Monday, May 27, 2019

"CELEBRATE NATIONAL MEMORIAL DAY WITH THOSE YOU LOVE!"

IT'S MEMORIAL DAY!

Memorial Day is the one day of the year that we celebrate and remember those we loved and lost across the U.S. This year we celebrate Memorial Day on May 27th, it isn't always on the same day but it is always on a Monday. The traditional way that my family spends this holiday, is by barbecuing, packing it up for a picnic by the lake, and on the way home stop by the cemetery to visit those that we love. The world remembers our Veterans that have passed serving our country as well. I live in another state from my my family, so I won't be able to visit the cemetery this year but I will barbecue and have a picnic with the ones I still have here with me in remembrance of those I've loved, lost and served.

Memorial Day was a response to the unprecedented carnage of the Civil War, in which a total of some 620,000 soldiers died between both sides. The loss of life and its effect on communities throughout the country led to several spontaneous commemorations of the dead.

The holiday was long known as Decoration Day for the practice of decorating graves with flowers, wreaths, and flags. The name Memorial Day goes back to 1882, but the older name didn't disappear until after World War II. It wasn't until 1967 that federal law declared "Memorial Day" the official name.

So to all of you out there, make this a day to honor and remember!

Written By: Dr. Sugababy Brite aka Big Sis Keep It 100

ARROW

HOLIDAY

Thursday, May 23, 2019

World Ms Day!

What Is MS?

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an unpredictable, often disabling disease of the central nervous system that disrupts the flow of information within the brain, and between the brain and body.

What Causes MS?

In multiple sclerosis, the body’s own immune system attacks the central nervous system (CNS) and causes damage, which slows or stops nerve transmission.

World MS Day: May 29, 2019

⚕️ Neurofibromatosis Awareness Month

🎗️Neurofibromatosis (NF) is a group of three conditions in which tumors grow in the nervous system. The three types are neurofibromatosis type I (NF1), neurofibromatosis type II (NF2), and schwannomatosis. In NF1 symptoms include light brown spots on the skin, freckles in the armpit and groin, small bumps within nerves, and scoliosis. In NF2 there may be hearing loss, cataracts at a young age, balance problems, flesh colored skin flaps, and muscle wasting. The tumors are generally non-cancerous.

The cause is a genetic mutation in certain genes. These can be inherited from a person's parents, or in about half of cases spontaneously occur during early development. The tumors involve supporting cells in the nervous system rather than the neurons. In NF1 the tumors are neurofibromas (tumors of the peripheral nerves), while in NF2 and schwannomatosis tumors of Schwann cells are more common. Diagnosis is typically based on the signs and symptoms and occasionally supported by genetic testing.

There is no known prevention or cure. Surgery may be done to remove tumors that are causing problems or have become cancerous. Radiation and chemotherapy may also be used if cancer occurs. A cochlear implant or auditory brainstem implant may help some who have hearing loss.

In the United States, about 1 in 3,500 people have NF1 and 1 in 25,000 have NF2. Males and females are affected equally frequently. In NF1, symptoms are often present at birth and otherwise develop before 10 years of age. While the condition typically worsens with time, most people with NF1 have a normal life expectancy. In NF2, symptoms may not become apparent until early adulthood. NF2 increases the risk of early death. Descriptions of the condition occur as far back as the 1st century.

🎗️Signs and symptoms

Neurofibromatosis (NF1) in early life may cause learning and behavior problems – about 60% of children who have NF1 have a mild form of difficulty in school. In terms of signs the individual might have are the following:

Six or more light brown dermatological spots ("café au lait spots")
At least two neurofibromas
At least two growths on the eye's iris
Abnormal growth of the spine (scoliosis)

🎗️Cause

Neurofibromatosis is an autosomal dominant disorder, which means only one copy of the affected gene is needed for the disorder to develop. If one parent has neurofibromatosis, his or her children have a 50% chance of developing the condition as well. The severity of the condition of the parent does not affect the child; the affected child may have mild NF1 even though inherited from a parent with a severe form of the disorder. The types of neurofibromatosis are:

Neurofibromatosis type I, in which the nerve tissue grows tumors (neurofibromas) that may be benign, may cause serious damage by compressing nerves and other tissues.
Neurofibromatosis type II, in which bilateral acoustic neuromas (tumors of the vestibulocochlear nerve or cranial nerve 8 (CN VIII) also known as schwannoma) develop, often leading to hearing loss.
Schwannomatosis, in which painful schwannomas develop on spinal and peripheral nerves.

