Do Hair Growth Vitamin Supplements Help

Both men and women worry about their appearance. Most of us try to look our best yet sometimes we find we need a little help doing so. One of the most important aspects of looking good is great looking hair and some people find they can improve their appearance by using hair vitamin supplements.

Electrical Devices

Almost everyone uses some type of electrical apparatus on their hair. While these magical gadgets like hair dryers, curling irons and crimpers save us money and are fun to use, there is a price to pay.

We don’t exactly think about the damage we’re causing our hair when we admire the final result in the mirror, but over time we may be burning our hair, choking it and drying it out. This makes hair brittle and eventually unattractive. If you think you might be harming your hair this way, you might consider taking hair vitamin supplements.

Hair Dyes

Another way to make your hair more attractive is to dye it. In The danger here is the upkeep. Once you start dying your hair, you’ll need to do it often. Nothing looks more unattractive than a grown out dye job. Although your hair looks wonderful when you keep up with the color, these chemicals can and often do wreak havoc right before your eyes.

Although today’s dye products are full of moisturizers and have improved greatly over the years, these particular chemicals can rob your hair of its sheen and eventually leave you with dull, lifeless hair. If you regularly dye your hair, you may benefit from the use of hair vitamin supplements.

Healthy Hair

Oily hair can also be cause for concern. You may want to consult your physician and discuss the safe use of hair vitamin supplements. If you have a regular hair stylist, talk with her about your particular concerns. She may be able to recommend products that address your needs.

Of course, hair vitamin supplements can’t and won’t solve all of the challenges you face in your quest for great looking hair. The most important thing is healthy hair. Healthy hair is great looking hair. Pay less attention to products that claim to make your hair bigger, smaller, smarter and richer and concentrate on those products, if you even need any, that promote healthy hair.

Diet

Like our bodies, our hair needs the right amounts and kinds of vitamins and minerals. Before you decide to take hair vitamin supplements, learn which vitamins your hair needs to thrive, and then review your eating habits.

Consider whether your diet plays a part in the appearance of your hair. You may find that you don’t need extra supplements at all. Perhaps you need to brush your hair more or less or change shampoos. Explore different avenues with a hair care specialist to determine your particular needs.

In order to keep your hair beautiful you need to take care of it properly, because it reflects to some degree your overall health and self-confidence. You need to include a balanced diet in your quest for beautiful and healthy hair and take a look at your overall health.

After all, how can you expect to have healthy hair if you don’t take care of the rest of your body? After educating yourself fully, you may decide that you do need hair vitamin supplements. If that is the case, make sure you do not go above the recommended dosage as too much of a good thing isn’t the best thing.

Cancer Diet- The Role of Fibre

This article in the series on Cancer Diet explores the importance of fibre.

Fibre's role in the body is to assist in the timely expulsion of waste matter from the bowel. If this waste matter stays put for too long, the body starts to reabsorb the antigens and toxins from the bowel bacteria through the gut wall.

One of the easiest ways to tell if you are getting enough fibre is to inspect your stools. Sounds most unsavoury, I know, but all you need to do is see whether they float or sink in the toilet. If they are floating you are getting enough fibre, if they sink you are not.

The reason a good cancer diet will address the need for good elimination is that as the body fights the cancer it produces even more waste matter. This puts a very heavy load on the elimination systems. If the bowels are clogged up as well, then the body struggles under a highly toxic load. This in turn takes much needed resources away from healing functions. Of course, if the patient is also having chemotherapy treatment, good elimination is even more crucial.


In a well managed cancer diet, there will already be a good proportion of raw foods, particularly fruits and vegetables. These raw foods are one of the best sources of natural dietary fibre.

Other much touted remedies such as psyllium husks can be very helpful, but it is preferable to get your fibre directly from your foods, which also contain other elements such as enzymes that help digestion.

Water is also absolutely critical for good bowel function, assisting in the flushing of the bulk material and the toxins that accumulate there. Absolutely no point in upping the fibre content then depriving the body of water so that it all becomes a big plug!

Many medications can cause constipation so be on the lookout for this side effect when starting any new ones. Also high levels of calcium and low thyroid hormones can play havoc, so if you continue having constipation after increasing your fibre and water content, make a beeline for your doctor. Constipation has far too many negative side-effects to allow it to continue too long.

Just a quick PS - every cancer diet should include pears, as they are full of fibre, water and highly nutritious to boot. If you are constipated, a full ripe pear on an empty stomach first thing in the morning followed by a glass of water has a very good chance of doing the trick!

Saunas: Pleasure That Is Safe

Saunas have been used for many years as a way to relax and to improve the body’s look and feel. If you have never been able to set foot in one, then there are some things that you should know so that you can be properly prepared and so that you can remain safe. Saunas can be soothing and exhilarating when they are used correctly.


Here are some things to remember when you step into saunas:

• Realizing that it is going to be hot is important. In some cases, temperatures can range from any place between 60 degrees to 120 degrees. They are generally at about 70 to 90 degrees Celsius most of the time.

• Because of this temperature and the level of humidity in the saunas, you will find that often heat prostration and heat stroke can occur. It is important to watch for signs of these as you may not realize it if you are relaxing.

• Also, after the sauna, it is customary to take a cool shower or even take a plunge in a cool bath afterwards. The problem with this is that it needs to be done carefully to avoid the sudden and intense increase in blood pressure that can make you dizzy.

• Saunas should not be used by individuals who have a history of conditions such as stroke or hypertension because saunas can quite affect these conditions.

In many cases, saunas are thought to help cleanse the body. Some people believe that they help the body get rid of toxins that are in the pores through sweating. In fact, in some countries it is believed that saunas can help cure diseases as well! What there is no doubt about is that saunas are a great way to relax and to enjoy some soothing time. If you have the opportunity, visit one as often as you can so that you too can experience this pleasure that is like nothing else

Laser: The Ultimate Acne Terminator?

Acne is really a big deal to anyone that suffers from it! It is major problem for almost all the teenagers, not only in this country, but also in all parts of the globe. Everyone wants to get rid of it! In fact, there is a wide variety of things that can actually help you cure it. You can make a paste or mask from different kinds of plants and herbs or just buy non-prescription products on the nearest store. However,You should know that these are just meant to handle mild to moderate acne problems. So, when these products and procedures are not working well for you, it is advisable to see and consult a doctor for advise.

There are really extreme cases when acne can't be treated just by self medication. Your doctors can offer you a more potent drug, or he/she can suggest another good option - acne laser treatment. In our present day, technology is changing our world faster than we think! Through the advance of science, we can now take advantage of LASER technology further in medical operations. Medical specialists say that undergoing acne LASER treatment is one of the most advance and, probably, the most effective treatment you can have to totally get rid of acne today. This amazing procedure will surely give hope to people who are greatly suffering with their acne. We have already used LASER treatment on acne scarring successfully for years, but it is truly a breakthrough to be used in treating existing acne. The question now is how can acne LASER treatment actually cure acne? Is it safe and effective?


How can that be?

Acne LASER Treatment is done by applying extreme thermal or heat effect on the sebaceous glands in order to damage it. Studies prove that the laser equipment used in the operation can actually do four treatments in one-month intervals. Statistics shows that 16 out of 17 patients got a 100% success on clearing the face. Test through skin biopsy immediately afterwards the operations revealed that the sebaceous glands showed alterations caused by the induced heat, decreasing the production of oil. Immediate proofs that acne LASER treatment is taking a postive effect!

