Dec 31, 2012

Remembering

Dr. Carm would like to take the time to stop and remember all those affected by cancer this year - those that have been diagnosed, been in remission, passed away, and fought for the cure.

Cancer is a terrible disease, but medical breakthroughs are fighting against it. Let's take a moment to remember everyone affected by this disease and pray for a cure in 2013.



 
All Cancers (Lavender)


 
Lung Cancer (White)
 

 
Melanoma (Black)


 
Ovarian Cancer (Teal)


 
Stomach and Esophageal Cancers (Periwinkle)


 
Appendix Cancer (Amber)


 
Bladder, Osteosarcoma, and Bone Cancer (Yellow)


 
Brain Cancer (Gray)


 
Breast Cancer (Pink)


 
Carcinoid and Neuroendocrine tumors (Zebra)


 
Cervical Cancer (Teal and White)


 
Childhood Cancer (Gold)


 
Colon Cancer (Blue)


 
Head and Neck Cancer (Burgundy and Ivory)


 
Gallbladder and Bile Duct Cancer (Kelly Green)


 
Kidney Cancer and Leukemia (Orange)


 
Liver Cancer (Jade or Emerald)


 
Lymphoma (Lime)


 
 Multiple Myeloma (Burgundy)


 
Prostate Cancer (Light Blue)


 
Testicular and Pancreatic Cancers (Purple)


 
Thyroid Cancer (Teal/Pink/Blue)


 
Uterine Cancer (Peach)


 
Inflammatory and Male Breast Cancers (Pink and Blue)


 
Uveal Melanoma (Blue and Black)


Please note that the bladder cancer is also represented by Marigold/Blue/Purple.


Related Postings


Further Reading Outside of Dr. Carm:

Dec 29, 2012

Fun Diagnosis - Patient #1: Kayla


Kayla has many interesting medical conditions. Recently, she was diagnosed OHDD—Obsessive Hosiery Dislocation Disorder. According to Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, (2005), OHDD is
characterized by a frantic household search for the other sock of any given sock pairs. Victims of this disease, when finding only one sock from a pair, feel the universe has fallen into a state of great imbalance that can only be restored through the recovery of the missing sock. Victims may also become sock-dependent, whereby they repeatedly buy new socks in the hopes that sheer sock volume will make up for the universal imbalance caused by dislocated socks. In advanced stages, this disease causes people to safety-pin their socks together in the wash.”

I had a chance to conduct some tests and observations to add another disease to her medical files.




BDD - Bearded Dragon Disease


This potentially hereditary disease is not too uncommon in the human world. BDD is a debilitating disease that causes the person to act like a bearded dragon. Although scales do not actually appear until later in adulthood, some have been found on young adults in their 20s.
Symptoms for BDD can happen as early as 3 years old but is not usually noticeable until one reaches puberty. The two main symptoms include:
1) Feeling constantly cold even though everyone else is excruciating hot; and
2) Obsession with being in the sun
People with this disease cannot handle cloudy or rainy days. They cope in any way they can—some resorting to laying in front of a space heater all day.
Other side effects can include growing a beard—or technically, continually wearing a giant scarf wrapped around one’s neck for optimal heat retention.
Most people who suffer from BDD find day temperatures to be comfortable between 76 and 86 degrees Fahrenheit, with basking range between 90-100 degrees Fahrenheit. They do prefer a slightly cooler temperature at night to sleep (in the 70s).
Although there is no cure for the dreaded BDD, it is possible to live a normal life. Most people with BDD tend to move to a more accommodating environment—one that has sunny, warm days. For those unfortunate enough to live in colder, cloudier environments there are some basic steps to help relieve some of their symptoms.
They should invest in heating lights, heating pads, and space heaters. They should spend at least 8 hours in the sun daily. Those who have careers indoors should collaborate with their supervisors to allow them to work outside during hot, sunny days. Whenever days are cold or cloudy, the supervisor should set up a special habitat that would include a giant sun lamp and heating system.
With well laid plans, one with BDD can live a fully functional life.

