Mesothelioma Diagnosis: Understand the Diagnostic Process

MESOTHELIOMA DIAGNOSIS

Doctors use a variety of tests to diagnose mesothelioma, including imaging scans, blood tests, biomarkers, and biopsies. Early detection is the best way to improve your chances of survival. If you have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, connect with a specialist who can help you create a personalized treatment plan.

UNDERSTANDING YOUR MESOTHELIOMA DIAGNOSIS

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, you may have many questions running through your head:

How did I get this terrible disease?

Should I get a second opinion?

What does this diagnosis mean for me, my family, and others that I care about?

Could I have been misdiagnosed?

How will I be able to pay for treatments?

These and similar questions are perfectly natural. The best way to get information about your specific situation is to connect with a mesothelioma doctor who can answer your questions.

How Mesothelioma Is Diagnosed

In most cases, cancer specialists will approach a mesothelioma diagnosis by first testing to see if another, more common disease is causing the symptoms. As part of this process, the doctor will obtain a full medical history from the patient, which may include asking about any exposure to asbestos.

From there, the doctor will usually perform a series of tests, such as imaging scans and blood tests. If these initial tests indicate a potential for mesothelioma, a biopsy will be taken. A biopsy procedure is the only test that can positively confirm a mesothelioma diagnosis.

The Importance of Early Detection

Mesothelioma has a poor prognosis. However, many studies of the disease have shown that early detection and diagnosis can significantly improve the chances of survival. Catching mesothelioma before it spreads can increase the effectiveness of treatments, as well as open opportunities to try more aggressive treatments that might not otherwise be available.

As a result, much of the research and development around mesothelioma has focused on improving detection and diagnosis of the disease. This includes recent developments of new biomarker blood tests, which can detect the presence of substances that indicate mesothelioma may be present in the body.

How Doctors Diagnose Mesothelioma

There are three main types of tests used to diagnose mesothelioma: imaging scans, blood tests, and biopsies. Doctors typically perform the least invasive tests first, followed by more involved tests if they are warranted.

Imaging Scans

Icon Imaging Scans

Diagnostic imaging tests, like X-rays, CT scans, and MRIs, help doctors obtain information about the cancer, including how far it has progressed. Each method has its benefits and limitations.

X-ray

X-rays are commonly used to diagnose many conditions, illnesses, and injuries. They can be particularly helpful in finding fluid in the lungs, often an early sign of mesothelioma.

CT-Scan

Computer Tomography (CT) scans provide a series of X-ray images to form a 3D image, allowing tumors to be spotted more easily.

MRI

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scans provide a 3D model with much higher resolution than other imaging methods. This can be helpful in diagnosing metastasis (spreading) of the mesothelioma.

PET Scan

Positron Emission Tomography (PET) scans use a radioactive isotope injection that can be viewed by the scanner. PET scans can help distinguish benign versus malignant tumors.

Blood Tests and Biomarkers

Icon Blood Tests

In recent years, a number of blood tests have been developed to identify substances in the blood that can point to the presence of mesothelioma cancer cells. The presence of these substances, known as biomarkers, do not always indicate a mesothelioma diagnosis, but they can provide useful information that can demonstrate a need for a biopsy. Biomarker tests are also known as “assays.”

Mesothelioma Diagnosis

Mesothelioma Diagnosis

Doctors use a variety of tests to diagnose mesothelioma, including imaging scans, blood tests, biomarkers, and biopsies. Early detection is the best way to improve your chances of survival. If you have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, connect with a specialist who can help you create a personalized treatment plan.

Understanding Your Mesothelioma Diagnosis

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, you may have many questions running through your head:

·        How did I get this terrible disease?

·        Should I get a second opinion?

·        What does this diagnosis mean for me, my family, and others that I care about?

·        Could I have been misdiagnosed?

·        How will I be able to pay for treatments?

These and similar questions are perfectly natural. The best way to get information about your specific situation is to connect with a mesothelioma doctor who can answer your questions.

SUPPORT A LOVED ONE DIAGNOSED WITH MESOTHELIOMA

How Mesothelioma Is Diagnosed

In most cases, cancer specialists will approach a mesothelioma diagnosis by first testing to see if another, more common disease is causing the symptoms. As part of this process, the doctor will obtain a full medical history from the patient, which may include asking about any exposure to asbestos.

From there, the doctor will usually perform a series of tests, such as imaging scans and blood tests. If these initial tests indicate a potential for mesothelioma, a biopsy will be taken. A biopsy procedure is the only test that can positively confirm a mesothelioma diagnosis.

The Importance of Early Detection

Mesothelioma has a poor prognosis. However, many studies of the disease have shown that early detection and diagnosis can significantly improve the chances of survival. Catching mesothelioma before it spreads can increase the effectiveness of treatments, as well as open opportunities to try more aggressive treatments that might not otherwise be available.

As a result, much of the research and development around mesothelioma has focused on improving detection and diagnosis of the disease. This includes recent developments of new biomarker blood tests, which can detect the presence of substances that indicate mesothelioma may be present in the body.

·        Resources for Mesothelioma Patients and Their Families

·        Request a Free Mesothelioma Treatment Guide

·        Connect with Top Mesothelioma Doctors

·        Locate the Nearest Comprehensive Cancer Center

·        Sign up for Our Mesothelioma Treatment Alert

·        Speak with a 12-Year Mesothelioma Survivor

·        Financial Assistance Available to Help with Treatment Costs

How Doctors Diagnose Mesothelioma

There are three main types of tests used to diagnose mesothelioma: imaging scans, blood tests, and biopsies. Doctors typically perform the least invasive tests first, followed by more involved tests if they are warranted.

Imaging Scans

Icon Imaging Scans

Diagnostic imaging tests, like X-rays, CT scans, and MRIs, help doctors obtain information about the cancer, including how far it has progressed. Each method has its benefits and limitations.