🎗️Pathophysiology

The neurofibromatosis are considered as RASopathies and as members of the neurocutaneous syndromes (phakomatoses).The diagnosis of neurofibromatosis is done via the following means:

🎗️Treatment

Surgical removal of tumors is an option, however the risks involved should be assessed first.^[18] With regard to OPG (optic pathway gliomas), the preferred treatment is chemotherapy. However, radiotherapy isn't recommended in children who present with this disorder.^[19] It is recommended that children diagnosed with NF1 at an early age have an examination each year, which allows any potential growths or changes related to the disorder to be monitored.

🎗️Prognosis

In most cases, symptoms of NF1 are mild, and individuals live normal and productive lives. In some cases, however, NF1 can be severely debilitating and may cause cosmetic and psychological issues. The course of NF2 varies greatly among individuals. In some cases of NF2, the damage to nearby vital structures, such as other cranial nerves and the brain stem, can be life-threatening. Most individuals with schwannomatosis have significant pain. In some extreme cases the pain will be severe and disabling.

NF1 occurs in 1 in 3000 individuals and is equally prevalent among men and women. It is among the most common inherited nervous system disorders.^[21] Affected individuals have a 10- to 15-year reduction in life expectancy compared to the average person.

🎗️10 Symptoms of Neurofibromatosis

Neurofibromatosis is a genetic disorder that causes tumors to form anywhere in the nervous system and the skin. Diagnosis of the disease usually occurs in childhood or young adults. There are three different types of neurofibromatosis. Types 1 and 2 are hereditary. Symptoms of neurofibromatosis can be present at birth, or they may become evident early in childhood. Although neurofibromatosis is a multisystem disorder that requires management by a multidisciplinary team of health specialists, the dermatologist has the primary role in recognizing and differentiating NF from other conditions and suggesting appropriate referrals and management.

🎗️1. Cafe Au Lait Macules

Skin lesions have smooth borders and can be a range of colors from tan to dark brown. While many people may have these lesions, seeing more than six of them on a child can indicate NF1. On children, look for spots that are bigger than 5 mm at their widest point. On teenagers, look for spots larger than 15 mm.

🎗️2. Skinfold Freckling

Skinfold freckling is another important criterion for the diagnosis of NF1. It occurs between the ages of three and five in either the axilla and groin. They may also be on the neck, breast, around the lips, and in the trunk. The freckling is similar to that induced by sun exposure, but it occurs remarkably in covered areas.

🎗️3. Learning Disabilities

Half of the patients with NF1 have learning disabilities, and parents of children with this disease worry about their academic performance. Studies showed that children with NF1 struggle with math and reading, and they are more likely to be diagnosed with Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. Early intervention can go a long way in helping kids with NF1.

🎗️4. Bone Anomalies

Bone anomalies, like a curved spine, is a common problem for those with neurofibromatosis. It occurs in 10 percent of patients, usually manifesting by age 10. If doctors find evidence of scoliosis, they may refer the child to orthopedics. Long bone deformity is usually manifest within the first year of life. The most affected bone is the tibia, which will bow in an anterior direction. Someone with NF1 may have short stature, a prominent forehead and brow, and a head circumference above average (macrocephaly).

