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Hair loss Treatment for Women



Hair loss is surprisingly common in women, affecting more than 30 million in the U.S., according to the American Academy of Dermatology. It can start as early as puberty or much later in life. In fact, 38 percent of women 70 and older experience hair loss, in part because hair thickness decreases with age, especially after menopause. The condition often leads to low self-esteem, social anxiety, and self-imposed isolation.

Female pattern hair loss (FPHL) is characterized by thinning over the top of the scalp and sometimes the sides. In men, a male hormone known as an androgen is primarily responsible for hair loss, but the main cause of FPHL appears to be less clear-cut. Women normally produce male hormones too, and in some cases the condition is associated with excessive androgen levels. Other types of hair shedding in women may be related to estrogen loss or significant changes in estrogen levels, as in the postpartum period or in menopause. Hair loss can also result from breakage during hair treatments and styling, certain medication—including hormones—and conditions like iron deficiency, severe dieting, thyroid disease, lupus, and even stress.

Finasteride (Propecia) is approved by the Food and Drug Administration to treat male pattern hair loss (also called androgenetic alopecia). At higher doses, it's also approved to reduce the symptoms of enlarged prostate in men. It works by blocking the enzyme that is responsible for the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone, the androgen that causes the prostate to enlarge. It also reduces dihydrotestosterone levels in the scalp, which slows hair loss and even increases hair growth. Because finasteride has been effective in controlling male pattern hair loss, it has been used to treat female pattern hair loss, although it has not gained FDA approval for that purpose. Medication prescribed to treat a condition that does not have FDA approval for that use is known as "off-label." Doctors can legally prescribe any medication they deem appropriate for treatment.

"If a woman has female pattern hair loss and elevated androgen levels that we can document, then she is likely to respond to treatments that block or decrease androgens, and finasteride is an option," says Elise A. Olsen, M.D
., a professor of dermatology and oncology and director of the Hair Disorders Research and Treatment Center at Duke University Medical Center. "But often we will try it even in women who don't have elevated androgen levels because other treatment options are very limited, and these women may have sensitivity to androgens at the cellular level of the hair follicle that we can't document."
What is the evidence?

The only randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial on this subject involved 137 postmenopausal women with low androgen levels and hair thinning at the front of their scalp. After 12 months, there were no significant differences in hair count between the patients receiving finasteride or a placebo, and both groups continued to lose hair. The authors concluded that finasteride was well-tolerated but did not reduce hair loss in these women.

Another group of researchers studied 48 premenopausal women with FPHL and elevated androgen levels: 36 subjects were randomized to treatment with one of three drugs with anti-androgen effects, including finasteride, and 12 subjects declined treatment but were observed. The study wasn't blinded, meaning that patients and researchers knew which medication was received. After a year, those taking finasteride continued to lose hair.

In contrast, two studies reported some success with finasteride, but neither was randomized, blinded or placebo-controlled. In one, 37 premenopausal women with FPHL but without androgen excess received finasteride along with an oral contraceptive. After 12 months, most of them showed improved hair density, although the contraceptive contained drospirenone, which has anti-androgen actions and may have contributed to that effect. And in a 2010 study, 86 pre- and postmenopausal Asian women with FPHL and normal androgen levels were treated with finasteride for 12 months, resulting in slight increases in hair density for 57 women, moderate increases in 10 women, and more substantial increases for four women. Anecdotal reports and small, uncontrolled trials have also noted beneficial results with hair loss in pre- and postmenopausal women with or without increased androgen levels.

Treatment for West Nile Virus

With the exception of herpes simplex and varicella-zoster encephalitis, the viral forms of encephalitis are not treatable. The primary objective is to diagnose the patient as soon as possible so they receive the right medicines to treat the symptoms. It is very important to lower fever and ease the pressure caused by swelling of the brain.

Patients with very severe encephalitis are at risk for body-wide (systemic) complications including shock, low oxygen, low blood pressure, and low sodium levels. Any potentially life-threatening complication should be addressed immediately with the appropriate treatments.
Treating Probable Causes of Encephalitis

Since it is difficult to determine the cause of encephalitis, and rapid treatment is essential, clinical guidelines recommend immediately administering intravenously the antiviral drug acyclovir without waiting to determine the cause of the illness.

Once the doctor receives results from diagnostic tests, drug treatment depends on the cause of the encephalitis. Antiviral drug treatments for specific causes of encephalitis include:

    Herpes Simplex Virus . Acyclovir is recommended.
    Varicella-Zoster Virus . Acyclovir is recommended. Ganciclovir or adjunctive corticosteroids may also be considered.
    Cytomegalovirus . Combination of ganciclovir plus foscarnet.
    Epstein-Barr Virus . Corticosteroids may be used, although risks may outweigh benefits. (Acyclovir is not recommended.)
    Human Herpesvirus 6. Ganciclovir or foscarnet are recommended for immunocompromised patients.
    Measles. Ribavirin may be considered.
    ADEM. High-dose intravenous corticosteroids.
    St. Louis Encephalitis . Interferon alfa-2a may be considered.

