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With the evolution of medical technology, we have made inroads when it comes to evolved methods of treating a variety of ailments and conditions. The use of lasers is now commonplace for a number of surgeries and non-invasive procedures that can help in treating many conditions. From hair removal to surgeries, there are a number of places where lasers enjoy medical and cosmetic use. There is a common misnomer that lasers have detrimental effects and may even be carcinogenic or cancer causing in nature.

Let us find out why lasers cannot cause cancer.

1. Penetration of light: For many people, it may be a cause of concern that laser treatment of the hair, skin or other parts of the body is done with the penetration of high energy beams in that part of the body. Yet, the beams do not penetrate that deeply. Usually, this penetration only happens to the extent of hair follicles and skin, which leaves the internal organs safe.
2. Redness: At the very maximum, the lasers can cause a reaction like redness on the skin. This does not mean that the lasers are capable of causing cancer. This can simply be treated with the help of ice application on the affected area.
3. Mutations: There have been many reports that say the ionising radiation of the laser beams can cause DNA mutations. Yet, this is not true. These DNA mutations can lead to the manifestation and production of abnormal and cancerous cells, which can further progress and spread to become malignant tumours. Yet, laser treatments and applications do not have the power to cause such DNA mutations, and there is no medical evidence that suggests the same.
4. Treating areas near reproductive organs: There are many women who opt for laser hair removal which is a more permanent solution for waxing and other forms of hair removal that we go through on a regular basis. But many women are also concerned that it may actually cause problems and cancer when it comes to the reproductive organs, in case the hair removal treatment and lasers are applied to the area near these organs. This is not true because the laser beams are merely applied to the hair follicles of the area. Since, laser beams are not applied to the reproductive organ, which ensures that there is no effect on the internal reproductive organ in any way.

Before trying out laser treatment, it is important to try it on a small portion of your skin so that you can be sure that it does not affect you and cause a reaction. Further, for laser related surgeries, it is important to turn to a well known clinic, hospital or doctor so that the right level of energy is used during the surgery. If you wish to discuss about any specific problem, you can consult a Dermatologist.

There are over 100 different types of cancer. Cancer is a widespread disease that is characterized by abnormal cell division.  In the most basic terms, cancer refers to cells that grow out-of-control and invade other tissues. Cells become cancerous because of the build-up of defects, or mutations, in their DNA. Certain:

• inherited genetic defects (for example, BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations)
• environmental factors (like air pollution)
• infections
• poor lifestyle choices - such as heavy alcohol use and smoking - can also damage DNA and lead to cancer.

Mostly, cells are able to detect and repair the defects in DNA. However, if a cell is severely damaged and cannot repair on its own, it undergoes apoptosis or say programmed cell death. Cancer develops when damaged cells grow, divide, and spread abnormally instead of self-destructing as they should.

It typically originates in one organ and if left untreated, can spread to other parts of the body as well. Some types of cancer can be prevented by lifestyle changes. For example, quitting smoking can reduce the chances of lung cancer. Similarly avoiding excessive sunlight can reduce the risk of skin cancer. However, lifestyle changes have no effect on the risk of cancer posed by factors such as aging and family history. Thankfully, this is where homeopathy can help.

How Homeopathy Can Help?

Homeopathy is a holistic form of alternative medication that aims at healing a person mentally, spiritually and physically. Homeopathic medicines are created from minerals, insects, and plants. These medicines have no side effects and can be safely prescribed to children and adults of all ages. However, self-medication is not advised. This is because the same homeopathic remedy may not be equally effective for two patients. When prescribing a homeopathic remedy, the doctor will take into account not only the patient’s physical complaints but also his or her mental and emotional state.

When it comes to cancer, homeopathy can be a very effective form of treatment and can help prevent cancer when a patient is in the precancerous stage. Homeopathy works in many ways to reduce the risk of cancer. Firstly, it helps the body detox. This helps the body in getting rid of harmful elements in the form of perspiration, urine, and bowel movements. This, in turn, strengthens the body, helps it fight against the tumor and speeds up the time taken to shrink the tumor.

