Posted in Health on April 13, 2010


For the full ingredient list and step by step recipe guide with pictures visit Zuzana’s fitness blog: www.bodyrock.TV

Posted in Health on April 13, 2010

One indication of cancer in the colon is blood in the stool or rectal bleeding. A number of physicians fail to rule out colon cancer and assure the person that the complaints as caused by hemorrhoids. Unfortunately, in some situations, the person ends up diagnosed subsequently with metastatic colon cancer. Under these circumstances, the person might have a claim for medical malpractice.

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Posted in Health on April 13, 2010

Skin cancer, although it seems small, can be quite deadly if it is not caught on time. As for how it develops, the cancer develops when DNA is damaged beyond repair. The cells that are damaged then grow and divide at a rate that is uncontrollable. When this damage occurs in the skin and the cells grow and divide uncontrollably, skin cancer is the result. The damaged cells will continue to multiply and that will cause a tumor. The cancer usually develops in the epidermis, which is the outermost skin layer. That is why the skin cancer tumor is usually quite visible. This is why skin cancer is usually detectable in the early stages. Sun exposure seems to be the main reason why skin cancer develops. The American Cancer Society has stated that most of the 1 million cases of skin cancer that are diagnosed each year could be prevented with proper sun ray protection. It is the UV rays from the sun that causes DNA to become damaged. The body is such an amazing machine that it can usually repair this DNA damage, but there is a time in which that repair may not take place. Cumulative sun exposure can cause this and later lead to skin cancer. This is why some individuals do not develop skin cancer until 30 or 40 years after they have had the extensive sun exposure. What do the different types of skin cancer look like?There are different types of skin cancer that a person can acquire. There are actually 3 main types. These 3 types account for all of the cases of skin cancer. What makes them different is the fact that these 3 cancers start in different skin cells. This is how each cancer gets their name; they are named based on the cell that they develop from. It is also important to note that there are two classes of skin cancers. The first class is nonmelanoma skin cancers and the second is melanoma skin cancers. Melanoma is the deadliest type of skin cancer. Here are the three different types:• Basal Cell Carcinoma – This is the most common form of skin cancer. More than 1 million people in the United States develop this form of cancer, which also means around 80% of all skin cancers are of this type. This type of skin cancer develops in the basal cells. These are cells that are present in the lowest layer of the epidermis. It can take on several forms. It can appear as a pearly nodule or it can appear as a nodule that is translucent. The sore may continuously heal and then re-open. The growth may also be elevated and slightly pink. Some individuals may even notice a waxy scar or a reddish patch of skin that simply looks irritated. Basal cell carcinoma usually shows up on areas of the skin that has been exposed to the sun. This means it is common to find this sort of cancer on the face, the nose, the head, the ears, the arms, chest, and other areas of the upper body that have dealt with sun exposure. It can take years for these tumors to grow to a size of about ½ inch. The good news, however, is that these tumors don’t usually metastasize, which means it doesn’t spread to other parts of the body. The main issue is damage of the surrounding tissue. • Squamous Cell Carcinoma – This type of skin cancer accounts for approximately 16% of all skin cancer cases. The cancer starts in the squamous cell, which are the skin cells that are found in the upper layer of the epidermis. About 200,000 people are diagnosed with this each year. Those individuals who are most susceptible are those that have fair skin and are middle-aged or elderly and have had extensive sun exposure in the past. As for the appearance, the cancer appears as a crusty or scaly area of skin that is red and inflamed at the base. This area looks like a growing tumor, an ulcer that won’t heal, or a patch of skin that is crusted over. This is also a cancer that tends to be found on areas of the skin that have been exposed to the sun. However, it can be found virtually anywhere on the skin, including the genitalia and the inside of the mouth. This is a form of skin cancer that needs early intervention because it can metastasize, causing the cancer to spread to other areas of the body. • Melanoma – Melanoma is the deadliest form of skin cancer. About 4% of skin cancers are melanoma and it begins in the melanocytes, which are the cells within the skin that give it its color. This is the most lethal form of skin cancer because of its ability to rapidly spread to the internal organs and the lymph system. Every single hour, there is one person in the United States who has died from Melanoma. The highest mortality rate is amongst white Caucasian men. It is believed that this is because men are more likely to not pay attention to the early warning signs. Fortunately, when caught on time, Melanoma has a 95% chance of being cured. However, the prognosis is not very good once it starts spreading. The reason why it can be hard to identify is the fact that melanoma will develop on an existing mole or it may look like a new mole that has developed. This is why it is important for individuals to be familiar with the appearance of their moles so they can notice whether or not the appearance changes. If the appearance changes, that is a sign that melanoma may be present. There are other nonmelanoma skin cancers that are in existence, but they do account for less than 1% of skin cancers. These nonmelanoma skin cancers include Merkel cell carcinoma, cutaneous T-cell lymphoma, and dermatofibromasarcoma protuberans. Facts and symptoms of skin cancerAs for who gets skin cancer, individuals of all different colors are susceptible to it. However, it is most common in individuals with fair skin. Individuals who have a tendency to burn, have a lot of freckles, or who have a family history of skin cancer are also quite susceptible to it. In individuals with dark colored skin, melanoma can develop in areas that have never been exposed to the sun. But this isn’t saying that individuals with light skin can’t have it develop in these areas as well. Unfortunately, the number of skin cancer cases is on the rise. People do know that excess sun exposure can lead to skin cancer, but most do not do what they need to protect their skin from the sun’s rays. If these trends continue, 1 in 5 people in America will have skin cancer at some point in their life. Melanoma is actually becoming more prevalent in women between the ages of 20 and 29. When skin cancer is suspected, two types of biopsies may take place. The first is the excisional biopsy, which means the entire tumor and tissue not related to the tumor is also removed. This is the best way to remove legions that are suspected melanoma. The second is the incisional biopsy, which just a portion of the area is removed in order to acquire a sample. The sample or the tumor is then examined under a microscope to determine if it is really cancer and, if so, what kind of cancer it is. Hot to treat skin cancerA biopsy is done to determine if skin cancer is really the issue. From here, a dermatologist will discuss the best treatment options. The treatment depends on the type of skin cancer, the location of it, how bad it is, how aggressive it is, and the overall health of the patient. In some cases, the skin cancer may just need to be removed through a very minor surgery. In more extreme cases, the skin cancer may need to be removed and radiation or chemotherapy treatments administered, especially if the cancer has metastasized. The main goal of skin cancer treatments is to remove the cancer completely, reduce the chances of it coming back, and make sure healthy tissue is preserved. It is also very important to minimize the scarring after surgery has taken place. How to prevent skin cancerThe prevention of skin cancer lies in protecting the skin from the sun’s harmful rays. The instance of skin cancer occurring is reduced significantly when protected from the sun. It is also idea to stay out of the sun between 10:00 a. m. and 4:00 p. m. When the rays are the strongest, a broad spectrum sunscreen can offer quite a bit of protection. It is also recommended that individuals use a sunscreen of an SPF 15 or higher year round can be quite helpful. It is also ideal to cover the skin when possible. Wear hats when in the sun and try to reduce the amount of exposed skin without overheating.

