The Prevalence of Childhood Overweight and Obesity

March 4, 2015

The Prevalence of Childhood Overweight and Obesity: The time bomb in waiting

The prevalence of childhood overweight and obesity is worrying. If we don’t correct things now, we may be passing the wrong mantle to the next generation

In the resent past the available statistics about the prevalence of childhood overweight and obesity has been on the rise. Yet there is very little indication that it is soon going away, at least from the statistics available. Even though it is a global problem, US is one of the country that is most affected with records showing that in just three decades the problem has tripled. Currently it is estimated that one in five children in the US is overweight. Despite this worrying trend, experts are reporting that even the already overweight children are further becoming heavier every day. And as if that is not enough, there is fear that the overweight or obese preschool going children are 5 times more likely than normal-weight children to be overweight or obese as adults. It is because of this that childhood overweight is regarded as the most common prevalent nutritional disorder of US children and adolescents, and one of the most common problems seen by pediatricians.

For how long are we going to keep making reference to the statistic that does not appear to change in the right direction? Like minded professionals like doctor Dalal Akoury are among those who are doing all it takes to bring a difference. In her effort to impact positively in people’s lives Dr. Akoury founded a medical center (AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center) whose main objective is to transform each individual’s life through increasing awareness about health and wellness and by empowering individuals to find their own inner healing power. Our children should not be allowed to go through this. We are all aware of the health complications associated with being overweight or obese. I pose a question to you do you want them to face the chronic diseases associated with overweight and obesity? I can guess your answer is NO and that is why Dr. Akoury’s practice focuses on personalized medicine through healthy lifestyle choices that deal with primary prevention and underlying causes instead of patching up symptoms. If you could start by scheduling for an appointment with her to get her professional input in all this, then you will be taking the first relay line towards eliminating the prevalence of childhood overweight and obesity.

The Prevalence of Childhood Overweight and Obesity: Consequences of Childhood Overweight

The consequences of being overweight or obese are not anything you would wish for your worse enemies. Both the short term and long term effects of overweight on health are of concern because of the negative psychological and health consequences in childhood. We are often told that we have this life once and we can only live it that way. If we are in agreement with that then I want to pose a second question. Why do we allow the following negative psychological overweight outcomes to ruin the life of our children?

Depressive symptoms
Poor Body Image
Low Self-Concept
Risk for Eating Disorders
Behavior and Learning Problems

The negative effects are not just psychological but also come with negative health consequences. The following are some of the health consequences we are subjecting our children to if we don’t make a complete overhaul of our attitude towards obesity and overweight:

Type 2 Diabetes
Low HDL Cholesterol levels in the blood
Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (fatty infiltration and inflammation of the liver)
Asthma
Hypertension
Sleep Apnea
Insulin Resistance
Early puberty
Orthopedic problems such as Blount’s disease and slipped capital femoral epiphysis
High Total and LDL Cholesterol and triglyceride levels in the blood

Besides this if nothing is done then the communication we are passing on is that, this is a problem to be passed to the next generation and the vicious cycle continues. Nevertheless, obese children are more likely to be obese as adults, hence they are at increased risk for a number of diseases including: stroke, cardiovascular disease, hypertension, diabetes, and some cancers.

The Prevalence of Childhood Overweight and Obesity: Contributors to Childhood Overweight

Food Choices – diets higher in calories (including fats and simple sugars) and lower in fruits and vegetables are linked with overweight

Physical Activity vs. Sedentary Activity – less physical activity and more time spent participating in activities such as watching TV results in less energy expenditure

Parental Obesity – children of obese parents are more likely to be overweight themselves. There is an inherited component to childhood overweight that makes it easier for some children to become overweight than others. There are a number of single gene mutations (“genetic alterations”) that are capable of causing severe childhood overweight, though these are rare. Even children with genetic risk for overweight will still only become overweight if they consume more calories than they use. Parental obesity may also reflect a family environment that promotes excess eating and insufficient activity.

Eating Patterns – skipping meals or failure to maintain a regular eating schedule can result in increased intakes when food is eaten.