Homeopathy is also known as a constitutional remedy as it takes into account the patient’s physical, mental and emotional wellbeing. Using the right remedy can improve their energy levels and vitality and help the cancer cells shrink while keeping them from spreading any further. It also improves their quality of life, reduces pain, anxiety, stress and other such mental side effects. If the patient is simultaneously undergoing allopathic treatment such as chemotherapy or radiation, homeopathy can help relieve their side effects as well.

As with any other form of medication, homeopathy is most helpful in preventing cancer if it is prescribed early. Thus, it is important to watch out for the early signs of cancer. These include changes in bladder habits, unusual bleeding to discharge, sores that do not seem to heal, indigestion, changes in moles or the appearance of new irregular moles, a nagging cough, and thickening of the skin.

There are over 100 different types of cancer. Cancer is a widespread disease that is characterized by abnormal cell division.  In the most basic terms, cancer refers to cells that grow out-of-control and invade other tissues. Cells become cancerous because of the build-up of defects, or mutations, in their DNA. Certain:

• inherited genetic defects (for example, BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations)
• environmental factors (like air pollution)
• infections
• poor lifestyle choices - such as heavy alcohol use and smoking - can also damage DNA and lead to cancer.

Mostly, cells are able to detect and repair the defects in DNA. However, if a cell is severely damaged and cannot repair on its own, it undergoes apoptosis or say programmed cell death. Cancer develops when damaged cells grow, divide, and spread abnormally instead of self-destructing as they should.

It typically originates in one organ and if left untreated, can spread to other parts of the body as well. Some types of cancer can be prevented by lifestyle changes. For example, quitting smoking can reduce the chances of lung cancer. Similarly avoiding excessive sunlight can reduce the risk of skin cancer. However, lifestyle changes have no effect on the risk of cancer posed by factors such as aging and family history. Thankfully, this is where homeopathy can help.

How Homeopathy Can Help?

Homeopathy is a holistic form of alternative medication that aims at healing a person mentally, spiritually and physically. Homeopathic medicines are created from minerals, insects, and plants. These medicines have no side effects and can be safely prescribed to children and adults of all ages. However, self-medication is not advised. This is because the same homeopathic remedy may not be equally effective for two patients. When prescribing a homeopathic remedy, the doctor will take into account not only the patient’s physical complaints but also his or her mental and emotional state.

When it comes to cancer, homeopathy can be a very effective form of treatment and can help prevent cancer when a patient is in the precancerous stage. Homeopathy works in many ways to reduce the risk of cancer. Firstly, it helps the body detox. This helps the body in getting rid of harmful elements in the form of perspiration, urine, and bowel movements. This, in turn, strengthens the body, helps it fight against the tumor and speeds up the time taken to shrink the tumor.

Homeopathy is also known as a constitutional remedy as it takes into account the patient’s physical, mental and emotional wellbeing. Using the right remedy can improve their energy levels and vitality and help the cancer cells shrink while keeping them from spreading any further. It also improves their quality of life, reduces pain, anxiety, stress and other such mental side effects. If the patient is simultaneously undergoing allopathic treatment such as chemotherapy or radiation, homeopathy can help relieve their side effects as well.

As with any other form of medication, homeopathy is most helpful in preventing cancer if it is prescribed early. Thus, it is important to watch out for the early signs of cancer. These include changes in bladder habits, unusual bleeding to discharge, sores that do not seem to heal, indigestion, changes in moles or the appearance of new irregular moles, a nagging cough, and thickening of the skin.

By far smoking is considered the most common and predictable cause of cancer. Years of study and research has established a link between the two, but what exactly gets smoking to cause cancer, still remains unknown to many people. This article talks about why and how smoking is associated with lung cancer.