Two Types of LASER

In performing acne LASER treatments, doctors are actually using two types of LASERs. One type deal with the inhibition of the bacterial growth that causes skin problems, while the other is made to work with the sebaceous glands in order to reduce the production of oil in particular parts of the body especially the face.

Still Under investigation

Even if it already proved to be a success on totally eradicating your acne, doctors admitted that acne LASER Treatment is still under research to further study its short and long-time effects. Thus, it is still not available yet for widely use to everyone. The patients should also know that insurance is not covered in the acne LASER treatment and that not all states can distinguish who are and who are not allowed to perform operations using LASER. Medical specialists also warn that procedures that require the use of LASER should be done by qualified physicians only. It is also suggested that you should ask for the qualification of the one that will do the operation before undergoing acne LASER treatment.

How many? for how long?

Your doctor might suggest that you undergo acne LASER Treatment for about 5 months, one treatment every month, in order to get satisfying results. However, if acne reappears, additional acne LASER treatment done periodically will be required.

How does it feel?

You might wonder how it feels undergoing the procedure. Well, most patients say that acne LASER treatment will give you a rubberband-like sensation during the operation. If ever you find this uncomfortable, you are given the choice to have topical anesthetic cream applied directly on your skin.

Omega 3 Fish Oil EPA and DHA Explained

There is no doubt that Omega 3 fish oil can not only help your heart and joints, but your brain too. Most people are aware of these benefits, but aren’t sure whether the benefits of Omega 3 fish oil apply across the board for all types of Omega 3 fish oils. There are now many different brands available on the world market, with sellers aiming to capitalise on the Omega 3 fish oil ‘boom’. This makes for such a wide range of products and so many claims that it is hard for the consumer to sift fact from fiction.

Omega 3 fish oil contains two active ingredients: EPA (Eicosapentaenoic Acid) and DHA (Docosahexaenoic Acid). Most fish oils on the market contain both these ingredients in various quantities - the argument that has arisen concerns which of these essential nutrients you need, and which is better than the other.

The simple answer to this is that both are vital nutrients, but they are each important at different stages of life; it is becoming clear in the scientific community that they both have different functions.


DHA

DHA is now thought to constitute the ‘building blocks’ of the brain, forming about 8% of the brain by weight - this is why it is important for pregnant mothers to ensure an adequate supply throughout pregnancy.

DHA is also added to some infant milk formulas by some leading manufacturers, as an infant requires a lot of DHA in the first two years of life to support the growth of the brain.

EPA

EPA however is different; this essential nutrient is now considered by some leading doctors and professors in the UK as being the single most vital nutrient in the functioning of the brain and nerve stimulation.

This was highlighted by the release of a very high profile book by a leading psychiatric professor, who is using a very strong form of ethyl EPA to help treat patients of his who suffer from depression and schizophrenia. Moreover, the ethyl EPA that the professor is using has had the DHA removed. In the book he explains that Ethyl EPA fish oil is not as potent, and does not give the same therapeutic effects as when the DHA is present.

According to the professor, this is backed up by two randomised controlled trials at the University of Baylor and Sheffield, where depressed people who were given DHA only fared slightly worse than the placebo-controlled group.

Conversion

So what happens if the body becomes deficient of DHA? The professor goes on to describe that the body can convert EPA into DHA, as it is only two steps down the chain of ecosanoids. This is a process the body can do relatively easily. The body can also convert DHA into EPA, but our bodies struggle to make this conversion and it is not a very efficient process.

A good example of this would be with flaxseed oil, that is high in the omega 3 parent fatty acid ALA (alphalinoic acid); to obtain roughly 1 gram of EPA, you would have to ingest 11 grams of flaxseed oil.

Conclusion

The simple truth is that you need both these essential nutrients. The evidence is increasingly pointing towards the two being important for various stages of life. DHA when compared against EPA in treating depression is faring no better than a placebo; however the DHA is important for pregnant mothers and children from birth to two years. Beyond that some leading doctors (Mercola, Stoll, Puri) are leaning towards EPA being very beneficial for the daily functioning of the brain

The Science of Arthritis

In order to understand how to handle arthritis pain, you need to understand how the body works and how arthritis can impede the body from working properly. Once someone has a general understanding of the science behind arthritis, one can better understand how to handle arthritis pain and get some arthritis relief.

First of all, there are several different types of arthritis. The two most commonly known forms of arthritis are osteoarthritis (OA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA). However, there are three other major types of arthritis. These other forms of arthritis are systemic lupus erythematosis, ankylosing spondylitis and gout. Let’s take a look at each:

• Systemic Lupus Erythematosis (SLE) – This form of arthritis mainly affects women. It develops in the skin, internal organs and joints.

• Ankylosing Spondylitis – This form or arthritis affects the spine and can also affect the ankles, knees, lungs, heart, shoulders and eyes.

• Gout – This is a painful affliction mainly for men, about one million of them in the United States alone. Uric acid build up, due to an internal chemical malfunction, forms crystals that get stuck in a joint, generally the big toe, and become inflamed.


Where two bones meet, called joints, are covered with cartilage, also known as gristle. This cartilage is sturdy, elastic, and spongy or compressible, and keeps the bones from moving against each other at the joint. Healthy joints can handle some fairly heavy pressure. For example, when taking a walk a person’s knees handle a force of three to four times a person’s total body weight, while deep knee bends can increase to nine times the body’s weight. Unfortunately, arthritis effects how joints function properly in your body.

Surrounding the bones and cartilage is a strong, fibrous capsule lined with synovium, a thin membrane that lubricates the joint area with fluid. The end result is less friction or smoother rubbing together of the bones. This fluid also feeds the cartilage cells, keeping them healthy, and is “pumped” into them during joint movement. Therefore, lack of movement can be unhealthy. By understanding more about how joints work it is easy to see why exercise plays a crucial role in arthritis relief.

Arthritic joints can be affected with inflammation when bacteria or a virus (or other undesirable element) enters the joint area or when an injury occurs. What happens is when foreign matter enters this area or the area sustains injury, white blood cells, antibodies and other natural “fighting” mechanisms automatically kick in internally to help. These fighters cause swelling, redness and heat as the body fluid moves around. Symptoms of inflammation, one of the uncomfortable issues associated with arthritis pain, are redness, swelling and tender joints.

The exact science of what actually causes arthritis is still being researched. For most forms of arthritis, the causes are unknown. Injury, overuse of joints and mechanical issues with joints (like skeletal abnormalities, worn out joint muscles) can lead to arthritis. Many arthritis experts also point to issues relating to bacteria as one of the main culprits causing arthritis. Heredity, stress, drugs, food allergies and viruses have also been linked to some forms of arthritis. Likewise, diet, poor circulation, and lack of movement have also been connected to arthritis.

While it appears that arthritis may be caused by many factors, the good news is that at least some of these factors can be controlled. Clearly, a healthy diet and plenty of exercise will go along way towards arthritis relief.

HGH to Back Global Protein Therapeutics Market

According to our new research report “Global Protein Therapeutics Market Analysis”, protein therapeutics market has been growing at the fast pace for the past few years globally. Key segments in protein therapeutics are playing an important role in the global healthcare industry and in key fields of medicine. Key factors acting as growth drivers for the market are easier regulatory approvals for therapeutic products, lower threat from generic erosion, and favorable pricing environment. It was estimated that the global protein therapeutics market in 2010 stood at around US$ 95 Billion, which was a growth of 9% from previous year.

Our report has found that Human Growth Hormone (HGH) market forms an important part of the global protein therapeutics market. Currently, the market is characterized by a small number of key players, however the future growth prospects are attractive. Significant increase in the number of approved indications and rising generic competition helped global HGH market to be worth US$ 3.11 Billion in 2010 and the market will further grow in a fairly good manner.

