Why is chewing such an important part of digestion?

By: George Mateljan Foundation.

Chewing is an extremely important, yet oftentimes overlooked, part of healthy digestion. Most people put food in their mouth, chew a few times, and swallow. Yet, in reality it doesn't really take much time and effort to chew your food well. What you get in return is worth the effort in terms of better health and enjoyment of food. How thoroughly to chew While various health professionals advocate distinct numbers of times you should chew food, I recommend more personal guidelines. I feel that this approach will better help you get a sense of your own eating patterns and help you further develop your relationship with your food. My suggestion is that you chew your food completely until it is small enough and dissolved enough to be swallowed with ease. A good rule of thumb is as follows: if you can tell what kind of food you are eating from the texture of the food in your mouth (not the taste), then you haven't chewed it enough. For example, if you are chewing broccoli and you run your tongue over the stalk and can tell that it is still a stalk or over the floret and you can still tell that it is still a floret, don't swallow. You need to keep on chewing until you can't tell the stalk from the floret. The mechanical process of digestion begins with chewing The action of chewing mechanically breaks down very large aggregates of food molecules into smaller particles. This results in the food having increased surface area, an important contributing factor to good digestion. In addition to the obvious benefit of reduced esophageal stress that accompanies swallowing smaller, rather than larger, pieces of food, there is another very important benefit to chewing your food well that comes with its ability to be exposed to saliva for a longer period of time. The chemical process of digestion begins with chewing Food's contact with saliva is important because it helps to lubricate the food, making it easier for foods (notably dry ones) to pass easier through the esophagus. It's also important because saliva contains enzymes that contribute to the chemical process of digestion. Carbohydrate digestion begins with salivary alpha-amylase secreted by glands positioned near the mouth. This alpha-amylase helps break down some of the chemical bonds that connect the simple sugars that comprise starches. Additionally, the first stage of fat digestion also occurs in the mouth with the secretion of the enzyme lingual lipase by glands located at the root of the tongue. Incomplete digestion can lead to bacterial overgrowth When food is not well chewed and the food fragments are too big to be properly broken down, incomplete digestion occurs. Not only do nutrients not get extracted from the food but undigested food also becomes fodder for bacteria in the colon; this can lead to bacterial overgrowth, flatulence, and other symptoms of indigestion. Chewing relaxes the lower stomach muscle Chewing is directly connected with the movement of food through your digestive tract, and, in particular, with the movement of food from your stomach to your small intestine. At the lower end of your stomach, there is a muscle called the pylorus. This muscle must relax in order for food to leave your stomach and pass into your small intestine. Sufficient saliva from optimal chewing helps relax the pylorus, and, in this way, helps your food move through your digestive tract in healthy fashion. Chewing triggers the rest of the digestive process Yet, the contribution of chewing to good digestion does not even stop there. The process of chewing also activates signaling messages to the rest of the gastrointestinal system that trigger it to begin the entire digestive process. This is because when chewing is a well-paced, thorough process, it can actually be said to belong to the "cephalic stage of digestion," the phase in which you first see, smell, and taste your food. The length of time spent chewing the food is related to the length of the cephalic stage of digestion since with more extensive chewing, the longer the food gets to be seen, tasted, and smelled. Cephalic phase responses have been extensively analyzed in the research literature. The release of small messaging molecules that are critical for digestion—such as cholecystokinin, somatostatin, and neurotensin—have been found to increase by over 50% just by the mere sight and smell of food. Additionally, research has shown how chewing, as well as the activation of taste receptors in the mouth, can prompt the nervous system to relay information to the gastrointestinal system to optimize the process of digestion. For example, stimulation of the taste receptors can signal the stomach lining to produce hydrochloric acid that helps in the breakdown of protein. Additionally, chewing signals the pancreas to prepare to secrete enzymes and bicarbonate into the lumen of the small intestines.

Fever – children

Summary- A fever happens when the body's temperature is higher than normal because of an infection or virus. Fever in children is not usually serious, although it can sometimes cause fits or seizures, known as febrile convulsions.

A fever happens when the body’s temperature is higher than normal because of an infection. Normal body temperature is around 37°C. Fever is usually caused by a virus or bacteria. Fever is a way in which the body fights infection. It is not always dangerous and does not always indicate a serious illness.