Parenting Style – some researchers believe that excess parental control over children’s eating might lead to poor self-regulation of kid’s energy intake.

Diabetes during pregnancy – overweight and type 2 diabetes occur with greater frequency in the offspring of diabetic mothers (who are also more likely to be obese)

Low Birth Weight – Low birth weight is a risk factor for overweight in several epidemiological studies.

Excessive weight gain during pregnancy – Several studies have shown that excessive maternal weight gain during pregnancy is associated with increased birth weight and overweight later in life.

Formula Feeding – Breast feeding is generally recommended over formula feeding. Although the exact mechanism in unknown, several long-term studies suggest that breast feeding may prevent excess weight gain as children grow.

Parental Eating and Physical Activity Habits – Parents with poor nutritional habits and who lead sedentary lifestyles role model these behaviors for their children, thereby creating an “obesigenic” home environment.

Demographic Factors – Certain demographic factors are associated with an increased risk of being overweight in childhood. For example, there is evidence that African-American and Hispanic children 6 to 11 years old are more likely to be overweight than are non-Hispanic white children of the same age. Asian and Pacific Islander children of the same age were slightly less likely to be overweight.

The Prevalence of Childhood Overweight and Obesity: The time bomb in waiting

What are the functions of COX Enzyme inhibitors

March 4, 2015

What are the functions of COX Enzyme inhibitors: Inflammation Complications?

What are the functions of COX Enzyme inhibitors

Before we get down to business, I want to bring to your attention that this article may be loaded with some strong medical terms. For this reason we are going to be relying on the expertise of doctor Dalal Akoury the MD and founder of AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center for clarification when it becomes necessary. I want therefore to take this earliest opportunity to advice that you can schedule for an appointment with the experts and you will be home and dry with the facts about what are the function of COX enzyme inhibitors. Therefore to start us off let us try understanding what COX-2 selective inhibitor is. This is a form of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug that directly targets COX-2 which is an enzyme responsible for inflammation and pain. The benefits of this selective targeting for COX-2 is that it helps in reduce the risk of peptic ulceration. Nevertheless it must be noted that besides these functions, the following are the main features of celecoxib, rofecoxib and other members of this drug class.

Just to make further emphasis on this medication, COX-2 inhibitors are a subclass of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). NSAIDs primarily work by reducing the production of prostaglandins, chemicals which promote inflammation, pain, and fever. Besides that the prostaglandins are also good at protecting the lining of the stomach and intestines from the damaging effects of excreted acid, promote blood clotting by activating platelets during injuries and also affect kidney function.

In our quest towards understanding what are the functions of COX enzyme inhibitors it would be very important that we get to know that the enzymes that produce prostaglandins are called cyclooxygenase (COX) and that has been the center of our discussion. There are two types of COX enzymes and they may include:

Cyclooxygenase – 1 (COX-1) and
Cyclooxygenase – 2 (COX-2)

Like we have said in the introduction both of these enzymes produce prostaglandins that promote inflammation, pain, and fever; however, it is only COX-1that produces prostaglandins which activate the blood platelets and protect the stomach and intestinal lining.

Doctor Dalal Akoury explains that NSAIDs blocks or obstructs the COX enzymes thereby reducing the normal production of prostaglandins. Therefore, the result of this action is that the inflammation, pain, and fever are reduced by all COX inhibitors. Since the prostaglandins that protect the stomach and promote blood clotting also are reduced, NSAIDs can cause ulcers in the stomach and intestines, and increase the risk of bleeding. Unlike older NSAIDs that block both COX-1 and COX-2, the newer COX-2 inhibitors only block the COX-2 enzyme. Since COX-2 inhibitors do not block COX-1 (which primarily produces prostaglandins that protect the stomach and promote blood clotting) they do not cause ulcers or increase the risk of bleeding as much as the older NSAIDs. Nevertheless, COX-2 inhibitors are as effective as the older NSAIDs for treating inflammation, pain and fever.

What are the functions of COX inhibitors: What are the side effects of COX-2 inhibitors?

