Doctors started questioning the validity of this therapy after a clinical study in 2002 that produced evidence that hormone replacement therapy may not be as healthy as once thought that it was. Parts of the clinical testing revealed that this therapy actually might be causing more health hazards than preventing. Once doctors started studying the results of this particular test, they started changing their minds about whether or not their patients should be on this therapy long term.

The treatment takes estrogen and combines it with the man made hormone progestin. Given to patients who had trouble with handling the symptoms of menopause like hot flashes and other symptoms that come a long with menopause. This therapy use to be a long term therapy that lasted over a period of years. Because of the test however; long term use is rarely used as compared to its more common short term use presently.

Doctors have discovered that if the Bioidentical Hormone Replacement therapy is given short term, some of the health benefits can still be achieved. Doctors are discovering that with short term use, the threat of osteoporosis is lessened, heart disease with short term use might still be lessened but the therapy should be administered to the woman when they are in the early stages of post menopause. When used in moderation it is possible that the therapy can lower the risk of colorectal cancer.

If a woman has entered menopause, it is really important that she seriously consider whether or not she wants to risk taking the therapy over a long extended period of time. If they feel that the extent of their menopause is too much for them to handle as compared to the possible hazards, they might want to see if their doctor will put them on the therapy to help make menopause more tolerable.

Women and doctors both need to consider the risks seriously. It is now suspected that with long term use of hormone therapy it might actually increase the risk of heart disease. Long term use of hormones might also increase the risk of breast cancer. The increase in strokes has also been linked to the long term use as well as more false positive mammograms.

With women who have only taken estrogen for therapy it was discovered that they did not seem to have an increase in heart disease, but they still had an increase in strokes, an increase in blood clots of the legs and there seemed to be more mammograms that tested positive when they were negative.

Should a woman strongly believe that the symptoms she is suffering during menopause is far too life disrupting and they feel the risks are small compared to the menopause it would be advisable for them to contact their doctor and sit down and discuss the possible implementation of hormone therapy. Other things that might influence a woman to take the therapy is if the doctor has discovered that the woman is suffering from bone loss. Another reason might be if the woman began menopause before the age of 40.

If you happen to be suffering from any of the symptoms mentioned above, then trying the hormone therapy on a short term basis, might be able to help you with your problems. It will be up to your doctor however; to decide whether you should be put on long term versus short term.

Compounding pharmacists are professionals with specialized and trustworthy expertise in the medical field. Among the best within their industry, they have knowledge of procedures like the Bioidentical Hormone Replacement, or better known as the BHRT.

While the typical diet in the United States has a much greater ratio of omega-6 fatty acids compared with omega-3 fatty acids, research is showing that shifting this ratio-by increased consumption of fatty fish or fish oil supplements-may provide significant health benefits. Reductions in cardiovascular risk, depression, and rheumatoid arthritis symptoms have been correlated with omega-3 fatty acid intake, and there is increased interest in the use of omega-3 fatty acid supplementation for other psychiatric illnesses and prevention of Alzheimer's disease.

The beneficial properties of fish oil are well known and are related to its fatty acid composition rich in omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids. A variety of epidemiological and clinical studies have demonstrated the efficacy of fish oil supplementation in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The anti-inflammatory effects of fish oil are linked to the production of alternative eicosanoids, to the reduction of proinflammatory cytokines, to the inhibition of the activation of T lymphocytes and of catabolic enzymes. Fish oil supplementation could represent a valuable support to the traditional pharmacological treatment of rheumatoid arthritis.

A study by Berbert AA et al (Nutrition Feb 21 (2): 131-6, 2005) evaluated whether supplementation with olive oil could improve clinical and laboratory parameters of disease activity in patients who had rheumatoid arthritis and were using fish oil supplements.

Forty-three patients were investigated in a parallel randomized design. Patients were assigned to one of three groups. In addition to their usual medication, the first group received placebo (soy oil), the second group received fish oil omega-3 fatty acids (3 g/d), and the third group received fish oil omega-3 fatty acids (3 g/d) and 9.6 mL of olive oil.

Disease activity was measured by clinical and laboratory indicators at the beginning of the study and after 12 and 24 wk. Patients' satisfaction in activities of daily living was also measured. There was a statistically significant improvement in relation to group 1 with respect to joint pain intensity, right and left handgrip strength after 12 and 24 wk, duration of morning stiffness, onset of fatigue, Ritchie's articular index for pain joints after 24 wk, ability to bend down to pick up clothing from the floor, and getting in and out of a car after 24 wk. Group 3, but not Group 2, in relation to Group 1 showed additional improvements with respect to duration of morning stiffness after 12 wk, patient global assessment after 12 and 24 wk, ability to turn faucets on and off after 24 wk, and rheumatoid factor after 24 wk. In addition, Group 3 showed a significant improvement in patient global assessment in relation to Group 2 after 12 wk.