Signs and symptoms of fever Fever causes an increase in the heart rate, breathing rate and blood circulation to the skin. This is how the body tries to reduce the heat caused by fever. The symptoms of fever can include: Feeling and/or looking unwell Feeling hot to touch Sweating or clammy skin Shivering Chattering teeth Flushed face. Using a thermometer If you suspect that your child has a fever, you can use a thermometer to measure their temperature. Remember, though, that body temperature is better used as a guide than a reliable indicator of illness for babies and young children - a child might have a mild temperature according to the thermometer (slightly over 37°C), but may seem happy and healthy. There are several types of reliable thermometers available, which come with instructions on how to use them. They are available from your chemist. If you are in doubt about which one to choose for your child, or have questions about how to use it, ask your pharmacist to explain. When to see your doctor Trust your own instincts, but seek medical help if your child: Is aged six months or less Has a rash Has a fever of 40°C or more Is still feverish after a day or so, despite four-hourly doses of baby paracetamol Vomits or has persistent diarrhoea Refuses food or drink Cries inconsolably Seems listless, floppy or just looks ill Convulses or twitches Has trouble breathing Is in pain If you feel at all worried or concerned at any stage, consult with your doctor. Treatment for a fever Dress your child in light clothing. Give drinks of clear fluid (like water). Keep your child cool. Give paracetamol in the correct dose for the child’s age (but not more than four doses in a 24-hour period). Do not give regular paracetamol medicine for more than 24 hours without seeking advice from your doctor. See your doctor if your child is three months or younger. Don't give your child a cold bath. Give a lukewarm bath or sponge. Cold water cools the skin but does not lower the body temperature. From Better health Channel.

What Happens When a Mosquito Bites a Person?

contributor , Brandi Laren.

Because of the proteins and anti-coagulants that a mosquito has in its saliva, a bite can affect blood vessel constriction, blood clotting, inflammation and more. More commonly when a mosquito bites a person, however, is an itchy, raised bump that appears within 24 hours of the bite. This bump occurs because the body's immune system is responding to the bite. Some people have more severe reactions to mosquito bites. For example, some people may experience bruises, hives all over the body, extremely large swelling areas or blistering rashes after they've been bitten.

Mosquitoes and Diseases. Mosquitoes suck blood from people and animals and inject their saliva into their blood. In addition to anti-coagulants and proteins, their saliva can also contain parasites or disease-causing viruses. As a result, mosquitoes can pass diseases, like the West Nile Virus, which can quickly lead to permanent neurological damage. The West Nile Virus tends to become an issue in the summer, when mosquitoes are more common. West Nile Virus symptoms include high fever, neck stiffness, paralysis, vomiting, headache and more. How to Treat a Mosquito Bite. Mosquito bites can be treated with antihistamines and hydrocortisone cream. Simply rub the hydrocortisone cream over the bite and take an oral antihistamine as recommended. For severe reactions, go to an emergency room immediately. Try to avoid scratching the mosquito bite, as that can make the bump worse. This can be tough, since mosquito bites are really itchy. A bite can become infected because of bacteria under the fingernails, so it's important to keep nails away from the bite. In addition to hydrocortisone cream and antihistamines, mix together a paste of baking soda and water and put it on the bump. This helps soothe the itch and heal the bite. Ice, water or a cold drink can also soothe the bitten area. The best way to avoid mosquito bites all together is to put on insect repellents and avoid standing water--mosquitoes tend to lay eggs there.

Use mosquito repellent

Humania: Lassa fever, Is It A Nigerian Sickness Or The Worl...

Humania: Lassa fever, Is It A Nigerian Sickness Or The Worl...: Lassa fever is an acute viral illness that occurs in west Africa. The illness was discovered in 1969 when two missionary nurses died in N...

Lassa fever, Is It A Nigerian Sickness Or The Worlds'?

Lassa fever is an acute viral illness that occurs in west Africa. The illness was discovered in 1969 when two missionary nurses died in Nigeria. The virus is named after the town in Nigeria where the first cases occurred. The virus, a member of the virus family Arenaviridae, is a single-stranded RNA virus and is zoonotic, or animal-borne. Lassa fever is endemic in parts of west Africa including Sierra Leone, Liberia, Guinea and Nigeria; however, other neighboring countries are also at risk, as the animal vector for Lassa virus, the "multimammate rat" (Mastomys natalensis) is distributed throughout the region. In 2009, the first case from Mali was reported in a traveler living in southern Mali; Ghana reported its first cases in late 2011. Isolated cases have also been reported in Côte d’Ivoire and Burkina Faso and there is serologic evidence of Lassa virus infection in Togo and Benin. The number of Lassa virus infections per year in west Africa is estimated at 100,000 to 300,000, with approximately 5,000 deaths. Unfortunately, such estimates are crude, because surveillance for cases of the disease is not uniformly performed. In some areas of Sierra Leone and Liberia, it is known that 10%-16% of people admitted to hospitals every year have Lassa fever, which indicates the serious impact of the disease on the population of this region.

