Wednesday, May 23, 2007

What you Must Know About Debt Consolidation Loans?

The Debt Consolidation Loan graciously advertises their real offer of financial help to reduce your damaged credit. Occasionally some companies try to make consolidation loans come across as debt management services with promises of reducing your interest rates, penalties; while simultaneously leveling your credit account.

You might think a consolidation loan will be your life saver; and you might stick to it, but it will drown you with more debt to pay-off with even higher interest rates. If you think about it logically, a loan can really only increase your debt load, which you definitely need to eliminate, rather than escalate.

In reality, they will just terminate milder harassers and end up being big time bullies themselves. The company claims is that it is giving you money to clear you account with you creditors when you get the debt consolidation loan. Once you take money from them and pay-off your creditors, you will realize that you now have to pay the consolidation company more than what you owed earlier. This is due to huge rates of interest of consolidation.

To help yourselves to come out of debt problems, consider the proper guidance that debt management and debt consolidation services to provide you Hence, hold on to all the warning signals and steer clear of consolidation loans when you are already head to toe in debt. When your situation becomes so terrible that you have no other choice then you should consider taking out a debt consolidation loan to come out of debt dilemma

http://4debt.blogspot.com/2006/12/what-you-must-know-about-debt.html

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Gold Coins - An Investment in Your Financial Liberty

When you have a child, or even before you do, start collecting gold coins. When your child grows up, cash them in to send your high school graduate to the University of their choice. Your child can do the same for your grandchild. Collecting gold coins can make something special for your family. It can make your family special. Even rich and famous. Can it be done? Has it been done? Well, do you recognize any of these family names?

If you have heard of the Adams family, or the Brand family, or the Dupont family, or the Royal Farouk family, or the Garrett family, or the Green family, or the Hopkins family, or the Hunt family, or the JP Morgan family, or the Onassis family, or the Rothchild family then there is a good reason why. They built their fortunes from collecting gold coins.

Take for instance Mayer Amschel Rothschild. He worked in a coin shop, which made the way for the Rothschild's destiny as the richest family in the world. Because it is there that he learned the value of collecting gold coins. That is how he made his fortune. That is how he was able to open a bunch of banks.

People were getting so outrageously rich from gold coins that the government just had to step in and take them away. And the gold bullion and gold certificates too! If you owned them you were an outlaw. If you didn't turn them in you had to go to jail for ten years and pay twice the value of your gold plus ten thousand dollars on top of that. Thanks to the gold confiscation of April 5th 1933 by the Executive Order 6102 of President Franklin D. Roosevelt, the government had to build Fort Knox to hold its enormous collection of gold!

The people of our land of opportunity have been denied this most lucrative investment for forty-one years until… the last day of December 1974. That is when President Gerald R. Ford signed the bill authorizing private ownership of gold. Happy days are here again! Gold is legal again!

In 1795 the United States minted its very first gold coin. The five-dollar Gold Half Eagle featuring Lady Liberty. Before President George Washington got our government its first mint, we used gold doubloons. A favorite of pirates, who were a liberty loving lot indeed!

We all like money. We all like gold. Gold coins bring them both together in one pretty package. Buy gold coins, whether for hobby or investment. They give the best return due to their limited quantity, timeless beauty, gold content, and high demand

http://4debt.blogspot.com/2006/12/gold-coins-investment-in-your.html

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Getting Out Of Debt With Debt Consolidation Services

Many people nowadays suffer from bad credit and debt because of poor spending and money management habits. A solution to the debt problem is to consider debt consolidation services to help erase the debt and to repair credit. When your credit problem first started, you may be fooled into thinking that it is just a bit of debt, and that you would be able to handle it. However, all too often, debt quickly piles up to the point that you see no way out of your credit mess, as late fees and interest rates quickly mount. That is why debt consolidation is an attractive option because it eliminates stressful payments and helps get you out of debt and on your feet as quickly as possible.

Falling into debt can be a very traumatic and stressful experience for anyone, so it helps that there are useful resources that provide good advice, and help you deal effectively with your debt problem. That is exactly the purpose of debt consolidation, an excellent resource designed to help you manage and slash your debt when you can't seem to manage it on your own.

When you turn to a professional debt counselor to repair your credit, you will need to show them all of your debt information, such as your minimum monthly payments, and the number of credit cards you hold etc.

Once you have engaged the services of a debt consolidation service, you no longer need to make payments to your creditors, and instead you can make lower payments against your outstanding balance to the debt consolidation firm and get out of debt more quickly.

Debt has become so pervasive nowadays with so many people managing their credit so poorly, that debt consolidation companies are springing up everywhere. So before settling on a debt repair firm, make sure to research and locate reputable debt consolidation companies before entrusting them with your information. Research the debt consolidation company's history, reputation, policy and credit repair plan.

Getting out of debt is not very easy. Good debt consolidation companies can help you with your credit repair to a certain extent, but they cannot totally erase all the past blemishes in your credit report. Even though your bad credit remains on your credit report for a couple of years, your debt counseling agency may still be able to help you get approval for credit once you have proven your effort and determination in repairing your credit through consistent and timely payments

http://4debt.blogspot.com/2006/12/getting-out-of-debt-with-debt.html

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Finding Solutions For Your Debt

Finding solutions to minimize, and eventually wipe out, your existing debt is not an easy task. Before you begin considering the different options that are available to you, be very sure you are ready to take action. It takes serious planning, education, and the ability to follow a strict budget to correct your financial distress.

