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Know All About Bladder Cancer And Prevention

What Is Bladder Cancer? Cancer is the growth of abnormal cells in the body. Bladder cancer typically begins in the inner lining of the bladder, the organ that stores urine after it passes from the kidneys. Most bladder cancers are caught early when treatments are highly successful and the disease has not spread beyond the bladder. But bladder cancer tends to come back, so regular check-ups are important. Warning Sign: Blood in Urine Blood in the urine can be a sign of bladder cancer, either visible to the eye or picked up by routine testing. The urine may look darker than usual, brownish, or (rarely) bright red. Most commonly, blood in the urine is not caused by cancer, but by other causes. These include exercise, trauma, infections, blood or kidney disorders, or drugs, such as blood thinners. Warning Sign: Bladder Changes Bladder symptoms are more likely to come from conditions other than cancer. But bladder cancer can sometimes cause changes to bladder habits, including: Needing to go, with little or no results Having to go more often than usual Painful urination Difficulty urinating Urinary tract infections or bladder stones can cause similar symptoms but require different treatments. Risk Factor: Smoking Although the exact causes of bladder cancer remain unknown, smoking is the leading risk factor. Smokers are about four times more likely to get bladder cancer than people who have never smoked. Chemicals in tobacco smoke are carried from the lungs to the bloodstream, then filtered by the kidneys into the urine. This concentrates harmful chemicals in the bladder, where they damage cells that can give rise to cancer. Risk Factor: Chemical Exposure Research suggests that certain jobs may increase your risk of bladder cancer. Metal workers, mechanics, and hairdressers are among those who may be exposed to cancer-causing chemicals. If you work with dyes, or in the making of rubber, textiles, leather, or paints, be sure to follow safety procedures to reduce contact with dangerous chemicals. Smoking further increases risk from chemical exposure Other Risk Factors Anyone can get bladder cancer, but these factors put you at greater risk: Gender: Men are three times more likely to get bladder cancer. Age: Nine out of 10 cases occur over age 55. Race: Whites have twice the risk of African-Americans. Other factors at play include a family history of bladder cancer, previous cancer treatment, certain birth defects of the bladder, and chronic bladder irritation. Diagnosis: Testing There's no routine test for bladder cancer. But if you're at high risk or have symptoms, your doctor may first order a urine test. If needed, a procedure called cystoscopy lets your doctor see inside the bladder with a slender lighted tube with a camera on the end. The cystoscope can be used to remove small tissue samples (a biopsy) to be examined under a microscope. A biopsy is the best way to diagnose cancer. Diagnosis: Imaging If cancer is found, imaging tests can show whether it has spread beyond the bladder. An intravenous pyelogram uses dye to outline the kidneys, bladder, and ureters, the tubes that carry urine to the bladder. CT and MRI scans give more detailed images of these and can show the lymph nodes nearby. An ultrasound uses sound waves, instead of radiation, to produce images. Additional imaging tests look for cancer in the lungs and bone. Types of Bladder Cancer The main types of bladder cancer are named for the type of cells that become cancerous. The most common is transitional cell carcinoma, which begins in the cells that line the inside of the bladder. Squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma are much less common. Stages of Bladder Cancer Stage 0: Cancer stays in the inner lining. Stage I: Cancer has spread to the bladder wall. Stage II: Cancer has reached the muscle of the bladder wall. Stage III: Cancer has spread to fatty tissue around the bladder. Stage IV: Cancer has spread to the pelvic or abdominal wall, lymph nodes, or distant sites such as bone, liver, or lungs. Treatment: Surgery Transurethral surgery is most often done for early-stage cancers. If cancer has invaded more of the bladder, the surgeon will most likely perform either a partial cystectomy, removing a portion of the bladder or a radical cystectomy, to remove the entire bladder. For men, the prostate and urethra may also be removed. For women, the uterus, fallopian tubes, ovaries, and part of the vagina may also be removed. Treatment: After Surgery If your entire bladder must be removed, your surgeon will construct another means of storing and passing urine. A piece of your intestine may be used to create a tube that allows urine to flow into an external urostomy bag. In some cases, an internal reservoir -- drained via a catheter -- can be constructed. Newer surgeries offer the possibility of normal urination through the creation of an artificial bladder. Treatment: Chemotherapy Chemotherapy involves drugs designed to kill cancer cells. These drugs may be given before surgery to shrink tumors, making them easier to remove. Chemotherapy is also used to destroy any cancer cells left after surgery and to lower the chances that cancer will return. Hair loss, nausea, loss of appetite, and fatigue are common side effects. The drugs can be given by vein or directly into the bladder. Treatment: Immunotherapy This type of treatment is delivered directly to your bladder, so it doesn’t treat cancer that has spread beyond it. One treatment, Bacillus Calmette-Guerin therapy, sends in helpful bacteria through a catheter. It triggers your immune system to attack cancer. Flu-like symptoms are a common side effect of the once-a-week treatment. Immunotherapy may be used after surgery to reduce the risk of recurrence. Treatment: Radiation Radiation uses invisible, high-energy beams, like X-rays, to kill cancer cells and shrink tumors. It's most often given from outside the body by machine. Radiation is often used in tandem with other treatments, such as chemotherapy and surgery. For people who can't undergo surgery, it may be the main treatment. Side effects can include nausea, fatigue, skin irritation, diarrhea, and pain when urinating. Complementary Approaches Currently, no complementary treatments are known to treat or prevent bladder cancer, but research is ongoing. Studies are looking at whether extracts of green tea or broccoli sprouts may help in treating people with bladder cancer. Bladder Cancer Survival Rates Survival rates are closely tied to the stage at diagnosis. About half of bladder cancers are caught when the disease is confined to the inner lining of the bladder. Nearly 96% of these people will live at least five years, compared to people without bladder cancer. The more advanced cancer, the lower this figure becomes. But keep in mind that these rates are based on people diagnosed from 2006 to 2012. The treatments and outlook may be better for cancers diagnosed today. And each person’s case is different. Sex After Bladder Cancer Treatment Surgery can damage sensitive nerves, making sex more difficult. Some men may have trouble having an erection, though, for younger patients, this often improves over time. When the prostate gland and seminal vesicles are removed, semen can no longer be made. Women may also have trouble with orgasm and may find sex less comfortable. Be sure to discuss treatment options with your doctor. Living With Bladder Cancer Cancer is a life-changing experience. And although there's no surefire way of preventing a recurrence, you can take steps to feel and stay healthy. Eating plenty of fruits, veggies, whole grains, and keeping to modest portions of lean meat is a great start. If you smoke, stop. Limit alcohol to one or two drinks a day, if you drink. Daily exercise and regular checkups will also support your health and give you peace of mind. New and Experimental Treatments Several new treatments may prove useful in treating bladder cancer. Photodynamic therapy, used in early-stage cancers, uses laser light to activate a chemical that kills cancer cells. Some gene therapies use lab-created viruses to fight cancer. And targeted therapies aim to control the growth of cancer cells. You may be eligible to participate in a clinical trial of these or other cutting-edge treatments?

