If you and your partner are newly pregnant, you may be amazed at the number and variety of prenatal tests available to you. Blood tests, urine tests, monthly medical exams, diet questionnaires, and family history forms crowd your schedule and your desk, but each of these tests helps to assess the health of you and your baby - and to predict any potential health risks.
Unlike your parents, you may also have the option of genetic testing. These tests identify the likelihood of passing certain genetic diseases or disorders (those caused by a defect in the genes - the tiny, DNA-containing units of heredity that determine the characteristics and functioning of the entire body) to your children.
Some of the more familiar genetic disorders are:
Down syndrome
cystic fibrosis
sickle cell anemia
Tay-Sachs disease (a fatal disease affecting the central nervous system)
If your history suggests that genetic testing would be helpful, you may be referred to a genetic counselor. Or, you might decide to seek out genetic counseling yourself.
But what do genetic counselors do, and how can they help your family-to-be?
What Is Genetic Counseling?
Genetic counseling is the process of:
evaluating family history and medical records
ordering genetic tests
evaluating the results of this investigation
helping parents understand and reach decisions about what to do next
Genetic tests are done by analyzing small samples of blood or body tissues. They determine whether you, your partner, or your baby carry genes for certain inherited disorders.
Genes are made up of DNA molecules, which are the simplest building blocks of heredity. They're grouped together in specific patterns within a person's chromosomes, forming the unique "blueprint" for every physical and biological characteristic of that person.
Humans have 46 chromosomes, arranged in pairs in every living cell of our bodies. When the egg and sperm join at conception, half of each chromosomal pair is inherited from each parent. This newly formed combination of chromosomes then copies itself again and again during fetal growth and development, passing identical genetic information to each new cell in the growing fetus. Current science suggests that human chromosomes carry from 25,000 to 35,000 genes. An error in just one gene (and in some instances, even the alteration of a single piece of DNA) can sometimes be the cause for a serious medical condition.
Some diseases, such as Huntington's disease (a degenerative nerve disease) and Marfan syndrome (a connective tissue disorder), can be inherited from just one parent. Most disorders cannot occur unless both the mother and father pass along the gene. Some of these are cystic fibrosis, sickle cell anemia, and Tay-Sachs disease. Other genetic conditions, such as Down syndrome, are not inherited. In general, they result from an error (mutation) in the cell division process during conception or fetal development. Still others, such as achondroplasia (the most common form of dwarfism), may either be inherited or the result of a genetic mutation.
Genetic tests don't yield easy-to-understand results. They can reveal the presence, absence, or malformation of genes or chromosomes. Deciphering what these complex tests mean is where a genetic counselor comes in.
Who Are Genetic Counselors?Genetic counselors are professionals who have completed a master's program in medical genetics and counseling skills. They then pass a certification exam administered by the American Board of Genetic Counseling. Genetic counselors can help identify and interpret the risks of an inherited disorder, explain inheritance patterns, suggest testing, and lay out possible scenarios. (They refer you to a doctor or a laboratory for the actual tests.) They will explain the meaning of the medical science involved, provide support, and address any emotional issues often raised by the results of the genetic testing.
Who Should See One?Most couples planning a pregnancy or who are expecting don't need genetic counseling. About 3% of babies are born with birth defects each year, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention - and of the malformations that do occur, the most common are also among the most treatable. Cleft palate and clubfoot, two of the more common birth defects, can be surgically repaired, as can many heart malformations.
The best time to seek genetic counseling is before becoming pregnant, when a counselor can help assess your risk factors. But even after you become pregnant, a meeting with a genetic counselor can still be helpful. For example, several babies have been diagnosed with spina bifida before birth. Recent research suggests that delivering a baby with spina bifida via cesarean section (avoiding the trauma of travel through the birth canal) can minimize damage to the baby's spine - and perhaps reduce the likelihood that the child will need a wheelchair. more...
and at www.dreddyclinic.com
This Blog will provide an introduction to Ayurveda's major ideas and practices, as well as sources for more information.
Friday, March 31, 2006
Genetic Counseling
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Monday, March 20, 2006
O3 and Herpes
There are a number of scientific studies and papers documenting excellent results in the treatment of Herpes Simplex and Herpes Zoster with ozone therapy. It is reported that when an attack is in progress, treatments on a daily basis for 7 – 10 days usually cause complete disappearance of symptoms. If treatments are taken for 4 to 6 weeks on a daily basis, whether the symptoms are present or not, the viruses can be eradicated from the patient's system.
References:
Ozone vs. Hepatitis and Herpes – The Choice
Dr. Heinz Konrad, Brazil
OZONE as Therapy in Herpes Simplex and Herpes Zoster
Dr. K. Kattassi. Et al (O.I.M.T.)
Ozone as Therapy in Herpes Simplex, Herpes Zoster and Hepatitis
Dr. Heinz Konrad (O.I.M.T.)
more info at:
http://www.dreddyclinic.com/integrated_med/ozone_oxygen.htm
There are a number of scientific studies and papers documenting excellent results in the treatment of Herpes Simplex and Herpes Zoster with ozone therapy. It is reported that when an attack is in progress, treatments on a daily basis for 7 – 10 days usually cause complete disappearance of symptoms. If treatments are taken for 4 to 6 weeks on a daily basis, whether the symptoms are present or not, the viruses can be eradicated from the patient's system.
