Lonely Afternoon!

It's a lonesome afternoon for me today. I was thinking what shall I do for my post today. It's a blank...full of ideas comes rushing in. Trying to figure out how can I simply described such illusion of nowhere or even just to patch things up. I just stare in front of the screen with a flat affect.

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Health Diseases: Hemolytic Anemia

Hemolytic anemia is a condition where there are not enough red blood cells in the blood. It is caused by premature destruction of red blood cells. There are a number of specific types of hemolytic anemia, which are described individually.

Alternative Names:
Anemia - hemolytic

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

Hemolytic anemia occurs when the bone marrow is unable to make up for premature destruction of red blood cells by increasing their production. When the marrow is able to make up the loss, anemia does not occur.

There are many types of hemolytic anemia, which are classified by the location of the defect. The defect may be in the red blood cell itself (intrinsic factor), or outside the red blood cell (extrinsic factor).

Causes of hemolytic anemia include infection, certain medications, autoimmune disorders, and inherited disorders.

Types of hemolytic anemia include:

• Sickle-cell anemia
• Paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria
• Hemoglobin SC disease (similar in symptoms to sickle-cell anemia)
• Hemolytic anemia due to G6PD deficiency
• Hereditary elliptocytosis
• Hereditary spherocytosis
• Hereditary ovalocytosis
• Idiopathic autoimmune hemolytic anemia
• Non-immune hemolytic anemia caused by chemical or physical agents
• Secondary immune hemolytic anemia
• Thalassemia
  
  Symptoms:
  
• Chills
• Fatigue
• Pale skin color
• Shortness of breath
• Rapid heart rate
• Yellow skin color (jaundice)
• Dark urine
• Enlarged spleen
  
  Signs and tests:
• These are tests for hemolysis (red blood cell destruction). There are specific tests which identify the specific types of hemolytic anemia. They are performed after hemolysis has been established.
• Elevated indirect bilirubin levels
• Low serum haptoglobin
• Hemoglobin in the urine
• Hemosiderin in the urine
• Increased urine and fecal urobilinogen
• Elevated absolute reticulocyte count
• Low red blood cell count (RBC) and hemoglobin
• Elevated serum LDH
• Direct measurement of the red cell life span by radioactive tagging techniques shows a shortened life span.
• This disease may also affect the following test results depending on the specific cause:
• Uric acid
• TIBC
• RBC indices
• Protein electrophoresis - serum
• Potassium test
• Platelet count
• Peripheral smear
• Leukocyte alkaline phosphatase
• Serum iron
• Hematocrit
• Ferritin
• Febrile or cold agglutinins
• Donath-Landsteiner test
• Coombs' test, indirect
• Coombs' test direct
• CBC
• Blood differential
• AST
• 24-hour urine protein

Treatment:
Treatment depends upon the type and cause of the hemolytic anemia. Folic acid, iron replacement, and corticosteroids may be used. In emergencies, transfusion of blood may be necessary.

Expectations (prognosis)
The outcome depends upon the type of hemolytic anemia.

Complications
The complications vary with the specific type of hemolytic anemia. Severe anemia can cause cardiovascular collapse. Severe anemias can aggravate pre-existing heart disease, lung disease, or cerebrovascular disease.
Call for an appointment with your health care provider if symptoms of hemolytic anemia develop.

Prevention
There is no known prevention for hemolytic anemia.

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Anemia Types and it's Causes

Anemia is a condition where there is a lower than normal number of red blood cells in the blood, usually measured by a decrease in the amount of hemoglobin. Hemoglobin is the oxygen-carrying part of red blood cells. It gives these blood cells their red color.

There are many types and potential causes of anemia. For information about a specific type of anemia, see one of the following articles:

• Anemia due to B12 deficiency
• Anemia due to folate deficiency
• Anemia due to iron deficiency
• Hemolytic anemia
• Hemolytic anemia due to G-6-PD deficiency
• Idiopathic aplastic anemia
• Idiopathic autoimmune hemolytic anemia
• Immune hemolytic anemia
• Megaloblastic anemia
• Pernicious anemia
• Secondary aplastic anemia
• Sickle cell anemia
  

Causes, incidence, and risk factors

• The cause varies with the type of anemia. Potential causes include blood loss, poor diet, many diseases, medication reactions, and various problems with the bone marrow, where blood cells are made. Iron deficiency anemia is most common in women who have heavy menstrual periods.
  Risk factors include heavy periods, pregnancy, older age, and diseases that cause anemia.
  
