Digestive system is a series of hollow organs joined in a long, twisting tube. It runs from mouth to anus and includes esophagus, stomach, and small and large intestines.Liver, gallbladder and pancreas are also involved. They produce juices to help digestion.There are many types of digestive disorders. The symptoms vary widely depending on the problem. In general, you should see your doctor if you have
* Blood in your stool
* Changes in bowel habits
* Severe abdominal pain
* Unintentional weight loss
* Heartburn not relieved by antacids
The primary causes for functional disorders include:
* Eating a diet low in fiber
* Not getting enough exercise
* Traveling or other changes in routine
* Eating large amounts of dairy products
* Being stressed
* Resisting the urge to have a bowel movement
* Resisting the urge to have bowel movements due to pain from hemorrhoids
* Overusing laxatives (stool softeners) that, over time, weaken the bowel muscles
* Taking antacid medicines containing calcium or aluminum
* Taking certain medicines (especially antidepressants, iron pills, and strong pain medicines such as narcotics)
* Being pregnant
X-ray examinations of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract-- which includes the esophagus, stomach, small intestines, large intestines and rectum-- enable your physician to detect abnormalities in these organs.
Gastrointestinal examinations are usually called either "upper GI" or "lower GI," depending on the organs that are to be studied:
* The upper GI test examines the esophagus, stomach and part of the small intestine. For this test, the patient swallows a contrast solution that contains barium.
* The lower GI test examines the large intestine and the rectum. For this test, barium is administered rectally by enema.
Our diets can contribute to digestive system difficulties. Many people eat too much processed food and sugar, and not enough fiber, fruits, and vegetables. Poor eating habits, such as eating too quickly or skipping meals, can also be part of the problem. Many digestive problems can be prevented through lifestyle. Be sure to get adequate amounts of fruits, vegetables, and fiber.
10 Tips on Dietary Fiber
1. Keep in mind that a high-fiber diet may tend to improve:
* Chronic constipation
* Coronary heart disease
* Hemorrhoids
* Diabetes mellitus
* Diverticular disease
* Elevated cholesterol
* Irritable bowel syndrome
* Colorectal cancer
2. Try to double your daily fiber intake.
* Average intake: 10-15 grams per day
* Recommended intake: 20-35 grams per day
3. Understand what fiber is, where it comes from:
* Insoluble fiber
o Cereals
o Wheat/wheat bran
o Whole grains
* Soluble fiber
o Brans
o Fruit
o Oatmeal/oat bran
o Psyllium
o Vegetables
4. Substitute high-fiber foods for high-fat and low-fiber foods.
5. Keep your daily fiber intake stable. Consider a fiber supplement if you:
* Travel
* Eat away from home often
* Find it difficult to get enough fiber through food choices alone
6. Don't shock your system: Increase fiber levels in your diet gradually.
7. Always increase fluids (water, soup, broth, juices) when you increase fiber.
8. Add both soluble and insoluble fiber, from a variety of sources.
9. Compare fiber content of foods:
10. Choose foods high in fiber content.
Fruits and Vegetables (Highest in Fiber Per Serving):
Artichokes
Apples, pears (with skin)
Berries (blackberries, blueberries, raspberries)
Dates
Figs
Prunes
Beans (baked, black, lima, pinto)
Broccoli
Chick-peas
Lentils
Parsnips Peas
Pumpkin
Rutabaga
Squash (winter)
Other Good Fiber Choices:
Barley
Bread, Muffins (whole wheat, bran)
Cereals (branflakes, bran, oatmeal, shredded wheat)
Coconut
Crackers (rye, whole wheat)
Nuts (almonds, Brazil, peanuts, pecans, walnuts)
Rice (brown)
Seeds (pumpkin, sunflower)
Eating high-fiber foods is a healthy choice for most people. If you have ever received medical treatment for a digestive problem, however, it is very important that you check with your doctor to find out if a high-fiber diet is the right choice for you.
Friday, August 6, 2010
Monday, August 2, 2010
Islamic Story 15: Mysterious helping hands
Iram, and her brother, Ahmed, were excited about the upcoming days. It was Ramadan, a time to learn appreciation for the things they had, and to think of others who didn't have as much.