References:
Ozone vs. Hepatitis and Herpes – The Choice
Dr. Heinz Konrad, Brazil
OZONE as Therapy in Herpes Simplex and Herpes Zoster
Dr. K. Kattassi. Et al (O.I.M.T.)
Ozone as Therapy in Herpes Simplex, Herpes Zoster and Hepatitis
Dr. Heinz Konrad (O.I.M.T.)
more info at:
http://www.dreddyclinic.com/integrated_med/ozone_oxygen.htm
O3 and Hepatitis
Successful treatment of hepatitis has been reported in many studies, including the following:
The Successful Treatment of Viral Hepatitis with O3/O2 mixture
Dr. Kartaut Dorstewits (O.I.M.T.) OZONE
Study of Chronic Hepatitis and Ozone Therapy Dr. Horst Kief (O.I.M.T.)
The Successful Treatment of Viral Hepatitis with O3/O2 mixture
Dr. Kartaut Dorstewits (O.I.M.T.) OZONE
Study of Chronic Hepatitis and Ozone Therapy Dr. Horst Kief (O.I.M.T.)
Ozone/Cancer
Over 30 % of our population is afflicted with cancer and the percentage is increasing, in spite of the $billions being spent on cancer treatment and research. Unfortunately, remedies to treat the symptoms of cancer have been sought while the causes of cancer have been virtually ignored up until now.
What is most disturbing is that the cause of cancer was discovered back in 1923 by a German biochemist, Dr. Otto Warburg, who received the 1931 Nobel Prize for doing so. In his book, "The Metabolism of Tumors" (London: Constable and Company. 1930), Dr. Warburg demonstrated that the primary cause of cancer was the replacement of oxygen in the respiratory chemistry of normal cells by the fermentation of sugar. The growth of cancer cells is a fermentation process, which can be initiated, only in the relative absence of oxygen, which means that a cancer cell is a plant cell.
Ever since Warburg's discovery, researchers have been attempting to stop the fermentation process through drugs, radiation and surgery, which, in some cases, has been temporarily successful. Although the National Cancer Institute verified Warburg's theories in the 1950s, very little work has been done to determine the causes of a lack of oxygen to the human body.
Along with finding ways to stop the fermentation process, we must also determine ways of getting more oxygen to all our healthy cells to prevent the initiation of the fermentation process.
All normal cells (animal cells) within our bodies need oxygen to survive, and give off carbon dioxide as a waste product. If we upset this delicate balance within our bodies, nature's way of reacting is the growth of plant cells (cancer, fungi, candida, etc.)
When one considers the monumental increase of carbon dioxide (over 20%) in the atmosphere during the past several decades and the alarming decrease of oxygen content in the air we breathe (from 38% down to 19%) one can understand the seemingly inexorable rise of cancer among us.
The good news is that 50 years of practice in Europe and numerous test studies utilizing oxygen/ozone therapy have proven that by increasing the oxygen content within our bodies, we will displace more carbon dioxide. We then become much healthier and do not provide an anaerobic (lack of oxygen) atmosphere for the fermentation process to produce cancer cells. I n addition to the encouraging success rate that these studies demonstrate, it must be noted that not one fatality or adverse side effect has been attributed to the proper administration of oxygen/ozone therapy.
It is unfortunate that up until now the US medical authorities have been painfully slow in their investigation of the beneficial uses of ozone. However, the sixth World Ozone Conference held in Washington, DC during May 1983, procured many astounding papers on the medical and therapeutic uses of ozone. They ran the full gamut of topics from Cancer to Herpes to Rheumatoid Arthritis, written by world-recognized specialists in their fields. These papers (we will be happy to obtain copies for you) concluded that:
1.OZONE removes unwanted bacteria and viruses from the blood, the same way it does with water.
2.The possibility of becoming infected with hepatitis, AIDS virus, syphilis or other infectious disease through blood transfusions could be eliminated by the use of OZONE.
3.OZONE is highly effective in peripheral vascular disease so that persons suffering from gangrene, or leg ulcers, may not have to have their limbs amputated.
4.OZONE is effective in cardiovascular and cerebrovascular disease, arteriosclerosis in general, and hypercholesterolemia, and promptly restores circulation, relieves angina pain, and improves brain circulation and function.
5.With OZONE, cancerous Tumors, Lymphomas and Leukemia may be eliminated without the use of surgery, radiation or chemotherapy.
6.OZONE is highly effective for all forms of Rheumatoid and Arthritis Collagen disease.
7.OZONE is very effective for Allergies of all types.
8.OZONE improves Multiple sclerosis, and other Neurological Diseases, ameliorates the loss of brain function in Alzheimer's Disease and senility, as well as in Parkinson's Disease, by reversing the aging process.
9.External use of OZONE is very effective in treating Acne, burns, leg ulcers, open sores and wounds, Eczema, fungus and other skin disorders.
