Health related information and news from around the world.

Fears of damage to the fetus by either partner may result in sexual withdrawal. There may be an enforced period of abstinence due to threatened miscarriage or risk of dislodging a long-awaited pregnancy. Sexual dysfunction in the male such as impotence or premature ejaculation may result and may be further exacerbated after delivery when contraception is needed and sheaths are considered the method of choice. Alternatively, fear of damage to the fetus may be given as an acceptable excuse by the man who lacks sexual desire for his wife’s burgeoning and, to him, unattractive body.

The male fantasy of a mother’s purity and sexual innocence is not confined to those whose cultural and religious upbringing has held the Virgin Mother as an object of worship, but is an acknowledged phase of early childhood development. The first awareness by the man of his partner’s becoming a mother can reawaken this fantasy and be an unconscious reason for sexual withdrawal.

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Who controls the Pill? There is no doubt that it is in the woman’s hands, but men appear to have just as many worries about the health risks as women. However, these worries are often not expressed very loudly, but may be heard as asides: ‘How can you tell if she is taking it?’ Or reported by their partners: ‘Those clever doctors may let you down again.’ ‘They don’t tell you about all the side-effects.’ ‘Have you ever read the pack insert?’ There is rarely an opportunity to answer such questions adequately and they ask for a considerable degree of trust from the man. A psychosexual doctor may be prompted to ask why he feels he has to answer questions. Are they really questions or a request that the man should not be asked to put so much trust in something unnatural and a drug? One caring husband said, T wish I could take it instead of her.’ Again, asking men to rank effectiveness, the Pill came below condoms in their perception.

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During the contraceptive consultation it is difficult to remember that some of the women or couples will be consulting their doctor at a later date because of an infertility problem. Society is geared to the assumption that Marie Stopes made all those years ago, that every couple will bring forth a child when they want one; in other words, our society is constructed for the fertile.

Money is channelled into family planning and abortion services, and the maternity and child health services, but little is spent on the infertile. Such an arrangement adds to the suspicions of subfertile couples that their needs are not being listened to.

It is actually not an insignificant problem when it is remembered that for one in six couples, at some time in their lives, the wanted baby will not materialize without some medical intervention. These couples include those trying for their first baby as well as those who are having trouble conceiving their second or subsequent baby. Such couples suffer constant emotional pain, and can feel very isolated in society for, like all of us, their expectations of becoming normal adults and parents had been taken for granted, and it is only when a pregnancy does not ensue that they begin to realize that they may not be ‘normal’.

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Older women who choose to come to a young person’s clinic can be viewed as slow developers who are completing the tasks of adolescence late. Often they are only now developing a mature sexual identity, and may be on the brink of making what they hope will be a satisfying heterosexual relationship. They present a different challenge to the doctor. Though adult attitudes prevail during the consultation and history-taking, a larger proportion will conceal psychosexual problems, which may come to light at the genital examination.

Miss C, a 30-year-old patient who was on the Pill, attended the clinic for routine repeat of supplies. She was an attractive woman of eastern origin, who was due for a repeat smear. When the speculum touched the introitus the woman’s legs clamped together and her hand came down to push the speculum away. ‘I can’t,’ she said. ‘It hurts too much.’ The doctor wondered how the previous smear had been managed. ‘Oh, I just screwed myself up and let the doctor get on with it, but it was awful and I’ve put off having another one.’ Patient and doctor decided to postpone the smear and talk about the pain. Miss C. seemed happy to stay on the couch and told about her decision not to have sex when her friends first took the plunge. She chose to wait for a special man. When she finally lost her virginity (her words) she was 26 and her first sexual encounter was ‘very funny’.

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It is by no means only young people who have difficulty in reconciling the consequences of sexual intercourse with the strong passions and fantasies surrounding the act itself. Sex can be exciting, rebellious, experimental, a rite of passage into a new world. Condoms are perceived as sordid, evidence of prior planning and thus detracting from the romance, a butt of jokes. No amount of worthy sex education can bridge this gap, unless feelings like these are understood. Also, some women hold themselves in such low esteem, consider their sexual selves so worthless, that the only way they can impress or please is to agree to or encourage sexual intercourse. In young women in particular, pregnancy is often the result, leading to repeated requests for terminations.