They had both been saving their money all year long. Iram, who was seven years old, sat on her bed and dumped out her money Jar. Coins ran all over the blanket. "This is a lot of money. Momma says we are supposed to help someone. She wants us to think about how much we have and then think of someone who doesn't have very much, and do something nice for them," Iram said, gathering the money into a pile. "Dump out your Jar, Ahmed," she told her brother.
The coins came spilling out of his Jar onto the bed. "Wow! We can do a lot for someone with all this money," Ahmed said, smiling. "This is such a special time of year. I'm glad we can help others."
"But we have to do it secretly, Ahmed, remember. We have to pick someone and do something very nice without them knowing it is from us. Who should we pick?" Iram asked.
"Let's pick our neighbors, Rashid, and Fatima. I noticed that they had holes in their shoes," Ahmed said.
"That's a good idea. We could buy some new shoes for them. They aren't as blessed as we are. We have a lot of shoes, don't we?" Iram asked with appreciation.
"I have three pair. You have more. Let's buy some new shoes for them this Ramadan," Ahmed said, smiling.
Iram and Ahmed found their momma. She was busy washing some dates. She saw her children come into the kitchen. "I'm going to make some baklawa for tonight," she said, knowing her family loved to eat that during Ramadan.
"Pappa is at the mosque, in prayer. When he comes home, after the sun sets, we'll have some. In the meantime, you two look like you've got something on your minds."
"We want to help the poor. Ahmed and I have been saving our money all year long and we want to help Rashid and Fatima, our neighbors," Iram began.
Ahmed, with excitement, interrupted, "We want to buy them some shoes."
Momma smiled at her beautiful children. She was so proud of them.
"Aren't you hungry, Momma?" Ahmed asked. He knew she had not had anything to eat or drink since dawn that morning due to Ramadan fasting.
"I'm a little bit, but that is good for me. Don't worry about me. When you're older, you will understand more and be able to fast too," she explained. "Would you like me to take you to the store to buy the shoes?" she asked.
"Would you, Momma? Is that all right?" Iram begged.
"Why of course. Let's go," she said.
They walked to the shoe store and went inside. Iram picked out a pair of shoes for Fatima. Ahmed picked out a pair for Rashid. They were both so proud that they'd saved their money so they could do this to help. Later, they went home and wrapped the shoe boxes in plain brown paper. They waited anxiously for night to come. It would be dark and they could deliver their gifts.
The sun began to drop behind the horizon. A little while later, Pappa came home. He and Momma had some lentil soup, then tomato and cucumber sandwiches. Momma called to her children, "Iram. Ahmed. Come and have some baklawa, and some fresh dates." The children came running into the kitchen. Momma cut them a big piece.
They gobbled it down quickly as they were anxious to do their good deed. "Slow down, children," Pappa urged, laughing.
It was soon dark outside. Momma had the children go and get the boxes they'd wrapped so carefully. They put their coats on and walked quietly over to Rashid and Fatima's house. Momma whispered, "All right, children. We must be very quiet and very fast. Ahmed, you knock on the door and then run over here, to this bush, where Iram and I will be hiding. We'll watch as they come and find their gifts."
Iram and Ahmed giggled with delight. Iram and Momma hid, and Ahmed tiptoed up to the door. He put both of the boxes down on the porch, and knocked hard. Then he ran, and ran, and ran, as fast as he could, to where Iram and Momma were. "Shhh," Momma whispered. "Someone opened the door."
They watched as Rashid and Fatima came out onto the porch. "Look! There are presents for us. Someone left them here," Rashid cried out with excitement. He and Fatima looked around. It was very dark and they couldn't see anyone. They picked up the boxes and took them inside.
After a minute or two, waiting to make sure they wouldn't be seen, Momma, Ahmed, and Iram, snuck quietly back to their house. Ahmed started laughing. "Pappa! Pappa! We did it! We snuck up and left the presents!"
Iram added, "They didn't see us, Pappa. They don't know it was us." She was laughing too.