  Symptoms
• Possible symptoms include:
• Fatigue
• Chest pain
• Shortness of breath

Signs and tests

The doctor will perform a physical examination, and will look for the presence of a pale complexion and rapid heart rate.
Anemia can be confirmed by a red blood count or hemoglobin level. Other tests depend on the type of anemia.

Treatment
Treatment should be directed at the cause of the anemia. In some cases, blood transfusions and the medication erythropoietin will correct anemia.

Expectations (prognosis)
The outlook depends on the cause.

Complications
Severe anemia can cause low oxygen levels in vital organs such as the heart, and can lead to a heart attack.

Calling your health care provider
Call your health provider if you have any symptoms of anemia, or any unusual bleeding.

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Causes of Bedwetting and It's Treatment

Bedwetting is involuntary urination in children over 5 to 6 years old. It may occur at any time of the day or night. This article focuses on nighttime bedwetting.

Alternative Names
Enuresis

Causes, incidence, and risk factors
Children develop complete control over their bladders at different ages. Nighttime dryness is usually the last stage of toilet learning. When children wet the bed more than twice per month after age 5 or 6, it is called bedwetting or nocturnal enuresis.

Children who were dry for at least 6 months and then started wetting again have secondary enuresis. There are many reasons that children wet the bed after being fully toilet trained. It might be physical, emotional, or just a change in sleep.

Children who have never been consistently dry at night have primary enuresis. This usually occurs when the body makes more urine overnight than the bladder can hold and the child does not wake up when the bladder is full. The child's brain has not learned to respond to the signal that the bladder is full. It is not the child's or the parent's fault.

Physical causes are rare, but may include lower spinal cord lesions, congenital malformations of the genitourinary tract, infections of the urinary tract, or diabetes.

Bedwetting runs strongly in families. More than 5 million children in the U.S. wet the bed.About 9% of boys and 6% of girls still wet the bed at age 7. The numbers drop slightly by age 10. Although the problem goes away over time, many children and even a small number of adults continue to have bedwetting episodes.

Symptoms
The main symptom is involuntary urination, usually at night, that occurs at least twice per month.

Signs and tests
Your child's doctor will discuss the history of bedwetting in detail. You can help by keeping a detailed diary that outlines normal urination and wetting episodes, fluid and food intake (including time of meals), and sleep times.

A physical examination should be performed to rule out physical causes. A urinalysis will be done to rule out infection or diabetes.

X-rays of the kidneys and bladders and other studies are not needed unless there is reason to suspect some other problems.


Treatment

Doing nothing or punishing the child are both common responses to bedwetting. Neither helps. You should reassure your child that bedwetting is common and can be helped.

Start by making sure that your child goes to the bathroom at normal times during the day and evening and does not hold urine for long periods of time. Be sure that the child goes to the bathroom before going to sleep. You can reduce the amount of fluid the child drinks a few hours before bedtime, but this alone is not a treatment for bedwetting. You should not restrict fluids excessively.

Reward your child for dry nights. Some families use a chart of diary that the child can mark each morning. While this is unlikely to solve the problem completely, it can help and should be tried before medicines are used. It is most useful in younger children, about 5 to 8 years old.

Bedwetting alarms are another method that can be used along with reward systems. The alarms are small and readily available without prescription at many stores.

The alarm wakes the child or parent when the bladder is full, and the child can they get up and use the bathroom. Alarm training can take several months to work properly. You may need to train your child more than once. Bedwetting alarms have a high success rate if used consistently.
Once your child is dry for 3 weeks, continue using the alarm for another 2 weeks and then stop.

Prescription medications such as DDAVP (desmopressin) are available to treat bedwetting. They decrease the amount of urine produced at night. These medicines are easy to use and have quick results. They can be used short term for an important sleepover. They may also be prescribed for long-term use for months. Your doctor may recommend stopping the medicine at different times to see if the bedwetting has gone away.

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Easy Way with Calling America

CallingAmerica.com is the first completely ad-supported VoIP calling network. Anyone across the U.S. can visit CallingAmerica.com to make free calls to any landline or mobile phone in the country. Friends and relatives around the globe can easily access and makes calls for free anytime.

CallingAmerica.com is a new ad-supported Web service that lets you make phone calls to any number in the United States from any computer with a Web browser and a broadband connection. Your time now for CallingAmerica.com Free USA Calls ! in the most easy way.

