Research | Quality of Life

Jumpstart Your Healthy Lifestlye

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Whether you want to get healthy now so that you can lower your chances of ever developing a brain tumor, or if you have one and want to improve your health, now is the time to get healthy. A healthy lifestyle is scientifically proven to increase life expectancy — and if you’re afraid that your brain tumor will kill you, you ought to know that there are some things you can do to help yourself fight it off. Diet alone can do worlds of good for brain tumor patients, those who are at higher risk for brain tumors, and even those recovering after having brain tumors removed.

Your diet can directly affect your condition. On the downside, some foods can accelerate tumor growth, so that’s why it’s so important for you to know what’s healthy to eat and to stick closely to your eating plan. Consulting a nutritionist is recommended; find one quickly by searching on a business listing site for your area, such as Canada 411.
Foods that help brain tumor conditions include:

Broccoli
Cabbage
Onions
Tofu
Soy milk
Green tea
Omega-3 fatty foods such as fish

Foods to avoid:

Refined sugars (corn syrup, white sugar, brown sugar, powdered sugar)
Trans-fats
Hydrogenated oils
Saturated fats

When you are following a diet plan closely, be sure to read the ingredients list on food labels. You would be surprised how many items contain ingredients you wouldn’t expect, such as hydrogenated oils in soda. To eat something sweet and healthy, try to add more fruit to your diet. Also, drink lots of water to stay hydrated, and it may help the symptoms of brain tumor treatments to emphasize fiber and protein in your food choices.

Filed Under: Research, Surgery, Uncategorized Tagged With: Cancer, Health, Tumor

What is a CAT scan?

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What is a CAT scan?
A Computerized Axial Tomography Scan or CAT scan is an x-ray technique combining numerous small images acquired through x-ray technology with the support of a computer that creates cross-sectional views and three-dimensional images of internal structures and organs within the human body. The scan is used to identify abnormal and define normal structures in the body.
The Procedure
Patients are placed on a long, movable table which shifts into the center of a donut-shaped machine. This machine snaps x-ray images at numerous angles around the body. The images are then uploaded to a computer and processed to create a cross-sectional view of the body. The body is viewed as an x-ray slice which is then recorded on film. This documented image is known as a tomogram. Computerized Axial Tomography is essentially pieces of the tomogram from different levels of the body.
It is important during the procedure that the patient remain still and as quiet as possible. This increases the overall clarity of the images. The actual procedure takes a half hour to an hour and a half. The scan technologist is viewing the patient through a small window with an intercom system for the patient’s safety.
The Uses of CAT Scans
The most common use of CAT scans is for the head or any location with the potential for tumors, traumatic injuries and infections. The vertebrate and intervertebral discs in the spine are well-defined by a CAT scan. In many instances a CAT scan is used to measure the density of bones when examining for osteoporosis.
The Results of a CAT scan
The overall process is painless and non-intrusive but can provide extremely accurate results of body structures while assisting the radiologist with specific procedures like biopsies of potential cancerous cells, the draining of abscesses and the prompt removal of body fluids for different tests. As a result of the CAT scan, the number of necessary surgeries has significantly decreased.

Filed Under: Research, Treatment Tagged With: Recreation, X-ray, X-ray computed tomography

Living a Healthy Life Can be Affected by Your Home

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It’s great to be able to live a healthy life, but sometimes things beyond your control threaten that. Fortunately, many of the issues in your life can be corrected, and you can live more healthily than you have been. Even if you have some medical challenges, either physical or mental, you can still work to improve on what you have and what you can do. It’s important to live the healthiest life possible, even if that means taking small steps until you get to the level of health that’s the best you can reach. It’s still better than not making any effort at all.

Where you live can also affect your health. If you aren’t in a home that’s clean and safe, it may be time to move somewhere else. There are plenty of apartments for rent in Atlanta that you can afford and enjoy, and you’ll be able to have a healthier living environment that you wouldn’t otherwise see. Depending on where you live now, you might also prefer the busyness of the Atlanta metro area, since there’s so much to do there and you can escape the cold, snowy winters that a lot of the country has to deal with.