🎗️5. Optic Gliomas

The optic glioma is a slow-growing tumor of the optic nerve, which is present in 15-20 percent of patients with NF1. It can manifest clinically with exophthalmos, which is an abnormal protrusion of the eyeball, a decreased vision, and precocious puberty (after age six for the latter). However, most children are diagnosed with optic glioma around age three.

🎗️6. Cutaneous Neurofibromas

The presence of neurofibromas is another classic manifestation of neurofibromatosis. Neurofibromas are tumors that are located anywhere on the body and have different shapes and sizes. Cutaneous tumors are dome-shaped, soft, fleshy, skin-colored or hyperpigmented, while subcutaneous tumors are firm and nodular. Usually, these tumors do not become apparent until puberty and may continue to grow in size and number throughout adulthood. Pregnancy is also another time associated with tumor growth acceleration.

🎗️7. Glomus Tumors

Glomus tumors originate from a specialized vascular structure involved in temperature regulation. They are most commonly seen in the subungual area of the fingers and appear as small-blue red papules or nodules. Glomus tumors are associated with marked pain and cold intolerance. Surgical removal of these tumors will eliminate the pain.

🎗️8. Schwannomatosis

A schwannomatosis is a benign nerve tumor that causes significant pain for the patient. Depending on the location of the tumor, it can cause numbness, weakness, and muscle loss. In fact, pain can be so debilitating that it may require surgical treatment or supervised pain management.

🎗️9. Hearing Loss

Hearing loss is common in some cases of neurofibromatosis. This is the result of slow-growing tumors in the nerves that transmit sound from the inner ears to the brain. The symptoms will appear in the early adult years and vary in intensity. The patient will complain of a gradual hearing loss, ringing in the ears, balance difficulties, and possibly headaches.

🎗️10. Itching

Itching is generally widespread in the skin and the tumors. Although the mechanism that causes it is uncertain, doctors believe that the production of histamine is to blame. The mast cells in the tumors produce itch-causing histamine.

There's a fb support group for those who have Neurofibromatosis, where you can share your experiences with others, and learn what other people are going through. A place to talk about things and feel comfortable with what you want to share.

https://www.facebook.com/Neurofibromatosis-Support-345030432837/

Blogger: Egypt Assanti

ESD Baroness

{aka} Big Sister Southern Heat 🎗️

Monday, May 20, 2019

"IT'S NATIONAL PICK STRAWBERRIES DAY!!

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NATIONAL PICK STRAWBERRIES DAY
There is nothing more delightful than biting into a juicy red strawberry, on a hot summers day! It is something about a freshly picked strawberry that takes you back to being a kid again.
National Pick Strawberries Day is on May 20th, beginning in late April all through summer.

A FEW FUN FACTS ABOUT STRAWBERRIES:

Strawberries are members of the rose family
Strawberries are the only fruit with their seeds on the outside
Strawberries are an excellent source of vitamin C
Strawberries are low-fat, low in calories and a good source of fiber, folic acid and potassium
Strawberries help can help fight bad cholesterol and may reduce inflammation
The first strawberries were grown in France in the late 18th century. Prior to the 18th century, wild strawberries were collected and commonly used as a fruit source.

I remember growing up in my hometown and getting excited about Spring and Summer so that we could pick berries for money, and then eating more than we picked! There are so many ways you can turn strawberries into a sweet treat, from strawberry pie, strawberry shortcake, and the list of deliciousness can go on and on. So if you get out today and have a sweet tooth, go "pick" up some strawberries and enjoy the taste of summer!!

Posted By: Sugababy Brite

DEPRESSION

THE MORE YOU KNOW....this is my personal blog that i just felt needed to be shared. YOU ARE NOT ALONE, EVEN IF YOU FEEL THAT YOU ARE. some one some where LOVES you. DONT GIVE UP...

Depression (major depressive disorder or clinical depression) is a common but serious mood disorder. It causes severe symptoms that affect how you feel, think, and handle daily activities, such as sleeping, eating, or working. To be diagnosed with depression, the symptoms must be present for at least two weeks.

