‘Radiation knife’ cuts through tumours where conventional surgery fails

London, May 20 : Scientists have come up with a revolutionary new tool, called a gamma knife, which uses radio waves to treat life-threatening tumours that could not be removed through conventional surgery.

The gamma knife would utilise radio waves to help surgeons operate on growths inside the head and neck.

It would help in the treatment of cancer patients who were told that their tumour could not be treated.

The tool can also relieve pressure from tumours pressing on nerves inside patients’ heads, thereby helping save their sight and hearing.

However, the technique is not available to patients with non-cancerous tumours posing danger to vital blood vessels in the head, or to those whose cancer has spread to the brain.

While this knife cannot relieve a patient from cancerous tumours in the brain, it does help in increasing longevity. However, for those having dangerous but non-cancerous growths near blood vessels and glands it can surely be helpful in saving life.

For the treatment, the patient’s head is locked in a metal frame and then the researchers take scans for locating the tumour and finally they target gamma radiation beams at the exact site. The surgeon then continues with the procedure without any damage to the surrounding tissue.

The best part about this two-hour long operation is that it is painless and mostly does away with a general anaesthetic. And as it does no involve open surgery, it will help the patients to recover speedily.

Not only does it help in the treatment of tumours in the head and neck, but the technique may also help in treating defects in blood vessels that can cause seizures and headaches.

The scientists are already trying to develop ways to establish the effectiveness of gamma knife surgery in epilepsy, nerve disorders that cause severe pain in the face and head and in movement disorders such as Parkinson's disease.

"In the coming years GKS will undoubtedly have a great deal to offer many patients whose conditions were previously untreatable, or else could only be partially or inadequately treated," The Telegraph quoted Phil Blackburn, of the Royal London and St Bartholomew's hospitals and the London Radiosurgical Centre, as saying.

Healthy living habits can prevent of various types of cancer

An international research once again emphasized the importance of healthy living style in prevention of various types of cancer. Earlier studies have also shown importance of healthy diet and exercises on different types of cancer. Recent findings indicated that healthy diets, more exercise and controlling weight could also prevent more than 40 percent of colon and breast cancer cases in some countries.

For recent study, 23 experts analyzed the incidence of 12 common cancers across the world and data on diet, exercise and weight. Data analysis revealed that healthier living can prevent 43 percent of colon cancer cases and 42 percent of breast cancer cases in Britain, and 45 percent of bowel cancer and 38 percent of breast cancer cases in the United States.

Lead researcher, Michael Marmot, the World Cancer Research Fund and the American Institute for Cancer Research, said: "At the time of publication, roughly 11 million people worldwide are diagnosed with cancer and nearly eight million people die from cancer each year."

He added: "However, cancer is mostly preventable."

How to stay healthy – the Barbie way

As Barbie gears up to celebrate her 50th birthday, an American researcher weighs in on what the doll with hourglass curves did to boost her health.

At 11½-inches, Barbie, who turns 50 on March 9, has had more careers than most of people have clothes.

According to Cindy Haines, M. D., a family doctor and clinical assistant professor of family and community medicine at Saint Louis University, she's a poster child for what happens when you take good care of yourself.

"While Barbie probably has been blessed with good genes, she has obviously paid attention to her health and focused ahead to do what she can to prevent health problems. You can tell that she's an excellent patient and puts a health at the top of her priority list," Haines said.

"Having been a tennis player, aerobics instructor, equestrian, lifeguard, ballet dancer, and gymnast, Barbie loves to exercise and has washboard abs and a tiny waist to prove it. She knows that regular, weight bearing activity is one of the best things you can do to keep your bones strong and stave off osteoporosis," the expert added.

Barbie's been a McDonald's cashier, candy saleswoman and a soda fountain waitress, but likely rejects most food sold on the job, Haines said.

"She probably loves the Mediterranean diet, which is rich in fruits and vegetables that contain a high ratio of antioxidants to combat aging. Because she watches what she eats and exercises, her cholesterol levels likely are on target, and she probably doesn't have to take medication," the expert said.

Barbie may enjoy an occasional cocktail now and then, Haines said. And she's never smoked.

"You can tell because her skin is nice and firm, she has long luxurious hair and bright, white teeth. And on the inside, I suspect her heart is strong, her arteries plaque-free and her lungs are clear," she said.

Although Barbie never married and had children, she's surrounded herself with loved ones.

"Numerous studies show that staying socially connected and living up to your potential can help ward off dementia, so Barbie is doing what she can to stay mentally healthy," Haines said.

Barbie might have received a little plastic surgery or cosmetic assist to help her defy gravity and look her best, Haines acknowledged.

"She may have had some fillers. There are definitely things you can do to make slight tweaks in your appearance," she said. (

Frog’s immune system is key in fight against killer virus

Scientists have discovered how changes to a frog's immune system may be the key to beating a viral infection which is devastating frog populations across the UK.

Communities of common frogs (Rana temporaria) are being struck down by a foreign virus which is estimated to be killing tens of thousands of frogs in the UK each year.

When it strikes garden ponds, the surrounding lawn becomes strewn with dead frogs, some with skin ulcers so severe they reduce limbs to stumps, others with internal bleeding.

The virus, called Ranavirus, has invaded the home counties around London, and is now spreading north and west.

Now, Dr Amber Teacher has described how the frogs' immune system has responded to the virus.

Working with her fellow scientists at Queen Mary, University of London and experts at the Institute of Zoology, she studied ponds where Ranavirus deaths are occurring year after year, and consistently found changes to a gene called the MHC, which codes for a major part of the frog''s immune system.

"It seems, as Darwin would have predicted, that the plucky surviving frogs have passed on to their descendants an immune system which is better tuned to the new threat," said Dr Teacher.

Teacher also found that the frogs' immune systems are simpler than many other animals, including humans, who have several MHC genes doing a similar job.

"This discovery has helped identify the point in our evolutionary history when this multiplication of genes occurred. With luck, even the frog's simpler system will be sufficient to win their battle," she said.

According to Teacher's colleague Professor Richard Nichols, from Queen Mary's School of Biological and Chemical Sciences,"From a scientific point of view, we could learn as much about the fight against viruses, whether the frogs succumb or they don't; but from a personal point of view, I hope these changes are the first signs that the frogs getting the upper hand over the virus."

Air pollution affects lung function in kids with asthma

A new study has revealed that inner-city kids with asthma experience adverse health effects from air pollutants even when air pollution levels are within the current air quality standards.

The findings are based on a study, which analysed the short-term effects of outdoor pollution levels on asthma symptoms and lung function in children.