X-ray

X-rays are commonly used to diagnose many conditions, illnesses, and injuries. They can be particularly helpful in finding fluid in the lungs, often an early sign of mesothelioma.

CT-Scan

Computer Tomography (CT) scans provide a series of X-ray images to form a 3D image, allowing tumors to be spotted more easily.

MRI

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scans provide a 3D model with much higher resolution than other imaging methods. This can be helpful in diagnosing metastasis (spreading) of the mesothelioma.

PET Scan

Positron Emission Tomography (PET) scans use a radioactive isotope injection that can be viewed by the scanner. PET scans can help distinguish benign versus malignant tumors.

Blood Tests and Biomarkers

Icon Blood Tests

In recent years, a number of blood tests have been developed to identify substances in the blood that can point to the presence of mesothelioma cancer cells. The presence of these substances, known as biomarkers, do not always indicate a mesothelioma diagnosis, but they can provide useful information that can demonstrate a need for a biopsy. Biomarker tests are also known as “assays.”

Diagnostic Blood Tests

MESOMARK®

This assay looks for the presence of mesothelin, a glycoprotein (sugar and protein molecule) that is produced in excessive amounts by mesothelioma cells. Specifically, MESOMARK® tests for soluble mesothelin-related peptides (SMRPs), which are created when mesothelin is dissolved in the bloodstream.

N-ERC/Mesotheli

Another byproduct of mesothelin, N-ERC/Mesothelin is a protein fragment that is soluble in the blood stream. Early tests showed a 95% sensitivity for the assay, potentially making it one of the most accurate blood tests for mesothelioma, if the results can be confirmed.

Fibulin-3  

As another glycoprotein, Fibulin-3 is similar to mesothelin as it is produced in higher concentrations by mesothelioma cells. However, existing research has shown irregular results, with some question as to the accuracy of the test. Fibulin-3 assays may nonetheless be useful in distinguishing between malignant and benign lung diseases.

HMGB1

Recent studies have shown that testing for a certain protein – high mobility group box protein 1 (HMGB1) – can not only positively detect individuals with mesothelioma, but also can identify individuals who have been exposed to asbestos but have not yet developed the disease. Additional trials are needed to confirm the results.

Osteopontin

Osteopontin, which is a glycoprotein like mesothelin, is also produced in high amounts by mesothelioma. Unfortunately, this particular biomarker is a less accurate diagnostic tool than other assays, as osteopontin is also produced by other types of cancer, as well as kidney stones and ischemic stroke.

Biopsies

Icon Biopsies

A biopsy is an important diagnostic procedure recommended by doctors for patients presenting with signs and symptoms of mesothelioma who have a history of asbestos exposure. Some biopsies can be minimally invasive (e.g., fine-needle aspiration) while others can involve a major surgical procedure (e.g., thoracoscopy).

The general purpose of a biopsy is to obtain a sample of the cancerous tissue. This tissue is then examined under a microscope by a histologist, who can determine whether the tumor is mesothelioma, some other cancer, or another disease altogether.

Needle

The least invasive way to obtain a biopsy is through fine-needle aspiration, which draws fluid containing the cancer cells to be studied. In many cases, needle biopsies are insufficient to gather enough tissue for analysis.

            

Types of needle biopsies:

·        Thoracentesis

·        Paracentesis

·        Pericardiocentesis

·        Camera-Assisted

Through minimally invasive surgery, doctors can use a small tube with a camera in it to view and retrieve sample tissue from the patient.

Types of camera-assisted biopsies:

·        Thoracoscopy

·        Laparoscopy

·        Mediastinoscopy

·        Surgical

Depending on the location of the tumor, a needle or camera-assisted biopsy may not be possible. In such cases, obtaining a biopsy may require an open surgical procedure to gather a tissue sample for study.

Mesothelioma Law Firm Tips

People suffering from Mesothelioma are provided with the legal right by Maryland law to file a Mesothelioma lawsuit. Mesothelioma is a rare cancer that happens because of asbestos exposure. You are much more susceptible to this illness if you've worked wherever the chance of inhaling asbestos debris was high. 

For those who have been diagnosed with Mesothelioma, you may get compensation from the celebration accountable for your publicity to asbestos by way of a Mesothelioma lawsuit. Mesothelioma is a critical disease; oftentimes generating its presence felt 20 or thirty years following exposure. You would like to commence the healthcare treatment immediately in order have more than a one year|twelve months survival rate. 

When submitting Georgia Mesothelioma lawsuits, you should have a correct comprehending of all of the intricacies which are associated with filing lawsuits. Make sure you employ a qualified and skilled Mesothelioma lawyer because only then are you able to attain success in your lawsuit. Mesothelioma, the disease of mesothelium, is a painful one mingled with costly treatment. Mesothelium is the overlaying made across the heart, lungs and different essential organ of human body. 

It protects the organs from injury when beating towards the body wall. Generally in case of involuntary muscles in human body, as located in heart, stomach, lungs etc, the mesothelium performs essential role. In the course of respiration system the air is taken in, get purified in lungs and once again the contaminated blood filled with carbon-di-oxide is taken out. In the course of the mentioned purification process if any small or even microscopic particles are inhaled unexpectedly then those debris can't come out effortlessly from lungs and linger caught within the mesothelium. 

If such particles debris get accrued in big quantity in lungs, then it causes a lot kind of lungs related or cardio-thoracic problems. In numerous cases it eventually results in cancer, known as mesothelioma. Mesothelioma is a infrequent cancer kind that occurs because of asbestos exposure. It's got an effect on the liner of the lungs and abdominal cavity. Mesothelioma is a deadly illness with a mean survival time of simply twelve months following diagnosis. 

Your survival rate may easily increase if it is diagnosed early. Mesothelioma litigations in Baltimore offer you an opportunity to file a case against a party that's accountable on your situation. 