How does smoking lead to lung cancer?
Cigarettes contain as many as 60 harmful chemicals such as Benzene, Polonium 210, Nicotine, Hydrogen cyanide, Carbon monoxide, Ammonia, Arsenic etc. which cause damage to the DNA cells including the genes that keep us protected against cancer. These chemicals adversely affect your lungs. The initial symptoms include wheezing and coughing, and can lead to further complications if not paid attention at an early stage.

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is an inflammatory disease of the lungs which obstructs airflow resulting in respiratory troubles like emphysema and chronic bronchitis. People with COPD find it difficult to breath because of narrowed airways and damaged lung tissues.

How long does it take for smoking to cause lung cancer?
Although the initial symptoms such as a ‘smoker’s cough’ can be dismissed in the early stage, it usually takes a decade or many years of smoking to get your DNA cells damaged. Even though the human body is designed to cope with certain health problems and damage, it becomes difficult for your system to fight the harmful chemicals present in cigarettes and tobacco. Studies show that for every 15 cigarettes you smoke, your DNA undergoes change which can cause a cell to become cancerous.

According to a study by the American Lung Association, almost 80% of lung cancers result from smoking. It is most common among people over 50 years of age who have been smoking for a prolonged time. Further research studies show that life expectancy among current smokers drop by 10 years or more, while those who quit smoking at an early stage manage to survive few more years.

How to prevent lung cancer?
Now that we’ve established the link between smoking and lung cancer, the next big thing would be to prevent the risk of getting affected by it. The most effective way of preventing lung cancer is to stop smoking. Even if you have been smoking for a long time, it is never too late to quit. You may find it hard to resist smoking initially, but do not give up. Consult your doctor, ask for help. He will most likely prescribe you anti-smoking drugs like Zyban and Chantix. One alternative to anti-smoking medication is the Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT). NRT helps reduce the urge for nicotine in your body by giving you a controlled amount of nicotine that is free from any of the harmful chemicals present in cigarettes.

Awareness is the key to prevention. Even if you find it hard to quit smoking, remind yourself why you made a decision to quit, of the long-term effects smoking has on your health, and how it can lead to a life-threatening condition.

In case you have a concern or query you can always consult an expert & get answers to your questions!

Persistent infection of the uterine cervix with high risk human papilloma virus (HPV) leads to development of cervical cancer. Infection with HPV is common especially in sexually active young women, most infections are transient and spontaneously clear within 1 to 2 years without causing cancer. These transient infections may cause temporary changes in cervical cells. If a cervical infection with high risk HPV type persists the cellular changes can eventually develop into more severe precancerous lesions. If pre cancerous lesions are not treated, they can progress to cancer. Thus, an HPV DNA test is recommended to identify the high risk types of HPV.

Why is Pap Smear done?

An HPV test is done to:

Check for high-risk types of human papillomavirus (HPV) in women who had a Pap test that showed abnormal cervical cells called atypical squamous cells (ASCUS). An HPV test can help look for one or more high-risk types of HPV.
Check for HPV in women older than age 30 as part of screening for abnormal cervical cells.
Help check for abnormal cervical cells after treatment of a high-risk HPV infection.

When should one get screened for cervical cancer?

American Cancer Society does not recommend using HPV DNA test to screen for cervical cancer in females under 30. This is because females in their twenties who are sexually active are much more likely (than older females) to have a HPV infection that goes away on its own. For these young females, results of this test are not as significant and may be confusing.

For females age 30 and older, Pap & HPV co testing is less likely to miss an abnormality (i.e. lower false negative rate than pap testing alone. It also lengthens the screening interval to 5 years and still allows abnormalities to be detected in time to treat them.

Women of age >65 yrs who have had adequate screening history or those who have had total hysterectomy do not need any further screening.

HPV TEST

Is HPV test as safe and effective as Pap Smear?