For the study, researchers used data from the NIAID Inner-City Asthma Study (ICAS) and examined 861 kids with persistent asthma, aged 5 to 12 years, living in low-income areas in seven U. S. inner-city communities.

For two years, the researchers monitored the kids’ asthma symptoms, breathing function, school absences, and obtained daily outdoor pollution measurements from the EPA’s Aerometric Information Retrieval System on a regular basis.

Every six months, researchers tested lung function twice daily over a two-week period. They also asked the kids’ parents for their observations of their children’s symptoms.

Following the analysis, researchers found that children had significantly decreased lung function following exposure to higher concentrations of the air pollutants sulfur dioxide, airborne fine particles, and nitrogen dioxide.

They also found that higher nitrogen dioxide levels and higher levels of fine particles also were associated with school absences related to asthma, and higher nitrogen dioxide levels were associated with more asthma symptoms.

Since nitrogen dioxide is derived mainly from motor vehicle exhaust, the study provides evidence that car emissions might be causing adverse respiratory health effects in these urban children who have asthma.

Researchers report that inner-city children with asthma experience adverse health effects from air pollutants even when air pollution levels are within the current air quality standards of the Environmental Protection Agency.

The findings of the study raise questions about the current air quality standards and suggest that part of overall asthma management for children living in inner cities may need to include efforts to reduce exposure to air pollutants.

Rotator cuff repair surgery provides long-term pain relief, improves shoulder functions

A rotator cuff repair surgery can help significantly reduce pain and improve shoulder functions, even after a tear recurrence, according to a new study.

Rotator cuff tears occur due to traumatic events like a fall or wear and tear over a period of time, something that is more common in athletes.

The study, to be presented at the 2009 American Orthopaedic Society of Sports Medicine Specialty Day in Las Vegas, evaluated a group of 15 patients about eight years after they received rotator cuff repair.

"We initially tested the patients at three years after their surgery and found that those with a recurrence of a tear were doing well," says lead author Dr. Christopher Dodson, of the Hospital for Special Surgery in New York City where 839 rotator cuff repairs were preformed last year.

"The study analyzed whether having the original surgery produced any long-term benefits for the patient," he adds.

At an average of eight years after surgery, 15 patients completed four assessment surveys, of which 11 were re-examined with ultrasound testing.

The researchers observed that those who with recurrent rotator cuff defects were still better off in terms of pain, function, and strength than they were before the rotator cuff was originally repaired.

They also found that the recurrent tears grew in size, but remained painless and did not affect function.

According to them, none of the patients had needed further treatment or surgery, and none experienced any persistent shoulder pain.

"Our obvious concern for patients who have a recurrent rotator cuff defect after surgical repair is that symptoms may recur over time. Our study concluded that the patient will experience long-term benefit from surgery and remain asymptomatic, even if a recurrent defect is present. This is encouraging for both the surgeon and the patient undergoing rotator cuff repair," say the authors.

Two glasses of milk a day can help prevent Alzheimer''s

Just two glasses of milk a day can help prevent Alzheimer's disease in old age, suggests a new study.

University of Oxford researchers have identified a vitamin that is believed to cut neurological damage to the brain that can lead to dementia.

They have found that older adults with low levels of the vitamin B12 suffer twice as much shrinkage of the brain as those with higher levels of the vitamin in their bodies.

The researchers suggest that increasing vitamin B12 intake in elderly could help slow cognitive decline.

Professor David Smith, from the Oxford Project to Investigate Memory and Ageing, said drinking just two glasses of milk a day would be enough to increase levels of vitamin B12 to an adequate level.

"Our study shows that consuming around half a litre of milk or more per day, and it can be skimmed milk, could take someone who has marginal levels of B12 into the safe range. But even drinking just two glasses a day can protect against having low levels," the Telegraph quoted him as saying.

While meat contain some of the highest levels of the vitamin B12, it was poorly absorbed by the body when eaten.

Professor Smith, along with scientists from Oslo University and Bergen University, in Norway, found the highest levels of vitamin B12 absorbed by the body came from milk, despite having lower B12 concentrations than meat.

The study showed that around 55 per cent of the vitamin in milk entered the blood stream.

"In meat, B12 can be tightly bound to protein and this bond has to be broken down by acid in the stomach before the body can use it," said Smith.

"Older people have lower levels of acid and so it is much harder for them to get B12 from certain foods. In milk, the binding is readily reversible," he added.

During the study, brain scans of patients who have a vitamin B12 deficiency have revealed that they suffer more brain loss, or atrophy, than those with higher intake of the vitamin.

"We are currently preparing to unmask a two-year trial of 180 people over the age of 70 with memory problems, who were either given Vitamin B12 or a placebo," he said.

"We have been taking volumetric MRI scans to look at whether the vitamin treatment has slowed down the atrophy in the brain," he added.

The research is published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.

New incision-free procedure raises hope for severe acid reflux patients

Washington, Mar 1: Patients with severe, chronic acid reflux disease have been offered a new hope - a unique incision-free procedure called TIF, or transoral incisionless fundoplication.

Chronic GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease) is a painful heartburn caused when stomach acid breaks through what is supposed to be a one-way valve - the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) - and reverses into the esophagus.

GERD can raise the risk of cancer of the esophagus, and can cause damage due to inhalation of stomach acid.

While most patients are prescribed a daily medication, it is sometimes ineffective. In addition, new research indicates that continued drug therapy might cause calcium depletion, contributing to osteoporosis.

"Drug therapy, when it works, is simply masking an underlying anatomic defect. The TIF procedure corrects the source of the problem by repairing the faulty lower esophageal sphincter in order to keep stomach acid where it belongs," says Dr. Marc Bessler, director of laparoscopic surgery and director of the Center for Obesity Surgery at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital/Columbia University Medical Center, and assistant professor of surgery at Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons.

The procedure is performed under general anesthesia and takes less than an hour.

The clinician inserts a specially-designed device through the patient''s mouth and into the stomach, just below the gastroesophageal junction, where tissue is molded to create a new valve.

"In most cases, the result is an elimination of reflux, with research showing that 80 percent of patients treated no longer need to take daily medications," says Dr. Peter D. Stevens, director of endoscopy, director of interventional endoscopy and medical director of the scarless surgery program at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital/Columbia University Medical Center, and associate professor of medicine at Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons.

"Because there are no incisions, the TIF procedure is more comfortable for the patient than the traditional open or laparoscopic approach, with a shorter hospital stay, improved recovery, and reduced risk of complications compared with open or laparoscopic surgery," adds Dr. Stevens.

"Unlike prior endoscopic treatments for reflux, the molding of the flap valve that holds back acid is expected to be much more robust and effective," the expert added.