Before we conclude this discussion, it will not be fear if we don’t highlight some of the possible demerits or the side effects of COX-E inhibitors. Such may include the following:

Abdominal pain,
Headache,
Nausea,
Diarrhea,
Flatulence, and
Insomnia

The above mentions are some of the most common side effects however, there are other side effects thought not very common and they include:

Fainting,
Kidney failure,
Aggravation of hypertension,
Ringing in the ears,
Bleeding,
Blurred vision,
Anxiety,
Light sensitivity,
Weight gain,
Water retention,
Drowsiness, and
Weakness.

For those who are allergic to various reactions, this is very important because with this kind of medication allergic reactions also can occur. Therefore if this describes your situation and you are one who can develops allergic reactions like rash, itching, difficulty breathing etc. from sulfonamides for example, trimethoprim and sulfamethoxazole Bactrim, aspirin or other NSAIDs may experience an allergic reaction to celecoxib and should not take celecoxib.

COX-2 inhibitors and other NSAIDs may increase the risk of heart attacks, stroke, and related conditions, which can be fatal. This risk may increase with duration of use and in patients who have underlying risk factors for disease of the heart and blood vessels. NSAIDs should not be used for the treatment of pain resulting from coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery.

Other NSAIDs and, to a lesser extent, COX-2 inhibitors may increase the risk of serious and sometimes even fatal stomach and intestinal adverse reactions such as bleeding, ulcers, and perforation of the stomach or intestines. These events can occur at any time during treatment and without warning symptoms. Point to note is that the senior citizens or the elderly patients are at greater risk for these types of reactions.

What are the functions of COX inhibitors: The basic difference between traditional NSAIDs and COX-2 inhibitors?

COX-1 is an enzyme which is normally present in a variety of tissues in the body, including sites of inflammation and the stomach.
Some of the prostaglandins made by COX-1 protect the inner lining of the stomach.
Common NSAIDs such as aspirin block both COX-1 and COX-2.
When the COX-1 enzyme is blocked, inflammation is reduced, but the protection of the lining of the stomach also is lost.
This can cause stomach upset as well as ulceration and bleeding from the stomach and even the intestines.

On the other hand cyclooxygenase, COX-2, also produces prostaglandins, but the COX-2 enzyme is located specifically in areas of the body that commonly are involved in inflammation but not in the stomach.

When the COX-2 enzyme is blocked, inflammation is reduced; however, since the COX-2 enzyme does not play a role in protecting the stomach or intestine, COX-2 specific NSAIDs do not have the same risk of injuring the stomach or intestines.

Finally I mentioned in the introduction of the possible use of very strong medical terms which may not be very easy to understand. Now having read the article, it is our wish that you are able to make correct translation of the information we are passing to you. Therefore if you have any concern, something you need further clarity on, the doors of AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center are open for you at your convenience. You can schedule for that very important appointment with doctor Dalal Akoury for more professional guidance today.

What are the functions of COX inhibitors: Inflammation Complications?

Accepting the bigger picture of Lung Cancer

March 3, 2015

Accepting the bigger picture of Lung Cancer: Types of Lung Cancer

Accepting the bigger picture of Lung Cancer and the major contributor is smoking. However exercise can be a very good treatment tool.

From various studies we are registering that lung cancer one that causes many deaths compared to other types of cancers. These findings has made us to go back to the drawing board thinking of just is not being done right. We have just posted an introductory article about this in the previous article, and now we want to continue with its part two under the title “accepting the bigger picture of lung cancer”. In very few but informative words, we are going to be relying heavily on the vast experience of over two decades of practice attained so far by doctor Dalal Akoury who is also the founder of AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center.

It was the wise decision of Dr. Akoury to create a medical center whose main and primary objective is to transform each individual’s life across the globe through increasing awareness about health and wellness by empowering them to finding their own inner healing power. This is great however like it is said our people are perishing because of lack of knowledge. We want this statement to be wrong by providing for that information to you. Remember that Dr. Akoury’s practice focuses on personalized medicine through healthy lifestyle choices that deal with primary prevention and underlying causes instead of patching up symptoms. Previously we were informed that cigarette smoking is the biggest culprit for lung cancer, and you can imagine how many people are out there smoking ignorantly of the dangers surrounding them. What shall we do? It is all about accepting the bigger picture of lung cancer in our lives and the society at large.

