Why and When should you Consider Bone Density Test

Osteoporosis targets women much more often than men, and it becomes more common after menopause and with advancing age. As a result, healthcare providers recommend bone density testing for women who have been through menopause and are at least 65 years old. In addition, there are certain characteristics that put people at higher risk for fracture, so healthcare providers sometimes recommend testing in men or women younger than 65 who have one or more risk factors

Bone density testing is used to assess the strength of the bones and the probability of fracture in persons at risk for osteoporosis. The test, referred to as bone densitometry or bone mineral density scan (BMD), is a simple, noninvasive procedure that takes just minutes.

What is Osteoporosis?

Osteoporosis, meaning “porous bone”, is a bone disorder that decreases bone mass. As we age, our bones may lose bone mass and osteoporosis leads to an increased risk of fractures (breaks). Osteoporosis can lead to pain, height loss due to a backbone that curves forward, or fractures. Called the “silent crippler,” osteoporosis may progress without symptoms or pain until a fracture occurs.

Hip or spine fractures are a serious consequence of osteoporosis and may result in loss of independence and the need for nursing home care. Medical complications after these fractures can be life threatening and the risk for death increases after hip or spine fractures.

How does Osteoporosis Occur?

In order to understand the role of bone mineral density scanning, it is important to know a little about how osteoporosis occurs. Bone is constantly being remodeled. This is the natural, healthy state of continuous uptake of old bone (resorption) followed by the deposit of new bone. This turnover is important in keeping bones healthy and in repairing any minor damage that may occur with wear and tear. The cells, which lay new bone down, are called osteoblasts, and the cells responsible for resorption of old bone are called osteoclasts. Osteoporosis occurs as a result of a mismatch between osteoclast and osteoblast activity. This mismatch can be caused by many different disease states or hormonal changes. It is also commonly a result of aging, change in normal hormones as occurs after menopause, and with diets low in calcium and vitamin D. In osteoporosis, osteoclasts outperform osteoblasts so that more bone is taken up than is laid down. The result is a thinning of the bone with an accompanying loss in bone strength and a greater risk of fracture. A thinning bone results in a lower bone density or bone mass.

There are two major types of bone. Cancellous bone (also known as trabecular bone) is the inner, softer portion of the bone, and cortical bone is the outer, harder layer of bone. Cancellous bone undergoes turnover at a faster rate than cortical bone. As a result, if osteoclast and osteoblast activity become mismatched, cancellous bone is affected more rapidly than cortical bone. Certain areas in the body have a higher ratio of cancellous bone to cortical bone such as the spine (vertebrae), the wrist (distal radius) and the hips (femoral neck).

Most of a persons bone mass is achieved by early adulthood. After that time, the bone mass gradually decline throughout the rest of a persons life. There is a normal rate of decline in bone mass with age in both men and women. For women, in addition to age, the menopause transition itself causes an extra degree of bone loss. This bone loss is greatest in the first three to six years after menopause. Women can lose up to 20% of the total bone mass during this time. Since women generally have a lower bone mass to begin with in comparison with men, the ultimate result is a higher risk of fracture in postmenopausal women as compared to men of the same age. Nevertheless, it is important to remember that men may also be at risk for osteoporosis, especially if they have certain illnesses, a low testosterone level, are smokers, take certain medications, or are sedentary. The best method to prevent osteoporosis is to achieve as high a bone mass by early adulthood with a proper diet and regular exercise. Unfortunately, osteoporosis is not often considered during this time in a persons life.

Risk Factors

In premenopausal women, estrogen produced in the body maintains bone density. Following the onset of menopause, bone loss increases each year and can result in a total loss of 25%-30% of bone density in the first five to ten years after menopause. Your doctor can help you decide when and if you need a bone density test. In general, this testing is recommended for women 65 and older along with younger postmenopausal women who have further risk factors for osteoporosis.

Some of the confusion about the test is understandable because official recommendations and advice from physicians on when to first get tested isnt in perfect agreement.

