You Should Say: Please Pass the Broccoli, Not I’ll Pass

‘Please pass the broccoli’: not something that many mothers hear from their children. In fact, not many children appear to like any green vegetables let alone broccoli. This is not important at such a young age, but there comes a time when the health benefits that broccoli brings become almost essential to your good health and well being. Parents are right, but your children won’t believe you.Some say that the nutritional punch of broccoli is stronger than that of any other vegetable. Is this claim justified? Let’s have a look at the evidence and the facts and you can judge for yourself. First the ‘ordinary’ nutrients of broccoli: vitamin C (more than oranges) and A, folic acid and calcium and also lots and lots of fiber. However, this wonderful vegetable contains not only high levels of calcium, but is also the one of the richest vegetable sources of magnesium. Calcium needs magnesium in order to be properly incorporated into your bone structure, and so broccoli is a very important calcium/magnesium source for vegans that do not drink milk or eat any other dairy products.It is also rich in protein, containing 3% by weight and is also rich in iron. It is therefore an important part of the diet of women during menstruation when iron is important to enable the blood to maintain its proper erythrocyte levels. A deficiency of iron in the diet of women can lead to anemia and render them more susceptible to infection. However, it is more than just iron that renders this vegetable an important part of the female diet. Broccoli has been established to be of major importance in preventing cancer. It is likely the most potent anti-cancer vegetable in your diet, and it has been established over 20 years of study that broccoli can help to prevent cancers of the breast and the cervix. The indoles that it contains prevent estrogens from promoting tumor growth, and it also contains beta-carotene, a strong antioxidant that destroys the free radicals that can also cause cancer. However, there is more to broccoli than just that. Broccoli contains the highest concentration of sulforaphane of all the cruciferous vegetables that include Brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, rocket and turnip, amongst many others. When you chew broccoli, the glucosinolate glucoraphan is converted to sulforaphane, not by the enzymes in your saliva, but by the actual physical damage done to the plant by the act of chewing. It could likely also be generated by hitting it with a hammer! It is glucosinolates that provide the slightly bitter taste many people experience when they eat vegetables such as brussels sprouts and broccoli, and that likely renders them somewhat unattractive to children!Sulforaphane is an isothiocyanate containing the NCS functional group, and is actually bound loosely to the sugar as sulforaphane glucosinolate. It is the loose binding that allows it be released on chewing. Broccoli sprouts are its richest source, and it is a strong antioxidant which is why it is so effective in reducing the possibility of certain cancers.When fighting cancers, your body produces phase-II enzymes, and since sulforaphane induces these enzymes, it stops the carcinogens before they can damage your DNA. This is achieved through the enhancement of the transcription of the proteins that suppress the tumors. In layman’s terms, it is the generation of tumor suppressant proteins from DNA that kills off the tumors before they can destroy the DNA.There is even more however. Indoles have already been mentioned, and those in question are predominantly indole-3-carbinol (I3C) and 3,3-diindolylmethane (DIM). The latter is generated from the digestion of the former and possesses very potent anti-cancer properties. However, this indole can affect your health in ways other than just as an anti-cancer agent. It can modulate the immune system in a way that renders it suitable for the treatment of a number of viral infections, and is also believed to be a possible answer to the problem of bacteria that have become resistant to antibiotics. It appears to operate synergistically with Interferon-Gamma, a cytokine that helps to prevent viruses from replicating within the cells of the body, to strengthen the MHC-I Complex, a part of the human genome that supports the immune response to viral attacks.To put it plainly, broccoli can aid your resistance not only to certain cancers, but also to attack by viruses and some bacteria. It is not only cancers of the cervix and breast that broccoli can help to prevent, but also of the lung, prostate, larynx and bladder. I3C also helps to support the function of your liver in detoxifying your blood as well as supporting the cellular reproduction without which your body could not maintain itself after damage.Broccoli is therefore an important vegetable to men as well as to women, not only for its anti-cancer properties, but also as a general antioxidant and consequent free radical scavenging properties. Its high fiber content is equally split between soluble and insoluble vegetable fiber, and so meets your dietary needs of both types. Cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli have been singled out by health organizations the world over as essential to your diet, and you should eat them regularly. Once daily would be good, but more is recommended if possible. As stated at the start, strong tasting vegetables containing glucosinolates might not be attractive to children and younger people, but their phytochemical content (the foresaid indoles and isothiocyanates) render them very potent antioxidants and anti-cancer foods. Taken in relation to other foods, an ounce of broccoli contains as much calcium as a glass of milk, more vitamin C than a similar weight of orange, and a medium floret has more fiber than one slice of bran bread. It is rich in vitamin A and of course there are the other antioxidants and anti-cancer phytochemicals already detailed. There are many ways of cooking broccoli to maintain its nutritional content, but if you do not like broccoli, then there are supplements available. You can purchase pure broccoli extract or an extract from a mixture of cruciferous vegetables. The choice is yours, but of one thing there can be no doubt. Broccoli is the king of green vegetables, and the nutrients it contains are not available in any other vegetable in such a concentrated and easy to assimilate form.Your mom was right: it’s not just ‘eat your veg’, but ‘eat your broccoli’. No nutritional advice could be better than that. “Pass the broccoli please mom!”