The advantage of the HPV test is that the Pap test misses a fair number of carcinomas as it has a lower sensitivity. Studies have also shown that a negative HPV test is better at predicting that a woman will be free of lesions for the next three years than a negative Pap test.

And while the experience for the patient is the same for both tests, the HPV test requires less material from the cervix to detect an infection so there's less concern that a sample will be inadequate.

How is the HPV test performed?
Before an HPV test, do not douche, use tampons, or use vaginal medicines for at least 48 hours.
In the HPV test, a doctor takes a swab of cells from the cervix, just as for the Pap test. The cells are then analyzed in a laboratory. The genetic material (DNA) of the HPV virus is studied. This test can identify 13 or 14 of the high-risk HPV types associated with cervical cancer. HPV test results are generally available in 1 to 2 weeks.

You may have a small amount of vaginal bleeding or gray-green discharge after this test.

The human body requires the basic nutrients for its normal functioning which are carbohydrates, fats and proteins. However, there are certain vital vitamins and minerals too, that are equally important because these help in maintaining the proper health of a human body in various ways. One such vitamin is Vitamin B complex of which, there is a crucial vitamin known as Vitamin B12 or scientifically called as Cobalamin.

Functions of Vitamin B12: Vitamin B12 plays a major role by controlling several factors of the human body. These are necessary for the body to run well and stay healthy. Some of the key functions of Vitamin B12 are listed below:

1. It is responsible for the conversion of raw carbohydrate matter that enters into the body in the form of food into glucose that is the driving energy for the body. Therefore, in a way it helps to keep the continuity of energy production in the human body and its deficiency, therefore, can lead to fatigue or weakness.
2. Every single nature of human cells is related to the DNA and RNA that define the genetics and hereditary factors of a human body. Vitamin B12 assists in the creation of this DNA and RNA.
3. Vitamin B12 also helps in the production of nerve cells in the human body by maintaining the covering of the nerve cells or neurones known as the myelin sheaths. This helps to free the body from the reach of toxins and free radicals that can be very harmful to the human body. Hence, any shortage of Vitamin B12 can damage the nerve cells in a considerable manner.
4. The bones of the human body need Vitamin B12 as well and any deficiency of Vitamin B12 can cause osteoporosis and other bone issues.
5. Vitamin B12 in association with another vitamin known as Vitamin B9 (folate or folic acid) helps in the manufacture of red blood cells that help in impressive iron functioning, which is the main oxygen carrier of the human blood. Quite evidently, its deficiency can lead to shortness of breath and other breathing disorders.
6. Even heart requires an adequate amount of Vitamin B12 along with Vitamin B6 and Vitamin B9 so that appropriate levels of amino acid named homocysteine are produced that is a deciding factor in heart diseases.
7. Vitamin B12 is an essential component affecting the brain health too, and any deficiency of Vitamin B12 can often lead to various brain disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease and the like.

In fact, Vitamin B12 has also been found to regulate mood and emotions of humans. Above all, Vitamin B12 is vital for keeping an individual happy and healthy by revitalising the body cells and making him or her feel youthful and vibrant all the time. In case you have a concern or query you can always consult an expert & get answers to your questions!

Studies show that approx. 40% of the U.S population suffers from B-12 levels that are extremely low. With low B-12 levels, your brain doesn’t work quite right and you might suffer from chronic fatigue. But vitamin B-12 does more than just supporting healthy energy levels. It benefits your mood, heart, memory, skin, hair, digestion and more. 

