swims in the city

update on spinal repair

spinal repair strategies why do they work

nerve regeneration - how those boys getting on

posted by quoifish @ 12:32 AM 0 comments

Losing weight without wheat

Trying the wheat free life

You can buy Pollenta - which is Maize flour -the coarse one is just great in most Asian shops. Look for large packets of Ginger powder and Cinnamon Powder – Cinnamon and ginger both have natural antibiotic properties, as do -by the way – apples. They are also GREAT digestion aids and anti flatulents and relieve nausea. Cinnamon is also and calming and also said to relieve menstrual cramps, and personally I find Ginger to be very cheering. AND best of all they hide the taste of bicarbonate of soda and cream of tartar, which are necessary as raising agents

Of course you can also use lemon juice to make a delicious lemon cake - coriander powder has a lovely lemony taste and is also a great digestive and apparently great for arthritis and rheumatism!!

You could probably make herb and cheese savoury versions, I certainly used to make a savoury oatmeal version for tea using baby nettles and other veg - great just don’t tell the kids what they are eating!!!

Be careful not to use red cheeses, which have harmful colorants. Cheshire and Wensleydale are clean and crumbly and free from additives. I used to make a kind of pancake using oatmeal instead of wheat for a pizza base

Also look for large bags of Jeera (cumin seed) and Fennel seed, both of which I use in my salads and are apparently great digestives, and Fennel Seed is said to help suppress the appetite – I suppose it satisfies some special body needs!!

Other ideas are baked potatoes – preferably organic because then you can eat the skins without too much damage to your innards! At present the only place I can buy organic potatoes is Royston Tesco

Cut several times into the potatoes and place in microwave hot setting max for around 6 mins

Take out and place in breakfast bowl. Open potatoes and drizzle in some oil (olive or Grapeseed) sprinkle lots of different herbs, mixed herbs, oregano and parsley are great, coriander too

Sprinkle on some sea salt

Back into microwave for 2 mins or just enough time for cheese to melt

Salads

Meanwhile tear up various lettuce add lots of herbs as above and some chopped white cheese ( Cheshire or Wensleydale is clean full of nutrients and delicious – you can get 3 packs for £3 both at Asda and Tesco Royston

Sprinkle in any seeds you fancy including jeera, fennel, and sunflower, sesame and pumpkin are nice

By the way sunflower and sesame go well in cake too!!

Chop in a banana, or tomatoes, or an avocado

Drizzle in a splash of olive oil, a splash of walnut oil, a splash of grape seed oil, a splash of pumpkin seed oil or avocado – mix them up look for others be adventurous – they all have wonderful properties – forget the cheap vegetable oils and add a splash of orange juice and or apple juice

I also use a splash of ginger cordial or elderflower cordial because I like sweet, especially if I add a splash of cider vinegar and / or curry powder – be adventurous

Stir it all up and bung it in a bowl with the baked potato

Also nice in the microwave is sliced mushroom laid on top of brown rivita and sliced white cheese on top with herbs and sea salt and several pieces cooked in microwave for around +/- 2 mins – as you like

instead of mushroom try tomatoe or sliced apples

You can also try – it’s a bit odd –eggy rivita – soak brown wheat free rivita in egg, milk, herb & sea salt mix and fry in olive oil

Labels: easywieghtloss, losing weight without trying, wheat free, wieghtloss

posted by quoifish @ 1:38 PM 0 comments

Spiinal problems

a friend of mine suffered damage to vertebrae and spinal nerves from an accident at work

a year later she is happy to report huge improvement far beyond the original diagnosis thanks she says hugely to glucosamin - not something you can get proscribed on the NHS but the doctor told her it existed and to give it a go

she found it quite expensive - taking around 3 tablets a day but eventually found sources with sales and bulk purchase and she says definitely didn't feel a waste of her money although pretty cynical when she first started out

• 
  '
reported to maintain viscosity in joints, stimulate cartilage repair mechanisms and inhibit enzymes that break down cartilage'

i have been looking at some sites and it seems that the liquid form is best

here is a site for bargain buys?