Spermicides are one of the best birth control methods. It comes in the form of gel, cream, foam, film and suppositories. All the spermicides are similar in work but only thing is the amount of chemical (Nonoxynol-9) that contain, which may vary from 1% to 5%.

Function

Spermicides prevent pregnancy by killing or immobilizing sperms. It also blocks the ways so as to sperm cannot reach the eggs. It contains chemicals (Nonoxynol-9) that make the sperms nonfunctional. At the some extent Spermicides give you protection from some sexually transmitted infections but it is highly recommended that you should use condoms to protect yourself from sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).

Types of Spermicides

It is available in the form of creams, jellies, foam, vaginal contraceptive film and suppositories.

CREAMS AND JELLIES

They can be inserted into vagina with the help of an applicator. Creams are in opaque while jellies appear to be clear. It is immediately effective and can be used with condoms.

FOAMS

It is like shaving cream. It comes in can. You must shake the can well before use. It is also used with the help of an applicator. First fill the applicator with foam and insert the applicator into vagina about 2 to 3 inches (The product must reach to the cervix to be effective). Push the end of the applicator to squirt the spermicides out. It is effective immediately.

SUPPOSITORIES

Suppositories come in the form of capsules. It is inserted into the vagina and pushed up to the cervix. It dissolves in the vagina when placed. It becomes effective only after 20 minutes.

VAGINAL CONTRACEPTIVE FILM (VCF)

It comes in thin squares. To use it, you first fold this film to half, insert it with the help of your finger into vagina and push up to cervix. Do this with dry finger unless the film will stick to your finger and you will not be able to place this film in the correct place. It dissolves over the cervix after insertion and it also becomes effective only 15-20 minutes.

Advantages

• You can purchase it without a prescription of doctor.

• It is easily available in superstores and drug stores.

• Since it also acts like lubricants, it increases pleasure during intercourse.

• It does affect future fertility.

• You may enjoy insertion of spermicides into vagina as foreplay.

Disadvantage

• It does not give you full protection against sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) like AIDS/HIV.

• Your partner can feel a bad taste during oral sex.

• You may feel some genital irritation.

• You must use it for every sexual intercourse.

Although Spermicides are very effective as a birth control measure, you must take a decision which type of spermicides suits both you and your partner. You must follow the instruction on the product label.

Find more information visit: http://www.keepcondom.com/articles/birth-control/spermicides.htm

Learn Proper Condom Use

When used correctly, a condom is 98% effective in the prevention of pregnancy. Along with this, a condom effectively prevents passing sexually transmitted diseases (STD) or HIV between sexual partners. In order to achieve these effectiveness measures, it is important to know how to use a condom.For males, how to use a condom starts with proper storage. Although it may be tempting to store condoms in a wallet, this is not the ideal place. Proper condom storage should be in a cool place that is out of direct sunlight. Some condom manufacturers offer storage containers that fit nicely inside of a wallet. In addition to proper storage, be sure to check the expiration date of the condom. This is typically found on the actual condom package or box that the condoms came in. These two steps are crucial in knowing how to use a condom. Once these two rules have been followed, the next part of knowing how to use a condom comes in opening the package itself. Be careful not to rip the condom with a fingernail or tooth when opening the package. Once open, place the condom over an erect penis. Holding onto the reservoir tip at the top, slowly roll the condom down over the erect penis all the way down to the base of the penis. When the male has achieved ejaculation, remove the penis making sure to hold onto the condom at the rim. This will ensure that the condom does not slip off or leak. After the condom has been removed, it can be disposed of in the trash. For females, how to use a female condom is similar to using a tampon. In much the same way as a male condom, how to use a condom begins by checking the expiration date and carefully opening the condom packaging. Once open, check over the condom to ensure that lubrication is present both inside and outside of the condom. Grasp the condom at the closed end and insert two fingers inside the condom. Gently push the condom inside until the cervix is reached. The female will know the condom is in place when she can no longer feel the ring. Following sexual activity, remove the condom in the same manner that a tampon would be removed. With both the male and female condom, the key in how to use a condom effectively comes in knowing that each sexual action brings on a new condom. If at any time during placement or sexual activity the condom becomes ripped or slips off, immediately stop all action and remove the condom. Start the entire process over again with a fresh condom from a new package. If lubrication use is desired, make sure to only use a water based lubricant with the condom. Any oil based lubricant such as baby oil will work against the latex foundation of the condom and result in breakage or leakage. Condoms require no prescription or embarrassing visit to the doctor. When combined with the relative inexpensive cost, learning how to use a condom makes perfect birth control sense. For more information visit: Learn Proper Condom Use

What is a Pap Smear?