The report “Global Protein Therapeutics Market Analysis”, provides a prudent analysis and extensive research of the global protein therapeutics market. It covers all the important aspects of the market and analyzes current developments and trends in segments such as, Monoclonal antibody, Insulin, Interferon Beta, G-CSF, Coagulation factors, Erythropoietin, Human growth hormone, Blood clotting factor, and Follicle stimulating hormone. The report also highlights emerging trends of the global protein therapeutics industry that are likely to impact the market development in future.

The report is an outcome of an in-depth research and rational analysis of the global protein therapeutics industry. The usage of effective methods and techniques for future projection makes the outlook more realistic and better. The report provides the description and recent developments of key active market players of the industry. Overall, the report is likely to facilitate decision making of clients by providing them effective analysis and reliable data.

Healthy Snack Recipes

We would like to share with you some delicious and healthy snack recipes. They are easy to make and your whole family will love it.

Vegetarian Baba Ganoush

This is a Middle Eastern spread and dip is similar to hummus, but is made with eggplant instead of chickpeas (garbanzo beans). This recipe is particularly hummus-like, since it uses some chickpeas for a thicker texture.

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 45 minutes

Total Time: 60 minutes

Ingredients:

1 large eggplant

1 can chickpeas, drained (garbanzo beans)

3 cloves garlic

1/4 cup lemon juice

3 tbsp tahini

dash sea salt

1/4 cup olive oil

2 tbsp fresh chopped parsley (optional)


Preparation:

Slice eggplant in half, and roast in 400 degree oven for approximately 45 minutes, or until soft. Allow to cool slightly, then scoop out inside of eggplant, leaving skin behind.

In a blender or food processor combine eggplant and remaining ingredients, except oil and parsley, until smooth. Mixture will be somewhat thick. Slowly incorporate olive oil until well mixed. Mix in chopped parsley by hand. Serves eight.

Enjoy with veggies, pita, or as a sandwich spread. I like to spread some baba ghanoush in a flour tortilla and add lettuce, tomatoes and veggies for a sandwich wrap.

Stuffed Celery with Bean Dip

This recipe for stuffed celery with chick pea and white kidney bean dip is a healthy and spicy snack that is great for parties.

Cut several stalks of celery into 3 inch pieces. Set aside.

Chick Pea and White Kidney Bean Dip

15-oz chick peas (aka Garbonzo beans)

15-oz white kidney beans (aka Cannellini beans)

6-oz can tomato paste

6 oz water

2 teaspoons ground cumin

2 teaspoons chili powder

3-4 gloves garlic

1 teaspoon sweet dried Basil

1/2 teaspoon dried Cilantro leaves

1 Jalapeo pepper or hot sauce to taste

This dip can be made in either a blender or food processor.

Open and drain the cans of chick peas and white kidney beans. Empty into the blender container or food processor. Spoon the tomato paste into the blender container. Fill the can with water and swish around or loosen any remaining tomato paste with a spoon and empty into blender container.

Add all the other ingredients into the blender container, cover and run the blender at high speed until smooth. For stuffing into the celery, you will want the dip fairly thick, but it can be easily thinned with water for a more liquid consistency to use as a dip with fresh vegetables or pita slices.

Spread the dip into the cut celery pieces using a flat serving knife and serve on a platter.

Baked Acorn Squash with Brie, Cranberries, Onions, and Pistachios

You'll need:

1 Small or medium acorn squash

2 Tablespoons of butter

1 Handful of dried cranberries

1 Small onion, diced

1 Handful of chopped pistachio nuts

1 Small round of your favorite brie cheese, sliced into thin wedges

Salt to taste

Preheat oven to 450F. Using a large, sharp knife halve the squash lengthwise and halve pieces again. Scrape out seeds with a spoon and discard. Place squash piece skin side up in the oven until tender, about 35 to 40 minutes.

In a fry pan add butter and let melt. Add diced onion and cook until translucent, about 3 minutes. Mix dried cranberries and pistachios and stir for another 4 or 5 minutes. Add salt to taste.

Once tender, take squash out from oven and scrape cooked flesh out with a spoon into a baking dish. Cover the squash with brie slices and cranberry mixture. Bake in the oven until the brie is melted over squash.

How Does Radiation Therapy Work?

When an individual is diagnosed with cancer, it is appropriate for him or her to discuss possible cancer treatment options as there are a variety of options to consider. There are two aggressive treatments that are commonly used today in the fight against cancer, those are external beam radiation therapy, or EBRT and intensity modulated radiation therapy or IMRT.

It is widely known that radiation is a relatively effective treatment that emits a high dose of radiation within the body to kill specific cancer cells while working to preserve the nearby healthy cells. It is possible to use one or both radiation treatments and this is determined on the location, size, and type of the tumor.



The purpose of EBRT is to destroy the tumor and cancer cells nearby while preserving healthy tissue as much as possible. This medical procedure is likened to receiving an x-ray as it works by emitting high energy x-rays or electrons. This painless and bloodless procedure involves a machine delivering a beam of radiation to the tumor and surrounding area.

The most common machine used to administer this type of radiation is a linear accelerator, also known as a linac. The size and shape of the beam is determined by the radiation oncologist, in addition to how it is directed at the patient's body, in order to treat the tumor effectively without damaging nearby normal tissue.

IMRT administers high doses of radiation via a highly targeted beam directly to the cancer cells. It is more precise than traditional radiation therapy, and the administering equipment can be rotated in such a way that the beams are emitted at certain angles to effectively treat the tumor. Therefore, by delivering higher doses of radiation directly to the cancer cells at the proper angle, it is more likely that the nearby healthy tissue can be preserved.

Higher doses of radiation have been associated with the reduction of complication rates and improved tumor control, clinical studies have found. Patients that had tumors near vital organs or structures were often considered untreatable. IMRT can now be used for these types of tumors since the beam is highly targeted.

However, because these specific tumors need targeting with complete accuracy, computer images are now conducted for the purpose of planning and delivering the radiation so that it resembles the tumor shape. It is up to the patient's health care provider to determine the radiation dosage based on the tumor size, shape, and location.

Both EBRT and IMRT have been proven to be successful treatments in the fight against all types of cancer, including prostate cancer. Cancer patients receiving EBRT, IMRT, or both, will undergo radiation therapy every day for an undetermined amount of weeks, usually seven to ten, in order to minimize side effects.

Surgery For The Stars

While plastic surgery might remain for many of us something of a pipe dream, the thing we'd do if we won the lottery, for those in the entertainment industry, it has slowly but surely become akin to an entry pass into Hollywood. While there are still a large percentage of women in the general populace who are quite content to sit around with their girlfriends and talk about what they would have done, there is a certain faction of womankind - though as the pressure to conform to a particular 'look' increases, the male membership of the group increases also - for whom plastic surgery is simply inevitable.


It is very difficult to find a woman in tinsel town whose only surgeon has been the natural passing of time - in fact, there is a growing subsection of the entertainment and gossip industry that thrives off the maudlin reportage of what stars are having done, and how wrong it is going. While there is undoubted interest, and even admiration, for the woman who has had plastic surgery go right, we seem to take greater delight in perusing photograph after photograph of some former beauty who has suffered the misfortune of having something not quite go to plan in the surgery room.

