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Archive for September, 2008

Easy Weight Loss - Reference Material

Tuesday, September 30th, 2008
by James Redder

An easy weight loss method that works every time has yet to be invented but that doesn’t mean you should give up looking; many good methods do exist but it will depend on the user as to how effective any of these will ultimately be. It is important to be aware of just how harmful being overweight or obese is to health and many serious health conditions are caused as a result of excess weight.

How difficult or easy your weight loss program is will depend on how much you apply yourself to shedding those extra pounds. Losing weight can be for health reasons, self image reasons or both but whatever the reason, you must be sure that you’re doing it for your benefit and not another person.

Many people forget that a number of factors must be included in any weight loss program from the amount of physical activity involved down to the type of food eaten, when, and how often. Many people have unrealistic expectations about how much weight they should lose every month but weight loss should not be rapid which can have a serious impact on your health.

To keep things simple it is easier to consider that one pound lost per week is realistically the equivalent to around 3,500 calories which breaks down to losing 500 calories a day, every day whether through dieting, exercise or both. Too many people are consuming large amounts of unhealthy food because they enjoy eating but there is no need to force-feed yourself just because you enjoy particular foodstuffs.

Another more subtle factor is the emotional reaction to stress and problems as many people simply start eating when they feel insecure or depressed. The problem is that being overweight is the cause of many life threatening medical conditions including diabetes, heart problems, joint trouble and cancer. One of the first steps in easy weight loss is assessing why the person is actually eating the amount they do as this can be the key to long term weight management.

One aspect that also needs to be included is how the person pursues the subject of their weight loss program as those who take a more relaxed approach are usually more successful. A positive attitude and open mind are very often the keys to improving life style and eliminating the bad habits. The great thing about weight loss is the extra energy you feel and how much more positive your outlook is to life in general which obviously has an impact on self-esteem as well.

Summary

Although they are not easy, easy weight loss programs do bring results if you persist because it is this determination that will eventually help you achieve what you want.

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What Are Dermoid Cysts?

Tuesday, September 30th, 2008
by Jay Taylor

Dermoid cysts can occur in any person, regardless of race, sex, and age. Dermoid cysts in the ovary, of course, occur only among women. Dermoid cysts in the face, neck, or scalp, however, are usually present at birth and clearly visible.

A dermoid cyst is a complex ovarian cyst that grows from the totipotential germ cell. Known for containing solid physical tissue such as hair, teeth, and bone, a dermoid cyst in the ovaries most often develop during a woman’s prime childbearing years, between the ages of 20 and 40, though they can develop at any age. Dermoid cysts are often surgically removed as a result of the intense pain they produce when they cut off the blood supply of the ovaries. Other dermoid cysts have been known to occur on the face, neck, or scalp.

A dermoid cyst in an ovary is usually a mature teratoma that is benign. Dermoids are fairly common in women over the age of 40 years. Dermoid cysts are rarely cancerous though they make up about one half of all benign ovarian tumors. About 1 to 2 percent of dermoid cysts are cancerous.

Immature teratomas is another name for cancerous dermoid cysts. The early development of a dermoid cyst is what decide if it will be cancerous or not in the future. Containing all types of tissue found in your body including hair, muscle fibers, sweat glands and cartilage, the make up of a dermoid cyst varies, but in general they usually do not become cancerous. Once the development of hair or other features within a dermoid cyst begins, it is very unlikely it will become a cancerous cyst.

Dermoid cysts can be found on one or both ovaries. They usually can be detected during a pelvic examination. They are usually asymptomatic but can twist or rupture, causing severe pain in either the pelvic or abdominal area. Potential complications can be avoided by removing dermoid cysts that develop in ovaries. If the cyst is not removed and continues to develop, peritonitis may result, which is a painful irritation of the abdominal area.

Abdominal pain or pain in the pelvic area can be caused if an ovarian cyst begins to twist or even burst and is often the most common sign that a woman has Dermoid cysts on or in the ovaries. Unfortunately nearly all types of ovarian cysts have the same types of symptoms and a accurate determination can only be made with a proper exam by your doctor before possible surgical options should be discussed.

The symptoms of ovarian cysts are something every woman should be aware of, and any time she experiences these symptoms, she should consult a doctor. Any ovarian cyst that has the potential to turn complex should be watched carefully, and this includes a dermoid cyst. Removing a dermoid cyst has no impact on fertility and will not cause pregnancy complications. Still, patients need to perform good self care post-surgery to keep scar tissue form forming.

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Complex Ovarian Cysts Review

Sunday, September 28th, 2008
by Jay Taylor

The chances that a woman will end up having a ovarian cyst during their lifetime is actually quite common and is generally no cause for concern. Complex ovarian cysts are a different story as they occur less often and can sometimes cause serious health problems. They are called complex ovarian cysts due to their makeup, usually containing both solid and liquid portions, having more substance then simple ovarian cysts and come in three different types: endometrioma, cystadenomas and dermoid.

A dermoid cyst develops from cells that produce human eggs, known as the ova. Since these are non-differentiated cells that can develop into any human tissue, dermoid cysts can contain a variety of tissue including hair, skin and teeth. Although dermoid cysts can be very painful as they grow larger and twist the ovaries, they are rarely cancerous.

Endometriosis can become a culprit in the growth of another type of complex ovarian cyst, Endometrioma. Uterian cells begin to grow on the outside of the uterus and attach to an ovary, producing a growth after a woman has gone through many menstrual cycles. Generally Endometrial cysts can continue to grow, sometimes becoming as large as grapefruit. Some information suggests that Endometriosis is actually partly due to genetics. Common symptoms include pain during urination and bowel movements, irregular menstrual cycles, fatigue, pain before and after menstrual cycles and during intercourse.

Cystadenomas fall within the category of the complex ovarian cyst. They can cause intense pain if they become tangled in the ovary. There are two different types of Cystadenomas. A serous cystadenoma is generally somewhere between 2 to 6 inches in diameter and is filled with a thin liquid. A mucinous cystadenoma, on the other hand, is filled with a gluey, thick gelatinous liquid. The size of a mucinous cystadenoma can be anywhere from 6 to 12 inches in diameter.

Complex ovarian cysts may also manifest symptoms that mimic those of pregnancy: tender breasts, nausea and vomiting. If one experiences severe pain in the abdomen or pelvis, medical attention should be sought. Endometriosis or ectopic pregnancies can produce painful and noticeable symptoms similar to those of complex ovarian cysts. The symptoms are differentiated through pelvic pain, pain before or after menstrual periods, and pain during intercourse. They might also experience the absence of menstrual periods or unusual bleeding patterns.

A diagnosis of ovarian cysts is typically reached after a pelvic examination is conducted. Doctors will frequently confirm such a diagnosis with a pelvic ultrasound. Pregnancy or other factors should be ruled out beforehand. Once you have received a confirmed diagnosis of a complex ovarian cyst, you should contact your physician whenever you experience severe pain in either the abdomen or in the pelvis.

When ovarian cysts are found to be complex, these cysts must be evaluated for cancer. Although not all complex ovarian cysts are cancerous, doctors must rule this out through a series of tests. Often medical professionals take the individual’s age and symptoms into account when making their final diagnosis.

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