Pap smears test for cervical cancer in women. They can help to determine if you are at a higher risk for cervical cancer as well. When doctors perform pap smears, they collect cells from your cervix for testing. Your cervix is just a few inches inside of your vagina. You will be asked to undress either completely or from the waist down for the procedure. A speculum is inserted so that your doctor can more easily get to your cervix. Cell samples are taken with a small brush or spatula. This is usually painless and is sometimes undetectable by the patient. A pap smear helps your doctor to find cancerous or precancerous cells. Early detection is helpful when treating cervical cancer and can greatly improve your chances of overcoming this disease. A pap smear enables your doctor to initiate treatment of unusual or precancerous cells. This can help you to avoid the development of cancer. In addition to the pap smear, your doctor will usually also perform a pelvic exam. This is basically an examination of the external anatomy of your genitals, uterus, vagina and ovaries. Your doctor will be feeling for abnormalities during this exam.It is recommended that you have a pap smear yearly after you reach adulthood. If abnormalities are suspected, you may need one earlier in your teen years. If consistent normal results are found, then your doctor may recommend that you only have a pap smear every two to three years. If abnormalities are found, it may be recommended that you have more frequent tests. You may also need more frequent tests if you have any immunity problems, such as HIV.If very few abnormal cells are present, then they may not be detected in the pap smear. Cervical cancer develops over many years, so it will most likely be noticed in the following pap smear without severe consequence. This is another reason that it is important to regularly get your pap smear done.Before going to the OB/GYN for your pap smear, there are a few steps you should take. Do not have intercourse for two to three days before the test. Do not use any kind of vaginal medications, spermicidal products or lubricants during this time either. Douching can also alter the results of your test. In general, anything you insert or use vaginally for the two or three days before your pap smear can wash away or obscure abnormal cells that would have otherwise been detected.

Complete Information on Chancroid

Chancroid is a common sexually transmitted disease (STD) caused by infection with the Gram negative bacterium Haemophilus ducreyi, a fastidious organism primarily located in the extra cellular spaces. Chancroid is rarely reported in the United States, but regional outbreaks and some endemic transmission occur, principally among migrant farm workers and poor inner city residents. Chancroid can be transmitted in two ways: sexually through skin-to-skin contact with open sore or sores; and non-sexually if a pus-like fluid from the ulcer is in contact with other areas of the body. The disease is found mostly in third world and developing nations. Occurrences in the United States ranges from fair to rare and most people diagnosed with such have traveled to countries where the disease has occurred frequently. Chancroid is a risk factor for contracting HIV, due to their ecological association or shared risk of exposure, and biologically facilitated transmission of one infection by the other. The first sign of infection is usually the appearance of one or more sores or raised bumps on the genital organs. Sores are surrounded by a narrow red border which soon becomes filled with pus and eventually ruptures.The first chancroid symptoms typically seem within two and seven days of infection; rarely, symptoms can take up to a month to manifest. Those infected typically notice the appearance of raised, red bumps on the genital region. In men, these bumps usually develop on the penis or perinanal region. In women, bumps generally appear on the labia, cervix, vagina, or rectum. In 50% of chancroid infections, the infection also presents itself in the lymph glands in the genital region. These glands become hard and swollen, and may fill with pus. Chancroid can be treated with antibiotics. Successful treatment cures the infection, resolves symptoms and prevents transmission to others. Treatment regimens may involve azithromycin, ceftriaxone, ciprofloxacin (not recommended for pregnant or nursing females, or people younger than 18 years) and erythromycin base. Large ulcers may require two weeks or longer to heal. In severe cases, scarring may result. Chancroid can be also prevented. If you do get chancroid, avoid contact with the infected area to prevent chance of spreading the infection to other parts of the body. Use a condom every time you have sex and limit your number of sexual partners.