Because regardless of the star who succumbs to the knife, and regardless of the surgeon who wields it, the fates sometimes frown on surgery, and the rich and famous take the same risks with plastic surgery that the rest of us do. But this inherent danger seems to be of little consequence, as the list of surgery supporters grows ever larger. And while we continue to gaze with wonder at the beautiful celebrities that fill our magazines, it becomes increasingly difficult to find one that has not yet been surgically enhanced. Because it seems that to succeed in a world where talent is only second best, the surgical manipulation of physical appearance really is inevitable.

The Role of Medical Imaging Software

There is no doubt that medical imaging software is a vital part of modern medicine. Today doctors rely heavily on imaging software to provide diagnoses of a whole variety of illnesses. In nearly all fields of medicine, scans and imaging software are used by doctors to see the body's interior for accurate diagnosis. This article discusses the role of medical imaging software in medicine and why advancements in technology are important and research should continue into the technology used.

Medical imaging software in particular is crucial to MRI scans. MRI stands for magnetic resonance imaging and it involves a magnetic field being directed to the part of the body that needs investigating for problems and abnormalities. Through the magnetic field radio waves are sent. When the waves hit the body, the nuclei of the atoms in the cells give off energy. The software used detects this energy and converts the data into images for a doctor or radiologist to view. These images show any abnormalities with the cells and can detect a host of problems such as tumours. It is the scan itself that creates the information, but it is the medical imaging software that presents the data in a way that it can be used.

Imaging software is also used in other scan types (or modalities). A CT scan is another valuable and commonly used scan to help doctors gain a good understanding of what is wrong with a person's health. It is most often used to explore the brain further and will be prescribed after someone has suffered a serious head trauma. During a CT scan a very large number of pictures or images are taken at the same time. Imaging software is then used to interpret this web of pictures into one 3 dimensional image of the body or the brain. Just like with MRI scans, without imaging software neither of these scans would exist. It is one thing gathering the data, but unless it is displayed in a helpful way the data is totally useless.

Another type of scan that uses medical imaging software is an x-ray. Most people have heard of an x-ray and can picture the images produced from it. It is used mostly to detect broken bones as it is not usually able to provide a very clear picture of more intricate parts of the body like cells and tissue. It does show up broken or fractured bones however very well. During the procedure, the body receives a dose of radiation. The radiation travels through the body being absorbed in small amounts as it does so. The waves travel at different speeds and it is this data that is interpreted by software to be projected onto film. The film holds a clear image of the bones in the body. An x-ray can detect other abnormalities in the body, but will not display them as clearly as a CT or MRI scan would. If a shadow or dense area is spotted on the x ray then further scans will be required.

An ultrasound scan is another type of scan that relies heavily on medical imaging software. This can be used to detect many things in the body but is most commonly used during pregnancies. It does provide a clear picture however and therefore can be used to investigate the organs in the body and even the bones.

If it wasn't for medical imaging software, none of these scans would be possible. Although the data would be collected, without software it would not be displayed in a format that was possible to understand or interpret. Researching technology and ensuring medical imaging software is as good as it can be is vital to the field of medicine. Oncology software in particular is vital in the fight against cancer. Medical image fusion takes these scans even further by enabling the images to be viewed at the same time for an even clearer picture.

Reasons To Have Laser Eye Surgery

Just like the rest of the body, there are a host of things that can go wrong with the eyes. There are also some problems that people are born with and have to live with from birth. Here you will find information about a large number of conditions that might require laser eye surgery of some kind. Some conditions are not necessarily problematic, in the sense that they won't cause you to go blind if no treatment is given. However, there are other conditions that can lead to loss of sight.

If you were born with some kind of a refractive problem in your eyes then you may well need laser eye surgery to correct them in later life. It is possible to wear glasses or contact lenses if you do have something wrong, however laser eye surgery may allow you to throw away your glasses for good. Myopia or shortsightedness can be corrected by lasik eye surgery. During the procedure the cornea is flattened slightly to correct the refractive problem. By making the cornea more curved, longsightedness is another refractive problem that can be successfully fixed with laser eye surgery. Another refractive problem that can be corrected with laser eye surgery is astigmatism which is when the cornea curves differently in the eye. In other words, one side of the cornea is curved differently to how it is curved on the other side. Not only does both long and shortsightedness occur when someone is born with this condition, but eyesight can even be blurred. Lasik eye surgery can flatten the steepest part of the eye and therefore correct the vision.

As well as refractive problems, laser eye surgery can remove a number of conditions that can affect sight. One such condition is pterygium. This is the name of a condition that involves a small amount of tissue growing across the eye. It doesn't look nice and it can make vision a little blurry or patchy. It can be removed instantly with laser eye surgery and the person's eye sight should return as good as new. Blepharospasm can also be helped with laser eye surgery. This is the involuntary twitching of the eye and although it is not life threatening or likely to ruin a person's eye sight, it can be very irritating and affect negatively day to day life.

There are other very serious and damaging conditions that can be helped or removed entirely with laser eye surgery. Glaucoma can be very damaging indeed and is caused when there is a build of fluid in the eye. If the fluid cannot pass freely due to a blockage then pressure will build. The pressure can lead to partial or complete blindness so if glaucoma has been diagnosed, action needs to be taken as soon as possible. There is laser eye surgery that can remove the blockage entirely. This procedure has saved the sight of thousands of people across the world. Laser treatment can also assist in the treatment of diabetic retinopathy and other illnesses related to diabetes. Anyone who has diabetes is at risk of developing certain eye conditions, and so it is very important that regular check ups are carried out.

Laser eye surgery is a very quick surgery. Some procedures take just a few minutes per eye. Patients can have the surgery done on an outpatient basis and can be home after just an hour or so in the hospital. Patients notice a major difference in their eye sight when they wake up the following morning but results can be felt after just a couple of hours later.

Laser eye surgery can be used to treat many conditions and illnesses. There is laser vision correction available for refractive problems, as well as illnesses like glaucoma. There is also lens exchange surgery possible for cataract removal.

Fakta Tentang Kentut

1. Darimana asal kentut?



- Dari gas dalam usus. Gas dalam usus berasal dari udara yg kita telan, gas yg nerobos ke usus dari darah, gas dari reaksi kimia & gas dari bakteri dalam perut.



2. Apa komposisi kentut?



- Bervariasi. Makin banyak udara kamu telan, makin banyak kadar nitrogen dalam kentut (oksigen dari udara terabsorbsi oleh tubuh sebelum sampai di usus). Adanya bakteri serta reaksi kimia antara asam perut & cairan usus menghasilkan karbondioksida. Bakteri juga menghasilkan metana & hidrogen. Proporsi masing-masing gas tergantung apa yang anda makan, berapa banyak udara tertelan, jenis bakteri dalam usus, berapa lama kita menahan kentut.Makin lama menahan kentut, makin besar proporsi nitrogen, karena gas-gas lain terabsorbsi oleh darah melalui dinding usus. Orang yang makannya tergesa-gesa kadar oksigen dalam kentut lebih banyak karena tubuhnya tidak sempat mengabsorbsi oksigen.



3. Kenapa kentut berbau busuk?



- Bau kentut karena kandungan hidrogen sulfida & merkaptan. Kedua senyawa ini mengandung sulfur (belerang). Makin banyak kandungan sulfur dalam makanan anda, makin banyak sulfida & merkaptan diproduksi oleh bakteri dalam perut, & makin busuklah kentut kamu. Telur & daging punya peran besar dalam memproduksi bau busuk kentut. Kacang-kacangan berperan dalam memproduksi volume kentut, bukan dalam kebusukannya.




4. Kenapa kentut menimbulkan bunyi?



- Karena adanya vibrasi lubang anus saat kentut diproduksi. Kerasnya bunyi tergantung pada kecepatan gas.