Ingestion of fish oil omega-3 fatty acids relieved several clinical parameters used in the present study. However, patients showed a more precocious and accentuated improvement when fish oil supplements were used in combination with olive oil.

More convincing data support the efficacy of omega-3 PUFA in reducing pain, number of tender joints, duration of morning stiffness, use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and improving physical performance in RA patients. Kolahi et al (Clin Biochem Dec 23, 2009) from the Biotechnology Research Center in Tabriz University of Medical Sciences conducted a clinical trial to prove that fish oil supplementation decreases serum soluble receptor activator of nuclear factor-kappa B ligand in female patients with RA.

Soluble receptor activator of nuclear factor-kappa B ligand (sRANKL) to osteoprotegerin ratio is designated as a bone metabolism equation in many rheumatologic disorders and would be modified with fish oil (FO) supplementation. Eighty-three females with rheumatoid arthritis were divided randomly to 40 and 43 patients treated with (1 g/day) or without FO for 3 months accompanied with conventional drugs, respectively. Osteoprotegerin, sRANKL, tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFalpha) serum levels were measured before and after treatment. Serum levels of osteoprotegerin increased, although sRANKL, TNFalpha and sRANKL/osteoprotegerin ratio decreased with FO therapy. A significant positive correlation was observed between sRANKL/osteoprotegerin ratio and TNFalpha levels (r=0.327, p=0.040) in the FO-treated group. CONCLUSIONS: FO could decrease the inflammatory response by lowering of serum TNFalpha levels and sRANKL/osteoprotegerin ratio.

In another study, Adam et al ( Rheumatol Intl Jan;(1):27-36) investigated the effects of both dietary measures, alone and in combination, on inflammation, fatty acid composition of erythrocyte lipids, eicosanoids, and cytokine biosynthesis in patients with RA.

Sixty-eight patients with definitive RA were matched into two groups of 34 subjects each. One group was observed for 8 months on a normal western diet (WD) and the other on an anti-inflammatory diet (AID) providing an arachidonic acid intake of less than 90 mg/day. Patients in both groups were allocated to receive placebo or fish oil capsules (30 mg/kg body weight) for 3 months in a double-blind crossover study with a 2-month washout period between treatments.

Clinical examination and routine laboratory findings were evaluated every month, and erythrocyte fatty acids, eicosanoids, and cytokines were evaluated before and after each 3-month experimental period. Sixty patients completed the study. In AID patients, but not in WD patients, the numbers of tender and swollen joints decreased by 14% during placebo treatment. In AID patients, as compared to WD patients, fish oil led to a significant reduction in the numbers of tender (28% vs 11%) and swollen (34% vs 22%) joints Compared to baseline levels, higher enrichment of eicosapentaenoic acid in erythrocyte lipids (244% vs 217%) and lower formation of leukotriene B(4) , 11-dehydro-thromboxane B(2) (15% vs 10%, P less than 0.05), and prostaglandin metabolites (21% vs 16%, P less than 0.003) were found in AID patients, especially when fish oil was given during months 6-8 of the experiment.

A diet low in arachidonic acid ameliorates clinical signs of inflammation in patients with RA and augments the beneficial effect of fish oil supplementation.

Dr. Jack Haddad, MD, MBA is the founder and owner of King of Home Care, an independently owned non-medical In-home care agency. In addition to his compassion and dedication to the home care industry, Dr. Haddad's expertise and knowledge with hospice care is evident by the clinical research trials that he has conducted over the years.

Once they reach their forties, however, problems become more severe. This is a progressive disease that never gets better, and only gets worse, in the aging process, without intervention.

I've seen so many folks, friends and loved ones, have train wrecks around alcohol as they move through their forties. This is reflected in divorces, job and financial problems or coming face to face with the legal system. Several folks I've known have died from the disease in their forties, robbed of living out a full life.

If the truth be known, alcohol, in my opinion, is the most toxic drug known to mankind. The fact that it's "legal", however, distinguishes it from other drugs which are classified as dangerous and even believed to be more so. On the other hand, alcoholism is far more costly to society than illegal drugs ever have been, or ever will be. But, society is collectively in denial of this fact.

Enough of my rant. If you think you have a problem, the article we came across below offers to insight into treatment, and it's never too late to get help.

Alcoholism Addiction Treatment and Treatment for Drug Addiction

So you've identified that you or someone you love needs help. So what then are the options are far as alcoholism addiction treatment and treatment for drug addiction?

As far as I'm concerned your first point of call should always be rehab - or a proper treatment center - where you spend 3-6 weeks getting yourself sober/clean. (Times do vary depending on where you go)

The reason I think rehab should be your first choice - is because it not only helps you detox - but follows a focused in-patient treatment program that will help you deal with a lot of the 'stuff' that causes you to use or drink.