She also suggested a Tens machine but again have looked at sites and it seems that the Canadians may favour Ultrasound therapy to Tens repression :

• What is Phonophoresis?
• Sonic Relief

also :

• diagram of nerves and spinal cord
• interesting site on the miracle of iodine??!!!

'Several potential therapies have been developed to reverse the devastating consequences of spinal cord injury. At present, each therapy alone provides relatively modest improvements in injury models. Simultaneous treatment with different therapies is likely to improve the outcome, but it is essential that we establish which therapies to combine to achieve the maximum benefit and limit potential harmful effects.

'Earlier studies by Drs Riddell and Barnet have demonstrated that transplanting olfactory ensheathing glia (OEGs) into the injury site stimulates damaged nerve fibres to grow into and across the transplanted cells, but few of the newly grown fibres cross back into the undamaged spinal cord to establish functional connections with undamaged nerve fibres beyond the injury site. It is likely that scar tissue, which is particularly dense at the junction between the injury and undamaged spinal cord, blocks growth. Combining transplants of OEGs with additional treatments to boost the growth potential of nerve fibres and minimise growth inhibition might overcome the inhibitory effects of this scar tissue. In this project, researchers will combine transplants of OEGs with:

• Chondroitinase, an enzyme that digest the inhibitory components in scar tissue, rendering it inactive
• Growth factors, which boost the intrinsic growth potential of growing nerve fibres
• LI> cAMP, which acts inside growing nerve fibres, making them more sensitive to growth factors and less sensitive to inhibitory molecules in the spinal cord.

'Combining the most promising treatments should maximise the regeneration potential of the spinal cord.'

but this research seems to be suggesting that Chondroitin is part of the problem :

Verhaagen J. Niclou S 2005 – 2008 Promoting axon regeneration in the injured spinal cord by RNAi-mediated knockdown of receptors for neurite growth inhibitors

'This project aims to stimulate the regeneration of nerve fibres in the injured spinal cord by using a powerful new technique called RNA interference to reduce the amount of inhibitory factors that are present at the injury site.

'In particular it will determine the contribution made by different types of inhibitory molecules to regeneration failure and proposes a combinatorial approach that blocks inhibitory influences at the injury site while, at the same time, stimulates the growth of injured nerve fibres with nerve growth factors.

'In the past 10 years, several inhibitors that block spinal cord regeneration after injury have been identified. The first two groups of inhibitors to be identified include myelin-based inhibitors (which include Nogo) and inhibitors in scar tissue, such as chondroitin sulphate proteoglycans (CSPGs for short). Another group of inhibitors associated with scar tissue, called semaphorins, has been identified more recently.

'We know that removing CSPGs from the lesion site promotes regeneration and functional recovery in rats with spinal cord injuries. In addition, blocking the effects of semaphorins increases the growth of nerve fibres in culture dishes, but the effect of preventing semaphoring activity in whole spinal cords has not been determined.

''Here, the objective is to promote the regeneration of nerve fibres in the injured spinal cord by blocking the effects of semaphorins as well as other types of inhibitory molecules that are associated with CNS myelin and scar tissue. Initially, this will involve a gene-therapy technique that will prevent cells in the spinal cord making the proteins that are involved with inhibitory effects. In a second stage, the group will combine this with growth factors to stimulate nerve growth.

Combining these two approaches should maximize regeneration following injury.'

meanwhile Dr Zheng seeks to contribute more on the subject of somaphorins - how do they work

Zheng 2005 – 2008 The role of chemorepulsive axon guidance molecules, the semaphorins, in adult CNS axon regeneration failure

'There are many reasons why nerve fibres in the brain and spinal cord of adult mammals do not regenerate following injury. One reason is that these tissues contain many inhibitory factors. Some of these, such as Nogo, form part of the protective myelin coating that surrounds nerve fibres, whereas others, including CSPGs, are present in the scar tissue that forms at the injury site.

