The impact of zinc deficiency on our immunity

As doctors, scientists and researchers globally are still studying the novel Coronavirus and discovering how the infection works and new ways to treat it, there is an avalanche of information that might be conflicting sometimes. However, doctors world over have to come to the consensus that building a robust immune system will give you a better chance of combating the virus should you contract it. Zinc is one such micronutrient that helps in building immunity and recent studies show that zinc inhibits coronavirus by blocking a key enzyme. Scientific evidence documented in the past few decades shows that consumption of zinc plays a significant role against viral infections including human respiratory infections because of its immuno-nutrient properties. According to a study by the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health- ‘Inadequate zinc intake in India: past, present and future’ inadequate zinc intake has been rising in India for decades, causing tens of millions of people to become newly deficient in it. Zinc deficiency has caused a malnutrition problem worldwide. The study states that the highest rate of inadequate zinc intake was concentrated mainly in the southern and northeastern states of India with rice-dominated diets: Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Manipur and Meghalaya. Thus, zinc intake for Indians is of paramount importance.

Coronaviruses is the old common cold virus which causes 30-40% of common colds discovered in the Common Cold Unit in 1964 form UK .Zinc has been studied for more than four decades in common cold therapies . The odds of getting a cold with people taking zinc preventatively is one third less . Essentially Zinc’s properties help in reducing the severity and duration of the cold. It is an essential mineral that our body cannot make by itself, hence we need to make sure our diet is zinc-rich along with other nutrients.

Zinc deficiency is one of the most common nutritional deficiencies in the world, yet it is essential for healthy immune function. Zinc is needed for immune cell development and communication and plays an important role in inflammatory response. Zinc supplementation may prove beneficial against coronavirus infection by providing an additional immunity defense. This given point in time, keeping your immunity system strong and making healthy lifestyle choices is the need of the hour.

Also, assessment of nutritional status of COVID19 patients before administration of general treatment is important as immune response is weakened due to inadequate nutrition. We all need to build strong immnunity in corona and covid times like a safety net or “kavach” around us.

Fortifying your immunity system against colds and flu’s is essential now more than ever. A balanced diet and attention to macro and micronutrients is the basis of building a vigorous immune system. Your meal needs to have the right amount of vitamins, minerals and carbohydrates. Zinc also should be consumed judiciously because an overdose of zinc can cause indigestion, headaches and nausea. Zinc not only has immunity-boosting properties but also makes sure your metabolism is strong. Its important to have the right amount of zinc in your body. 

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

Genetic alteration increases risk of autism, impairs brain communication: Know all about this condition

A new study at the Lancaster University in Britain says that a genetic alteration that increases the risk of developing Autism impairs brain communication. Researchers say that people with a genetic deletion known as chromosome 2p16.3 deletion often experience developmental delay and have learning difficulties. They are also around 15 times more likely to develop Autism and 20 times more likely to develop Tourette’s Syndrome. But researchers say that they don’t understand the mechanisms involved completely. According to them, this genetic deletion disrupts a brain area known as the Thalamus, compromising its ability to communicate with other brain areas. Researchers also saw changes in brain regions that are responsible for processing sensory information and in learning and memory. The journal Cerebral Cortex published this study.

It can be difficult to detect autism in children as its symptoms can be similar to other mental or behavioural disorders. Spotting the early signs is essential for parents, so that therapy can start immediately. As you know your child better than your pediatrician, do not disregard your own experience and observation as your doctor might not be able to gauge everything in a 15-minute visit. Let us take a look at some early signs that point to this condition.

Social Limitations

Infants usually respond to voice, grasp a finger, gaze at faces and smile by four to six months of age. Children with autism find it difficult to have day-to-day human interactions. For autistic toddlers, it’s tough to play social games. They are loners and do not respond to their parent’s reactions of anger or affection.

