New Breakthrough Can Save Lives of Cancer Patients

There may be a breakthrough in the fight against rhabdomyosarcoma, a particularly aggressive type of childhood cancer that begins in muscle tissue. Scientists have achieved a remarkable feat by transforming these cancer cells into healthy muscle cells. This achievement could be a major milestone in the development of new treatments for this disease, as well as providing valuable information for treating other human cancers. 

 

"The cells literally turn into muscle," says molecular biologist Christopher Vakoc of Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory. 

 

 "The tumor loses all cancer attributes. They're switching from a cell that just wants to make more of itself to cells devoted to contraction. Because all its energy and resources are now devoted to contraction, it can't go back to this multiplying state."

There may be a breakthrough in the fight against rhabdomyosarcoma, a particularly aggressive type of childhood cancer that begins in muscle tissue. Scientists have achieved a remarkable feat by transforming these cancer cells into healthy muscle cells. This achievement could be a major milestone in the development of new treatments for this disease, as well as providing valuable information for treating other human cancers. 

 

"The cells literally turn into muscle," says molecular biologist Christopher Vakoc of Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory.

"The tumor loses all cancer attributes. They're switching from a cell that just wants to make more of itself to cells devoted to contraction. Because all its energy and resources are now devoted to contraction, it can't go back to this multiplying state."

 

 Understanding cancer can be a little complicated. Cancer varies depending on the cell it originates from, unlike the image of a singular, monolithic entity. 

 

There is a high mortality rate for people with rhabdomyosarcoma; the survival rate is 50-70% for people at intermediate risk. Differentiation therapy is one remedy that has proven promise. It came about when researchers discovered that leukemia cells are immature, much like undifferentiated stem cells that haven't fully matured into a particular cell type. These cells are coerced by differentiation therapy to carry on with their development and differentiate into particular mature cell types. 

 

Earlier, Vakoc and his team of researchers accomplished an incredible feat. They managed to undo the cancerous mutation present in cells linked to Ewing sarcoma, a severe childhood cancer primarily affecting bones. Their audacious objective was to replicate this accomplishment for rhabdomyosarcoma, even though experts believed that using differentiation therapy for this cancer type might take decades to become feasible. 

 

The research team used advanced genetic screening methodology to achieve this goal. They wanted to find genes that could turn rhabdomyosarcoma cells into full-fledged muscle cells. Their solution was encoded in a protein known as Nuclear transcription factor Y (NF-Y). 

 

Cells with rhabdomyosarcoma create a distinct protein known as PAX3-FOXO1, that plays a critical role in the spreading of cancer. Essentially, the tumor is strongly reliant on this protein. Surprisingly, the researchers discovered that inhibiting NF-Y neutralizes PAX3-FOXO1. This halt nudges the cells forward in their development, culminating in their metamorphosis into mature muscle cells free of malignant remnants.

The discovery has profound implications, as it could accelerate the development of differentiation therapies for rhabdomyosarcoma.

Moreover, the research team has successfully tested and validated their method on two different types of sarcoma. They believe that their approach can be customized for treating other forms of sarcoma and various types of cancer. This methodology equips scientists with the necessary tools to determine how to induce differentiation in cancer cells.

"Every successful medicine has its origin story," Vakoc says. "And research like this is the soil from which new drugs are born." The research has been published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

This is only for your information, kindly take the advice of your doctor for medicines, exercises and so on.   

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Reduce Your Cholesterol Quickly with These 11 Tips

One of the most common causes of heart attacks in the western world is arterial blockage caused by the accumulation of cholesterol. While this can be avoided by a good diet and exercising, if you’ve been diagnosed with high levels of bad cholesterol, there are foods and activities that speed up the process of reducing your cholesterol levels.

What is cholesterol? 

Cholesterol is an organic lipid molecule and is biosynthesized by all animal cells because it is an essential structural component of all animal (not plant or bacterial) cell membranes that is required to maintain both membrane structural integrity and fluidity. 

 

The level of cholesterol in our body is a result of a process in the liver that creates the cholesterol. In fact, over 85% of our cholesterol is produced by the liver. The rest comes from eating animal products, such as beef, chicken, fish, eggs, and dairy.

The body is an incredible system, and a healthy body creates cholesterol for a reason, since it is an essential material in our bodies: 

 

1. Cholesterol is used to produce hormones like estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone. 

 

2. Cholesterol is vital for the creation of vitamin D. 

 

3. The membrane of every cell in our body contains cholesterol. 

 

4. Cholesterol is used to produce needed steroids.

When do you have too much cholesterol? 

A situation of higher-than-normal levels of cholesterol can be worrying because it may build up in the blood vessels and cause coronary diseases, as well as problems with blood flow. 

 

The normal range of cholesterol in the body is up to 200 mg. 

 

The standard medicine taken to treat additional cholesterol levels operates by delaying the enzyme that takes part in the process of creating cholesterol in the liver, so we limit the rate of building our own cholesterol. But is it logical for us to limit the internal creation of cholesterol without addressing the external source? Nutrition will always be crucial when dealing with a surplus of cholesterol. 

 

 How can you speed up cholesterol reduction? 

