Archives for September 2009

Influenza vaccination in children

INTRODUCTION — Influenza is an acute respiratory illness caused by influenza A or B viruses, which occurs in outbreaks worldwide every year, mainly during the winter seasons (in temperate climates).

Influenza prevention

INFLUENZA VACCINE OVERVIEW — The most effective way to prevent influenza is by getting the influenza vaccine (the flu shot) as well as using simple infection control measures such as hand washing. Antiviral medications can also help prevent infection after exposure, but they are generally reserved for people who are at risk for complications of influenza.

Homeopathy and the swine flu*

What is the swine flu? Swine Influenza (swine flu) is a respiratory disease of pigs caused by type A influenza…

What is homeopathy?*

Homeopathy is a system of medicine that is based on the Law of Similars. The truth of this law has…

Breast cancer screening

BREAST CANCER SCREENING OVERVIEW — Cancer screening refers to the use of tests to detect cancer at an early stage, before it causes symptoms and hopefully at a time when it is curable. More than

Cervical cancer screening

CERVICAL CANCER SCREENING OVERVIEW — The Pap smear is a common test used to screen women for cervical precancer or cancer. However, most abnormal Pap smears are not due to cancer, but rather caused by infection or low estrogen levels.

Colon cancer screening

COLON CANCER SCREENING OVERVIEW — Colorectal cancer is a cancer that develops in the large intestine [colon] or rectum. The primary goal of colon cancer screening is to prevent deaths from colon cancer. Screening tests can help identify cancers at an early and potentially

Postmenopausal hormone therapy

POSTMENOPAUSAL HORMONE THERAPY OVERVIEW — Menopause is defined as the time in a woman’s life, usually between 45 and 55 years, when the ovaries stop producing eggs and menstrual periods end. The average age of menopause is between 50 and 51 years.

Ovarian cysts

OVARIAN CYST OVERVIEW — Ovarian cysts are fluid-filled sacs that develop in or on the ovary (show figure 1). Ovarian cysts occur commonly in women of all ages. Some women with ovarian cysts have pain or pelvic pressure, while others have no symptoms. Irregular menstrual periods are not usually related to an ovarian cyst.

Miscarriage

INTRODUCTION — A miscarriage is a pregnancy that ends before the fetus is able to live outside the uterus. A brief review of the events of early pregnancy will help in the understanding of miscarriage.

A woman’s reproductive system includes the uterus (including the cervix), two ovaries, two fallopian tubes, and the vagina. The fallopian tubes are a pair of hollowed tubes that run from each side of the uterus to the ovaries (show figure 1). Once a month, an egg is released by one of the ovaries and travels down the fallopian tube. If the egg is fertilized in the tube by the male’s sperm, pregnancy begins.