Five Reasons to Study Graphic Design in Tampa

Attending a Tampa graphic design school can give you many skills that will transfer not only into the field of art, but skills that can prepare you for a variety of life situations. Art school can help students hone their communication and time management skills. Anyone who has attended art school while holding down a job has learned how to prioritize and meet deadlines. Managing studying, art projects, and earning a paycheck means learning how to achieve balance. 

Studying Graphic Design in Tampa Can Be Fun 

Of course, many would argue that attending any school in sunny Tampa would be fun, but this is especially true when studying graphic design. At a traditional school, students spend their time studying subjects that sometimes don't interest them. At a graphic school in Tampa, you can study a subject that interests you while surrounded by a city with beautiful scenery. 

Graphic Design is Challenging and Changing 

Graphic design is not an art form that stays the same for very long, but rather technique, style, and technology are always evolving. Students who find change and advancement exciting will not be disappointed when studying this dynamic field. Graphic design can be all about new techniques, constant change, and continuously opening yourself to new ideas. 

Graphic Design Students Get to Express Themselves 

Some people just have an eye for design. Attending a Tampa art school will give you an outlet to express your thoughts, views, and feelings. Through the guidance of your professors, you can learn how to advance your skills and better express yourself through your designs whether it's a simple menu for a restaurant or an artistically styled poster. 

Meet People with Similar Interests 

Studying with like-minded students will help you grow as a graphic designer and as a person. You can bounce ideas off of classmates and peers and even learn from their successes and mistakes. You can find people in all walks of life enrolled in graphic design programs in Tampa. Some are recent high school graduates while others have been in the rat race for many years and decided to return to school to study a new field. You'll find all sorts of people at art school, and it will give you a chance to broaden your horizons from the comfort of sunny Tampa.

Read More

Selena gomez biography

What do you do after striking gold with your first solo album, wrapping your third season starring in a hit series and earning raves for your movie debut? If you're Selena Gomez, you dance. At least, you get the world on its feet with "A Year Without Rain." A follow-up to "Kiss & Tell," Selena’s gold-certified Hollywood Records debut CD, "A Year Without Rain" shows Selena and her band, The Scene, in a whole new light, this one pulsating, multicolored and ready for the mirrored ball. 

"I really wanted something that felt good to perform, but had a techno/dance vibe," Selena says. "I wanted something that had meaning and melody, and more empowering lyrics." That’s exactly what she delivers in "A Year Without Rain." Working with top producer/songwriters like Tim James & Antonina Armato, Kevin Rudolf, Toby Gad and Jonas Jeberg, Selena kept to a more quickened tempo, exploring themes of love, freedom and the joy of living for the moment. 

Selena credits the album’s neo-techno leanings to her 2010 platinum-certified single, ‘Naturally," which pointed the way for her. That track "really helped me figure out where I want to be," she says. "There’s a feeling when I perform that song that I love, so when I was going back in the studio, I had a better understanding of where I wanted to be musically." 

She gets right to it with the opening track, "Round & Round," an upbeat synth-driven song about reaching the limits of indecision in love. The plaintive "A Year Without Rain" may be more subdued, but its beauty impressed Selena enough to make it the title track. "When I got the song, I went through the roof," she recalls. "Everybody has that one person they can’t live without. It was exactly what I wanted to say." That goes double for the Spanish version of the song, Selena’s first recording in that language. 

Having turned 18 this year, Selena has matured since making her professional debut at age 7, but girls still wanna have fun, which is what songs like "Spotlight" "Off the Chain" and "Summer’s Not Hot" are all about. "Rock God" features none other than Katy Perry on backing vocals, while "Intuition" boasts a duet between Selena and rapper Eric Bellinger in a tricked-out double-time salute to a positive attitude. 

Selena slows things down on "Ghost of You," a ravishing ballad about a breakup so rough, no amount of "living crazy loud" can crush the memory. "It’s very beautiful, very raw," Selena says of the song. "Shelly Peiken co-wrote it. She knows me, knows about everything I go through, and knows how to express it in a beautiful way." 

