Category Archives: Bio-identical Hormones

Integrative Cancer Treatment and the Hallmarks of Cancer

September 19, 2014

Integrative Cancer Treatment and its Relation to Hallmarks of Cancer

In this article, we shall examine the relationship between integrative cancer treatment and the hallmarks of cancer. Our concern shall be to show how exactly an integrative cancer treatment model like Life over Cancer is used to address the molecular and metabolic realities of cancer as indicated in the Hallmarks of Cancer model.

Integrative cancer treatment

This is an approach that has gained a lot of popularity in the current days both in theory and practice. In simple terms, integrated cancer treatment is a new approach to managing the disease that, unlike conventional approaches, takes a multi – dimensional approach to helping cancer patients manage the disease. It is much easier to understand how integrative cancer treatment works by first understanding how conventional therapies operate. Essentially, conventional therapies are based purely on scientific innovation and research. Using specially prepared and regulated approaches such as chemotherapy, radiation, immunotherapy, surgery and other technologies, conventional cancer treatment targets to treat the disease with little disregard to how the body of the patient gets affected.

It is this weakness in conventional methods of treating cancer that the integrative approach seeks to correct. Essentially, integrative cancer treatment or integrative oncology, as it is commonly referred to, is based on taking all the different aspects of the cancer disease into perspective during the course of treatment. The evidence that is used in this approach is not just what has been collected from scientific research as is the case with conventional medicine; it is rather what has been collected from epidemiological studies of the disease, clinical research, basic science and ancient healing practices. The end result is that we have a system of treating cancer which uses different types of methods such as nutrition, lifestyle, spiritual support and naturopathic medicine. With the use of all these methods, the system is focused on the overall wellbeing of the individual rather than on merely ameliorating the disease.

How integrative cancer treatment works

So far, integrative cancer treatment has proven to be a successful method of treating cancer patients. This is so because the system has consistently been used to achieve various objectives with regard to cancer treatment which include reducing the severity of cancer symptoms, improving overall life quality of the patients and most importantly, treating the disease itself. This is achieved in several ways.

Integrative cancer

Integrative Cancer

Integrative Cancer Ways:

To begin with, integrative cancer treatment seeks to enhance the overall wellbeing of a patient. This is achieved using different intervention measures such as use of acupuncture and acupressure to restore the energy flow in the body to an optimum level. The wellbeing of a patient is also boosted by inclusion of natural supplements in the diet. This is important in ensuring that the body is well nourished in the first place.

Secondly, the direct effects of the disease are tackled by use of conventional therapies. Depending on the nature of the cancer, the stage that it is in, the patient and other factors, appropriate treatment procedures are used to tackle its effects on the body of the patient.

Thirdly, specific methods are used to rebuild the immune system of the patient. This is an important step since cancer itself as well as the specific therapies used to tackle it has been known to weaken the immunity system of patients. Therefore, it is of great importance that after specific therapies have been used, special steps be taken to rebuild the immune system of the patient and if possible, restore it to its initial level.

Lastly, integrative cancer treatment seeks to stop the process of angiogenesis for a considerable length of time. The importance of this cannot be overstated. At the heart of the growth, development and spread of cancer is angiogenesis. This is the ability of cancer cells to maneuver in a patient’s body and utilize the blood for their own development. It then follows that blocking them from doing this is a noble goal if a patient is to live a fulfilling life after treatment. This is exactly what integrative cancer treatment seeks to achieve.

The Hallmarks of Integrative Cancer

The different methods that are used in integrative cancer treatment work in such a manner that they represent the core realities of cancer as discovered by recent studies. New research in cancer has culminated in identification of six core realities about cancer cells, referred to as hallmarks of cancer. The principles are as follows.

Integrative cancer

Integrative Cancer

First, it is stated that cancer cells have the inbuilt capacity to trigger their own growth. By taking advantage of special signals in body cells which are used to regulate the process of growth, cancer cells are able to guide their growth and proliferation within the body of a patient quite easily. Second, after stimulating their own growth and proliferation, cancer cells are able to avoid natural signals that are used to inhibit growth. This further increases their capacity to proliferate the body. Third, cancer cells are able to initiate the process of metastasis. Fourth, they are able to replicate their ability to evade inhibition of growth. Fifth, cancer cells are able to initiate angiogenesis and lastly, they are able to overcome the natural process that is meant to lead to their automatic death as it is the case for normal body cells.