Posted in Health on April 13, 2010

Current Health
Are you keeping up with your personal health? You know that there are articles published on almost all health problems. An example is arthritis. If you or someone in your family or friends have a problem with arthritis you should try to keep abreast of the latest treatments. In many cases by staying up to date you can be aware of the latest treatments available. Also, there are new drugs that come out on the market almost daily. By checking the most current health articles you will know if the latest treatments are shown to be effective, or what side-effects the newest medications have.
You should be concerned with your health and the health of your family. The best way to stay on top of all health related problems is to check what is available on the World-Wide-Web. By using the web you can be certain of having the most current information. The new discoveries that you will read about in a month or sometimes as long as six months can be at your fingertips today.
There are several excellent websites that you can browse through for information on current health articles and find the latest information. If you have a specific health problem that you want the latest information about, then the web is the place. Many times you can have new information even before your Doctor has it. Having this information could very well extend your life, or that of someone close to you.
For example, what is the most current treatment for Type-II diabetes? Are you aware that there are several new medications coming out in the near future? Or for Type-I diabetes, what about the latest insulin that is in use today? So far there is no cure for Type-I diabetes, but they are starting what is known as Pancreatic Islet Transplantation. This is where they take islets from a donor pancreas and transplant them into a patient with Type-I diabetes. When the islets are transplanted into the patient the beta cell within them begin to produce insulin. This will allow a patient who was previously dependent on insulin injections, to now live without the need of these injections.
Maybe you know someone who is the outdoor type. Have you kept up with what’s happening with the West Nile Virus. Are there certain type of mosquitoes that carry the virus? What part of the country is more prone to having problems with the West Nile Virus. Which mosquitos and insect repellent will best protect you? Can you use this repellent on your children?
A good place to find information is at WebMD. They have a vast number of current health articles that can keep you informed. From there just do a Google search and your on your way.