'Recently, it has been shown that another group of inhibitory factors, called semaphorins, are also present in scar tissue in the spinal cord.

'The inhibitory effects of semaphorins on the growth of nerve fibres when the nervous system develops have been studied extensively. These studies show that semaphorins both stop and ‘repulse’ the growth of nerve fibres in the developing foetus. Thus, during development, inhibition by semaphorins has a role in preventing the nerve fibres growing into inappropriate positions and ensuring they grow to their correct destinations.

'In adults, it is possible that these same molecules contribute to the regeneration failure following spinal cord injury. However, this has not been tested directly.

'Dr Zheng plans to assess the contribution of semaphorins in regeneration failure by identifying the location and concentration of semaphorins after spinal cord injuries in different species. If the pattern of changes is similar in different species, the role of these molecules after spinal cord injury might also be similar. However, if the pattern of changes differs significantly between species, the role of these molecules might also differ, which is important when we consider spinal cord injuries in humans.

'This work will establish whether semaphorins restrict spinal cord regeneration in adult mammals and could identify another inhibitory factor to be targeted to achieve spinal cord regeneration in humans.'

and Pokrupa et all develop their methods to use fMRI (functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging to actually trace and measure nerve activity in the spinal cord which might be useful in assessing further treatments

Pokrupa R. Smith R. Smith K, Stroman P. 2005 – 2008 Development of functional magnetic resonance imaging for assessing human spinal cord injuries

'Nerve activity in the brain can be measured accurately using a non-invasive technique called functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). In this project scientists are developing fMRI further, to provide a sensitive way to measure nerve activity in the spinal cords of injured patients.

'In the early 1990s it was proposed that fMRI might be used to measure nerve activity in the brain. Since then, the technique has developed rapidly and it is now a proven method for mapping the small changes in brain activity that are associated with various physical and mental stimuli. More recently, it was proposed that fMRI might accurately measure nerve activity in various areas of the spinal cord.

'At present, the extent of damage to the spinal cord is assessed mainly by the extent of paralysis and whether a patient can feel sensation at various points on the body. Although useful clinically, these techniques provide relatively gross indications of the exact damage within the spinal cord. Using fMRI it should be possible to map exact changes anywhere in the spinal cord, including above, below and at the injury site. As a result, small changes in nerve activity in the spinal cord that occur as a result of treatment might be detected, even though the patient’s sensory or motor abilities might not change. This information could be used to assess the effectiveness of a treatment, and to alter the treatment strategy if necessary to achieve the best possible outcome.

'Although based on the methods developed for the brain, fMRI of the spinal cord requires special modifications, and Dr Stroman is the leading expert on the use of fMRI in the spinal cord. In normal individuals, he has developed spinal fMRI to detect changes in the spinal cord evoked by changes in temperature and, in patients with complete spinal cord injuries he can measure nerve activity in the spinal cord above the injury site. Recent data images up to 12 cm of the cord in three dimensions.

'However, the results vary, even in repeated experiments in the same subject, so the existing method is not yet adequate for clinical assessment. In order to achieve this, the group intend to determine the sources of error, which will be used to further develop data acquisition and analysis methods to increase the accuracy and reproducibility of the technique.'

We would like to remind surfers / web browsers that we is not a doctor not qualified, only interested and student studying and that this site is merely a collection of info fished from the net

However feel freee to print off stuff and ask your doctor

posted by quoifish @ 1:10 PM

it's only natural

Would it be fair to say that team efficiency depends on the positive effect of strong individual/s within the team, but lack of self confidence can result in team members being manipulated and therefore causing a negative effect on team performance.

What is the cost to the community when efforts of good workers are eroded by negative controls on team efficiency?