Take note that there are two main types of lung cancer:

Small cell lung cancer is more aggressive, meaning it can spread quickly to other parts of the body in the early stages of the disease. Small cell lung cancer is strongly tied to cigarette smoking and is rarely seen in nonsmokers.
Non-small cell lung cancer grows more slowly and is more common. It’s responsible for almost 85% of all lung cancers.

Being diagnosed with lung cancer can be a shock, and if it’s linked to smoking, you may feel guilty as well. But don’t waste time blaming yourself. Instead, experts suggest looking forward. It’s never too late to make healthy changes to your lifestyle. There’s evidence that patients who quit smoking after learning they have lung cancer do better than those who keep smoking. And remember that when we make reference to smoking we are actually talking about secondhand smoking as well. We have mentioned that smoking is the top cause cancer however it is not the only risk factor. Breathing in secondhand smoke at home, at work or in social places are also considers to be enough risk factors. This even put those who are married to smokers at risk of developing lung cancer than the spouses of nonsmokers by between 20%-30%.

Accepting the bigger picture of Lung Cancer: Lung Cancer Stages

Staging describes how far a patient’s cancer has spread. There are different systems for the two main types of lung cancer.

Small-cell lung cancer is divided into two stages:

Limited means the cancer is confined to one lung and maybe nearby lymph nodes.
Extensive means the cancer has spread to the other lung or beyond.

Non-small-cell lung cancer is assigned a stage of 1

Accepting the bigger picture of Lung Cancer: Treating Early-Stage Lung Cancer

When non-small-cell lung cancer is detected in good time before it spreads beyond one lung, a simple surgery can sometimes help. The surgeon may opt for removing the part of the lung that has the tumor, or where necessary the entire lung. Upon removal of the tumor some patients may be taken through radiation or chemotherapy (after surgery) to kill any remaining cancer cells. Nonetheless in situations like this surgery is usually not very helpful to patients with small-cell lung cancer because it probably has already spread at the time of diagnosis.

Treating Advanced Lung Cancer

When lung cancer spreads too far to be cured, treatments can still help patients live longer and have a better quality of life. Radiation and chemotherapy can shrink tumors and help control symptoms, such as bone pain or blocked airways. Chemotherapy is usually the main treatment for small-cell lung cancer. This point is very crucial for us as professionals who are determine to make a difference. When we started, we stated that you don’t have to wait until you’re 40 or 50 to go for checkups. At AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center, our doors are open for you in your twenties or even below that to start visiting for the regular checkups so that early detection can be done for effective and cost friendly treatment process.

Targeted Therapies

Targeted therapies are a newer form of cancer treatment that can be used together with chemotherapy or when other therapies don’t work. One type prevents the growth of new blood vessels that feed cancer cells. It may help people with advanced lung cancer live longer. Other targeted therapies interrupt the signals that cause lung cancer cells to multiply.

Lung Cancer Clinical Trials

Clinical trials help doctors explore promising new treatments for lung cancer. And they help patients get comprehensive care. To see the current list of lung cancer clinical trials, visit the National Cancer Institute’s site. And be sure to ask your doctor if there’s a local clinical trial that might be right for you.

Lung Cancer and Work Exposures

Some jobs can raise the risk of lung cancer in both smokers and nonsmokers. People who work with uranium, arsenic, and other chemicals should try to limit their exposure. Asbestos, which was once widely used in insulation, is a notorious cause of lung cancer. It is rarely used now, but workers who were exposed years ago are still at risk.