There are several immediate steps you can take; the most important of which is to stop accruing new debt. Seriously, even if you do nothing else immediately, do this. If you're already having problems with your current debt level, accumulating more will only make the situation worse. You should also eliminate any "extra" spending. Do you eat out for lunch every day? Start brown-bagging it. Do you pay a housekeeper to clean your home once or twice a month? Pick up that broom and mop and start doing it yourself. Basically, look for any expenses that you can cut or reduce; even if it means more work for you.

Okay, now that you have your spending habits under control, it's time to decide how you want to handle solving the current debt you have. You have several options:

Continue to do it yourself. You can do this! However, you need to be able to educate yourself on your financial matters. This may mean purchasing a book to guide you or even software that will set up a financial spreadsheet and budget analysis for you (all you'd have to do is enter in your debts and income to see the bottom line). It may mean phoning your creditors to work out payment plans you can adhere to and also working with them to lower your current interest rates, late fees, and even your payoff amount.

Utilize a certified credit counseling agency. In a nutshell, they will do all the financial education, budget planning, and contacting of your creditors for you. You'll still have to be willing to understand why you got into the financial mess you did, and work within the budget they set up for you. However, if you're unsure of your capabilities in doing it on your own, this may be an excellent choice for you.

You can apply for a debt consolidation loan. Again, you still need to educate yourself on financial planning, but a quick way to reduce your overall debt is to take out a large loan to pay off all of your smaller debts. Often, the interest rate is smaller, which will save you money over the long haul.

File for bankruptcy. This should be your last option. It is not a quick and easy get out of debt free card, though it may feel like that. Bankruptcy will stay on your credit record for a period of 10 years – that's a long time to be considered a poor credit risk. However, this choice is right for some people, if you think you may be one of them, get the proper information and meet with an attorney to discuss your options.

Regardless of which types of debt solutions you decide on – make sure you're informed on all of your choices. With perseverance and dedication; you can alter the course of your financial future.
http://4debt.blogspot.com/2006/12/finding-solutions-for-your-debt.html

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Drowning in debt?

For most of us, being in some kind of debt is just simply a fact of life. Today everyone can see that there is a clear picture when it comes to the subject of national debt.

Credit cards, overdrafts, personal loans and mortgages are becoming increasingly easy to get and not surprisingly, more and more of us have them. However, whilst most of us are only dipping a toe into the pool of debt, an outstanding number of us are drowning!

At the moment, the national debt picture is looking increasingly worrying as time goes by. Card and overdraft debt increased by ?1.693 billion in July and mortgage debt increased by ?4.452 billion. Total consumer debt is ?699 billion and debt per household is a staggering average of ?27000.

Sorting out our problems is always a priority and the first thing to do as far as debt management stands is to work out where you yourself stand. Take stock of how much money is coming in and more importantly, how much is going out. Take a look at how much you are spending on things such as day-to-day living and how much is being spent on, or being demanded by the people you owe money to.

The key to managing a debt problem is communication. Don't ignore letters from your creditors. If you tell them you are in trouble then you might be surprised how helpful they can be. Most lenders prefer to arrange to have some of the debt repaid rather than be forced to chase through the courts for their cash. But before you call your lenders, you might want to speak to an expert in debt management.

Whether it's merely just advice you are seeking or a means to ease the rigmarole that debt has caused then The Debt Line could be one of many possible solutions.

At The Debt Line we introduce debt management plans that can reduce your debts by up to 85%. All your unsecured debts are consolidated into one lower monthly repayment. We will negotiate with your creditors on your behalf and will arrange a single, lower monthly payment which you can afford. From customers with bad credit problems, CCJs and non-homeowners, The Debtline prides itself on being able to help anyone with debt problems.

Once you have a plan for dealing with the problem, stick to it. This may mean some 'belt tightening' but the end reward, a life without crippling debt , will be very much worth it and hopefully with The Debt Line it will be easier to stay afloat.

http://4debt.blogspot.com/2006/12/drowning-in-debt.html

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Consolidate Debt Carefully

When you are looking to consolidate debt you must be careful what moves you make to do this or you can get yourself in even bigger trouble. Do not get yourself talked into taking another loan to pay off the money you already owe.

If you are able to get one based on your present difficulties you will only find yourself paying interest on top of interest by using this method. The same goes for your idea to take a second mortgage on your house to help you consolidate debt and pay it all off at once. Your home should be the most prized thing you own and so the last thing you want to do is encumber it with more debt. Interest rates on second mortgages will be much steeper than what you are paying for your first mortgage.

Some of the services that help to consolidate debt may suggest that instead you try to borrow against your retirement fund. A retirement loan does not need a credit check so it is an easy loan for you to get. It also comes with a low interest rate. These two things certainly make it an easy option in the process to consolidate debt. You will be able to get a fixed interest on a loan that will likely be for five years. That should make it easy for you to pay off.

So, by using your retirement fund to consolidate debt you will pay off what you owe all at once. It is a great idea, right? Not necessarily. This can be a risky practice if you are concerned about being able to pay off the money your have just borrowed. A retirement fund is supposed to be there for your future. Borrowing against it puts that money at risk.

Either of these solutions can be potentially dangerous ways to deal with your need to consolidate debt. You should not risk or home or your retirement fund. Since you also do not want to risk bankruptcy what you really need is to find a way to work on a better payment plan for you to pay off your debts.