No just one expects go to hospital following working with a firm that use asbestos within the manufacturing process. No one wish to handle an expensive lawyer in courtroom as it will take time, energy, productiveness time, not pointed out losses in all probability that would make employee pay additional money to organization who employ their situation much more over whether it is associated with Asbestos mesothelioma case before the courts claim. Mesothelioma is a malignant tumor of the mesothelium the result of publicity to asbestos fibers. 

There is several fundamental details just one ought to be mindful of if he is thinking about pursuing an asbestos mesothelioma lawsuit. Previous to pursuing a lawsuit, he ought to search advice from a respectable mesothelioma lawyer for a better comprehension of mesothelioma law. A mesothelioma lawsuit give you just one with enough compensation that will assist cover his legal, medical, and on-going bills related to the mesothelioma cancer. Federal US entitles people identified with mesothelioma to file a lawsuit against the errant company or companies. Mesothelioma, being a deadly sort of cancer, ruins the prospects of victims and their families. This efficiently signifies that mesothelioma lawsuits are essential something that may mitigate the sufferings of the family In the past, as a consequence of being exposed to an asbestos material, there have been circumstances when the mesothelioma melanoma sufferers have gotten thousands in reparation for their cancer diagnosis. Lately, mesothelioma lawsuits help those who have become unwell with this cancer by supplying a array of reimbursements. 

Several of those litigations have answered people who have been in touch with asbestos linked substances at their workplace, and corporations are obliged to pay damages to their existing or former staff members for non-disclosure of the hazard entailed in touching asbestos and linked materials. Some fundamental elements must be taken under consideration by victims discovered to endure mesothelioma cancer and are capable of file a mesothelioma lawsuit. What are mesothelioma lawsuits and just how do they arise? $5 million continues to be recovered from your mesothelioma litigation filed on behalf of a 70-year-old man who passed faraway from malignant mesothelioma. The man was exposed to mesothelioma causing asbestos at work. His profession called for fitting asbestos that contains ceiling tiles. He breathed in asbestos fibers launched by the tiles everyday. 

The fibers have been launched whenever he reduce and in good shape the tiles. In addition, he was also exposed to asbestos from working alongside drywall installers who produced asbestos dust from using only asbestos that contains joint compound. Is mesothelioma curable? The straight answer to this query is 'No'. Well, you will find drugs and treatments that assist in easing the pain sensation and should aid to extend life, however these remedies aren't sufficient to save life. Mesothelium refers back to the wrapping structure of nearly all of the bodily organs in our system and mesothelioma is the cancer that occurs in mesothelium. It has been reported that deaths attributable to mesothelioma cancer in England is increasing. According to at least one estimate, 2,249 men and women died from malignant mesothelioma in 2008 whereas 2,156 died from the sickness in From 2006 to 2008, northeastern England was the geographic area with the very best incidence of mesothelioma deaths. The male demise rate was 1 per million. 

Southeastern England adopted having a male death rate of 74 deaths per million people. The asbestos cancer mesothelioma is a threat to the lives of many Navy veterans. This really is as the Navy used asbestos-containing items extensively. Several instances of asbestos-containing goods are gaskets, adhesives, cables and valves. The areas of a ship wherever asbestos may have been present are several and take on boiler rooms, mess halls, engine rooms and navigation rooms. Ships involve a too high risk of asbestos exposure due to many areas on board ships are closed, which means that asbestos fibers can't escape. As such, asbestos fibers on board a ship are likely to dealt with by ship personnel. 

You or a loved just one has just been diagnosed with Mesothelioma. Your mind and emotions are on a curler coaster ride, not understanding much if anything about this deadly cancer, and never knowing wherever to show for Mesothelioma monetary help. There is assist in the storm. Listed here are many methods to locate Mesothelioma monetary aid whenever you require it after being diagnosed with Mesothelioma. Mesothelioma is a deadly cancer that's the result of exposure to asbestos fibers, and this cancer can cut lifespan to a point of months from the onset of symptoms. Over recent years, the amount of mesothelioma instances coming to light has risen quite dramatically, as well as in line with this, the amount of mesothelioma litigations being filed has also increased. 

Due to mesothelioma lawsuits became such huge business, a lot law firms and lawyers now specialize during this area, generating it simpler for all those affected by this disease to obtain the legal assistance they have to file a mesothelioma lawsuit. A diagnosis of mesothelioma because of industrial asbestos exposure may be daunting, both emotionally and logistically. A myriad of questions show up that may appear at initial difficult to locate answers for. This article serves as a guide to those most-often requested questions regarding mesothelioma and submitting a litigation coping with mesothelioma

Treatment for Mesothelioma Symptoms

Treat mesothelioma: An October 2005 report states that a new method that assists diagnosis of pleural mesothelioma is to measure the presence of osteopontin in blood. Pleural Mesothelioma provides detailed information on Malignant Diffuse Pleural Mesothelioma, Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma, Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma Survival Rate, Mesothelioma Pleural Brachytherapy and more. Treatment of pleural mesothelioma is limited and as yet there is no proper cure.

Pleural Mesothelioma provides detailed information on Malignant Diffuse Pleural Mesothelioma, Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma, Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma Survival Rate, Mesothelioma Pleural Brachytherapy and more. Pleural Mesothelioma is a serious ailment that affects the thoracic cavity. It is a rare form of cancer that is mostly associated with exposure to asbestos. Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma is a lethal cancer that starts in the lining of the lungs. They all come to the same conclusion – the disease is almost always fatal. Pleural mesothelioma is the most common form of mesothelioma cancer, accounting for approximately 75% of all mesothelioma cases. Symptoms During the early stages of Mesothelioma, the. One of the characteristics of mesothelioma is that symptoms can appear very late, sometimes 50 years following first contact with asbestos. In fact, the first signs of abdominal asbestos mesothelioma may not be noticeable until 20 to 50 years after asbestos exposure. Moreover, the symptoms can vary, depending on several factors, such as the specific type of mesothelioma a patient has and his length of exposure to asbestos. Besides, exhaustion, weight loss and appetite loss are some of the other contributing symptoms. The person who has developed mesothelioma has to be diagnosed immediately when these symptoms are seen.