Accepting the bigger picture of Lung Cancer: Other Risk Factors for Lung Cancer

Risk factors for lung cancer are very many and what we have highlighted are just but a few. The list is endless and so you can schedule for an appointment with the experts at AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center for further deliberation. But in the meantime other known risk factors for lung cancer may include the following:

Family history of lung cancer
Drinking water that’s high in arsenic

Lung cancer does happen to people with no well-known risk factors including those who’ve never smoked. Researchers don’t know the cause yet, but lung cancer in nonsmokers appears to affect more women than men. And one type, adenocarcinoma, is more common in nonsmokers than smokers. Finally even as you consider consulting with the experts, it is important to note that like any other health complications prevention is always the best approach. The best prevention approach is don’t smoke however, if you are already smoking, then all is not lost, you can still get help o quit. The benefits of quitting are enormous. If you quit now the in just 10 years of quitting you shall have dropped the risk of lung cancer by up to 50%

Accepting the bigger picture of Lung Cancer: Types of Lung Cancer

Understanding the bigger picture of Lung Cancer

March 3, 2015

Understanding the bigger picture of Lung Cancer: Is Smoking the bigger culprit?

Understanding the bigger picture of Lung Cancer is very important for everybody since symptoms appear very late in life

In our quest of understanding the bigger picture of lung cancer, it is important to appreciate that cancer of the lungs like all cancers, results from an irregularity in the body’s basic unit of life, the cell. Under normal circumstances the body keeps records and controls the production of various cells in the body. This would ordinarily be referred to us having checks and balances. This is very important in the sense that the production or growth of cells is made possible only when new cells are needed. When this systems are disrupted then the production of cells will be uncontrollable resulting in proliferation of cell the consequences of which will be the formation of a mass commonly referred to us tumor. The experts at AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center under the leadership of doctor Dalal Akoury says that since lung cancer tends to spread or metastasize very early after it forms, it is a very life-threatening cancer and one of the most difficult cancers to treat. While appreciating that lung cancer can spread to any organ in the body, however there are certain organs particularly the adrenal glands, liver, brain, and bone are the most common destinations for lung cancer metastasis.

Lung cancers can arise in any part of the lung, but 90%-95% of cancers of the lung are thought to arise from the epithelial cells, the cells lining the larger and smaller airways (bronchi and bronchioles); for this reason, lung cancers are sometimes called bronchogenic cancers or bronchogenic carcinomas.

Lung cancer is the top cause of cancer deaths in both men and women. But this wasn’t always the case. Before the widespread use of mechanical cigarette rollers, lung cancer was rare. Today, smoking causes nearly 9 out of 10 lung cancer deaths, while radon gas, pollution, and other chemicals play a smaller role. Newly developed drugs can offer hope for people diagnosed today.

Understanding the bigger picture of Lung Cancer: How Smoking Causes Lung Cancer

Lung cancer is the most common cause of death due to cancer in both men and women throughout the world. The incidence of lung cancer is strongly correlated with cigarette smoking, with about 90% of lung cancers arising as a result of tobacco use. The risk of lung cancer increases with the number of cigarettes smoked and the time over which one has been smoking. Besides that the available statistics indicate that today, smoking causes nearly 9 out of 10 lung cancer deaths, while other factors like radon gas, pollution, and other chemicals play a smaller role. The good news is that professionals are working round the clock to ensure that solutions are found for this problem. And at the moment a lot has been done and newly developed drugs can offer hope for people diagnosed today. Even though this is so a strong warning should go out there that cigarettes are not only packed with cancer-causing chemicals, but they can also disarm the lungs’ natural defense system. The airways are lined with tiny hairs known as cilia. These hairs protect the lungs by sweeping out toxins, bacteria, and viruses. Tobacco smoke stops the cilia from doing their job. This allows the cancer-causing chemicals to collect in the lungs. That now explains why cigarette smoking is the leading cause of lung cancer.

At AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center we appreciate that it is not very easy to quit cigarette smoking owing to its addictive nature. That is why besides being the center for cancer treatment; we are also running a segment of drug addiction and substance abuse to help people get their lives back in totality. We want to help you have your life back and live it to the fullest. If you’re struggling with tobacco smoking or any other drug, you are facing greater risk of contracting this chronic disease (cancer) schedule for an appointment with doctor Akoury today and have your life back. In the meantime, keep reading to get more about understanding the bigger picture of lung cancer with the cancer treatment experts.