Many people will turn to debt consolidation companies to negotiate with creditors and then to manage their monthly payment issues. This can be a good solution but even this plan can have problems. These companies are popping up all over the country and not all of them are honest. Many of these companies have been involved in dishonest activities with their customer's money. Before deciding on one of them investigate them thoroughly. Check with the Better Business Bureau. Make sure that when you consolidate debt you aren't simply finding more trouble.

http://4debt.blogspot.com/2006/12/consolidate-debt-carefully.html

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Consolidate Debt and Avoid Bankruptcy

Sometimes a person may get in over their head and find that they have spent more money they their monthly income will allow them to pay back. This can put them in a scary place financially. Wanting to avoid having to sell their home or vehicle, or to go bankrupt the answer is often to consolidate debt.

The most common way for this to be done is for the person, or the couple, to go to a service that will assist them to consolidate debt and find the best method to pay it off. These services will help to negotiate with the companies that are owed the money and to set up a program to pay the debt off. The client will no longer have to make individual payments to many different companies. They will instead make one payment to the service and these services will pay out the creditors. It is common for this monthly sum to be up to fifty percent less then when individual bills were being paid.

The key here is that the creditors want to be paid and so after a debt consolidation company contacts them with a payout plan they are usually willing to make concessions as long as in the long run they get paid. They are often able to lower the payment and lengthen the time available to pay the out the debt without any additional interest or penalties.

Companies understand that if a person who owes them money has gone to the trouble to consolidate debt with a service it is because they are trying to pay off the monies they owe and so are likely to be more cooperative with the debtor. A sign of good faith goes a long way. They also realize that if they instead push the person into bankruptcy that they will get nothing and that defeats the purpose of trying to collect their money.

To have a service willing to help you there will be a few things that they will demand. Typically they include conditions like you must be employed; you must owe more than two thousand dollars and have been unable to make payments in over sixty days. The kind of debt you have incurred can be through over extending your credit cards, unsecured personal loans or medical bills.

Once arrangements are made the debtor will send one payment monthly to the service. This service to consolidate debt for the debtor makes the individual payments as agreed with the creditors.

Once the debts are paid the service will get in writing statements from all creditors that the debtor has satisfactorily paid them off according to the agreed terms and nothing further is expected.

http://4debt.blogspot.com/2006/12/consolidate-debt-and-avoid-bankruptcy.html

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Consolidate Debt - Avoiding Illegal Debt Consolidation Practices

Debt consolidation does have its unsavory side. It is not hard to see that the numbers of debt consolidation firms has increased over the past three years. On the Internet alone they were amongst the major advertisers and now they out rank the household names with television commercials. Unfortunately a few of these so-called debt consolidation firms are being found guilty of illegal practices, especially in reference to the use of 'non-profit'. More and more are facing lawsuits from the FTC, the IRS and countless attorney generals nationwide.

One such firm is not only subject to a federal suit, but action by the FTC and now five separate state lawsuits against it. The firm even went as far as declaring bankruptcy, but they have not stopped operations. In fact they merely changed their names and resumed operations under as different companies. This was one of the worst so far.

Not surprising though is the fact that a lot of companies are no longer referring to themselves as 'debt consolidation companies' because of the bad media attention this case has spawned. With that in mind you need to be cautious and avoid companies that hide under the guise of debt negotiators or debt settlement firms. Some of them are in fact the same type of companies who are still acting illegally.

You are best to do background checks on debt consolidation firms, or any company, through your consumer protection agency and/or your local Better Business Bureau. However, even the feedback from the latter is not reliable. A good rating with a business bureau means nothing. More than 75% of complaints against any company does not impede the ratings if a resolution has been found. Also note that the Better Business Bureaus have no jurisdiction to investigate any complaints against debt type consolidation firms and definitely not authorized to make any resolutions.

The best advice that can be given is to simply avoid debt type consolidation firms that have registered addresses in either Florida or Maryland states. Sadly these states have no regulations to govern them. With so many varied firms available offer these services nationwide you may choose to air on the side of caution and look in other states, which could save you a fortune and the inevitable concern over any dealings with such companies of ill-repute.

There are some websites that deal with customer reviews, specifically geared towards debt consolidation firms. It is worth looking into as you can get useful feedback from those who are or did use the services of a company that you may be considering signing up with

http://4debt.blogspot.com/2006/12/consolidate-debt-avoiding-illegal-debt.html

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Are Paid to Click Sites Really Worth It?

There Are a Lot of Paid to Click Sites Out There, but Are They Really Worth the Time and Effort?
Paid to click sites are just that, you get paid to click on links. This sounds very easy, but when it comes down to it paid to click sites are just a pain. Most of these sites however aren't scams, and will allow you to actually reach their minimum payout, but this can be a very time consuming process. You need to log on everyday and click on whatever links they have posted. These links are usually only worth 1 penny, but they make you feel good because they will give you a bunch of them to start with. My question is, is all this clicking actually worth the eventual reward?

Paid to click sites are usually legit. There are a few out there that are only there to get you to click their links for them to make them money, and then they never pay you. That is what these sites are all about. They get you to click links for them that make them money. Every link that you click equals money paid to the provider of the link. This amount is usually quite a bit more than 1 penny, but that is all these sites are usually willing to give up. Some sites even offer you a sign up bonus, to get you going in the right direction. One site that I know of gives you 10 dollars just to sign up, but their minimum is 25 dollars, and they don't supply you with a lot of clicks.

