (breathing in) is usually accompanied by a characteristic high-pitched "whoop."
-During an attack, the individual may become cyanotic (turn blue) from lack of oxygen.
-Children and young infants appear especially ill and distressed.
-Vomiting (referred to by doctors as posttussive vomiting) and exhaustion commonly follow the episodes of coughing.
-The person usually appears normal between episodes.
-Paroxysmal attacks occur more frequently at night, with an average of 15-24 attacks per 24 hours.
-The paroxysmal stage usually lasts from one to six weeks but may persist for up to 10 weeks.
-Infants under 6 months of age may not have the strength to have a whoop, but they do have paroxysms of coughing.

The third stage of whooping cough is the recovery or convalescent stage. In the convalescent stage, recovery is gradual. The cough becomes less paroxysmal and usually disappears over two to three weeks; however, paroxysms often recur with subsequent respiratory infections for many months.

How is whooping cough transmitted?

Whooping cough is highly contagious and is spread among people by direct contact with fluids from the nose or mouth of infected people. People contaminate their hands with respiratory secretions from an infected person and then touch their own mouth or nose. In addition, small bacteria-containing droplets enter the air during coughing or sneezing. People can become infected by breathing in these drops.

Can adults get whooping cough?

Although whooping cough is considered to be an illness of childhood, adults may also develop the disease. The illness usually is milder in adults than in children, but the duration of the paroxysmal cough is just as long as in children. The characteristic whoop that occurs after paroxysmal bouts of coughing is recognized in only 20%-40% of adults with whooping cough. Because immunity from the pertussis vaccine decreases over time but does not necessarily disappear, adults who do become infected may have retained a partial degree of immunity against the infection that results in a milder illness. Whooping cough in adults is more common than usually appreciated, accounting for up to 7% of adult illnesses that cause coughing each year. Infected adults are a reservoir (source) of infection for children.

How is whooping cough diagnosed?

When a patient has the typical symptoms of whooping cough, the diagnosis can be made from the clinical history. However, the disease and its symptoms, including its severity, can vary among affected individuals. In cases where the diagnosis is not certain or a doctor wants to confirm the diagnosis, laboratory tests can be carried out. Culture of the bacterium Bordetella pertussis from nasal secretions can establish the diagnosis. Another test that has been used to successfully identify the bacterium and diagnose pertussis is the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test that can identify genetic material from the bacterium in nasal secretions,

How is whooping cough treated?

Antibiotics directed against Bordetella pertussis can be effective in reducing the severity of pertussis when administered early in the course of the disease. Antibiotic therapy can also help reduce the risk of transmission of the bacterium to other household members as well as to others who may come into contact with an infected person. Unfortunately, most people with pertussis are diagnosed later with the condition in the second (paroxysmal) stage of the disease. Treatment with antibiotics is recommended for anyone who has had the disease for less than 21 days. Azithromycin (Zithromax), clarithromycin (Biaxin), erythromycin, and trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole are antibiotics which have been shown to be effective in treating whooping cough. It is unclear whether antibiotics have any benefit for people who have been ill with pertussis for longer periods, although antibiotic therapy is still often considered for this group. There is no proven effective treatment for the paroxysms of coughing that accompany pertussis.
Antibiotics are also routinely administered to people who have had close contact with an infected person, regardless of their vaccination status.

Complications of whooping cough (pertussis)

The most common complication and the cause of most pertussis-related deaths is secondary bacterial pneumonia. (Secondary bacterial pneumonia is bacterial pneumonia that follows another infection of the lung, be it viral or bacterial. Secondary pneumonia is caused by a different virus or bacterium than the original infection.) Young infants are at highest risk for whooping cough and also for pertussis-associated complications, including secondary pneumonia. Data from 2001-2003 indicate that secondary pneumonia occurred among 4.9% of all reported pertussis cases.
Pertussis can cause serious illness and even death in young children; 13 children died from the infection in 2003. From 2004-2005, 66 deaths due to whooping cough were reported to the CDC, and 56 of these were children under 3 months of age. Most of the pertussis-related deaths have occurred in children who have not been vaccinated or who are too young to have received the vaccine.
Other possible complications of pertussis include seizures, encephalopathy (abnormal function of the brain due to decreased oxygen delivery to the brain), reactive airway disease (asthma), dehydration, and malnutrition.