Understanding the bigger picture of Lung Cancer: Lung Cancer Symptoms

The reason why periodic checkup is very necessary is because lung cancer begins quietly without any warnings. There are usually no symptoms or warning signs in the beginning stages. If checkups are not done regularly then you will be suppressed to notice the following symptoms as the condition gets worse:

A cough that won’t go away
Fatigue
Wheezing or shortness of breath
Coughing up bloody phlegm
Chest pain, especially during deep breaths

Understanding the bigger picture of Lung Cancer: Diagnosing Lung Cancer

Because little is visible in the early stages of cancer formation, really will healthcare professionals be able to suspect lung cancer. Like I have said before the signs and symptoms do appear very late and therefore doctors will wait until it causes symptoms like a chronic cough or wheezing. At that point, your doctor is likely order for a chest X-ray or other imaging tests. You may also be asked to cough up phlegm for a sputum test. If either of these tests suggests cancer, you’ll probably get a biopsy. The delay in showing the symptoms should motivate you to register with AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center for regular checkup. This way any suspicion will be detected in good time and the right cause of action taken immediately.

Understanding the bigger picture of Lung Cancer: Lung Biopsy

From the results of the diagnosis done, in the event that a suspected tumor is visible on an X-ray and is confirmed or a collection of cancer cells show up in a sputum test, then at this point a biopsy is used to confirm the validity of the diagnosis. The process would then involve the extraction of a small sample of the suspicious mass, this is usually done with a needle, and the healthcare professional will study it under a microscope. By carrying out the investigation of the sample, a doctor can learn whether the tumor is lung cancer or not, and if so, what kind.

In conclusion dear reader, this is very important and I want to bring it to you in the way you will understand best. It is said that the early bird catches the worm. This is a wise saying loaded with facts in our context. Don’t wait until you are 40 or 50 to go for the test. Schedule for an appointment with doctor Dalal Akoury today for that very important life changing journey which will make you know your true position in relation to lung cancer. Finally what we have shared in this article is only part one of our two parts articles of understanding the bigger picture of lung cancer. Be there in time for the second part in the next article.

Understanding the bigger picture of Lung Cancer: Is Smoking the bigger culprit?

The Cancer Symptoms you must not ignore

March 2, 2015

The Cancer Symptoms you must not ignore: Be mindful of changes in your Body

The Cancer Symptoms you must not ignore are many and common. Any changes must be taken seriously however small they may appear

In growth and development we are often faced with various changes in our bodies. Most of these changes are always positive and encouraging. However there are some changes which we must never ignore. In the advent of so many diseases moving around, it is advisable that we take keen interest in the changes taking place in our bodies however small they maybe. You may never know the cancer symptoms you must not ignore could be among those little changes. Health professionals recommend that nothing should be left to chance. Like for example, women’s bodies are always changing rapidly from time to time. It may not be clear, but occasionally those changes that appear normal and harmless could actually be the signs of cancer in the making. Therefore, the best remedy is to pay attention to your body consistently so that in the event you can notice something’s different, then speedy action can be taken. The experts at AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center recommends that, every time a new symptoms appears, then that is an indication that something has changed in your body and you must by all standards get to know what that means. If you have not been keen in making observations to your body, then it is not too late to begin today. We will be here for you to help you establish what it really is. We must pool together to lock out all forms of cancer out of our lives and as professionals at this facility under the able leadership f doctor Dalal Akoury, that is what we want to help you achieve. Now the following are some of the changes you should watch out for:

The Cancer Symptoms you must not ignore: Breast changes

It is true that most breast lumps are not really an indication of cancer, but it is important that your doctor should always check them. Let your doctor also to know about these changes as well:

Skin dimpling or puckering
Nipples that turn inward
Nipple discharge
Redness or scaling of your nipple or breast skin

While at your doctor’s office, they may do certain physical exam and ask you a few questions about your medical history. You may also have tests like a mammogram or a biopsy this is when doctors remove a tiny piece of tissue for testing.