Now back to my question of whether or not these sites are actually worth your time. The answer is, that it is your preference. There are many sites out there that can be vouched for, so you know your going to get paid. The only problem is are you willing to devote quite a bit of time to clicking these links. Now if you surf the web for countless hours a day then these types of sites would be great for you. You could click on a link, and then surf the web as you are credited for the click. However if you are someone that doesn't devote a lot of time to the internet, but are looking for a little extra income, paid to click sites just aren't it. They will provide you with a little income, but they get very boring and almost annoying, and you will lose interest fast if you are not normally on the web.

Paid to click sites should be known as pain to click sites. Many of these sites will actually pay you; the only problem is you have to actually make it to a point for them to pay you. This amount can sometimes seem impossible to reach as you will only be clicking for pennies, and sometimes you will not even be provided with clicks. If you are someone who spends a lot of time on the net then these might be for you. Likewise if you are not normally on the computer I wouldn't recommend paid to click sites.

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An Overview of Debt Consolidation

Debt can creep up on us and before we even know it we are in way over our heads. So, you got one credit card and then another and then another and now they're all maxed out. Or, you keep buying things on payment plans because you can't afford to pay for them all at once. Or, you're a single parent trying to work three jobs and give your children everything they want by maxing out your two lines of credit. And now you've got bad credit, don't know what to do and it's not even your fault.

Debt happens to everybody and for every reason, but admitting that doesn't make a difference. The important thing to do is just simply move forward and to be proactive about your debt. Everyone has debt and everyone can work towards eliminating it.

One popular way to improve your credit history and crawl out from under a mountain of debt is through a bad credit debt consolidation loan. This can help you improve your financial situation in a few ways. First, you only have to pay one monthly bill instead of multiple ones. Second, interest rates will be lower. Third, your monthly payments will be lower. And fourth, you only have the pressure of one creditor collecting your money instead of many. These positive characteristics make debt consolidation attractive to many people.

Although debt consolidation loans are available to almost anybody, you should do the leg work before you sign on the dotted line to make sure you are making a smart financial decision. By treating your finances this way, you can avoid future problems like the ones you may have today.

The Internet is teaming with debt consolidation companies that want your money. It is no coincidence that you need to consolidate and that they are drooling over your business. Many of the companies Online may not reputable and you need to make sure you are going to be treated fairly and professionally.

Here are some things to expect: – You will have to qualify for a debt consolidation loan just like any other credit you have obtained in the past. – If you have a home, you will likely be able to get an equity loan using your home equity. – You may be able to qualify for an unsecured loan that will not have ties to any of your assets in case you are unable to pay. – Be aware that there are companies out there to help you manage your debt without having to obtain another loan; they simply charge a fee to help you get better interest rates with your creditors and manage your monthly payments.

Before you make any decision about your financial future, be sure to research all of the avenues available to you and select a consolidation loan company that has a history and a reputation for good work. This is an important step that can have a deep impact on your financial future

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10 Tips to Choose Web Hosting For Your Website

Web Hosting, it is of course you are all not strangers(foreigners with the word or term, possibly many of we are which has applied service a web hosting for our website, both for the individual or company. Company providing service web available hosting a lot, of course from quality of service and price which on the market to be able to apply service web hosting from they also highly varied. For you experienced have been might not difficult to determine web which hosting will be applied. Actually there are easy tips to recognize service feeder web hosting which is good, between it is as follows this :

1. Certifiable
Web server which have been rented must earn always is accessed with good speed of his(its functioning time ( uptime ) also must well guaranted. Minimized 99,5% time in 1 year web server must can be accessed. Pays attention to, who knows service giver readied gives discount if server to result situs cannot be accessed

2. There is technical support
This technical support doesn't be assumed inconsequential. So if someday happened something at web server, this technical officer should be able to be contacted. More better if this technical support officer in good fig assists 24 hours one day, 7 day within a week. Doesn't in good fig receives sigh only, technical support officer also should be able to give solution.

3. installation of Kicker
Some service givers web hosting doesn't enable installer PHP, script CGI without permit. If just of web site which di-host disitu will require PHP, script CGI, Telnet, access SSH etcetera, hence some times is required before web site di-host can to server.

4. Server
Operating system applied by web server also must be paid attention. If just of situs which di-host daibangun applies ASP, will web operating system server Windows-lah do not willing to which is selected. Other choice is server having operating system to base on linux.

5. Quota Transfer Of Adequate data
Quota transfer of data often also is called as with taffic or bandwith is number of bytes transferred from man web site who is visiting web site. Brower property of visitor mengunduh will some files property of web site. Number of data transferred from web server to visitor computer usually is limited. For example a service gives quota 1GB month. More and more visitor kesitus web, faster 1GB quota [used up/finished]. If in 1 month of data transferred more than 1 GB, hence every 1MB is his(its more will be hit cost. Some services even block access to web site.

6. User Friendly Panel Control
Control panel, place of mengonrol web site, like adding and vanishs file or e-mail address, and changes password, its(the available abik. Doesn't to add and vanishs file, likely will often is done, must be done by technical support officer.

7. Subdomain
If situs will have subdomain, hence ascertaining service giver web hosting emberikan this fitur. Subdomain.

8. Available of E-mail service
Usually every service will permit e-mail making. Pays attention to also there are not of POP3, automatic response and forwarding.