Why You Would Need A Vaginal Hysterectomy

Why do women need a vaginal hysterectomy? That is a good question that can make it much easier to deal with things if you are told you need to have this surgery. Hysterectomies are done for several different reasons and the more you learn about the procedure and all that it involves the better you will be able prepare for it. You also need to learn about the recovery time so you will be able to prevent unnecessary complications. You need to learn the reasons for needing a hysterectomy and what you should expect during and after the procedure has been done.A vaginal hysterectomy is a particular type of hysterectomy where the uterus is removed through the vagina. Hysterectomy is the term to refer to any type of surgical removal of the uterus, for any reason. This is often performed as an emergency surgery for women with uterine cancer. For some women with serious and intolerable pelvic pain, it is freedom and relief from these terrible symptoms. Vaginal hysterectomy is sometimes done for women with endometriosis or heavy and irregular periods. While hysterectomy is one of the most common surgical procedures for women today, there are also many cases where it just isn’t necessary. It is a permanent procedure and it also means you will not be able to have children so it is not recommended for women who currently have no children unless it is a life and death type of situation.What are some circumstances where a vaginal hysterectomy, or any type of hysterectomy, may be performed? If you have some type of gynecologic cancer, then it may be suggested that you have a hysterectomy. If your cancer (such as cancer of the uterus or cervix) cannot be treated in any other method, removing the uterus may be the only way. Hysterectomy is also the only permanent solution for the condition fibroids. Fibroids are benign tumors that cause anemia, bleeding, pelvic pain and other complications. Some women that have fibroids have no symptoms and no requirement for treatment. There are also other types of treatment available. But if these don’t work, hysterectomy is the only option left.As mentioned earlier this procedure is also used as a method to treat endometriosis. Uterine prolapse and chronic pelvic pain and constant bleeding are also treated by having a hysterectomy in many cases. Remember to talk to your doctor about alternatives if you want to have children in the future because once you have this procedure you will not ever be able to have kids. When you have a vaginal hysterectomy a circular incision will be made around your cervix for the removal of the uterus. The advantage is that you will not have any external scarring but the bad side is that the surgeon has very little room to work. It will depend on your condition whether or not this type of surgery can be used to help you.

Genital Wart Signs that Will Only Manifest in Hard to See Places

If you have HPV then there’s a good chance that you could go on to display genital wart signs. Although it’s true that a few people won’t display genital wart signs and symptoms, most people will. There’s also a chance that genital wart signs will only manifest itself in hard to see places like the, vagina or the cervix. This means that even if a person is suffering from genital HPV they might not realize it. And for the most part people will use over the counter medications to cure themselves using self diagnosis and thinking their genital warts to be something else entirely. As might be guessed this is not a good thing. What becomes worse is if you believe yourself to have genital wart symptoms and still try to cure yourself using some of the many over the counter cures which are used for other wart problems. These are much too strong to use in the treatment of genital wart problems. In most instances you will cause yourself more harm than good in trying to treat yourself without first getting a proper medical diagnosis. There’s also the risk factor with genital wart problems such as scarring resulting from the warts themselves or from the treatment. Scarring isn’t a hundred percent guarantee when you get genital wart symptoms, but you should be aware of the probability of it. Another factor which you will encounter if you have genital wart signs is that of recurrence. Since the HPV viral infection which causes the appearance of genital warts is not in itself curable, genital warts once removed, can make a re-appearance. This is in part due to the fact that the HPV virus itself doesn’t leave your body until your immune system fights it off. There is no medication to help your immune system do this, so unless you live a very healthy lifestyle, and sometimes not even if then, it can take up two or so years for that particular strain of the virus to be eradicated from your body. This also means that if you contract another, different strain of the HPV infection that you may display genital wart symptoms all over again. Due to this reason – the fact that you can become infected with an entirely different strain of HPV altogether – it becomes difficult to say whether you have a new infection or whether your body is still fighting off the old infection. This is also a good reason to practice a change in lifestyle, one which is conducive to maintaining optimum health and one where your natural immune system can fight off genital wart type of invaders without too much of a problem.