Bloating

Women are natural bloaters. It’s OK to wait a week or two to see if it goes away. If your symptoms don’t get better with time, or if they happen with weight loss or bleeding, see a doctor. Constant bloating can sometimes mean ovarian cancer. In this case you’ll have a pelvic exam as well as blood tests, and sometimes an ultrasound, to look for the cause of the problem.

Between Period Bleeding

Bleeding during your normal monthly cycle is okay, however bleeding which is not a part of your usual monthly cycle can have many causes. Your doctor will want to rule out endometrial cancer (cancer of the lining of your uterus). Bleeding after menopause is never normal and should be checked right away without any hesitation.

Skin Changes

A change in the size, shape, or color of a mole or other spot is a common sign of skin cancer. See your doctor for a thorough examination and perhaps a biopsy. This is one time you don’t want to wait.

The Cancer Symptoms you must not ignore: Blood in Your Pee or Stool

Talk to your doctor if you’re bleeding from a part of your body that normally doesn’t, especially if the bleeding lasts more than a day or two. Bloody stool is often from hemorrhoids, but it can also be a symptom of colon cancer. Bloody urine is usually the first sign of cancer of the bladder or kidneys.

Changes in Lymph Nodes

Lymph nodes are small, bean-shaped glands around the body. Most changes in them come from common infections. But some cancers, including leukemia and lymphoma, can also cause lymph nodes to swell. It’s a good idea to see your doctor if you have a lump or swelling anywhere in your body that lasts a month or more.

Trouble Swallowing

Occasional trouble swallowing is nothing to worry about. But when it happens often, especially with vomiting or weight loss, your doctor may want to investigate the possibilities of throat or stomach cancer. The health care professional will consider your symptoms with a throat exam and a barium X-ray. During a barium test, you drink a special liquid that makes your throat stand out on the X-ray.

Weight Loss without Trying

Most women wish extra pounds would magically melt away. But losing 10 pounds or more without a change in your diet or exercise habits could signal a problem. Most unintended weight loss is not cancer. It’s often caused by stress or your thyroid, but it can be a sign of pancreatic cancer. Stomach and lung cancers are also possible.

The Cancer Symptoms you must not ignore: Heartburn

Too much food, alcohol, or stress (or all three) can cause serious heartburn. Experts will suggest that you change your diet for a week or two to see if your symptoms get better. In the event that it persists seek medical treatment from your doctor. And remember that heartburn that doesn’t go away or gets worse could mean cancer of the stomach, throat, or ovaries.

Mouth Changes

Smocking may give you a very good indicator about the cancer symptoms you must not ignore. Ensure that if you’re a smoker, watch for white or bright-red patches inside your mouth or on your lips. Both can signal oral cancer.

Fever

A fever that doesn’t go away and can’t be explained could mean leukemia or another blood cancer. Your doctor should get the details of your medical history and give you a physical exam to check for the cause.

Fatigue

A lot of women are tired because they lead hectic lives. But extreme tiredness that won’t go away isn’t normal. Talk to your doctor if your fatigue never gets better or if you have other symptoms, like blood in your stool. Your doctor will ask for your complete medical history and give you blood tests.

Cough

Most coughs go away on their own in 3 to 4 weeks. Don’t ignore one that lasts longer than that, especially if you smoke or are short of breath. If you cough up blood, go to the doctor. A cough is the most common symptom of lung cancer.

Pain

Cancer doesn’t cause most aches. But ongoing pain can signal bone, brain, or other cancers. Ask your doctor about any unexplained aches that last a month or longer.

Belly Pain and Depression

It’s rare, but belly pain plus depression can be a sign of pancreatic cancer. Should you worry? Not unless pancreatic cancer runs in your family. Then you need a prompt [exam]. Finally were only highlighting some of the cancer symptoms you must not ignore and if you are very keen in this article, you must have noticed that a lot is pegged on doctor patient consultation. This is very important and we want to invite you schedule for an appointment with the experts at AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center for direction so that no mistakes is done.

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