Signs and Symptoms. Signs and symptoms of Lassa fever typically occur 1-3 weeks after the patient comes into contact with the virus. For the majority of Lassa fever virus infections (approximately 80%), symptoms are mild and are undiagnosed. Mild symptoms include slight fever, general malaise and weakness, and headache. In 20% of infected individuals, however, disease may progress to more serious symptoms including hemorrhaging (in gums, eyes, or nose, as examples), respiratory distress, repeated vomiting, facial swelling, pain in the chest, back, and abdomen, and shock. Neurological problems have also been described, including hearing loss, tremors, and encephalitis. Death may occur within two weeks after symptom onset due to multi-organ failure. The most common complication of Lassa fever is deafness. Various degrees of deafness occur in approximately one-third of infections, and in many cases hearing loss is permanent. As far as is known, severity of the disease does not affect this complication: deafness may develop in mild as well as in severe cases. Approximately 15%-20% of patients hospitalized for Lassa fever die from the illness. However, only 1% of all Lassa virus infections result in death. The death rates for women in the third trimester of pregnancy are particularly high. Spontaneous abortion is a serious complication of infection with an estimated 95% mortality in fetuses of infected pregnant mothers. Because the symptoms of Lassa fever are so varied and nonspecific, clinical diagnosis is often difficult. Lassa fever is also associated with occasional epidemics, during which the case-fatality rate can reach 50% in hospitalized patients.

Prevention Primary transmission of the Lassa virus from its host to humans can be prevented by avoiding contact with Mastomys rodents, especially in the geographic regions where outbreaks occur. Putting food away in rodent-proof containers and keeping the home clean help to discourage rodents from entering homes. Using these rodents as a food source is not recommended. Trapping in and around homes can help reduce rodent populations; however, the wide distribution of Mastomys in Africa makes complete control of this rodent reservoir impractical. When caring for patients with Lassa fever, further transmission of the disease through person-to-person contact or nosocomial routes can be avoided by taking preventive precautions against contact with patient secretions (called VHF isolation precautions or barrier nursing methods). Such precautions include wearing protective clothing, such as masks, gloves, gowns, and goggles; using infection control measures, such as complete equipment sterilization; and isolating infected patients from contact with unprotected persons until the disease has run its course. Further, educating people in high-risk areas about ways to decrease rodent populations in their homes will aid in the control and prevention of Lassa fever. Other challenges include developing more rapid diagnostic tests and increasing the availability of the only known drug treatment, ribavirin. Research is presently under way to develop a vaccine for Lassa fever.

Nigerians, be an advocate in the market place. Garri sellers should be told to cover their Garri to prevent rats defecating/urinating in it in their shops.

How Does Hunger Affect Your Health?