[Picture from wiki]
For more of Mike Adams’s diseases, please see  http://www.naturalnews.com/011506.html#ixzz1x8Z2e5RC

View Kayla in Dr. Carm's Fan Art page: here

Related Postings:
Patient #2: Sam

Patient #5: Heather
Patient #9: OCBD
Patient #10: JFFGD

Probiotics


Probiotics
Dr. Carm's Explanation
Probiotics are one of Dr. Carm's favorite supplemental topics. Most people benefit from taking probiotics (either by pill or naturally). However, please consult with your "certified" physician before changing or adding any supplements to your regime. Remember, Dr. Carm's information is not meant to treat, prevent, or diagnose any diseases or illnesses.

Some Basic Facts
As most people are aware, your digestive tract starts with the mouth and moves down the esophagus into the stomach. The stomach acid mixes with the food where it is broken down (partially digested) to be absorbed for nutrients in the intestines. The food enters the small intestines first, where digestive enzymes (on the intestine's wall) breaks down the food even more. This is moved through the large intestines where the water (and electrolytes) is removed, and microbes (bacteria) digest the remaining food. When completed, the waste (usually solid) is excreted.  
  Now let's focus on the microbes we saw in the large intestines. These are your natural probiotics found in your body (such as Bacteroides, Lactobacillus acidophilus, Escherichia coli, and Klebsiella). [No, I did not make those names up. They are real! And no, I’m not quite certain of how to pronounce them correctly.] These bacteria are good for you. In fact, they are essential for your body to receive their nutrients.
I think it would be safe to say that you never really think about these little guys at all. Am I right? Well, if there aren’t enough of them there, you're going noticed!
[Insert evil/dramatic music] Sometimes, too many bad bacteria can get into our systems, such as Candida, which takes over the good the bacteria. [Candida can cause problems throughout the body, although they are most commonly known for yeast infections. However, other forms involve thrush (the white gunk that you see on your tongue), or in your digestive tract (which we will discuss in a minute). It can even cause bladder infections! These nasty little things can grow rapidly and wreak havoc all over. They can be hard to gain control over.] When your good bacteria cannot handle this overgrowth, it does not absorb the food properly. Therefore, your body does not get its nutrients. With Candida, for example, it eats your simple carbohydrates before your body has a chance at them. When you have a type of yeast infection, this is why you always feel hungry or crave sweet things. The Candida wants more and your body isn’t receiving its proper amount.
The same can be said if you kill the good bacteria. This can happen when you have a bad infection and take an antibiotic. The antibiotic cannot distinguish between the good bacteria and the bad, so it destroys them both. A nice clean sweep! Luckily, your body can produce more good bacteria, but sometimes this is not quick enough. Usually in this case you get what is called C Diff (we can discuss this problem in later postings, but let's just say it's a very extreme form of diarrhea. If you had this, then you know it is not pleasant.)
So what can you do? Well, there are many choices.

1.) Do nothing [this option is good for those that are lazy, don’t care about health, or are actually relatively healthy] 


2.) Panic [this is a slightly more entertaining option for the public around you]
 


3.) Supplement your microbes with regular doses of probiotics. 

Let’s focus on option 3 since the other options are easy to accomplish without much direction.
I know what you’re thinking: “Dr. Carm, I don’t want to take pills.”; “Dr. Carm, I’m too busy. I don’t want to worry about this.”; “Dr. Carm, isn’t there an easier way to help my gut?”; “Dr. Carm, you look fabulous today.”
And, I would reply: “Well, thank you!” 

However, we should really get back to the information on probiotics. The good news is there are natural foods that contain good bacteria.

Probiotics are found in:6
Yogurt
Pickled vegetables
Fermented bean paste (ex. Tempeh, miso, doenjang)
Kefir
Buttermilk (or Karnemelk)
Kimichi
Pao Cai
Sauerkraut
Soy sauce
Zha cai


Please remember: do not digest any foods that you are allergic to. [You would assume this would not need to be said, but unfortunately, it does.]

