Arthritis literally means “inflammation of a joint.” In some forms of arthritis, such as osteoarthritis, the inflammation arises because the smooth covering (articular cartilage) on the ends of bones become damaged or worn. Osteoarthritis is usually found in one, usually weight-bearing, joint.

In other forms of arthritis, such as rheumatoid arthritis, the joint lining becomes inflamed as part of a disease process that affects the entire body. Some other types of arthritis are: seronegative spondyloarthropathies, crystalline deposition disease, and septic arthritis.

Arthritis is a major cause of lost work time and serious disability for many people. Although arthritis is mainly a disease of adults, children may also have it.

Anatomy

Arthritis is a disease of the joint. A joint is where the ends of two or more bones meet. The knee joint, for example, is formed between the bones of lower leg (the tibia and the fibula) and the thighbone (the femur). The hip joint is where the top of the thighbone (femoral head) meets a concave portion of the pelvis (the acetabulum).

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Pakistan has the highest rate of breast cancer for any Asian population. Every year 90,000 women are diagnosed and 40,000 women are killed by this disease. October is internationally celebrated as the Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Given below are some facts and information related to breast cancer.

What is Breast Cancer?

Just eh word can be frightening and makes some people think of death. But what is it, really? What happens in your body and why is it so hard to diagnose and treat this disease? The term cancer covers more than a hundred disease that share one trait, cells grow out of control and destroy healthy tissues. It is important to know that nearly nine million people alive today have history of cancer New treatments are continually being developed. Thus the fear your might feel when you learn that a friend or relative has cancer can be tempered with hope.

There are more than 100 different types of cancer that can affect the body. Most cancers are treatable, and research is constantly improving treatment of all cancer. For women the most common type is Breast Cancer. Cells in the body normally divide at a steady, even pace. New cells are formed to take the place of old and injured cells. Sometimes, however, when cells divide and multiply rapidly, they form a lump also called a tumor.

Nearly 80 percent of finding on mammogram are not cancer. They are usually benign tumors, a cyst or some other non cancerous condition. A tumor is defined as cancer only when it can invade nearby tissues and organs and damage them. Then it is called malignant. If breast cancer spreads it usually shows up first in the lymph nodes near the armpit. These nodes are part of the lymphatic system, which, like the blood circulation system, carries fluids though out the system. The fluid known as lymph may carry cancer cells to other parts of the body, where they can start new tumors.

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Your eyes itch, your nose is running, you’re sneezing and you’re covered in hives. The enemy knows as allergies have struck again — and all you want to do is curl up into a ball of misery. There has to be something you can do to feel better. After all, doctors seem to have a cure for everything right? Not for allergies. There are, however, ways to relieve allergy symptoms or avoid getting the symptoms, even though you can’t actually get rid of the allergies themselves.

What are Allergies?

Allergies are abnormal immune system reaction to things that are typically harmless to most people. When you’re allergic to something, your immune system mistakenly believes that this substance is harmful to your body. (Substances that cause allergic reactions, such as certain foods, dust, plat pollen, or medicines, are known as allergens). In an attempt to protect the body, the immune system produces IgE antibodies to that allergen. Those antibodies then cause certain cells in the body to release chemicals into the bloodstream, one of which is histamine.

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What is anorexia?

Anorexia nervosa, commonly referred to simply as anorexia, is a type of eating disorder. More importantly, it is also a psychological disorder. Anorexia is a condition that goes beyond out-of-control dieting. A person with anorexia initially begins dieting to lose weight. Over time, the weight loss becomes a sign of mastery and control. The drive to become thinner is actually secondary to concerns about control and fears relating to one’s body. The individual continues the endless cycle of restrictive eating often to a point close to starvation in order to feel a sense of control over the body. This cycle becomes an obsession and is similar to any type of drug or substance addiction.

Who is at risk for anorexia?

Approximately 95 percent of those affected by anorexia are female, but males can develop the disorder as well. While anorexia typically begins to manifest itself during early adolescence, it is also seen in young children and adults.

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Munching a bowl of blueberries for breakfast can stop you flagging in the afternoon, a new study shows.

Researchers found that a large helping of the fruit – described by some as nature’s ‘super-food’ – boosts concentration and memory up to five hours later.

In tests, volunteers who drank a blueberry smoothie in the morning did much better at mental tasks in the mid afternoon than people who had an alternative drink. British scientists who made the discovery believe the antioxidants in blueberries stimulate the flow of blood and oxygen to the brain – and keep the mind fresh.

The finding means people could use blueberries and other fruit rich in antioxidants to improve their chances during exams or on long, difficult days at work. Dr. Jeremy Spencer of Reading University, who carried out the study, said: ‘After one hour there was little difference in the attention test.

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