On the flip side, Selena comes back strong with "Sick of You," a Matt Squire-written and produced track about losing a loser ("You know fairy tales don’t come true/ Not when it comes to you"). The album ends with "Live Like There’s No Tomorrow," an epic power ballad expressing the creed by which Selena has built her life and career. 

A Dallas native, Selena Gomez started acting at age seven when she landed a role in the popular television series "Barney & Friends," on which was a regular for two seasons. She landed her first film role in the 2003 sci-fi action adventure film "Spy Kids 3-D: Game Over." She made her mark as an actress playing girl wizard Alex Russo in the hit Disney Channel series "Wizards of Waverly Place," which premiered in 2007 and has now completed three seasons. Selena and her cast mates won a 2009 Emmy Award for Outstanding Children’s Program. 

Selena then made an indelible impression with her starring role in 2010 comedy "Ramona and Beezus." Says Selena, "I wanted something completely different from my show. All these incredible actors, being able to learn from them and get my feet wet in the film world. It was the perfect way to get into it." Next up, a starring role in "Monte Carlo," in which she plays a teen on vacation in the romantic European principality. And of course, Selena is gearing up for the fourth season of "Wizards of Waverly Place." 

Selena has branched out into fashion with the premiere of her new clothing line, Dream Out Loud, sold exclusively at K-Mart. But her instinct for charity remains strong. She is a proud UNICEF ambassador, and will appear for a third year at UNICEF's Trick or Treat bash, this time to kick off UNICEF's 60th anniversary. And with the new album comes a new tour with her band. 

Having her own band has been a comfort for Selena as she hits the road with "A Year Without Rain." Scene members; Ethan Roberts (Guitar), Joey Clement (Bass), Greg Garman (Drums) and Dane Forrest (Keyboard) back her on tour and help shape her emerging sound. "On my TV show we have an ensemble cast that’s like a family," she says. "If anyone’s missing, you feel it. I wanted that family feel in my music, and we definitely have that with the Scene." 

That family feeling had grown to include fans around the world, each of them all in when it comes to following Selena Gomez on her amazing artistic journey. Where’s she headed? She’ll let you know when she gets there. "I’m still figuring out who I am," she says. "I love expressing that through music, and through film. I feel at this moment in my life I couldn’t be happier."

Read More

Miley Cyrus Biography

Miley Ray Cyrus was born in November 23, 1992. She is American actress, singer , and  writer. She is well famous for her role in Montana series of Disney production. And her father, singer Billy Ray Cyrus and represents with her in the series also her father's role. She was born under the name Destiny Hope Cyrus and has sold nearly 18 million albums so far.

She began singing since she was at the age of 8, and was awarded Best Actress teen comedies of 2007. Miley Cyrus Participated in the movie Musical High School 2 and she was  the girl who was dancing near the pool. Her new album got the second place in the world. Miley Has two brothers and two sisters, she is  in the middle of the family. Miley Cyrus wrote one on the songs in Hanna Montana 1 which named I Miss You.

Personal Life:

Miley Cyrus was born on November 23, 1992, in Tennessee, in the beginning of her life and acting she announced changing her  name from Destiny Hope Cyrus to Miley Ray Cyrus. she has changed her  name in relation to the people has fired everyone by name Miley since childhood relative to Smiley sense smiling because her smile adorn her face and Miley always locked Christian girl confirmed as a Catholic and her family always visit the church without interruption and assured her father Billy Ray to the importance of the church in the life of the young girl relative to the temptations that exist with the fame and Hollywood life completely different life in Tennessee.

They live the life of every American young with famous friends are and has established with her friend Mandy Giroux amused program on YouTube about their realistic lives with a lot of laughs. Miley Confirmed that she was in love with the rocker young Nick Jonas but they split up in late 2007 and then had a relationship with the viewer fashion Justin Gaston , who confirmed her split with him in 2009. Then she met with Australian actress Liam Hemsworth in the movie The Last Song in 2009 and divorced in the mid- in 2010, then they linked  Again and announced their engagement in 2012. Of course, this small artist associated with Disney Channel which presents a series Hannah Montana, which is one of the most important works Disney Miley Championship and her father, Billy.