Protein that provides ‘innate defense mechanism’ against HIV identified

Scientists have made a major breakthrough in AIDS research by identifying a protein, called CAML (calcium-modulating cyclophilin ligand), that inhibits the release of HIV-1 virus from human cells, thus aiding in the fight against HIV by finding new treatments.

It’s long been known that a majority of human cells carry a factor that controls the discharge of virus particles. However, it is now that the research team

from Emory University School of Medicine, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, and Mayo Medical School has identified CAML as the cellular protein that inhibits the release of HIV particles.

Usually, CAML hinders a very late step in the virus lifecycle, which results in the retention of HIV particles on the membrane of the cell. The virus has an inbuilt mechanism to cancel out CAML, by the action of the viral Vpu protein.

In the absence of Vpu, HIV particles are not cut off from the plasma membrane, but accumulate by a protein bound at the cell surface.

After depleting CAML in human cells in the laboratory, the researchers found that Vpu was not needed anymore for felicitating smooth exit of HIV-1 particles from the cell. After expressing

When they expressed CAML in cell types usually permitting particles to exit freely, they found that the particles remained attached to the cell surface.

"This research is important because it identifies CAML as an innate defense mechanism against HIV. We are continuing to work on the mechanism that Vpu uses to counteract CAML and on defining exactly how CAML leads to virus particle retention on the infected cell membrane. We hope this will lead us to new treatments," Nature quoted senior author Paul Spearman, professor of pediatrics (infectious diseases)

An Aspirin A Day Keeps BreastCancer Away

Yes, a new U.S. government study, published in BioMed Central's open-access journal BreastCancer Research on Wednesday, has articulated that a daily aspirin may give women modest protection against the most common type of breastcancer.The findings of the study has strengthened the findings of the earlier research indicating regular use of aspirin might reduce the risk of so-called estrogen receptor-positive breastcancer, which makes up about three quarters of breast cancer cases.Led by Gretchen Gierach of the National Cancer Institute, part of the National Institutes of Health, the study found that women who took aspirin daily cut their risk of developing this type of breastcancer by 16 percent. According to researchers, Estrogen receptor or ER-positive breast cancer is fueled by estrogen and aspirin may interfere with this hormone's activity.I

n a telephone interview, Gierach said, "If aspirin is truly risk-reducing, it would be a very exciting finding. Even though it's a small reduction in relative risk, since ER-positive breast cancers are the more common types, if this result is confirmed to be true it could have potentially a big public health impact.”The research studied about 127,000 women aged 51 to 72 from around the United States who were cancer-free when the study began. They found that about 18 percent of the women were daily aspirin users. They were tracked for seven years and about 4,500 of them developed breast cancer.However, the study did not find any relationship between aspirin and the less-common estrogen receptor-negative breast cancer.

It also did not find any protective effect in women who took aspirin less than daily.The study is the latest one to suggest aspirin offers benefits beyond relieving headaches and body aches and reducing fevers. Aspirin is a common anti-inflammatory painkiller that can be used to relieve symptoms of arthritis and prevent second heart attacks and other ailments.

Are You At Risk For Breast Cancer?

Each year, millions of women learn that they have developed breast cancer. Despite most commonly being found in women, breast cancer can also be diagnosed in men. That is why breast cancer is often considered one of the most common types of all diagnosable cancers. Fortunately, you if you are diagnosed as having cancer, there are a number of treatment options that may help you become cancer free. However, before that can occur, you need to be diagnosed as having breast cancer. When it comes to being diagnosed with breast cancer, a large amount of focus is placed on the signs and symptoms. While it is important to focus on the symptoms of breast cancer, they are not the only things that you should keep in mind. Although an exact cause of breast cancer has yet to be determined, there are a number of risk factors associated with the cancer. Determining whether or not any of these risk factors apply to you is one of the best ways, aside from regularly examining your body, to determine whether or not you may have breast cancer or end up developing it in the future.

You may be at a greater risk of developing breast cancer if someone else in your immediate family has also been diagnosed with having it. It has been noted that the BRCA1 gene and the BRCA2 gene have something to do with the development of breast cancer. Research is still being conducted on this; however, it is looking as if damaged cells, which may later account for breast cancer, are being passed down through family members. Therefore, if someone in your family has been diagnosed with breast cancer, there is a good chance that you may also develop it.
Your age may also increase your risk of developing breast cancer. While it is important to remember that breast cancer can occur at just about any age, there are a group of men and women who are more at risk. Those individuals are likely over the age of fifty. That is why it is recommended that all women over the age of forty undergo a yearly mammogram. Until that age, a self breast exam, performed by yourself or by a healthcare professional, should be enough. When you first started your menstrual cycle, as well as when it ended, may increase your risk of developing breast cancer. It has been noted that those who began their periods before the age of twelve are at an increased risk for developing breast cancer, later on in life. The same, in a way, can be said for menopause. Recent studies have shown that the later a woman begins menopause, the more at risk she is for developing breast cancer. Menopause should begin around the age of fifty-five.

If it starts to occur any later, you will want to be on the lookout for the signs and symptoms of breast cancer. Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and birth control pills have been known to increase a woman’s risk of developing breast cancer. These risk factors are not as high as the above mentioned risk factors, but a connection between breast cancer, hormone replacement therapy, as well as birth control pills has been established. Therefore, if you are currently on birth control pills or are undergoing hormone replacement therapy, it may be a good idea to speak to a healthcare professional.

Your OBGYN or primary care physician should be more than willing to give you inside and updated information on the connection between breast cancer and these two widely used medications. In addition to hormone replacement therapy, birth control pills, a family history, late menopause, early menstrual periods, and age, there are a number of other risk factors that have been connected to breast cancer. These additional risk factors include, are not limited to, radiation, and excessive alcohol consumption. Now that you know whether or not you are at an increased risk of developing breast cancer, you may be able to better prepare yourself for what you may find, now or in the future. If, at any point, you notice a lump in your breast or have unexplained breast pain, you are advised to seek medical assistance immediately. The sooner breast cancer is detected, the sooner it can be treated and gone from your life, hopefully forever.

Asbestos Related Diseases

Asbestos is used in over 3000 modern products and most people have suffered at least some degree of exposure to it at one point or another. Most asbestos exposure is limited to minute portions of well maintained building materials such as concrete, insulation and siding. Regular maintenance of these materials is important for preventing asbestos from degenerating into airborne fibers. Unfortunately, because asbestos is so widespread, it is impossible to compute the damage that even a small quantity can cause.