Momma and Pappa stood back and looked at their children. They were so proud of them. They knew their children knew the real meaning of giving and of sacrifice. The next morning, as Momma, Pappa, Iram, and Ahmed went to their car to drive into town, they saw Rashid and Fatima outside playing. They were both wearing their brand new shoes. Nobody said a thing. Iram and Ahmed just smiled, because it is one of the best Ramadan for them.
They had both been saving their money all year long. Iram, who was seven years old, sat on her bed and dumped out her money Jar. Coins ran all over the blanket. "This is a lot of money. Momma says we are supposed to help someone. She wants us to think about how much we have and then think of someone who doesn't have very much, and do something nice for them," Iram said, gathering the money into a pile. "Dump out your Jar, Ahmed," she told her brother.
The coins came spilling out of his Jar onto the bed. "Wow! We can do a lot for someone with all this money," Ahmed said, smiling. "This is such a special time of year. I'm glad we can help others."
"But we have to do it secretly, Ahmed, remember. We have to pick someone and do something very nice without them knowing it is from us. Who should we pick?" Iram asked.
"Let's pick our neighbors, Rashid, and Fatima. I noticed that they had holes in their shoes," Ahmed said.
"That's a good idea. We could buy some new shoes for them. They aren't as blessed as we are. We have a lot of shoes, don't we?" Iram asked with appreciation.
"I have three pair. You have more. Let's buy some new shoes for them this Ramadan," Ahmed said, smiling.
Iram and Ahmed found their momma. She was busy washing some dates. She saw her children come into the kitchen. "I'm going to make some baklawa for tonight," she said, knowing her family loved to eat that during Ramadan.
"Pappa is at the mosque, in prayer. When he comes home, after the sun sets, we'll have some. In the meantime, you two look like you've got something on your minds."
"We want to help the poor. Ahmed and I have been saving our money all year long and we want to help Rashid and Fatima, our neighbors," Iram began.
Ahmed, with excitement, interrupted, "We want to buy them some shoes."
Momma smiled at her beautiful children. She was so proud of them.
"Aren't you hungry, Momma?" Ahmed asked. He knew she had not had anything to eat or drink since dawn that morning due to Ramadan fasting.
"I'm a little bit, but that is good for me. Don't worry about me. When you're older, you will understand more and be able to fast too," she explained. "Would you like me to take you to the store to buy the shoes?" she asked.
"Would you, Momma? Is that all right?" Iram begged.
"Why of course. Let's go," she said.
They walked to the shoe store and went inside. Iram picked out a pair of shoes for Fatima. Ahmed picked out a pair for Rashid. They were both so proud that they'd saved their money so they could do this to help. Later, they went home and wrapped the shoe boxes in plain brown paper. They waited anxiously for night to come. It would be dark and they could deliver their gifts.
The sun began to drop behind the horizon. A little while later, Pappa came home. He and Momma had some lentil soup, then tomato and cucumber sandwiches. Momma called to her children, "Iram. Ahmed. Come and have some baklawa, and some fresh dates." The children came running into the kitchen. Momma cut them a big piece.
They gobbled it down quickly as they were anxious to do their good deed. "Slow down, children," Pappa urged, laughing.
It was soon dark outside. Momma had the children go and get the boxes they'd wrapped so carefully. They put their coats on and walked quietly over to Rashid and Fatima's house. Momma whispered, "All right, children. We must be very quiet and very fast. Ahmed, you knock on the door and then run over here, to this bush, where Iram and I will be hiding. We'll watch as they come and find their gifts."
Iram and Ahmed giggled with delight. Iram and Momma hid, and Ahmed tiptoed up to the door. He put both of the boxes down on the porch, and knocked hard. Then he ran, and ran, and ran, as fast as he could, to where Iram and Momma were. "Shhh," Momma whispered. "Someone opened the door."
They watched as Rashid and Fatima came out onto the porch. "Look! There are presents for us. Someone left them here," Rashid cried out with excitement. He and Fatima looked around. It was very dark and they couldn't see anyone. They picked up the boxes and took them inside.