For bacterial meningitis, antibiotics (not antiviral drugs) are used.
Additional Treatments

Other encephalitis treatments are aimed at reducing symptoms.

    Seizures may be prevented by using oral anticonvulsant drugs.or intravenous lorazepam (Ativan).
    Sedatives may be prescribed for irritability or restlessness.
    Simple pain relievers may be used for fever and headache.
    In patients who are otherwise stable, the only other treatment measures are to keep the head elevated and monitor the patient's status.

Investigational Treatments

No specific drugs have been effective for treating arboviruses, including West Nile virus, although a number of drugs used to treat other virus infections are being investigated. They include interferon alfa 2a (Roferon-A) and other interferons.

How Many Organs Are in the Human Body?

There are 78 organs in the human body.It is difficult to give the right answer. There are 13 major organ systems in human body. The organs work together systematically to keep you alive and active and each plays a specific role related to your health and development. By definition, an organ is a structure that comprises at least two kinds of tissue that function together for a common purpose. Some of the most important organs in the human body are the skin, liver, heart and lungs.
Regional groups

    Head and neck – includes everything above the thoracic inlet.
    Upper limb – includes the hand, wrist, forearm, elbow, arm, and shoulder.
    Thorax – the region of the chest from the thoracic inlet to the thoracic diaphragm.
    Human abdomen to the pelvic brim or to the pelvic inlet.
    The back – the spine and its components, the vertebrae, sacrum, coccyx, and intervertebral disks.
    Pelvis and Perineum – the pelvis consists of everything from the pelvic inlet to the pelvic diaphragm. The perineum is the region between the sex organs and the anus.
    Lower limb – everything below the inguinal ligament, including the hip, the thigh, the knee, the leg, the ankle, and the foot.

Internal organs (by region)

Head and neck

    Brain
        Amygdala
        Basal ganglia
        Brain stem
            medulla
            midbrain
            pons
        Cerebellum
        Cerebral cortex
        Hypothalamus
        Limbic system

    Eye
    Pituitary
    Thyroid and Parathyroids

Thorax

    Heart
    Lung
    Esophagus
    Thymus
    Pleura

Abdomen and pelvis (both sexes)

    Adrenals
    Appendix
    Bladder
    Gallbladder
    Large intestine
    Small intestine
    Kidney
    Liver
    Pancreas
    Spleen
    Stomach

Male pelvis

    Prostate
    Testes

Female pelvis

    Ovaries
    Uterus

Human organs

symptoms of west nile virus

 Most have no symptoms
Most people infected with the West Nile virus have no signs or symptoms.

Mild infection signs and symptoms
About 20 percent of people develop a mild infection called West Nile fever. Common signs and symptoms of West Nile fever include:

    Fever
    Headache
    Body aches
    Fatigue
    Skin rash (occasionally)
    Swollen lymph glands (occasionally)
    Eye pain (occasionally)

Serious infection signs and symptoms
In less than 1 percent of infected people, the virus causes a serious neurological infection. Such infection may include inflammation of the brain (encephalitis) or of the brain and surrounding membranes (meningoencephalitis). Serious infection may also include infection and inflammation of the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord (meningitis), inflammation of the spinal cord (West Nile poliomyelitis) and acute flaccid paralysis — a sudden weakness in your arms, legs or breathing muscles. Signs and symptoms of these diseases include:

    High fever
    Severe headache
    Stiff neck
    Disorientation or confusion
    Stupor or coma
    Tremors or muscle jerking
    Lack of coordination
    Convulsions
    Pain
    Partial paralysis or sudden weakness

Signs and symptoms of West Nile fever usually last a few days, but sign and symptoms of encephalitis or meningitis can linger for weeks, and certain neurological effects, such as muscle weakness, may be permanent.

When to see a doctor
Mild symptoms of West Nile fever usually resolve on their own. If you experience signs or symptoms of serious infection, such as severe headaches, a stiff neck or an altered mental state, seek medical attention right away. A serious West Nile virus infection generally requires hospitalization.

Marriage and Couple Counseling Talk Therapy



Many times those who are close desire change in something about others so their lives can be made a little bit easier.

While even close friends may see the need for someone to change, the person in need of the change may not agree and may even resist any expectations that they should change.

In most relationship therapy not everyone involved sees the need for change, many would think that therapy may not be effective unless both parties can agree change is needed. However, in my experience rarely do couples come into therapy with the clear understanding of where changes, growth and development needs to occur. The use of Emotional Focused Therapy enables change to occur as a part of the ongoing sessions. The changes will likely be gradual but recognizable for all of the parties involved.

Through their experiences in the sessions couples will begin to learn and understand how to make the needed individual changes, and they will also discover how these changes will benefit their relationship and personal development. This will allow them to see for themselves how the personal development they experience will improve their problems with communications and maintaining intimate relationships. As these experiences that take hold couples will experience more opportunity for connection to happen which can mean even better experiences in the future of the relationship.