From demand media, sirah Dubois

Hunger. Hunger is a natural physiological process, similar to thirst, that gets your attention and motivates you to seek food. Mild hunger is completely normal and is an effective signal to stop you from working, playing or chatting on the phone so that you can eat something to fuel your brain and body. Hunger is controlled in the hypothalamus -- a relay station in your brain. Incoming hormonal messages from your stomach, intestines and liver tell the lateral part of the hypothalamus that your blood sugar is too low and that it’s time to eat. Interestingly, if this part of the brain is destroyed, even a starving person would have no desire to eat. In contrast, the medial part of your hypothalamus is the satiety center, which signals you to stop eating. When this part is damaged due to cancer or head injury, a person will eat uncontrollably and rapidly gain weight. Side Effects. No one ever said that hunger is enjoyable, which makes sense because it’s meant to be a bit of a “wake-up call” to the conscious part of your brain to gain your full attention. In essence, it’s a powerful survival mechanism inherited through evolution. The most common initial feeling associated with hunger is a rumbling stomach and intestinal pains. Not everyone experiences these, and it’s a bit of a mystery as to why they occur, but it’s often explained as autonomic muscle contractions in the stomach and intestines due to the anticipation of food. Hunger is also associated with low blood sugar levels, which affect the brain because glucose is its only fuel. Symptoms of low blood glucose include fatigue, weakness, irritability, moodiness and reduced ability to concentrate. Potential Health Issues. Any health issues associated with hunger are directly related to the amount of time you go without food as well as your health status. As long as you’re at a healthy weight and have a strong heart, experiencing hunger pains due to a restricted-calorie but otherwise nutritious diet is not risky or harmful. Some people fast for a few days or a week for the health benefit without suffering any ill effects as long as they stay well-hydrated. About the only group that should be cautious of hunger pains are diabetics because of the association with low blood sugar. For diabetics who take insulin injections, the sensation of hunger following meals may indicate that they injected a little too much medicine. Mental Health. Many Americans don’t eat because of physical hunger; they eat due to habit, addiction and/or psychological attachment. If a situation arises that deprives people of food for longer than they are used to, the resulting hunger pains may be more in their heads than their bellies. However, it’s no laughing matter because withdrawal symptoms from certain compounds in food can include intense cravings, anxiety, depression and insomnia, which can negatively impact your health.

what is Mononucleosis?

Mononucleosis, or “mono”, is a common infection among young adults and teenagers. This viral infection is spread through saliva, hence the nickname, the “kissing disease”. Type of Microbe: Epstein-Barr virus (or EBV), belonging to the family of herpes viruses. How it spreads: The virus is spread primarily through the saliva and is not normally spread through the air or blood. There have been some links to sexual transmission, as well. Fever Symptoms. Who’s at risk? The highest rates of mono are in teenagers who haven't been exposed already in childhood, between the ages of 10 and 19 years. In children younger than 10 years, the risk is lower, but mild infections may be under-diagnosed. Mono is most common in places where there are a lot of young adults, such as in the military and in colleges. Because the virus is so common, most people get infected by the time they reach adulthood. In fact, up to 95% of adults (ages 35 to 40) have been infected at some time in their lives. Symptoms: Fever, sore throat, fatigue, and swollen lymph nodes are common symptoms in teenagers. In younger children, these symptoms are either absent or very mild. Older adults are less likely to get infectious mononucleosis (since 95% of adults were already exposed) but when they the infection they are more likely to have more severe presentations, including enlarged livers and jaundice -- possibly requiring hospitalization, but not as likely to have sore throats or swollen lymph nodes. People who have been infected don’t show symptoms for 4 to 8 weeks after being exposed.

Can You Get Any Disease From Kissing?

Yes, you can catch herpes just from kissing someone on the mouth. And while experts believe the risk of catching HIV (the virus that causes AIDS) from kissing is low, someone who has a cut or sore in the mouth has a chance of infection during open-mouthed kissing. We know that kisses of passion can lead to one thing or another. But did you know that kissing can also lead to an infectious disease? Mononucleosis , or mono, is the prototypical “kissing disease,” and sexually-transmitted diseases are infamous following some romantic interludes. But did you know that there are many infections that can be spread through mere kissing alone? Infectious Diseases in Saliva Infectious diseases are spread through several routes of transmission. “Oral transmission” refers to spreading of microbes through saliva, foods or drinks. When a person accidentally consumes microbe-contaminated items, such as saliva during kissing, the swallowing action of the tongue wipes the microbes against the back of the throat, allowing the microbe to enter the body. Infections, such as mononucleosis (the kissing disease), caused by Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), and cytomegalovirus (CMV) are spread via oral transmission from virus-containing saliva.

Could you have a heart attack -- and not know it?