Posted in Medicine on April 13, 2010

Impact of Education on Ethno-Medicine and Health Care

Practices between the tribal peoples of India

                                                                                   

 

We must protect the forests for our children, grandchildren and children yet to be born. We must protect the forests for those who can’t speak for themselves such as the birds, animals, fish and trees.

 

INTRODUCTION

 

Anthropology as an integrated science of man is biological and cultural aspects of man. Currently, more anthropologists in applying their knowledge and techniques for the welfare of the people involved.

Ethno-medicine is the branch of medical anthropology and deals with the study of traditional medicine: not only those relevant written sources (eg Traditional Chinese Medicine, Ayurveda), but especially those who have knowledge and practices passed on orally through the ages .

Scientific issues are ethno-medical studies, usually by a strong anthropological approach, marked more than a bio-medical. The focus of this research is the perception and context of the use of traditional medicines, and not on their bio-evaluation.

TRIBES IN INDIA

            The Indian sub-continent is inhabited by 88. 2 million tribal populations belonging to over 577 tribal communities that come under 227 linguistic groups. They inhibit varied geographic and climatic Zones of the country. Their vocation ranges from hunting, gathering, cave dwelling nomadic to societies with settled culture living incomplete harmony with nature.

            Forests have been their dear home and totally submitted themselves to forest settings. Their relationship with the forest was symbolic in nature. They have been utilizing the resources without disturbing the delicate balance of the eco-system. Tribal thus mostly remained as stable societies and were unaffected by the social, cultural, material and economic evolutions that were taking place with the so called civilized societies. But this peaceful co-existence of the tribal has been disturbed in recent years by the interference in their habitats. Traditional communities living close to nature have, over the years acquired unique knowledge about the use of living biological resources. Modernisation, especially industrialization and urbanization has endangered the rich heritage of knowledge and expertise of age old wisdom of the traditional communities.

            A study on the utilization of local tribal revealed that they hold precious knowledge on the specific use of a large number of agents of wild plant and animal origins, the use of many are hitherto unknown to the outside world.

HERBAL history and tradition in the Indian context

          The Rigveda, the oldest document of human knowledge mentions the use of medicinal plants in the treatment of man and animals. Ayurveda gives the account of actual beginning of the ancient medical science of India, which according to western scholars was written between 2500 to 600 B. C. Charaka and Susruta wrote around 1000 B. C. Charaka concentrates more on medicine while Susruta deals with surgery in details along with therapeutics.

TRIBES AND ETHNO-MEDICINE

            Ethno-medicine refers to “those beliefs and practices relating to disease which are the products of indigenous cultural development and are not explicitly derived from the conceptual frame work of modern medicine” (Hughes, 1968, cited from Misra et al, 2003). Various institutions are now concerned with the traditional health care system and means of traditional treatment.

The tribes are the true guardians of medicinal plants. Out of 45,000 wild plants 7500 species for medicinal purposes. The World Health Organization (WHO) is promoting a movement for “Saving equipment for saving lives.” This is due to the growing understanding of the important role medicinal plants play in the herbal health diseases.

            India is the home of several important traditional system of health care like Ayurveda. This system depends heavily on herbal products. Several millions of Indian households have been using through the ages nearly 8000 species of medicinal plants for their health care needs. Over one and half million traditional healers use a wide range of medicinal plants for treating ailments of both humans and livestock across the length and breadth of the country. Over 800 medicinal plant species are currently in use by the Indian herbal industry.