 1. Cholesterol

The cholesterol one needs to get rid of is LDL (Low-Density Lipoproteins), which is common in animal products. One of the best ways to lower LDL levels is by consuming foods rich in HDL (High-Density Lipoproteins), which comes from plants and is called Phytosterols. Phytosterols work in a similar manner to the soluble fibers in laxatives, and can be found in foods such as fruits, vegetables, nuts, soy, and whole grains. 

 

2. Onion Extract 

 Several studies have found that onions are effective in reducing LDL (“bad” cholesterol), as well as your body’s glycemic level. Dr. Deepika Gopal, a cardiologist at The Heart Hospital Baylor Plano, says that: "In the Indian culture, we believe spices have healing properties, and onion and garlic are both very useful in lowering cholesterol, based on what we've seen in Indian cooking." It is not a miracle cure, but can definitely help.

3. Red Yeast Rice

As the name suggests, this is a type of red yeast that is grown on rice. This yeast contains monacolin K, a compound that doesn’t allow the liver to produce cholesterol, which the body needs to build its cells. When not locally produced, the body starts searching for reservoirs of cholesterol in the body and uses them. Taking red yeast in pill form has been shown to reduce LDL levels by 10%-30%. 

 

 4. Soy 

A moderate consumption of soy products such as tofu has been shown to reduce LDL levels in the body, as well as occasionally having a positive effect on breast cancer. According to a Harvard Medical School study, drinking 2½ cups of soy milk or eating 10 ounces of tofu a day can reduce LDL levels by 5%-6%. 

 

5. Alcohol

You’ve probably heard that a glass of red wine is good for your health, and the reason is that, even though it doesn’t reduce the level of LDL in the body, it increases the level of HDL. Think of HDL as a drain unclogger for cholesterol. The Mayo Clinic warns that men and women under 65 should avoid drinking more than two glasses of wine a day, and those over 65 stick to 1 glass a day. However, consult with your doctor first, as alcohol can exacerbate preexisting liver disease and certain heart conditions. 

 

6. Indian Gooseberry 

Indian gooseberry contains potent antioxidants that help the cardiovascular system. Cholesterol will oxidize in your bloodstream, becoming plaque, which adheres to the arterial walls and slowly clogs them. Antioxidants stop oxidization, preventing the buildup of plaque.  

 

7. Pectin

Pectin is a fiber that can be found in the white membrane inside citrus fruits. Pectin can lower LDL levels by 7%-10% and works in a way similar to phytosterol and soluble fibers. Pectin is also found in apples, as well as in pill form. 

 

8. Licorice Root 

This is only relevant for fresh licorice root or in pill form, as the candied stuff you find in the store often doesn’t contain any real licorice at all. A few recent studies found that licorice root can lower LDL levels, as well as body fat. Licorice root has many healthy properties. Please be aware, however, that licorice can have severe interactions with certain medication such as insulin, contraceptives, and laxatives. If you are taking any of these and want to start using it, consult with your doctor.  

 

9. Bergamot

A lesser-known citrus fruit, but with potent cholesterol-lowering powers. You may recognize the aroma from Earl Grey tea, as oil from bergamot rinds is used to give that tea its particular flavor. While bergamot has a small amount of pectin, its real power comes from having a high concentration of several flavonoids. In several recent studies, bergamot was found to reduce LDL cholesterol levels by around 25%-27%, as well as raise HDL cholesterol levels. 

 

10. Laxatives  

Some laxatives don’t just clear your bowels; they can also block the absorption of cholesterol in the blood. Laxatives that contain soluble fibers become jelly-like and travel through your stomach and intestines, collecting cholesterol and preventing it from being absorbed. The best part is that the laxative absorbs cholesterol from food, not from your body’s reservoirs, which forces the body to start using its own supply. Additionally, fibrous laxatives often help you feel sated and prevent you from craving snacks.  

 

11. Sleep 

The Japanese Nihon University School of Medicine found that women who sleep less than 5 hours or more than 8 hours, often suffer from an excess of LDL and absence of HDL. According to the experts at the university, cholesterol metabolism happens when we sleep, so getting too much or not enough will disrupt the body’s natural functions. Additionally, getting enough sleep increases your mental faculties, helping you control unhealthy cravings and giving you energy to exercise and move more during the day. If you are having trouble falling asleep, try doing these exercises before bed. 

 

 

This is only for your information, kindly take the advice of your doctor for medicines, exercises and so on.   

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6 Things We All Get Wrong About CHOLESTEROL

Being diagnosed with high cholesterol can be scary - not only because of the dangerous ability of this fatty substance to clog your arteries but also because anyone can get it at any time without ever suspecting. Despite popular belief, high cholesterol and atherosclerosis (the stiffening and narrowing of blood vessels caused by cholesterol plaques) are not diseases that only affect overweight or older people. These are extremely common conditions that require proper screening and self-care - so pay attention to these 6 misconceptions, and don’t let them mislead you and ruin your health.

Myth 1. I would feel it if I had high cholesterol

This is one of the biggest myths about high cholesterol. Most people who have high cholesterol notice no signs of symptoms until the condition is already starting to cause complications like a heart attack or stroke. In relatively rare cases, yellow fatty growths called xanthomas may appear on the skin; their presence, however, is usually a sign of extremely high cholesterol levels.