The symptoms and signs of Mesothelioma can be incredibly common that is why the patient may just take it for granted. Diagnosing mesothelioma (within the framework of western medicine) can be challenging, because the symptoms are quite similar to those of other illnesses and conditions. Asbestos Cancer The most preferable option can be of preventive treatment for Mesothelioma. Strict industrial safety measures, proper hygiene, and regular check up of workers exposed to asbestos must form the crucial part of serious Mesothelioma preventive treatment methods. Activities such as washing clothes of a person who has. Asbestos is a dangerous and potentially deadly substance that was once widely used in a range of items, from ceiling and wall tiles to insulation and auto brakes. Most reader know that it is possible to buy ads that will be displayed on Search Engine results pages when certain keywords are searched on.

The current record high payment for keyword advertising of this type is held by “mesothelioma” and “asbestos cancer”. Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer that develops by exposure to asbestos. The person who has been exposed to asbestos can claim the compensation from the asbestos firm as a financial security to fulfill the future needs of their family. The infected person can claim the compensation amount from those irresponsible firms that expose asbestos. The Code of Federal Regulations states that asbestos is to be considered a most hazardous toxic substance and you can immediately claim the legal compensation. They will either die from mesothelioma or sarcoidosis. Which are both asbestos cancers which. Treatment of Asbestos Exposure However, in more advanced cases, cure is usually not possible.

Mesothelioma diagnosis is very important as far as an early treatment is considered. High risk groups such as asbestos and construction workers must undergo frequent check-ups to monitor any conditions leading to mesothelioma. Because this cancer is so deadly, early diagnosis and treatment can help prolong life, but the mortality rate is usually 100% within five years. A Mesothelioma diagnosis can be stressful for anyone and therefore you will have a lot of questions. The following worksheets will guide you in asking the right questions when consulting a doctor about what the right course of treatment is best for you.

This tumor as a long lactation period and is often diagnosed 30-50 years after the exposure. The determining factors that needs to be taken into account before the commencement of the mesothelioma treatment are:. These symptoms may also be accompanied by weight loss, fever and difficulty breathing. Unfortunately, once Mesothelioma develops, it quickly becomes aggressive and treatment must be sought immediately. Phase III trials are used to compare a new treatment method with a currently used treatment program. And if a western treatment is chosen as part of the healing protocol, it’s important to know what side effects to expect and how to minimize them. Asbestos Cancer Mesothelioma, a rare form of lung cancer, continues to remain a challenge for the medical fraternity. This form of cancer is primarily caused by exposure to asbestos. For example, the cough, difficulty breathing, and chest pain experienced in pleural mesothelioma is often seen in lung infections such as pneumonia. Typically, once symptoms are more pronounced the cancer is fairly advanced and treatment becomes less effective. The average survival time is approximately one year, and five-year survival is lower than ten percent. Because of this poor prognosis, the cancer is treated as aggressively as the patient’s overall physical condition allows, with some combination of surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy.

Mesothelioma is the term used to describe a cancerous tumor found in the mesothelial cells of an organ. Generally, the probability of developing this form of cancer is in accordance with the length of time you are exposed to asbestos. Raltitrexed Raltitrexed Is Related to the Pleural Mesothelioma Drug Alimta®. Raltitrexed is in the class of chemotherapy drugs called antifolates. Raltitrexed is closely related to pemetrexed (Alimta®), another antifolate. Sometimes a few benign cases are also noticed. Traditional treatment for pleural mesothelioma is not very effective. Pleural Mesothelioma is affiliated with Peritoneal Mesothelioma Lawyers. It is a rare form of cancer that is mostly associated with exposure to asbestos. Malignant pleural mesothelioma is a fast-moving cancer with a median survival time of between one and two years.

The organs where this form of cancer is most commonly found are the lungs, heart and abdominal organs. Pleural Mesothelioma is cancer of the lung lining and is the most common form of Mesothelioma. The symptoms can occur from both to three months before Mesothelioma is discovered. Pleural Mesothelioma is the ordinarily occurring type which takes part in almost both thirds of the total detected Mesothelioma cases.

Mesothelioma Cancer and Asbestos

Mesothelioma is a form of cancer which occurs in thin membranes (called the mesothelium) lining the chest, lungs, abdomen and sometimes the heart. Although quite rare, mesothelioma symptoms strike more than 200 people each year in the United States. The majority of mesothelioma cases are directly linked to asbestos exposure. Because of the long latency period of mesothelioma, the average age of patients is between 50 and 70 years. 

Mesothelioma affects men most due to the high exposure of asbestos in industrial typed jobs. Mesothelioma symptoms include respiratory problems, shortness of breath, continual cough and pneumonia. Other mesothelioma symptoms include weight loss, abdominal problems and swelling. In some mesothelioma patients, the mesothelioma symptoms are quite muted, making it hard for mesothelioma doctors to diagnose. 

Mesothelioma doctors specialize in the study, research, and treatments of Mesothelioma cancers. Mesothelioma (or the cancer of the mesothelium) is a disease in which cells become abnormal and replicate without control. During Mesothelioma, these cells will invade and damage tissues and organs. Mesothelioma cancer cells can spread throughout the body causing death. Mesothelioma treatments and Mesothelioma clinical trials and tests There are many mesothelioma treatment options available. Treatments include surgery, radiation therapy and chemotherapy and the mesothelioma treatment depends on the patient’s age, general health and stage of the cancer. 

There has been much mesothelioma research conducted throughout the past two years to find new treatment methods. 