Some forms of depression are slightly different, or they may develop under unique circumstances, such as:

Persistent depressive disorder (also called dysthymia) is a depressed mood that lasts for at least two years. A person diagnosed with persistent depressive disorder may have episodes of major depression along with periods of less severe symptoms, but symptoms must last for two years to be considered persistent depressive disorder.
Postpartum depression is much more serious than the “baby blues” (relatively mild depressive and anxiety symptoms that typically clear within two weeks after delivery) that many women experience after giving birth. Women with postpartum depression experience full-blown major depression during pregnancy or after delivery (postpartum depression). The feelings of extreme sadness, anxiety, and exhaustion that accompany postpartum depression may make it difficult for these new mothers to complete daily care activities for themselves and/or for their babies.
Psychotic depression occurs when a person has severe depression plus some form of psychosis, such as having disturbing false fixed beliefs (delusions) or hearing or seeing upsetting things that others cannot hear or see (hallucinations). The psychotic symptoms typically have a depressive “theme,” such as delusions of guilt, poverty, or illness.
Seasonal affective disorder is characterized by the onset of depression during the winter months, when there is less natural sunlight. This depression generally lifts during spring and summer. Winter depression, typically accompanied by social withdrawal, increased sleep, and weight gain, predictably returns every year in seasonal affective disorder.
Bipolar disorder is different from depression, but it is included in this list is because someone with bipolar disorder experiences episodes of extremely low moods that meet the criteria for major depression (called “bipolar depression”). But a person with bipolar disorder also experiences extreme high – euphoric or irritable – moods called “mania” or a less severe form called “hypomania.”

Examples of other types of depressive disorders newly added to the diagnostic classification of DSM-5 include disruptive mood dysregulation disorder (diagnosed in children and adolescents) and premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD).

Signs and Symptoms

If you have been experiencing some of the following signs and symptoms most of the day, nearly every day, for at least two weeks, you may be suffering from depression:

Persistent sad, anxious, or “empty” mood
Feelings of hopelessness, or pessimism
Irritability
Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, or helplessness
Loss of interest or pleasure in hobbies and activities
Decreased energy or fatigue
Moving or talking more slowly
Feeling restless or having trouble sitting still
Difficulty concentrating, remembering, or making decisions
Difficulty sleeping, early-morning awakening, or oversleeping
Appetite and/or weight changes
Thoughts of death or suicide, or suicide attempts
Aches or pains, headaches, cramps, or digestive problems without a clear physical cause and/or that do not ease even with treatment

Not everyone who is depressed experiences every symptom. Some people experience only a few symptoms while others may experience many. Several persistent symptoms in addition to low mood are required for a diagnosis of major depression, but people with only a few – but distressing – symptoms may benefit from treatment of their “subsyndromal” depression. The severity and frequency of symptoms and how long they last will vary depending on the individual and his or her particular illness. Symptoms may also vary depending on the stage of the illness.

Risk Factors

Depression is one of the most common mental disorders in the U.S. Current research suggests that depression is caused by a combination of genetic, biological, environmental, and psychological factors.

Depression can happen at any age, but often begins in adulthood. Depression is now recognized as occurring in children and adolescents, although it sometimes presents with more prominent irritability than low mood. Many chronic mood and anxiety disorders in adults begin as high levels of anxiety in children.

Depression, especially in midlife or older adults, can co-occur with other serious medical illnesses, such as diabetes, cancer, heart disease, and Parkinson’s disease. These conditions are often worse when depression is present. Sometimes medications taken for these physical illnesses may cause side effects that contribute to depression. A doctor experienced in treating these complicated illnesses can help work out the best treatment strategy.

Risk factors include:

Personal or family history of depression
Major life changes, trauma, or stress
Certain physical illnesses and medications

Treatment and Therapies

Depression, even the most severe cases, can be treated. The earlier that treatment can begin, the more effective it is. Depression is usually treated with medications, psychotherapy, or a combination of the two. If these treatments do not reduce symptoms, electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) and other brain stimulation therapies may be options to explore.