As atherosclerosis progresses and cholesterol deposits build up in the blood vessels, the blood supply to the tissues organs starts decreasing and a person may experience symptoms like fatigue, muscle weakness, and sweating. Severe atherosclerosis causes complications like chest pain, pain in the legs while walking, kidney damage, heart attack, and stroke.

Ideally, you want to catch high cholesterol early and avoid these life-threatening complications altogether. The only sure way to know if you have high cholesterol is through a blood test. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend getting your cholesterol levels tested at least every 5 years. This can be done with a standard blood test.

Myth 2. All cholesterol harms your health

In itself, cholesterol is not harmful. In fact, it’s necessary for the human body to produce bile acid, vitamin D, healthy new cells, and hormones. In order to transport cholesterol through the blood vessels, the body uses special proteins called lipoproteins. Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) are the two main ones, and they impact our health differently.

LDL (also known as “bad” cholesterol) carries cholesterol from the liver to the cells. LDL is often called “bad” because high levels of it build up in the blood vessels and raise the risk of cardiovascular disease.

HDL (also known as “good” cholesterol) takes the cholesterol back to the liver. The liver helps remove cholesterol from the body, so it reduces one’s risk of cardiovascular issues.

When your doctor tells you that you must lower your cholesterol level, they usually mean LDL levels. Overall, cholesterol isn’t harmful at all, but our sedentary lifestyle and overeating made it so that it is. As Dr. Robert Greenfield explained in an article for Medical News Today, “Our bodies weren’t designed to live in an environment where food was in excess, and so when cholesterol is in excess, it will be deposited in our body. And that deposit center can often be our blood vessels, and that’s when it’s bad for us.”

Myth 3. Young and fit people shouldn’t worry about cholesterol

There is a persistent false belief that only older or overweight people have high cholesterol. While it is true that both obesity and age are risk factors, anyone can have high cholesterol, including fit adults and even children. For this reason, The American Heart Association recommends that everyone check their cholesterol levels once in 5 years, even if you’re young and there’s no history of heart disease in your family.

Smokers, diabetics, older people, people with thyroid issues, heart disease sufferers, and those with a family history of high cholesterol, stroke, or heart attack should get tested even more frequently. You could be genetically predisposed to cholesterol imbalance without ever knowing it, so it’s better to stay on the safe side and get tested regularly. Your lifestyle habits, such as smoking, diet, drinking alcohol, and how much you exercise and sleep all impact your cholesterol levels too, so basically anyone could develop high

Myth 4. Once high cholesterol develops, there’s nothing you can do about it

Thankfully, cholesterol levels are easier to manage today than ever before. Since we know so much about the causes of high cholesterol, doctors are able to give you detailed guidance that will get your cholesterol levels back to normal. Some patients will have to combine medications with lifestyle changes to lower their cholesterol, but for others, losing weight, eating healthy, avoiding harmful habits like smoking and drinking, and doing a little bit of light exercise every day will be enough to keep their cholesterol levels in check. 

 

You may be prescribed medications like statins and PCSK-9 inhibitors that will improve your cholesterol levels, but also remember to support your wellbeing with those healthy lifestyle habits.

 

 

Myth 5. The healthy range of cholesterol is the same for everyone

Doctors may recommend two different treatments for people with the same cholesterol levels, but why? This is because factors like age, blood sugar levels, blood pressure, weight, and underlying health conditions all influence your cholesterol “target.” For a healthy person, measures below 200 mg/dl of total cholesterol and below 100 mg/dl of LDL cholesterol are considered normal. 

However, someone suffering from high blood pressure, heart disease, or diabetes, for example, should have LDL levels no higher than 70 mg/dl - ideally even lower. All that is to say - only your doctor will be able to assess your cholesterol levels in a comprehensive manner and tell you whether or not you need to adjust them.

Myth 6. If you eat foods high in cholesterol, you will suffer from high cholesterol levels

Cholesterol is naturally found in animal-derived foods, such as meat, dairy, and eggs. For years, doctors were telling us to stop eating eggs and other foods rich in cholesterol, but more recent research proves that your intake of cholesterol-rich foods doesn’t necessarily correlate with high blood cholesterol. In moderation, cholesterol-rich foods are actually fine to eat.

In fact, the very ingredient we demonized - eggs - has a high content of the “good” HDL cholesterol, which is why many nutrition experts are now advising everyone to eat 1-2 eggs a day. Recent research points to a different culprit that’s also present in many animal foods - saturated fat - and adds that adding dietary fiber and minimizing the amount of processed food and fatty meat go a long way in reducing one’s cholesterol levels.

Lastly, there’s some compelling evidence that people who exercise regularly are not as likely to have high blood cholesterol after eating foods high in cholesterol as those with a sedentary lifestyle - so exercise in combination with your diet may be another important factor to consider.

This is only for your information, kindly take the advice of your doctor for medicines, exercises and so on.   

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The 10 Most Common Warning Signs of Lung Cancer

Lung cancer is one of the deadliest forms of cancer, claiming the lives of more than a million people every year. Despite these worrying numbers, lung cancer is not necessarily a death sentence if you catch it early enough. The problem is that most people aren’t aware of the early symptoms, which could potentially save lives. In this guide, we will review the ten most common early symptoms of lung cancer, that everyone should know.

