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Amniocentesis and CVS – What’s the Difference?

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As our understanding of genetic disorders and the technology necessary to detect them early progresses, the care offered to pregnant women is also changing. Today women undergo much more testing during pregnancy than ever before. This commonly includes non-invasive prenatal testing, which only requires a blood sample from the mother and informs parents of the likelihood that their child could be born with certain genetic disorders.

If you have received an inconclusive or positive result from an initial prenatal blood test, you may be scared and confused. It’s important to remember that a prenatal blood test does not indicate a certainty. Your doctor will likely recommend additional tests to confirm and diagnose your unborn child’s condition. Two of the most commonly recommended prenatal diagnostic tests are amniocentesis and chorionic villus sampling (CVS). What is the difference between the two?

Amniocentesis

Amniocentesis is a prenatal diagnostic test that is usually performed between the 15th and 20th weeks of pregnancy. This procedure involves using an ultrasound to guide a thin, hollow needle through the abdomen of the mother and into the amniotic sac. The needle will then remove just enough amniotic fluid necessary to test for abnormalities.

Discomfort during and after amniocentesis is minimal. Some women elect for a local anesthetic, but many do not. After the procedure, you may experience very mild pains that can be treated with over-the-counter pain medication, as recommended by your doctor. Plan to rest and avoid any strenuous physical activity for at least 48 hours after the test. If you experience any severe abdominal pain, bleeding, fever or other serious symptoms following the procedure, you should alert your doctor as soon as possible. There is a very slight risk of miscarriage associated with an amniocentesis (less than 1%), but the results can have a significant impact on planning for future healthcare for your baby if they have a diagnosis requiring special medical attention.

The results of amniocentesis should be available within four weeks of the procedure. This test is usually around 99.4% accurate in detecting chromosomal abnormalities in utero. You will likely be required to meet with a genetic counselor to go over the results. They will be able to give you a better idea of how likely it is that your child will be born with a particular disorder, how the results will impact your care during the remainder of the pregnancy, and if the result is positive, what you can do to prepare for the future medical care of your baby.

Chorionic Villus Sampling (CVS)

Chorionic villus sampling is a test that is usually performed between the 10th and 14th weeks of pregnancy. This procedure involves taking cells from a pregnant woman’s placenta (chorionic villus) to test for potential genetic abnormalities in the fetus. There are two ways that this sample can be taken: transcervically (through the cervix), or transabdominally (through the vagina). Before the procedure, the mother will undergo an ultrasound to verify the age of the fetus and the positioning of the placenta for the procedure. During the procedure, a hollow needle will be inserted into the uterus (via the abdomen or through the cervix, via the vagina) to remove chorionic villus cells from the placenta to send for testing.

Your doctor may use a local anesthetic to numb the area prior to sampling. Following the procedure, you may experience light vaginal bleeding and cramping, but any other more serious side effects should be reported immediately to your doctor. Chorionic villus sampling has a slightly higher risk of miscarriage, but it’s still quite low (around 0.22% chance of miscarriage). The results of the test should be available within a week of the study, and are generally 98-99% accurate. There is a possibility that you receive a false positive or need additional testing after CVS. Your doctor or genetic counselor will be able to better advise what course of action to take following testing.

Speak with Your Doctor

If you have additional questions about prenatal testing, or are looking for guidance after receiving your results, speak with your doctor or make an appointment with a genetic counselor. They will be able to answer your questions, make recommendations, and help you to coordinate the necessary future care for your child.

SOURCES:

  1. http://americanpregnancy.org/prenatal-testing/chorionic-villus-sampling/
  2. https://www.webmd.com/baby/cvs-chorionic-villus-sampling
  3. https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/chorionic-villus-sampling/about/pac-20393533
  4. https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/healthlibrary/test_procedures/gynecology/chorionic_villus_sampling_cvs_92,p07769
  5. https://www.webmd.com/baby/pregnancy-amniocentesis#1
  6. https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/amniocentesis/about/pac-20392914

Eight Reasons to Consider Switching to Vaping

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From bad odors to deadly toxins, there are many reasons that you might be considering making the switch from tobacco to vaping. Whether you’re worried about your own health or that of your family, are tired of paying so much money to fund what could become a fatal, unhealthy habit, or are simply ready to make some healthier lifestyle changes, switching to vaping could be a kick-start in the right direction.