No matter where you decide to live, eating well and getting some exercise are still the most important things you can do to keep yourself healthy. If there’s a medical reason why you can’t exercise, be sure that you eat as well as you can. It won’t completely compensate for it, but eating well and staying at a healthy weight will help avoid some of the problems that you might otherwise face. Being healthy isn’t guaranteed to anyone, but it’s certainly your responsibility to do all that you can in an effort to protect your health and lengthen your life.

Filed Under: Health, Research Tagged With: Atlanta, Books, Health, Shopping

Can a Minor Possess an Electric Cigarette?

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That depends on whether or not the device actually contains nicotine liquid. Some of them do not, so if the parent has no objection, and it can be readily determined that it is indeed an electric cigarette, then possession may not be against any state or local laws.

However, possessing any type of cigarette, even an electric one, brings up other issues not necessarily related to the law. These include whether or not that is an image that a parent is comfortable with a child projecting, as well as the propensity existing that the child may consider “graduating” from an electric cigarette to the real thing. Both of these may be reasons for having a discussion with a child about cigarette use, real or otherwise.

A parent may simply not want a child projecting an image of being a smoker, even if the cigarette is not real. The parent may feel that is sets a bad example for younger siblings or others who see the child on a regular basis.

Still another parent may be worried that “fake” smoking will lead to the real thing, especially if by some means a child gets hold of an electric cigarette that does contain nicotine liquid. Although the amount may be very small, or be so diluted by the filter and water vapor through which it is passed, it is still present, and the possibility of a true nicotine addiction can exist.

Parents should familiarize themselves with the laws governing electric cigarette possession, including those that do and do not contain nicotine liquid. If legal issues are not a concern, then parents should consider again whether or not this is a good image for their child.

There is currently an FDA ban on the importing of electric cigarette devices. However, they are still available in some retail stores that were able to procure a supply before the ban went into effect. Parents who do not want their children to possess even non-nicotine devices may want to monitor their child’s purchases in stores that sell these devices.

Filed Under: Addiction, Health, Research Tagged With: Cigarette, Electronic cigarette, Food and Drug Administration, Nicotine

What is a Brain Tumor?

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A brain tumor is an abnormal (and generally excessive) growth of cells in any area of the brain. These tumors can be very small and go unnoticed or expand and cause problems such as severe headaches, confusion, and vision changes. Some of them are benign, and others are cancerous and must be removed if there is to be any hope of the patient’s survival. Even benign tumors often have to be removed because they can grow until they cause symptoms or even until they press on an area of the brain that is vital for survival. To avoid this, surgery is performed and the tumor is removed from the brain. There are cases where it’s impossible to get all of it, depending on where it’s placed and how deeply it’s buried.

Tumors near the outside of the brain are much easier to get to and treat than tumors that are buried deep within the brain. For cases where surgery doesn’t get all the tumor or is not an option, radiation and other methods can be used to reduce cancerous cells. There are so many treatments now that people who are diagnosed with brain tumors are living much longer than they ever did in the past. In cases where the tumor is non-cancerous, it is often removed completely and never comes back, which is great news for the person who had the tumor.

There are also brain tumors that are very slow-growing, and they can remain in the brain for many years before they cause a problem. Unless there is some other reason for the brain to be scanned, these can go without being noticed. Only when they cause symptoms will a person finally have them properly diagnosed and treated. If you have a brain tumor diagnosis, make sure you work with a doctor you feel comfortable with – especially if surgery is required. Brain surgery is a very delicate procedure, and you don’t want to be treated by someone you don’t feel right about. Get a second or even a third opinion if you feel it’s necessary.