1. Chronic Cough 

If you’re coughing so often that you’re now hoarse, and the coughing still won’t stop, it may be a warning sign. Many of us will associate the coughing initially with a recent cold or seasonal allergies, but if your cough has been going on for eight or more weeks, consult with your physician. Patients report the cough worsens at night, making it harder to sleep. So, if this is the case with you it could be an early indicator.

2. Quick, Unexplained Weight Loss 

Western society tends to celebrate weight loss, which is the result of the high obesity rates and the subsequent heart diseases they entail. As nice as it may be to shed those extra pounds, if you’re not actively trying to lose weight (either by exercising or by dieting), yet it seems to be dropping nonetheless, you may want to contact your doctor. The cause of this unexpected weight loss is that your body knows that there is a tumor growing inside, and it is burning all of its energy reserves trying to fight it.

3. Labored Breathing  

Suffering from shortness of breath or wheezing isn’t necessarily an indicator of lung cancer, so most people will not associate these symptoms with this disease. However, if these symptoms appear all of a sudden, even during activities that you used to do with ease, it may serve as a warning sign. It is advisable to get checked by your physician, particularly if you have a history of lung cancer in your family, or if you are a smoker. 

 

 

4. Pains in Your Hands and Fingers  

If you’re feeling tired and your fingers are hurting, it can be an early warning sign of cancer. If the skin on your palms is getting thick, and you notice the appearance of white or pale folds, you might be experiencing a condition called “tripe palm”, placing you within a high-risk group for cancer.

5. Chest Pains 

If you’re experiencing pain while laughing, coughing, or lifting something, it might very well be a significant warning sign, particularly if the pain is persistent. The pain is caused by tumors that are growing inside your lungs, pressing against the surrounding tissues. In addition, lung cancer tends to spread to the bones. So if your chest pains are accompanied by bone pains (especially in the back or hips), contact your physician immediately! 

 

6. Unexplained Mood Swings  

Sudden, unexplained irritability is often a sign of cancer, but most patients and doctors don’t make the connection right away. If you’re experiencing sudden bouts of irritability or anger, followed by depression or exhaustion that is accompanied by other symptoms on this list - you ought to make a doctor’s appointment as soon as possible.

7. Blood in Your Phlegm  

If you notice blood in your phlegm, it is never a good sign, and even just small spots can spell trouble. While bloody phlegm doesn’t automatically indicate lung cancer, it’s still a warning sign, so don’t wait to have it looked at, particularly if you’re coughing up large amounts of blood, or the bleeding doesn’t stop. 

 

8. Irregularities in Breast Tissues 

 Men suffering from lung cancer can experience development of breasts, as the cancer forces the body to release hormones it wouldn’t normally secrete. Change in the breasts will take place over a period of a few weeks to a few months. Do not ignore such changes and make it a priority to consult with your family doctor.

9. Pain in the Shoulders 

You may think it’s irrelevant, but chronic shoulder pain can sometimes be the result of a tumor that is pressuring the nerves in the armpit, leading to tingling sensations, aches, and shooting pains from the shoulder and down the arms. This sign is more common in later stages of the cancer, when the tumor is already very large. You may also feel pain in the ribs near the armpit, swelling of the lymph nodes and face, and general aches in your body. 

 

10. Repeated Infections 

If you’re suffering from recurring infections, such as pneumonia or bronchitis, in addition to other infections, particularly of the airways, know that it is closely associated with lung cancer. These chronic infections are caused by the body’s immune system being weakened from battling tumors.

This is only for your information, kindly take the advice of your doctor for medicines, exercises and so on.   

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These 10 Symptoms Are Indicative of Kidney Failure!

 Every single day our brain processes loads of information and our body performs thousands of actions. Living in such a hectic world makes it extremely easy to miss the messages that your body is sending you. The consequences of missing these signals can be severe. 

 

Therefore, below you'll find a list of signs which indicate that your kidneys are not working properly. Has your body been sending you any of these signals? 

 

10. Trouble Sleeping

When your kidneys aren't working properly it means that toxins cannot leave the body in the urine and remain in the blood. The increased levels of toxins make it difficult to fall asleep. 

 

Warning: People with Chronic Kidney Disease more commonly suffer from sleep apnea. This is a disorder that causes your breathing to stop when you sleep. These pauses can last from a couple of seconds to a minute. After each pause, normal breathing returns with a loud snort. Continuous heavy snoring is a clear sign that you need to go see a doctor. 

 

 9. Headaches, Fatigue, and General Weakness 

Healthy and properly working kidneys convert vitamin D in our bodies to help us maintain strong bones and to produce a hormone called Erythropoietin. This hormone plays an important role in the production of red blood cells. When the kidneys aren't functioning properly, they start to produce less EPO. The resulting decline of red blood cells results in rapid fatigue of your brain and muscles. 

 

Warning: It's common for people with Chronic Kidney Disease to have anemia. If you are getting plenty of rest and sleep, but are still feeling tired and weak, you should visit your doctor without delay. 

8. Having Dry and Itchy Skin  

Healthy kidneys do a lot of work by removing waste and extra fluid from the blood, helping to maintain the proper amount of minerals in your blood. Itchy and dry skin indicate the failure of the kidneys to maintain the right balance of mineral and nutrients which can result in bone and kidney disease. 

 

Warning: If you have itchy and dry skin, try to stay more hydrated. Before taking any medication for itching, consult your doctor. Certain medications contain ingredients that could damage your kidneys further. 