Talk therapy will help people grow as individuals which will ultimately lead to stronger, healthier and more intimate relationships.

Symptoms of Seborrheic Dermatitis


Seborrheic dermatitis is a common, chronic condition of skin which affects millions of people worldwide. It is a troublesome inflammatory skin condition which is not  fatal. Seborrheic dermatitis can affect different body areas such as the scalp, eyebrows, eyelids, creases of the nose, lips, behind the ears, in the outer ear, and middle of the chest. It tends to affect places where the skin is oily or greasy. In most cases the scalp is affected. [Read: What is Seborrheic Dermatitis?]

Common symptoms of seborrheic dermatitis are:
Yellowish-white scales and flakes on the scalp. The flakes may fall and are seen on shoulders of dark clothing—this is often the first symptom of dandruff. The scales and flakes may be waxy or greasy.
Dry itchy scalp, itch in the ear canal
Dry skin on face usually without any rash. It does not improve on application of lotions and creams. In fact it may become worse.
Yellowish-white, dry-looking, or thick, greasy scales on the eyebrows, sides of the nose, and behind the ears
Itch in ear canal and recurrent ear eczema.
Rash on eyebrows, nose, and ears. It may appear to be because of dry skin but application of moisturising creams and lotion may worsen it.
Oily scalp and facial skin with dry flakes.
Mild redness in the affected areas beneath the scales.
Dandruff on eyebrows or beard.
Rash on chest with dry flakes and red spots.

Cradle cap

It is the term used to indicate seborrheic dermatitis on scalp of infants. It is a harmless, temporary condition which improves in few weeks to months. Cradle cap is not contagious disease and it is not caused because of poor hygiene or allergy.

Signs and symptoms of cradle cap are:
Yellow, greasy scale on the scalp. It may be sparse and thin or a thick layer of scale can be present over the entire scalp. Scale may be yellow to brownish in colour. The scale becomes flaky and fall off in a few weeks to months (with or without treatment). Rarely cradle cap may be present till the age of 3. Other areas that can be affected by seborrheic dermatitis in infants are the face, usually on a baby’s eyelids, around the nose, or ears. In some infants it may appear on diaper area and rarely seborrheic dermatitis may cover most of the body of an infant.

Dos and Don'ts for Monsoon in Ayurveda


Monsoon is the time for occurrence of vata dosha, according to Ayurveda. It is the season when you feel like gorging on oily foods, but your digestive system is most vulnerable to various ailments. By following certain dos and don’ts, you can make sure that your body is guarded from increased microbial activity of the season, as well as the adverse effects of a slowed down digestion.

Dos for Monsoon in Ayurveda

Have simple and easily digestible food in monsoon. They should be dry in nature like chickpea, corn, gram flour and oats. Having moong dal is advisable.
To ensure removal of germs, drink only boiled water. Water should be consumed within 24 hours of boiling.
Wash green vegetables thoroughly before eating, especially if you want to have them raw.
One of the foremost rules for monsoon in Ayurveda is to eat according to the ability of your digestion.
Know the capability of your jatharagni, i.e. digestive fire, when having food. Use spices such as pepper, ginger, asafoetida (hing), garlic, jeera powder, coriander and turmeric for enhancing your digestive capability. These help to improve your immunity too.
The vegetables recommended in the season include yam (suran), snake gourd (turi), pointed gourd (parwal), gourd (dudhi), bitter gourd (karela), cluster beans (gavaar), and apple gourd (tinda).
Stick to seasonal fruits during monsoons as the unseasonal ones can easily get infected with microbes. These include mangoes, pomegranates, apples, bananas, lychees and cherries.
In case you catch a cold, freshly prepared radish juice, along with a pinch of pipli and rock salt in warm water would help to lessen the trouble of mucous formation.
Fasting is especially recommended in the monsoon season, particularly for people fond of socialising and erratic eating. You can gain a lot of health benefits simply by observing a weekly or fortnightly fast during monsoon. It helps to improve your digestive fire.

Don’ts for Monsoon in Ayurveda

Avoid fermented foods which include idli, dosa, uttapam, and the like.
Avoid sprouts, raw vegetables, refrigerated and sour foods. Foods that are sour include tamarind, various pickles and chutneys.
Heavy grains such as bajra and ragi should be avoided. Limit the intake of foods with high water content such as rice, muskmelon, watermelon and lassi. These can lead to swelling.
Foods that strain your digestive system such as buttermilk, yoghurt, curd should be avoided.
Avoid non-vegetarian foods in monsoon. The possibility of germ content is highest in non-vegetarian foods.
Do not sleep during the day.
Do not tire yourself with work.
Avoid eating late at night. It is particularly important in this season.
Perform only moderate exercises in monsoon such as light walks and simple yogasanas.

By following these dos and don’ts, you would be able to revel in monsoon without fearing its adverse impact.

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