Through mesothelioma research, The National Cancer Institute has sponsored mesothelioma tests and clinical trials that are designed to find new treatment methods. Because of the increase in number of mesothelioma cases in the United States, both governments have increased funding for mesothelioma research.

Mesothelioma research and clinical trials have been successful in developing new techniques to fight this cancer and the outlook for more advanced mesothelioma treatments is promising. Surgery is the most common treatment method for malignant mesothelioma. Tissues and linings affected by mesothelioma are removed by the doctor and may include the lung or even diaphragm. 

A second mesothelioma treatment method is radiation therapy through the use of high energy x-rays that kill the cancer cells. Radiation therapy can be outside or inside the body. A third mesothelioma treatment method is chemotherapy. Through pills or drugs through needles, chemotherapy drugs are used to kill cancer cells. 

A new mesothelioma treatment method is called intraoperative photodynamic therapy. In this treatment, light and drugs are used to kill cancer cells during surgery for early stages of mesothelioma in the chest. Although there are numerous treatments and drugs for mesothelioma, doctors are losing the battle against this deadly disease. Most mesothelioma treatments involve old techniques combined with different drug cocktails. However, in most cases, these mesothelioma treatments have many side effects including organ damage, nausea, increase in heart failure etc. The rush to find a more effective mesothelioma treatment or even cure is ongoing at numerous clinical labs across the nation. Let's hope that the mesothelioma treatments will one day erradicate mesothelioma cancer and asbestosis. 

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'‘I Made 3 Changes To My Diet, and Finally Got a Six-Pack’'

Carl Parnell remembers being a picky eater at 7 years old—so much so, that his parents just fed him whatever he wanted. While he’s been involved with soccer most of his life, the 37-year-old UK native was always a “chubby child,” even through his teenage and early adult years. And he didn't know what to do about it. But in 2012, Parnell got the reality check he needed: His then 4-year-old daughter looked up at him and said “Daddy, you look like you have been pumped up by a bicycle pump.”
“It hit me hard. You can put a brave face on, but it did hurt,” he recalls. “But I really needed to hear that.”

For the next two years, he went through a roller coaster of yo-yo diets and workout plans that didn’t work. It was always the same cycle: He’d lose a little bit of weight and then gain it all back, always tipping the scales at about 216 pounds (he had already lost some weight in the before photo above). After struggling to find a routine that worked for him, Parnell decided to go back to the drawing board. He signed up for an online nutrition course—and that’s when things really started to change.
“I couldn’t find anyone to help me, so I had to help myself,” he says.
He dual enrolled for nutrition and personal training courses, and studied everything from hormones to hypertrophy. Within the first six weeks, Parnell started transforming the way he looked at food.
“I used to believe everything I read,” he says. “I would believe everything people told me and I didn’t know anything about food. I never thought about calories. I never thought about what’s in a specific food and what it actually does to your body. All I thought about was how it tasted.”
Parnell’s diet was once packed with convenience foods, like frozen meals, pizzas, fries, plenty of dessert, and fast food. Even though he’d put his time in at the gym, he never really got the results he was looking for because of his poor diet, he says.

But now, a sculpted six-pack has replaced his belly, thanks to his disciplined diet and a healthy dose of abs exercises three days a week. (For a challenging workout that will help you see results, try Maximus Body from Men's Health.) He credits his success to these three tips.

Pay Attention To Your Calorie Intake
Parnell admits he was simply eating way too many calories a day. After he figured out how many calories his body needed with his activity level, he finally started to see results when he stuck to his quota, which is about 2,600 calories a day. For an easy-to-follow 28-day program, check out the Metashred Diet.

Build a Balanced Meal
A diet full of junk foods means you’re loading up on extra calories, salt, sugar, and artificial ingredients. Now, Parnell sticks to balanced plates full of whole foods, like chicken breast for protein, brown rice for carbs, and a pile of vegetables.

Don’t Deprive Yourself
“I’ve learned that too many people demonize food,” Parnell says. “If you take something out (of your diet) and say you can’t have it, what will you do? You’ll want it.”
Occasionally indulging in his favorite foods made Parnell feel like he could actually stick to his goals without going crazy.

Make no mistake, Parnell has also become a regular at the gym for the past two years: He dedicates four days a week to cardio, strength training, and mobility work. In addition to his abs, he loves working his chest and shoulders with the lateral raise and classic bench press. He could never even do a single pullup before, and now they’re just an everyday part of his routine. Now he weighs in at a lean 150 pounds, but he hopes to pack on more muscle.

Having Knee Pains? This Recipe Has Made All Doctors Crazy, It Heals Your Knees And Reconstructs Bones And Joints Immediatly

As we age, our organs and body as a whole start to deteriorate, which results in many age-related conditions. Bone and joint pain is one of the most common body aches with the passage of time. Many people consider it untreatable and try to soothe the pain with painkillers and other medications, but there is a way of treating the pain completely naturally and with no side-effects.

The knees are one of the body parts that is subjected to a lot of wear and tear over time. They support our weight and are very important for our movement, which is why they need to be protected. Additionally, our joints can be easily worn down due to a number of factors such as bad posture or inflammation.

Once joint or bone pain kicks in, it will only increase if left untreated. These aches are usually among the first symptoms of aging, and they progress over time. They won’t go away after a while, and should be treated as soon as possible in order to avoid bigger problems. Luckily, this can all be relieved with a simple natural remedy that will provide the joints with essential nutrients and protect them from damage.

The natural treatment we have for you today can heal your joints and strengthen them and your bones as well. It contains essential nutrients which can prevent numerous problems. What we eat has a profound impact on our overall health including the health of our joints and bones. Nourishing the body with vitamins and minerals becomes increasingly more important over age, and this remedy will help you do exactly that. Here’s how to prepare it:


INGREDIENTS

40 gr. of pumpkin seeds
200 gr. of honey
2 tablespoons of unflavored gelatin
3 tablespoons of raisins
8 tablespoons of flaxseeds

PREPARATION AND USE
Just mix all the ingredients in a blender until you get a homogenous mixture.