 

7. Experiencing Bad Breath and Metallic Taste

When waste builds up in your blood it changes the taste of food and leaves a metallic taste in your mouth. Having bad breath is also another sign of having too many toxins in the bloodstream. Furthermore, you might stop wanting meat and lose your appetite, which can lead to unhealthy weight loss. 

 

Warning: There are a number of reasons why food can have a metallic taste. Normally, the metallic taste will go away once the assumed cause has been treated. However, if the taste continues to appear, you should contact your doctor. 

 

6. Shortness of Breath  

Shortness of breath due to kidney disease is caused by two things. First, extra fluid in the body moves into the lungs when kidneys are not functioning properly. Secondly, anemia deprives your body of oxygen and this results in shortness of breath. 

 

Warning: There are a number of reasons for shortness of breath such as kidney failure, heart failure, asthma, and lung cancer. If you notice that you are constantly out of breath after little effort, you should contact your doctor immediately. 

 

5. Swelling of Ankles, Feet, and Hands 

Kidneys that are failing to perform properly won't remove extra fluid from the body. This will lead to sodium retention which causes swelling in your ankles, feet, and hands. Swelling of the lower parts of your body could also signal heart and liver disease or leg vein problems. 

 

Warning: Sometimes taking medication, reducing salt and removing excess fluid in your body can stop swelling. If this doesn't help, then you need different treatment. 

 

4. Having Back Pain 

Kidney failure can lead to back pain that's usually deep and located right below the rib cage. It can be felt in the front of the groin or the hip area too. Back and leg pain can be caused by kidney cysts, which are large fluid-filled sacs that form on the kidneys and are the result of polycystic kidney disease. 

 

Tip: Back pain that is caused by kidney failure is accompanied by feeling sick, vomiting, frequent urination, and high body temperature. Normal back pain that has no correlation with the kidney behaves differently: the pain is more localized and happens suddenly, there is also no fever. Therefore, if you keep experiencing back pain and pain relief pills are ineffective make sure to visit your doctor. 

 

3. Puffy Eyes 

 

 

An early sign that your kidneys' filter system is damaged is the onset of protein in the urine, which can result in puffiness around your eyes. The puffiness around your eyes can be explained by the fact that your kidneys are leaking a large amount of protein into the urine rather than keeping it and distributing it around the body. 

 

Tip: If you're certain that your body is receiving enough rest and protein, but you continue to notice puffiness around your eyes, make sure to schedule an appointment with your doctor. 

 

2. High Blood Pressure 

Your kidneys and circulatory system depend on each other. The kidneys have small nephrons that filter waste and extra fluids out the blood. If the blood vessels get damaged, the nephrons that filter your blood don't receive enough oxygen and nutrients. This is why high blood pressure is the second leading cause of kidney failure. 

 

Tips: Learn to manage your high blood pressure to avoid kidney failure. Add foods rich in folic acid as it is engaged in the production of red blood cells and can help to prevent anemia. 

 

1. Changes in Urination

Your kidneys are responsible for producing urine and eliminating waste. Changes in the frequency, color, odor, and appearance should not be ignored. Common types of changes include an increased need to urinate, seeing blood in the urine, and having foamy urine. 

 

 

 

This is only for your information, kindly take the advice of your doctor for medicines, exercises and so on.   

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https://gseasyrecipes.blogspot.com. feel free to view for easy, simple and healthy recipes    
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These Are the Body Parts You Didn't Even Know You Had

The human body is a great mystery that continues to fascinate scientists even today. In fact, there are many secrets of the human body that have been unraveled only in recent years. For instance, do you know you had an eyelid hole? Or that a new body part was discovered as recently as 2016? The truth is that there are several unusual body parts and organs that most of us aren’t even aware of.

Let’s take a look at some of the weird and little-known body parts that you didn’t know you had. Many of them are nonfunctional and a few of them were just waiting to be discovered. 

 

1. Eyelid hole

You may not have noticed it, but there’s a very small hole on the bottom of your eyelids. You can find it by tugging your upper or lower eyelid away from your eye. Don’t freak out if you just noticed it for the first time. The little hole is called lacrimal punctum and is completely normal and totally ordinary. 

 

This hole is located at the inner corner of each eye and leads to the lacrimal duct which helps drain tears from your eye into your nose. Basically, it is a piece of our eyes' guttering and seepage framework. Interestingly, much like our hair, skin color, and height, this little hole differs in size from one person to another. 

 

2. Palmaris longus muscles in the forearm

Palmaris longus is a long muscle of the anterior forearm and is one of five muscles that act at the wrist joint. It runs from the elbow to the palm and is known as one of the most variable muscles in the human body. Amazingly, research has found that more than 10% of humans don’t even have this muscle! But that is nothing to worry about as scientists say the muscle is inconsequential. The presence of the palmaris longus doesn’t give us any extra noticeable arm or grip strength. In fact, surgeons often remove it and use it for reconstructive or plastic surgery in other places in the body. 

 

3. Auricular muscles in the ear

The human ear includes a number of auricular, or extrinsic, muscles that most of us aren’t even aware of. The auricular is made of the anterior auricular muscle, the superior auricular muscle, and the posterior auricular muscle. In many mammals, ear movements produced by the auricular muscles help them detect sound and express emotions. However, in humans, the muscles are considered vestigial or nonfunctional; although few individuals can move their ears voluntarily. Charles Darwin had observed that since humans capture sounds by positioning the head to receive them, they don’t need the auricular muscles.