To get the level of intensive treatment and care you need - is so much harder without going to a rehab or inpatient treatment program. How you stay clean/sober successfully after treatment is even more important - so a good rehab will also prepare you for that while you're there.

Many people have a perception that rehab is unaffordable and so is realistically never going to happen. There are a lot of treatment centers however, that have government backing, and so make it possible for just about anyone to go.

I honestly believe rehab should always be your first choice, but what are your other options? You could try addiction and alcoholism self-help approaches, which would involve you working on the spiritual, emotional and mental aspects of yourself - and therefore provide enormous potential for growth and transformation. I don't have space to go into detail here (check out my website for that). I still think however that rehab is your best bet (at least initially) - because trying to do it yourself is so much harder.

Alternative Alcoholism Treatment and Addiction Treatment options are becoming increasingly popular. I definitely think there is a place for alternative alcoholism and addiction treatment - but I would recommend using these in conjunction with a more mainstream or traditional way, especially to begin with at least - because again it is that much harder doing it without the help of addiction treatment professionals.

Therefore when considering treatments for drug addiction or alcoholism addiction treatment options - make getting into a treatment center/rehab your priority. Things like alternative alcoholism treatment and addiction/alcoholism self-help methods can play a massive part - but going to rehab will just give you that head start, and so make recovery that much easier.

The Beginning Stage

At stage 0, a blockage is found in the mammary or the ducts in the mammary. The first type, lobular carcinoma, is not yet deadly and usually the doctor will keep an eye on it by having the patient come in for frequent visits. Even with early cancer, the very fact that a tumor has formed in one breast makes the risk for cancer in the other much higher. Recently, many women have found it more acceptable to have a double mastectomy than to wait and find out if they will have cancer in the other breast and how far it will go. Ductal carcinoma is usually removed and the surgery is followed with other forms of treatment. Breast removal is an option with ductal carcinoma, too.

Stages II through III

Most women will try all treatments before choosing breast removal if there are any other options. A mastectomy is performed when the cancer is too far progressed, or it is spreading to the lymph nodes.

Chemotherapy is often given before a woman has surgery to see if the tumor will shrink. If it does, there is a better chance that she will not have to have her entire breast taken off.

The non-invasive treatments are almost always used regardless of whether or not surgery is done. Treating the cancer intensively makes survival more likely.

If the cancer has spread to the lymph nodes, full mastectomies and lymph tissue removal is performed.

The Last Stage of Cancer

In the case of stage IV breast cancer, the disease is considered inoperable. Treatments include radiation, chemotherapy and hormone therapy. These do not save her life but often help her to live for a while longer. Women may choose to have no therapy in this stage and opt instead for supportive care. This is meant to help control pain and support a better quality of life while she is dying.

Reoccurrences of cancer do happen sometimes. If a woman is prepared and catches on very quickly, there is still a chance she will survive. If the cancer was "hiding" in the lymph nodes or elsewhere in the body, it is probably in its last stages. Supportive care is usually the best way to treat this stage of cancer.

Women are not the only ones who may develop breast cancer. Men are known to get it as well. It is a rare occurrence, but it does happen. When it does, their treatment options are the same as for breast cancer in women.

So if you're at home and suffering from the first signs of an incoming attack, you can fire the first shot in defense of yourself using safe home remedies. After you read this article, you'll know a handful of ways to alleviate your gout pain naturally.

The best gout home remedies are still the conventional ways that people have become accustomed with. This includes the application of ice in the affected area. The application of ice or cold packs has the ability to reduce pain. This will work in as little as 10 to 15 minutes. If pain still persists, you can also take medications like ibuprofen in easing joint pain.

It would also be more soothing if you soak your feet in Epsom Salt. This is applicable if the pain is more intense in the toe part. Epsom Salt has the ability to alleviate and appease aching muscles. This also helps in the normal circulation of the blood and helps in cleansing and washing out toxins from the body.

Eating fruits like strawberries and cherries will also play a salient part in treating gout. These fruits deactivate the uric acid with high concentrations. Such fruits should be rich in vitamins and minerals like potassium, magnesium, zinc, calcium, vitamin c and iron.

Getting plenty of water into your system is also advisable. This excretes uric acid toxins out of your bloodstream. Try to drink up to 8 glasses a day, or at least as much as you can manage.

Do not take high blood pressure lightly just because you don't feel the symptoms. A large percentage of people who suffer heart attacks or congestive heart failure started out with symptom free high blood pressure. No factor is more closely associated with heart disease than high blood pressure. A third of the population will develop high blood pressure.