Recently, scientists in the UK have found that vaping is 95% less harmful than traditional tobacco cigarettes, with several studies held worldwide that back this result up. If you’re feeling ready to eliminate cigarettes from your life, read on for some of the best reasons to consider swapping to an electronic cigarette.

#1. Quit on Your Own Terms:

Quitting smoking is difficult because the majority of smokers are addicted to the nicotine found in traditional cigarettes. However, whilst nicotine itself is relatively low risk, the other chemicals and toxins inhaled when you smoke are what cause health risks and problems over time. If you’ve ever tried to go ‘cold turkey’, you’ll know just how difficult giving up nicotine all at once can be. Vaping allows you to gradually overcome your addiction by controlling your nicotine level. You can start off with a higher concentration of nicotine in the juice, and eventually cut it down until you’re on a very low level or even using none at all.

#2. Improve Your Health:

In addition to getting in control of your nicotine addiction, making the switch to vaping can bring about several improvements to your health. Many vapers who once smoked report that they get out of breath less often, allowing them to enjoy things that they may have put off in the past such as working out at the gym or even playing with their kids. Vapor does not contain tobacco, so you’ll also be decreasing your risk of several smoking-related health problems such as heart disease, stroke, and lung cancer.

#3. Improve Your Appearance:

It’s well-known that smoking cigarettes doesn’t just have a bad effect on your health – it can also take its toll on your appearance. Long-term smokers tend to find that their teeth discolor and their skin changes for the worst, often long before it should. Making the switch might not undo all of the damage completely, but it’ll make it easier to improve your appearance and keep it that way. Your skin can improve dramatically with the right diet, skincare products, and getting rid of tobacco from your life. You can also have your teeth professionally whitened and keep them that way when you switch to vaping.

#4. Be Kinder to the Environment:

In addition to often being tested on animals, cigarettes are also one of the major causes of toxic waste worldwide. From packaging to ashes to cigarette butts, they are not biodegradable, and it’s estimated that around 1.70 billion pounds of cigarette ends are thrown in the trash every single year. This ends up as toxic waste, creating long-term problems for the environment. On the contrary, vaping doesn’t produce any of this waste since e-cigarettes mostly rely on rechargeable batteries. If you’re worried about your waste contribution and personal impact on the environment, this is one of the best ways to start making a huge change.

#5. Ingest Fewer Chemicals:

It’s well-known now that cigarettes contain thousands of chemicals, many of which are extremely harmful to your body, those around you, and the environment in which you smoke. Almost seventy of the chemicals found in traditional cigarettes are known to cause cancer. Some of the most dangerous include carbon monoxide, tar, benzene, and the radioactive element polonium 210. On the other hand, a good-quality vape juice will only contain vegetable glycerin (VG), propylene glycol (PC), nicotine, and water.

#6. Save Money:

Anybody who smokes will know that it’s an expensive habit to have; over the years, the cost of cigarettes has steadily risen, with more price increases expected for the future. Higher prices on cigarette ingredients, paired with increasing taxes, has driven the price of a standard pack of cigarettes from anything between $5-12, depending on the state, related taxes, and the brand. In contrast, vaping tends to be much more affordable, with many vapers saving at least 50% compared to traditional smokers. It’s also easier to make adjustments to fit your budget, with a wide range of kits and liquids available to suit all price ranges.

#7. Explore a New World of Taste:

After a while, smoking cigarettes can become fairly boring, with only plain old tobacco, and sometimes menthol options, to choose from. If you’re considering making the switch but are worried that you’ll miss the taste of tobacco, however, don’t worry. There are several tobacco e-liquid flavors to choose from to help you make the initial switch. Once you’re feeling more confident when it comes to vaping, there’s a massive flavor profile to start exploring until you find one that suits you. From traditional dessert flavors to your favorite fruits or minty boosts, you can easily find it on the market. And, there’s no need to stick to the same flavor either, with new ones being rolled out all the time.