Silent Heart Attack. i Got this from Charles W.Bryant

Sometimes people have heart attacks and never know it. It's called the silent heart attack, when someone either shows no symptoms at all or ignores or misinterprets the symptoms until the pain goes away. Because the key to recovering from a heart attack is by restoring the blood flow to the heart as quickly as possible, silent heart attacks are even more deadly. In fact, twice as many people die from the silent type of heart attack as those who experience the typical variety. What's going on here in most cases is something called ischemia -- when blood that normally flows to a part of the body is temporarily restricted. When this happens to the heart it's called cardiac ischemia. A temporary loss of blood flow to the heart causes chest pain, or angina, which is basically a warning sign that something bad could happen shortly. This is where things get a little tricky. Sometimes there's no angina. This is called silent ischemia and it leads to the silent heart attack. That's the trouble with silent ischemia -- there are no symptoms. In other cases, the heart attack isn't completely pain free, but the symptoms are overlooked or misinterpreted as heartburn, standard angina that goes away, a pulled muscle or even overall fatigue. This is largely explained away by the fact that some people have higher pain thresholds, and others are embarrassed by the fact that they may be in trouble and just want to wait until the pain subsides. One odd symptom that's never been fully explained in regular and silent heart attacks is a feeling of impending doom. In silent attacks, this is often misinterpreted as stress or anxiety. It may be hard to comprehend, but about 25 percent of all heart attacks are silent. This is probably due in part to how heart attacks are portrayed in movies and on television. A study by the British Heart Association shows that one in four people in England get their information on heart attacks from what they see on the big and small screen [source: The Guardian]. Besides the fact that they can kill you, silent heart attacks also increase the risk of dementia for men. A Dutch study reports that men who experienced silent attacks are more than twice as likely to suffer from dementia as those who have never had an attack at all. If it doesn't kill you, you may not even realize you had an attack until your doctor discovers the damage at your next physical. If you're at risk for a heart attack, you should get checked out for silent ischemia. Your doctor will ask you questions about your own and your family's medical history and put you on a treadmill to jog while your heart function is monitored by an electrocardiogram (ECG) machine. In this test, doctors are looking at how your heart rate and blood pressure increase during exercise, a good indicator of how your blood is flowing. You'll also likely get a blood test for cardia­c enzymes. These are proteins that are released when the heart is damaged. Aside from this preventive screening, your best course of action is to know the symptoms of a heart attack and pay attention if you experience any of them. Call paramedics immediately if you feel chest pain, have shortness of breath or are unusually fatigued and they'll walk you through the proper course of action. Ignoring these signs because of embarrassment or shame can kill you.

How Salt Water Gargling Helps Your Throat + Fair Warning

HROSSI EXPERIENCE AND MEDICAL IMPLICATIONS

As home remedies go, this might be the most widely known/practiced/recommended. But why does gargling with warm, salty water help soothe a sore throat? Since I’m doing this multiple times a day–and since I feel like it helps–I decided to Google the gargle and attempt a better explanation than “because it does.” First of all, gargling of any kind is helpful when you have a throat infection because it flushes the area and can encourage any lingering bits of phlegm to ride the wave and leave the premises. For those who still have your tonsils (or who, like me, have big ones), flushing the throat with fluid helps loosen anything that gets stuck in there as well. Alternatives to salt water gargling: cider vinegar, lemon juice, natural mint or cinnamon mouthwash, or just plain warm water. But here are the main two reasons why salt water in particular are helpful for sore throats (information I learned here and here and here): Salt sucks. This is a phrase that I learned in 12th grade biology class, and I’ve come back to it again and again. Salt draws moisture and promotes osmosis. This is why salting eggplant or tomatoes makes them give up their liquid so they’re easier to cook with. In your throat, salt water “sucks” in two ways: it draws moisture out of any bacteria who have set up shop there, and it draws moisture out of your own swollen tissues, relieving inflammation. Salt cleanses. Not only does salt water flush out post-nasal drip and other bacterial material (just like any fluid would), a salty environment prevents bacteria from growing. Just ask any medieval meat-eater how they kept their meat from going rancid, and you’ll recall that salt is a bacteria-fighter. Fair warning, though – you can have too much of a good thing when it comes to salt water gargling. First, do not swallow the salt – your body does not need the extra sodium, it needs to be well-hydrated in order to fight your infection. Second, if the concentration of salt in your gargle is too high, it will dry out your throat membranes, causing them to inflame further. A good rule of thumb is to use only enough salt so that the water tastes just salty, not WHOA, SALTY! I usually do 3 10-second gargles in a row, 3-4 times a day when I have a cold. And for whatever reason, I usually feel better afterward. Do you gargle? Does it help?