Take a tablespoon of the remedy twice a day and continue with it until you feel positive results.

Try the remedy yourself, and you will restore your mobility soon!

5 Signs You Have Liver Damage Without Even Knowing It

Your liver is the largest internal organ (and also the largest internal gland) that you have in your body. In a healthy adult, a normal liver will weigh somewhere between 3-3.5 pounds and it plays a crucial role in multiple key bodily functions.

The key functions of the liver are to detoxify your blood and to enhance your digestive system by creating bile, which helps to break down the fats that you consume into small pieces, making them easier for your small intestine to absorb.

But that’s not all. Here is a quick summary of what else your liver does for you:

• It stores some of your body’s vitamins and iron
• It stores glucose
• It converts glucose into sugar that the body can use when the body’s sugar levels become depleted
• It processes hemoglobin, insulin, and a variety of other hormones
• It converts ammonia into urea
• It eliminates old red blood cells

You simply can’t live without it, that’s why it’s so important to be able to detect and interpret the early symptoms of liver disease.

5 signs of liver damage

Bruises
According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, people with liver damage tend to bruise or bleed easily due to the compromised function of their liver which has inhibited the production of proteins needed for blood clotting.


Itch
Liver disease is listed as an underlying cause of itchy skin by the Mayo Clinic, as well as cancer, thyroid problems, and kidney failure. The itching usually affects the whole body. The skin may look otherwise normal except for the repeatedly scratched areas.

Swelling
When the liver isn’t able to do its job, people may start to retain water in their abdomens and legs, causing swelling, according to the Mayo Clinic.

Turning yellow
Skin yellowing is one of the first signs of liver damage. This happens as a result of bilirubin build up, as a damaged liver is unable to filter out toxins properly. Bilirubin is a form of bile pigment, which accumulates in the blood when liver function is compromised and the liver can’t remove the bilirubin. Bile is secreted by the liver to help digestion.

This Ancient Remedy Cures All Diseases HIV, AIDS, Diabetes, Cancer, Stroke, STDs, Arthritis & More …

The God’s plant – this is the unique herb that is mentioned in the Qur’an and the Bible. Lots of people believe that this herb is created by God himself. That is why people can use it to treat all illnesses and diseases, but death.

This is one of the most famous herbs in the history of medicine. People in ancient Egypt used it to treat cold, infections, headaches, and toothaches, to improve their digestion.

The Cure for Everything
Black cumin, Nigella sativa or cumin –people used the black cumin seeds in Egypt. Today these seeds are known to be one of the most powerful herbs, which can be used to treat and prevent different diseases and help you with many health problems. Many people call this herb – the cure for all diseases because it’s used to treat different health problems and conditions.


More than 200 studies have proven the health benefits of this extraordinary seed. The black cumin seed has several health benefits and it’s useful in treating different diseases, especially the auto-immune health problems, such as rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, psoriasis, allergy, asthma, allergic rhinitis.

This herb is also useful in lowering the high blood pressure, it reduces cholesterol levels and the number of triglycerides, reduces the symptoms of diabetes, acne, eczema, fatigue, bronchitis, gastritis, pneumonia and sinusitis, ulcers, cancer, liver problems, poor circulation, etc.

We can say that this herb is very useful in reducing the side effects of the chemotherapy and radiation treatment.

The experts have also found that this herb is very useful in alleviating the allergic rhinitis, allergy symptoms, and allergic asthma. The black seed oil opens the airways and makes breathing much easier

This herb helps your body to prepare itself for all types of allergies in  safe and all natural way.

In the last few years, the experts have also found that black cumin seed has also strong anti-tumor properties and that it can be used in treating cancer because it acts on the cancer cells and it boosts up the immune system in the body.

4 Tis to Whiten Yellow Teeth And Remove Plaque And Tartar Buildup

If you are into natural products and beauty treatments, this is the right recipe for you. Yellow teeth are the grosses thing when it comes to physical appearance, and some would try even the impossible to solve their aesthetic problem.

Well, the first and best thing you should probably do is go visit your dentist.  However, if you don’t have time, you can also effectively eliminate the tartar at your home.

Things You Will Need:

• Antiseptic mouthwash
• Baking soda
• Salt
• Water
• Cup
• Dental pic
• Toothbrush
• Hydrogen peroxide

Baking soda is the most used and beneficial and ingredients when it comes to removing plaque.

Four Steps To Do This Procedure at Home

1. Mix half a teaspoon of salt and 1 tablespoon of baking soda. You should use warm water in order to wet the toothbrush. Dip the toothbrush into the mixture and scrub your teeth for 5 minutes. Then, just spit.

2. Mix one full cup of hydrogen peroxide with half a cup of warm water. Use this mixture to rinse your mouth for 1 minute then spit. Make sure to wash off with cold water.

3. Rub the yellow tartar with a dental pick. Make sure not to scrape the gums because it can lead to damage and irritation.

4. Rinse your mouth with antiseptic mouthwash. Repeat this procedure every second day.

Additional Advice for Better Smile

Floss your teeth regularly.

Every night, before going to sleep, you should rub your teeth with orange peel. The orange peel can fight bacteria, so make sure not to wash it off.

Always use a soft toothbrush and brush your teeth by doing vertical movements. Be careful with the space between your teeth and gums.

Spicy food stimulates the salivary glands. So, by consuming spicy food you will be able to effectively clean your mouth from saliva.

Foods for Better and Improved Smile

Cheese
The Swiss cheese and cheddar neutralize the acids responsible for the plaque. It is recommended to eat the cheese before meals. The aaged cheese contains an ingredient that can work as a barrier agent.