#8. Eliminate Secondhand Smoke:

Many smokers are not only worried about their own health, but that of others around them. Even if you take steps to only smoke out of the way of your family, the odor and toxins left on your clothing, skin and hair can affect them in some way. Secondhand smoke also contains several dangerous chemicals and is known to lead to cancer in people who have never smoked a cigarette firsthand themselves. This is particularly concerning for smokers who have children; the last thing that you want is for your habit to put your innocent little ones at risk. Since vaping does not burn or produce any smoke, you can eliminate the risks of secondhand smoke to others by making the switch.

Whether you’re determined to smoke your last cigarette or simply want to be more informed on the vaping lifestyle, understanding the many benefits is a smart first step.

6 Ways to Combat Brittle Bones as You Age

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As people age, the bones quickly start to become brittle and weak. This is especially true if people aren’t doing what they should to keep themselves healthy and in shape. Strengthening the bones and body is one of the best ways to combat brittle bones, along with other methods. With difficulty moving and handling tasks, regular pain, and other problems, aging adults should do everything they can to keep their bones strong to avoid these struggles.

Surgery

Minimally invasive surgeries exist to help repair broken bones. If other options have not worked, then surgery is often the last resort to ensure the body can work as intended. A wrist surgery, for example, requires just one or two small incisions to treat injuries to both bone and soft tissue within the wrist and hand. Minimize scarring occurs with a faster recovery than a more invasive approach.

Diet

Certain vitamins and minerals are ideal for bone health. By consuming a diet high in these nutrients, people can keep their bones as healthy as possible, even prolonging the aging process. Protein is essential, especially for those who have suffered a break or fracture and need to heal. Calcium and magnesium are also important. Eating foods rich in Vitamin D and Vitamin C will help with calcium absorption and bone growth.

Supplements

Some people do not get all the nutrients they need for strong bones from diet alone. Perhaps they have a particular allergy or simply do not like to drink milk often. Supplements help tremendously to ensure individuals are getting the vitamins and nutrients they need to keep bones strong. Taking a bone health, bone strength, or bone restore vitamin can help considerably.

Exercise

Individuals who already have brittle bones may find it difficult to exercise. With a weakened body and regular pain, working out is often the last thing on people’s minds. However, exercise is essential to bone health and repairing the accumulated damage to bones over the years. A low-impact workout, such as one done in the water, will help tremendously. The buoyancy of the water will lessen the impact on the joints and allow people to work out their bodies in a beneficial way.

Improving Home Safety

Another way to combat brittle bones is to improve safety within the home. If older adults know they struggle with weakened bones and bodies, then they should do what they can to keep themselves from getting hurt and causing more damage. Bones can break easily during falls, for example, so non-slip mats should be added to the bathroom and kitchen, while rugs that come up easily need to be removed so people aren’t tripping over them. It is also wise to add grab bars in the bathrooms for help getting up and down.

Stop Smoking

Smokers tend to have a lower bone mass overall, which leads to a higher chance of fractures. Women who smoke tend to go through menopause sooner because of the loss of estrogen in their systems. This can cause bone loss in itself. Anyone who smokes and has for years will have even more problems. Smokers should stop now to prevent further damage to their bones.

The aging process doesn’t have to be debilitating. Though bones become brittle as people age, there are plenty of ways to prevent the problem, as well as combat it once it’s started. Healthy bones and bodies are possible at all ages as long as people work on improving them at all times.

What Are The Main Causes Of Breast Cancer?

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Source

Most women these days are afraid of breast cancer or are at least aware of the seriousness of the condition. This is one of the most common of all cancers among women and normally happens in the breast’s lobules or ducts. You want to be sure that you take preventive measures in order to avoid this awful condition. Life Medical Technologies mentions the fact that all women should have proper knowledge when discussing breast cancer causes.

What Causes Breast Cancer?