5. Kenapa kentut yg busuk itu hangat tidak bersuara?



- Salah satu sumber kentut adalah bakteri. Fermentasi bakteri & proses pencernaan memproduksi panas, hasil sampingnya adalah gas busuk. Ukuran gelembung gas lebih kecil, hangat & jenuh dgn produk metabolisme bakteri yg berbau busuk. Ini kemudian menjadi kentut, biar cuma kecil volumenya, tapi SBD (Silent But Deadly).




6. Berapa banyak kentut diproduksi sehari?



- Rata-rata setengah liter sehari dalam 14 kali kentut.





7. Mengapa kentut keluar melalui lubang dubur?



- Karena density-nya lebih ringan, kenapa gas kentut tidak melakukan perjalanan ke atas? Gak kayak gitu. Gerak peristaltik usus mendorong isinya ke arah bawah. Tekanan di sekitar anus lebih rendah. Gerak peristaltik usus menjadikan ruang menjadi bertekanan, sehingga memaksa isi usus, termasuk gas-nya buat bergerak ke kawasan yg bertekanan lebih rendah, yaitu sekitar anus. Dalam perjalanan ke arah anus, gelembung-gelembung kecil bergabung jadi gelembung besar. Kalo gak ada gerak peristaltik, gelembung gas bakal nerobos ke atas lagi, tapi gak terlalu jauh, disebabin bentuk usus yg rumit & berbelit-belit. 8. Berapa waktu yg diperlukan oleh kentut buat melakukan perjalanan ke hidung orang lain? - Tergantung kondisi udara, kayak kelembaban, suhu, kecepatan & arah angin, berat molekul gas kentut, jarak antara transmitter�Edgn receiver�E Begitu meninggalkan sumbernya, gas kentut menyebar & konsentrasinya berkurang. Kalo kentut gak terdeteksi dalam beberapa detik, berarti mengalami pengenceran di udara & hilang ditelan udara selama-lamanya. Kecuali kalo kamu kentut di ruang sempit, kayak lift, mobil, konsentrasinya lebih banyak, jadi baunya bakal tinggal dalam waktu lama sampai akhirnya diserap dinding.



9. Apakah setiap orang kentut?



- udah pasti, kalo masih hidup. Sesaat setelah meninggalpun orang masih bisa kentut.



10. Betulkah laki-laki kentut lebih sering daripada perempuan?



- Gak ada kaitannya sama gender.. Kalo bener, berarti perempuan menahan kentutnya, & saat kentut banyak sekali jumlah yg dikeluarkan.



11. Saat apa biasanya orang kentut?



- Pagi hari di toilet. yg disebut “morning thunder�E Kalo resonansinya bagus, bisa kedengaran di seluruh penjuru rumah.



12. Mengapa makan kacang-kacangan menyebabkan banyak kentut?



- Kacang-kacangan mengandung zat gula yg gak bisa dicerna tubuh. Gula tsb (raffinose, stachiose, verbascose) kalo mencapai usus, bakteri di usus langsung berpesta pora & bikin banyak gas. Jagung, paprika, kubis, kembang kol, susu juga penyebab banyak kentut (bukan baunya!).



13. Selain makanan, apa aja penyebab kentut?



- Udara yg tertelan, makan terburu-buru, makan tanpa dikunyah, minum soft drink, naik pesawat udara (karena tekanan udara lebih rendah, sehingga gas di dalam usus mengalami ekspansi & muncul sebagai kentut).



14. Apakah kentut sama dgn sendawa, tapi muncul dari lain lubang?



- nggak�Esendawa muncul dari perut, komposisi kimianya lain dgn kentut. Sendawa ngandung udara lebih banyak, kentut ngandung gas yg diproduksi oleh bakteri lebih banyak.



15. Kemana perginya gas kentut kalo ditahan  gak dikeluarkan?



- Bukan diabsorbsi darah, bukan hilang karena bocor.. Tapi bermigrasi ke bagian atas menuju usus & pada gilirannya bakal keluar juga. Jadi bukan lenyap, tapi cuma mengalami penundaan.



16. Mungkinkah kentut terbakar?



- Bisa aja. Kentut mengandung metana, hidrogen yg combustible (gas alam mengandung komponen ini juga). Kalo terbakar, nyala-nya berwarna biru karena kandungan unsur hidrogen.



17. Bisakah menyalakan korek api dgn kentut?



- Jangan mengada-ada deh ah�Ekonsistensinya lain. Juga suhunya gak cukup panas untuk memulai pembakaran.



18. Mengapa kentut anjing & kucing lebih busuk?



- Karena anjing & kucing adalah karnivora (pemakan daging). Daging kaya akan protein. Protein mengandung banyak sulfur, jadi bau kentut binatang ini lebih busuk. Lain dgn herbivora kayak sapi, kuda, gajah, yg memproduksi kentut lebih banyak, lebih lama, lebih keras bunyinya, tapi relatif gak berbau.



19. Betulkah bisa teler kalo mencium bau kentut 2-3 kali berturut-turut?



- Kentut mengandung sedikit oksigen, mungkin aja kamu ngalamin pusing kalo nyium bau kentut terlalu banyak.



20. Apakah warna kentut? 

- Gak berwarna. Kalo warnanya oranye kayak gas nitrogen oksida, bakal ketauan siapa yg kentut.



21. Kentut itu apakah asam, basa atau netral?



- Asam, soalnya ngandung karbondioksisa (CO2) & hidrogen sulfida (H2S).

22. Apa yg terjadi kalau seseorang kentut di planet Venus?

- Planet Venus udah banyak mengandung sulfur (belerang) di lapisan udaranya, jadi kentut di sanapun gak ada pengaruhnya.

Inilah Efek Buruk Bagi Kesehatan Keseringan Memakai Laptop

Tim doktor dari Chapel Hill School, UNC(University of North Carolina), menyebut ganguan kesehatan tersebut dengan ‘laptop-itis’. Menurut mereka, postur tubuh yang tidak tepat dan sering menggunakan komputer dapat menyebabkan pelemahan kondisi fisik, seperti nyeri otot atau cedera berulang. Mengetik juga dapat menyebabkan carpal tunnel syndrome, yaitu cedera pada saraf yang melewati pergelangan tangan.

“Saat menggunakan laptop, Anda harus membuat semacam pengorbanan,” kata Dr. Kevin Carneiro, salah seorang peneliti seperti dikutip dari www.cbsnews.com

Pengorbanan tersebut menurut Carneiro, yaitu menggunakan docking yang meniru desktop komputer. Dan bila menggunakan laptop, tubuh Anda harus membentuk sudut 90 derajat, antara siku, lutut dan pinggul. Sementara itu, pandangan mata harus melihat lurus ke depan layar.

Carneiro juga menganjurkan untuk duduk di kursi yang mampu menyangga tubuh dengan baik saat Anda menggunakan laptop. Posisikan laptop tepat di depan sehingga Anda dapat melihat layar lurus tanpa menekuk leher. Tempatkan juga mouse pada posisi netral, ini sangat penting untuk pergerakan lengan dan siku.

Jika Anda mengalami rasa nyeri di bagian kepala, leher, pundak, pergelangan dan mengalami kesemutan pada jari-jari, hentikanlah aktivitas di depan komputer. Itu pertanda Anda butuh istirahat. Jika tak kunjung sembuh, periksakanlah ke dokter.

Kenapa Mesti Bersyukur Punya Payudara Berukuran Kecil

Kebanyakan wanita minder dan kurang PD punya payudara kecil, bahkan tak sedikit yang operasi payudara dengan implant atau silikon agar nampak lebih besar dan seksi, lantas bagaimana dengan Anda para wanita yang dikaruniai Payudara ukuran kecil tak usah berkecil hati, dibalik kekurangan selalu ada kelebihan.