9. Big Space
Web site built from various files. Its(the total measure can vary, tergantng element of constructor, picture, text, other animation and element. Pays attention to number of spaces rented and compares to the price. Usually, offering initial package is server space 20 MB. Select;chooses service giver enabling we to upgrade space or space for our website.

10. Well-balanced Price with quality of service.
The price and service must given good balance. So compared formerly some service givers before choosing. Doesn't like buying a pig in a poke, we must really knows quality which they to offer, so that we will not be disappointed is then [by] day.

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Tuesday, May 22, 2007

The Top Ten Tips To Lose BodyWeight

The tips are simple habits that everyone can permanently fit into their daily routines. Keeping up all ten tips in the long term will help you lose weight and keep it off.

  1. Keep to your meal routine. Try to eat at roughly the same times each day, whether this is two or five times a day. For more information, go to our Eating Habits section.
  2. Go reduced fat. Choose reduced fat versions of foods such as dairy products, spreads and salad dressings where you can. Use them sparingly as some can still be high in fat. For more information, go to our Hidden Calories section.
  3. Walk off the weight. Walk 10,000 steps (about 60-90 minutes of moderate activity) each day. You can use a pedometer to help count the steps. You can break up your walking over the day. For more information, go to our Walking section.
  4. Pack a healthy snack. If you snack, choose a healthy option such as fresh fruit or low calorie yogurts instead of chocolate or crisps. For more information, go to our Healthy Meal Ideas section.
  5. Look at the labels. Be careful about food claims. Check the fat and sugar content on food labels when shopping and preparing food. For more information, go to our Look at the Labels section.
  6. Caution with your portions. Don't heap food on your plate (except vegetables). Think twice before having second helpings. For more information, go to our Portion Caution section.
  7. Up on your feet. Break up your sitting time. Stand up for ten minutes out of every hour. For more information, go to our Keep on Moving section.
  8. Think about your drinks. Choose water or sugar-free squashes. Unsweetened fruit juice contains natural sugar so limit it to 1 glass per day (200ml / 1/3 pint). Alcohol is high in calories; try to limit the amount you drink. For more information, go to our Hidden Calories section.
  9. Focus on your food. Slow down. Don't eat on the go or while watching TV. Eat at a table if possible. For more information, go to our Eating Habits section.
  10. Don’t forget your 5 a day. Eat at least five portions of fruit and vegetables a day (400g in total). For more information, go to our Five a Day section.

    The Ten Top Tips programme helps you incorporate the lifestyle changes into your daily routine so that they become automatic. Keeping track of whether you have successfully completed the tips on a daily basis is important for sticking to them. Read on to find the Ten Top Tips tick sheet, and other important hints for sticking to the tips.

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Sunday, May 6, 2007

Prostate cancer

Prostate cancer is a disease in which cancer develops in the prostate, a gland in the male reproductive system. Cancer occurs when cells of the prostate mutate and begin to multiply out of control. These cells may spread (metastasize) from the prostate to other parts of the body, especially the bones and lymph nodes. Prostate cancer may cause pain, difficulty in urinating, erectile dysfunction and other symptoms.

Rates of prostate cancer vary widely across the world. Although the rates vary widely between countries, it is least common in South and East Asia, more common in Europe, and most common in the United States. According to the American Cancer Society, prostate cancer is least common among Asian men and most common among black men with figures for European men in-between. However, these high rates may be affected by increasing rates of detection.

Prostate cancer develops most frequently in men over fifty. This cancer can occur only in men, as the prostate is exclusively of the male reproductive tract. It is the most common type of cancer in men in the United States, where it is responsible for more male deaths than any other cancer, except lung cancer. However, many men who develop prostate cancer never have symptoms, undergo no therapy, and eventually die of other causes. Many factors, including genetics and diet, have been implicated in the development of prostate cancer.

Prostate cancer is most often discovered by physical examination or by screening blood tests, such as the PSA (prostate specific antigen) test. There is some current concern about the accuracy of the PSA test and its usefulness. Suspected prostate cancer is typically confirmed by removing a piece of the prostate (biopsy) and examining it under a microscope. Further tests, such as X-rays and bone scans, may be performed to determine whether prostate cancer has spread.

Prostate cancer can be treated with surgery, radiation therapy, hormone therapy, occasionally chemotherapy, or some combination of these. The age and underlying health of the man as well as the extent of spread, appearance under the microscope, and response of the cancer to initial treatment are important in determining the outcome of the disease. Since prostate cancer is a disease of older men, many will die of other causes before the prostate cancer can spread or cause symptoms. This makes treatment selection difficult. The decision whether or not to treat localized prostate cancer (a tumor that is contained within the prostate) with curative intent is a patient trade-off between the expected beneficial and harmful effects in terms of patient survival and quality of life.