For instance, the National Osteoporosis Foundation as well as the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists recommends all women aged 65 and over, as well as women and men after age fifty who experience fractures, get a bone density test. They also suggest that younger women who have gone through menopause and have one or more risk factors (such as family history of spine fractures) get tested, too.

Despite those guidelines, many physicians say that all average, healthy women should get a bone density test when they enter menopause, says Laura Tosi, MD, director of the bone health program at Childrens National Medical Center in Washington. That makes sense, she says, because bone loss tends to speed up in the years after menopause, so getting a baseline idea of where you stand as you enter menopause gives you something to compare later scans to.

And some women should get the test even earlier, Tosi says. For instance, a woman who is 40 or so and suffers a "fragility" fracture -- a bone break that occurs when you fall from a standing height (about 5.5 feet or less) -- should get a bone density test, Tosi says. That type of fracture, she reasons, doesnt occur to strong bones.

Women who have been on high-dose corticosteroid medications to treat autoimmune disease such as lupus, along with women who have thyroid disease, should consider a bone density test, too, Tosi says, because they are more likely than others to have lower bone density.

The list of the some risk factors, emphasizing the importance of the bone density tests in women are as follows:

• A history of bone fractures as an adult or having a close relative with a history of bone fractures
• Tobacco Smoking
• Vitamin D deficiency, which can occur as a result of certain medical conditions
• Excessive alcohol or caffeine consumption (three or more servings a day)
• Weight loss or low body weight (less than 127 lbs or 58 kg); small-boned body frame
• Early menopause or late onset of menstrual periods
• Physical inactivity
• Long-term use of steroid medications, such as prednisone or phenytoin, (Dilantin). known to cause bone loss
• Low estrogen levels
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• A disorder strongly associated with osteoporosis, such as diabetes, untreated hyperthyroidism, hyperparathyroidism, early menopause, chronic malnutrition or malabsorption, or chronic liver disease

Types of Bone Density Tests

There are several different types of bone density tests.

Dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) — Experts agree that the most useful and reliable bone density test is a specialized kind of x-ray called dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry, or DXA. DXA provides precise measurements of bone density at important bone sites (such as the spine, hip, and forearm) with minimal radiation.

The most recommended DXA tests are of the hip and spine because measurements at these sites are effective for predicting osteoporotic fracture at any site, choosing candidates for therapy, and for monitoring response to therapy. If you are unable to lie on an examination table, it is impossible to measure the spine and hip bone density. Instead, you can sit beside the DXA machine for a scan of your wrist area. When the hip and spine cannot be measured, the diagnosis of osteoporosis can be made using a DXA measurement of the wrist.

Quantitative computerized tomography — This is a type of CT that provides accurate measures of bone density in the spine. Although this test may be an alternative to DXA, it is seldom used because it is expensive and requires a higher radiation dose.

Ultrasonography — Ultrasound can be used to measure the bone density of the heel. This may be useful to determine a persons fracture risk. However, it is used less frequently than DXA because there are no guidelines that use ultrasound measurements to diagnose osteoporosis or predict fracture risk. In areas that do not have access to DXA, ultrasound is an acceptable way to measure bone density.

DXA Test Procedure

Unlike a bone scan, bone densitometry testing does not involve the administration of radioactive contrast material into the bloodstream. The central bone density device is used in hospitals and medical offices, while the smaller peripheral device is available in some drugstores and in screening sites in the community. The DEXA scan involves a much smaller radiation exposure than a standard chest x-ray.

During DXA, you lie on an examination table. An x-ray detector scans a bone region, and the amount of x-rays that pass through bone are measured and displayed as an image that is interpreted by a radiologist or metabolic bone expert. The test causes no discomfort, involves no injections or special preparation, and usually takes only 5 to 10 minutes. The x-ray detector will detect any metal on your clothing (zippers, belt buckles), so you may be asked to wear a gown for the test.

The amount of radiation thats used is minimal, amounting to roughly the same radiation that an average person gets from the environment in one day. After the test is completed and the doctor interprets the results, you will be given a score that speaks to the condition of the bones.