She was 16, and making her third request for termination. The first time, she said, her doctor had arranged a termination at the local hospital, the second time, reluctantly, he had tried, but had had to send her up to London. Now, he had said he could no longer help. She sat there, passively, agitated only by the thought that her mother, who had paid for the second termination, would ‘kill her’. Had she tried contraception? A tiny shrug. Sometimes, well, not really, she didn’t really get on with it. What a problem, thought the doctor, and dumped in my lap! Both the nurse and the doctor felt angry at the girl, wanting to lecture her on her irresponsibility. The extreme passivity of the girl was striking. The only emotion so far had been directed at the mother. Was all this, thought the doctor, an attempt to rival or get back at the mother? ‘And Dad?’ asked the doctor. The girl froze. ‘Which Dad?” she said, and began to cry. Out came a sad story. Her real father had sexually abused her. Her mother had found out and left him, taking her daughter: ‘But, I missed my Dad!’ she wept. Now, her mother had a new boyfriend. The girl, angry, powerless, and feeling excluded and rejected, sought attention – in the only way she knew best.

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Hydrotherapy

Every night I have a relaxing and healing bath. I place 1/2 packet of epsom salts in the water and 4 drops of lavender oil (relaxation) or bergamot (uplifting). If you are experiencing fluid retention from cancer treatment, add essential oil of lemon, grapefruit or mandarin to the bath. Before entering the bath, I use a dry skin brush in quick long strokes towards my heart to remove dead skin cells and to stimulate lymphatic circulation.

Supplements with Dinner

Coenzyme Ql0 120mg x 1 capsule

Vitamin Ñ Powder (with beta-carotene, l000 mg of vit Ñ = 1 tsp

zinc, quercetin, bioflavonoids)

DHA/EPA – essential fatty acids l000 mg x 2 capsules

Conjuated linoleic acid 1000 mg x 2 capsules

Genistein 50mg x 2 capsules

Zinc (liquid or tablet) 80mg or as directed

Chlorella/barley grass/green formula 1 heaped tablespoon

Shark or bovine cartilage/lactoferrin mix as directed

Medicinal mushroom extract (containing 1 ml – liquid form

shitake, reish, ganoderma, cordyceps etc.)

1 glass of water with 1 teaspoon of healing digestive formula (may contain slippery elm, fructo-oligosaccharides, glutamine, aloe vera, guar gum, pectin) – this is normally taken before bedtime.

Meditation

Often at night time, I write down positive affirmations before going to bed. If I feel like a change, I listen to beautiful, uplifting music and inspirational tapes. Sometimes, I find myself dancing or swaying to the rhythms of the music and this makes me smile. I always visualize myself perfectly healthy and full of energy.

If I find my mind wandering throughout the day or drifting into a pattern of endless chatter, I consciously use creative imagery techniques to remove my cancer.

Before falling asleep, I say a prayer to my god and to myself, thanking us both for the wonderful souls I have in my life, for the energy to grow stronger from this lesson and for the magic of creation that I am so blessed to experience.

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Some basic physics is necessary to understand what follows:

When a magnet is moved close to a conductor, such as a wire, or any conductor, such as blood or body fluids or nerves, an electric current is induced in that conductor. Generators and alternators operate on this principle. When an electric current flows along a wire or any conductor, a magnetic field is created around the conductor. Electric motors and many other appliances and devices operate on this principle.

Low power magnets, associated with movement such as the blood circulating or muscles moving under where the magnet is placed, have been shown to induce micro electric currents that can balance body energies and may also stimulate the iron content of the haemoglobin in the blood to transport oxygen more efficiently.

The biggest problem we face concerning permanent-type magnets is the false and misleading claims made by a few in the marketplace, and this makes it confusing for the lay person. It is also a worry because many of these people do not know how magnets work, or what to advise their clients. People should consult a qualified specialist in magnetic therapy so that they can get the best products, advice and help.

Electromagnetic energy is a most important part of biological systems. We are at the cell level, electro-chemical-magnetic beings. The DNA in every cell has its own electromagnetic spin, which maintains its controlling functions and is in turn affected by internal and external electromagnetic fields, both good and potentially damaging.