Relation between Integrative Cancer Treatment and Hallmarks of Cancer

Essentially, integrative cancer treatment is based on the six principles that are contained in the concept of hallmarks of cancer. It is by recognition of these principles that integrative cancer treatment seeks to use multiple approaches, evidence and technologies to tackle the disease. This is done by taking care of the special needs of the patient as well as seeking to reduce the side effects of the therapies used while suppressing the capability of recurrence of the disease.

AWAREmed health and fitness center is one of the most recognized centers where integrative cancer treatment is practiced. With a team of highly trained, experienced and passionate experts, we offer the best services in integrative cancer treatment to our patients.

Integrative Cancer Treatment and its Relation to Hallmarks of Cancer

 

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Finding Help For Sex addiction Victims

September 19, 2014

Sex addiction and how to find help

What is sex addiction?

sex-addictionSex addiction or ‘hyper sexuality disorder’ as some experts refer to it, is a subject that has elicited a lot of debate in the recent times. Arguments about the issue have not only been confined to medical journals and publications but have also found their way to popular media. In general, the big question about the issue has been whether or not it is actually a form of disorder and if so, what kind of treatment should be used on individuals who have been diagnosed with it. Of course there are many other questions with regard to how the diagnosis can be done and other related issues, but what is clear is the fact that there are millions of individuals who report that they are affected by this condition and are in need of help. Since such individual do seek help, get it and end up reporting overall improvements in their lives, it can be said that indeed sexual addition is a disorder that affects many people in the world today. The good news is that there are specific methods that can be used to handle it.

It is not easy for one to diagnose themselves as having this problem. In most cases, individuals who show the clearest signs of sexual addition tend to deny that they are affected. Some even go to the extent of denying the very existence of such a problem in the first place. This is not an issue to worry about since as it is known, sexual addiction is actually a type of obsessive compulsive disorder. Its manner of operation makes it very difficult, if not completely impossible, for an infected person to point it out. However, when you generally find it impossible to control your sexual drive to such extent that daily life activities are interfered with, chances are that you are in need of help. On most occasions, affected individuals are so consumed with sexual acts to the extent that they engage in what can be described as risky sexual behaviors. Such behaviors are done with total disregard for the social, economic and even health risks that are associated with them.  This may be evident in excessive sexual stimulation, obsession with sexual imagery and one having an unusually high number of sexual affairs.

There is still an important aspect to this condition. Although sexual addiction is seen as a disorder in itself, the role that other emotional sates such as anxiety, depression and other forms of emotional disturbances play in its development cannot be ruled out. What this means is that many individuals who are affected by this disorder usually have experience feelings of loneliness, the desire to experiment with new things and general emotional difficulties. These feelings precede excessive sexual fantasies which culminate to actual hyper sexuality disorder.

How can Sex Addiction be treated?

There are different forms of treatment that have been developed to help individuals caught up in this form of addition overcome it. Unlike the past, increase in knowledge, development  of new therapies and increased awareness has made it relatively easy and fast for one to have access to any form of treatment desired. Here is a brief overview of some of the methods and how to access them.

The first common method of treating sexual addiction entails use of psychotherapeutic techniques to help one break the thought patterns that are known to trigger such kind of behavior. The idea behind this form of treatment is that sexual addition, like many other forms of addiction, has a basis in the psychological processes of the individual. Therefore, if an individual is able to recognize what these thought patterns are, what triggers them and how they lead to the compulsive disorder, it will actually be possible to control them. For this process to be effective, you first have to get a properly qualified therapist. Working with such a specialist, you will have a chance to map your past life. It is through this process that specific experiences in the past that give rise to the current thought patterns will be identified, special methods of dealing with them developed and a sound plan of how to go about it adopted.

sex-addictionAnother common form of treatment for sexual addiction that is gaining currency in the current times entails counseling sessions. This may take many different formats. For instance, family counseling sessions may be effectively used for families that one of the members is affected. This form of counseling is effective in that it helps not only the individual who is affected but also those other members of the family who may not be having the disorder but are affected by it by virtue of being family to the affected individual.

Further, many individuals who are affected by this disorder find it useful to use group counseling as a form of therapy. The popularity of seeking group counseling for dealing with difficult conditions is not confined to sexual addition. From addiction to alcohol, drugs and other forms of socially undesirable behaviors, group counseling sessions have been used quite effectively to help affected individuals.  There are several reasons for this trend. The most common one is the anonymity that one is usually accorded when joining such a group. The second one is the friendly atmosphere that is usually created during such group counseling sessions. Since all the members have gone through similar experiences, it becomes easy for one to open up and share past experiences, present challenges and future aspirations within such an environment.