DXA Test Results

The results of a bone density test are expressed either as a "T" or a "Z" score. T-scores represent numbers that compare the condition of your bones with those of an average young person with healthy bones. Z scores instead represent numbers that compare the condition of your bones with those of an average person your age. Of these two numbers, the T-score is usually the most important. T-scores are usually in the negative or minus range. The lower the bone density T-score, the greater the risk of fracture is.

Normal bone density — People with normal bone density have a T-score between +1 and -1. People who have a score in this range do not typically need treatment, but it is useful for them to take steps to prevent bone loss, such as having adequate amounts of calcium and vitamin D and doing weight-bearing exercise.

Low bone mass (osteopenia) — Low bone mass (osteopenia) is the term healthcare providers use to describe bone density that is lower than normal but that has not yet reached the low levels seen with osteoporosis.

A person with osteopenia does not yet have osteoporosis, but is at risk of developing it. People with osteopenia have a T-score between -1.1 and -2.4.

Osteoporosis — People with osteoporosis have a T-score of -2.5 or less. Larger numbers (e.g., -3.2) indicate lower bone density because this is a negative number.

Sources and Additional Information:

http://www.medicinenet.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=41585

http://www.uptodate.com/contents/patient-information-bone-density-testing-beyond-the-basics

http://mana.md/services/otc.html

http://www.medicinenet.com/bone_density_scan/article.htm

http://www.webmd.com/osteoporosis/features/bone-density-clue-to-your-future

Dementia Risk and Midlife Coffee Drinking

A study, published in the January 2009 issue of the Journal of Alzheimers Disease, has found that midlife coffee drinking can cut down the risk of dementia risk later in life.

The study has found that coffee drinkers at midlife had lower risk for dementia and Alzheimers disease or AD later in life compared to those who drink little or no coffee. The lowest risk was found among moderate coffee drinkers (drinking 3-5 cups of coffee daily). Medical researchers noted that given the large amount of coffee consumption globally, the results might have important implications for the prevention of or delaying the onset of dementia or AD.

Basic Male and Female brains differences

Youve heard the saying more than once. "Men are from Mars, women are from Venus." It is actually a title of the book written by John Gray in 1992 offering many suggestions for improving men-women relationships in couples by understanding the communication style and emotional needs of the opposite gender. In contrast to some psychologists and feminists who emphasize similarities between the sexes, Gray writes almost exclusively about differences. While it is always been obvious that differences indeed exist between men and women, the theory that female and male brains differ, however, was not so clear. Now research is confirming that the brains of men and women are subtly different.

 More than 99 percent of male and female genetic coding is exactly the same. Out of the thirty thousand genes in the human genome,  the  less  than  one  percent  variation  between  the  sexes  is small. But that seemingly non-essential percentage difference influences every single cell in our bodies—from the nerves that register pleasure and pain to the neurons that transmit perception, thoughts, feelings, and emotions. To the observing eye, the brains of females and males are not the same. Male brains are larger by about 9 percent, even after correcting for body size. In the nineteenth century, scientists took this to mean that women had less mental capacity than men. Women and men, however, have the same number of brain cells. The cells are just packed more densely in women—placed into a smaller skull.

For much of the twentieth century, most scientists assumed that women were essentially small men, neurologically and in every other sense except for their reproductive functions. That assumption has been at the heart of enduring misunderstandings about female psychology and physiology. When you look a little deeper into the brain differences, they reveal what makes woman a woman and man a man.

Main basic differences in the brains of males and females

 (1)   Total brain size: In adults, the average brain weight in men is about 10-12% MORE than the average brain weight in women. Mens heads are also about 2% bigger than womens. . This is due to the larger physical stature of men. Male’s larger muscle mass and larger body size requires more neurons to control them. This does not suggest that due to the larger brain, males are smarter than females.

(2)   Cell number: men have 4% more brain cells than women, and about 100 grams more of brain tissue. this may explain why women are more prone to dementia (such as Alzheimers disease) than  men, because although both may lose the same number of neurons due to the disease, "in males, the functional reserve may be greater as a larger number of nerve cells are present, which could prevent some of the functional losses."