Probiotics are a tricky business. The microbes live in certain temperature, reproduce, and die.  It’s hard to know just how much good bacteria make it into your gut. Probiotics are not federally regulated, and therefore knowing for certain the bacterial count when you buy a product is not going to happen. Not long ago, Dannon that carries Activia (a popular yogurt brand) was sued for false claims of probiotics in their product.5
Does this mean that all probiotics are worthless? No, it just means you have to have more knowledge in products you buy.

Q&A
1. Will I die if I do not take probiotics?
Yes, you will die. (By the way, you will also die if you take probiotics.)

2. What? Dr. Carm, you're not making any sense?
First, Dr. Carm always makes sense.
To clarify: probiotics cannot make you immortal, hence you will die. Everyone dies. I guarantee it (eventually).

3. So what are some good tips?
Breathe. Yep, that’s it. Keep going. Doing good….
Oh, wait! Tips for probiotics?
Well, if you want a better chance of having the probiotics reach your intestines before the stomach acid destroys them, then I would suggest a capsule that has a special coating to make it through the stomach. You should keep these probiotics in a cool, dark place – i.e., your refrigerator. Take the pills as directed. Usually it tells you to take two capsules daily. In this instance, I would suggest taking the first at least 15-30 minutes before you eat breakfast with only enough water to get it down. This assures that it will not dissolve in the stomach. Then, repeat this at night. Make sure you haven’t eaten anything for about an hour before you take the pill.

4. There are so many different kinds of probiotics out there. What should I get? I don’t speak probiotic!
According to Dr. Mary Ellen Sanders [Yes, a real doctor!], she suggests the following for those who want a supplement to help the immune system: Bifobacterium lactis, Lactobacillus reuteri, Lactobacillus casei, and Bifidobacterium lactis. For diarrhea (from antibiotics) use S. cerevisiae, Lactobacillus rhamnosus, Lactobacillus casei, and Lactobacillus acidophilus.3

5. Do you take a probiotic?
Yep! Actually this is really the only supplement that I take on a regular basis. I take a low dose probiotic (500 million live bacteria when packaged per pill). It contains Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus salivarius, Lactobacillus rhamnosus, Streptococcus thermophiles, and Bifid bacterium bifidum. [Writing this out makes it sound even more disgusting! Eww!!!]
The Lactobacillus acidophilus helps digest milk products and supports the production of natural antibiotics.  Lactobacillus salivarius helps reduce the effects of bad bacteria. Lactobacillus rhamnosus and Streptococcus thermophiles support the immune system.  Bifid bacterium bifidum helps reduce effects of bad bacteria, supports the immune system, and produces B vitamins.

Uses for Probiotics
·         Reduces and prevents C Diff from antibiotic use4,2
·          Reduces diarrhea, allergy symptoms, constipation4
·          Relieves symptoms associated with IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome)4
·          Benefits mineral metabolism (bone density and stability)4
·         Prevents cancer4 (from laboratory animal testing)2
·          Helps against Lactase deficiency2 (ability to digest lactose)
·          And weak evidence—supports lower cholesterol and triacylgylceral plasma concentrations1 (from laboratory animal testing)2

Interesting Facts
·         One of the first known origins of probiotics is in the Old Testament—specifically, Genesis 18:8, where Abraham consumes "sour milk"4. It was also documented that Plinius (76 B.C.) used "fermented milk products" to treat gastroenteritis4
·          "Lactobacilli are among the indigenous flora colonizing the chicken's crop, the stomach of mice and rats, and the lower ileum in man"4
·         "Under natural conditions a protective gut microflora develops and there is no need for a probiotic supplement; but humans and farm animals live under rather unnatural conditions. We eat a great deal of processed and in many cases sterile food which may affect our access to, and colonisation by, certain types of bacteria"2
·          Three important and relatively harmless microflora include: lactobacilli, streptococci, and bifidobacteria2
·          L bulgaricus and streptococcus thermophilus are found in yogurts2
·          L acidophilus, L casei, enterococcus faecium, and bifid bacterium bifidum are strains usually found in probiotics2
·         Regular doses of probiotics help the bacteria to colonize in the gut2

A note of caution: Before changing your diet to include probiotics, please speak to your physician about any complications that might arise. Although probiotics are beneficial for most individuals (even children), there are studies that confirm more harm than good from them. For example, a studied showed that probiotics increased the death rate in individuals with severe acute pancreatitis1

Questions to consider and discuss with others:
Have you tried probiotics? What are your experiences? What brand do you like? What natural foods do you find work best? Are you going to try probiotics? Any other input that you want to share?