Lastly, the good thing about such support groups is that occasionally, expert help from doctors and other professionals is provided. This, which may be in the form of medication or other intervention measures, boosts the overall chances of one completely breaking free from the addiction.

Sex addiction and how to find help

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How To Test For Male Infertility

September 19, 2014

Male Fertility Testing

microdeletion-analysisIn many couples, getting a baby is a dream come true. Getting pregnant is not always effortless and may require medical assistance. Finding the causes of infertility is the first step. In about half the cases of couple infertility, the man may have reproductive issues. It is not that serious usually with very few cases being diagnosed as sterile. That said, man can expect to go through one of the following tests with tests getting more serious with each one: sperm and semem analysis, hormone assessment or genetic testing. It is pretty invasive both physically and emotionally.  To whether the storm it is recommended you actually share past history with your partner before it is pried out into the open.

Physical examination

A physician will do a full physical examination. They will be looking at the testes, penis and other connecting organs for wholeness and good health. All body systems will be observed for general health and signs of disease. After a physical examination, one gets a chance to give a detailed medical history.

  • Non-medical diagnosis

A detailed and frank discussion on sexual history will need to be taken. Whether alone or as a couple, there needs to be a complete itinerary on sexual partners and experiences. Any incidents and accidents for example venereal diseases, late adolescence, premature ejaculation are up for discussion. This will help the doctor identify sexual history and risk factors.

In this discussion, there will be a section on lifestyle issues. Lifestyle factors like diet, exercise, illicit drug use, smoking, stress etc. need to be revealed to appropriately diagnose the cause of infertility. Any lifestyle issues stressing the body’s reproductive systems can be identified from this simple test. It might be a bright idea to have your partner complete a similar questionnaire on the man’s lifestyle as sometimes there is a bias towards underestimating the damage we do to our bodies.

Next up will be discussion on medical and reproductive health.  All major diseases like cancers, polio, surgeries, untreated illness and long term symptoms (e.g. migraines) will have to be revealed. Next up will be a revelation of any long term medications and any hereditary diseases.

  • Sperm and semen analysis

To conduct a thorough sperm and semen analysis, a fresh sample should be given to the testers. Ideally the subject should have a full load with no sexual interaction 72 hours before the test but no longer than a week as it can alter the results of the test. The sample should also not get to the lab as soon as possible, ideally no longer than 4 hours after ejaculation.

The test will be done to determine the quality and amount of semen a man produces in one ejaculate. Normal semen comes out as a thick gel becoming less viscous and finally turning liquid after 20 minutes. The pH also needs to be optimal for sperm survival. Fructose feeds sperm during their journey. High fructose levels are therefore needed for successful conception. Examination of the number of sperm per mililitre will be conducted. Sperm needs to be normally shaped with complete genetic information for successful conception. The sperm also need to have motility – that is, in most of the sperm need to be moving forward. There also needs to be an adequate number of sperm in the ejaculate.

In the most direct way possible, a sperm and semen analysis is the most direct of the fertility tests as it analyses the  viability of conception.

Men’s fertility is mainly stimulated by the hormone testosterone. The androgen is mainly produced in the testicles with adrenal glands creating a supplementary role. Testersterone causes the body to make sperm. When it is low, the pituitary glands create a luteinizing hormone signaling the testicles to compensate. This feedback loop is very important for the balance of hormones and continued fertility. When testing for fertility, one may find that there is either a predominance of testosterone or luteinizing hormone

Hormonal testing is important to find out if there are any background issues in suspected infertility and whether it is temporary, or has existed for a while. It will find reveal whether other organs in the endocrine systems are functioning optimally. The woman would benefit from a similar test for the same reasons.

Fertility_Score

Genetic testing

This is often the last test if other tests and investigations have not revealed a cause of infertility. Approximately 15% of couples who experience infertility have genetic issues. It is especially recommended for older couples and people with hereditary conditions. A family history with Down ’s syndrome, sickle cell disease, Alzheimer’s disease may choose to have more information on their genes. Any children borne to the couple stand a chance of exhibiting any of the hereditary diseases.