(3)   Cellular connections: while men have more neurons in the cerebral cortex, women have a more developed neuropil, or the space between cell bodies, which contain synapses, dendrites and axons, and allows for communication among neurons.

(4)   Corpus callosum: it is reported that a womans brain has a larger corpus collusum, which means women can transfer data between the right and left hemisphere faster than men. Men tend to be more left brained, while women have greater access to both sides.(however other studies have told a different story).

(5)   Hypothalamus: LeVay discovered that the volume of a specific nucleus in the hypothalamus (third cell group of the interstitial nuclei of the anterior hypothalamus) is twice as large in heterosexual men than in women and homosexual men, thus prompting a heated debate whether there is a biological basis for homosexuality .

(6)   Language: two areas in the frontal and temporal lobes related to language (the areas of Broca and Wernicke) were significantly larger in women, thus providing a biological reason for womens notorious superiority in language-associated thoughts. For men, language is most often just in the dominant hemisphere (usually the left side), but a larger number of women seem to be able to use both sides for language. This gives them a distinct advantage. If a woman has a stroke in the left front side of the brain, she may still retain some language from the right front side. Men who have the same left sided damage are less likely to recover as fully. Curiously, oriental people which use pictographic (or ideographic) written languages tend also to use both sides of the brain, regardless of gender.

(7)   Inferior parietal lobule (IPL): it is a brain region in the cortex, which is significantly larger in men than in women. This area is bilateral and is located just above the level of the ears (parietal cortex). Furthermore, the left side IPL is larger in men than the right side. In women, this asymmetry is reversed, although the difference between left and right sides is not so large as in men. This is the same area which was shown to be larger in the brain of Albert Einstein, as well as in other physicists and mathematicians. So, it seems that IPLs size correlates highly with mental mathematical abilities. Studies have linked the right IPL with the memory involved in understanding and manipulating spatial relationships and the ability to sense relationships between body parts. It is also related to the perception of our own affects or feelings. The left IPL is involved with perception of time and speed, and the ability of mentally rotate 3-D figures .

(8)    Orbitofrontal to amygdale ratio (OAR): In one project, they measured the size of the orbitofrontal cortex, a region involved in regulating emotions, and compared it with the size of the amygdala, implicated more in producing emotional reactions. The investigators found that women possess a significantly larger orbitofrontal-to-amygdala ratio (OAR) than men do. One can speculate from these findings that women might on average prove more capable of controlling their emotional reactions.

(9)   Limbic size: females, on average, have a larger deep limbic system than males. This gives females several advantages and disadvantages. Due to the larger deep limbic brain women are more in touch with their feelings, they are generally better able to express their feelings than men. They have an increased ability to bond and get connected to others. Females have a more acute sense of smell, which is likely to have developed from an evolutionary need for the mother to recognize her young. Having a larger deep limbic system leaves a female somewhat more susceptible to depression, especially at times of significant hormonal changes such as the onset of puberty, before menses, after the birth of a child and at menopause. Women attempt suicide three times more than men. Yet, men kill themselves three times more than women, in part, because they use more violent means of killing themselves (women tend to use overdoses with pills while men tend to either shoot or hang themselves) and men are generally less connected to others than are women. Disconnection from others increases the risk of completed suicides.

Sources and Additional Information:

The Female Brain by Louann Brizendine, 2006

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Men_Are_from_Mars,_Women_Are_from_Venus

http://www.thirdage.com/love-romance/the-male-vs-the-female-brain

http://www.doctorhugo.org/brain4.html

http://www.nypost.com/p/news/opinion/opedcolumnists/inside_the_male_brain_female_brain_jvGvOr2EQM8J8SVWGdzYYI/0

Antihistamines and Decongestants – Runny Stuffy Nose and Sinus

What can you take to treat a runny, stuffy nose and sinus? You may want to know that there are a variety of over-the-counter (OTC) products that may be used.