Miley Cyrus has a lot of best movies like, Big Fish, Bolt, High School Musical2 , Sex and the City2, and The last Song.

Source : jouryblog.blogspot.com

Read More

Biography of George W. Bush

George W. Bush is the 43rd President of the United States. He was sworn into office on January 20, 2001, re-elected on November 2, 2004, and sworn in for a second term on January 20, 2005. Prior to his Presidency, President Bush served for 6 years as the 46th Governor of the State of Texas, where he earned a reputation for bipartisanship and as a compassionate conservative who shaped public policy based on the principles of limited government, personal responsibility, strong families, and local control.

President Bush was born on July 6, 1946, in New Haven, Connecticut, and grew up in Midland and Houston, Texas. He received a bachelor’s degree in history from Yale University in 1968, and then served as an F-102 fighter pilot in the Texas Air National Guard. President Bush received a Master of Business Administration from Harvard Business School in 1975. Following graduation, he moved back to Midland and began a career in the energy business. After working on his father’s successful 1988 Presidential campaign, President Bush assembled the group of partners who purchased the Texas Rangers baseball franchise in 1989. On November 8, 1994, President Bush was elected Governor of Texas. He became the first Governor in Texas history to be elected to consecutive 4-year terms when he was re-elected on November 3, 1998.

Since becoming President of the United States in 2001, President Bush has worked with the Congress to create an ownership society and build a future of security, prosperity, and opportunity for all Americans. He signed into law tax relief that helps workers keep more of their hard-earned money, as well as the most comprehensive education reforms in a generation, the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001. This legislation is ushering in a new era of accountability, flexibility, local control, and more choices for parents, affirming our Nation’s fundamental belief in the promise of every child. President Bush has also worked to improve healthcare and modernize Medicare, providing the first-ever prescription drug benefit for seniors; increase homeownership, especially among minorities; conserve our environment; and increase military strength, pay, and benefits. Because President Bush believes the strength of America lies in the hearts and souls of our citizens, he has supported programs that encourage individuals to help their neighbors in need.

On the morning of September 11, 2001, terrorists attacked our Nation. Since then, President Bush has taken unprecedented steps to protect our homeland and create a world free from terror. He is grateful for the service and sacrifice of our brave men and women in uniform and their families. The President is confident that by helping build free and prosperous societies, our Nation and our friends and allies will succeed in making America more secure and the world more peaceful.

President Bush is married to Laura Welch Bush, a former teacher and librarian, and they have twin daughters, Barbara and Jenna. The Bush family also includes two dogs, Barney and Miss Beazley, and a cat, Willie.

Source : georgewbush-whitehouse.archives.gov

Read More

Radiation Therapy

Overview

Radiation therapy may be used alone or in combination with surgery and/or chemotherapy in the treatment of primary or metastatic brain cancers, which are also called brain tumors. The three primary ways that radiation therapy is administered in the treatment of brain tumors are with:

• External Beam Radiation Therapy (EBRT): a machine that directs radioactive beams from outside the body;
• Stereotactic Radiation Therapy (Gamma Knife): a computer and image guided technique that directs radiation only at the tumor; and
• Brachytherapy: a radioactive implant that is placed in or near the tumor.

EBRT is the conventional technique for administering radiation therapy to the brain, but stereotactic radiosurgery has also become a standard treatment. The most recent advance in the radiation treatment of brain tumors is the brachytherapy technique called GliaSite radiotherapy system, which involves placing a balloon in or near the tumor during surgery and then passing a radioactive material into the balloon for treatment.

The following is a general overview of radiation therapy for brain tumors. Radiation therapy may be delivered as EBRT, brachytherapy, stereotactic radiation therapy, or through another, innovative technique. Combining two or more of these treatment techniques has become an important approach for increasing a patient’s chance of cure and prolonging survival.

In some cases, participation in a clinical trial utilizing new, innovative therapies may provide the most promising treatment. Treatments that may be available through clinical trials are discussed in the section titled Strategies to Improve Treatment .