How to Deal With a Genital Warts Infection During Pregnancy

If you’re pregnant and have genital warts you should really talk with your doctor for the best possible medical advice. Some medications won’t be suitable for use while you’re pregnant, and alternatives should be discussed. Genital warts can also become aggravated during pregnancy, and in some cases can cause problems during childbirth. There is also a chance for vaginal bleeding to occur as well due to these warts. Additionally, you should also be aware that if you have genital warts, there’s a chance that during childbirth, the genital HPV infection might be passed on to your newborn baby. In some cases this won’t amount to anything, but in a few rare cases the baby might develop this strain of warts in the throat area. This is called laryngeal pappiloma. The genital warts infection won’t necessarily show up immediately and can manifest itself as much as three years on from time of infection. Treatment is available to help cure the genital warts and to relieve any discomfort your baby might suffer, but the treatment might need to be frequent Genital warts can appear during pregnancy if you are already infected. Warts can become larger and increase with pregnancy. Vaginal bleeding may occur. If the genital warts are in the vagina, cervix or vulva you might find that a normal delivery is difficult. However, cesarean delivers aren’t necessarily recommend for pregnant women who have genital warts. Genital warts in the birth canal can also lead to your newborn baby becoming infected with HPV. In these cases, which are very rare, the warts will tend to develop in and around the throat area. Treatment will need to be sought to clear these. The presence of genital warts in the vagina or in and around the urethra can make urinating difficult, especially as the warts may tend to increase in size.

What is a Pap Smear?

Pap smears test for cervical cancer in women. They can help to determine if you are at a higher risk for cervical cancer as well. When doctors perform pap smears, they collect cells from your cervix for testing. Your cervix is just a few inches inside of your vagina. You will be asked to undress either completely or from the waist down for the procedure. A speculum is inserted so that your doctor can more easily get to your cervix. Cell samples are taken with a small brush or spatula. This is usually painless and is sometimes undetectable by the patient. A pap smear helps your doctor to find cancerous or precancerous cells. Early detection is helpful when treating cervical cancer and can greatly improve your chances of overcoming this disease. A pap smear enables your doctor to initiate treatment of unusual or precancerous cells. This can help you to avoid the development of cancer. In addition to the pap smear, your doctor will usually also perform a pelvic exam. This is basically an examination of the external anatomy of your genitals, uterus, vagina and ovaries. Your doctor will be feeling for abnormalities during this exam.It is recommended that you have a pap smear yearly after you reach adulthood. If abnormalities are suspected, you may need one earlier in your teen years. If consistent normal results are found, then your doctor may recommend that you only have a pap smear every two to three years. If abnormalities are found, it may be recommended that you have more frequent tests. You may also need more frequent tests if you have any immunity problems, such as HIV.If very few abnormal cells are present, then they may not be detected in the pap smear. Cervical cancer develops over many years, so it will most likely be noticed in the following pap smear without severe consequence. This is another reason that it is important to regularly get your pap smear done.Before going to the OB/GYN for your pap smear, there are a few steps you should take. Do not have intercourse for two to three days before the test. Do not use any kind of vaginal medications, spermicidal products or lubricants during this time either. Douching can also alter the results of your test. In general, anything you insert or use vaginally for the two or three days before your pap smear can wash away or obscure abnormal cells that would have otherwise been detected.

Complete Information on Chancroid

Chancroid is a common sexually transmitted disease (STD) caused by infection with the Gram negative bacterium Haemophilus ducreyi, a fastidious organism primarily located in the extra cellular spaces. Chancroid is rarely reported in the United States, but regional outbreaks and some endemic transmission occur, principally among migrant farm workers and poor inner city residents. Chancroid can be transmitted in two ways: sexually through skin-to-skin contact with open sore or sores; and non-sexually if a pus-like fluid from the ulcer is in contact with other areas of the body. The disease is found mostly in third world and developing nations. Occurrences in the United States ranges from fair to rare and most people diagnosed with such have traveled to countries where the disease has occurred frequently. Chancroid is a risk factor for contracting HIV, due to their ecological association or shared risk of exposure, and biologically facilitated transmission of one infection by the other. The first sign of infection is usually the appearance of one or more sores or raised bumps on the genital organs. Sores are surrounded by a narrow red border which soon becomes filled with pus and eventually ruptures.The first chancroid symptoms typically seem within two and seven days of infection; rarely, symptoms can take up to a month to manifest. Those infected typically notice the appearance of raised, red bumps on the genital region. In men, these bumps usually develop on the penis or perinanal region. In women, bumps generally appear on the labia, cervix, vagina, or rectum. In 50% of chancroid infections, the infection also presents itself in the lymph glands in the genital region. These glands become hard and swollen, and may fill with pus. Chancroid can be treated with antibiotics. Successful treatment cures the infection, resolves symptoms and prevents transmission to others. Treatment regimens may involve azithromycin, ceftriaxone, ciprofloxacin (not recommended for pregnant or nursing females, or people younger than 18 years) and erythromycin base. Large ulcers may require two weeks or longer to heal. In severe cases, scarring may result. Chancroid can be also prevented. If you do get chancroid, avoid contact with the infected area to prevent chance of spreading the infection to other parts of the body. Use a condom every time you have sex and limit your number of sexual partners.