After a minute or two, waiting to make sure they wouldn't be seen, Momma, Ahmed, and Iram, snuck quietly back to their house. Ahmed started laughing. "Pappa! Pappa! We did it! We snuck up and left the presents!"
Iram added, "They didn't see us, Pappa. They don't know it was us." She was laughing too.
Momma and Pappa stood back and looked at their children. They were so proud of them. They knew their children knew the real meaning of giving and of sacrifice. The next morning, as Momma, Pappa, Iram, and Ahmed went to their car to drive into town, they saw Rashid and Fatima outside playing. They were both wearing their brand new shoes. Nobody said a thing. Iram and Ahmed just smiled, because it is one of the best Ramadan for them.
Thursday, July 22, 2010
Puisi: Usia
Usia seorang insan....
ibarat air yang mengalir
dari hulu ke hilir
melintas aral melintang
menerpa, menerjang semua penghalang
Terlahir sebagai insan....
di sanalah bermula usia dikira
tiada yang tahu bila akhirnya
tidak pula berapa lamanya
Hidup seorang insan....
berjalan seiring masa
tak kira kering ataupun hujan
melangkau zaman meredah masa
Hidup sebagai insan....
hendaklah berpegang pada iman
jadikan rasul dan itrahnya sebagai tauladan
agar hidup penuh aman
Takdir kematian seorang insan....
tiada yang tahu bila masanya
tak kira muda atau pun tua
pabila maut telah menyeru
sahabat handai pun tak boleh membantu
Insan hidup insan bernyawa
ketika hidup hendaklah berjasa
Insan mati jasad tak bernyawa
di akhirat kelak semua ditanya
adakah ikhlas membungkus jasa
ataukah ia riya' belaka
Hidup di dunia hanya sesaat
ibarat kilat pantas melesat
hendaklah iman teguh dan kuat
ditambah pula amal ibadat
semoga menjadi insan yang berkat
(Happy birthday to me...hehehe...)
ibarat air yang mengalir
dari hulu ke hilir
melintas aral melintang
menerpa, menerjang semua penghalang
Terlahir sebagai insan....
di sanalah bermula usia dikira
tiada yang tahu bila akhirnya
tidak pula berapa lamanya
Hidup seorang insan....
berjalan seiring masa
tak kira kering ataupun hujan
melangkau zaman meredah masa
Hidup sebagai insan....
hendaklah berpegang pada iman
jadikan rasul dan itrahnya sebagai tauladan
agar hidup penuh aman
Takdir kematian seorang insan....
tiada yang tahu bila masanya
tak kira muda atau pun tua
pabila maut telah menyeru
sahabat handai pun tak boleh membantu
Insan hidup insan bernyawa
ketika hidup hendaklah berjasa
Insan mati jasad tak bernyawa
di akhirat kelak semua ditanya
adakah ikhlas membungkus jasa
ataukah ia riya' belaka
Hidup di dunia hanya sesaat
ibarat kilat pantas melesat
hendaklah iman teguh dan kuat
ditambah pula amal ibadat
semoga menjadi insan yang berkat
(Happy birthday to me...hehehe...)
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
BIla saman menyaman jadi budaya
Kebelakangan ini makin kerap berlaku kes saman menyaman yang melibatkan institusi keluarga.Entah dimana silapnya.Yang pasti, ianya bukan merupakan budaya yang sihat, bukan pula budaya yang membanggakan.
Saman menyaman seperti ini seolah menjadi aras penanda betapa institusi kekeluargaan menjadi semakin rapuh. Tiada lagi rasa hormat dan saling memahami antara orang-orang yang bernaung didalamnya.
Derasnya ombak kemajuan dan mutakhirnya teknologi di zaman ini seolah telah pula menjadikan ibu bapa dan anak-anak ibarat robot, tanpa hati dan perasaan. Segala sesuatu ditimbang tara dengan materi. Seakan tiada lagi nilai-nilai moral dan agama yang mampu menjadi neraca.
Salah siapakah ini? Apakah kita hendak mempersalah pihak sekolah kerana kurangnya pendidikan moral dan agama yang diberi? Apakah kita hendak pula mempersalahkan kerajaan kerana kurang pro-aktif dalam menangani gejala sosial khususnya di kalangan generasi muda kita?
