Prader-Willi Syndrome

Prader-Willi syndrome is a congenital (present from birth) disease. It affects many parts of the body. People with this condition are obese, have reduced muscle tone and mental ability, and have sex glands that produce little or no hormones.

Causes

Prader-Willi syndrome is caused by a gene missing on part of chromosome 15. Normally, your parents each pass down a copy of this chromosome. Most persons with Prader-Willi syndrome are missing the genetic material on part of the father's chromosome. The rest of persons with this condition often have two copies of the mother's chromosome 15.

The genetic changes occur randomly. Persons who have this syndrome usually do not have a family history of the condition.

Symptoms

Signs of Prader-Willi syndrome may be seen at birth.

• Newborns are often small and floppy.
• Male infants may have undescended testicles.

Other symptoms may include:

• Trouble eating as an infant, with poor weight gain
• Almond-shaped eyes
• Delayed motor development
• Narrow bifrontal skull
• Rapid weight gain
• Short stature
• Slow mental development
• Very small hands and feet in comparison to the child's body

Children have an intense craving for food and will do almost anything to get it. This can result in uncontrollable weight gain and morbid obesity. Morbid obesity may lead to type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and joint and lung problems.

If you would like to obtain more information follow this link: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prader%E2%80%93Willi_syndrome

http://www.muyinteresante.es/salud/articulo/9-enfermedades-raras

Preeclampsia

What Is Preeclampsia?

Formerly preeclampsia pregnant women develop.It is marked by high blood pressure and a high level of protein in the urine.Preeclamptic women will often also have swelling in the feet, legs, and hands. Thiscondition usually appears during the second half of pregnancy, often in the latterpart of the second or in the third trimesters, although it can occur earlier.

If undiagnosed, preeclampsia can lead to eclampsia, a serious condition that canput you and your baby at risk, and in rare cases, cause death. Women withpreeclampsia who have seizures 

There's no way to cure preeclampsia, and that can be a scary prospect for moms-to-be. But you can help protect yourself by learning the symptoms of preeclampsiaand by seeing your doctor for regular prenatal care. When preeclampsia is caughtearly, it's easier to manage. 

Causes

The exact cause of preeclampsia is unknown. Possible causes include:

• Autoimmune disorders
• Blood vessel problems
• Your diet
• Your genes

Risk factors include:

• First pregnancy
• Multiple pregnancy (twins or more)
• Obesity
• Being older than age 35
• History of diabetes, high blood pressure, or kidney disease

Symptoms

Often, women who have preeclampsia do not feel sick.

Symptoms of preeclampsia can include:

• Swelling of the hands and face/eyes (edema)
• Sudden weight gain over 1-2 days, more than 2 pounds a week

Note: Some swelling of the feet and ankles is considered normal during pregnancy.

Symptoms of severe preeclampsia include:

• Headache that does not go away
• Belly pain on the right side, below the ribs. Pain may also be felt in the right shoulder, and can be confused with heartburn, gallbladder pain, a stomach virus, or the baby kicking
• Irritability
• Decreased urine output, not urinating very often
• Nausea and vomiting (worrisome sign)
• Vision changes, including temporary blindness, seeing flashing lights or spots, sensitivity to light, and blurry vision

If you are pregnant and would like to obtain more information about preeclampsia follow this link: http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/preeclampsia/basics/symptoms/con-20031644

What is stroke? What causes strokes?

It is a focal cerebral involvement not whooping 24 hours of evolution with visible lesion by CT or MRI brain (WHO definition). Represents the third leading cause of mortality in developed countries. The incidence is approximately 200 cases/ 100 '000 inhabitants/year, and is increased from 55 years of age. It is especially serious in women.

Strokes occur due to problems with the blood supply to the brain; either the blood supply is blocked or a blood vessel within the brain ruptures. A stroke is a medical emergency, and treatment must be sought as quickly as possible.

There are three main kinds of stroke; ischemic strokes, hemorrhagic strokes and transient ischemic attacks (TIAs), also referred to as mini-strokes.

Symptons

If you have symptoms of a stroke, call or other emergency services right away. General symptoms of a stroke include:

• Sudden numbness, tingling, weakness, or loss of movement in your face, arm, or leg, especially on only one side of your body.
• Sudden vision changes.
• Sudden trouble speaking.
• Sudden confusion or trouble understanding simple statements.
• Sudden problems with walking or balance.
• A sudden, severe headache that is different from past headaches.

What causes stroke?

The different forms of stroke have different specific causes.

Ischemic strokes

Ischemic strokes are the most common form of stroke, with around 85% of strokes being of this type. They are caused by the arteries that connect to the brain becoming blocked or narrowed, resulting in ischemia - severely reduced blood flow.

Hemorrhagic strokes

Hemorrhagic strokes are caused by arteries in the brain either leaking blood or bursting open. The hemorrhaged blood puts pressure on brain cells and damages them. Blood vessels can burst or spill blood in the middle of the brain or near the surface of the brain, sending blood into the space between the brain and the skull.