When the success of the task or chance of task being performed to maximum result depends on the strength of belief in efficacy of task held by these same strong individuals, teams slack or work, take shortcuts or use initiative, experience and knowledge to perform the task to their utmost ability

When teams tick by on minimal result, minimal effort, cultures of reporting innocuous behaviours can allow manipulative individuals thriving within the group to effectively eradicate any challenge, dream up complications and camouflage negative effects until it is too late

So when workers are not allowed to perform to their best ability is it not unreasonable to assume that resulting discontent and shame are manifest in escapist activities, ie alcohol and drugs, legal or proscribed

posted by quoifish @ 7:18 PM 0 comments

Nail Fungus - unnecessary discomfort

Hi

as a care worker am a little frustrated at the lack of attention and treatment given to elderly patients/ care users who have varying degrees of nail fungus and unaware they can can get treatment

Often ashamed, embarrassed accepting fungal nail infection as a sign of old age patients are not treated by doctors because they tend not to take shoes or socks off during examinations and so the problem goes untreated

Itchy feet and thick discoloured nails can be treated, but obiously this is easier treated if caught quickly

This is just an infection in the same way that athlete's foot is an infection creams and sprays are available - please examine your old person's feet now and then and check they are not silent sufferers

When at least 60% of care home residents have this problem it would also be nice if doctors would monitor this problem and make changes instead of leaving sufferers at the mercy of chiropodists who visit every 6 months or so and are apparently still not offering treatments except to cut long thick excruciating nails - no wonder chiropodists are booked up!!!!

I have copied chunks from a couple of sites including the web reference

Onychomycosis (ON-i-ko-my-KO-sis).
The medical name for a nail fungus infection.

APPEARANCE OF FUNGUS NAILS

· At an early stage, the nail may have white or yellow patches of discoloration. There may also be yellow horizontal streaks in the nail.

• At a later stage, the nail will grow thick, deformed, discoloured and have a foul odour (musty smell). It may also split and start to crumble.

SYMPTOMS OF FUNGUS NAILS

· The nail may become brittle and split in to several pieces.

· The actual condition is not painful. However, if the nail becomes thick and deformed it may grow into the skin at an angle and become an in growing toe nail.

· In severe cases, inflammation may arise from an in growing toe nail which may result in a secondary infection.

· It will affect a patient’s day to day activity as pressure from nails against the shoes causes discomfort.

· If the condition is left untreated for along period of time, the nail will become very brittle and the patient may experience episodes of total removal of the nail followed by re-growth.

CAUSES OF FUNGUS NAILS

· There are many types of fungus present in our environment. Most are harmless; however, a group of fungi called dermatophytes can affect the feet. Dermatophytes thrive on warm, moist conditions.

· Sweaty shoes and moist socks can be a contributing factor.

· Most people may have the fungus present on their feet. However, a nail fungus infection may be caused due to the fungus invading the skin. This can be due to injury to the nail, inflammation from a in growing toe nail or inappropriate nail cutting.

· Individuals with a lower immunity due to Diabetes, H.I.V and patients with poor circulation.

http://www.drfoot.co.uk/fungus%20nails.htm

Q: What is nail fungus? http://www.lamisil.com/info/simplystated/nail_fungus_faq.jsp

A: Nail fungus is made up of tiny organisms that can infect fingernails and toenails. These organisms are called dermatophytes. Nail fungus is very common. More than 35 million people in the United States have it under their nails. A nail fungus infection is also called onychomycosis

The nail fungus moves in under the nail. The nail provides a safe place for the fungus and protects it while it grows. That's why it's so hard to reach and stop nail fungus.

Most often, nail fungus appears in the toenails. This is because socks and shoes keep the toenails dark, warm, and moist. This is a perfect place for the fungus to grow.

The organisms that make up nail fungus can sometimes spread from one person to another because these organisms can live where the air is often moist and people's feet are bare. This can happen in places like shower stalls, bathrooms, or locker rooms, or it can be passed along when you share a nail file or clippers with someone who has a nail fungus infection. Nail fungus may also spread from one of your nails to other nails.

Q: What causes nail fungus infection?

A: Most often, the tiny fungus gets under the nail and takes hold. Anything that damages a nail can make it easier for the fungus to move in, such as:

· Tight shoes that pinch the toes

• An injury (like banging a fingernail with a hammer)

Q: Who is more likely to get nail fungus?