Ataukah kita mau berlapang dada...mengakui salah kita sendiri kerana telah salah mendidik...salah memberikan asuhan ketika anak-anak kita masih kecil lagi?????
Pikir-pikirkanlah? Jangan asyik menuding jari pada orang/pihak lain. Mungkin silap dan salah itu berpunca dari diri kita sendiri.....Wallahu'alam....
Saman menyaman seperti ini seolah menjadi aras penanda betapa institusi kekeluargaan menjadi semakin rapuh. Tiada lagi rasa hormat dan saling memahami antara orang-orang yang bernaung didalamnya.
Derasnya ombak kemajuan dan mutakhirnya teknologi di zaman ini seolah telah pula menjadikan ibu bapa dan anak-anak ibarat robot, tanpa hati dan perasaan. Segala sesuatu ditimbang tara dengan materi. Seakan tiada lagi nilai-nilai moral dan agama yang mampu menjadi neraca.
Salah siapakah ini? Apakah kita hendak mempersalah pihak sekolah kerana kurangnya pendidikan moral dan agama yang diberi? Apakah kita hendak pula mempersalahkan kerajaan kerana kurang pro-aktif dalam menangani gejala sosial khususnya di kalangan generasi muda kita?
Ataukah kita mau berlapang dada...mengakui salah kita sendiri kerana telah salah mendidik...salah memberikan asuhan ketika anak-anak kita masih kecil lagi?????
Pikir-pikirkanlah? Jangan asyik menuding jari pada orang/pihak lain. Mungkin silap dan salah itu berpunca dari diri kita sendiri.....Wallahu'alam....
Monday, July 12, 2010
Corticosteroids: another type of steroids
Corticosteroids or glucocorticoids, often just called "steroids", where once thought to be almost miraculous. In 1948, at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota a group of arthritis patients were given daily injections of a corticosteroid. The results were so striking and the improvement so dramatic that it was thought that the "cure" for arthritis had been discovered.
However, as the use of corticosteroids expanded over the years, side effects emerged and it was realized that high doses given over prolonged periods of time turned steroids into "scare-oids". Patients were warned of the potential problems, the use of corticosteroids became more conservative, and some patients were so frightened of them they even declined treatment.
Corticosteroids act on the immune system by blocking the production of substances that trigger allergic and inflammatory actions, such as prostaglandins. However, they also impede the function of white blood cells which destroy foreign bodies and help keep the immune system functioning properly. The interference with white blood cell function yields a side effect of increased susceptibility to infection.
Corticosteroids are widely used for many conditions. They are also used to control inflammation of the joints and organs in diseases such as:
•rheumatoid arthritis
•lupus (systemic lupus erythematosus)
•ankylosing spondylitis
•juvenile arthritis
Corticosteroids are versatile in their mode of application. They can be given:
•orally
•injected into the vein or muscle
•applied locally to the skin
•injected directly into inflamed joints
Corticosteroid drugs can also be used as ingredients contained in:
•eye products (to treat various eye conditions)
•inhalers (to treat asthma or bronchial disease)
•nasal drops and sprays (to treat various nasal problems)
•topical creams, ointments, etc. (to treat various skin problems)
Corticosteroids can be used in conjunction with other drugs, and are prescribed for short-term and long-term use.
Prednisone (brand names include: Cortan, Deltasone, Liquid Pred, Meticorten, Orasone, Panasol-S, Prednicen-M and Sterapred) is the most commonly prescribed synthetic corticosteroid for arthritis.
The potent effect of corticosteroids can result in serious side effects which mimic Cushing's disease, a malfunction of the adrenal glands resulting in an overproduction of cortisol. The list of potential side effects is long and includes:
•increased appetite and weight gain
•deposits of fat in chest, face, upper back, and stomach
•water and salt retention leading to swelling and edema
•high blood pressure
•diabetes
•black and blue marks
•slowed healing of wounds
•osteoporosis
•cataracts
•acne
•muscle weakness
•thinning of the skin
•increased susceptibility to infection
•stomach ulcers
•increased sweating
•mood swings
•psychological problems such as depression
•adrenal suppression and crisis
Side effects can be minimized by following doctor's orders and keeping to the lowest dose possible. It is also important to avoid self regulation of the dosage, either by adding more or stopping the medication without a schedule.