In fact, the two most common of these medications are antihistamines and oral decongestants. Antihistamines are known to treat “runny nose” symptoms, and are most commonly found in allergy, cough and cold products. How they work is by blocking histamine (a chemical that is released in our body), that cause itchy, watery eyes, runny nose, and other symptoms which are commonly seen in other types of allergies. It is good to know that the most common side effect of antihistamines is drowsiness.

Also, prescription drugs and medications may interact with antihistamines to produce a more sedating effect, such as but are not limited to sleep aid, and medications used to treat anxiety. If you are living with certain medical conditions, including enlarged prostate, urinary problems, glaucoma or are currently taking certain prescription drugs, medications or alternative medicine, it is wise to consult a doctor before starting therapy with antihistamines.

On the other hand, decongestants are used to treat a stuffy or plugged up nose. How it works is by reducing swollen mucous membranes and nasal congestion, making it easier to breathe. Like antihistamines, decongestants should be used with caution if you diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, glaucoma, enlarged prostate or having overactive thyroid.

As a precaution, always consult your physician before staring any medications, prescription drugs or alternative medicine.

Reference

Antihistamins Examples of antihistamines without a prescription include those first-generation antihistamines such as brompheniramine (Dimetapp, Bromphen, Dimetane, Nasahist), chlorpheniramine (Chlor-Trimeton), clemastine (Allerhist, Tavist), and diphenhydramine (Benadryl), and a second-generation antihistamineloratadine (Claritin). Please note that Loratadine (Claritin) does not cause drowsiness. Common prescription antihistamines (all second-generation antihistamines) include cetirizine (Zyrtec), desloratadine (Clarinex), and fexofenadine (Allegra). These antihistamines (and loratadine) are less likely to cause adverse effects like drowsiness or dry mouth. Several antihistamine nasal sprays, for example, azelastine/Astelin, are also available to treat symptoms such as runny nose, sneezing, and itchy nose.

Decongestants Pseudoephedrine (Sudafed), naphazoline (4-Way Fast-Acting Nasal Spray), and oxymetazoline (Afrin Nasal Spray) are examples of decongestants.

Rosacea

What is Rosacea? What can I do if I have Rosacea?

Rosacea is a flush or rash on our chin, nose, cheeks, and forehead, and is noticeably with small bumps and pimples on our cheeks, sore eyes and eyelids, and may rarely with a swollen, red nose. Flare-ups are due to inflammation of the tiny blood vessels under our skin. On why rosacea develops in the first place is remained unknown, but medical statistics show that rosacea condition seems to run in families, and is more common in women aged 30-55, and sadly to say may persist throughout ones life.

However, rosacea is believed is a condition triggered by factors such as emotional stress, alcohol, or hot and spicy food. The important thing that we should know about is that flare-ups are usually caused by something that makes us flush or overheat.

From the alternative medicine and practical home medical treatment point of view to reduce the symptoms, you can:

1. Some foods and drinks trigger attacks. Try to identify which, if any, are affecting you. By doing so, it will help you to avoid those trigger substances, i.e. particular foods and drinks, such as coffee, alcohol, and spicy food, that can cause flare-ups of rosacea. What you can do is to keep a diary of your symptoms and what you have eaten when they occur. Also, try eliminating any suspect foods or drinks for up to 6 weeks to see if there is an improvement, you may reintroduce foods and drinks one at a time, noting which provoke an attack and need to be avoided.
   
   

2. Use mild cleansers and avoid any that contain alcohol. Remember not to rub your face hard.
   
   
3. Put a cold compress, i.e. a face cloth soaked in ice-cold water on the flushed areas to cool your skin.
   
   
4. lf you are a man with rosacea, use an electric shaver rather than wet shave.
   
   
5. Bathe or shower in tepid, rather than hot water.
   
   
6. Use a moisturizer to protect your skin against the drying effects of cold weather.
   
   
7. Wear cotton rather than wool and dress in layers so you can remove a layer if you begin to feel hot.
   
   
8. To minimize redness, you may try a green-tinted foundation. You should choose one that is specially formulated for sensitive skin. Should you want to use camouflage creams, seek specialist advice on selecting and applying them.

How do I prevent or reduce the frequency and severity of attacks?