10.Rectal insufflation with OZONE if effective for Proctitis, Colitis, Prostatitis, anal fissure, Candidiasis; vaginal insufflation is effective for Cadidiasis and other yeast infections, Trichamoniasis and other forms of vaginitis; bladder insufflation is effective for Cystitis and bladder fistulas, as well as cancer.
11.AIDS, Herpes, Hepatitis, Mononucleosis, and cirrhosis of the liver have been successfully treated with OZONE, without the use of any drugs or medicines.
12.The application of OZONE is virtually painless, has no adverse side effects and is extremely cost-effective for both physicians and patients.
13.As of 1985, over fifteen countries had allowed the use of OZONE therapy, and of all the thousands of patients successfully treated, there has not been one single death or serious reaction reported clearly related to the use of OZONE.
What is most disturbing is that the cause of cancer was discovered back in 1923 by a German biochemist, Dr. Otto Warburg, who received the 1931 Nobel Prize for doing so. In his book, "The Metabolism of Tumors" (London: Constable and Company. 1930), Dr. Warburg demonstrated that the primary cause of cancer was the replacement of oxygen in the respiratory chemistry of normal cells by the fermentation of sugar. The growth of cancer cells is a fermentation process, which can be initiated, only in the relative absence of oxygen, which means that a cancer cell is a plant cell.
Ever since Warburg's discovery, researchers have been attempting to stop the fermentation process through drugs, radiation and surgery, which, in some cases, has been temporarily successful. Although the National Cancer Institute verified Warburg's theories in the 1950s, very little work has been done to determine the causes of a lack of oxygen to the human body.
Along with finding ways to stop the fermentation process, we must also determine ways of getting more oxygen to all our healthy cells to prevent the initiation of the fermentation process.
All normal cells (animal cells) within our bodies need oxygen to survive, and give off carbon dioxide as a waste product. If we upset this delicate balance within our bodies, nature's way of reacting is the growth of plant cells (cancer, fungi, candida, etc.)
When one considers the monumental increase of carbon dioxide (over 20%) in the atmosphere during the past several decades and the alarming decrease of oxygen content in the air we breathe (from 38% down to 19%) one can understand the seemingly inexorable rise of cancer among us.
The good news is that 50 years of practice in Europe and numerous test studies utilizing oxygen/ozone therapy have proven that by increasing the oxygen content within our bodies, we will displace more carbon dioxide. We then become much healthier and do not provide an anaerobic (lack of oxygen) atmosphere for the fermentation process to produce cancer cells. I n addition to the encouraging success rate that these studies demonstrate, it must be noted that not one fatality or adverse side effect has been attributed to the proper administration of oxygen/ozone therapy.
It is unfortunate that up until now the US medical authorities have been painfully slow in their investigation of the beneficial uses of ozone. However, the sixth World Ozone Conference held in Washington, DC during May 1983, procured many astounding papers on the medical and therapeutic uses of ozone. They ran the full gamut of topics from Cancer to Herpes to Rheumatoid Arthritis, written by world-recognized specialists in their fields. These papers (we will be happy to obtain copies for you) concluded that:
1.OZONE removes unwanted bacteria and viruses from the blood, the same way it does with water.
2.The possibility of becoming infected with hepatitis, AIDS virus, syphilis or other infectious disease through blood transfusions could be eliminated by the use of OZONE.
3.OZONE is highly effective in peripheral vascular disease so that persons suffering from gangrene, or leg ulcers, may not have to have their limbs amputated.
4.OZONE is effective in cardiovascular and cerebrovascular disease, arteriosclerosis in general, and hypercholesterolemia, and promptly restores circulation, relieves angina pain, and improves brain circulation and function.
5.With OZONE, cancerous Tumors, Lymphomas and Leukemia may be eliminated without the use of surgery, radiation or chemotherapy.
6.OZONE is highly effective for all forms of Rheumatoid and Arthritis Collagen disease.
7.OZONE is very effective for Allergies of all types.
8.OZONE improves Multiple sclerosis, and other Neurological Diseases, ameliorates the loss of brain function in Alzheimer's Disease and senility, as well as in Parkinson's Disease, by reversing the aging process.
9.External use of OZONE is very effective in treating Acne, burns, leg ulcers, open sores and wounds, Eczema, fungus and other skin disorders.
10.Rectal insufflation with OZONE if effective for Proctitis, Colitis, Prostatitis, anal fissure, Candidiasis; vaginal insufflation is effective for Cadidiasis and other yeast infections, Trichamoniasis and other forms of vaginitis; bladder insufflation is effective for Cystitis and bladder fistulas, as well as cancer.
11.AIDS, Herpes, Hepatitis, Mononucleosis, and cirrhosis of the liver have been successfully treated with OZONE, without the use of any drugs or medicines.
12.The application of OZONE is virtually painless, has no adverse side effects and is extremely cost-effective for both physicians and patients.
13.As of 1985, over fifteen countries had allowed the use of OZONE therapy, and of all the thousands of patients successfully treated, there has not been one single death or serious reaction reported clearly related to the use of OZONE.
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