The two types of magnetic energies referred to above exert influences over the environment and the biological processes of all living things. In humans, the pineal gland at the base of the brain is affected by the magnetic emanations and is responsible for producing melatonin, a master controller of hormones, enzymes, immune function, oxidation and cyclic patterns of sleep-wakefulness. It also governs stress levels and reactions, and the anti-oxidant control of free radicals that can break down cells, and this may lead to allowing for the development of cancer.

Our body’s cells are also continuously influenced by strong man-made electrostatic and high frequency electromagnetic fields (EMF), which are well outside what the body is meant to tolerate.

These include: continuous overhead power line currents, house wiring, appliances, CRT television and computer monitors, radio, radar, bedside electric powered alarm clocks, and even electric bed blankets.

The unlimited use of these and other man-made EMF radiation products such as microwave ovens and microwave mobile cell phones, close proximity to fluorescent lighting, and even ultrasonic physiotherapy devices poses a grave risk to health in humans and the environment.

Research indicates that this potentially damaging high frequency EMF that we take for granted can adversely affect the delicate human biological processes such as nerve function, bone growth, tissue regeneration, body communication systems, white cell activity, and immune system status. Many of these environmental hazards, including ionizing x-rays, carcinogenic chemicals in agriculture, in the food chain, in the manufacture of many food items, can interfere with and alter the DNA in the cells. If the DNA is not repaired, the result can eventually be cell mutation and uncontrolled growth. Many types of high frequency EMF have been implicated in immune system deterioration, and together with other factors and stress, can lead to some forms of cancer over time.

The Western technological society has created a Global EMF pollution of the environment, virtually an electronic jungle. ‘Our unwise use of electromagnetic energies has produced environmental changes of unparalleled proportions,’ as, stated by Robert Becker, an orthopaedic surgeon, researcher, author and adamant believer in the perils created by man-made EMF pollution.

The figures indicating the link between the dangerous EMF and the plethora of new diseases and proliferation of cancers are alarming. For all the billions of dollars spent on cancer research, the situation is getting worse, not better.

If we wish to live healthy, disease-free lives it is time to address these findings by limiting our own personal exposure, becoming aware of these problems and demanding changes. An informed public taking action can be a powerful influence in global change. We owe this to ourselves and to our precious children.

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Turmeric (Curcuma longa) and Cayenne Pepper (Capsicum minimum)

Turmeric is an amazing spice which exhibits strong cancer-preventing properties.

Turmeric’s active ingredients include curcuminoids, essential oils, turmerone, zingiberene, A-atlantone and curcumin. It is such a simple spice to use and can be added to meals to attain a delicious, powerful flavour. Chop turmeric finely, throw into your cooking and you will be endowed with all of turmeric’s incredible healing powers.

Turmeric is blessed with antibiotic properties and anti-inflammatory actions, and is a very powerful antioxidant. It protects our liver against many toxins, inhibits platelet-activating factor (major component of inflammation), strengthens gastric mucosa, prevents gastric lesions and also lowers blood cholesterol.

Turmeric also provides DNA protection against damage by carcinogens and is believed to inhibit the development of skin cancer. It is an anti-carcinogen, which neutralizes the cancer-causing compounds in tobacco smoke. Turmeric is the main ingredient in curry powder.

Cayenne, known as bird pepper, capsicum or chilli pepper, is the powder made from ground red chillies (the fruit of the plant). We all know the spicy taste of chilli and its wondrous ability to make us sweat. Cayenne is also a remarkable spice in increasing general body and peripheral circulation, and decreasing blood pressure. It also regulates the blood flow, equalizing and strengthening the heart, arteries, capillaries and nerves.

Cayenne suppresses pain and causes the release of the ‘pleasure drugs’, endorphins. Large quantities of chilli can stimulate the development of cancer, yet small amounts are very healthy for cancer prevention.

What is the best way to take turmeric?

• Fresh – turmeric is best added fresh to cooking. Chop, dice or grate it and add to your

favourite healthy dishes. The rhizoma (underground stem) is the part used for healing.

• Powder — turmeric can also be obtained from a health food store.

What is the best way to take cayenne?

• Infusion – pour 1 cup of boiling water onto 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of cayenne and leave to infuse

for 10 minutes. A tablespoon of this infusion should be mixed with hot water and drunk as

needed.

