Since the beginning of time, Hansen’s disease has been recognized as a problem. Reported in Egypt in as early as 1350 BC, Lepresy is the oldest disease known to man; this is according to the Guinness World Records. Frequently, Lepers have lived outside of society. This is partly due to the fact that for a long time the disease was believed to have been caused by a divine, often times associated with demons, curse or punishment. This idea changed in the middle ages, when people started to beleive that lepers are loved by God, and that it is humans that have cursed them Another reason for secluding the Lepers what that in the past it was believed that leprosy was highly contagious. If was even taken to the extent that leprosy could be spread by the glance of a leper or an unseen leper standing upwind of healthy people. Today we know that the disease is much less contagious than we once believed in the past. Lepresy is caused by a mycobacterium that will multiply at a very slow rate. The disease mainly affects the skin, nerves, and mucous membranes. The organism has never been grown in cell culture, because of the difficulty that is involved with doing so. This difficulty is as a result of the fact that the organism is an obligate intra-cellular parasite. This means that it lacks many necessary genes for independent survival. This is also evident and provides proof for it having such a slow rate of replication. Uncertain today, is the method of transmission of Hansen’s disease. Many people beleive that it is spread person to person in respiratory droplets. What we do know though, is that most of the population is naturally immune to the disease. The disease is chronic, and often times patients are classified as having paucibacillary, which is a form of multibacillary Hansen’s disease.

Unfortunately, surgery is necessary in approximately 75% of people with Crohn’s Disease. This may be done for a variety of reasons, including excessive bleeding, perforation of the bowel, intestinal obstruction, formation of an abscess, or when other medical treatments fail. However, surgery is almost always used as a last resort and is typically avoided if possible. For this reason, many people suffer for years with symptoms that could be relieved if surgery were utilized. There are various options available, including procedures to remove affected areas of the intestine as well as procedures to redirect stool to an opening where it is passed out of the body. However, the latter requires life changes that are difficult for some to deal with. Strictureplasty is the most common surgical procedure performed for Crohn’s Disease. This is a procedure in which a narrowed area of the intestine is widened. Patchy, diseased areas narrow and are known as strictures. Because these areas of diseased bowel alternate with portions of normal bowel, cramps occur as the normal bowel tries to compensate for blockages that arise. It is not suggested to remove large segments of bowel as nutritional deficiencies may occur. Therefore, strictureplasty is performed to avoid removing any of the intestinal tract but still improve conditions. However, removing diseased sections of intestine is sometimes necessary and is known as resection. There are various forms of resection, depending on which area of the bowel is being removed. However, after any portion is taken out, the two ends of healthy bowel are reconnected to restore intestinal function. This is known as anastomosis. Other surgical procedures include the treatment of abscesses and fistulas. This may include draining pus or repairing damaged areas. These areas are of particular concern as they may lead to severe infection, leading to death if not properly treated. Special care must be taken in removing abscesses from the rectal area, as damage to those muscles may lead to incontinence. It is necessary to understand that there is no cure for Crohn’s Disease; therefore, surgery may only temporarily relieve symptoms. Negative side effects usually return with time, often at the same location of the surgery. Almost half of those that need surgery will also require a second procedure. Research is being done to determine if microinvasive or laparoscopic surgery may be utilized to decrease the intrusive nature of surgical procedures. While this may greatly improve the process, it is still being explored.

Introduction Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive condition that damages areas of the brain involved in intelligence, memory, behavior, judgment, and language. It is the most common form of mental decline in older adults. Alzheimer’s gets worse over time, but the course of the disease varies from person to person. Some people may still be able to function relatively well until late stages of Alzheimers disease. Others may lose the ability to do daily activities in earlier stages. Over time, Alzheimer’s disease causes severe mental and functional problems and eventually results in death. Causes Scientists do not yet fully understand the causes of Alzheimer’s disease. There probably is not one single cause, but several factors that affect each person differently. Recent studies indicate that amyloid beta protein may cause Alzheimer’s disease. In healthy people, this protein can cross the blood-brain barrier (the wall of blood vessels that feed the brain and regulate the entry and exit of brain chemicals) and leave the brain. In people with Alzheimers disease, amyloid beta protein can’t pass through that barrier. As more amyloid beta protein accumulates in a person’s brain, they become more and more mentally disabled. Research has recently revealed that consumption of sugar could be one of the biggest threats to our overall health – especially when it comes to age related diseases such as Alzheimer’s. One of the major problems stemming from sugar over-consumption is a chemical process called glycation. Glycation refers to the combination of a sugar and a protein molecule and occurs in your body when glucose in your blood combines with the amino acids tryptophan, lysine or arginine. This reaction releases byproducts called Advanced Glycation Endproducts (appropriately given the acronym AGE). The formation of AGEs is accelerated when you have lower levels of antioxidants in your system and when your kidneys are weak or malfunctioning. The formation is also accelerated when blood sugar levels are high. Researchers now believe that glycation and the formation of AGEs lie at the heart of the alteration of proteins in the brain that cause Alzheimer’s disease. Risk Factors Age is the most important known risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease. The number of people with the disease doubles every 5 years beyond age 65. Blood sugar problems that cause excess glucose in the blood, such as diabetes, has now been added to the list of risk factors for Alzheimer’s, given the role of glycation. Family history is another risk factor, depending on the type of Alzheimer’s . Familial Alzheimer’s Disease, a rare form of Alzheimer’s that usually occurs between the ages of 30 and 60, is inherited – so family history is a big risk factor. The more common form of Alzheimers disease is known as late-onset Alzheimer’s. It occurs later in life, and no obvious inheritance pattern is seen. Relationship to Aluminum Since 1965, researchers have suspected that Alzheimers disease is related to accumulations of aluminum in the brain. A relationship between aluminum in drinking water and Alzheimer’s has now been established. Additionally, a study looked at the association of Alzheimer’s and lifetime exposure to aluminum in antiperspirants and antacids. Scientists found a direct correlation. The more antiperspirant that was used, the more likely the person would develop Alzheimers disease. The same held true for aluminum antacids. It is hard to deny that environmental exposure to aluminum is at least related to Alzheimer’s. Symptoms and Cures Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive disease for which there is no known cure. However, various therapies and treatments can slow the progression of Alzheimer’s. Therefore, it is important to know the warning signs for each stage of Alzheimer’s and detect the condition early. If caught early alpha lipoic acid and other Alzheimer’s treatments can be used to slow (and possibly stop) the progression of the disease.

When we are young, adenoids are a major part of the immune system. They are invariably found on the walls and roof at the back of the throat, just behind the uvula. Adenoids are responsible for trapping viruses that are inhaled, and producing antibodies to prevent them. The problem comes when they inflame and become to large. The problems related to enlarged adenoids are not common in adults, as they shrink over time as the function decreases, as we have already produced the antibodies necessary for many viruses.Enlarged Adenoidsare a problem, as they restrict breathing through the nose. They can also result in recurring ear infections, as they block the eustachian tube. Have you ever had your tonsils removed? Well then, chances are you also had your adenoids removed in a procedure known as «adenoidectomy». Generally done in the same sitting as a tonsillectomy, an adenoidectomy is the surgical removing of the adenoids. The surgery is done through the mouth, and under a general anaesthetic. This operation is also done if the patient has recurring infections, sleep apnea, or distorded speech. The after affects of this surgery are the same as after a tonsillectomy, Sore throat. Trouble speaking and swallowing, as well as minor swelling can also occur. Basically, after this operation, you get to lay in bed for a few days, suck on popsicles, and eat ice cream.