Circumstances unique to each patient’s situation may influence how these general treatment principles are applied. The potential benefits of combination treatment, participation in a clinical trial, or standard treatment must be carefully balanced with the potential risks. The information on this Web site is intended to help educate patients about their treatment options and to facilitate a mutual or shared decision-making process with their treating cancer physician.

• Procedures for Delivering Radiation Therapy to Brain Tumors
• Treatment Schedules
• Follow-up
• Retreatment with radiation
• Techniques for Delivering Radiation Therapy to Brain Tumors
• External beam radiation therapy (EBRT)
• Stereotactic radiosurgery
• Internal radiation therapy (brachytherapy)
• Side Effects and Complications of Radiation Therapy for Brain Tumors
• Strategies to Improve Radiation Therapy for Brain Tumors

Procedures for Delivering Radiation Therapy to Brain Tumors

Treatment schedules: Radiation therapy often begins a week or two after surgery, or as soon as the surgical wound heals. Conventional EBRT is usually given in 30–40 doses over a six-week period, five days a week. Brachytherapy may be administered for only a few days, followed by removal of the radioactive “seed”, and stereotactic radiation therapy is typically conducted in one single session

Follow-up examinations: Results of therapy might not be obvious for several months or longer. Tumor cells that have been damaged by radiation cannot reproduce normally and gradually die. The brain clears away the dead tumor cells, but this is a lengthy process. Scans taken immediately following therapy can be confusing because swelling and dead cells often appear larger than the original tumor, and can cause symptoms similar to the tumor. It takes a few months before scans show the full benefit of the radiation.

Re-treatment with radiation: Radiation kills normal cells as well as tumor cells. Since brain tissue cannot replace itself, the effects of radiation are cumulative, causing severe side effects beyond a certain degree of exposure to radiation. For this reason, re-treatment with conventional fractionated radiation is not often recommended. However, additional radiation is possible in selected circumstances, including:

Location of the tumor and its relation to critical brain tissue,

When the previous radiation was given,

The amount of radiation originally given, and

The type of tumor and the age of the patient.

Brachytherapy and stereotactic radiation therapy are frequently used for selected patients who may benefit from retreatment with radiation therapy. These patients typically have recurrent malignant gliomas or metastatic brain tumors and have previously undergone conventional EBRT.

For more information about radiation therapy procedures, go to What to Expect During Radiation Therapy.

Techniques for Delivering Radiation Therapy to Brain Tumors

The three primary techniques for delivering radiation therapy—external, internal, and stereotactic—have each been evaluated in the treatment of patients with brain tumors and may be utilized in different circumstances. While EBRT is the conventional treatment for brain tumors, SRS has also become a standard procedure. SRS has been used in the treatment of many types of brain tumors and been proven effective in the treatment of brain metastases. A recent advance in brachytherapy includes the FDA-approved GliaSite® radiation therapy system that involves passing a radioactive material into an implanted balloon.

External Beam Radiation Therapy (EBRT)

EBRT involves directing radiation beams from outside the body into the tumor. Machines called linear accelerators produce the high-energy radiation beams that penetrate the tissues and deliver the radiation dose deep in the body where the cancer resides. These modern machines and other state-of-the-art techniques have enabled radiation oncologists to significantly reduce side effects while improving the ability to deliver radiation directly to the tumor.

EBRT is typically delivered as an outpatient procedure for approximately six to eight weeks. EBRT begins with a planning session, or simulation, during which the radiation oncologist places marks on the body and takes measurements in order to line up the radiation beam in the correct position for each treatment. During treatment, the patient lies on a table and the radiation is delivered from multiple directions. The actual area receiving radiation treatment may be large or small, depending on the features of the cancer. Radiation can be delivered to one specific area or encompass the surrounding tissues, including the lymph nodes.

EBRT may be used to deliver radiation therapy to a part of the brain or the whole-brain. Whole-brain radiation therapy is usually recommended for a large or spreading brain tumor.

Proton radiation therapy: Proton radiation therapy is a form of EBRT that utilizes a beam of protons as the source of radiation rather than X-rays or gamma rays. Protons are released from atoms using technology similar to that employed in nuclear reactors. Computer-programmed blocks are precisely placed to direct the proton beam toward the tumor and match it to the shape of the tumor.