The lightweight nature of the asbestos particle facilitates airborne spreading of these deadly carcinogens. This is why most asbestos-related diseases affect the respiratory system. These are incurable diseases. Even tiny amounts of asbestos can inflict irreversible damage as symptoms usually only emerge 20 to 30 years down the road.

Mesothelioma, Asbestosis and lung cancer are consequences of prolonged asbestos exposure. Any contact with asbestos merits immediate medical consultation because treatment options and survival rates are greatly improved the earlier they’re detected. Unfortunately most asbestos-related conditions don’t show symptoms until the disease is terminally advanced. Most patients diagnosed with an asbestos-related condition rarely survive more than 18 months after diagnosis.

A Mesothelioma Patient's Guide to Nutrition

Feasting on the Four Food Groups

At some point during our childhood we have all been told to eat our vegetables. Forcing down tasteless green beans and brussels sprouts were supposed to make us taller and stronger. Well, so it is for mesothelioma patients. Diet is often an overlooked subject for cancer patients, but eating the right nutritional foods for strength and energy is just as important as taking the proper medication.

Mesothelioma patients undergoing treatment must follow a special cancer diet devised by their nutritionists. Cancer diets involve eating the correct amounts of protein and calories as well as drinking the right amount of water to keep the ailing body replenished and energized. The body needs plenty of nourishment when it is going through chemotherapy or even when the patient is taking certain medications.

Doctors and nutritionists may also recommend a special cancer diet because many mesothelioma patients tend to lose their appetites due to worry over their condition. Also, those who are undergoing treatment may choose not to eat because of the unpleasant side effects they may experience. Chemotherapy, for example, and even some particular medications may cause an imbalance of nutrients that must be corrected in order to keep the body as strong as possible and to keep the patient from losing an excessive amount of weight. Other side effects of mesothelioma treatment include nausea, vomiting, dry mouth, a change in the sense of smell or taste, and/or constipation.

Below are some of the important nutrients patients are encouraged to include in their

mesothelioma diet:

Protein is important for any cancer patient because it helps repair tissue damaged by surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation. Protein also helps maintain a strong and healthy immune system, lowering a mesothelioma patient’s risk of infection after aggressive cancer treatments. The National Cancer Institute recommends increasing protein in a cancer diet with cheese, milk, ice cream, yoghurt, eggs, nuts, peanut butter, meats and fish.

Fats are an essential part of the cancer diet because they supply the body with the necessary energy it needs while undergoing treatment. The amount of fats (meaning the number of calories) a cancer diet should consist of is dependent on a mesothelioma patient’s age and body size. The National Cancer Institute recommends increasing caloric intake with such foods as butter, milk, cheese, honey, sugar, granola and dried fruits.

Water is another essential element of the cancer diet. Without a substantial amount of water, the body will dehydrate. It is important that anyone undergoing cancer treatment receive enough water to keep their bodies hydrated and replenished.

The details of every patient’s mesothelioma diet will vary. Some patients will need to incorporate more fat into their diets, while others may need more protein. It is important that patients devise a cancer diet under the guidance of their doctor and nutritionist to ensure that they receive the proper amount of nutrients to improve their quality of life.

Mesothelioma: Questions and Answers

1. What is the mesothelium?

The mesothelium is a membrane that covers and protects most of the internal organs of the body. It is composed of two layers of cells: One layer immediately surrounds the organ; the other forms a sac around it. The mesothelium produces a lubricating fluid that is released between these layers, allowing moving organs (such as the beating heart and the expanding and contracting lungs) to glide easily against adjacent structures.

The mesothelium has different names, depending on its location in the body. The peritoneum is the mesothelial tissue that covers most of the organs in the abdominal cavity. The pleura is the membrane that surrounds the lungs and lines the wall of the chest cavity. The pericardium covers and protects the heart. The mesothelial tissue surrounding the male internal reproductive organs is called the tunica vaginalis testis. The tunica serosa uteri covers the internal reproductive organs in women.

2. What is mesothelioma?

Mesothelioma (cancer of the mesothelium) is a disease in which cells of the mesothelium become abnormal and divide without control or order. They can invade and damage nearby tissues and organs. Cancer cells can also metastasize (spread) from their original site to other parts of the body. Most cases of mesothelioma begin in the pleura or peritoneum.

3. How common is mesothelioma?

Although reported incidence rates have increased in the past 20 years, mesothelioma is still a relatively rare cancer. About 2,000 new cases of mesothelioma are diagnosed in the United States each year. Mesothelioma occurs more often in men than in women and risk increases with age, but this disease can appear in either men or women at any age.

4. What are the risk factors for mesothelioma?

Working with asbestos is the major risk factor for mesothelioma. A history of asbestos exposure at work is reported in about 70 percent to 80 percent of all cases. However, mesothelioma has been reported in some individuals without any known exposure to asbestos.

Asbestos is the name of a group of minerals that occur naturally as masses of strong, flexible fibers that can be separated into thin threads and woven. Asbestos has been widely used in many industrial products, including cement, brake linings, roof shingles, flooring products, textiles, and insulation. If tiny asbestos particles float in the air, especially during the manufacturing process, they may be inhaled or swallowed, and can cause serious health problems. In addition to mesothelioma, exposure to asbestos increases the risk of lung cancer, asbestosis (a noncancerous, chronic lung ailment), and other cancers, such as those of the larynx and kidney.

Smoking does not appear to increase the risk of mesothelioma. However, the combination of smoking and asbestos exposure significantly increases a person's risk of developing cancer of the air passageways in the lung.

5. Who is at increased risk for developing mesothelioma?

Asbestos has been mined and used commercially since the late 1800s. Its use greatly increased during World War II. Since the early 1940s, millions of American workers have been exposed to asbestos dust. Initially, the risks associated with asbestos exposure were not known. However, an increased risk of developing mesothelioma was later found among shipyard workers, people who work in asbestos mines and mills, producers of asbestos products, workers in the heating and construction industries, and other tradespeople. Today, the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) sets limits for acceptable levels of asbestos exposure in the workplace. People who work with asbestos wear personal protective equipment to lower their risk of exposure.

The risk of asbestos-related disease increases with heavier exposure to asbestos and longer exposure time. However, some individuals with only brief exposures have developed mesothelioma. On the other hand, not all workers who are heavily exposed develop asbestos-related diseases.

There is some evidence that family members and others living with asbestos workers have an increased risk of developing mesothelioma, and possibly other asbestos-related diseases. This risk may be the result of exposure to asbestos dust brought home on the clothing and hair of asbestos workers. To reduce the chance of exposing family members to asbestos fibers, asbestos workers are usually required to shower and change their clothing before leaving the workplace.