1. Terhindar dari sakit punggung
Wanita yang memiliki payudara besar cenderung sering terkena nyeri punggung. Hal itu karena tulang punggung terlalu berat menyangga payudara. Untuk yang memiliki payudara kecil jarang sekali terkena masalah ini, nyeri punggung pun cenderung muncul karena hal lain dan bukan karena payudara.

2. Lebih mudah menyusui
Beberapa penelitian menunjukkan menyusui lebih sulit jika ukuran payudara cukup besar. Hal ini karena mencari posisi yang nyaman saat menyusui memang agak sulit. Lalu, jika ukuran puting payudara terlalu besar, akan sulit untuk masuk ke dalam mulut bayi baru lahir yang masih sangat kecil.

3. Stretchmark lebih sedikit
Selama kehamilan, payudara akan meregang untuk menampung ASI. Lalu, jika tidak lagi memproduksi ASI, payudara akan kembali ke ukuran normal dan meninggalkan bekas berupa garis-garis kecoklatan. Pada wanita berpayudara besar, garis ini akan sangat banyak, dan pada wanita berpayudara kecil garis ini lebih sedikit dan terlihat samar.

4. Jarang lecet atau terkena ruam
Wanita berpayudara besar seringkali terkena maslaah lecet dan ruam pada payudara. Biasanya karena gesekan kulit yang sering karena ukuran payudara yang besar. Untuk yang berpayudara kecil jarang sekali terkena masalah ini.

5. Lebih mudah olahraga
Dengan ukuran payudara kecil, Anda lebih nyaman saat berlari tanpa merasa ‘terbebani’ dengan payudara yang ikut bergerak. Lalu, saat melakukan yoga dan tengkurap di lantai, tidak perlu merasa sesak karena payudara tidak melebar.

6. Pilihan bra lebih beragam
Pemilik payudara kecil lebih mudah memilih model bra. Sedangkan wanita yang memiliki payudara besar, agak sulit mencari bra atau pakaian dalam yang pas dan nyaman. Jika tersedia pun biasanya harganya agak mahal.

How to Prevent Stress

Feelings of stress are often the enemy in the blanket. This feeling came to a sudden and often difficult to control. Especially when we have a lot of unfinished work in the office and at home. Stress can cause various diseases in the future, such as heart disease, high blood pressure and stroke. Like there's a saying, "umbrella ready before the rain" (LOL), it helps us avoid srtess in the following way.

1. Positive Thinking.
Remove the positive energy in yourself to always think positive and optimistic in the face of every problem. Realize that in every problem there must be a way out. Also don't be too hard on yourself. Know that every plan that has been made would not necessarily be achieved because of the obstruction. Be more flexible so you can better enjoy life.
2. Maintain health.
In a healthy body there is a healthy soul. So, keep your body's health with regular exercise, adequate sleep and eat nutritious balanced meals. If the body can stimulate the release of endorphine is the substance that makes the body feel good, so people who exercise regularly usually looks healthy and happy. Regular exercise should also be supported with diet and good rest.
3. Control your emotions.
The easiest way to control your emotions is to drink a lot of water when on the verge of anger. This water can calm your emotions and helps to think more clearly. Excessive emotions that don't need it can be a trigger stress. Be more patient and think more widely in order to understand any issues with clarity.
4. Short break.
Spend your bit for the rest. Use a good weekend and a maximum to pamper yourself and get out of their daily routine. Gather with family or friends can be the best way to create positive energy and a new spirit.
5. Being Open .
Don't buried your problem alone. Like there's a saying, "that's what friends are for". By sharing a story at least feels lighter and not continue to settle in the mind.
6. Increase sense of humor .
Clinically, humor can be used to relieve stress. Now this has appeared in Indonesaia therapy groups who do laugh therapy. Usually performed by a group of at least 5 people for 5 to 10 minutes. Humor needs to be done so that not too tense and nervous body get even a moment of relaxation.


Thus some of my things or ways that may help you prevent stress. Hopefully useful to you, if you have other ways that can help to prevent Sress, please share here.

Kebiasaan Onani Ganggu Kesehatan Mental

Pada dasarnya perilaku seksual remaja usia belasan tahun sama dengan orang dewasa. Ketika hasrat seksual muncul terkadang sangat mengganggu terutama konsentrasi belajar. Salah satu pelampiasan yang sering dilakukan adalah melalui onani (pada laki-laki) atau masturbasi (pada perempuan). Onani atau masturbasi pada remaja sebenarnya adalah bentuk gangguan orientasi seksual yang bisa berdampak buruk pada kejiwaan sebab menyebabkan efek adiksi (ketagihan).
Onani adalah suatu cara mencapai kepuasan dengan merangsang diri sendiri, terutama pada organ kemaluan untuk mencapai kepuasan tertentu. Perilaku onani bisa timbul karena ketegangan seks pada saat pubertas. Pada umumnya keadaan itu timbul pada laki-laki yang belum menikah karena dorongan seksual yang begitu besar. Menurut para ilmuwan, melakukan onani tidak merusak kesehatan jika tidak berlebihan. Karena masturbasi hanyalah mengeluarkan apa yang berlebihan pada tubuh.
Jadi kehilangan benih tidaklah merugikan tubuh karena kelenjar benih segera mengisi kekosongan akibat perbuatan masturbasi tersebut. Tapi sebenarnya lebih dari itu, bahaya dan kerugiannya terletak pada dampak psikologis yang ditimbulkannya.
Menurut dr Istar Yuliadi, pakar seksologi asal Solo, onani maupun masturbasi sering dilakukan oleh remaja dengan tujuan melampiaskan hasrat seksual yang terpendam. Perilaku ini dianggap lebih aman karena tidak berhubungan dengan lawan jenis, sehingga risiko terkena penyakit menular seksual menjadi rendah.
“Akan tetapi sama dengan efek dari perilaku seksual yang lain, onani akan menyebabkan efek ketagihan atau adiksi jika tidak dikendalikan,” ujar Istar dalam Seminar Nasional Perilaku Seks Remaja di UNS belum lama ini. Hampir sebagian besar laki-laki dan perempuan muda pernah melakukan onani atau masturbasi. Sebab saat ini perilaku menyimpang yang kadang juga menggunakan alat ini dianggap sebagai hal yang biasa dan lumrah dilakukan. Bahkan diperkirakan 95 persen laki-laki pernah melakukan onani, sementara 60 persen perempuan juga demikian.
Istar mengungkapkan, tren perempuan untuk melakukan masturbasi terus meningkat dari tahun ke tahun. Diperkirakan saat ini jumlahnya mencapai angka 80 persen atau mungkin lebih.
Media yang biasanya digunakan untuk melakukan onani adalah media visual, entah berupa film ataupun gambar, yang kesemuanya dapat dikategorikan sebagai pornografi. Onani yang dapat menyebabkan ketagihan pada remaja yang melakukannya ternyata memiliki dampak buruk terhadap otak. Beberapa ahli mengutarakan, dampak pornografi terhadap perilaku penyimpangan seksual akan mengakibatkan otak bagian tengah yang disebut dengan ventral tegmental area (VTA) secara fisik akan menjadi mengecil.
Disebabkan Pornografi
Gangguan orientasi seksual pada remaja saat ini paling banyak disebabkan oleh pornografi yang sekarang mudah didapat, terutama lewat dunia maya. Padahal gangguan ini menimbulkan perubahan konstan pada neurotransmiter (proses penyampaian pesan secara kimiawi) dan melemahkan fungsi kontrol. “Ini (pornografi) yang membuat orang-orang yang sudah kecanduan tidak bisa lagi mengontrol perilakunya,” tegas Istar.
Selain itu, ketagihan pada pornografi (onani) juga dapat menimbulkan gangguan pada memori. Meski kondisi itu menurut Istar, tidak berlangsung dalam waktu singkat namun melalui beberapa tahap yakni kecanduan yang ditandai dengan tindakan impulsif (nakal atau merusak), ekskalasi (peningkatan) kecanduan, desensitasi (antisensitif) dan akhirnya penurunan perilaku. Bahkan, diketahui kerusakan otak akibat kecanduan akibat pornografi adalah paling berat dari kecanduan kokain. Sebagai langkah pencegahan, sex education (pendidikan seks) sangat berguna untuk mencegah remaja pada kebiasaan onani.
Pendidikan seks dimaksudkan sebagai suatu proses yang seharusnya terus-menerus dilakukan sejak anak masih kecil. Pada permulaan sekolah diberikan sex information dengan cara terintegrasi dengan pelajaran-pelajaran lainnya, seperti penjelasan seksual yang sederhana dan informatif. Misalkan, onani atau masturbasi adalah suatu bentuk penyimpangan dalam menyalurkan seks.
Dalam kehidupan yang semakin keras banyak orangtua lupa pentingnya memperhatikan perkembangan psikologi anak terutama pengertian tentang seks. Sebab onani merupakan ekspresi seorang anak dalam mencari tahu pengetahuan yang salah tentang seks.