A standard procedure of any medical physical examination is to check blood pressure. Most often this will be done by the nurse either before entering or upon first entering the examination room. Take into consideration a condition called "White Coat Syndrome" in which nervousness about visiting the doctor actually causes increased blood pressure. This is a common reaction that has sometimes resulted in trips to the emergency room. If you experience this, consider buying a relatively cheap home digital blood pressure monitor. Wrist units are available which are very simple to use and are very accurate. Do not use this home device as a replacement for doctor visits though.

Although hypertension is a major causative factor in strokes and coronary heart disease, the sad truth is that 90% or more of cases have unknown or uncertain causes. For this reason, there is no simple answer to the question of what causes high blood pressure and there is no simple solution to the problem. The problem is best approached in a holistic fashion.

Normally, blood pressure is naturally controlled by a person's body, keeping it within very strict limits. If blood pressure drops, the body contracts the arteries, decreasing the size of the blood's pathway, thus increasing the resistance encountered by the blood trying to push its way through. Blood pressure increases. If blood pressure becomes too high, the body will reverse this process. In people with long term hypertension, this process does not function correctly for some reason and must be managed by diet and drugs.

Some of the factors medical authorities believe contribute to high blood pressure are:

* Excess consumption of alcohol

* Smoking

* Obesity

* Excess sodium in the diet

* High stress levels

* Excessive Caffeine

* Genetic factors

Most of the factors listed are well within our individual control. We can make great progress toward controlling blood pressure with natural techniques. Switching to a healthy diet with more fruits and vegetables and less fat can make a huge difference. Losing just a few pounds of excess fat can work wonders in lowering blood pressure. Easy exercise such as walking for 30 minutes 3 times a week has beneficial effects on blood pressure. Switching to the low sodium DASH diet has been proven in studies to lower blood pressure. These actions will have greater effects when combined. Be sure to consult your medical doctor before beginning any new exercise program or making major changes in your diet.

Controlling hypertension is crucial to preventing health problems later in life. Learn more about how to treat hypertension at http://bloodpressuredanger.blogspot.com.

When it comes to breast cancer prevention, knowing your risks plays an important part in protecting yourself from danger. It can be as simple as having a screening performed by your doctor. How early you get involved in protecting yourself could be the difference between life and death.

Risk Factors

Risk factors are a crucial part of breast cancer prevention. You can personally manipulate some risk factors, but other are considered uncontrollable. Controlled factors can be determined by your lifestyle. Eating foods that are high in fat and low in nutrients can be a culprit to cancer, along with smoking and excessive drinking. The choices you make in life also become risk factors. Women who take oral contraceptives could have a greater chance of developing this deadly disease. Having children before the age of thirty can put women at a higher risk for breast cancer. Although some risk factors are easier to control than others, familiarizing oneself with plenty of information will only make fighting cancer easier for you.

Forgoing any form of physical activity can also greatly increase a woman's chance of developing this deadly disease, especially if she is already overweight. But a woman can be perfectly healthy, have absolutely no risk factors, and still develop breast cancer. The bottom line is that cancer is a gamble, and you have to arm yourself with enough knowledge to have a winning hand.

Medications

There are certain medications available to women who fall under high risk factors for breast cancer. The drug Tamoxifen has been used in the United States for over twenty-five years to help in the fight for breast cancer prevention. The drug is taken once daily as a pill and interferes with the female hormone estrogen, preventing it from attaching itself to cells in the breast tissue. This medication can also be used to treat women already diagnosed with breast cancer because it can slow down or cease the growth of cancerous cells. Tamoxifen has even been associated with helping prevent a recurrence in women who previously suffered from breast cancer.

Mammograms

A more common way to prevent breast cancer is through mammograms. A mammogram is an x-ray of the breast and is the most common form of prevention. Women who are over forty years of age should get mammograms on a yearly basis. For women in their twenty's and thirty's, the American Cancer Society's web site recommends getting clinical breast exams at least every three years from a medical professional. This test is performed using the tips of the fingers to check the entire breast area and under the arm. In addition to mammograms and clinical breast exams, women should also perform breast self exams each month to recognize any signs of lumps or abnormalities in the tissue.

If You Are Uninsured

The Center for Disease Control (CDC) is able to help women who fall within the lower poverty levels, are uninsured or underserved gain access to screenings for breast cancer. This program is called the National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program. The CDC's web site touts it has served more than two million women under this program since its inception in 1991. In 2000, Congress expanded this service by opening it up to women who are on Medicaid. This breast cancer control act, formally titled the Breast and Cervical Cancer Prevention and Treatment Act, is a way to help women, who may have little access to quality health care, have a chance at breast and cervical cancer prevention.

Being smart and knowing your body is the best way to arm yourself for breast cancer prevention. There is a plethora of information available at a moments notice to give you the necessary information to determine if you are at risk for developing this disease. Learning your family history and going to your doctor regularly will put you on the path towards a long and cancer-free life.