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February 02, 2019
hnc Cosmopolitan Medical Centre
Health and Wellness Partner
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Keep Calm & Stop Grinding Your Teeth

Most people probably grind and clench their teeth from time to time, medically called bruxism. Occasional teeth grinding, medically called bruxism, does not usually cause harm, but when teeth grinding occurs on a regular basis the teeth can be damaged and other oral health complications can arise. Why Do People Grind Their Teeth? Although teeth grinding can be caused by stress and anxiety, it often occurs during sleep and is more likely caused by an abnormal bite or missing or crooked teeth. How Do I Find Out if I Grind My Teeth? Because grinding often occurs during sleep, most people are unaware that they grind their teeth. However, a dull, constant headache or sore jaw is a telltale symptom of bruxism. Many times people learn that they grind their teeth by their loved one who hears the grinding at night.If you suspect you may be grinding your teeth, talk to your dentist. He or she can examine your mouth and jaw for signs of bruxism, such as jaw tenderness and abnormalities in your teeth. Why Is Teeth Grinding Harmful? In some cases, chronic teeth grinding can result in a fracturing, loosening, or loss of teeth. The chronic grinding may wear their teeth down to stumps. When these events happen, bridges, crowns, root canals, implants, partial dentures, and even complete dentures may be needed.Not only can severe grinding damage teeth and result in tooth loss, it can also affect your jaws, result in hearing loss, cause or worsen TMD/TMJ, and even change the appearance of your face. What Can I Do to Stop Grinding My Teeth? Your dentist can fit you with a mouth guard to protect your teeth from grinding during sleep.If stress is causing you to grind your teeth, ask your doctor or dentist about options to reduce your stress. Attending stress counseling, starting an exercise program, seeing a physical therapist or obtaining a prescription for muscle relaxants are among some of the options that may be offered. Other tips to help you stop teeth grinding include: Avoid or cut back on foods and drinks that contain caffeine, such as colas, chocolate, and coffee. Avoid alcohol. Grinding tends to intensify after alcohol consumption. Do not chew on pencils or pens or anything that is not food. Avoid chewing gum as it allows your jaw muscles to get more used to clenching and makes you more likely to grind your teeth. Train yourself not to clench or grind your teeth. If you notice that you clench or grind during the day, position the tip of your tongue between your teeth. This practice trains your jaw muscles to relax. Relax your jaw muscles at night by holding a warm washcloth against your cheek in front of your earlobe.