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Richardson's loved ones 'shocked and devastated'

Natasha Richardson, a film star, Tony-winning stage actress and a member of the famed Redgrave acting family, has died from injuries sustained in a fall on a Canadian ski slope. She was 45. Richardson's family released a statement saying, "Liam Neeson, his sons, and the entire family are shocked and devastated by the tragic death of their beloved Natasha."

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Britney Spears' new 'If U Seek Amy' video

Many radio stations are reluctant to even play the barely-a-double-entendre track, but Miss Spears has gone ahead and made a video for Circus's third single, "If U Seek Amy." The clip is set, apparently, at some sort of suburban house party; Vixen Britney (wild extensions, red lips, black bustier) writhes around with sexy extras in the first half, before Wholesome Britney (Marilyn bob, pink sweater set) comes on with a fresh-baked pie and picket-fence family.

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Natasha Richardson Hospitalized for Head Injury

Actress Natasha Richardson was hospitalized on Monday afternoon in Montréal after suffering a serious head injury, POPLE has confirmed. The Tony-winning star, 45, was first brought to Centre Hospitalier Laurentien near Mont Tremblant, a famed ski area, following a skiing accident. At 5 p.m. she was transferred to Hôpital du Sacré-Coeur de Montréal.

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Acromegaly and Features

Acromegaly is a syndrome that results when the pituitary gland produces excess growth hormone (hGH) after epiphyseal plate closure. A number of disorders may affect the pituitary to create this circumstance, although most commonly it involves a GH producing tumor derived from a distinct type of cells (somatotrophs) and called pituitary adenoma.

Acromegaly most commonly affects adults in middle age, and can result in severe disfigurement, serious complicating conditions, and premature death if unchecked. Because of its insidious pathogenesis and slow progression, the disease is hard to diagnose in the early stages and is frequently missed for many years, when changes in external features, especially of the face, become noticeable. Acromegaly is often also associated with gigantism.

Features that result from high level of hGH or expanding tumor include:

• Soft tissue swelling visibly resulting in enlargement of the hands, feet, nose, lips and ears, and a general thickening of the skin
• Soft tissue swelling of internal organs, notably the heart with attendant weakening of its muscularity, and the kidneys, also the vocal cords resulting in a characteristic thick, deep voice and slowing of speech
• Generalized expansion of the skull at the fontanelle
• Pronounced brow protrusion, often with ocular distension
• Pronounced lower jaw protrusion with attendant macroglossia (enlargement of the tongue) and teeth gapping.
  Hypertrichosis, hyperpigmentation, and hyperhidrosis may occur in these patients

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Banana Split

From the same minds behind Goin’ Bananas and Going Bulilit comes a new gag show where sexy and pretty ladies rule. Banana Split features Angelica Panganiban, Roxanne Guinoo, Valerie Concepcion, Cristine Reyes, Dianne Medina, Princess Ryan, and RR Enriquez in a weekly gag show. These hot and talented girls will combine girl-power with humor to put a smile on your face every Saturday evening. Watch as they make fun of their male celebrity guests in a series of hilarious sketches.

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KC Concepcion and Piolo Pascual: The Adaptation of hit Koreanovela Lovers in Paris

Budding actress KC Concepcion is excited to get more personal with leading man Piolo Pascual since they will be working closely—both literally and figuratively—for the local adaptation of hit Koreanovela Lovers in Paris for the next four months. Aside from the adjustments that KC is going through on the set, she said that she is also adjusting to the idea of having a new leading man, after making two movies with actor Richard Gutierrez.

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Lovers in Paris

This romantic drama is set in the romantic city of Paris, France. A weird twist of fate connects three people from completely different worlds to one place where they begin to develop feelings towards each other. At first none of them realize what they are getting themselves into, but as they get to know each other more and more their feelings toward each other begin to deepen...

This drama begins when Tae Young decides to go to Paris to work on writing a scenario that would truly capture the essence of this romanic and beautiful city of Paris. There she meets Gi Ju while working at a friend's stall and Soo Hyuk when her bicycle breaks down. Gi Ju asks her to act as his fiance so he could get the interest of a client he was meeting in Paris. While at a party hosted by this client something goes wrong to reveal the truth about their relationship. There they decide to call the whole thing quits and break up. They both go to Korea where fate pulls them back together.