4. The arrector pili or the goosebump muscles

Have you ever wondered why you get goosebumps? Yes, we know that we feel goosebumps when we are watching a scary scene in a horror film. Even a sudden freezing blast of wind or rise in air conditioning causes our hair to stand up and our skin to prickle. Goosebumps occur when the arrector pili muscles cause the hairs to stand up. 

 

Have you ever heard of these muscles? The arrector pili are small, smooth, involuntary muscles that a person cannot willingly contract. This is the reason that people cannot make themselves have goosebumps. This muscle connects the hair follicle to the connective tissue of the basement membrane. When it contracts, it pulls the hairs into an upright position. This leads to a bulge on the skin surface and the momentarily roughened condition known as goosebumps or gooseflesh occurs. On those areas of the body that do not have much hair or have light hair, you will only see the erect hair follicle and not the hair itself.

5. Jacobson’s organ

The vomeronasal, or Jacobson’s organ helps many animals sense pheromones. In adult humans, it has commonly been regarded as absent or vestigial. It is an accessory olfactory organ situated on the anteroinferior third of the nasal septum. Jacobson’s organ in humans consists of a blind sac with a duct opening anteriorly into the nasal cavity. According to several researchers, serial sectioning of the nasal septum shows the presence of and the location of the vomeronasal. However, the organ lacks sensory neurons as well as nerve fibers and can vary in size and shape. 

 

 According to a study published in National Center for Biotechnology Information, Jacobson’s organ “contains specialized olfactory sensory cells that function as afferent neurons in the reception of pheromones via the terminal cranial nerve and also produces gonadotropin-releasing hormone.” 

 

6. Brain vessels connected to the immune system

In 2015, researchers made a dazzling discovery that the brain is directly connected to the immune system through previously unknown vessels. This is a connection researchers had previously thought didn't exist but it has now come to light that while the never-before-seen vessels live in the brain, they are a part of our immune system. These vessels had been hiding in the meninges - the layer of tissue that covers the brain. 

 

The discovery of these vessels (or brain lymphatics) will certainly help us understand the human brain better and could lead to significant new advancements in finding treatments for Alzheimer’s, multiple sclerosis, and other neurological diseases that are related to the immune system. 

 

The revelation of these new brain vessels also raises a lot of new questions and you should expect more revealing answers in the years to come. This new organ might well show us new ways to deal with the conditions of the central nervous system. 

 

 

7. Mesentery

In 2016, researchers officially added a brand-new organ to the anatomy textbooks known as the mesentery. It is located in our abdominal cavity and is a belt of tissue that holds our intestines in place. The body part was hiding in plain sight in our digestive system but anatomists always believed it to be composed of several different segments rather than being one single structure. However, researchers have now found that the mesentery is, in fact, one single band of tissue. It begins at the pancreas and continues down through the small intestine and colon. It holds these vital organs firmly and helps them maintain their structure. 

 

“Without it, you can’t live,” says J. Calvin Coffey, a Limerick University Hospital researcher, and colorectal surgeon. “There are no reported instances of a Homo sapien living without a mesentery.”

This is only for your information, kindly take the advice of your doctor for medicines, exercises and so on.   

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https://gseasyrecipes.blogspot.com. feel free to view for easy, simple and healthy recipes    
https://kneereplacement-stickclub.blogspot.com. for info on knee replacement
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Vitamin D Deficiencies Are NOT Caused By Sunblock

Your skin is your biggest organ, and simultaneously, it is the part of your body that is exposed the most to the elements. Despite the skin’s amazing regenerative capabilities, it does get injured quite a lot, with the sun being one of the main culprits behind skin cancer and aging. Scientists have long been convinced that sun exposure is directly causing melanoma and other types of skin cancer, but the skin cancer epidemic persists and spreads. We have to wonder to ourselves why this is. 

 

In part, this is because we still lack proper education about sun protection, with several myths spreading dangerous misinformation. Here are 8 of the most common sun protection myths we found.

Myth 1. If you apply sunscreen, you will be deficient in vitamin D

Many people refuse to apply sunscreen because they believe that it will make them vitamin D deficient. In the northern hemisphere, some people even intentionally go to tanning beds in the cold months to increase their vitamin D levels. The fact of the matter is that tanning bed visits don’t increase vitamin D levels, whereas a healthy diet or a vitamin D supplement can, and neither of the latter are carcinogenic like tanning beds are.

If you decide to get your vitamin D from the sun by simply skipping sunscreen, this exposes you to skin cancer for no reason whatsoever, as all studies on this topic have shown that wearing sunscreen daily doesn’t cause vitamin D deficiency. In fact, a vegan diet, metabolic and kidney issues, and obesity are all more likely to make you have lower than normal levels of vitamin D than a lack of sun exposure.

But even if your healthcare provider ruled out all of the above-mentioned causes of vitamin D deficiency, it is safer for you to take a vitamin D supplement than stop wearing SPF.