1Besselink, M. G., Van Santvoort, H. C., Buskens, E., Boermeester, M., Van Goor, H., Timmerman, H. M., Nieuwenhuijs, V. B., Bollen, T. L., Van Ramshorst, B., Witteman, B. J., Rosman, C., Ploeg, R. J., Brink, M. A., Schaapherder, A. F., Dejong, C. H., Wahab, P. J., Van Laarhoven, C. J., Van der Harst, E., Van Eijck, C. H., Cuesta, M. A., Akkermans, L. M., & Gooszen, H. G. (2008). Probiotic prophylaxis in predicted severe acute pancreatitis: A randomised, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial. The Lancet, 371(9613), 651-659.

2Fuller, R. (1991). Probiotics in human medicine. Gut, 32, 439-442.

3Magee, E. (n.d.). 5 Things you should know about probiotic products. Found at http://www.webmd.com/diet/features/answers-to-your-questions-about-probiotics

4Schrezenmeir, J., & De Vrese, M. (2001). Probiotics, prebiotics, and synbiotics—approaching a definition. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 73, 361S-4S.

5Walters, C. (2008). Dannon sued over probiotic yogurt claims. Found at consumerist.com



Similar Postings:
Pass the Honey 
Sweets and Sugars

Fan Art: Dr. Carm


 
Sam's Fan Art of Dr. Carm

Rest assured that Dr. Carm has a nose and pupils...and fingers. Anyway, Dr. Carm was told this drawing is in a Japanese style, so everything is good


How would you draw Dr. Carm?


If you would like to submit something, please send your picture to drcarmelee@gmail.com. 






Dec 27, 2012

New Look Part 2

Well, as you can see the blog has now gotten a whole new design just in time for 2013!


In addition to the prior posting, this new design also applies to:

Diagnosis page can now be viewed here

Interesting Facts page can now be viewed here

You may have noticed that you can only subscribe or follow this main page now. There will no longer be an option to subscribe or follow the individual pages. If there is a large request to change that, it may happen in the future. In the meantime, that's the way it will work now.


There will be a slight variation in "scheduled" posting - if anyone had picked up on the pattern. Don't worry! Dr. Carm will still have her fun diagnoses and information!

All further changes will not be noticeable (more than likely) to Dr. Carm's audience.

Everything seems to be working at the moment. However, if you notice anything odd or broken links/images, please let Dr. Carm know so she can have her assistant fix it.

Enjoy the site!

New Look Part 1

The new look is starting to spread! Take a look at the new Your Blog page here.

You can advertise your own blog! If you or someone you know who has a blog and wants to advertise for free, go to the above link.






Dr. Carm has two new pages for you to experience!

Dr. Carm's Fan Art page - view here
See the newest drawing for Patient #1 - Kayla and her Bearded Dragon Disease!


and

Dr. Carm's Free Stuff page - view here
Get some buttons and banners to decorate your blog or webpage! A wide selection is currently available!



The new design (colors, background, buttons, etc.) that you see in the above pages will be incorporated into the other blog pages. The main webpage (the one you are currently on) will be the last to be updated.


Dec 26, 2012

Upcoming Changes

So as Dr. Carm mentioned, she will be updating her blog.

As you may have seen, there have been some artistic changes to the Dr. Carm Facebook page. She also created a Twitter account. You can follow her here.

Very shortly, Dr. Carm will slowly incorporate the changes to this blog and its pages. If you cannot access certain parts of the blog, don't panic right away! It should only be down for a little while. Check back in an hour or so. It should be fine then.