6. What are the symptoms of mesothelioma?

Symptoms of mesothelioma may not appear until 30 to 50 years after exposure to asbestos. Shortness of breath and pain in the chest due to an accumulation of fluid in the pleura are often symptoms of pleural mesothelioma. Symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma include weight loss and abdominal pain and swelling due to a buildup of fluid in the abdomen. Other symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma may include bowel obstruction, blood clotting abnormalities, anemia, and fever. If the cancer has spread beyond the mesothelium to other parts of the body, symptoms may include pain, trouble swallowing, or swelling of the neck or face.

These symptoms may be caused by mesothelioma or by other, less serious conditions. It is important to see a doctor about any of these symptoms. Only a doctor can make a diagnosis.

7. How is mesothelioma diagnosed?

Diagnosing mesothelioma is often difficult, because the symptoms are similar to those of a number of other conditions. Diagnosis begins with a review of the patient's medical history, including any history of asbestos exposure. A complete physical examination may be performed, including x-rays of the chest or abdomen and lung function tests. A CT (or CAT) scan or an MRI may also be useful. A CT scan is a series of detailed pictures of areas inside the body created by a computer linked to an x-ray machine. In an MRI, a powerful magnet linked to a computer is used to make detailed pictures of areas inside the body. These pictures are viewed on a monitor and can also be printed.

A biopsy is needed to confirm a diagnosis of mesothelioma. In a biopsy, a surgeon or a medical oncologist (a doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating cancer) removes a sample of tissue for examination under a microscope by a pathologist. A biopsy may be done in different ways, depending on where the abnormal area is located. If the cancer is in the chest, the doctor may perform a thoracoscopy. In this procedure, the doctor makes a small cut through the chest wall and puts a thin, lighted tube called a thoracoscope into the chest between two ribs. Thoracoscopy allows the doctor to look inside the chest and obtain tissue samples. If the cancer is in the abdomen, the doctor may perform a peritoneoscopy. To obtain tissue for examination, the doctor makes a small opening in the abdomen and inserts a special instrument called a peritoneoscope into the abdominal cavity. If these procedures do not yield enough tissue, more extensive diagnostic surgery may be necessary.

If the diagnosis is mesothelioma, the doctor will want to learn the stage (or extent) of the disease. Staging involves more tests in a careful attempt to find out whether the cancer has spread and, if so, to which parts of the body. Knowing the stage of the disease helps the doctor plan treatment.

Mesothelioma is described as localized if the cancer is found only on the membrane surface where it originated. It is classified as advanced if it has spread beyond the original membrane surface to other parts of the body, such as the lymph nodes, lungs, chest wall, or abdominal organs.

8. How is mesothelioma treated?

Treatment for mesothelioma depends on the location of the cancer, the stage of the disease, and the patient's age and general health. Standard treatment options include surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. Sometimes, these treatments are combined.

• Surgery is a common treatment for mesothelioma. The doctor may remove part of the lining of the chest or abdomen and some of the tissue around it. For cancer of the pleura (pleural mesothelioma), a lung may be removed in an operation called a pneumonectomy. Sometimes part of the diaphragm, the muscle below the lungs that helps with breathing, is also removed.
• Radiation therapy, also called radiotherapy, involves the use of high-energy rays to kill cancer cells and shrink tumors. Radiation therapy affects the cancer cells only in the treated area. The radiation may come from a machine (external radiation) or from putting materials that produce radiation through thin plastic tubes into the area where the cancer cells are found (internal radiation therapy).
• Chemotherapy is the use of anticancer drugs to kill cancer cells throughout the body. Most drugs used to treat mesothelioma are given by injection into a vein (intravenous, or IV). Doctors are also studying the effectiveness of putting chemotherapy directly into the chest or abdomen (intracavitary chemotherapy).

To relieve symptoms and control pain, the doctor may use a needle or a thin tube to drain fluid that has built up in the chest or abdomen. The procedure for removing fluid from the chest is called thoracentesis. Removal of fluid from the abdomen is called paracentesis. Drugs may be given through a tube in the chest to prevent more fluid from accumulating. Radiation therapy and surgery may also be helpful in relieving symptoms.

9. Are new treatments for mesothelioma being studied?

Yes. Because mesothelioma is very hard to control, the National Cancer Institute (NCI) is sponsoring clinical trials (research studies with people) that are designed to find new treatments and better ways to use current treatments. Before any new treatment can be recommended for general use, doctors conduct clinical trials to find out whether the treatment is safe for patients and effective against the disease. Participation in clinical trials is an important treatment option for many patients with mesothelioma.

People considering clinical trials may be interested in the NCI booklet Taking Part in Cancer Treatment Research Studies. This booklet describes how research studies are carried out and explains their possible benefits and risks. The booklet is available by calling the CIS, or from the NCI Publications Locator Web site at

Mesothelioma - Is Cancer Hibernating in You?

Imagine a disease that lays eggs inside your lungs. These eggs do not produce discomfort or coughing, they don't cause outbreaks or rashes or anything of the sort. In fact these eggs don't do anything except sit in your lungs and germinate for 30 to 40 years. After this time you begin to have a slight cough, a fever, maybe some cold sweats. You write it off as the flu and continue as usual until it goes away. 3 weeks later the flu is back but this time you're coughing up blood. You visit your doctor and hope he can prescribe something to kick this crazy flu. Your doctor runs a few tests and sends you home.

A week later your brought into his office and he lays the devastating news on you...you have Mesothelioma a cancer of the lungs.This is the reality for roughly 2000 men and women residing here in the United States every year. These are people who often time have lead healthy lives. In the article, "Mesothelioma Victims - Survival Stories" Kathleen writes:"At 42, I never thought that I would be facing a terminal illness, especially one relating to the lungs. I've never smoked and have lead a relatively healthy life. I have two beautiful daughters who will be heading to college soon - and I may not be alive to see their graduation."The primary cause of mesothelioma cancer is linked to exposure to asbestos fibers which are breathed into the lungs or swallowed. Asbestos is a material that was used heavily for many years in hundreds of products. Asbestos was primarily used due to the fact that it is strong, resists fire and corrosion, and has very effective properties for insulation.

