Hepatitis

• Highlights
• Introduction
• Diagnosis
• Hepatitis A
• Hepatitis B and D
• Hepatitis C
• Autoimmune Hepatitis
• Symptom Management
• Outlook
• Resources
• References

• In 2006, the FDA approved telbivudine (Tyzeka), a new type of nucleoside analog drug, for treatment of chronic hepatitis B. There are now six drugs approved for hepatitis B treatment.
• In 2007, the FDA approved HepaGam B, an intravenous immune globulin drug, for preventing hepatitis B recurrence following liver transplantation.

Stress

• Highlights
• Introduction
• The Body's Response
• Complications
• Conditions with Similar Sym...
• Treatment
• Risk Factors
• Lifestyle Changes
• Resources
• References

• Some people are pre-programmed for a heightened response to stress by conditions in the womb. Pregnant women under stress who eat a diet high in protein and low in carbohydrates have babies with higher cortisol levels. Later on, these levels increase in response to stress.
• The impact of stress on the heart and circulation system is becoming more clear. - 0 Comments
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Gout

• Highlights
• Introduction
• Symptoms
• Causes and Risk Factors
• Triggers
• Diagnosis
• Treatment: Acute Gout Attac...
• Treatment: Preventing Attac...
• Other Treatments
• Lifestyle Changes
• Complications
• Resources
• References

• Primary gout: The cause is usually unknown. However, primary gout is likely the result of a combination of genetic, hormonal, and dietary factors.
• Secondary gout: Secondary gout is caused by medications or medical conditions that cause an increase in the serum (blood) levels of uric acid.

• Advancing age
• Male gender
• Family history of the condition
• Obesity
• Use of certain drugs, including diuretics, aspirin, cyclosporine, or levodopa
• Drinking a large amount of alcohol, particularly beer
• Exposure to lead
• Organ transplants
• Thyroid problems

• Severe pain at and around the joint
  • May feel like "crushing" or a dislocated bone
  • Walking and the weight of bed sheets may be unbearable
  • Usually takes 8 - 12 hours to develop
  • Occurs late at night or early in the morning and may wake you up
• Swelling that may extend beyond the joint
• Red, shiny, tense skin over the affected area, which may peel after a few days
• Chills and mild fever, loss of appetite, and feelings of ill health

Immunizations

• Highlights
• Introduction
• Diphtheria, Tetanus, and Pe...
• Measles, Mumps, and Rubella...
• Varicella-Zoster Virus (Chi...
• Varicella-Zoster Virus (Shi...
• Hepatitis A
• Hepatitis B
• Pneumococcal Pneumonia
• Poliomyelitis
• Viral Influenza
• Haemophilus Influenzae Type...
• Human Papillomavirus (HPV)...
• Rotavirus
• Smallpox
• Other Vaccinations
• Resources
• References

• The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention now recommends that children receive 2 doses of the varicella-zoster (Chickenpox) vaccine: the initial vaccine between ages 12 - 15 months, and a booster between 4 - 6 years. Children aged 12 and older and adults who have not had the vaccine should receive 2 doses. Immunization guidelines were changed following research that indicated the effectiveness of the vaccine declines over time. - 0 Comments
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Hypothyroidism

• Highlights
• Introduction
• Causes
• Symptoms
• Diagnosis
• Risk Factors
• Complications
• Treatment
• Resources
• References

• Pregnant women with Graves’ disease should take the lowest possible dose of their thyroid medication
• It is safe for women with Graves’ disease to maintain thyroid levels in the upper-normal range while pregnant

• Thyroid levels in the low-normal range may increase the risk of unhealthy cholesterol levels, high blood sugar, and abdominal obesity -- indicators of metabolic syndrome -- according to a 2006 study in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism.
• Metabolic syndrome is a cluster of conditions, (including abdominal obesity, high blood sugar, and unhealthy cholesterol levels), which increases the risk for heart disease. - 0 Comments
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Colds and the flu

• Highlights
• Introduction
• Diagnosis
• Complications
• Risk Factors
• Prevention
• Treatment
• Medications
• Resources
• References

• On September 28, 2007, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved a new brand of inactivated influenza ("flu") vaccine, Alfuria, for adults aged 18 years or older. This vaccine is given by injection.
• On September 19, 2007, the FDA approved the use of the live flu vaccine (FluMist) in healthy children as young as 2 years of age. - 0 Comments
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Parkinson's disease

• Highlights
• Introduction
• Symptoms
• Risk Factors
• Complications
• Diagnosis
• Treatment
• Levadopa (L-dopa)
• Other Medications
• Surgery
• Lifestyle Changes
• Resources
• References

• In 2007, the FDA approved the first skin patch drug for treatment of Parkinson’s disease. Transdermal rotigotine (Neupro) is a dopamine agonist drug that may help improve symptoms of early-stage Parkinson’s disease. The patch is applied daily.
• Rivastigimine (Exelon), an Alzheimer’s disease drug, was approved in 2006 for treatment of mild-to-moderate dementia associated with Parkinson’s disease.

Prostate cancer

• Highlights
• Introduction
• Prognosis
• Risk Factors
• Symptoms
• Conditions with Similar Sym...
• Screening and Diagnosis
• Tests to Determine Severity...
• Treatment
• Treatment Options by Stagin...
• Treatment for Localized Pro...
• Surgery
• Radiation Treatments
• Options if Treatments Fail...
• Other Treatments
• Resources
• References

• Patients should be classified as low, intermediate, or high risk, depending on their PSA levels, cancer stage, and tumor aggressiveness.
• Doctors need to consider patients’ personal preferences and quality of life concerns as well as their clinical status.
• Standard treatment options include active surveillance (watchful waiting), surgery, or radiation therapy. Initial androgen deprivation therapy (hormone therapy) is seldom recommended for localized prostate cancer.

• The American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) 2007 guidelines recommend that doctors delay androgen deprivation therapy for advanced prostate cancer until patients develop symptoms. - 0 Comments
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Prostate cancer

• Definition
• Alternative Names
• Causes, incidence, and risk factors
• Symptoms
• Signs and tests
• Treatment
• Support Groups
• Expectations (prognosis)
• Complications
• Calling your health care provider
• Prevention