As a source of radiation, proton beams offer advantages over X-rays. In particular, a proton beam delivers a high dose of radiation to the tumor, but very little radiation affects normal tissue in front of and beside the tumor, and no radiation is deposited in the normal tissue behind the tumor. In this way, healthy brain tissue is spared from radiation damage. X-ray beams may deposit most of their dose in tissues in front of the tumor, causing damage to normal tissue and associated side effects.

Proton radiation therapy may have a role in the treatment of unusually shaped tumors and small tumors that are located deep in the skull, such as skull base tumors or pituitary tumors. Proton radiation therapy has been evaluated in the treatment of meningiomas and appears to be effective. In a clinical trial involving 16 patients with intracranial meningiomas, over 90% survived free of cancer progression for three years or longer. [1]

Stereotactic Radiation Therapy (Gamma Knife Therapy)

Stereotactic radiation therapy (SRT) is a noninvasive approach to the treatment of brain tumors that uses pencil-thin beams of radiation to treat only the tumor. SRT uses imaging techniques—including CT scans or MRI—and special computerized planning to precisely focus a high dose of radiation on the brain tumor, while sparing normal tissue. This focused technique allows radiation to be delivered in an area of the brain or spinal cord that might be considered inoperable, and can be delivered to tumors that are one and one-half inches in diameter or smaller. Another advantage to SRT is that radiation treatment is delivered in a single session.

SRT has become a standard treatment for primary and metastatic brain tumors and may be delivered as:

• An addition to conventional EBRT, called local “boost” radiation, when the patient has already received the maximum safe dose of conventional radiation therapy,
• The only technique used to deliver radiation therapy to some brain tumors, or
• A substitute for surgery for a metastatic brain tumor or a benign tumor (such as a pituitary, pineal region, or acoustic tumor).

Prior to SRT, the patient is fitted with a head frame. CT and/or MRI scans are performed with the head frame in place to locate the tumor and obtain information necessary for computerized treatment planning. Treatment is totally non-invasive and painless. Patients maintain their normal function and are completely awake and alert throughout the entire procedure.

Possible side effects of SRT include edema (swelling), occasional neurological problems, and radiation necrosis (an accumulation of dead cells). A second surgery to remove the build-up of dead tumor cells may be required.

Source : www.texasoncology.com

Read More

About Psoriasis

What is psoriasis?

Psoriasis is a noncontagious skin condition that produces red papules that merge together into plaques of thickened, scaling skin. The dry flakes of skin scales are thought to result from the excessively rapid proliferation of skin cells that is triggered by abnormal lymphocytes. Psoriasis commonly affects the skin of the elbows, knees, and scalp.

Some people have such mild psoriasis (small, faint dry skin patches) that they may not even suspect that they have a medical skin condition. Others have very severe psoriasis where virtually their entire body is fully covered with thick, red, scaly skin.

Psoriasis is considered an incurable, long-term (chronic) skin condition. It has a variable course, periodically improving and worsening. It is not unusual for psoriasis to spontaneously clear for years and stay in remission. Many people note a worsening of their symptoms in the colder winter months.

Psoriasis affects all races and both sexes. Although psoriasis can be seen in people of any age, from babies to seniors, most commonly patients are first diagnosed in their early adult years. The quality of life of patients with psoriasis is often diminished because of the appearance of their skin. Recently, it has become clear that people with psoriasis are more likely to have diabetes, high blood lipids, and heart disease. There are speculations as to how this might relate to their joint and skin inflammation. Caring for psoriasis takes medical teamwork.

What is the treatment for psoriasis?

There are many effective treatment choices for psoriasis. The best treatment is individually determined by the treating physician and depends, in part, on the type of disease, the severity, and the total body area involved.

For mild disease that involves only small areas of the body (like less than 10% of the total skin surface), topical (skin applied) creams, lotions, and sprays may be very effective and safe to use. Occasionally, a small local injection of steroids directly into a tough or resistant isolated psoriatic plaque may be helpful.