Communication Difficulties
Most toddlers start babbling, point to objects they want, respond to voices and make faces when they are displeased, by their first birthday. Autistic children struggle in learning and combining words. They may utter a single word or phrase repeatedly or repeat what they hear (echolalia). They fail to express themselves through facial gestures and body movements. Some would speak with a deep voice or sing a high-pitched song suddenly.

Repetitiveness

Autistic children love to follow a routine which may include arranging and rearranging objects, rocking back and forth, hand-flapping and repeating words, phrases or sounds. Self-stimulating repetitive behavior such as wiggling fingers in front of their eyes is another symptom. A slight disturbance in their daily routine leads to sudden outbursts and inappropriate behavior.

Dealing With Autism

When you notice these signs in your child, consult a doctor. While it might be earth-shattering for you, don’t panic and lose hope. Don’t forget that your child looks up to you for help and it is your unconditional love that will help him the most. Here’s what you can do when you learn that your child has autism.

Learn About Autism
The more you know about the condition, the better equipped you are at making informed decisions. Learn about treatment options, ask questions and inquire about new therapies.

Understand Your Child Better

Understand what makes your child stressful and uncomfortable and what calms him down.

Accept Your Child

Do not focus on how your kid is different from other children. Celebrate small successes and enjoy his quirks.

Don’t Give Up

You cannot predict the course that autism might take. Don’t give up and worry about what life has in store for your child. Some of the greatest minds in history have had autism.

Treating The Condition

Early intervention can help children from birth to three years of age learn important skills. Treatment can be broken down into four categories.

Diet Management: Many biomedical interventions require a diet change and removal (or inclusion) of certain foods from a child’s diet. Mineral or vitamin supplements are important. Consult a doctor to ensure that your child is getting important vitamins and minerals.

Medication: Certain medicines help children deal with autism and assist in managing high energy levels, improve focus and provide relief from depression.

Communication & Behavioural Approaches: Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) is a therapy where lessons are broken down into simple parts for children and positive reinforcement is used to reward correct answers and behaviours. Treatment & Education Of Autistic & Related Communication-Handicapped Children (TEACCH) is a system that uses visual cues to teach skills. Picture cards are used to show a child how to get dressed by breaking down information to small steps.

Occupational Therapy helps kids live independently by focusing on their eating, bathing, dressing and other habits.    Speech Therapy enhances their verbal communication skills and in Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS), children are taught to use picture symbols to ask, answer questions and communicate in this therapy. Sensory Integration Therapy is beneficial in children who are disturbed by certain sounds, smell or do not like being touched.

Complementary & Alternative Treatments
Some parents and healthcare professionals suggest the use of chelation therapy (removal of heavy metals like lead from the body), special diets, biologicals (such as the usage of the hormone secretin) or body-based systems (such as deep pressure) and other alternative treatments. Consult your doctor before starting any such treatment.

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

Avoid fatty food as it may interrupt communication between gut and body

You may be one of those people who love a cheat meal once in a while that is loaded with butter or oil, or you may be one of those who do not love it but do not mind it either. While there is no denying that food cooked in a lot of oil is very rich in flavour and texture, it does come with its own cost of adverse health effects. Eating excess oily food regularly can cause obesity and increase the risk of cardiovascular problems as well.

A recent study, however, has also linked excess oil and grease in food to the gut's health. According to the study, such food can reduce the communication between the intestine and the rest of your body. The researches found that a high-fat meal can completely shut down the communication for a few hours.

Researchers looked at the enteroendocrine cells, which though occur sparsely in the lining of the gut, play a key role in signally the body about the alimentary canal. These cells are also responsible for the production of certain hormones and have a direct connection with the central nervous system and the brain.

A break in communication between the cells in the gut can lead to problems like insulin sensitivity, indigestion, poor gastrointestinal health, among other health effects.

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     

5 Warning Signs Someone Has Dementia

Like most diseases that severely affect cognitive performance, dementia is a tragic and painful condition. In this article, we will discuss what dementia (and other), and some warning signs of the condition and methods of treatment.