Transient ischemic attack (TIA)

TIAs are different from the aforementioned kinds of stroke because the flow of blood to the brain is only disrupted temporarily for a short time. They are similar to ischemic strokes in that they are often caused by blood clots or other debris.

We both adolescents as seniors we must care for our health to be able to prevent a stroke.

If you would like to obtain more information follow these link: http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/7624.php

The sea water and its curative properties

First of all, you must know that the sea water has a composition different from the one that is in lakes, lagoons or rivers (sweet). This one possesses Zinc, iodine, potassium and microelements that turn it into a big "friend" for our skin and the body in general. Between the main properties of the marine water we can find its antibiotic, ideal effect to advance in processes of healing of wounds. On the other hand, to float in the sea or to swim between the waves serves to relax the muscles for the Iodine, which in turn it favors to recover us of certain injuries. It is ideal for those who are doing rehabilitation or post operative. With illnesses or respiratory problems those persons usually recommend to breathe the breeze of the sea and bathe in the beach since the salt water favors to that the lungs could eliminate all the toxins or foreign elements. Then, for cough with phlegm, colds and other severer ailments, to go to the sea is an excellent remedy.

On the other hand, the patients with rheumatic, such problems as the arthritis or the artrosis benefit exceedingly with the sea water, if baths are realized in the beach, can diminish the intense pains that they usually characterize to these sufferings. On having contained magnesium, the sea water helps to calm us and to eliminate the anxiety. It is for it that to spend some days in the beach when there are no so many people or in the spas removed from the urban centers it is a therapy that is recommended for those who suffer from nervous disorders, depression or stress, light or severe. When they enjoy the walks along the beach in addition to doing exercise and clearing the mind, being useful to speak with your couple or glance a sunset, the salt water massages our feet with the waves and simultaneously, thanks to the texture of the sand that moves for the water, the heels are exfoliated. Those who live close to the sea must do a therapy in this place at least once per week. In summer, you can go for a swim on having gone out of the work and when it is cold can breathe only the fresh breeze from the boulevard. Both activities are very charitable for your health. 

If you are removed from the beach, do not wait to your holidays to go, make use of some weekend or traded. The sea water serves to treat problems in the liver and in the kidneys, because it allows to regenerate the cells that are damaged by cirrhosis, for example. In this illness a lot of liquid accumulates in the belly, seeming that the patient is pregnant (be a man or woman). Drinking sea water it is possible to eliminate this. Also there are persons' cases with renal insufficiency that, on having drunk marine water, do not endure any more sickness, vomiting not problems to urinate. For the skin diseases like being the psoriasis, it is recommended to do rubs with sea water. The typical scales will be becoming detached and will falling down alone. The same for the scalp when it accumulates dead skin and itch. It is used in turn to treat problems of insomnia, in this case he advises to go to the beach to spend the day to himself, go for a walk in the shore of the sea or simply to remain opposite to the waves for one hour breathing the breeze. That automatically tires the person, who sleep placidly it is a night.

Why is it detoxifies the body of sea water? Our body is made up of millions of cells. Some are more boards of its neighboring than others but never touch. Even among the cells of the bone or teeth there is a space. This space is filled with a fluid and other materials. This fluid is very similar to sea water recessed. (It's so similar that the white blood cells, which are the cells that live in our blood, only can live outside of our body in the sea water recessed, and any other liquid die). When this fluid is dirty (we are intoxicated), complicates the life of the cells, and to renew their interest.

Works as an antiseptic and antibiotic. Sea water is composed of different minerals like iodine, potassium and zinc, which allows you have multiple properties that benefit our body. Two of the most important properties that has is that it is antiseptic and antibiotic, so that will help the healing and healing of cuts and wounds. 

Helps to improve breathing problems. Breathe in the sea breeze and the salt water helps the lungs to eliminate toxins, by what is recommended for people who suffer from breathing problems. And in addition, it is also favorable for people who are acatarradas or who have colds and having phlegm.

What Do You Want to Know About Bipolar Disorder?

Bipolar is a complex illness. There are many different symptoms and several different types of bipolar disorder. The primary symptoms of the disorder are dramatic and unpredictable mood swings. The various types of bipolar disorder range from mild to severe.

Symptoms

Bipolar Symptoms

The primary symptoms of bipolar disorder are dramatic and unpredictable mood swings.

Mania Symptoms

Mania symptoms may include excessive happiness, excitement, irritability, restlessness, increased energy, less need for sleep, racing thoughts, high sex drive, and a tendency to make grand and unattainable plans.

Depression Symptoms

Depression symptoms may include sadness, anxiety, irritability, loss of energy, uncontrollable crying, change in appetite causing weight loss or gain, increased need for sleep, difficulty making decisions, and thoughts of death or suicide.

Types

Bipolar Types

There are several types of bipolar disorder; all involve episodes of depression and mania to a degree. They include bipolar I, bipolar II, cyclothymic disorder, mixed bipolar, and rapid-cycling bipolar disorder.