            In recent times with the increased knowledge of life and culture of the tribal communities, the social scientists are taking interest in ethno-medicinal studies. Many works have been reported especially from among the rural and tribal communities of India (Choudhury, 1986; Bhadra and Tirkey, 1997; Sharma Thakur, 1997). Ray and Sharma (2005) have given a description of ethno-medicinal beliefs and practices prevalent among the Savaras, a tribal community of Andhra Pradesh.

Kumari (2006) gave a report on the concept of diseases and disorders and the use of folk medicine Saureas of Jharkhand. However, ethno-medical studies, relatively few in Northeast India. Guha (1986) has reported from the Boro-Kachari tribe of Assam. A look at the health of indigenous practices among the tribes of the plains of Assam Thakur Sharma (published 1999). The socio-economic status of some of the tribes of Arunachal Pradesh and their problems of health and indigenous methods of treatment was reported by Choudhury (2000), Duarah andPathak (1997), Kohli (1999), Bhasin (1997, 1999, 2002, 2003, 2005).

ETHNO-MEDICINE AND HEALTH CARE PRACTICES AMONG SONOWAL KACHARIS IN ASSAM (INDIA)

 

            The Sonowal Kacharis is an endogamous group of Kachari tribe and a popular plain scheduled tribe population of Assam. Various types of locally available herbs and leaves of wild plants are used by them as medicine. Like many other communities of the region, there are few herbal specialists among the Sonowal Kachari. These specialists or medicine-men have considerable knowledge about the herbs and its medicinal use. Normally they learn about these medicinal plants and its uses from their ancestor. These medicine-men are referred by different term according to the cultural norms. Among the Sonowal Kachari’s they are called as Bez (Barua and Phukan, 1958: 334). Of course in rural Assam, they are mainly known by this term.

 

It has been observed in the villages that use of herbal medicine for curing certain diseases are quite known to the people and besides medicine-men, many elderly persons known about the use of herbal medicines. Some of the diseases and their indigenous methods of treatment are given below:

(1) Fever: Lime (Citrus auran tifolia) juice mixed with sugar is applied on the forehead of the patient to get relief from fever.

(2) Diarrhoea: Dry goose berry (Emblica officinalis) powder and black salt mixed with cold water is taken. Bark of Long Pepper (Pipoli tree) mixed with Misiri water is also used to cure the disease.

(3) Dysentery: Lime (Citrus auran tifolia) juicewith hot water and little salt is used in dysentery. The juice of black Tulsi leaves (Ocimum sanctum) and Sirata (Swertiachirata) is also used for the purpose. The juice of tender leaves (three numbers) of mango (Mangifera indica), black berry (S. cuminii) and goose berry (Emblica officinalis) (equal proportions) together with honey are mixed with goat milk and is taken to cure blood dysentery. Honey together with the juice of Dubari grass (Family-Gramineae) can cure blood dysentery and need to be taken for three/ four days. They also use a kind of wild herb, locally called Manimuni (Centila asiatica). The juice of this herb mixed with sugar or honey should be taken continuously for a month to cure the disease. They also use limewater (chun pani) mixed with juice of turmeric (Purcuma domestica) leave to get relief from blood dysentery and mucous.

(4) Blood Vomiting: A table spoon of carrot (Dancus carota) juice mixed with honey can cure blood vomiting.

(5) Liver Disease: Two to three raw or ripe Papayas (Carica papaya) daily can cure liver disease. A curry prepared from the bud of banana (Musa paradisiaca) and the meat of pigeon is also used as a medicine for the purpose.

(6) Jaundice: The medicine is prepared by pounding five or six number of Silikha (Myroballum) mixing with jaggery and it can cure jaundice. A glass of sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum) juice twice daily prescribed for the purpose. Boiled raw papaya (Carica papaya) is said to be good for curing the disease. Kardoi (Averrhoa carambola), Goose Berry (Emblica officinalis), Sugar cane (Saccharun officinarum), Neem leave (Azadirachta indica), a wild herb known as Duran ban (Lecas aspera), Brahmi sak (Herpestis monnieria), Purakol (Musa sapientum) are prescribed edibles for the patient.