What is dementia?
According to the Alzheimer’s organization, dementia is a general term for low mental capacity that is severe enough to interfere with daily life. Memory loss and Alzheimer’s – the two most common forms of dementia – are two examples. Dementia is, in general, a gradual decline in thinking, thinking and thinking skills.

Dementia itself is not a specific disease. Instead, the term applies to a set of symptoms that may indicate a severe cognitive disorder. Because of the complex nature of the disorder, dementia can only be diagnosed by a licensed doctor (usually a neurologist).

Types of dementia
As we have mentioned, Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia, accounting for 60 to 80 per cent of all cases. Alzheimer’s disease is a fatal disorder that deviates from brain cells and cognitive functions. Unfortunately, people with Alzheimer’s often notice changes in themselves; this makes it difficult to explain what they are experiencing to friends, family, and others.

The second major cause of dementia is called vascular dementia – a form of dementia caused by a stroke. Mayo Clinic is characterized by a stroke as follows:
Stroke occurs when the blood flow is interrupted or reduced to your brain. This deprives your mind of oxygen and nutrients, which can cause the death of your cells. Stroke may occur due to a blocked artery (stroke), leakage or explosion of blood vessels (hemorrhagic stroke).

What dementia is not
As mentioned, dementia is a complex medical condition. However, ignorance has led people to believe that it is age-related – it is not. For each organization Alzheimer’s disease:
Dementia is often referred to incorrectly as “dementia” or “dementia,” which reflects the belief in the past, but it is not true that serious mental decline is a natural part of aging. Changes in memory often occur (not always) with age.

The main difference between any “age-related” memory problems and dementia is the degree to which everyday life is affected. Everyone forgets something at some time or another, or experiences severe episodes of “brain fog”. Many people have problems with memory and thinking problems clearly – this does not mean that they have dementia.

Given the complexity of the subject, we recommend that anyone suffering or knowing someone with cognitive problems seek medical advice.

Here are 5 possible signs of dementia:

1. Difficulty planning or solving problems
Some people with dementia have sudden changes in their ability to develop and follow the plan. Once simple tasks, such as tracking bank balances or following a recipe, for example, become more complex. It is also common during the onset of dementia to experience increasing problems of concentration.

2. Problem with familiar tasks once

One of the most obvious signs of dementia is the low ability to complete routine tasks. A person may be unable to navigate a familiar path or forget how to play a favorite game. Usually, doing something normal is deeply rooted neuroscience. One is able to be completed “without thinking”. Any noticeable changes in a person’s ability to complete a joint task require attention.

3. New problems when communicating

People suffering from dementia often have problems after the conversation. They may stop interacting, or forget something they have said (they may repeat themselves), or have no idea how to proceed. Vocabulary challenges are also common, such as inability to find the right word.

4. Withdrawal from social activities or work

When a person begins to experience the cognitive challenges brought on by dementia, he or she may begin to remove himself from work or social activities. Part of this withdrawal may be due to personal changes, fear or denial. Regardless of the rationale, some sufferers of dementia gradually become distant.

5. Subversive amnesia of daily life

Again, the basic phrase is “disorder in daily life”. Memory gaps occur for all of us, but these lapses rarely make a big handicap nowadays – if that happens – rarely. During the early stages of dementia, forgetting information that has been learned recently is one of the most common signs of the underlying condition.
  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   

How does dementia progress over time?

Dementia is a generic term that can refer to a variety of illnesses or disease states. The range of symptoms involves impaired thinking, memory, and communication.

To have a diagnosis of dementia, the decline in function must impact a person's ability to perform everyday activities.

Researchers looking at data from 2000 to 2012 found that around 8.8 percent of people aged 65 years and older in the United States had a form of dementia.

In this article, we look at several types of dementia and how they change as the condition progresses.

Stages
Symptoms of dementia tend to get worse over time.

The rate of progression varies between people. Genetics, age, and overall health, as well as the underlying cause of the dementia might play a role in how fast the disease progresses.