Pertussis (Whooping Cough)

Pertussis, commonly known as whooping cough, is a highly contagious disease that can last for weeks and typically causes severe coughing fits. It is caused by the bacteria Bordetella pertussis and can be prevented with a vaccine. After the introduction of the vaccine for pertussis in 1940, incidence for the disease decreased by over 99 percent to a low of 1,010 cases in 1976. Recently, the trend has reversed with a peak of 25,000 cases in 2005 and more than 15,000 in 2006. Two-thirds of reported cases in 2005 were in adolescents or adults. Reasons for this increase include under-vaccination in infants, under- and misdiagnosis of pertussis in the past, decreased immunity from past vaccinations, and increased recognition of cases in adolescent and adult populations.
Pertussis is most severe in children under one year of age. From 2000 to 2004, 90 percent of the total 100 deaths related to pertussis occurred in infants less than four months old.
The CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), the Committee on Infectious Diseases of the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Academy of Family Physicians all recommend that children (6 weeks to 6 years old) routinely receive five doses of a combination vaccine, DTaP (diphtheria and tetanus toxoids plus a cellular pertussis vaccine) at the ages of 2, 4, 6, 15 to 18 months, and 4 to 6 years. ACIP also recommends that children 11 and 12 years of age receive a single dose of Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis) instead of the usual diphtheria and tetanus booster. Recommendations also call for older adolescents (13 to18 years old) to receive a single dose of Tdap if they have not yet received a Tdap vaccination. Adults under 65 years of age are encouraged to receive one Tdap vaccination instead of a Td (tetanus and diphtheria) booster.2 Tdap is comprised of two vaccines and is licensed for use in adolescents and adults ages 10 to 64 years.

melanin

Also called pigment, melanin is a substance that gives the skin and hair its natural color. It also gives color to the iris of the eye, feathers, and scales. In humans, those with darker skin have higher amounts of melanin. By contrast, those with less pigment have lighter or more fair skin coloring.

A skin pigment (substance that gives the skin its color). Dark-skinned people have more melanin than light- skinned people. Melanin also acts as a sunscreen and protects the skin from ultraviolet light.

Melanin is produced by cells called melanocytes. It provides some protection again skin damage from the sun, and the melanocytes increase their production of melanin in response to sun exposure. Freckles, which occur in people of all races, are small, concentrated areas of increased melanin production.



Melanin, sometimes referred to as a chemical, is formed as part of the process of metabolizing an amino acid called tyrosine. In the skin, melanin is formed by cells called melanocytes. Certain medical conditions, such as albinism, are associated with the lack of melanin. Albinism is a condition marked by the abesnce of a normal amount of pigment in the body. Animals, humans, and even plants can have albinism.

Albinism exists in a number of variations. Depending on the type of albinism, the skin, hair, and eyes may all be affected. In fact, ocular albinism affects not only the color of the eyes, hair, and skin, but also results in poor vision. Additionally, some types of melanin deficiency are associated with increased mortality rates.

Melanin provides many benefits to human beings. One of the most recognized benefits involves ultraviolet rays of the sun. Melanin provides a natural protection against the harmful effects of these rays. However, it does not provide complete protection from the sun, and individuals with darker skin tones are still at risk from the sun's damaging rays.

Generally, those with darker skin tones and more melanin are able to tolerate exposure to the sun for hours without getting sunburn. By contrast, a person with lighter skin may get sunburn after spending only minutes in the midday sun. Skin cancer is directly related to exposure to the sun and the presence of less than optimal amounts of pigment. Sun exposure has even been linked with cataracts.

Melanin is the natural substance that gives color (pigment) to hair, skin, and the iris.