However, as the use of corticosteroids expanded over the years, side effects emerged and it was realized that high doses given over prolonged periods of time turned steroids into "scare-oids". Patients were warned of the potential problems, the use of corticosteroids became more conservative, and some patients were so frightened of them they even declined treatment.
Corticosteroids act on the immune system by blocking the production of substances that trigger allergic and inflammatory actions, such as prostaglandins. However, they also impede the function of white blood cells which destroy foreign bodies and help keep the immune system functioning properly. The interference with white blood cell function yields a side effect of increased susceptibility to infection.
Corticosteroids are widely used for many conditions. They are also used to control inflammation of the joints and organs in diseases such as:
•rheumatoid arthritis
•lupus (systemic lupus erythematosus)
•ankylosing spondylitis
•juvenile arthritis
Corticosteroids are versatile in their mode of application. They can be given:
•orally
•injected into the vein or muscle
•applied locally to the skin
•injected directly into inflamed joints
Corticosteroid drugs can also be used as ingredients contained in:
•eye products (to treat various eye conditions)
•inhalers (to treat asthma or bronchial disease)
•nasal drops and sprays (to treat various nasal problems)
•topical creams, ointments, etc. (to treat various skin problems)
Corticosteroids can be used in conjunction with other drugs, and are prescribed for short-term and long-term use.
Prednisone (brand names include: Cortan, Deltasone, Liquid Pred, Meticorten, Orasone, Panasol-S, Prednicen-M and Sterapred) is the most commonly prescribed synthetic corticosteroid for arthritis.
The potent effect of corticosteroids can result in serious side effects which mimic Cushing's disease, a malfunction of the adrenal glands resulting in an overproduction of cortisol. The list of potential side effects is long and includes:
•increased appetite and weight gain
•deposits of fat in chest, face, upper back, and stomach
•water and salt retention leading to swelling and edema
•high blood pressure
•diabetes
•black and blue marks
•slowed healing of wounds
•osteoporosis
•cataracts
•acne
•muscle weakness
•thinning of the skin
•increased susceptibility to infection
•stomach ulcers
•increased sweating
•mood swings
•psychological problems such as depression
•adrenal suppression and crisis
Side effects can be minimized by following doctor's orders and keeping to the lowest dose possible. It is also important to avoid self regulation of the dosage, either by adding more or stopping the medication without a schedule.
Immune System
Immune system is the most dynamic body component in determining our state of health or disease. Our immune system constantly interacts with our internal environment, protects us from our external environment and provides the inherent knowledge to sense the difference between friend and foe.
Everyday our immune system must overcome viruses, bacteria, fungi and parasites. It neutralizes toxins. It protects us from cancer everyday. It knows the difference between friend and enemy. It’s constantly interacting with our “internal” and “external” environment.
The immune system is made up of a network of cells, tissues, and organs that work together to protect the body. The cells involved are white blood cells, or leukocytes, which come in two basic types that combine to seek out and destroy disease-causing organisms or substances.
The two basic types of leukocytes are:
1.phagocytes, cells that chew up invading organisms
2.lymphocytes, cells that allow the body to remember and recognize previous invaders and help the body destroy them
When your body encounters a germ, its first line of defense is your immune system. Specialized cells and organs help your body recognize and respond to foreign invaders. Your immune system even has its own circulatory system, called the lymphatic system.
If your immune system cannot do its job, the results can be serious. Disorders of the immune system include
•Allergy and asthma - inappropriate immune responses to substances that are usually harmless
•Graft-vs.-host disease - a life-threatening reaction in people receiving organ transplants
•Immune deficiency diseases - disorders in which your resistance to disease becomes dangerously low
•Autoimmune diseases - diseases causing your immune system to attack your own body's cells and tissues by mistake
Immunity can be strong or weak, short-lived or long-lasting, depending on the type of antigen it encounters, the amount of antigen, and the route by which the antigen enters the body. Immunity can also be influenced by inherited genes. When faced with the same antigen, some individuals will respond forcefully, others feebly, and some not at all.