Dementia has distinct stages that shape treatment and impact on health in different ways. It should be noted that scientists have devised different systems of staging for a variety of dementia types, including dementia that occurs with Alzheimer's disease.

No staging system is perfect, and the stages often overlap. Symptoms may appear at certain stages, then resolve, while other health effects progressively get worse.
Early symptoms

Dementia often, but not always, starts with a mild decline in the ability to think. For example, a person may forget a recent conversation or the name of a familiar object.

Keep in mind that everyone has moments in which something gets stuck on the tip of their tongue.

Dementia goes beyond this. Moments such as these happen with increased frequency, though they may not initially reduce the quality of life or a person's ability to function on a day-to-day basis.

Early symptoms may also include a decreased ability to perform certain tasks, such as paying bills or following a recipe. People close to an individual with dementia may also notice subtle changes in personality.

At this stage, a person with dementia may start to realize that something is not right but may choose to hide their symptoms.

Some types of dementia may affect language, while others affect memory or movement. It is easiest to distinguish the types in their early stages.
Moderate dementia symptoms

As dementia progresses, symptoms become harder to hide. More noticeable symptoms may develop. Help with self-care or everyday activities may be necessary.

Personality changes may become more noticeable. The person may experience paranoia, confusion, or fear, and memory loss may increase.

People with moderate dementia commonly forget their address or other personal information, including their phone number.

Sleep patterns and moods may also change.
Late-stage or severe dementia symptoms

Gradually, dementia can progress and become severe. At this stage, it often significantly impairs a person's memory. A person with severe dementia may not recognize family members.

Symptoms of late-stage dementia may include an inability to communicate, walk, and control bowel and bladder function.

Severe dementia can also cause muscle rigidity and abnormal reflexes. A person will usually need full-time personal care for eating, bathing, and dressing.

People with severe dementia are vulnerable to infections, including pneumonia, and they be unable to move in bed. In this case, bedsores are a risk.

Knowing the stages of dementia can help a person plan, but everyone with dementia has a unique experience. It is important to make the necessary lifestyle adaptations while remaining flexible about meeting needs as they evolve.
Treatment options over time
Currently, no cure is available for dementia. However, treatments can help reduce symptoms and manage behavioral changes.

The right treatment may change over time. A doctor may prescribe different classifications of medication as the disease progresses.

Medications can reduce symptoms by adjusting chemicals that carry messages to the brain cells.

These drugs are called cholinesterase inhibitors. Doctors often prescribe them for people with mild to moderate symptoms. Cholinesterase inhibitors treat symptoms associated with confusion, communication, and memory.

In people with moderate to severe dementia, treatment may also include memantine. Memantine is a drug that may help improve language, thinking, and memory functions.

Memantine works by regulating glutamate, a chemical in the brain that supports memory and learning. Memantine may delay the progression of dementia symptoms temporarily in some people.

Treatment options may also include medications that reduce behavioral and psychological changes, such as anxiety and sleep problems.

In later stages, doctors may recommend particular drugs to treat specific symptoms, such as fear, restlessness, and hallucinations.

As dementia progresses, treatment may also focus on improving the quality of life. For example, occupational therapy can help teach people with dementia how to use adaptive equipment or improve fine motor skills.
Types of dementia
Dementia has a variety of causes, and different types of dementia cause different changes in the brain. Each type also progresses in a different way.
Common types of dementia include Alzheimer's disease, vascular dementia, dementia with Lewy bodies, and mixed dementia.
Alzheimer's disease
The most common cause of dementia is Alzheimer's disease. According to the Alzheimer's Association, the disease is responsible for between 60 and 80 percent of dementia cases.

The causes of Alzheimer's are not entirely clear, but healthcare professionals find clumps of a protein called beta-amyloid in the brains of people with this disease.
Alzheimer's often develops gradually and may be the slowest of all types to progress.
Vascular dementia

Vascular dementia can occur when blood circulation to the brain decreases as a result of a stroke or another problem, damaging blood vessels in the brain.