For moderate to severe disease that involves much larger areas of the body (like 20% or more of the total skin surface), topical products may not be effective or practical to apply. These cases may require ultraviolet light treatments or systemic (total body treatments such as pills or injections) medications. Internal medications usually have greater risks.

For psoriatic arthritis, systemic medications are generally required to stop the progression of permanent joint destruction. Topical therapies are not effective.

It is important to keep in mind that as with any medical condition, all medications carry possible side effects. No medication is 100% effective for everyone, and no medication is 100% safe. The decision to use any medication requires thorough consideration and discussion with your physician. The risks and potential benefit of medications have to be considered for each type of psoriasis and the individual patient. Of two patients with precisely the same amount of disease, one may tolerate it with very little treatment, while the other may be almost completely become incapacitated and require treatment internally.

A proposal to minimize the toxicity of some of these medicines has been commonly called "rotational" therapy. The idea is to change the anti-psoriasis drugs every six to 24 months in order to minimize the toxicity of one medication. Depending on the medications selected, this proposal can be an optimal option.

In another example, a patient who has been using strong topical steroids over large areas of their body for prolonged periods may benefit from stopping the steroids for a while and rotating onto a different therapy, like calcitriol (Vectical), light therapy, or an injectable biologic.

Source : www.medicinenet.com

Read More

How To Remove Blackheads

Blackheads. Just the word itself gets people riled up. If you suffer from them, you've likely been fighting a never-ending battle. There's a slew of products out there that claim to banish blackheads, but which method is really the best? (Right now, you may be thinking you already know the most obvious and fastest way to get rid of them. Just extract with your fingers. Yeah, don't do that.) With the help of a few pros, we present the six best ways to get rid of and prevent blackheads -- a mix of home remedy, prescription, in-office and over-the-counter methods. Though it's important to remember, as with all skincare regimens, regular maintenance is just as crucial as the ingredients or methods themselves. So once you've found the approach that works best for your skin type, sticking with a routine is half the battle.

Before we get into the nitty gritty, first, a little background. “Blackheads go by the medical term ‘open comedones,’ says Dr. Alicia Zalka, Connecticut-based dermatologist and founder of Surface Deep. "They represent a tiny skin opening (pore) which is plugged at the surface of what is called the pilosebaceous unit. This plug made up of sebum (oil) and dirt, has an open top so you can 'look into it which' makes it appear black.” And, unfortunately, they are just are a little more visible on some of us than others. “The appearance of blackheads varies based on many things including age, skin care regimen, hormone status and heredity," notes Dr. Zalka. "There are only some aspects of these variables that we can control. People with very obvious blackheads are usually teenagers but even the elderly can suffer from them.”

Best way to smooth skin

Exfoliating with baking soda: “Exfoliating is one of the only variables we do have control of when it comes to minimizing the appearance of blackheads," notes Dr. Zalka. You can use cleansers, brushes and sponges to gently scrub away plugged pores, but chances are you already have a key element in your fridge. “Baking soda is an ingredient that is often used in microdermabrasion which as a method of exfoliating, can aid in minimizing blackheads when done regularly.” Mixed with water, baking soda can be used to create a gentle scrubbing paste. Alternatively, you can use apple cider vinegar instead of water, which has astringent and anti-bacterial properties and will similarly clear out pores.

Clay Masks: “I occasionally recommend facial masks for patients to use for deep cleaning that can in some circumstances help clean out pores, leaving them smoother looking," says Dr. Zalka. "Like with microdermabrasion, it needs to be done on a regular basis for best results.” Dr. Jennifer MacGregor of Union Square Laser Dermatology, echoes that, saying "abrasive pastes, powders and clay masks (with kaolin) gently exfoliate and help absorb existing oil, but it will accumulate again shortly after the product is used."

Pore Strips: Whether store-bought or homemade, "pore strips can provide immediate improvement of some types of plugged pores but the blackheads will recur unless a proper skin care regime is followed routinely as a preventative measure,” notes Dr. Zalka.