Strawberries and Tomatoes
Strawberries and tomatoes are very beneficial for your oral health due to their rich content of vitamin C. Put them in your mouth and let them stay for 5 minutes. This will soften the accumulated tartar.

Then, you should wash off your mouth with baking soda and warm water. Other foods rich in vitamin C include papaya, orange, lemons, berries, bell peppers, and lime.

Real Facts on Urinary Tract Infections

It’s a common misconception that a urinary tract infection (UTI) automatically equals a bladder infection. In reality, a UTI can develop in any part of the urinary tract, including the urethra, bladder, ureters, or kidneys.
The villain in this scenario is bacteria. When a UTI is diagnosed and treated properly, most people won’t have complications.
How can you make sure this happens to you?
 
Symptoms
The Urology Care Foundation – which is the official foundation of the American Urological Association (AUA) – describes a UTI as the lining of the bladder and urethra becoming red and irritated just like your throat does during a cold. This can result in pain in the belly and pelvic area, and may make you feel like urinating more frequently. Sometimes trying to urinate isn’t successful, as only a few drops are released and/or there’s burning. Incontinence can occur, and the urine can smell bad or look cloudy.


Women tend to get more bladder infections than men, according to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK). At least 40 to 60 percent of women will get a UTI in their lifetime, and most of those infections are bladder infections. Additionally, one in four women will be likely to have a recurrence.
We can blame our anatomy for making us more likely to get bladder infections. We have a shorter urethra, which means bacteria have a shorter distance to travel. Men’s urethras are at least 10 cm while ours is only 4 cm. The opening to the urethra is also closer to the rectum in women, and that’s where bacteria live.

Presdisposed
Some people tend to get these infections more than others. It can be a matter of the bacteria itself, so if someone is colonized with bacteria that has a receptor that binds tightly to the bladder mucosa, UTIs become more common, says Dr. Lisa Hawes, a urologist who specializes in women’s urologic care and is a consultant for the AUA on female pelvic health. She says incomplete emptying as well as constipation also increases the risk.
Post-menopausal women often get UTIs because of the change in vaginal flora coupled with the loss of hormones – in other words, less estrogen, says Dr. Hawes. New birth control pills – which cause a change in hormone levels – can also result in a UTI.
Other anatomical reasons for being plagued with UTIs are possible (stones, prolapse, incontinence), says Dr. Aisha Taylor, urologist in the Department of Urology at Magee-Womens Hospital and assistant professor of female urology at the University of Pittsburgh. A specialist can address these causes. Genetic risks are still being studied.

The NIDDK says you’re more likely to develop a bladder infection if you:

• Are sexually active
• Have gone through menopause
• Use certain types of birth control, like diaphragms or spermicide
• Have trouble emptying your bladder completely
• Have a problem in your urinary tract that blocks or obstructs the normal flow of urine (kidney stone)
• Have diabetes or problems with your body’s immune system
• Recently used a urinary catheter
• Had a UTI in the past.
  
  Minimizing re/occurrence
  If infections in the lower urinary tract (like bladder infections) aren’t treated, they can lead to kidney infections. A bladder infection during pregnancy is more likely to become a kidney infection, which is why pregnant women are routinely tested for bacteria in the urine.
  People often talk about avoiding tight underwear or clothing because they can lead to UTIs. This is another common misconception, as this has never been proven. What does help, however, is the following, according to Dr. Hawes and Dr. Taylor:
  
• Drinking lots of fluid (especially water)
• Voiding regularly without holding too long
• Avoiding constipation (sometimes Miralax is needed)
• Voiding within 30 minutes after intercourse
• Dietary cranberry supplementation

Treatment
The most likely treatment is antibiotics, but it depends on the diagnosis. The NIDDK says that researchers are studying ways to treat or prevent bladder infections without antibiotics, because the bacteria that cause these infections can become stronger and harder to fight when antibiotics are taken repeatedly. Alternate approaches can include probiotics, vaginal estrogen, and “watchful waiting.”
Recent research led by Dr. Stefan Heytens from the University of Ghent, Belgium, published in Clinical Microbiology and Infection has found that the majority of women who had UTI symptoms probably did have a bacterial infection, even when nothing was detected through standard urine testing. A more sensitive test was able to pick this up. The consequence is that testing might be unnecessary for women with symptoms of an uncomplicated UTI. It’s not yet determined whether all women with these symptoms would benefit from antibiotics.

Dr. Hawes has seen this data and says there’s a company she knows of that advertises a urine test they claim is better than a culture, similar to the test in the study. She’s used it before, but has found many glaring inconsistencies in the results. “Although there may be something to this concept, the tests available at this time are not helpful in my opinion,” she says. “Perhaps the test will be better refined with time.”

Dr. Taylor wasn’t surprised by the study either, but says the finding doesn’t contradict her approach. “We treat symptoms and await culture results (OTC medication or prescription strength medication),” she says. “By the time culture results are back, women feel better with this approach.” She looks forward to more sensitive tests to aid in UTI diagnoses.


In the meantime, evidence shows that treating the symptoms of frequency, urgency, and painful urination with a urinary analgesic and waiting for culture data to be available has the same microbiologic outcomes as treating with just antibiotics, says Dr. Taylor. “In fact, this strategy addresses patients’ symptoms sooner and better than antibiotics alone,” she adds.


Often missed with patients is a chronic nonbacterial cystitis, which can be misdiagnosed as a UTI and treated as such, says Dr. Hawes. They have UTI symptoms with a negative culture. This inflammation of the bladder can be improved with proper treatment, not antibiotics. “The take-home message here is that if you feel like you have a UTI and you seek treatment, ask the treating physician to send a culture!” says Dr. Hawes. “This ensures a bacteria is present [if it is in fact a UTI, and] an antibiotic is necessary.”

Is Your Period Pain Free?