Source : wikipedia

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Prevention of Environmental Causes Of Breast Cancer

Fewer than 10 percent of breast cancers are genetic. When all known risk factors and characteristics are added together, including family history, genetics, smoking and obesity, more than 50 percent of breast cancer cases remain unexplained. According to State of the Evidence 2006 - What Is the Connection Between the Environment and Breast Cancer??, a report which reviews and analyzes nearly 350 journal-published scientific studies on environmental links to breast cancer:

Over 100,000 synthetic chemicals are registered for use today in the United States, with an additional 1,000 new chemicals added each year, yet less than 10 percent of these chemicals have been tested for their effects on human health. Large numbers of these chemicals are found in products we come into contact with every day and compelling scientific evidence points to these chemicals as contributing to the development of breast cancer, either by altering hormone function or gene expression

Many toxic chemicals are now credibly linked to serious chronic diseases including breast cancer. Furthermore, new science demonstrates that even very small amounts of some chemicals can have adverse health effects, particularly in pregnant mothers, infants and small children. (See State of the Evidence)

The Breast Cancer Fund suggests the following environmental prevention methods:

Practice Healthy Purchasing:

Don?t bring toxic chemicals home from the store. Choose chlorine-free paper products to reduce dioxin, a carcinogen released when chlorinated products are incinerated. Read food labels, and choose pesticide-free, organic produce and hormone-free meats and dairy products. Replace harmful household cleaners that contain bleach with cheaper, nontoxic alternatives like baking soda, borax soap and vinegar. Look for alternatives to chemical weed and bug killers? many contain toxic chemicals that accumulate in our bodies.

Use Caution with Plastics:

Some plastics leach hormone-disrupting chemicals called phthalates into the substances they touch. Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) plastics release carcinogens into our air and water during the production process. PVC plastics are especially dangerous in toys that children put in their mouths, so keep an eye out for nontoxic toys. Further, never put plastic or plastic wrap in the microwave, as this can release phthalates into food and beverages.

Advocate for Clean Air:

The soot and fumes released by factories, automobiles, diesel trucks and tobacco products contain chemicals called polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) that are linked to breast cancer. Indeed, breathing these compounds from secondhand tobacco smoke may increase your risk for breast cancer more than active smoking. Stay away from secondhand smoke, and advocate for stronger clean air protections.

Avoid Unnecessary Radiation:

Ionizing radiation is a known cause of breast cancer. Radiation damage to genes is cumulative over a lifetime?thus many low doses may have the same effect as a single high dose. Mammograms, other X-rays and CT scans expose you to radiation. While mammography screening may benefit postmenopausal women, mammography for women in their 30s and 40s remains controversial. Whenever you have an X-ray or scan, request a lead shield to protect the areas of your body not being X-rayed.

Explore Alternatives to Artificial Estrogens:

Women who have prolonged exposure to estrogens are at higher risk for breast cancer, and major studies continue to show an increased risk when postmenopausal women use hormone replacement therapy (HRT). Women who use both birth control pills and?later in life?HRT face an even greater risk of breast cancer than those who use neither. Explore your options with healthcare professionals.

Advocate for Safe Cosmetics:

Chemicals linked to cancer and birth defects do not belong in cosmetics, period. However, some popular brands of shampoo, deodorant, face cream and other everyday products contain these dangerous chemicals. The Breast Cancer Fund demands safer products and smarter laws by letting cosmetics companies know they need a makeover. The public can join BCF in asking cosmetic companies to sign the Compact for Safe Cosmetics, a pledge to substitute chemicals linked to birth defects, infertility, cancer, brain damage and other serious health consequences with safer alternatives.

Source : wikipedia

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Etiology of Breast Cancer Disease

Breast cancer, like other forms of cancer, is considered to be a result of damage to DNA. Although many epidemiological risk factors, and biological co-factors and promoters have been identified, the majority of breast cancer incidence remains unattributable, and the primary cause is unknown.

All women and men are at risk for breast cancer, regardless of hereditary factors. In fact, 85 to 90 percent of breast cancer incidences cannot be explained by inherited genetic predisposition. Other known risk factors and personal characteristics include personal or family history of breast cancer, high breast tissue density, earlier onset of menstruation (12 years or younger), later menopause (55 years or older), late first-term pregnancy (30 years or older), no children or no breast-feeding, early or recent use of oral contraceptives, more than four years use of hormone replacement therapy, postmenopausal obesity, alcohol consumption, exposures to secondhand cigarette smoke and exposure to ionizing radiation. When all known risk factors and characteristics are added together including genetics and family history, as much as 50 percent of breast cancer cases remain unexplained. There is much more research in diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer than in its cause.

Age

The risk of getting breast cancer increases with age. For someone who lives to the age of 90, the chances of getting breast cancer is about 14.3% or one in seven during their lifetime. Men can also develop breast cancer, but their risk is less than one in 1000. This risk is modified by many different factors. In a very small (~ 5%) proportion of breast cancer cases, there is a strong inherited familial risk.

The probability of breast cancer rises with age but breast cancer tends to be more aggressive when it occurs in younger people. One type of breast cancer that is especially aggressive and disproportionately occurs in younger people is inflammatory breast cancer. It is initially staged as Stage IIIb or Stage IV. It also is unique because it often does not present with a lump so that it often is not detected by mammography or ultrasound. It presents with the signs and symptoms of a breast infection like mastitis.

Alcohol

Alcohol generally appears to increase the risk of breast cancer.The new research estimates that a woman drinking an average of two units of alcohol per day has a lifetime risk of developing breast cancer 8% higher than a woman who drinks an average of one unit of alcohol per day. The risk of breast cancer further increases with each additional drink consumed per day. The research also concludes that approximately 6% (between 3.2% and 8.8%) of breast cancers reported in the UK each year could be prevented if drinking was reduced to a very low level (i.e. less than 1 unit/week)."