Tae Young, Gi Ju and Soo Hyuk begin to develop friendships with Tae Young and end up feeling more feelings towards her than they initially thought. The thing about both of them having feelings towards one girl was that Gi Ju is Soo Hyuk's uncle and they had grown up like best friends since they were only about 7 years apart. Their feelings towards her slowly begin to be revealed causing heartache for all the people around them.

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Update: Rare Harry Potter book fetches $19,000 at auction

A first-edition Harry Potter book was sold for about $19,000, according to an auction house in Dallas, Texas.

The soft-cover book was one of 200 copies printed and is a rarity compared with later editions of the popular series that were printed in the millions, the Heritage Auction Galleries said.

The book, "Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone," includes an autograph from author J.K. Rowling.

It's the first book in the Harry Potter series and was published in the United States under the title "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone."

The auction had estimated that the 223-page book would sell for as much as $12,000.

The winning bid of $19,120 bypassed expectations, but it was not the most expensive sale of Harry Potter-related items in an auction.

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Ashlee Simpson to join ‘Melrose Place’ cast

Ashlee Simpson-Wentz is moving to Melrose Place.The 24-year-old singer will join the cast of the CW's "Melrose Place."Simpson-Wentz will be playing a small-town girl with a "shrewd sex kitten"

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Francis Magalona Passed Away

Multi-awarded Filipino rap icon Francis Magalona has passed away at the Medical City in Mandaluyong around noon yesterday. He was 44.

According to TV reports, this was announced by actor Vic Sotto in the noontime variety show Eat Bulaga, where Magalona used to be one of the hosts. Magalona, considered as a major pillar of rap music in the country, was diagnosed with leukemia in August 2008. He is survived by his wife Pia Arroyo and children Unna, Nicolo, Francis Jr., Elmo, Arkin, Clara, and actresses Maxene and Saab.

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Beauty Preservation by Beaute de Maman

Upon browsing over the Internet about the physiologic and hormonal changes that usually appears during the course of pregnancy, I have found a health and beauty products that is very useful to expectant mothers in their child bearing years.The Beaute de Maman is offering good products that can provide safe and effective remedies for the common problems that every women face in pregnancy. It has been tested that this product is not causing allergies and has been proven by obstetrician.

The following health and beauty products by Beaute de Maman contains natural and herbal ingredient that are safe to the mother and the fetus. The company has been developed to provide treatment for problems specifically that physiological and the hormonal changes that are being experience by the woman during pregnancy.

A great number of Hollywood celebrities have tried and and have a good experience in using these products. To name a few Chyler Leigh of Grey’s Anatomy and Jennifer Blanc had been taking it through the entire process of pregnancy. As a nurse and a health care giver working hand in hand with my patients, I widely refer and recommend to use this products, so order now and see the results purely guarantee it's worth.

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Overcoming Seasonal Weight Gain

It's been discovered that weight gain fluctuates seasonally. I have notice that during the Winter time i almost gain 5 ponds more that the usual weight that i have. Some doctors believe that we have a little control and that humans are programmed to gain weight over some period of time. i have tried several times to loose weight and finally find a perfect ways to overcome seasonal weight gain.

• Food Choices: During the winter, we tend to eat more 'comfort' foods that are higher in fat and contain less than healthy ingredients. Foods like french fries, ribs and chili tend to feel more comforting than salad, fresh fruit and grilled fish

• What you can do: Look for recipes that use fruits and vegetables that are in season during winter months: kale, squash, onions, artichokes, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower and citrus. Also incorporate soups that are either broth or vegetable based instead of those with creams to warm you up. Lastly, aim to stay away from fried foods and try baking options (potatoes for instance).
  
• Lack of Sunlight: Decreased exposure to sunlight can have a tremendous affect on our mood, and as a result, we eat foods that tend to be rich in carbs, fats and sugars, which make us feel better.What you can do: Expose yourself to sunlight regularly. Although the cold might be a deterrent, bundling up and getting outside into the sun will do your mood wonders.
  
• Reduced Activity Level: When it is cold outside, we do everything possible to stay inside. Further, activities like staying in bed, buried under the covers or on the couch snuggled up in a blanket is a lot more appealing than running on the treadmill or for that matter, outside.

• What you can do: Try finding new activities that are winter appropriate. Whether it be cross-country skiing, snowshoeing or ice skating, work with the season, not against it.
  Results on Your Metabolism: Although there isn't significant evidence that temperature has a great affect on our metabolism, our activity level does. Specifically, when our activity level is reduced, our metabolism slows.

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