(7) blood nose: Flower of the grenade apple (Punica granatum Linn) has break and 3-4 drops of juice has been poured in the nose give the emergency aid.

(8) Tonsilities: Juice is prepared by mixing one Amara seed (Sponolias mangifera), one Silikha seed (Mysoballum) and a piece of Turmeric (Purcuma domestica) and advice the patient gargles for a week regularly.

(9) Worms: Paste of five lemon seeds (Citrus aurantifolia) mixed with water and is prescribed to eat in empty stomach for a few days. The twigs of Chirata (Swertia chirata) are soaked in the water overnight and the water is prescribed to drink in empty stomach in the morning for one week regularly.

(10) Scabies: Lemon juice (Citrus aurantifolia) mixed with coconut oil is massaged for curing scabies. To remove scabies they take bath with hot water in which leaves of Neem (Azadirachta officinarum) were boiled. Twigs of Chirata (Swertia chirata) arecrushed into paste with water to be used as an ointment and applied on the skin. Chirata water is prescribed to drink in the morning in empty stomach.

Cooked (11) pain in the ear, the juice of Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum) is and that make it in the ears to ear pain heals.

The pati? nt are treated with the available kruiden, plants and minerals. Some of these are huismiddeltjes and some have been devised by kruidenvrouwtje or traditional medicine prescribed for people in the community. The practice of etnisch-geneeskunde are a complex multidisciplinary system are the use of plants, spirituality and the natural surroundings and are the source of cicatrisation for people for millennia. The mental aspects of health and sickness are an integral part of the etno-medical practice for centuries.

Sicknesses cause by anger of supernatural

 

Disease

Supernatural agencies

Pujas (Rituals)

Dysentery, mental diseases, cancer

 

Deo

 

Satisfied by sacrificing two red cocks, a red chicken and egg, with other products of the festival. Regulation is done in the bunch.

Asthama, Mental

Disease, cancer

 

Lord of water

 

Jalkhai puja, worshipped by sacrificing one white duck and other items of feast, rice, salt vegetables, etc.

Accident, sudden illness

 

Burah-dangoria

No sacrifice. Only raw items, e. g. gram, rice, powdered rice, etc. are offered to propitiate Burah-dangoria.

Gastritis

 

Ancestral spirits

Ai puja, no sacrifice is made except offering of raw articles, powdered rice, gram with betel nut and leaves.

 

Epidemic and natural calamities

Mother goddess

Community worship by the elaboration bhur utuwa Puja. A couple of the betelnoot and booklet is available at each family. A red duck has been offered on behalf of the villagers. All offered Article have been placed in a boat.

Epidemic and large scale death of men and animals

 

Mother goddesses of forest.

A white goat is a must for the Puja besides other offering.

PRESENT POSITION OF TRIBES

The tribal practices and the health care for the treatment of sicknesses on the basis of their deep belief and observation in nature. But with the development of the education and their conscience of the health and health care, but also with the arrival of modern medical supplies, activities, health administration these people always prepare geïnteresseerd are important in modern medicine place of the traditional kruiden medicine.

SAVING THE PLANT IS SAVING THE LIFE

            According to the text of Vishnu Samhita, causing any harm to the plants/animals is a sin. Even purloining of parts/ products of any of these living beings is a crime. The sinner/ criminals are liable to chastisement in this life and also after death. The punishments are of diverse nature:-pecuniary, corporal, expiatory and donation of specific articles to Brahmins.

CONCLUSION

            The growing disinterest in the use of the ethno-medicinal plants and its significance among the younger generation of the tribes will lead to the disappearance of this practice. Educated younger generation of the tribes should be encouraged by the Government to protect and cultivate these valuable herbal plants before they get lost due to the impact of modernization and urbanization and also due to deforestation.

            The role of Anthropology is also very important in the field of saving herbal plants. By educating tribal people we can preserve all these things for future generation. It is the Government duty to take necessary steps to preserve all these things.

 

 

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