Quick Tip: No two people are affected the same way by depression and there is no "one-size-fits-all" for treatment. It may take some trial and error to find the treatment that works best for you.

Medications

Antidepressants are medicines that treat depression. They may help improve the way your brain uses certain chemicals that control mood or stress. You may need to try several different antidepressant medicines before finding the one that improves your symptoms and has manageable side effects. A medication that has helped you or a close family member in the past will often be considered.

Antidepressants take time – usually 2 to 4 weeks – to work, and often, symptoms such as sleep, appetite, and concentration problems improve before mood lifts, so it is important to give medication a chance before reaching a conclusion about its effectiveness. If you begin taking antidepressants, do not stop taking them without the help of a doctor. Sometimes people taking antidepressants feel better and then stop taking the medication on their own, and the depression returns. When you and your doctor have decided it is time to stop the medication, usually after a course of 6 to 12 months, the doctor will help you slowly and safely decrease your dose. Stopping them abruptly can cause withdrawal symptoms.

Please Note: In some cases, children, teenagers, and young adults under 25 may experience an increase in suicidal thoughts or behavior when taking antidepressants, especially in the first few weeks after starting or when the dose is changed. This warning from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) also says that patients of all ages taking antidepressants should be watched closely, especially during the first few weeks of treatment.

If you are considering taking an antidepressant and you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, talk to your doctor about any increased health risks to you or your unborn or nursing child.

To find the latest information about antidepressants, talk to your doctor and visit www.fda.gov.

You may have heard about an herbal medicine called St. John's wort. Although it is a top-selling botanical product, the FDA has not approved its use as an over-the-counter or prescription medicine for depression, and there are serious concerns about its safety (it should never be combined with a prescription antidepressant) and effectiveness. Do not use St. John’s wort before talking to your health care provider. Other natural products sold as dietary supplements, including omega-3 fatty acids and S-adenosylmethionine (SAMe), remain under study but have not yet been proven safe and effective for routine use. For more information on herbal and other complementary approaches and current research, please visit the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health website.

Psychotherapies

Several types of psychotherapy (also called “talk therapy” or, in a less specific form, counseling) can help people with depression. Examples of evidence-based approaches specific to the treatment of depression include cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), interpersonal therapy (IPT), and problem-solving therapy. More information on psychotherapy is available on the NIMH websiteand in the NIMH publication Depression: What You Need to Know.

Brain Stimulation Therapies

If medications do not reduce the symptoms of depression, electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) may be an option to explore. Based on the latest research:

ECT can provide relief for people with severe depression who have not been able to feel better with other treatments.
Electroconvulsive therapy can be an effective treatment for depression. In some severe cases where a rapid response is necessary or medications cannot be used safely, ECT can even be a first-line intervention.
Once strictly an inpatient procedure, today ECT is often performed on an outpatient basis. The treatment consists of a series of sessions, typically three times a week, for two to four weeks.
ECT may cause some side effects, including confusion, disorientation, and memory loss. Usually these side effects are short-term, but sometimes memory problems can linger, especially for the months around the time of the treatment course. Advances in ECT devices and methods have made modern ECT safe and effective for the vast majority of patients. Talk to your doctor and make sure you understand the potential benefits and risks of the treatment before giving your informed consent to undergoing ECT.
ECT is not painful, and you cannot feel the electrical impulses. Before ECT begins, a patient is put under brief anesthesia and given a muscle relaxant. Within one hour after the treatment session, which takes only a few minutes, the patient is awake and alert.

Other more recently introduced types of brain stimulation therapies used to treat medicine-resistant depression include repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) and vagus nerve stimulation (VNS). Other types of brain stimulation treatments are under study. You can learn more about these therapies on the NIMH Brain Stimulation Therapies webpage.