Myth 2. Skin cancer is not as dangerous as other types of cancer

While it’s definitely great news that advancements in medicine help a significant portion of skin cancer patients survive, it certainly doesn’t take away from the fact that we have a skin cancer epidemic worldwide, with US statistics in particular recording that the yearly occurrence of skin cancer in the US population is triple the amount of that of all the remaining types of cancer combined.

Even more alarming statistical information lists that 1 skin cancer patient dies every hour in the US alone. Given all this information, it is certainly impossible to conclude that skin cancer is less of an issue than other types of cancer.

Myth 3. There is a “healthy” level of tan

The notion of a healthy or so-called “base tan” is ever-growing, with many people claiming that a healthy tan can even protect your skin from burning. Unfortunately, this, too, is a myth, and dermatologists point out that getting a tan is in itself evidence of sun damage and, very likely, DNA damage.

The way our skin works is that it tries to protect its cells and DNA from sun damage by increasing melanin levels, so your bronzy glow is actually your skin’s alarm signal, and not something to seek out.

Myth 4. Those with darker skin don’t need to apply sunscreen

It’s certainly true that those of us with more melanin in our skin have a little more natural protection against the sun than fair-skinned people. Still, this doesn’t mean that dark-skinned people don’t get skin cancer. In fact, this myth is so pervasive, that medical reviews systematically report a scary and alarming picture: those with dark skin are more likely to be diagnosed with melanoma in its late stages and have a worse survival rate.

That’s why it is crucial for everyone, irrespective of skin color, age, or any other characteristic to protect themselves from the sun daily and undergo regular skin checks.

Myth 5. Sunbeds and sun exposure is the only way to get an even tan

 

It’s impossible to deny that having a bronzy, tan body is still considered fashionable and attractive, and many people seek out that tanned look, even if it means risking their health. 

 

And while we hope that this self-destructive fashion will pass soon, it is good to know that sunless tanning products have come a really long way and are effective at giving your the much-desired natural tan look without compromising your health. They come in a variety of forms: bronzers, tanning mousses, drops, body creams and even tanning waters that feel very light on the skin. Plus, by using a sunless tanner you can be tan all year round

Myth 6. Tanning is safe if you don’t burn

Getting a sunburn, especially a severe one, significantly increases the likelihood of getting melanoma, the deadliest of skin cancers. However, even those who don’t get sunburns and don’t tan intentionally can get it, which is a testament to the idea that sun exposure, in any quantities, is dangerous, especially if anyone in your family was ever diagnosed with skin cancer. 

 

Apart from posing a danger to your health, sun exposure is the main cause of skin aging as well, so if your initial intention to get a tan was aesthetic, you might want to reconsider. For further proof of how aging the sun can be, consider the photo of this 69-year-old truck driver, whose left side of his face was exposed to the sun through the truck’s window for almost 30 years, while the right side wasn’t. 

 

As you can see, the side that was exposed to UV rays looks much older than the one that was more protected against the sun. 

 

Myth 7. Only UVB light is dangerous

If you look at a bottle of sunscreen, you may notice a “broad-spectrum” label on it, or both a UVA and a UVB icon. This label means that the SPF protects against both types of UV rays (UVA and UVB). If no such label exists, it means that the product shields you against UVB light only, which is the type of light that causes sunburns. 

 

However, medical research shows that UVA light is likely as dangerous if not more than UVB rays, as exposure to the former is linked to melanoma and skin aging. That’s why you should always opt for a broad-spectrum sunscreen, but that’s not all. As you may or may not know, tanning beds usually operate using mostly UVA rays, and these contraptions have been time and time linked to skin cancer, with several countries banning them altogether. 

 

For example, research shows that your risk of skin cancer increases by 75% if you used tanning beds before the age of 35, so everyone is safer simply staying away from those things. 

 

Myth 8. You only have to wear sunscreen when you’re at the beach

We get it, wearing sunblock every day is annoying, and reapplying it is even worse, so many people end up using it only when they’re spending a lot of time outdoors. However, dermatologists urge everyone to wear sunscreen everyday, especially on the parts on the face, hands and any other parts of the body not protected by clothing. 

 

Even people who live in colder climates or spend a lot of time indoors should wear sunscreen daily year round, as many skin cancers are caused by UVA rays, which is abundant irrespective of the weather. When outside, you should also reapply sunblock every 2 hours, as it decomposes and gets rubbed or washed off. If you’re interested in even more sunscreen myths, watch this bonus video below.

This is only for your information, kindly take the advice of your doctor for medicines, exercises and so on.   

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https://kneereplacement-stickclub.blogspot.com. for info on knee replacement
https://cancersupportindia.blogspot.com  for infor on cancer and health related topics
https://GSiyers home remedies.blogspot.com   is the latest addition to my blogs. I'm going to add posts there, do give me your valuable feed back on my blogs. Thanks a lot, take care, be healthy and be happy.

7 Subtle Symptoms of Vitamin D Deficiency to Be Aware Of

Vitamin D is an essential nutrient that is crucial for our health. The vitamin has powerful effects on several systems throughout our body. It boosts immunity, prompts cell growth, keeps the bones robust and the skin healthy, and even helps create new hair follicles. We primarily absorb vitamin D through sun exposure but it can also be taken through dietary supplements and by eating certain foods, like fatty fish. That being said, getting enough of this vitamin is difficult from food products alone. Fortunately, a variety of vitamin D supplements can help you in that regard. 