In modern day, asbestos has many uses such as thermal pipe and boiler insulation, floor coverings, ceiling tiles, spray-applied fire proofing and sound proofing, roofing materials and "transite" pipe and sheeting. Though major public use was discontinued in the late 70s, asbestos continues to be a material used in countries outside of the U.S., and due to the fact that we trade for many of these countries goods it is necessary that we educate ourselves as to the materials used in production of the products and items we use daily.Many more cases of mesothelioma, due to asbestos exposure, are beginning to surface today. First, because our understanding and ability to recognize the disease has increased by leaps and bounds over the years, and second, because this particular cancer lays dormant within the carriers system for 30 to 40 years. With the widespread use of asbestos during the 20th century we are starting to see the consequences of exposure to this toxic material.Due to the fact that asbestos was in heavy concentration in the industrial and building trades during the mid 1900s, most carriers of mesothelioma cancer are men who where working around asbestos during that time. However, mesothelioma has been reported not only in cases of direct exposure, but also indirect, such as the families of these men, as they often returned home with asbestos fibers on their clothing. Even in today's day and age where asbestos has been all but removed from our lives, it is still possible to be diagnosed with mesothelioma as cases of this cancer have been diagnosed without the presence of asbestos exposure.It is also important to note that smokers who have been exposed to asbestos carry a far greater risk of mesothelioma. Some figures suggest as much as 3 times the percentage of a non-smoker with the same level of exposure. If you feel that you have been exposed to asbestos set an appointment with your physician to go over your chances of mesothelioma developing. The best thing a mesothelioma patient can do is to detect the presence of this disease early on, as it will increase your chances considerably.To find out the symptoms of mesothelioma and get more information about this deadly form of respiratory cancer visit:

Asbestos Related Diseases

Asbestos is used in over 3000 modern products and most people have suffered at least some degree of exposure to it at one point or another. Most asbestos exposure is limited to minute portions of well maintained building materials such as concrete, insulation and siding. Regular maintenance of these materials is important for preventing asbestos from degenerating into airborne fibers. Unfortunately, because asbestos is so widespread, it is impossible to compute the damage that even a small quantity can cause.

The lightweight nature of the asbestos particle facilitates airborne spreading of these deadly carcinogens. This is why most asbestos-related diseases affect the respiratory system. These are incurable diseases. Even tiny amounts of asbestos can inflict irreversible damage as symptoms usually only emerge 20 to 30 years down the road.

Mesothelioma, Asbestosis and lung cancer are consequences of prolonged asbestos exposure. Any contact with asbestos merits immediate medical consultation because treatment options and survival rates are greatly improved the earlier they’re detected. Unfortunately most asbestos-related conditions don’t show symptoms until the disease is terminally advanced. Most patients diagnosed with an asbestos-related condition rarely survive more than 18 months after diagnosis.

Just How Dangerous is Asbestos?

With the increase in the number of lung cancer cases in recent years, it is vitally important to educate ourselves on the risks and consequences of asbestos exposure which accounts for over 80% of all mesothelioma cancer cases; a form of cancer, caused by asbestos exposure, that can affect the lungs (Pleural form), abdomen (Peritoneal form), and even the membrane around the heart.. A hefty 2000 new cases are being diagnosed every year according to the National Cancer Institute, and that number is on the rise. This leaves the question to be asked...

Just how dangerous is asbestos exposure?'

Significant exposure to any type of asbestos will increase the risk of lung cancer, mesothelioma and nonmalignant lung and pleural disorders, including asbestosis, pleural plaques, pleural thickening, and pleural effusions. This is based on observations of these diseases in groups of workers with cumulative exposures ranging from about 5 to 1,200 fiber-year/mL. The conclusion is supported by results from animal and mechanistic studies.

Asbestos Facts:

1. When asbestos fibers are inhaled, most fibers are expelled, but some can become lodged in the lungs and remain there throughout life. Fibers can accumulate and cause scarring and inflammation. Enough scarring and inflammation can affect breathing, leading to disease.

2. People are more likely to experience asbestos-related disorders when they are exposed to high concentrations of asbestos, are exposed for longer periods of time, and/or are exposed more often.

3. Inhaling longer, more durable asbestos fibers (such as tremolite and other amphiboles) contributes to the severity of asbestos-related disorders.

4. Exposure to asbestos, including tremolite, can increase the likelihood of lung cancer, mesothelioma, and non-malignant lung conditions such as asbestosis (restricted use of the lungs due to retained asbestos fibers) and changes in the lung lining.

5. Changes in the lining of the lungs (pleura) such as thickening, plaques, calcification, and fluid around the lungs (pleural effusion) may be early signs of asbestos exposure. These changes can affect breathing more than previously thought. Pleural effusion can be an early warning sign for mesothelioma (cancer of the lining of the lungs).

7. Most cases of mesothelioma are diagnosed 30 years or more after the first exposure to asbestos.

8. Mesothelioma has been diagnosed in asbestos workers, family members, and residents who live close to asbestos mines.

9. Health effects from asbestos exposure may continue to progress even after exposure is stopped.

10. Smoking or cigarette smoke, together with exposure to asbestos, greatly increases the likelihood of lung cancer.

Shortness of breath which is the primary symptom A persistent and productive cough (a cough that expels mucus) Chest tightness Chest pain Loss of appetite A dry, crackling sound in the lungs while inhaling.If you suspect that you have been exposed to asbestos, speak with your physician immediately and discuss your level of exposure. Early detection of mesothelioma increases your chances immeasurably.You can get more information about mesothelioma and find helpful information and resources here: http://rarereviews.com/mesothelioma-cancer

cancer diet feasting on four food

Mesothelioma patients undergoing treatment must follow a special cancer diet devised by their nutritionists. Cancer diets involve eating the correct amounts of protein and calories as well as drinking the right amount of water to keep the ailing body replenished and energized. The body needs plenty of nourishment when it is going through chemotherapy or even when the patient is taking certain medications.
Doctors and nutritionists may also recommend a special cancer diet because many mesothelioma patients tend to lose their appetites due to worry over their condition. Also, those who are undergoing treatment may choose not to eat because of the unpleasant side effects they may experience. Chemotherapy, for example, and even some particular medications may cause an imbalance of nutrients that must be corrected in order to keep the body as strong as possible and to keep the patient from losing an excessive amount of weight. Other side effects of mesothelioma treatment include nausea, vomiting, dry mouth, a change in the sense of smell or taste, and/or constipation.
Below are some of the important nutrients patients are encouraged to include in their mesothelioma diet:
Protein is important for any cancer patient because it helps repair tissue damaged by surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation. Protein also helps maintain a strong and healthy immune system, lowering a mesothelioma patient’s risk of infection after aggressive cancer treatments. The National Cancer Institute recommends increasing protein in a cancer diet with cheese, milk, ice cream, yoghurt, eggs, nuts, peanut butter, meats and fish.
Fats are an essential part of the cancer diet because they supply the body with the necessary energy it needs while undergoing treatment. The amount of fats (meaning the number of calories) a cancer diet should consist of is dependent on a mesothelioma patient’s age and body size. The National Cancer Institute recommends increasing caloric intake with such foods as butter, milk, cheese, honey, sugar, granola and dried fruits.
Water is another essential element of the cancer diet. Without a substantial amount of water, the body will dehydrate. It is important that anyone undergoing cancer treatment receive enough water to keep their bodies hydrated and replenished.
The details of every patient’s mesothelioma diet will vary. Some patients will need to incorporate more fat into their diets, while others may need more protein. It is important that patients devise a cancer diet under the guidance of their doctor and nutritionist to ensure that they receive the proper amount of nutrients to improve their quality of life.