• It is important to know that sunlight can cause flare-ups, hence stay in the shade on hot summer days and wear a hat. When you are in the sun, use a sunscreen and sunblock with titanium dioxide or zinc oxide, if you have very fair skin and for all children since they are less likely to irritate your skin. What you could do is to apply sunscreen 30 minutes before going out, and should reapply every 2 hours, and each time after you have been swimming.
  
  What are sunscreens and sunblocks? These are products designed to protect our skin from harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays in sunlight. You may want to know that sunscreen are graded by sun protection factor, i.e. SPF. Usually a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15 is recommended as it can protect us against both UVA and UVB rays. In fact, most people need an SPF of 15 or higher, that says the fairer your skin, the higher the factor is required, and much higher factors may be needed at high altitude, or when skiing, for example.
  
  
• Do know the effect of and avoid the rapid changes of temperature, for example, going straight from the cold outdoors into a hot room.
  
  
• Try to practise deep breathing exercises and muscle relaxation techniques, if you tend to have flare-ups of rosacea when you are feeling under stress.

How about natural remedies and vitamin supplements?

As far as this is concerned, just be sure to give them a chance to work, as their full effect may not be obvious for several weeks.

Below is a list for easy reference:

• Borage oil / Evening primrose oil / Flaxseed oil / Grape seed extract – can speed the healing of skin, as well as have an anti-inflammatory effect, in turn will help relieve itching and irritation, and to stimulate the contraction of the blood vessels.
  
  
• Vitamin A - keeps our skin cells from excessive thickening and hardening.
  
  
• Vitamin B complex – especially the riboflavin. Work by compensating for a deficiency in B vitamins commonly found in people with rosacea. Medical research has indicated that riboflavin can improve our skins resistance to the mite Dermodex follicularum, a possible cause of rosacea.
  
  
• Vitamin B12 - the added dose of vitamin B12, together with B complex is beneficial for cell growth and repair.
  
  
• Vitamin C and flavonoids - well-known for their nutritional necessities for optimal performance of blood vessels, capillaries and connective tissue, since people with rosacea have a disorder in the small blood vessels beneath their skin.
  
  
• Zinc with copper – can aid in healing irritation of the epidermis, i.e. the top layer of the skin.

However, be aware and be cautious for each drug and nutrient interactions if you have other medical conditions and/or you are taking prescription or non-prescription drugs/medications.

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Homemade hair loss treatment

Hair loss home treatment, hair loss pattern. how to tutorial about facial hair remedies, home remedies for facial hair, facial hair home remedy, Health and Fitness with step by step guide, Best Homemade Wax To Get Rid Of Unwanted Facial Hair

Besides getting rid of unwanted facial hair, home remedies effectively soothes your skin and adds healthy glow to your skin. Listed below are few effective home remedies to remove facial hair:

Make a smooth paste of gram flour with milk or water. To this paste add a pinch of turmeric and 1 tsp of fresh cream. Apply this paste on your face but make sure that you apply in the same direction of the hair growth. Leave it to dry and then gently scrub off but in opposite direction. Follow this home remedy regularly; it reduces the hair growth significantly.
Prepare a mixture of sugar, lemon juice and water. Apply this mixture on your face but in the same direction of hair growth. Leave it for 10-15 minutes and then rinse it off with clear water. For effective results, follow this home remedy to remove facial hair at least twice a week.
In the direction of hair growth, apply a mixture of 4 tsp of honey and 1 tbsp of lemon juice. Leave it to dry for 10-15 minutes and then rinse it off with clear water. Repeat this process at least twice a week.

Make a smooth paste of turmeric with milk and apply it on your face. Moving your fingers in circular motion, gently scrub off it. Then rinse it off with cold water. This is considered to be highly effective home remedy to remove facial hair.

With 1 tbsp of sugar and ½ tbsp of corn flour, blend 1 egg until it becomes sticky paste. Apply this sticky paste on your face in the same direction of hair growth. Allow it to dry and then peel it off in opposite direction. For best results, repeat this home remedy for 3-4 times in a week.