If you think you may have depression, start by making an appointment to see your doctor or health care provider. This could be your primary care practitioner or a health provider who specializes in diagnosing and treating mental health conditions. Visit the NIMH Find Help for Mental Illnesses if you are unsure of where to start.

Beyond Treatment: Things You Can Do

Here are other tips that may help you or a loved one during treatment for depression:

Try to be active and exercise.
Set realistic goals for yourself.
Try to spend time with other people and confide in a trusted friend or relative.
Try not to isolate yourself, and let others help you.
Expect your mood to improve gradually, not immediately.
Postpone important decisions, such as getting married or divorced, or changing jobs until you feel better. Discuss decisions with others who know you well and have a more objective view of your situation.
Continue to educate yourself about depression.

Join a Study

What are Clinical Trials?

Clinical trials are research studies that look at new ways to prevent, detect, or treat diseases and conditions, including depression. During clinical trials, some participants receive treatments under study that might be new drugs or new combinations of drugs, new surgical procedures or devices, or new ways to use existing treatments. Other participants (in the “control group”) receive a standard treatment, such as a medication already on the market, an inactive placebo medication, or no treatment. The goal of clinical trials is to determine if a new test or treatment works and is safe. Although individual participants may benefit from being part of a clinical trial, participants should be aware that the primary purpose of a clinical trial is to gain new scientific knowledge so that others may be better helped in the future.

Please Note: Decisions about whether to participate in a clinical trial, and which ones are best suited for a given individual, are best made in collaboration with your licensed health professional.

How do I find a Clinical Trials at NIMH on Depression?

Doctors at NIMH are dedicated to mental health research, including clinical trials of possible new treatments as well as studies to understand the causes and effects of depression. The studies take place at the NIH Clinical Center in Bethesda, Maryland and require regular visits. After the initial phone interview, you will come to an appointment at the clinic and meet with one of our clinicians. Find NIMH studies currently recruiting participants with depression by visiting Join a Research Study: Depression.

How Do I Find a Clinical Trial Near Me?

To search for a clinical trial near you, you can visit ClinicalTrials.gov. This is a searchable registry and results database of federally and privately supported clinical trials conducted in the United States and around the world (search: depression). ClinicalTrials.gov gives you information about a trial's purpose, who may participate, locations, and contact information for more details. This information should be used in conjunction with advice from health professionals.

Learn More

Free Booklets and Brochures

Chronic Illness & Mental Health: This brochure discusses chronic illnesses and depression, including symptoms, health effects, treatment, and recovery.
Depression and College Students: This brochure describes depression, treatment options, and how it affects college students.
Depression and Older Adults: Depression is not a normal part of aging. This brochure describes the signs, symptoms, and treatment options for depression in older adults.
Depression: What You Need to Know: This booklet contains information on depression including signs and symptoms, treatment and support options, and a listing of additional resources.
Postpartum Depression Facts: A brochure on postpartum depression that explains its causes, symptoms, treatments, and how to get help.
Teen Depression: This flier for teens describes depression and how it differs from regular sadness. It also describes symptoms, causes, and treatments, with information on getting help and coping.

Clinical Trials

Federal Resources

Depression and Older Adults (NIHSeniorHealth.gov)
Depression: MedlinePlus
Moms’ Mental Health Matter: Depression and Anxiety Around Pregnancy (National Institute of Child Health and Human Development)

Research and Statistics

Journal Articles: This webpage provides information on references and abstracts from MEDLINE/PubMed (National Library of Medicine).
Statistics: Major Depression: This webpage provides information on the statistics currently available on the prevalence and treatment of depression among people in the U.S.

Multimedia

Watch: “Baby Blues” – or Postpartum Depression?: This video provides patient testimony and information on the signs and symptoms of postpartum depression and reinforces the importance of seeking help and treatment from a health professional.
Watch: One Woman's Experience With Depression: This video by the National Institute on Aging tells the story of an older woman who struggled for years with depression, but who is now in recovery. Learn more about older adults and depression

PINKY RUFUS