Because of its wide-reaching roles within the body, a vitamin B12 deficiency can turn up in various negative symptoms, many of which can be noted very easily, such as chronic stress, fatigue, mood disorders like depression, and feeling run down. Vitamin B-12 complex functionality is mirrored in its plethora of health benefits-

1. It is responsible for the conversion of raw carbohydrate matter that enters into the body in the form of food into glucose that is the driving energy for the body. Therefore, in a way it helps to keep the continuity of energy production in the human body and its deficiency, therefore, can lead to fatigue or weakness.
2. Every single nature of human cells is related to the DNA and RNA that define the genetics and hereditary factors of a human body. Vitamin B12 assists in the creation of this DNA and RNA.
3. Vitamin B12 also helps in the production of nerve cells in the human body by maintaining the covering of the nerve cells or neurons known as the myelin sheaths. This helps to free the body from the reach of toxins and free radicals that can be very harmful to the human body. Hence, any shortage of vitamin B12 can damage the nerve cells in a considerable manner.
4. The bones of the human body need vitamin B12 as well and any deficiency of vitamin B12 can cause osteoporosis and other bone issues.
5. Vitamin B12 in association with another vitamin known as vitamin B9 (folate or folic acid) helps in the manufacture of red blood cells that help in impressive iron functioning, which is the main oxygen carrier of the human blood. Quite evidently, its deficiency can lead to shortness of breath and other breathing disorders.
6. Even heart requires an adequate amount of vitamin B12 along with vitamin B6 and vitamin B9 so that appropriate levels of amino acid named homocysteine are produced that is a deciding factor in heart diseases.
7. Vitamin B12 is an essential component affecting the brain health too, and any deficiency of vitamin B12 can often lead to various brain disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease and the like.

Above all, vitamin B12 is vital for keeping an individual happy and healthy by revitalising the body cells and making him or her feel youthful and vibrant all the time. 

In case you have a concern or query you can always consult an expert & get answers to your questions!

Diseases which are caused by some sort of genetic mutations in the mitochondria, can be quite deadly. This is the reason why Mitochondrial Replacement Therapy, also known as Three-Person IVF is being seen as a much more desired option for those women, who carry mitochondrial mutations.

Almost all the genes in a cell remain trapped in the nucleus but a small fraction of them remain present in the mitochondria as well. During the fertilisation of eggs, the genes in the egg’s nucleus get combined with the genes in the nucleus of the sperm, which in turn creates a new cell. On the other hand, mitochondrial genes are involved in this mixing. Rather they are passed on from mother to child.

The main reason behind three-person IVF is to help find a way, so that the mitochondrial genes can be replaced in an affected cell of the egg prior to the time they get passed on to the child. This is carried out when the egg cell of the donor gets acquired and the nucleus is removed from the cell, hence leaving the cell with healthy mitochondria. After that, the mother’s nucleus, which stays unaffected, is removed and gets placed in the donor’s egg cell, thereby creating an egg cell which must contain healthy genes not only in the nucleus but also in the mitochondria.

Genes Are Complex in Nature

• Genes communicate with one another. Cells get engaged in a variety of complex processes like division of cells or respiration, which are highly unlikely to be performed only by single genes acting in an isolated manner. So a network of genes works together, with each one making a contribution of certain particular components.
• Genes tend to be variable in nature, which basically means that no two genomes are similar. Due to this reason, the result of a typical pair of genes interacting with one another will at times be different for different individuals. This is the dark side of genetics, which has not been studied in a comprehensive manner and experts are not aware of exactly how widespread this might be.
• Experts call this type of effect as Epistasis, which can occur between individual genes, between two or more sets of genes or even between whole genomes. The one occurring between whole genomes, has relevance to discuss about the safety and ethics of MRT. The reason is that, when a mitochondrial genome from a donor replaces the affected mitochondria, the parents’ nuclear DNA must communicate with a completely new genomic partner. The ethical implications related to the epistasis getting changed between nuclear DNA and mitochondrial have thus far been completely ignored.

Ethics Comes First
The review of the ethics related to MRT or Three-Person IVF came up with the conclusion that if the procedure was safe, then it could be considered as ethical. In other words, they concluded that if the trials carried out on humans showed that the treatment undertaken was safe, then it could also be considered as ethical as well.

In case you have a concern or query you can always consult a specialist & get answers to your questions!