I remember the first time I got my period. I was 12 and in school – of course. My bleeding and cramps were severe enough to warrant a get-out-of-school-free card. The only person available to pick me up was my taciturn grandfather. That was fun.
My cycle has varied over the years, and as I approach menopause, I look forward to no longer receiving my monthly visitor. I’m thankful that it gave me two kids, but I won’t miss the sore breasts, bloating, mood swings, inconvenience, or the pain.


The pain. I imagine wringing out a towel; only it’s my uterus.
Everyone’s menstrual cycle is different, as is everyone’s pain tolerance. So how should you deal with period pain, and how do you know when to see a healthcare professional?
Period pain 
As you may have noticed, menstruation can change with time, or even from cycle to cycle, says Dr. Jennifer Lang, MD, OB/GYN, FACOG. Some women, for example, have no discomfort, while others miss days of school or work due to their symptoms.
Typically, girls start menstruating by 12, but it can start as early as 8 or as late as 16. According to the National Institutes of Health, the average menstruation time in normally menstruating women is about five days, and the average cycle is 28 days. In young females, it can range from 21 to 35 days. Up to 14 percent of women have irregular menstrual cycles or especially heavy menstrual bleeding. Prolonged menstrual bleeding is when bleeding exceeds eight days on a regular basis. Menstrual irregularities can sometimes be a sign of other health problems, which is why it’s important to see your provider to rule this out.
As listed by the Cleveland Clinic, symptoms of a normal menstruation include:

• Moodiness
• Trouble sleeping
• Food cravings
• Cramps in lower abdomen and back
• Bloating
• Breast tenderness
• Acne

Only you will know if your pain is excessive. Dr. Lang says if you have to miss work or an important life event because of a period, it’s excessive. Similarly, if you’re vomiting because of pain or doubled up on your bed crying because you’re so uncomfortable, it’s time to consult a healthcare provider.
This is important because one of my friends was told for years by her gynecologist that her pain and gastrointestinal upset were normal and related to her period when in fact she had an incredibly severe case of endometriosis. She didn’t miss any work but scheduled it around her period. She avoided a full-time job so she could have a flexible schedule, and couldn’t plan any vacations in advance. It wasn’t until she got a second opinion, when her doctor immediately said, “This is not normal,” and looked into it. The moral of the story: See someone for menstrual pain, and get a second opinion if necessary.

Consulting a healthcare provider
In fact, clinicians typically state that when a women can’t function as normally, it’s probably time to seek treatment, says Dr. Jenell Coleman, MD, MPH, Associate Professor of Gynecology and Obstetrics at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine and Medical Director, Women’s Health Center, JHOC. She explains that most patients have pain during the first one or two days. If this pain persists throughout the menses or other over-the-counter (OTC) therapies have failed, see a healthcare provider.
If you still aren’t sure if you qualify, here are some indications, courtesy of Dr. Lang:

• Flow is so heavy you’re bleeding through feminine hygiene products and need to change them hourly or more
• Feeling completely exhausted and drained of energy
• Feeling faint or dizzy after heavy bleeding
• Unable to manage pain by over-the-counter acetaminophen or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications at doses indicated on packaging
• Any mid-cycle or irregular bleeding patterns
• Significantly inhibiting lives on physical or emotional basis
• Negatively affecting you financially
• Negatively affecting quality of relationships

The bottom line: if the pain is bothersome, seek treatment. “There are so many treatment options that no woman should suffer from menstrual discomfort,” says Dr. Coleman. Medical conditions like endometriosis can cause severe menstrual pain and require specialized treatment, so this is another reason to get checked out.

Pain relievers
There are some go-to remedies for period pain, like OTC medicine (Advil, Aleve, Motrin), but the key is to preload, or get the medication into your system before the period begins, recommends Dr. Coleman. She says a perfect example is taking these at least one or two days before the expected period, and then taking them at prescribed intervals regardless of whether there’s pain. “This will help minimize the prostaglandin effect (which is the cause of the discomfort),” she says. “I think this technique is underutilized and not common knowledge among women.” Unfortunately, for women with irregular cycles, this tactic may not be as successful.
Dr. Coleman also says that hormonal treatments (e.g. contraceptive pills, Levonorgestrel IUD) have had proven benefits in decreasing and eliminating dysmenorrhea, or painful menstrual cramps.
 
Exercise, yoga, and heating pads are other ways to alleviate pain. Dr. Coleman says there are some small reports and anecdotal evidence suggesting that acupuncture and TENS (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation) may decrease discomfort. These therapies might be more expensive, however, and there aren’t large trials proving benefit in all women.
Because the uterus is mostly made up of muscle, many of the tips and tricks that help with muscle cramping will help with menstrual pain, says Dr. Lang. She recommends Epsom salt baths with lavender essential oils, taking an oral magnesium supplement or eating magnesium-rich foods. Many women report relief from drinking red raspberry leaf tea or eating anti-inflammatory foods such as cucumber, turmeric, tart cherry, and aloe vera juice. Along these lines, cleansing with a low sugar/low processed grain diet high in vegetables prior to period onset can lead to less water retention, cramping, and irritability. Orgasms can also help (when you experience PMS and are on your period), because they release natural endorphins, which are powerful natural pain relieving chemicals, says Dr. Lang.
 
Advice
Adolescents are particularly impacted by dysmenorrhea, says Dr. Coleman, so parents should acknowledge the discomfort and seek medical advice if the child is missing school, sports, or other activities. “Non-steroidal medications work wonders in this population,” she says.
We live in a world that doesn’t have a lot of patience or tolerance for natural cycles or women’s bodies, and expects us to be constantly “on,” says Dr. Lang. “If you’re able to find that magical balance between honoring the miracle of your body and its rhythms and also recognizing the activities that are important to you, you’ll be golden,” she adds. Luckily there are many tools women can use to improve their menstrual experience. “Find a gynecologist, midwife, or naturopathic doctor who listens, respects your values and your goals, and offers suggestions that you can align with,” she says.