An immune response can be sparked not only by infection but also by immunization with vaccines. Some vaccines contain microorganisms—or parts of microorganisms— that have been treated so they can provoke an immune response but not full-blown disease.
Immunity can also be transferred from one individual to another by injections of serum rich in antibodies against a particular microbe (antiserum). For example, antiserum is sometimes given to protect travelers to countries where hepatitis A is widespread. The antiserum induces passive immunity against the hepatitis A virus. Passive immunity typically lasts only a few weeks or months.
Infants are born with weak immune responses but are protected for the first few months of life by antibodies they receive from their mothers before birth. Babies who are nursed can also receive some antibodies from breast milk that help to protect their digestive tracts.
For many years, healthcare providers have used vaccination to help the body’s immune system prepare for future attacks. Vaccines consist of killed or modified microbes, parts of microbes, or microbial DNA that trick the body into thinking an infection has occurred.
A vaccinated person’s immune system attacks the harmless vaccine and prepares for invasions against the kind of microbe the vaccine contained. In this way, the person becomes immunized against the microbe. Vaccination remains one of the best ways to prevent infectious diseases, and vaccines have an excellent safety record. Previously devastating diseases such as smallpox, polio, and whooping cough (pertussis) have been greatly controlled or eliminated through worldwide vaccination programs.
Inherited immune system disorders are diseases in which children are born without an immune system or with an incomplete immune system. People with an immune system disorder are less able to fight infections.
Inherited immune system disorders are also called primary immune deficiency disorders. They are called "primary" because they are caused by a gene defect that affects the immune system. Genes carry an inherited code of instructions that tells the body how to make every cell and protein in the body. (Secondary immune deficiencies are caused by something outside the body, such as chemotherapy or infection with a virus.)
People with severe inherited immune system disorders are at high risk for life-threatening infections. For many severe disorders, the only known cure is a bone marrow or cord blood transplant (also called a BMT). The following are two of the most severe inherited immune system disorders:
•Severe Combined Immunodeficiency (SCID) and Transplant
•Wiskott-Aldrich Syndrome (WAS) and Transplant
Transplant has also been used to treat some other inherited immune system disorders, including:
•Combined immunodeficiency associated with other syndromes: Severe DiGeorge Syndrome, X-linked immunodeficiency with normal or elevated IgM, X-linked lymphoproliferative disease, IPEX (Immune dysregulation, Polyendocrinopathy, Enteritis, and X-linked) syndrome
•Humoral immunodeficiency: Common variable immunodeficiency
•Other deficiencies: Chronic granulomatous disease, leukocyte adhesion deficiency
To find out whether transplant is a treatment option for you or your family member, talk to a doctor who is an expert in treating these.
Everyday our immune system must overcome viruses, bacteria, fungi and parasites. It neutralizes toxins. It protects us from cancer everyday. It knows the difference between friend and enemy. It’s constantly interacting with our “internal” and “external” environment.
The immune system is made up of a network of cells, tissues, and organs that work together to protect the body. The cells involved are white blood cells, or leukocytes, which come in two basic types that combine to seek out and destroy disease-causing organisms or substances.
The two basic types of leukocytes are:
1.phagocytes, cells that chew up invading organisms
2.lymphocytes, cells that allow the body to remember and recognize previous invaders and help the body destroy them
When your body encounters a germ, its first line of defense is your immune system. Specialized cells and organs help your body recognize and respond to foreign invaders. Your immune system even has its own circulatory system, called the lymphatic system.
If your immune system cannot do its job, the results can be serious. Disorders of the immune system include
•Allergy and asthma - inappropriate immune responses to substances that are usually harmless
•Graft-vs.-host disease - a life-threatening reaction in people receiving organ transplants
•Immune deficiency diseases - disorders in which your resistance to disease becomes dangerously low
•Autoimmune diseases - diseases causing your immune system to attack your own body's cells and tissues by mistake
Immunity can be strong or weak, short-lived or long-lasting, depending on the type of antigen it encounters, the amount of antigen, and the route by which the antigen enters the body. Immunity can also be influenced by inherited genes. When faced with the same antigen, some individuals will respond forcefully, others feebly, and some not at all.