Filed Under: News & Events, Research, Tumor Tagged With: Conditions and Diseases, Surgery, Tumor

Talking With Your Doctor About a Brain Tumor Diagnosis

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A brain tumor diagnosis is frightening, and some people who get them also feel angry. Mixed in with that can actually be a sense of relief – at least they know what’s wrong. You’ll want to talk to your doctor when you get a diagnosis like that, because you’ll need to know what the next steps are. What you’ll need to do and what kind of treatment you require both have to be addressed. If your tumor is causing you to have memory lapses or trouble concentrating, make sure you take someone with you who can take notes and get all the information you’ll need.

Ask questions of your doctor. Don’t just assume he’s telling you everything you need to know. You may have questions or concerns that he doesn’t address, and you shouldn’t feel like you can’t ask about those kinds of things. It’s your body and your condition. You have a right to know everything that’s going to be done to you and what you can expect from those procedures. If you’re asked to take medications, you have the right to know what the side effects really are and how they may affect you.

It’s likely that you won’t remember everything to ask your doctor right at first. You may need several visits or phone calls before you get all the information you’re looking for. That’s normal, and to be expected. Getting a brain tumor diagnosis can easily make someone upset and confused, and it’s hard to remember what questions to ask when you’re in that state. After you’ve had some time for the diagnosis to sink in it’s much easier to find out more information from your doctor. If you find that your doctor isn’t really very interested in helping you or doesn’t want to answer your questions, it’s time to change doctors. A good bedside manner is still important to a lot of people, and there’s no reason you can’t locate a competent doctor who’s also a nice, caring person who wants to see his patients comfortable and well-informed.

Filed Under: News & Events, Research, Tumor Tagged With: Brain and CNS, Conditions and Diseases, Diagnosis, Tumor

What is Chronic Depression?

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Chronic depression, also known as dysthymia, is a form of depression that lasts for years. It is on a lower level, but it is still classified as a mental health disorder that needs treatment. Many people live for years with chronic depression and never think they can do anything about it.

This disorder is qualified as chronic depression because it lasts at least two years without any sign of going away. While chronic depression doesn’t affect a person’s daily functioning of life, it can prevent a person from achieving full happiness and the most out of life.

People with chronic depression can also suffer from symptoms such as insomnia, loss of appetite, overeating, fatigue, brain fog and helplessness. Chronic depression is often misdiagnosed, so some doctors fail to diagnose and treat it. However, once it is diagnosed, it can be treated with counseling and medical drugs.

Antidepressants are often used to treat chronic depression. If the patient doesn’t want to take drugs though, lifestyle changes can be made to help combat this mental health disorder. Changing your diet can often help with symptoms of low self-esteem. You may start to feel better about yourself if you start dieting and exercising. Exercise has proven to be a mood lifter as well.

You can also get help from family and friends. You are not alone and there are many people willing to help you. Join a support group so that you can listen to other people’s stories or even share your own. A group setting is ideal so that you can form a bond with the other members. Getting out and talking about why you are depressed may help you get out of that funk.

Don’t push family and friends away because all they are trying to do is help you. Taking any help you can get can be beneficial so that you can heal faster.

Filed Under: Health, Research Tagged With: Antidepressant, Depression, Disorders, Dysthymia, Health, Major depressive disorder, Mental health, Support group

Symptoms of Depression

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Depression is a mental health disorder that results in emotional pain or sadness lasting more than two weeks. Depression can have a major affect on a person’s life. Those going through depression should seek help, especially if they are having thoughts of suicide. There are many symptoms that prevail in those that are suffering from depression.

A person suffering from this mental health condition often exhibits feelings of sadness or emptiness. They may often cry a lot, either by themselves or around other people. A depressed person may also have a lack of emotion about many things they would normally enjoy or care about.

Unexpected weight gain or loss may also be a sign in a person that is depressed. Insomnia is also another sign that a person might be going through this. Trouble sleeping may be the result of thinking too much, or just not having the will enough to sleep at night.