A: Many people are at risk for getting nail fungus:

· People who share locker rooms, bathrooms, showers, and swimming pools.

· Anyone whose feet sweat a lot at work or at play People who are hard on their feet, such as athletes, runners, and dancers

· People with medical problems, such as poor circulation (blood flow), diabetes, or immune system disease (such as AIDS or HIV infection)

· People over 65 years of age

· People who get manicures or pedicures in salons that don't keep nail clippers, emery boards, and other tools clean

• People who have had athlete's foot in the past (a fungal skin infection that makes the skin between the toes get itchy and sore and causes it to crack or peel)

Q: What are the treatment choices for nail fungus infections?

A: Your healthcare provider can prescribe medicine for your fungal infection that you take by mouth. Treatment lasts 12 weeks. This medicine travels through your bloodstream to reach thePublish fungus where it lives deep under the nail in your nail bed. A prescription polish also available must be applied to the infected nail daily for up to 48 weeks. Talk with your healthcare provider.

Wanna cure it??

found this letter and some sites

by the way this iodine thing has stirred up some other interesting stuff :

An economical cure

Russell Davidson

Victoria, BC

I am a retired physician whose left big toenail became heavily colonized by an unidentified fungus with resultant thickening, opacity and deformation. A respected dermatologist confirmed my diagnosis, but we decided not to initiate any treatment. The cost of oral treatments ranges from about $250 to $500, and there are many serious side effects.^1–3

Shortly after the consultation, I decided to undertake a trial of topical iodine. I obtained a bottle of 2.5% iodine tincture at a cost of $3.27, and applied one drop of the solution daily, with occasional lapses, to the tip of the affected toenail. The iodine travelled rapidly into the depths of the affected subungual tissues.

After 2 weeks, a sliver of normal-looking nail appeared at the proximal end of the affected nail. Encouraged, I continued the treatment. The nail grew at the normal slow rate, and the diseased area gradually moved distally. The nail is now apparently normal.

The total cost of the treatment was $3.27, and half of the original bottle of iodine solution remains for further treatment, if required. In view of the efficacy of the treatment in this isolated case, it would seem reasonable to institute a trial with a larger number of patients to obtain scientifically acceptable results. However, blinded trials would be difficult, given the telltale colour and odour of iodine. No side effects were observed in the case described.

REFERENCES

1. Ketoconazole, oral antifungal. In: Compendium of pharmaceuticals and specialties. Ottawa: Canadian Pharmacists Assocation; 2005. p. 1071-3.
2. Rodgers P, Bassler M. Treating onychomycosis. Am Fam Physician 2001;63:663-72, 677-8.[Medline]
3. Elewski BE. Onychomycosis. Treatment, quality of life, and economic issues. Am J Clin Dermatol 2000;1(1):19-26.[CrossRef][Medline]

The miracle of iodine and more about DMSO what ever that is then the stuff about aids ????? aids in africa

Labels: chiropodists, discoloured nails, elederly residents, Fungus, Itchy feet, itchy toes, Nail, Nail Fungus, Onychomycosis, residential homes, thick toe nails

posted by quoifish @ 2:23 AM 0 comments

79 FLOWERS

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posted by quoifish @ 4:45 PM 0 comments

prevention
and
cure

the bladder


vision therapy

posted by quoifish @ 1:11 AM 0 comments

sleeep is gooood

when i was a kid i used to be frightened of the dark and i would tos and turn all night scared to cross the hall to the toilet
so as a parent i would pick my kids up in the middle of the night when they started to toss and turn ane put them on the loo
easy
sometimes i didn't but would regret in the morning - not because they would wet the bed - they never did that but i would see the rings around their eyes and know that their sleep hadn't been sound
i did this until they were around nine years old and never had a wet bed ever
they stopped using pads when they were 2 years old

Labels: wetting the bed; kids; lack of sleep; good night's sleep; rings around the eyes

posted by quoifish @ 6:38 PM 0 comments