• Tincture – take 0.25ml of the tincture 3 times daily or as needed.

Yarrow (Achillea millefolium)

In old herbal texts yarrow was referred to as ‘cure of all ills’ and was used in many cases that seemed hopeless. Its potent blood cleansing ability helps to expel toxins from the body, eradicating unwanted illnesses.

Yarrow is an excellent remedy used to stop bleeding in the lungs, as it has astringent properties. Used together with calamus roots, it is believed by many folklore healers to heal lung cancer. The calamus roots should be chewed throughout the day and a cup of yarrow tea is sipped every morning and evening.

‘Yarrow acts directly on bone marrow, stimulating blood renewal, and can be helpful in bone marrow related disorders.

What is the best way to take yarrow?

• Infusion — pour 1 cup of boiling water over 1 heaped teaspoon of yarrow, infuse for a short

time, then drink. Drink 2 to 3 cups per day. If feverish, you should drink hourly.

• Tincture – take 2 to 4ml of the tincture 3 times a day.

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SOD (Superoxidase Dismutase)

SOD is an enzyme possessing strong antioxidant properties. It rejuvenates cells and decreases the rate of cellular breakdown. SOD neutralizes the most common and dangerous free radicals and prevents the formation of cancerous cells.

It has been shown that levels of SOD in the body decrease with age, while the levels of free radicals in the body increase with age. It is therefore considered an important factor in anti-ageing and cancer prevention.

There are two kinds of SOD, Manganese SOD (Mn SOD) and Copper/Zinc. SOD (Cu/Zn SOD). Each of these enzymes protects a different part of the cell. Cu/Zn SOD protects the cytoplasm (the jelly-like substance that surrounds the nucleus of the cell), while Mn SOD protects the mitochondria of cells, which contains our DNA and acts as the site of cellular energy production.

SOD may inhibit lung cancer. The susceptibility of breast cells to cancer-causing compounds is lessened by the presence of SOD. SOD levels are higher in healthy people than in patients with cancer of the lung, breast, digestive tract and reproductive system.

SOD is a potent free radical scavenger, absorbing harmful free radicals and converting them into hydrogen peroxide, to be broken down by enzymes into harmless water and oxygen. It decreases the side effects of radiation therapy, particularly with relation to fibrous scar tissue. It also has the ability to decrease the side effects of chemotherapy.

Intramuscular injections of SOD are more effective than the oral form, as SOD can easily be destroyed by acids and digestive enzymes in the stomach. The best way to obtain SOD naturally is by stimulating your body’s own production of SOD, by supplying the body with adequate manganese, copper and zinc.

Foods rich in SOD include broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, green barley grass, green leafy vegetables and wheatgrass.

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Breast Cancer

Breast tissue may be particularly sensitive to the actions of vitamin A. Studies have been conducted where researchers compared the concentrations of various forms of vitamin A in the breast tissue of cancer patients, and patients with benign breast lumps. It was found that there was an increased risk of disease in those with low levels of vitamin A.

Cervical Cancer

Studies suggest that low carotenoid levels, including beta carotene may increase the risk of cervical cancer. Laboratory studies have shown that beta carotene can slow the growth of cervical cancer cells

Colon Cancer

Studies have been conducted that show many patients with colon cancer have significantly lower carotenoid levels.

Leukoplakia

Vitamin A has also been shown to exert protective effects against leukoplakia, a precancerous change in mucous membranes. It often occurs in the mouth and throat and is related to smoking.

Lung Cancer

People suffering from lung cancer can have low levels of vitamin A in their blood. Vitamin A preserves the integrity of red blood cell membranes and skin. Lung cancer due to inhalation of benzo-alpha-pyrene is reduced by vitamin A.

Studies have been done that confirm a high dietary intake of fruit and vegetables and beta carotene supplementation is linked to a decreased risk of lung cancer in both men and women.

Prostate Cancer

High beta carotene intakes may also improve survival in those with prostate cancer, according to some studies.

Good food sources of vitamin A and beta carotene include fish oil, white fish and eggs; green, orange and yellow vegetables such as carrots, kale, broccoli, yams, pumpkin, winter squash, sweet potatoes, apricots, mangos and rockmelon.

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