A loss of energy is common in depressed patients. Not having the motivation to do anything often results in fatigue and the ability to not care. One may also suffer from brain fog, which is the inability to think or make rational decisions.

A person going through depression should seek professional help. Depression is a mental health problem that needs to be taken care of before getting worse. A psychologist or counselor can help you talk through your feelings and may even be able to find out what the root of the problem is. Once the initial problem can be found, a depressed person can then go on to get the help that they need.

That may be in the form of psychiatrist sessions, meditation or even medication. There are many different medications out there for a person suffering from depression.

A depressed person needs to remember that they are not alone and that there are many people out there willing to help.

Filed Under: Health, Research Tagged With: Depression, Disorders, Health, Major depressive disorder, Mental health, Mood, Person, Suffering

Get Out and Enjoy the Outdoors

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It seems as if all people have a desire to do nowadays is sit around playing video games, drawing, or engaging in online casino games. By living this sedentary lifestyle people have started to miss out on the great outdoors. They no longer walk through parks, view beautiful scenery, taking in the sights and sounds of birds and animals, and just enjoy the fresh air that comes from being outdoors.

If you are looking to take that extra step and make the transition from an indoor sedentary lifestyle to an outdoor active lifestyle here are three easy, low impact outdoor activities that will get you out and enjoying the fresh air.

1. Walking. Just taking a simple walk around the block will allow you to enjoy the fresh air and see some of the beautiful sights and sounds of your neighborhood. Many neighborhoods have trails or parks that can be used for these walks. If not, just take a simple walk around your own personal neighborhood. You’ll be amazed at what surprising things catch your eye after not being outdoors for a while.

2. Swimming. Whether it is swimming in a lake, the ocean or an outdoor pool this activity can get you outdoors and enjoying the weather. There’s no need to swim hundreds of laps or go diving, simply moving around a pool can help as an outdoor activity. As long as the area is located outside, swimming can be used as a great way to transition from indoor activities to outdoor activities. It’s also a wonderful way to cool off on those warm summer days.

3. Golf. Golf is a low impact sport that works the upper and lower body at a fairly low impact level. It also has some of the best opportunities to experience nature. Depending upon the course there can be wonderful views of trees, animals, and ponds or oceans.

Filed Under: Addiction, General, Health, News & Events, Rehab, Research Tagged With: Outdoor, Outdoor activity, Recreation, Recreation and Sports, Sedentary lifestyle, United States, Video game, Walk

Celebrate your Life with Rewards

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It is essential that we find ways to reward ourselves for positive experiences in our lives. When we motivate and reward ourselves, it helps to keep us going, achieving, trying new things, experiencing new things and perhaps most importantly, growing as people. If you want to grow as a person, to set goals and to achieve them, then one of the ways that you can get yourself motivated is to promise yourself trinkets, gifts and other rewards as motivators for your success. Do you want to achieve an important goal like buying a new car or going back to school, buying a new home or losing 20 lbs?

Would you feel more motivated if you promised yourself designer jewelry or a spa weekend if you achieve your goal? If you are serious about achieving your goal, then it would be a wise choice to motivate yourself with healthy and motivating gifts, trinkets, rewards and other motivating factors. Even simply promising yourself a weekend without chores, or a night out on the town just for you, it is important that you choose a reward system that is actually going to motivate you to achieve all of the goals that you are setting. If you create achievements and rewards that do not suit you, you will not feel compelled to achieve them.

If you want to celebrate your life and motivate yourself more, giving yourself small gifts and rewards is absolutely essential. What this is going to do is give you motivators to meet your goals and achieve what you want to in life. It is important that you give yourself rewards so you have something to work toward, because rewards are a great way to get yourself feeling positive about what it is that you hope to achieve, and beautiful gifts like spa weekends and designer jewelry can really help with this process.

Filed Under: Addiction, General, News & Events, Research Tagged With: Gift, Goal, Health, Mental health, Motivation, Reward system, Self-Help, University of Rochester