Salicylic and Glycolic Acid: "The best way to break down oil in clogged pores is by using beta-hydroxy acid (salicylic) or combination peels containing salicylic acid," says Dr. MacGregor. "It is lipophilic (attracted to fat/oils) and concentrates at the surface of the pore to dissolve the plugs. Consistent use will prevent the blackheads before they form and help clear existing pores." Additionally, glycolic acid, an alpha hydroxy acid which is derived from sugar cane, helps clear dead skin and debris on the surface. These two work well in tandem.

Retinoids: The viamin A derivative is "the absolute best way to clear clogged pores and prevent blackheads from forming," says Dr. MacGregor. "Prescription-strength formulations are the most effective, but there are several highly effective over-the-counter retinol formulations. These work on receptors in the skin to improve the way skin grows and sheds so that it is less likely to form acne. The outer skin layer (epidermis) evens out and gets thicker while the outer dead layer of keratin material sheds more efficiently. Sometimes there is noticeable peeling but after regular use three to seven times weekly for four to six weeks, the side effects lessen and the skin appears more radiant and clear.

Microdermasbrasion: This professional method "can help a great deal," say Dr. Zalka. "Your dermatologist can also provide chemical peel treatments and comedone extractions which are office-based procedures known to help improve skin texture and appearance.”

What NOT to do: It may take everything in your power, but "the worst approach is to squeeze blackheads," says Dr. Zalka. "This can make skin inflamed, infected and even cause scarring. Be careful not to use any sharp tools on the skin. Leave that to the professionals!”

Source : www.huffingtonpost.com

Read More

Ophthalmology

What is Ophthalmology?

Ophthalmology is a branch of medicine specializing in the anatomy, function and diseases of the eye.

What is an Eye M.D. (Ophthalmologist)?

An Eye M.D. is an ophthalmologist, a medical or osteopathic doctor who specializes in eye and vision care. Eye M.D.s are specially trained to provide the full spectrum of eye care, from prescribing glasses and contact lenses to complex and delicate eye surgery. Many Eye M.D.s are also involved in scientific research into the causes and cures for eye diseases and vision problems.

Eye M.D.s are an essential part of the eye care team. For more on the eye care team and other eye-health information, visit GetEyeSmart.org.

Education and Training

In addition to four years of medical school and one year of internship, every Eye M.D. spends a minimum of three years of residency (hospital-based training) in ophthalmology. During residency, Eye M.D.s receive special training in all aspects of eye care, including prevention, diagnosis and medical and surgical treatment of eye conditions and diseases.

Often, an Eye M.D. spends an additional one to two years training in a subspecialty, that is, a specific area of eye care (for example, glaucoma or pediatric ophthalmology.)

Subspecialties in Ophthalmology

The following are subspecialties in ophthalmology:

• Cornea and External Disease: This subspecialty involves the diagnosis and management of diseases of the cornea, sclera, conjunctiva and eyelids, including corneal dystrophies, microbial infections, conjunctival and corneal tumors, inflammatory processes and anterior ocular manifestations of systemic diseases. Training in this area frequently includes corneal transplant surgery and corneal surgery to correct refractive errors.
• Glaucoma: This subspecialty includes the treatment of glaucoma and other disorders that may cause optic nerve damage by increasing intraocular pressure. This area involves the medical and surgical treatment of both pediatric and adult patients.
• Neuro-Ophthalmology: Involving the relationship between neurologic and ophthalmic diseases, neuro-ophthalmology also deals with local pathology affecting the optic nerve and visual pathways. Over 50 percent of all intracranial lesions involve the visual or oculomotor pathways. Neuro-ophthalmology is generally practiced as a nonsurgical subspecialty but can be combined with surgery of the eye and orbit.
• Ophthalmic Pathology: The ophthalmic pathologist has training in both ophthalmology and pathology, typically in that order. Because of the unique combination of skills involved in this subspecialty, it is usually the ophthalmic pathologist, rather than the general pathologist, who examines tissue specimens from the eye and adnexa.
• Ophthalmic Plastic Surgery: The specialty of ophthalmology includes oculofacial plastic surgery. This combines orbital and periocular surgery with facial plastic surgery and includes the clinical practice of aesthetic plastic and reconstructive surgery of the face, orbit, eyelid, and lacrimal system. With this unique combination of skills ophthalmologists perform facial plastic surgery, eyelid surgery, orbital surgery and lacrimal surgery.
• Pediatric Ophthalmology: The bulk of pediatric ophthalmic practice involves the medical and surgical management of strabismus, amblyopia, genetic and developmental abnormalities and a wide range of inflammatory, traumatic and neoplastic conditions occurring in the first two decades of life. This subspecialty also deals with the ocular manifestations of certain systemic disorders.
• Vitreoretinal Diseases: This subspecialty involves both the medical and surgical treatment of retinal and vitreoretinal disease. The types of diseases treated include manifestations of local, systemic and genetic diseases as they affect the retina and vitreous. Diagnosis involves the use and interpretation of ultrasound, fluorescein angiography and electrophysiology. Treatment methods include laser therapy, cryotherapy, retinal detachment surgery and vitrectomy (removal of the vitreous).

