Friday, March 30, 2012

Alternative Treatment for Prostate Cancer

There are various methods of treatment now available for prostate cancer.  High Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU) is considered one of the most effective alternatives by many in the medical profession. High Intensity Focused Ultrasound or HIFU is a new treatment for prostate cancer.  HIFU is a minimally invasive technique that uses ultrasound in a very sophisticated way.  The treatment is administered with a specialized process that is similar to a light being shown on a piece of paper with a magnifying glass.   The high intensity ultrasonic beams are applied to the cancerous prostate area via computer controls.  Then, at the same time ultrasound imaging is used to identify the prostate as not to damage the good organs and tissue.  The destroyed cancerous tissue is dispelled with the urine over time.

If you are interested in alternatives that are available, review these prostate cancer treatment options:

Cryotherapy:  2-3 hour procedure with possible overnight stay using controlled freeze and thaw cycles; 4-20% chance of incontinence; 40-100% chance of impotence; 78% disease free survival at 1 year survival; 60% disease free survival at 5-7 years.

Radical Prostatectomy: 2-3 day hospital stay with major surgery to remove prostate; catheter for 2-3 weeks for open surgery; 4-34% chance of incontinence; 51-80% chance of impotence; 85-91% disease free survival at 2 years; 68-72% disease free survival at 10 years.

External Beam Radiation6-8 weeks treatment beaming radiation through healthy tissues; bowel problems more common; 4-7% chance of incontinence; 41-62% chance of impotence; 55-65% disease free survival at 5 years;  49% disease free survival at 10 years.

Internal Radiation Seeds(Brachytherapy)1-2 hour procedure with possible overnight stay using implants of radiation seeds in the prostate;  3-18% chance of incontinence; 44-58% chance of impotence; 85-91% disease free survival at 10-12 years.

High Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU): 2-3 hour procedure performed on outpatient basis using precision focused ultrasound waves;  0-2% chance of incontinence; 20-30% chance of impotence; 87% disease free survival at 6 months; 94% disease free survival at 4 years.

There is no surgery involved, so there is no cutting, bleeding, or time necessary for healing.  The entire HIFU procedure generally lasts about two to three hours with no overnight stay.  Once in the recovery room for about an hour, the patient is able to walk out of the hospital to go home.

Wednesday, March 14, 2012

Teen Drug Abuse

One of the most critical health issues facing our younger generation today is drug and alcohol abuse. In an effort to find more and more thrills, young people are turning to methods that are truly dangerous and addictive. Plus, to save money and get a cheap high, teens are using drugs like synthetic marijuana, methamphetamine, and laughing gas.  This can in no way be healthy or safe and the Atlanta Drug Abuse Rehab Centers  are here to help them with this epidemic.

If you have noticed a disappearance of money or other valuables; or your teen withdraws from the family and is increasingly hostile and often caught in one or many lies, your teen could be facing a future filled with pain, sickness and maybe even death.  Here at Atlanta Drug Rehab we focus on helping the entire family because drug abuse affects everyone in the family. 

Learn to recognize the harmful signs of drug abuse such as huge swings in mood or behavior, easily defensive, refusal to admit there is a problem with drugs, and constant trouble at school or with authorities.  If your son or daughter is facing any of these problems, he or she may have an addiction to drugs. An excellent choice for their recovery is Atlanta Drug Rehab .  
 
Why allow another day to pass without considering the warning signs listed above?  Together we can start your teen on the road to a healthier and happier future. Call the Atlanta Drug Abuse Rehab Centers  today.

Tuesday, March 13, 2012

10 days of Torture and Abuse!

Shocking photos show result of raw milk man's 10 days of torture and abuse, 
effects of government-approved food in LA County jail

Tuesday, March 6, 2012

Just Do It!

Many experts agree that the average person will succeed when trying to quit smoking on their sixth try.  That's right at least six times before achieving success. I believe them too.  Back in the day smoking was considered sexy and sophisticated.  You had to smoke to be considered cool and hip.  But I truly want to quit smoking now.

Don't get me wrong, I have tried.  I actually quit smoking while I was pregnant with both of my children. But I'm a grandmother now and I want to quit smoking now!  It would be nice to see my great-grand kids playing soccer and getting married.  With the advances in medical science today, living well into your 90's is quite possible, but only if you quit smoking now.

I've already made up my mine and this past Valentine's Day was very special for me.  Guess what?  I quit smoking and you can too.  If you want to quit smoking now, do what I did.  Quit smoking now!