At some point during our childhood we have all been told to eat our vegetables. Forcing down tasteless green beans and brussels sprouts were supposed to make us taller and stronger. Well, so it is for mesothelioma patients. Diet is often an overlooked subject for cancer patients, but eating the right nutritional foods for strength and energy is just as important as taking the proper medication.

What should you do if diagnosed with asbestos-related disease?

Asbestos is a toxic chemical substance that has been used directly or indirectly in hundreds of products across the globe. It is incorrect and inappropriate for human beings to have excessive exposure to asbestos. This might result in malignant mesothelioma -– a rare cancer that affects the lining of the lungs, abdomen or heart -– and other diseases.It is amazing to find that, asbestos has still not been entirely banned in the United States, and Americans continue to risk exposure to this dangerous fiber.

If you feel that you have been exhibiting symptoms of mesothelioma (like shortness of breath, pain in the chest or back region, swelling in the abdomen, difficulty swallowing, cough, fever, sweating, fatigue, and weight loss.), it is important for you to consult your doctor immediately. There are various methods that are available for treating the victims of mesothelioma.

They are either direct methods or alternative methods. Some of the direct methods are Surgery-both Aggressive and Pallative, Chemotherapy, Radiation therapy etc. Immunoagumentive Therapy (IAT), Gene Therapy, Intraoperative Photodynamic Therapy (IPT) etc. are some of the commonly practiced alternative methods.

Also one can take the help of Support Groups, which are available to help sufferers deal with the challenges that they are facing. A recent publication says that over 20% of Americans have participated in some type of self-help group. There are mainly two types of support groups that are available namely- online support groups and community centred support groups.

If you have already been diagnosed with mesothelioma it is important for you to have a positive frame of mind and keep yourself well informed about the latest medical developments that has taken place pertaining to this field. Also as a victim of the Asbestos industry you can have certain legal and social claims. The following propositions can be considered if you are a victim of Mesothelioma caused due to negligent asbestos exposure.

1. Legal Aid and Financial CompensationPeople who contract the disease must be absolutely sure that the cause for the same was asbestos exposure and then take steps to get the right legal counsel. Once the legal counsel has been retained the law will ensure that he or she gets the compensation for employers negligence if any.

2. Claim from the Asbestos IndustryMesothelioma victims have the option to claim large monetary compensation from the asbestos industry. These claims can go into the millions of dollars depending on the rights and cause of the claims. A Law firm that specializes in mesothelioma cases ensures that the families of victims gets ample compensation.

3. Claim Social Security DisabilityVictims can claim social security disability after getting advice from an attorney that specializes in these cases.

4. Disability InsuranceYou are legally entailed to claim disability insurance if you have disability insurance either privately procured, within your life insurance policy or through your employer.

5.Worker's CompensationIt is one of the core responsibilities of an employer to take care of its employees. Thus, even while the victim takes legal action against the asbestos industry he or she can simultaneously claim workers compensation for being 'disabled' during work. A lawyer who has experience in the asbestos industry should handle this sort of claim.

6. Health InsuranceA victim of mesothelioma can incur huge medical bills due to the expensive nature of treatment that’s required for the treatment of this disease. If a victim is admitted to the hospital he or she should talk to the Discharge Planner or other personnel who can help with hospice and hospital coverage. Laws cover medial treatments and action can be taken health insurance company if they fail to provide proper coverage. Again it is imperative to ensure that the victim employs a proper legal representative.

Mesothelioma

What Exactly Is ? Mesothelioma the medical name for cancer of the lung or the abdomen lining, and is usually caused by exposure to asbestos. Asbestos is a type of building material used in thermal insulation products and ceiling tiles. Asbestos usage peaked during the 1950s - 1970s, but during the late 1960s, concerns over the health consequences of asbestos exposure began to arise, thereby decreasing the amount of asbestos manufactured over the following two decades. But even though new measures where brought in to get rid of it, many schools and public buildings still contain asbestos.Small asbestos fibers that enter the air do not evaporate and can remain suspended in the air for a long time.

These fibers, when breathed into the body, are toxic. The people most at risk are :-People working in factories that manufacture asbestos are likely to have a high exposure to asbestos and are most at risk of developing asbestosis or mesothelioma.Family members of workers exposed to asbestos in the workplace are susceptible to exposure from asbestos dust brought home by the worker on his clothes or skin.

Those who live in the vicinity of an asbestos manufacturing plant are also at risk. Symptoms of mesothelioma may not appear until between twenty and fifty years after exposure, which explains why so many new cases of this form of cancer are coming to light now. Many people who haven't been in contact with asbestos fordecades, are now showing symptoms of this dreadful desease. As with many forms of cancer, mesothelioma can spread rapidly.

Symptoms include shortness of breath, coughing, loss of weight, and chest pains. If it is diagnosed early enough, the tumor can be surgically removed, and with chemotherapy and radiation treatment, a full recovery is often possible.However, in more advanced cases, cure is usually not possible. In such cases, chemotherapy and radiation treatment can be used alongside other pain relief treatments, to ease the symptoms.

Where cure is not possible, the average survival time is between four and eighteen months, depending on the stage of the tumor and the general health of the patient.I was prompted to write about mesothelioma because as a child I lived near a factory which produced asbestos, and I personally know families who have suffered due to this terrible desease.

10 Steps for Quitting Smoking

Review of EasyQuit System - A Professional Method That Works Without Willpower

First of all, why are you smoking? Do you think you are cool, or what? No, of course you are to much addicted to nicotine that you can't stop smoking. Yes, that is the fact - you are addicted. But on the other hand, millions of people in you situation have quit smoking. Why did they succeed? Do you think they where different from you? Do you think they have more willpower than you do? No, the simple answer is, they used the best method.

Maybe you have tried quit smoking before. Maybe you have used the "cold turkey" method. Wow, I am not surprised; the "cold turkey" method is one of the worst methods to use if you aim to quit smoking. If you want to quit smoking for good you need a professional method.