This type causes difficulties in planning and making decisions, slow or sluggish thought, and problems concentrating, with brief episodes of confusion.

There are two subtypes of vascular dementia, and they progress in different ways.
Subcortical dementia progresses at a pace similar to Alzheimer's, while stroke-related dementia develops more suddenly. Symptoms are consistent, then grow rapidly more severe, before becoming stable again.
Dementia with Lewy bodies
Lewy bodies are deposits of protein that develop throughout the brain, including in the cerebral cortex, which oversees language and thinking. They damage and kill nerves in the brain over time.
In the early stages of dementia with Lewy bodies, alertness and attentiveness may vary wildly from day to day or even throughout the same day.

People with this type of dementia may hallucinate, and they often feel persecuted as a result.
The symptoms may start to resemble Alzheimer's as this type of dementia progresses, with episodes of memory loss, shouting, and confrontational behavior. These symptoms can be especially challenging for caregivers.

Mixed dementia
Mixed dementia involves more than one cause. There may be damage to blood vessels and harmful deposits of protein in the brain, for example.
The overlap in types and stages can make it more difficult to predict how symptoms present and develop.
Dementia has a complicated, multifaceted set of symptoms, and caregivers should focus on providing a reactive support network.

Diagnosis and outcome
No single test can determine whether a person has dementia.

Tests will evaluate:
    thinking ability
    neurological function
    reasoning
    language
    memory
    movement and balance
    visual perception
A medical history and blood tests can help rule out other possible causes of dementia symptoms.

Imaging studies, such as a CT or PET scan, can identify specific protein deposits in the brain or a disrupted blood supply.

Dementia scales can help determine if dementia is present and how far it has progressed. The Global Deterioration Scale can be useful in determining the severity of overall dementia.

Doctors use a range of scales to assess dementia stages. The tests measure the severity of symptoms and the ability to carry out daily functions.

A common test is the mini-mental state examination, which people sometimes shorten to MMSE. It gives information about a variety of areas of cognition, such as orientation, registration, recall, language, and praxis.

Stages range from 1 to 7, in which stage 7 is the most severe. A doctor will conduct a combination of tests to make an assessment.

The outlook for people with dementia varies. Age at diagnosis and response to treatment are two factors that affect how the condition progresses.
Living with dementia in the later stages

A person with dementia may wish to have input in decisions about care before they become unable to communicate their wishes.

This advanced care planning provides the opportunity for a person with dementia to state what they want and do not want, such as living in a nursing home or receiving care at home.

Living with late-stage dementia can often be challenging for individuals and their caregivers. As symptoms progress, more care becomes necessary.

Strategies that may help include techniques to trigger memory, such as visual clues, music, and notes.

Assistive technology devices are also available, such as communications aids, automatic shutoff devices, and computerized recall devices.

Caregivers should create an environment that is calm and safe. It is crucial to identify and correct safety concerns, for example by removing tripping hazards and otherwise making sure that rooms are easy to navigate.

Caregivers should also ensure that the individual follows their medication regimen and receives enough nutrition.
Late-stage dementia can also be a difficult time for caregivers. It is important to have a strong support system and allow time to recharge.

Q: What is the most severe form of dementia?
A: Regardless of the type of dementia, they can all be quite severe and disrupt the lives of those involved.
Dementia involves not only the person with the diagnosis but also those close to the person, such as their spouse or children. A diagnosis of dementia is often life-changing for the family unit.
From a practical perspective, I would say the most severe form of dementia is one in which the individual has limited-to-no resources and a minimal or nonexistent support system.

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  

Alzheimer's: Head device reduces memory loss in 7 out of 8 people

An open-label clinical trial working with eight people with Alzheimer's disease concluded that a new wearable device that emits electromagnetic impulses was able to significantly improve memory loss in seven of these participants within 2 months. 

Alzheimer's disease affects millions of people in the United States and worldwide, but as yet there is no cure for this progressive neurodegenerative condition.

