Monday, April 21, 2008

Mesothelioma and Asbestos

Mesothelioma is an uncommon form of cancer, commonly linked with prior exposure to asbestos. In this disease, cancerous cells grow in the protective lining (mesothelium) covering the internal organs of the body. This disease is commonly located in the outer lining of the chest cavity and lungs (pleura). It can also be found in the lining of the abdominal cavity (peritoneum), or the sac that envelops the heart (pericardium). People who contract this disease have invariably worked on jobs that put them in close contact with asbestos.

One of the characteristics of mesothelioma is that symptoms can appear very late, sometimes 50 years following first contact with asbestos. Symptoms of pleural mesothelioma, the diseases most common form, include discomfort in the chest and difficulty in breathing. Symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma, another form of the disease, include weight loss, abdominal swelling and pain. Blood clotting, bowel obstruction and fever are other symptoms of this type of mesothelioma. If the malignancy has spread to other body parts, then symptoms may include pain, face swelling and difficulty in swallowing food. However, it is important to remember that these symptoms are not exclusive to this disease; they can happen with other less severe conditions as well.

Over the past two decades, the rate of mesothelioma cases has gone up. Still, in the larger picture, it is a relatively rare cancer. The percentage of cases largely depends on the populations exposure to asbestos. In the United States, it has been reported that that frequency may have hit the highest point at 15 per million in 2004. This trend is thought to continue in other parts of the world. Interestingly, mesothelioma is more common in men than women. The risk of this disease augments with age, but a person of any age or gender can be affected. About one-fifth to one-third of all mesothelioma cases are peritoneal.

Dect Phone

Benefits of an Alcoholism Treatment Program

Once you make the decision to address your addiction to alcohol, join an alcoholism treatment program. Overcoming any addiction is difficult. Alcohol addiction is no different. You will need an incredible amount of support to help you reach and maintain sobriety.

Not only are you fighting your addiction to alcohol, you are dealing with emotions that become your enemy on your path to sobriety. You will take ownership of your alcohol problem one minute and be in complete denial the next. Your guilt over letting down your family and yourself becomes justification for a drink. Your emotional state is as exhausting as your physical craving for alcohol.

Many alcoholics believe they can fight alcohol addiction alone. The problem is that nobody lives in a vacuum. You will be exposed to alcohol in a variety of social settings. You need to learn how to effectively handle the temptation to have just one drink.

Alcoholism treatment programs provide opportunities for you to deal with all of these issues. Professional help is on hand to help you through each phase of your alcohol treatment. You are assessed to identify underlying issues of your addiction. Your counseling sessions are designed around these issues to help you understand yourself so you can develop alternatives to alcohol use. You are provided individual counseling. You can also participate in group counseling or family counseling.

Treatment programs are outpatient or inpatient. If you have already completed a detoxification process and just need on-going counseling and support, outpatient programs are ideal. You can find outpatient programs near you. Be sure the program you choose is certified.

Inpatient programs are great if you need to deal with strong physical cravings or alcohol withdrawal. Treatment personnel can administer drug therapy to help your physical symptoms. If your family or friends do not support recovery, consider an inpatient alcoholism treatment program to physically separate yourself and get the help you need.

An alcoholism treatment program is a sanctuary for you. You concentrate fully on your recovery. You are given the tools you need to get and stay sober. You learn about Alcoholics Anonymous and are given information on AA groups near you. You learn the skills you need to cope day by day without judgment.

Pilates Yoga Stans