A blood sample is taken to analyze chromosomal material. The chromosomes in DNA determine sex characteristics and in an indirect way fertility. They come in pairs for example XX or XY. On occasion, there are abnormalities in the set-up and structure of the sequence causing trouble. The individual may be missing or have extra copies of the ‘sex’ chromosomes. A malfunctioning Y chromosome could affect the normal production of sperm. There might also be a problem with the internal structure of the chromosomes themselves, resulting in an untenable pregnancy. Some mutations of cystic fibrosis have been known to affect the reproductive capability of the carrier. It is therefore necessary to have that test done as well to rule it out.

In conclusion, diagnosing male infertility requires a detective work and elimination of possible factors. It can also take a long time, straining the stamina and resolve in a couple. Counselling throughout the process may do much good in strengthening the couple and preparing them in the eventuality of sterility.

Male Fertility Testing

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Treating Cancer – Related Thrombosis

September 18, 2014

Assessing and Treating Cancer – Related Thrombosis

Cancer – related thrombosis has been one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in patients. Its significance has been underscored by the fact that the condition can actually affect patients regardless of the stage at which the disease is. In this essay, we shall discuss an integrative approach that can be used to inhibit this condition in cancer patients. Basically, the approach that is used seeks to do two important things: make the tumor host terrain conducive to optimal health while being non – conducive to the growth and development of cancer cells through metastasis. Our focus shall be on different ways by which this objective can be achieved.

How cancer cells use angiogenesis to grow

The growth and development of cancer takes place through a series of complex and interrelated steps. An important thing to understand, though, is that for cancer cells to successfully grow, they have to be provided by a regular supply of oxygenated blood. This calls for a rich supply of blood vessels in the body of the patient. In general, a normal human body has an inbuilt mechanism by which new blood vessels are generated and develop for specific functions. This process, called angiogenesis, is vital for different purposes such as general healing of a wound and even during the process of embryo formation. Unfortunately, it is this processes that cancer cells make use of to achieve what they need most: blood supply. The cells literally hijack the process of angiogenesis and use it as a basis to support their growth and possible metastasis in the future.

molecules involved in clotting and cancer

The process of metastasis

It is important to note that metastasis of cancer cells occurs in several interconnected steps. First, after apparently normal cells of the body have been changed into completely tumor cells, a heavy network of capillaries is built around the cells. This process, angiogenesis, is necessary for the cells to develop and grow further. Research has indicated that cancerous cells are able to hasten the process by producing factors that promote angiogenesis. This build up in supply is necessary for the cells to get to the next stage which is invading the body cells of the host. After invading local body cells the newly develop cancer cells then undergo a process of breaking free from the original mass and spreading to other parts of the body. Cancer cells, in singular or groups, break away from the original mass and get spread through the supply system of the body. Although some are destroyed, there is always a good amount of cells which survive. It is the surviving cells that move across the body, find a new organ or tissue upon which to base their growth and begin the process of getting a new supply of blood afresh. This sets a new foundation for the process to repeat itself.

The role of Angiogenesis

It is the role that angiogenesis plays in this process that has stimulated a lot of research in use of therapies that inhibit it. The thinking behind this approach is that once the process has been inhibited, cancer cells will be deprived of their most vital resource: blood supply thus being condemned to an early death. The crux of the matter, however, is that with the use of anti – angiogenesis drugs comes the risk of cancer – related thrombosis. The problem is complicated further when one considers that different types of conventional cancer therapies have also been known to increase the possibility of the occurrence of cancer – related thrombosis in cancer patients.

Integrative approach to treat cancer – related thrombosis

This, therefore, calls for an integrative approach to treatment that arrests the process of metastasis while at the same time promoting optimal growth and reducing the possibility of cancer – related thrombosis. There are several things that such an approach is made up of which include the use of botanicals, botanical compounds, enzymes, nutritionals, diet and life-style changes.

  • Lifestyle changes

It is important for cancer patients to carefully observe their lifestyles. Leading a healthy and active lifestyle plays a key role in reducing the possibility of one developing any of the different forms of cancer – related thrombosis. Furthermore, by using a diet that contains foods rich in different minerals such as vitamin E, omega – 3 fatty acids and polyphenol, it has been established that one would be reducing the possibility of such an occurrence.

  • Use of botanicals

There are several different botanicals that have been used to reduce angiogenesis and, by extension, occurrence of cancer – related thrombosis in patients. For instance, some herbs used in Traditional Chinese Medicine have been found to exhibit these properties. Also, green tea, which contains a relatively high proportion of polyphenols, can be a useful product. However, the bulk of research on this score has been on botanicals such as Chinese wormwood Curcumin. The research has been focused on how particular agents found in these plants can be used effectively to counter the effects of particular cancer therapies in promoting the process of angiogenesis upon which metastasis and cancer – related thrombosis are based.