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February 01, 2019
SMDC - Specialized Medical and Dental Center
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Prevent Dehydration & Heat stroke this summer

Dehydration happens when your body doesn’t have as much water as it needs. Without enough, your body can’t function properly. You can have mild, moderate, or severe dehydration depending on how much fluid is missing from your body. Causes It’s normal to lose water from your body every day by sweating, breathing, peeing, and pooping, and through tears and saliva (spit). Usually, you replace the lost liquid by drinking fluids and eating foods that contain water. If you lose too much water or don’t drink and eat enough, you can get dehydrated. You can lose more water than usual with: • A Fever • Diarrhea • Vomiting • Excessive sweating • Peeing a lot (Diabetes and some medications like water pills -- also called diuretics -- can make you pee more often.) You may not replace the water you lose because: • You’re busy and forgetting. • You don’t realize you’re thirsty. • You don’t feel like drinking because you have a sore throat or mouth sores. Symptoms Signs of mild or moderate dehydration include: • Thirst • Dry or sticky mouth • Not peeing very much • Dark yellow pee • Dry, cool skin • Headache • Muscle cramps Signs of severe dehydration include: • Not peeing or having very dark yellow pee • Very dry skin • Feeling dizzy • Rapid heartbeat • Rapid breathing • Sunken eyes • Sleepiness, lack of energy, confusion or irritability • Fainting Symptoms for babies and young children can be different than for adults: • Dry mouth and tongue • No tears when crying • Dry diapers for 3 hours • Sunken eyes, cheeks, the soft spot on the top of the skull • Sleepiness, lack of energy, or irritability Severe dehydration is a medical emergency and needs to be treated immediately. Who’s at Risk? Anyone can get dehydrated, but the odds are higher for some people: • Babies and young children are the most likely to have severe diarrhea and vomiting, and they lose the most water from a high fever. The youngest can’t tell you they’re thirsty or get their own drink. • Older adults have less water in their bodies and often don’t realize they’re thirsty. If they can’t get around very well anymore, they may not be able to get a drink easily. • People who are ill with a cold or a sore throat may not want to eat or drink. • People with a chronic disease such as type 2 diabetes can pee a lot if the disease is uncontrolled. They also may take medicines such as water pills, which make them go more often. People who are active outside in hot and humid weather sometimes can’t cool down effectively because their sweat doesn’t evaporate. This can lead to higher body temperature and the need for more water.

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February 01, 2019
hnc Cosmopolitan Medical Centre
Health & Wellness Partner
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All you need to know about Thyroid disorders

What Are Thyroid Problems? The thyroid gland influences almost all of the metabolic processes in your body. Thyroid Disorders can range from a small, harmless goiter (enlarged gland) that needs no treatment to life-threatening cancer. The most common thyroid problems involve abnormal production of thyroid hormones. Too much thyroid hormone results in a condition known as hyperthyroidism. Insufficient hormone production leads to hypothyroidism. Although the effects can be unpleasant or uncomfortable, most thyroid problems can be managed well if properly diagnosed and treated. What Causes Thyroid Problems? All types of hyperthyroidism are due to an overproduction of thyroid hormones, but the condition can occur in several ways: Graves' disease: The production of too much thyroid hormone. Toxic adenomas: Nodules develop in the thyroid gland and begin to secrete thyroid hormones, upsetting the body's chemical balance; some goiters may contain several of these nodules. Subacute thyroiditis: Inflammation of the thyroid that causes the gland to "leak" excess hormones, resulting in temporary hyperthyroidism that generally lasts a few weeks but may persist for months. Pituitary gland malfunctions or cancerous growths in the thyroid gland: Although rare, hyperthyroidism can also develop from these causes. Hypothyroidism, by contrast, stems from an underproduction of thyroid hormones. Since your body's energy production requires certain amounts of thyroid hormones, a drop in hormone production leads to lower energy levels. Causes of hypothyroidism include: Hashimoto's thyroiditis: In this autoimmune disorder, the body attacks thyroid tissue. The tissue eventually dies and stops producing hormones. Removal of the thyroid gland: The thyroid may have been surgically removed or chemically destroyed. Exposure to excessive amounts of iodide: Cold and sinus medicines, the heart medicine amiodarone, or certain contrast dyes given before some X-rays may expose you to too much iodine. You may be at greater risk for developing hypothyroidism if you have had thyroid problems in the past. Lithium: This drug has also been implicated as a cause of hypothyroidism. Untreated for long periods of time, hypothyroidism can bring on a myxedema coma, a rare but potentially fatal condition that requires immediate hormone treatment. Hypothyroidism poses a special danger to newborns and infants. A lack of thyroid hormones in the system at an early age can lead to the development of cretinism ( mental retardation )and dwarfism (stunted growth). Most infants now have their thyroid levels checked routinely soon after birth. If they are hypothyroid, treatment begins immediately. In infants, as in adults, hypothyroidism can be due to these causes: A pituitary disorder A defective thyroid Lack of the gland entirely For Consultation and expert opinion on Hormonal Disorders and Diabetes Visit our Specialist Endocrinologist.

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January 31, 2019
Vasudevan Sasikumar
Endocrinologist
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Proud to announce famous Orthopaedic Surgeon Dr. John Thayyil John Visiting at hnc Clinic Dubai

Dr. John Thayyil John Visiting at hnc Clinic , Abu Hail Deira

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January 31, 2019
John Thayyil
Orthopaedic Surgeon
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