Data from that research found that drinking alcohol moderately did not increase breast cancer risk. Breast cancer constitutes about 7.3% of all cancers. Among women, breast cancer comprises 60% of alcohol-attributable cancers. One study suggests that women who frequently drink red wine may have an increased risk of developing breast cancer.

"Folate intake counteracts breast cancer risk associated with alcohol consumption" and "women who drink alcohol and have a high folate intake are not at increased risk of cancer." Those who have a high (200 micrograms or more per day) level of folate (folic acid or Vitamin B9) in their diet are not at increased risk of breast cancer compared to those who abstain from alcohol. Foods rich in folate include citrus fruits, citrus juices, dark green leafy vegetables (such as spinach), dried beans, and peas. Vitamin B9 can also be taken in a multivitamin pill.

Environmental causes

Although environmental exposures are not generally cited as risk factors for the disease (except for diet, pharmaceuticals and radiation), a substantial and growing body of evidence indicates that exposures to certain toxic chemicals and hormone-mimicking compounds including chemicals used in pesticides, cosmetics and cleaning products contribute to the development of breast cancer. A recent Canadian study concluded that female farm workers are three times more likely to have breast cancer.

Genes

Two autosomal dominant genes, BRCA1 and BRCA2, have been linked to the rare familial form of breast cancer. People in families expressing mutations in these genes have a 60% to 80% risk of developing breast cancer according to Robbins Pathological Basis of Disease.

Hormones

Persistently increased blood levels of estrogen are associated with an increased risk of breast cancer, as are increased levels of the androgens androstenedione and testosterone Increased blood levels of progesterone are associated with a decreased risk of breast cancer in premenopausal women. A number of circumstances which increase exposure to endogenous estrogens including not having children, delaying first childbirth, not breastfeeding, early menarche (the first menstrual period) and late menopause are suspected of increasing lifetime risk for developing breast cancer.

Combined oral contraceptive pills may produce a slight increase in breast cancer risk among long-term users, but this appears to be a short-term effect. Further, the cancers diagnosed in women who had ever used hormonal contraceptives were less advanced than those in nonusers, raising the possibility that the small excess among users was due to increased detection. Breast cancer risk associated with hormonal contraceptive use did not appear to vary with family history of breast cancer.

Light levels

Researchers at the National Cancer Institute and National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences have concluded a study that suggests that artificial light can be a factor for breast cancer.

Obesity

Gaining weight after the menopause can increase a woman's or man's risk. Putting on 9.9kg (22lbs) increased the risk of developing breast cancer by 18%.

Unproven

It has been hypothesized that abortion may increase the risk of breast cancer because of hormones in early pregnancy. Recent large studies do not support this association.

Although not well quantified there has long been a concern about risk associated with environmental estrogenic compounds, such as dioxins, or phytoestrogens such as found in soy beans.

Aluminum salts such as those used in anti-perspirants have recently been classified as metalloestrogens. In research published in the Journal of Applied Toxicology, Dr. Philippa D. Darbre of the University of Reading has shown that aluminium salts increase estrogen-related gene expression in human breast cancer cells grown in the laboratory.

Some Traditional Chinese medicine doctors such as Dr. Hai-Sha Ni believe breast cancer is caused by clogged monthly milk secreting in women's bodies, which will transist to menstruate if no pregnancy happens in normal situations.

Source : wikipedia

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What is Breast cancer ?

Breast cancer is a cancer of the breast tissue. It’s the most common form of cancer in females - affecting, at some time in their lives, approximately one out of nine to one out of thirteen women who reach age ninety in the Western world. It is the second most fatal cancer in women (after lung cancer), and the number of cases has significantly increased since the 1970s, a phenomenon partly blamed on modern lifestyles in the Western world. Because the breast is composed of identical tissues in males and females, breast cancer can also occur in males, although cases of male breast cancer account for less than one percent of the total.

Breast cancer History

Breast cancer is one of the oldest known forms of cancer tumors in humans. The oldest description of cancer was discovered in Egypt and dates back to approximately 1600 BC. The Edwin Smith Papyrus describes 8 cases of tumors or ulcers of the breast that were treated by cauterization, with a tool called "the fire drill." The writing says about the disease, "There is no treatment." At least one of the described cases is male. For centuries, physicians described similar cases in their practises, with the same sad conclusion. It wasn't until doctors achieved greater understanding of the circulatory system in the 17th century that they could establish a link between breast cancer and the lymph nodes in the armpit. The French surgeon Jean Louis Petit (1674-1750) and later the Scottish surgeon Benjamin Bell (1749-1806) were the first to remove the lymph nodes, breast tissue, and underlying chest muscle. Their successful work was carried on by William Stewart Halsted who started performing mastectomies in 1882. He became known for his Halsted radical mastectomy, a surgical procedure that remained popular up to the 1970s.

Breast cancer type :

· Ductal carcinoma

· Lobular carcinoma

· Inflammatory breast cancer

· Medullary carcinoma

· Colloid carcinoma

· Papillary carcinoma

· Metaplastic carcinoma


Source : wikipedia

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Friday, May 4, 2007

E-healthcare operations

Another area of administrative efficiency is the use of bar codes not only on all medical supply packaging as proposed by Rundle (1997) but also for services rendered to the patients. Patients can be bar-coded when they are admitted. The code should include personal details as well as their medical history. Such a hybrid barcode will facilitate: keeping track of patient treatment services and billings, as well as decisions concerning lines of treatment, if (associated with codes) we can also have medical evidence-based expert-systems formulations. With the internet revolution sweeping the globe and internet technology transforming the world of commerce so rapidly, e-healthcare (entailing effective involvement of IT in healthcare delivery and hospital operations) has become recognised as a new and important strategy in the healthcare arena. Some of its applications entail patient-care services online (http://www.netcare.com.sg/), medical record online (http://www.meetdoc.com/), pharmaceutical products online (http://www.drugstore.com/), blood appeal (donation) through net (www.donorweb.org).