Your oral hygiene chocks

Inadequate oral hygiene, which Dr. Weiser defines as those who don’t brush and floss daily, results in visible plaque on teeth and red swollen gums. And it doesn't take long to happen: Research shows that healthy gums can become diseased gums within 24 to 36 hours of not brushing and caring for oral tissues properly. Your best bet? Taking care of your teeth. A commitment to regular professional cleanings as well as home care is essential, says Dr. Weiser. These tools can help make your job easier: An electric toothbrush Automatic brushers massage the gums to stimulate blood flow, bring nutrients to the tissue, and release toxins, says Dr. Samaha. Opt for anti-bacterial mouth rinse and toothpaste to cut down on the bacteria in your mouth. Consider a water pick for flossing, or be vigilant about flossing daily the old-school way (you want to reach the spaces between your teeth, where the disease really takes hold). Oral probiotic mints, which are dissolved in the mouth, are also a helpful means to prevent tooth decay and whiten teeth along the way. A diet with at least six to eight fist-sized servings of fruits and vegetables.

A diet with at least six to eight fist-sized servings of fruits and vegetables, along with nutritional supplements of calcium, vitamin D, vitamin C, magnesium, and anti-inflammatories such as fish oil, are all critical building blocks of oral health,” says Dr. Samaha. Eating well boosts the integrity of the entire immune system and nourishes the oral soft tissues, which are the most vulnerable in the body, she says.

Why that bit of blood in the sink isn’t something you should ignore

Even if you’re a die-hard daily flosser (which, let’s be honest, most of us aren’t even close to being), chances are, you see an occasional drop or two of blood post string-session. No big deal, right? Not so fast. “Bleeding gums are never normal, not even when you have your teeth professionally cleaned,” says Lisa Marie Samaha, DDS, founder and director of the Perio Arts Institute, in Newport News, VA. “Imagine your scalp bleeding when you brush your hair.” In other words, if your gums are bleeding when you floss or brush your teeth, you have periodontal disease, commonly known as gum disease. What exactly is gum disease? Simply put, it’s a contagious bacterial infection that can wreak havoc on your health. In your mouth, it can destroy your gums, erode your jawbone, and lead to tooth loss (gum disease is actually the number one reason teeth fall out). The picture's not any better when it comes to the rest of the body. Here’s what happens: “There are two fronts to bleeding gums,” says Mark Weiser, DDS, a dentist practicing in Santa Barbara, Calif. “The plaque—which is a biofilm of bacteria and its waste products—first create the irritation to the gum tissue. Then there’s the body's reaction to that wounding, the inflammatory response.” Put those two factors together and you’ve got inflamed, bleeding gums. The longer you have inflammation, the more at risk you are for all kinds of systemic illnesses, everything from allergies to cancer. And gum disease is common. Really common. According to the American Academy of Periodontology, up to 80% of the adult population has some level of periodontal disease, while only about 10% are aware of it, as telltale signs of the disease—bleeding gums, for one—don’t typically show up until the middle-to-late stages.

Humania: STOMACH CANCER FACTS

Humania: STOMACH CANCER FACTS: *Stomach cancer facts Medical author: Charles P. Davis, MD, PhD. The stomach is a hollow organ that liquefies food and is part of the...

STOMACH CANCER FACTS

*Stomach cancer facts Medical author: Charles P. Davis, MD, PhD. The stomach is a hollow organ that liquefies food and is part of the digestive system. Cancer is the growth of abnormal (malignant) body cells: stomach cancer cells spread by breaking away from other cancer cells and go into the bloodstream or lymphatics while others penetrate into organs near the stomach. Although the cause of stomach cancer development is not known, risk factors include inflammation of the stomach, Helicobacter Pylori infection, smoking, poor diet, obesity, lack of physical activity, and the history of stomach cancer in the family. The symptoms of stomach cancer may include discomfort and/or pain in the stomach, nausea and vomiting, weight loss, difficulty swallowing, vomiting blood, blood in the stool, and feeling full or bloated after a small meal. Stomach cancer is diagnosed by a physical exam, medical history, endoscopy, and biopsy of the tissue. Stomach cancer is staged according to where the cancers found and how far it has invaded the stomach tissue, or if it has spread beyond the stomach and into other organs (stages 0 to IV). The treatment of stomach cancer depends on the size and location of the tumor, the stage of the disease and the patient's general health. Surgery is done to remove cancer tissue; in general, two procedures are common: partial (subtotal) gastrectomy and total gastrectomy. Chemotherapy is the use of drugs to kill cancer cells: it may be used before or after surgery. Radiation therapy uses high-energy rays to kill cancer cells: it is used frequently along with chemotherapy. Many doctors recommend getting a second opinion before starting treatment: this article provides contact phone numbers to several institutions that can help find a doctor to give a second opinion. Good nutrition after stomach surgery may require supplements like vitamins and minerals, plus changing your eating habits. Surgery, a stent placement, radiation therapy, and laser therapy are treatment options for cancers that block the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Tests to rule out recurrence of cancer; complementary and alternative medicine should be discussed with your doctor.