In humans, melanin is the primary determinant of human skin color and also found in hair, the pigmented tissue underlying the iris, the medulla and zona reticularis of the adrenal gland, the stria vascularis of the inner ear, and in pigment-bearing neurons within areas of the brain stem, such as the locus ceruleus and the substantia nigra.

Dermal melanin is produced by melanocytes, which are found in the stratum basale of the epidermis. Although human beings generally possess a similar concentration of melanocytes in their skin, the melanocytes in some individuals and ethnic groups more frequently or less frequently express the melanin-producing genes, thereby conferring a greater or lesser concentration of skin melanin. Some individual animals and humans have very little or no melanin in their bodies, a condition known as albinism.

Because melanin is an aggregate of smaller component molecules, there are a number of different types of melanin with differing proportions and bonding patterns of these component molecules. Both pheomelanin and eumelanin are found in human skin and hair, but eumelanin is the most abundant melanin in humans, as well as the form most likely to be deficient in albinism.

Eumelanin polymers have long been thought to comprise numerous cross-linked 5,6-dihydroxyindole (DHI) and 5,6-dihydroxyindole-2-carboxylic acid (DHICA) polymers; recent research into the electrical properties of eumelanin, however, has indicated that it may consist of more basic oligomers adhering to one another by some other mechanism. Thus, the precise nature of eumelanin's molecular structure is once again the object of study.[citation needed] Eumelanin is found in hair and skin, and colors hair grey, black, yellow, and brown. In humans, it is more abundant in peoples with dark skin. There are two different types of eumelanin, which are distinguished from each other by their pattern of polymer bonds. The two types are black eumelanin and brown eumelanin, with black melanin being darker than brown. Black eumelanin is in mostly non-Europeans and aged Europeans, while brown eumelanin is in mostly young Europeans. A small amount of black eumelanin in the absence of other pigments causes grey hair. A small amount of brown eumelanin in the absence of other pigments causes yellow (blond) color hair.

Pheomelanin is also found in hair and skin and is both in lighter skinned humans and darker skinned humans. In general women have more pheomelanin than men, and thus women's skin is generally redder than men's. Pheomelanin imparts a pink to red hue and, thus, is found in particularly large quantities in red hair. Pheomelanin is particularly concentrated in the lips, nipples, glans of the penis, and vagina.[4] Pheomelanin also may become carcinogenic when exposed to the ultraviolet rays of the sun. Chemically, pheomelanin differs from eumelanin in that its oligomer structure incorporates benzothiazine units which are produced instead of DHI and DHICA when the amino acid L-cysteine is present.

Neuromelanin is the dark pigment present in pigment bearing neurons of four deep brain nuclei: the substantia nigra (in Latin, literally "black substance") - Pars Compacta part, the locus ceruleus ("blue spot"), the dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus nerve (cranial nerve X), and the median raphe nucleus of the pons. Both the substantia nigra and locus ceruleus can be easily identified grossly at the time of autopsy due to their dark pigmentation. In humans, these nuclei are not pigmented at the time of birth, but develop pigmentation during maturation to adulthood. Although the functional nature of neuromelanin is unknown in the brain, it may be a byproduct of the synthesis of monoamine neurotransmitters for which the pigmented neurons are the only source. The loss of pigmented neurons from specific nuclei is seen in a variety of neurodegenerative diseases. In Parkinson's disease there is massive loss of dopamine producing pigmented neurons in the substantia nigra. A common finding in advanced Alzheimer's disease is almost complete loss of the norepinephrine producing pigmented neurons of the locus ceruleus. Neuromelanin has been detected in primates and in carnivores such as cats and dogs.


Melanin is also a mechanism for absorbing heat from the sun. This purposes is of particular importance to cold-blooded animals. Snakes, lizards, certain types of fish, and a wide range of other animals depend on their surroundings, including the rays of the sun, to establish and maintain their body temperatures.

Also important for sharpness of vision, melanin serves to minimalize the number of light beams that enter the eye. It also provides for the absorption of scattered light within the eye. In this way, pigmentation allows for more keen sight.