Well, if you have decided to quit smoking for good, which method should you use? There are lots of methods available today, so it is up to you which method that fits you best. A method with great success rate is EasyQuit System. It is a method that works even if you don't have will power. Peter Howell composed this method several years ago and lots of people have used this method to quit smoking. Most of them have succeeded.

This method has no side effect like weight gain or strange cravings. It is a method that keeps you motivated all the way through the quit smoking process. You will not have to take any medicines, gums or use any nicotine replacement products, and you will not miss your smoking at all.

Stop Smoking

Remember the last puff you inhaled and that packet of cigarettes which you finished…well, congratulations, it shortened your life by another eleven minutes! In spite of knowing the fact that that smoking is so badly harmful for human health, why do people smoke? Is it a symbol of charisma, machoism, or does it makes a person trendy and cool? It is time that people take a serious check on this habit and kick it out of their lives, forever. This article will help to explain some of the side effects and importance for kicking this addiction.

To begin with, most people who even think of quitting smoking need the reasons to do so and gladly try and avoid them This is also an addiction, much like cocaine, heroin and other drugs, only in a cigarette; it is tobacco that you smoke. The nicotine in the tobacco is chiefly responsible for inducing the addiction. So after the last cigarette that you smoked, slowly your cravings for more begin to increase and reach a point that you become a pack-a-day smoker. This too rises and within no time, a cigarette is something permanent between your fingers. Here are a few devastating effects that you might want to consider.

Firstly, it increases the chance of lung cancer and many other lung ailments by almost 50% and a heart attack by 40%. In fact, 90% of deaths due to lung cancer and lung diseases are attributed to smoking and in America alone, this is responsible for the death of almost 500,000 people every year. Moreover, almost $200 billion is spent on heath care for smoking related ailments. Sleep disturbances, irritability, nervous disorders, breathing problems and a whole cartload of diseases like infertility, improper digestion accompany this so called “cool” habit.

The facts on smoking are abundant and straight-forward and all of them have a common link – death. Smoking kills. Apart from this, these are plenty of reasons to quit smoking and if you want to hear more, you could start by asking the relative of a man who has died from smoking, you may want shut your ears then. Who knows, you might be the one on that death bed. Therefore, I believe that the time has come for you to quit. But then where does one begin to quit smoking?

Smoking: 21 Tips to Kick the Habit

There is no denying how damaging smoking is to the human body. In the past, people have debated on the side effects of this nasty habit. However, there is no longer any debate, and everyone is on the same page with how deadly those little cigarettes really are. Yet, despite these facts, people continue to push on in their habits rather than looking for ways to separate themselves from this habit that has taken the lives of so many and put so much pain on the lives of individuals across the world. If you are looking for a way to get smoking out of your life, this guide of 21 tips will help you along your way.

Some people may find the ten steps listed in a previous article, not simple steps but really difficult hurdles to climb. These people have a success rate of ……well! Such people usually are not successful. What is more important is that the majority of smokers wanting to quit fall into this category. But this does not mean that they cannot quit smoking. What they can do is follow a really simple, though long and time-consuming strategy consisting of minor changes in the life of that person.

I have compiled another list of short ways to tackle the problem effectively.

21 TIPS FOR QUITTING SMOKING

1. First of all, prepare yourself for the situation mentally. You could do this by thinking of other difficult hurdles that you have crossed in the past or maybe, you could think of this as a crucial challenge which must be completed. Spend a few days, only thinking about quitting. Think of death, hospitals and the difficulties ahead.

2. Finally, mark out a date on the calendar when you will begin the process. Make it seem as the most important day in your life. Do the following until D-Day.

3. Before actually beginning, read all lists like these and then prepare your own ways. Be creative and think up of logical approaches to tackle the problem.

4. Take advice from doctors and friends and other people who have quit smoking before. Tell every one you know about your decision to quit smoking. If you think of failing mid-way, fear if ridicule will keep you right.

5. Write down reasons of why you suddenly want to quit. Think of the life which will be restored and the good health you will be in. in fact, make your list of 21 reasons for quitting smoking and read these everyday.

6. On the day prior to your quit day, make a huge bonfire on cigarettes and take a pledge of quitting smoking.

7. You can even hold a small ceremonial occasion when you smoke that “last cigarette”. Invite friends over for a get-together or a dinner.

8. The whole idea behind these is to make this decision seem the most important of your life. Do everything you can to make it seem like one. You will probably realize of a positive change within yourself.

9. Come the day of quitting, start it on a happy or positive note. Keep yourself as away from stress as you can. Go on a small weekend holiday perhaps.

10. Then start off the challenge by setting right, slowly and steadily, all those bad habits from your lifestyle. Until now, you have not really done anything so difficult; you have only prepared yourself for the challenge.

11. In the morning itself, sit down and visualize. Imagine about the day when you become a non smoker. Think about all the advantages it will leave in your way.

12. You could probably start a deep breathing routine of five minutes and then increase the time.

13. Most smokers don’t exercise. Begin by doing so. Begin a religious work out at an expensive gym. The money you pay for the membership will keep you from leaving and after a while you will enjoy the health benefits. You can start from a half an hour program of 2 to 3 times a week and then increase it to 5 to 6 times over a few months. However, seek advice from a physician before joining one.

14. Visit the dentist and get your teeth polished. After the stain removal, you will like the way you smile! Another incentive to quit. Plan to keep your teeth this way.

15. Visit the smoking area in your club or office and search for another person who is trying to quit. Two heads are better than one and this quitting buddy will be a big help for motivation and companionship.

16. There are two common ways of quitting- one is the gradual process and the other is the “Cold Turkey” method or the abrupt way. After a few weeks of quitting, you will realize which will work best for you. Stick to one however.

17. When you are on the journey of quitting, celebrate milestones. For example, after a week, eat out. After a fortnight, go to a party. After a month, go on a vacation. Celebrate your decision with these joys as they will then work like magic. You could even celebrate your “Quitting Anniversary” with a party.

18. Avoid things which trigger your desire to smoke. Go in for alternatives to keep in your hand, like straws, artificial cigarettes, or even a hand grip.

19. Drink lots and lots of water and fluids to cleanse your system of toxic poisons and nicotine remnants in your body.

20. Plan out charts in which you may record the average cigarette intake and how many you plan to cut with each passing week. Gradually decrease the amount you smoke. Spend time on other things to keep yourself occupied.

21. Finally, don’t falter midway – finish what you started. Think of your milestones, achievements, the positive changes and many other things imparted to you after quitting smoking.

Good Luck to all those people who plan to quit smoking and bring, perhaps the most important change in their life by bidding adieu to that white stick of death.