Bipolar I

A person affected by bipolar I disorder has had at least one manic episode in his or her life. A manic episode is a period of abnormally elevated mood, accompanied by abnormal behavior that disrupts life.

Bipolar II

Bipolar II is similar to bipolar I disorder, with moods cycling between high and low over time. However, in bipolar II disorder, the "up" moods never reach full-on mania.

Rapid Cycling

In rapid cycling, a person with bipolar disorder experiences four or more episodes of mania or depression in one year. About 10% to 20% of people with bipolar disorder have rapid cycling.

Mixed Bipolar

In most forms of bipolar disorder, moods alternate between elevated and depressed over time. But with mixed bipolar disorder, a person experiences both mania and depression simultaneously or in rapid sequence.

Cyclothymia

Cyclothymia (cyclothymic disorder) is a relatively mild mood disorder. People with cyclothymic disorder have milder symptoms than in full-blown bipolar disorder.

Bipolar Spectrum

Learn about the bipolar spectrum, what it means, and how bipolar is categorized.

If you would like to obtain more information you can follow this link:  http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/bipolar-disorder/basics/symptoms/con-20027544

http://education-portal.com/academy/lesson/what-is-bipolar-disorder-symptoms-treatment-quiz.html

What Is Sickle Cell Anemia?

Sickle cell anemia is an inherited form of anemia — a condition in which there aren't enough healthy red blood cells to carry adequate oxygen throughout your body.

Normally, your red blood cells are flexible and round, moving easily through your blood vessels. In sickle cell anemia, the red blood cells become rigid and sticky and are shaped like sickles or crescent moons. These irregularly shaped cells can get stuck in small blood vessels, which can slow or block blood flow and oxygen to parts of the body.

There's no cure for most people with sickle cell anemia. However, treatments can relieve pain and help prevent further problems associated with sickle cell anemia.

Signs and symptoms of sickle cell anemia often don't appear until an infant is at least 4 months old and may include:

• Anemia. Sickle cells are fragile. They break apart easily and die, leaving you without a good supply of red blood cells. Red blood cells usually live for about 120 days before they die and need to be replaced. But sickle cells die after an average of less than 20 days. This results in a lasting shortage of red blood cells (anemia). Without enough red blood cells in circulation, your body can't get the oxygen it needs to feel energized. That's why anemia causes fatigue.
• Episodes of pain. Periodic episodes of pain, called crises, are a major symptom of sickle cell anemia. Pain develops when sickle-shaped red blood cells block blood flow through tiny blood vessels to your chest, abdomen and joints. Pain can also occur in your bones. The pain may vary in intensity and can last for a few hours to a few weeks. Some people experience only a few episodes of pain. Others experience a dozen or more crises a year. If a crisis is severe enough, you may need to be hospitalized.
• Hand-foot syndrome. Swollen hands and feet may be the first signs of sickle cell anemia in babies. The swelling is caused by sickle-shaped red blood cells blocking blood flow out of their hands and feet.
• Frequent infections. Sickle cells can damage your spleen, an organ that fights infection. This may make you more vulnerable to infections. Doctors commonly give infants and children with sickle cell anemia vaccinations and antibiotics to prevent potentially life-threatening infections, such as pneumonia.
• Delayed growth. Red blood cells provide your body with the oxygen and nutrients you need for growth. A shortage of healthy red blood cells can slow growth in infants and children and delay puberty in teenagers.
• Vision problems. Some people with sickle cell anemia experience vision problems. Tiny blood vessels that supply your eyes may become plugged with sickle cells. This can damage the retina — the portion of the eye that processes visual images.
  

Our Story: Living with and Managing Sickle Cell Disease (Nicholas H.)

What are the differents types of pregnancy?

While pregnancy may seem like a simple term, there are different typesof pregnancies. Most are a result of physical differences between women,but some are related to multiple egg release, among other reasons.

Ectopic Pregnancies and Tubal Pregnancies

Ectopic pregnancies occur when the fertilized egg implants in a place other than the fallopian tube or uterus. It can be in the neck of the uterus or in the abdomen. The pregnancy is not viable and the body will most likely spontaneously abort the fetus.

Chemical Pregnancy

A chemical pregnancy is like a cruel joke. You take an early pregnancy test around the time your period is due that shows a faint positive. Naturally, you get excited and start spreading the joyful news that you're expecting. Then, a few days later you get your period and the doctor says, "It was just a chemical pregnancy."

Molar Pregnancy

Molar Pregnancies can have scary health complications, requiring months of precautionary monitoring after treatment, which is usually a D&C. Most of the time molar pregnancies go away without further complications, but the added worries can make coping even more difficult than usual.

Blighted Ovum

The term blighted ovum sounds more than a little strange and confusing. After all, the word "blight" is a pretty strongly negative word and ovum isn't a common word for most people. A blighted ovum is a type of miscarriage in which the baby either never develops or stops growing at a very early stage in pregnancy and then disintegrates -- but a gestational sac does develop and the body does not recognize that the baby is missing.

If you would like read more about this you can follow this link: http://www.babymed.com/tubal-pregnancy/different-types-pregnancies