Source : www.aao.org

Read More

Bursitis

What is bursitis ?

Bursitis is the inflammation of one or more bursae (small sacs) of synovial fluid in the body. The bursae rest at the points where internal functionaries, such as muscles and tendons, slide across bone. Healthy bursae create a smooth, almost frictionless functional gliding surface making normal movement painless. When bursitis occurs, however, movement relying upon the inflamed bursa becomes difficult and painful. Moreover, movement of tendons and muscles over the inflamed bursa aggravates its inflammation, perpetuating the problem. Muscle can also be stiffened.

What causes a bursa become inflamed?

A bursa can become inflamed from injury, infection (rare in the shoulder), or due to an underlying rheumatic condition. Examples of bursitis include injury as subtle as lifting a bag of groceries into the car to inflame the shoulder bursa (shoulder bursitis), infection of the bursa in front of the knee from a knee scraping on asphalt (septic prepatellar bursitis), and inflammation of the elbow bursa from gout crystals (gouty olecranon bursitis). Sometimes tendonitis occurs associated with bursitis, especially in the shoulder.

Treatment for bursitis

Treatment will depend on the cause of the bursitis. Treatment aims to alleviate the symptoms as much as possible while the healing process takes place. 

Treatment options may include pain-relieving medications, cold packs, gentle mobilising exercises and rest. Anti-inflammatory medications or injections of corticosteroids may be used in cases of severe pain.

If infection is present, warmth, redness, pain and swelling will be experienced in the affected areas. Treatment with an appropriate antibiotic is necessary. If the bursitis was triggered by a particular form of overuse, it is important to avoid that activity.

Correct posture and joint protection are useful, and braces or splints can decrease the stress on the areas and support good alignment. After an acute attack, it is important to consider how recurrences can be prevented.

Source : En.wikipedia.org

Read More

Colon Cancer Symptoms

Colon, or colorectal, cancer is cancer that starts in the large intestine (colon) or the rectum (end of the colon).

Other types of cancer can affect the colon. These include lymphoma, carcinoid tumors, melanoma, and sarcomas. These are rare. In this article, colon cancer refers to colon carcinoma only.

Colon Cancer

Causes »

Colorectal cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths in the United States. Early diagnosis, though, can often lead to a complete cure.

Almost all colon cancers start in glands in the lining of the colon and rectum. When doctors talk about colorectal cancer, this is usually what they are talking about.

There is no single cause of colon cancer. Nearly all colon cancers begin as noncancerous (benign) polyps, which slowly develop into cancer.

You have a high risk of colon cancer if you:

• Are older than 60
• Are African American of eastern European descent
• Eat a a lot of red or processed meats
• Have colorectal polyps
• Have inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis)
• Have a family history of colon cancer
• Have a personal history of breast cancer
• Certain inherited diseases also increase the risk of developing colon cancer. Two of the most common are:
• Familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP)
• Hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer (HNPCC), also known as Lynch syndrome

What you eat may play a role in your risk of colon cancer. Colon cancer may be linked to a high-fat, low-fiber diet and to a high intake of red meat. Some studies, though, have found that the risk does not drop if you switch to a high-fiber diet, so this link is not yet clear.

Smoking cigarettes and drinking alcohol are other risk factors for colorectal cancer.

Read More