Nobody really knows the main breast cancer cause at the moment. However, there are different factors that are going to put you at a higher risk of being affected by this disease. Those that you really need to know more about include:

  • Aging– This may be a little hard to believe but the truth is that aging is a really common factor associated with breast cancer. As your body ages, risks grow to be affected.
  • Consuming alcohol – If you excessively drink alcohol you practically double the possibility that you will be affected by breast cancer. Make sure you limit quantities in order to avoid increasing breast cancer risks.
  • Denser Breast Tissue – Some doctors will tell you that when you have denser breast tissue there is a higher chance you are going to be affected by breast cancer. This is because cells that create this disease are going to simply grow faster.
  • Late child birth/not being pregnant– The women that have the first child at older age are at a higher risk of getting breast cancer. In addition, women that cannot easily conceive can be affected by breast cancer.
  • Early menstruation – If you are a woman that has the first period before 12 years old, the risk of getting breast cancer is higher when compared to those that get menstruation after that age.
  • Family history of breast cancer – Unfortunately, if you do have breast cancer in your family history, there is an increased possibility you are going to be affected. At the same time, if you had breast cancer in one of your breasts, the other one will most likely have to be checked since the possibility of getting it there is increased. Statistics show that there is a double possibility of having breast cancer if you have the disease in your family history.

It is really important that women go to the doctor and get checked up from time to time. Proper treatment is mandatory. Remember the fact that if breast cancer is diagnosed early, there is a much higher possibility that you are going to be treated. This is something that doctors do all they can in order to promote at the moment.

Women should know as much as possible about breast cancer. Not much information is available at the moment and you cannot trust all that you find online. Have patience and go talk to an experienced doctor. Learn what increases breast cancer risk and be sure you always respect absolutely all the indications that are offered by the medic.

John Kang Liquidmetal Update on Treating Cancer

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John Kang WebMD contributor and general surgeon is one of the smartest doctors that I know, an ethical doctor with excellent values, a hardworking doctor who is constantly doing his utmost to help his patients and, most importantly, a man who is constantly seeking new ways of fighting diseases. For John Kang Liquidmetal is the future for cancer treatment and it is something which he has been waxing lyrical about with his oncology team and other colleagues. I first spoke to John Kang MC last year about the work that was being done on Liquidmetal procedures in treating cancer, and here is where we are at now with this ground-breaking work.

Success

John Kang MC was most delighted to tell me that we have seen some of the largest breakthroughs in recent years, occurring in just the last few months in this field. Liquidmetal has been tried and tested for almost a decade in the medical industry, looking at ways it can be used for a wide number of medical conditions. It was the suspicion of the scientists and medical professionals involved for many years, that this could be a successful procedure to use in cases of chemotherapy, and we are now closer than ever to realizing that fact.

How Liquidmetal Can Aid Cancer Patients?

One of the biggest complaints when it comes to chemotherapy has been the fact that it is after all, a toxic procedure which hits healthy cells as well as cancerous cells. Liquidmetal however, has been shown to completely remove this risk in a very unique way. The reason behind this is that researchers have created metal nano-particles using an alloyed gallium indium, which is a stable liquid at room temperature. Using an ultrasound, this metal is turned into nanoparticles, which then have special molecules named ligands, which are able to stick to the nanoparticle, we then stick doxorubicin – a well known chemotherapy drug – to these ligands. What happens when these are injected into the bloodstream, is that they hit cancerous tumorous, formulate into a metal particle again and then begin to absorb the tumor.

Benefits of Liquidmetal

The benefits which this kind of treatment could offer a cancer patient are immeasurable. Using this treatment doctors can count on their patients receiving a treatment which is non-toxic and potentially highly effective, especially for cancers which are currently considered non-curable. Additionally, doctors can easily track the progress of these nanoparticles because when they become metal once again, they can be easily picked up on scans.

Future

There is still much more testing to be done on this treatment, first with animals and then in human trials, but the future looks very bright. Dr. Kang tells me that the manufacture of these particles can be done very easily and inexpensively, which is another huge benefit of using Liquidmetal in treatments of cancers. Simply put, the future looks very bright indeed.

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