What Causes Hyperactivity?

Written by Shawn Goodwin. Medically Reviewed by George Krucik, MD. What Is Hyperactivity? Hyperactivity means being more active than is usual or desirable. Depending on the cause, hyperactivity has many different characteristics. The most common of these are: constant movement aggressive behavior impulsive behavior being easily distracted. Many different mental diseases and medical conditions have hyperactivity as a symptom. People who are hyperactive may develop other problems due to the inability to stay still or concentrate. For example, hyperactivity may lead to difficulties at school or work. It may strain relationships with friends and family. It may lead to accidents and injuries. And it increases the risk for alcohol and drug abuse, and other delinquent behaviors. Hyperactivity is often considered more difficult for those around the hyperactive person—such as teachers, employers, and parents—than it is for the person who is hyperactive. However, hyperactive people often become anxious or depressed because of their condition and the way people respond to them. One of the main disorders that displays hyperactivity as a marker is attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). ADHD is a disorder that causes the person to become overactive, inattentive, and impulsive. This condition is usually diagnosed at a young age. Some people, however, suffer from ADHD as adults. Hyperactivity is treatable. For the best results, early treatment is usually required. What Causes Hyperactivity? Hyperactivity can be caused by mental and physical disorders. The most common causes for hyperactivity are: ADHD hyperthyroidism (too much thyroid hormone) brain disorders nervous system disorders psychological disorders Recognizing the Signs of Hyperactivity. One or several signs may be present. These depend on the cause of the disorder. Hyperactive children may have difficulty concentrating in school. They may also display impulsive behaviors such as: talking out of turn blurting things out (this is a typical symptom of Tourette’s syndrome) hitting other students being overactive. Adults who display hyperactivity may also display the following: difficulty concentrating at work short attention span difficulty remembering names, numbers, or bits of information. Anxiety or depression may occur if the person is distressed about the condition. Adults who have hyperactivity probably displayed these symptoms as children. How Is Hyperactivity Diagnosed? If you or your child is displaying signs of hyperactivity, speak to your doctor. Your doctor will ask questions about your symptoms. Questions will focus on when the symptoms began, and will also look at recent changes in your overall health. Your physician will ask if you are taking any medications to treat a medical or mental health condition. The answers to these questions will help your doctor determine what type of hyperactivity you are displaying. They will also help to gauge if it is a new or worsening condition. Your answers will also help your doctor determine if the cause is simply a medication side effect. In addition, your doctor may take a blood or urine sample to check your hormone levels. An imbalance of thyroid hormone or other hormones may result in hyperactivity. if your doctor feels this is a mental condition, he or she will refer you to a mental health specialist for treatment. How Is Hyperactivity Treated? If a condition affecting your thyroid, brain, or nervous system is causing your hyperactivity, your doctor may prescribe medications to treat the underlying problem. Hyperactivity can also be caused by an emotional disorder. If this is the case, you will be treated by a mental health specialist. A mental health specialist will review your symptoms to determine what condition you may have. Once a condition is diagnosed, you may be given medications or therapy to help control the hyperactivity. Therapy Common therapies used to treat hyperactivity are: cognitive behavioral therapy. Talk therapy. Cognitive behavioral therapy aims to change yours patterns of thinking and behavior. Talk therapy involves discussing your symptoms with a therapist. The therapist can teach you how to cope with the condition and reduce its effects. Medication When therapy isn’t enough, you may need to take medicine to control symptoms from the brain. These medications have a calming effect. They are often prescribed for children and adults. These drugs include: dexmethylphenidate (Focalin) dextroamphetamine and amphetamine (Adderall) dextroamphetamine (Dexedrine, Dextrostat) lisdeamfetamine (Vyvanse) methylphenidate (Ritalin) Some of these medications are habit-forming. Your doctor or mental health care provider will monitor your intake. You may also be advised to avoid stimulants that may trigger symptoms. Commonly used stimulants to be avoided are caffeine and nicotine. Article Sources: Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). (2008). National Institute of Mental Health. Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children. (February 10, 2011).Mayo Clinic. Hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid). (2010, December 4).Mayo Clinic. What is hyperactivity. (n.d.).Kids Health.