The condition's main physiological characteristic is the aggregation of beta-amyloid and tau protein in the brain, which disrupt normal communication pathways between brain cells.

Scientists have been aware of this aspect of Alzheimer's for years but have so far been unable to prevent the aggregates from forming, or to dissolve them once formed — not in humans, at least.

But now, researchers affiliated with NeuroEM Therapeutics — a medical device company based in Phoenix, AZ — have developed a wearable device that, according to their recent open-label clinical trial, can significantly reduce memory loss in Alzheimer's by disaggregating toxic protein formed in the brain.

The device has the shape of a cap, and it emits electromagnetic waves in a frequency that, as preclinical studies in mice have shown, can help reverse memory loss. The research team that conducted the clinical trial reports the groundbreaking results in a study paper .

"Despite significant efforts for nearly 20 years, stopping or reversing memory impairment in people with Alzheimer's disease has eluded researchers," notes one of the researchers, Dr. Amanda Smith, who is the director of clinical research at the University of South Florida Health's Byrd Alzheimer's Institute in Tampa.

    "These results provide preliminary evidence that [transcranial electromagnetic treatment] administration we assessed in this small [Alzheimer's disease] study may have the capacity to enhance cognitive performance in patients with mild to moderate disease."
    Dr. Amanda Smith

'Highly significant improvement' at 2 months

For the trial, the researchers worked with eight participants with mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease and their caretakers, who received instructions on how to use the therapeutic device at home. The participants received the treatment twice a day for 2 months, and each session lasted just 1 hour.

By the end of the 2 months, none of the participants had experienced any side effects. Brain scans conducted by the researchers at the end of the study showed that the eight individuals had not developed tumors or brain bleeding as a result of having used the device.

To assess whether the treatment had helped the participants, the investigators used The Alzheimer's Disease Assessment Scale-Cognitive Subscale test (ADAS-cog), the most widely recognized method of assessing cognitive function.

The team found that seven of the eight participants saw an increase of over 4 points in cognitive performance on the ADAS-cog scale after 2 months. This, the researchers explain, is as if the participants' cognitive function had "rejuvenated" by a year.

"We were particularly surprised that this highly significant improvement in the ADAS-cog was maintained even 2 weeks after treatment was completed," says Dr. Gary Arendash, CEO of NeuroEM Therapeutics. "The most likely explanation for continued benefit after cessation of treatment is that the Alzheimer's Disease process itself was being affected," he adds.

The researchers also collected blood and cerebrospinal fluid samples from the participants both at baseline and at the end of the clinical trial.

In analyzing them, they found that the intervention appeared to have led to the disaggregation of beta-amyloid plaques and tau tangles, which are associated with progressive cognitive function impairment in Alzheimer's.

Furthermore, MRI scans also suggested that after the 2-month treatment period, the participants had better communication between brain cells present in the cingulate cortex, which plays a key role in cognitive function — including decision making.

Further steps

The researchers behind the innovative device also note that they received the best feedback they could have received: all of the participants decided to hang onto the devices they got as part of the clinical trial.

"Perhaps the best indication that the 2 months of treatment was having a clinically important effect on the [Alzheimer's disease] patients in this study is that none of the patients wanted to return their head device to the University of South Florida/Byrd Alzheimer's Institute after the study was completed," says Dr. Arendash.

The team is particularly excited about the device's effect on toxic brain plaques. They say that drugs tested in clinical trials have, so far, been much less successful in disaggregating these disruptive buildups.

So, the investigators do not plan on stopping at this small clinical trial. Going forward, they have offered the current trial's participants' the opportunity to take part in a much larger clinical trial, which the research team is now organizing.

All the former participants have accepted this offer. The new trial is due to last around 17 months, on average, and will include about 150 participants with a diagnosis of mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease.

The medical device company hope that they will be able to gain Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval for their technology over the next couple of years and make the device available to the public by 2021.

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