An immune response can be sparked not only by infection but also by immunization with vaccines. Some vaccines contain microorganisms—or parts of microorganisms— that have been treated so they can provoke an immune response but not full-blown disease.
Immunity can also be transferred from one individual to another by injections of serum rich in antibodies against a particular microbe (antiserum). For example, antiserum is sometimes given to protect travelers to countries where hepatitis A is widespread. The antiserum induces passive immunity against the hepatitis A virus. Passive immunity typically lasts only a few weeks or months.
Infants are born with weak immune responses but are protected for the first few months of life by antibodies they receive from their mothers before birth. Babies who are nursed can also receive some antibodies from breast milk that help to protect their digestive tracts.
For many years, healthcare providers have used vaccination to help the body’s immune system prepare for future attacks. Vaccines consist of killed or modified microbes, parts of microbes, or microbial DNA that trick the body into thinking an infection has occurred.
A vaccinated person’s immune system attacks the harmless vaccine and prepares for invasions against the kind of microbe the vaccine contained. In this way, the person becomes immunized against the microbe. Vaccination remains one of the best ways to prevent infectious diseases, and vaccines have an excellent safety record. Previously devastating diseases such as smallpox, polio, and whooping cough (pertussis) have been greatly controlled or eliminated through worldwide vaccination programs.
Inherited immune system disorders are diseases in which children are born without an immune system or with an incomplete immune system. People with an immune system disorder are less able to fight infections.
Inherited immune system disorders are also called primary immune deficiency disorders. They are called "primary" because they are caused by a gene defect that affects the immune system. Genes carry an inherited code of instructions that tells the body how to make every cell and protein in the body. (Secondary immune deficiencies are caused by something outside the body, such as chemotherapy or infection with a virus.)
People with severe inherited immune system disorders are at high risk for life-threatening infections. For many severe disorders, the only known cure is a bone marrow or cord blood transplant (also called a BMT). The following are two of the most severe inherited immune system disorders:
•Severe Combined Immunodeficiency (SCID) and Transplant
•Wiskott-Aldrich Syndrome (WAS) and Transplant
Transplant has also been used to treat some other inherited immune system disorders, including:
•Combined immunodeficiency associated with other syndromes: Severe DiGeorge Syndrome, X-linked immunodeficiency with normal or elevated IgM, X-linked lymphoproliferative disease, IPEX (Immune dysregulation, Polyendocrinopathy, Enteritis, and X-linked) syndrome
•Humoral immunodeficiency: Common variable immunodeficiency
•Other deficiencies: Chronic granulomatous disease, leukocyte adhesion deficiency
To find out whether transplant is a treatment option for you or your family member, talk to a doctor who is an expert in treating these.
Friday, July 2, 2010
Islamic Story 14:Power of Holding Hands
A little girl and her father were crossing a bridge. The father was kind of scared so he asked his little daughter, "Sweetheart, please hold my hand so that you don't fall into the river." The little girl said, "No, Dad. You hold my hand." "What's the difference?" Asked the puzzled father...
"There's a big difference," replied the little girl. "If I hold your hand and something happens to me, chances are that I may let your hand go. But if you hold my hand, I know for sure that no matter what happens, you will never let my hand go."
In any relationship, the essence of trust is not in its bind, but in its bond.
So hold the hand of the person whom you love rather than expecting them to hold yours.
Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) has said: "Whoever has a child should be like a child with him."
"There's a big difference," replied the little girl. "If I hold your hand and something happens to me, chances are that I may let your hand go. But if you hold my hand, I know for sure that no matter what happens, you will never let my hand go."
In any relationship, the essence of trust is not in its bind, but in its bond.
So hold the hand of the person whom you love rather than expecting them to hold yours.
Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) has said: "Whoever has a child should be like a child with him."
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