Sering Bersin, Waspadai Rinitis Alergi

Rinitis alergi adalah peradangan yang terjadi pada membran mukosa hidung yang disebabkan oleh reaksi peradangan dengan perantara Immunoglobin E (IgE). Penyakit ini ditandai dengan obstruksi (sumbatan) hidung, secret atau lendir hidung cair, bersin-bersin, serta gatal pada hidung dan mata. Jenis penyakit pada telinga hidung dan tenggorokan atau THT ini disebabkan oleh alergi terhadap partikel, seperti debu, asap, serbuk (tepung sari) yang ada di udara. Meskipun bukan penyakit berbahaya yang mematikan, rinitis alergi dianggap penyakit yang serius karena dapat mempengaruhi kualitas hidup penderitanya.
Rinitis alergi adalah penyakit umum yang paling banyak diderita oleh perempuan dan laki-laki yang berusia sekitar 30 tahun. Tak hanya aktivitas sehari-hari yang menjadi terganggu, biaya yang akan dikeluarkan untuk mengobati pun akan semakin mahal apabila penyakit ini tidak segera diatasi jika menjadi kronis.
Menurut dr Kartono Sudarman SpTHT-KL (K), spesialis THT dari RS Dr Sardjito Yogyakarta, terdapat dua penyebab utama rinitis alergi yakni rinitis alergi musiman (hay fever) dan rinitis alergi yang terjadi terus menerus (perennial).
Rinitis alergi musiman umumnya disebabkan karena kontak dengan alergen (zat penyebab alergi) yang berasal dari luar rumah seperti tepung sari dari tumbuhan yang menggunakan angin untuk penyerbukannya dan spora jamur. Alergi terhadap tepung sari berbeda-beda pada setiap penderita, tergantung kondisi geografis dan jenis tanaman yang ada, juga jumlah serbuk yang ada di dalam udara. Selain itu udara panas, kering dan angin mempengaruhi banyaknya serbuk di udara bila dibandingkan dengan saat udara dingin, lembab dan hujan. Jenis seperti ini biasanya terjadi di negara yang memiliki empat musim.
Sedangkan rinitis alergi yang terjadi terus menerus disebabkan karena kontak dengan alergen yang sering berada di rumah misalnya kutu debu rumah, kecoa, tumbuhan kering, jamur, bulu binatang atau protein yang dikandung pada kelenjar lemak kulit binatang. Protein ini dapat tetap berada di udara selama berbulan-bulan meskipun binatang itu tidak ada di ruangan. Badan kesehatan dunia (WHO) lewat iniative ARIA (Allergic Rhinitis and its Impact on Asthma) merekomendasikan, berdasarkan sifat berlangsungnya rinitis alergi juga dibagi menjadi dua.
Pertama, intermiten (kadang-kadang) yaitu bila gejala kurang dari empat hari per minggu atau kurang dari empat minggu. Kedua, persisten (menetap) yaitu bila gejala lebih dari empat hari per minggu dan atau lebih dari empat minggu.
Gejalanya bisa berupa bersin berulang-ulang lebih dari enam kali. Seringnya terjadi pagi dan malam, hidung mengeluarkan secret cair seperti air (runny nose), terasa cairan menetes ke belakang hidung (post nasal drip) karena hidung tersumbat, serta hidung gatal dan disertai gatal pada mata, telinga dan tenggorokan,” ujarnya dalam Simposium Nasional Alergi dan Demo Operasi Penatalaksanaan Terkini Alergi dan Penyakit Laring Faring oleh Perhimpunan Dokter Spesialis Telinga, Hidung, Tenggorok-Bedah Kepala Leher (Perhati-KL) Cabang Surakarta, belum lama ini.
Penyakit Turunan
Penyakit ini memiliki herediter (menurun secara genetik) dengan predisposisi (kecenderungan) genetik kuat. Apabila salah satu dari orangtua menderita alergi, kemungkinan sebesar 30 persen menurun terhadap keturunannya dan bila kedua orangtua menderita akan diperkirakan mengenai sekitar 50 persen keturunannya.
Kartono menambahkan, rinitis alergi tak bisa disembuhkan secara total, sehingga tujuan pengobatan adalah untuk mengurangi gejala dan mencegah komplikasi. Pengobatan yang utama adalah dengan menghindari atau meminimalkan kontak dengan alergen, misalnya menghindari penyebab terjadinya reaksi rinitis alergi.
“Contohnya menjaga kebersihan rumah dan menghindari memakai alat atau bahan yang mudah menyimpan debu seperti karpet. Bila diperkirakan alergi dengan bulu atau protein hewan, hindari memelihara jenis hewan tersebut. Dapat juga menggunakan filter debu udara di rumah,” papar Kartono.
Untuk menghindari pembengkakan pada hidung, biasanya dokter memberikan terapi medikamentosa baik yang diminum atau dalam bentuk spray hidung untuk mengurangi pembengkakan selaput lendir hidung.
Pengobatan lainnya adalah imunoterapi yaitu memberi alergen dalam jumlah kecil bertahap penderita dengan harapan tubuh menjadi kurang sensitif sehingga reaksi yang terjadi berkurang. Pengobatan ini ditujukan bila penderita tidak responsif dengan pengobatan medikamentosa atau mengalami komplikasi, misalnya radang sinus dan telinga yang sering kambuh. Atau penderita menolak minum obat-obatan dalam jangka waktu lama. “Imunoterapi menekan pembentukan IgE. Imunoterapi juga meningkatkan titer (kekuatan) antibodi IgE spesifik,” pungkasnya.