 

Today, vitamin D deficiency has become very common across all age groups. It's estimated that about 1 billion people worldwide have low levels of the vitamin in their blood. 

 

Some of the common risk factors for vitamin D deficiency are: 

 

* Staying mostly indoors. 

 

* Not eating enough fish or dairy. 

 

 * Being overweight or obese. 

 

* Living in a region where there is little sun year-round. * Being elderly. 

 

* Using sunscreen regularly when going out. 

 

Getting sufficient vitamin D isn’t always easy during the fall and winter months and since these seasons are right around the corner, it would be prudent to ensure you have enough of it. The curious thing is that most people don’t even realize that they are lacking vitamin D in their bodies since the symptoms are generally quite subtle. Be warned, though, that insufficient vitamin D can have a substantial negative effect on your quality of life. 

 

Hence, today we will look at some of the most important signs and symptoms of vitamin D deficiency that you should be aware of. 

 

1. Fatigue and tiredness

Feeling regularly tired in your hectic life can be a result of numerous factors and a vitamin D deficiency may be one of them. Various case studies have revealed that very low blood levels can cause fatigue and severely impede the quality of one’s life. Another observational study in female nurses demonstrated a clear connection between low vitamin D levels and self-reported fatigue.

In a few reported cases, people who complained of chronic daytime fatigue and headaches were found to have a vitamin D blood level of only 5.9 ng/ml. Anything under 20 ng/ml is usually considered deficient.

Taking vitamin D supplements usually helps improve energy levels. Hence, if you find yourself being regularly tired and fatigued, it would be a good idea to see a doctor and get your vitamin D levels checked.

2. Getting sick or infected regularly

Do you find yourself being constantly sick or infected with some viral illness? This may well be due to a vitamin D deficiency. Vitamin D plays a crucial role in keeping our immune system strong to enable it to fight off viruses and bacteria that cause illness. It also collaborates with the cells that are responsible for fighting infection. Thus, low vitamin D levels may be a contributing factor in you often getting sick.

Some observational studies have shown a connection between deficiency and respiratory tract infections like colds, bronchitis, and pneumonia. Another study published in the journal Molecular Nutrition and Food Research states that vitamin D has a direct connection to how your immune system reacts to different infections and viruses.

3.Back Pain

 

Many of us experience bouts of back pain from time to time and that’s quite common. However, if back pain, particularly lower back pain, has become a regular feature of your life then it may be a warning sign of low vitamin D levels.

Vitamin D helps in maintaining bone health by improving our body's absorption of calcium. Several studies over the years have found a link between a deficiency and chronic lower back pain. A 2008 study published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society revealed that lower concentrations of vitamin D were connected to significant back pain in women.

Researchers have now observed that people with vitamin D deficiency are more likely to have back pain, including severe back pain, along with bone pain in their legs, ribs, or joints.

4. Muscle pain or weakness

According to the Cleveland Clinic, you are not getting adequate vitamin D if your muscles regularly feel weaker or are cramping more than usual. Studies have found a link between chronic pain and low blood levels of vitamin D. This may be because of the interaction between the vitamin and pain-sensing nerve cells.

Furthermore, muscle pain or weakness for kids who are vitamin D deficient is a real matter of concern as low levels can lead to rickets - the softening and weakening of bones – which can be pretty painful and dangerous, especially for children.

5.  Hair loss

It is not uncommon for us to lose hair as we age. However, research shows that a lack of vitamin D in your body can lead to hair loss. Vitamin D plays a role in stimulating new and old hair follicles and when you don’t have enough of it, new hair growth can be hindered.

Vitamin D deficiency has also been linked to alopecia, the skin condition that causes hair to fall out in small patches. Another study published in the journal Skin Pharmacology and Physiology revealed that women with hair loss had lower levels of vitamin D.

6. Slow healing wounds

 

Slow-healing or impaired wounds may be a sign that your vitamin D levels are too low. Research has shown that the important vitamin increases the production of compounds that are vital in the formation of new skin for the wound-healing process. Furthermore, a 2011 study published in the Journal of Dental Research proved that vitamin D levels are important to post-surgical healing. It has also been noted that vitamin D plays a part in controlling inflammation and fighting infection for proper healing.

7. Bone loss and discomfort

 

 

Vitamin D plays a major role in calcium absorption and bone metabolism. Hence, low bone density might be a sign of vitamin D deficiency, and getting sufficient vitamin D is essential for preserving bone mass as you get older. 

 

Additionally, a study published in the journal American Family Physician states that any aches and painful tenderness in your bones could be directly related to a lack of vitamin D in the body. Take special note if you feel pain or uneasiness when you put pressure over your breastbone or shinbone areas, experts warn.

This is only for your information, kindly take the advice of your doctor for medicines, exercises and so on.   

https://gscrochetdesigns.blogspot.com. one can see my crochet creations  
https://gseasyrecipes.blogspot.com. feel free to view for easy, simple and healthy recipes    
https://kneereplacement-stickclub.blogspot.com. for info on knee replacement
https://cancersupportindia.blogspot.com  for infor on cancer and health related topics
https://GSiyers home remedies.blogspot.com   is the latest addition to my blogs. I'm going to add posts there, do give me your valuable feed back on my blogs. Thanks a lot, take care, be healthy and be happy.