The human body requires the basic nutrients for its normal functioning which are carbohydrates, fats and proteins. However, there are certain vital vitamins and minerals too, that are equally important because these help in maintaining the proper health of a human body in various ways. One such vitamin is Vitamin B complex of which, there is a crucial vitamin known as Vitamin B12 or scientifically called as Cobalamin.

Functions of Vitamin B12: Vitamin B12 plays a major role by controlling several factors of the human body. These are necessary for the body to run well and stay healthy. Some of the key functions of Vitamin B12 are listed below:

1. It is responsible for the conversion of raw carbohydrate matter that enters into the body in the form of food into glucose that is the driving energy for the body. Therefore, in a way it helps to keep the continuity of energy production in the human body and its deficiency, therefore, can lead to fatigue or weakness.
2. Every single nature of human cells is related to the DNA and RNA that define the genetics and hereditary factors of a human body. Vitamin B12 assists in the creation of this DNA and RNA.
3. Vitamin B12 also helps in the production of nerve cells in the human body by maintaining the covering of the nerve cells or neurones known as the myelin sheaths. This helps to free the body from the reach of toxins and free radicals that can be very harmful to the human body. Hence, any shortage of Vitamin B12 can damage the nerve cells in a considerable manner.
4. The bones of the human body need Vitamin B12 as well and any deficiency of Vitamin B12 can cause osteoporosis and other bone issues.
5. Vitamin B12 in association with another vitamin known as Vitamin B9 (folate or folic acid) helps in the manufacture of red blood cells that help in impressive iron functioning, which is the main oxygen carrier of the human blood. Quite evidently, its deficiency can lead to shortness of breath and other breathing disorders.
6. Even heart requires an adequate amount of Vitamin B12 along with Vitamin B6 and Vitamin B9 so that appropriate levels of amino acid named homocysteine are produced that is a deciding factor in heart diseases.
7. Vitamin B12 is an essential component affecting the brain health too, and any deficiency of Vitamin B12 can often lead to various brain disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease and the like.

In fact, Vitamin B12 has also been found to regulate mood and emotions of humans. Above all, Vitamin B12 is vital for keeping an individual happy and healthy by revitalising the body cells and making him or her feel youthful and vibrant all the time.

Melanoma is a condition which mainly indicates a severe malfunction of the melanocytes or the melanin producing cells of the body. These cells are responsible for giving you your skin colour, tone and complexion. Usually, a person suffering from melanoma will have many normal and irregular moles as well as melanoma in the eye and digestive tracts too.

Some general facts on melanoma are mentioned below:

1. Melanoma is common in young women and causes many deaths.

2. More than one million new instances of skin cancer or melanoma are analyzed every year.

3. There has been a 2000% increase in rate of melanoma since the year 1930. One out of fifty get affected by this cancer.

4. There has been a high rise in the rate of melanoma from 1970 to 2008. There has been an 800% increase in young women and 400% increase in case of similar aged men.

5. Early recognition makes melanoma treatable. It is screened for growth very minimally.

Primary causes Melanoma may be caused primarily due to these causes:

The most primary cause of melanoma is ultraviolet light (UV) in people with a low level of skin pigment. The UV light might be from either the sun or from different sources, for example, tanning devices. Around 25% of cases occur from or in the form of moles.

The individuals who work on airplanes seem to have an expanded danger, due to more contact with UV rays.

Ultraviolet UV light of wavelengths between 315 - 280 nm from the sun react with the skin cell DNA and result in a kind of direct DNA harm called cyclobutane pyrimidine dimers (CPDs).

In order to stay away or avoid melanoma, you should:

1. Avoid the sun at peak hours.

2. Examine your skin at times for some kind of change.

3. Keep away from tanning salons. Melanoma is a dangerous form of cancer and causes a lot of deaths. You should stay away from anything that causes melanoma. In case you have a concern or query you can always consult an expert & get answers to your questions!