Kenali Gangguan Seksual pada Remaja

Gangguan seksual merupakan salah satu masalah yang sering dihadapi oleh remaja pada masa sekarang. Jika hal ini terus berlangsung akan menyebabkan penurunan prestasi belajar serta dapat memberikan dampak negatif bagi lingkungan sekitar. Oleh karena itu, gangguan seksual ini perlu diketahui agar dapat dilakukan penatalaksanaan sebagaimana mestinya sehingga dapat meminimalkan dampak yang ditimbulkan.
Bagi kebanyakan remaja, gangguan seksual biasanya dianggap sebagai suatu aib sehingga penderita umumnya menyembunyikan dan merasa malu untuk berkonsultasi atau berobat. Akibatnya, hal ini justru akan menimbulkan masalah yang lebih lanjut baik di bidang akademik maupun nonakademik. Pasalnya, selama remaja kehidupan laki-laki dan perempuan dihiasi oleh seksualitas. Sehingga masa remaja adalah waktu untuk penjelajahan dan eksperimen, fantasi seksual, dan kenyataan seksual, sehingga menjadikan seksualitas sebagai bagian dari identitas seseorang.
Menurut Prof Dr dr Aris Sudiyanto SpKJ (K), psikiater dari Fakultas Kedokteran UNS, remaja memiliki keingintahuan yang tidak pernah terpuaskan mengenai misteri seksualitas. Kebanyakan remaja secara bertahap berhasil membentuk identitas seksual yang matang. Namun sebagian besar remaja harus melalui masa yang rawan dan penuh kebingungan sepanjang perjalanan seksual mereka. “Seksualitas meliputi aspek kepribadian individu, sikap, dan tingkah laku yang sesuai dengan jenis kelaminnya,” jelasnya dalam Seminar Perilaku Seks Remaja di kampus UNS, beberapa waktu lalu.
Menurut pandangan psikodinamika, kelainan atau gangguan yang dialami pada masa remaja berkaitan dengan masalah perkembangan yang dialami, di mana proses gangguannya dapat dimulai sejak usia dini. Adanya masalah yang terjadi saat ini merupakan akibat konflik yang dihadapi saat masih kecil. Oleh karena itu, penanganannya pun dengan berusaha menemukan konflik yang menjadi masalah di masa kecil tersebut.
Aris menambahkan, seksualitas itu sendiri tergantung dari empat faktor yaitu identitas seksual, identitas gender, orientasi seksual dan perilaku seksual. Faktor-faktor tersebut dapat mempengaruhi kepribadian, perkembangan, dan fungsi seseorang.
“Identitas seksual adalah pola karakteristik seksual biologi seseorang yakni kromosom, genetalia eksterna dan interna, komposisi hormonal, kelenjar kelamin, dan ciri-ciri seks sekunder. Pada perkembangan normal, karakteristik ini membentuk suatu pola terpadu yang membuat seseorang tidak ragu terhadap seks (kelamin) mereka,” ujarnya.
Sedangkan identitas gender adalah perasaan apakah dirinya seorang laki-laki atau perempuan. Umumnya pada usia 2 hingga 3 tahun, setiap orang telah memiliki keyakinan yang kuat bahwa dirinya laki-laki atau perempuan.
Dorongan Seksual
Aris menerangkan, gangguan seksual pada remaja dapat dikelompokkan yakni, disfungsi seksual, parafilia, gangguan identitas jenis kelamin, serta adiksi seksual. Di antara keempat kelompok tersebut, parafilia merupakan istilah yang digunakan untuk menunjukkan fantasi, dorongan, atau perilaku seksual berulang yang menyertakan objek selain manusia.
Ekshibisionisme adalah kelainan yang termasuk dalam kelompok parafilia di mana seseorang akan menunjukkan alat kelaminnya pada orang lain dengan tujuan agar korban terkejut, syok, atau terangsang secara seksual. Orang yang didiagnosis mengidap ekshibisionisme biasanya tidak tertarik untuk melakukan kontak seksual aktual dengan korbannya.
Ada pula fetihisme yang berupa membangkitkan fantasi dengan benda berupa objek mati berupa pakaian dalam seperti bra, celana dalam, atau stoking. “Laki-laki dengan fetihisme lebih memilih objeknya daripada orang yang memiliki. Pada tahap yang lebih parah pengidap kelainan ini akan memakai pakaian lawan jenis dengan tujuan untuk mendapatkan rangsangan seksual disebut transvestik fetihisme,” paparnya.
Kelainan lain yang masih termasuk parafilia adalah melihat secara sembunyi-sembunyi orang yang tidak berpakaian atau saat membuka pakaian (voyeurisme), menggosok atau menyentuh tubuh orang tanpa izin (froterisme), melakukan seksual dengan anak yang belum puber (pedofilia), atau tindakan seksual dengan perasaan dipermalukan, diikat, serta dicambuk (masokisme seksual).
Dorongan seksual merupakan bawaan dan bervariasi pada orang yang berbeda, tetapi banyak perilaku seksual yang dipelajari. Pengalaman seksual awal, khususnya selama pubertas dan remaja memiliki efek yang tertanam. Jika pengalaman ini berhubungan kuat dengan kepuasan dan pelepasan tekanan, maka kemungkinan besar pengalaman ini akan diulangi, dan orang tersebut terkondisi pada bentuk khusus dari ekspresi seksual.
“Pembelajaran seksual sebaiknya dimulai sejak masa kanak-kanak. Pada pengertian luas, pembelajaran terjadi melalui interaksi orangtua dan anak,” pungkasnya.

Minum Kopi Teratur Kurangi Risiko Diabetes

Jangan minum kopi, nanti sakit jantung lho! Anggapan awam seperti ini ternyata tak sepenuhnya benar. Karena ternyata kopi bersahabat dengan jantung.
Dalam konferensi American Heart Association (AHA) di San Francisco, mendata sejumlah nilai plus peminum kopi. Peminum kopi memiliki risiko rendah untuk penyakit ritme jantung abnormal. Dan tidak ada indikasi dengan meneguk beberapa cangkir kopi bisa meningkatkan risiko aterosklerosis atau penebalan dinding pembuluh darah yang menyebabkan serangan jantung. Kandungan lain dalam kopi, selain kafein dapat mengurangi risiko diabetes bagi perempuan yang teratur meminumnya.
Namun salah satu laporan menemukan potensi hubungan antara minum kopi dengan tekanan darah tinggi. Tapi jangan khawatir, efeknya masih bisa ditoleransi.
“Studi tentang ritme jantung ini meneliti 130.054 anggota Kaiser Permanente Medical Care Program yang dirawat akibat gangguan ritme jantung. Sekitar dua persennya mengalami atrial fibrillation. Namun, bagi peminum kopi empat cangkir per hari lebih rendah 18 persen risiko terkena jantung dibanding mereka yang tidak minum kopi,” jelas Dr Arthur Klatsky, konsultan jantung senior.
Studi lain yang diikuti 3.000 pria dan wanita usia 20 tahun tidak menemukan hubungan antara konsumsi kopi dan atherosklerosis, baik laki-laki dan perempuan, kulit hitam atau putih, perokok atau bukan perokok.
Hal ini diamini oleh Jared Reis, ahli epidemiologi dari US National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute yang menyatakan tidak ada hubungan substansial antara minum kopi dan peningkatan atau penurunan aterosklerosis.
Tidak hanya itu Women’s Health Study menjelaskan bahwa diabetes tipe 2 (diabetes karena gaya hidup) lebih sedikit dialami peminum kopi. Peneliti membandingkan 359 perempuan setelah menopause yang menderita diabetes tipe 2 dan 359 wanita tanpa penyakit. Ditemukan wanita yang minum empat cangkir kopi berkafein sehari, memiliki risiko 56 persen lebih rendah daripada mereka yang tidak mengonsumsi kopi.
“Kopi mengurangi risiko dari efek kafein karena pengikat kafein hormon,” ujar Dr Liwei Chen, asisten profesor University of California, Los Angeles.