In the meantime, enjoy the rest of the year! Thanks for reading and don't forget to share this with your friends and family!



Special Posting of 2012

Special Posting of 2012: Guest Post by Dr. Bill



This posting actually had the most views. It is also the one and only guess post for 2012!




 Dr. Bill is not a certified doctor but has medical knowledge from working in a pharmacy. He also has an array of experience with journalism. Today he is going to discuss his medical smarts about hiccups.

Dr. Bill, if you please....
 Hiccups

    The stereotyped drunk hiccupping on a cartoon is not that far off from the truth.  Hiccups can be triggered by drinking too much alcohol, as well as eating too much or eating spicy dry foods, drinking carbonated beverages, becoming too excited or laughing too hard, and reacting to stress or sudden temperature changes.

    Technically speaking a hiccup is simply an involuntary contraction of the diaphragm, the muscle tissue that allows us to breathe.  When the diaphragm contracts, it creates a suction to pull air into the lungs and vice versa, when it expands it pushes air out of the lungs to allow you to exhale.  The “hic” sound of a hiccup is simply a sudden rush of air being pulled into your lungs and the rapid closure of your vocal cords to allow this to happen.  The sudden contraction of the diaphragm also causes that jerky movement you make when having hiccups.
 
    Usually hiccups last only a few minutes.  The longest lasting hiccup endured by a person was by Charles Osborne for 69 years and five months.  Don’t try to beat the world record; hiccups lasting longer that 48 hours need to be addressed by a doctor.  Long term hiccups could be a sign of a brain tumor, kidney failure, diabetes, pneumonia, inner ear problems of the vagus nerve which can cause cardiac problems, stroke, multiple sclerosis and meningitis.  After ruling out these issue, long term hiccup treatment would include Chlorpromazine, Metoclopramide, or Baclofen.  If these drug treatments do not work, surgery to block the phrenic nerve or the use of electric stimulation of the vagus nerve can be used.

    Fortunately, most hiccups go away on their own, or with a little help of home remedies.  The moment a hiccup occurs most people immediate hold their breath until the hiccups stops.  Rarely does this remedy work.  The thought here is to prevent the diaphragm from contracting.  Others insist on drinking large amounts of water.  I find this method worse than the last and poses the problem of hiccupping water into the nose. 

    There are five home remedies that I have found to work the best:

    1.  Put a spoonful of sugar on your tongue and let it slowly dissolve

    2.  Put a spoonful of peanut butter on the roof of your mouth

    3.  Sit in a chair, put your head between your knees and look up to the ceiling

    4.  Sing as loud as you can tolerate yourself

    5.  Laugh loudly

Although these methods will make you look like a lunatic, they seem to work well.  Mainly they work by forcing  you to unconsciously control your breathing.

    Q.  Are hiccups on the same order as a burp?
    A. No. A hiccup is caused by a muscle spasm, a burp is caused by gas released from the stomach.

    Q.  Are hiccups caused by people talking about you behind your back?
    A. No, although when they see you sitting with your head between your knees looking up to the ceiling, they may start talking about you!



    Q.  Was this article helpful?
    A. I hope so….

Disclaimer
This article is not intended to diagnose, treat, or prevent any illnesses. Please seek medical attention by a certified physician for any legitimate concerns



Original posting can be found here



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Dec 24, 2012

2012 Most Used Browser for Reading Dr. Carm


The top five browsers used to view and read Dr. Carm's blog are:

 

1. Internet Explorer

 

2. Firefox

 

3. Chrome

 

4. Opera

 

5. Safari




Don't forget to like Dr. Carm on Facebook. You can view updates, funny sayings, and cartoons!

Dec 22, 2012

Buttons of 2012

Remember the buttons? Dr. Carm created fun buttons that can be used on your own blogs or websites! Very exciting, I know!









Dr. Carm has released her business card as a Facebook page exclusive! Head over to Dr. Carm's Facebook Page to get it!


PS. Don't forget to like Dr. Carm on Facebook. You can view updates, funny sayings, and cartoons!