For years, our focus here at AWAREmed, has been to use the best available practices to ensure that our patients are free from the possibility of cancer – related thrombosis. To achieve this, we use a sound approach that is completely personalized to the needs of our clients, thus guaranteeing them the best services in integrative approach to cancer treatment.

Assessing and Treating Cancer – Related Thrombosis

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Healing Sexless Marriage

September 16, 2014

When the flame goes out: healing a sexless marriage

marriageThe sparkle goes out of perfectly normal marriage every once in a while. It is unusual however to have continued months, or even years of celibacy in marriage. Conjugal relations can become ‘dead’ and unstimulating, becoming just another chore on a long to-do list.

Either way, it is frustrating and can really have one or both partners feeling unfulfilled or unwanted. How does a couple that couldn’t keep their hands off each other turn into ‘that’ couple? Well, focusing on an endless hierarchy of needs can cause a couple to get caught in the rat race. Career demands can interrupt a couple’s time destroying romantic intentions. Caring for children and elderly parents can also take their toll on the marriage. All that responsibility placed on a couple can cause them to feel overwhelmed and responsible for their comfort and happiness. Constant disagreements, bickering and not really listening to your partner can also drive a wedge between a couple that is reflected in the bedroom. All is not lost. There are a few things a couple can try to get things back on track in their sex life.

  • Physicality.

Go for a full body check-up. Make sure there is nothing wrong with either of you. Discuss the effects any medications and contraceptive methods may be playing into the situation. Confront any issues like vaginal dryness, premature ejaculation etc that inhibit your intimate time together. Get to the bottom of them and look for solutions with a qualified medic.

  • Keep fit

Maintain your fitness. A regular exercise regimen reduces stress, increases feel-good endorphins and makes you feel more alive. It might also make a couple look and feel more attractive besides, the more admiring looks a couple gets, the more desirable and passionate they feel!

  • Communicate sexually

Get a discussion going about what turns you on. There is a whole buffet of unexplored sexual territory that you may have overlooked. Find out how your partner’s needs have evolved and stay interested. It might be much easier to share erotic fantasies on an impersonal medium on email or private chat rooms. The idea is to find points of convergence, experimentation and no-go zones in a gentle non-judgmental way.

  • Flirt and tease

Married couples often assume marriage means consent, and so don’t bother seducing their beloved. They either ask for sex as if it were a business transaction or wait until they are propositioned. Make the most of small opportunities to make romantic gestures and always leave them wanting a little bit more. Cook your beloved breakfast in bed and surprise them with a stimulating massage.

  • Clear up any resentments

If there are any deep seated issues in the marriage, try resolve them as soon as you can. Don’t let things fester. They will eventually turn up in the bedroom. Matters of infidelity, in-laws and finances can cause strain on a relationship. Consider hiring outside help from a qualified psychologist, sex or relationship therapist to get to the bottom of deep seated issues. Your sex life will be hotter for it!

  • Be adventurous

Try some of the things on each other’s ‘maybe’ sex lists. It could surprise you to find that you enjoy them! It will be a great turn on to them and a romantic expression of love that can only fan the flames of love. The idea is to be playful, creative, sly demanding etc. Just let go and enjoy the freedom of being your lover’s chosen one.

  • Make sex a priority

There is no getting around it. Couples with a healthy intimate life make time for it. It doesn’t happen by accident. It is deliberate and requires a lot of dedication. Sometimes it is deciding to learn different techniques, sometimes it means forfeiting certain acts that feel unpleasant to your beloved. Whatever the case, take the time to learn more and more about each other’s bodies and erotic desires.

  • Find your passion

The fuel that causes great adventures between the sheets also creates excitement in many other areas of life. So if there is a lack of passion in a marriage, chances are there are other areas in life that need to be reignited. Find things that stimulate you and return that spring in your step. Take up mountain climbing, repair vintage cars, start a business, start a homeless shelter etc. You’ll know you’re on the right track when you can laugh at a silly joke for minutes on end.

Sexless seasons come and go, but they do not have to be permanent. Get out of that rut by trying one of these tips. Your spouse will become your lover once more.

When the flame goes out: healing a sexless marriage

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