Additionally, e-procurement has been implemented by numerous organisations in recent years (Perez, 2000). It is expected that the volume of US pharmaceutical and medical transactions will increase from $1 billion in 1999 to $44 billion in 2003, representing a 136% compounded annual growth rate. E-procurement solutions in the healthcare market offer significant cost reduction benefits to buying organisations, primarily in terms of process cost-savings as opposed to reductions in net pricing.
In general, e-healthcare entails translation of the needs of healthcare units by the IT department. Possibly, the most impactful e-healthcare activity would be e-patientcare, entailing the following operations: patient history-taking generation of intelligent medical records development of decision-tree based diagnostic and interventional procedures specific to the patient. A major application of e-healthcare is in patient-centered services. For instance, by employing emerging technology, patients at the National University Hospital, (Singapore) have been provided with online personalised healthcare with the new health service. The service enables general practitioners to develop patient history, forward it to the tertiary-care hospital and then set up appointments.

For non life-threatening, semi-emergency situations, telemedicine is another patient-catering service, by which the elderly and the invalid would not have to make a trip to a clinic or hospital to get a consultation. The system consists of a video camera and computer screen, by which doctor and patients can communicate through info-communication technology. Basic medical information, such as body temperature, blood pressure and even ECG can be measured by the nurse from the remote patient’s site, and this information can be transmitted to the doctor/hospital. With these computer-assisted consultations, the patient saves on trips, but can still ‘see’ a doctor. Subsequently, follow-up medical checks and consultations are equally easy. While we have been talking about the scope of electronic hospital operations, probably the biggest impact of e-procedures could be in modelling of some specific functional processes, with a view to optimising them or making them cost-effective.

Examples of such clinical services that lend themselves to simulation are: functioning of intensive-care units (ICU), operation theatres and emergency medicine departments. For instance, simulation of ICUs can enable optimal layout of nurses stations and patient beds to maximise patient monitoring and surveillance. Simulation of an operation-theatre can also provide the optimal doctors and nurses’ circulation about the patient. In the case of emergency medicine, simulation can help to determine the optimal number of doctors and nurses in attendance, so as to minimise the wait-time. A mathematical approach to simulation (based on control theory) was initiated by Simon (1952) and Vassian (1955) for continuous-time and discrete-time events, respectively.

In another type of simulation (using a computer) involving system dynamics in total quality management (TQM), Khong (1999) proposed a human resource management model for computer software simulation. The e-clinic (Virtual Diagnostic Clinic) is yet another area of electronic healthcare. Traditionally, patients are required to travel to a clinic, by queuing and waiting for their turn before they can seek medical attention. The entire process can be time-consuming and inefficient.

An online virtual diagnostic clinic is thus proposed to minimise waiting and travelling time spent in the current practices, is shown in picture. The virtual diagnostic clinic is an outpatient clinic, designed to serve patients round the clock, as schematised in picture. The patient just needs to log on to the virtual clinic system to seek medical attention. The server is manned by doctors to help the patients decide if they should seek treatment for a condition. The consultation process can be done via the internet, whereby the patient discloses her/his age, sex, blood group, drug allergies and the medical problem.

The doctor further assesses the patient condition and gives advice accordingly. This system could also have the tools to enable the patient to monitor their high blood pressure or their blood sugar level. In such cases, the patients could purchase the relevant monitoring equipment, measure their own blood pressure and blood sugar level, and have these readings entered into the system. Should the doctor detect the slipping of the patients’ control on their own medical condition, the system can prompt the patients to visit the doctor and fix an appointment for them. This interactive system can also function as an e-healthcare advisory centre, whereby the patient could log on to the system to seek healthcare advice.

After the patient enters the profile and topic-of-interest into the computer, the relevant information can be directed to them. This is done with the aim of narrow-casting the patient, instead of broadcasting the patient with all information. For instance, a patient suffering from high blood pressure need not stop at just monitoring her/his condition on the system. S/he can ask for information about the medication s/he is taking to control her/his condition, the dangers of over and under consumption of the drugs, the dosage of the drugs, the recommended diet plan, and where to get the cheapest and most reliable drugs.

Alternatively, doctors can also access and know the patient’s medical history as well as family history when the patient gives the user-ID and password to the doctor, ensuring the continuity of records and thus the continuity of care. This access is especially crucial in the case of an emergency, where such knowledge can be a matter of life and death. For instance, the doctor can avoid giving the patient medicine that the patient is allergic to.

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Where to reduce healthcare operation costs

The business of healthcare industry comprises a wide variety of enterprises. Products and services comprise of medical consumables, pharmaceuticals, catering and food, laundry cleaning, waste management and disposal, home-care products, information technology, vehicle fleet management and general research supplies (Gattorna, 1998). The healthcare industry has historically viewed itself as being operationally different from other businesses (Jarrett, 1998). Primarily, this thought has developed because healthcare providers believe that, unlike managers in the manufacturing industry, they cannot control or project their production or operational schedules. However, the healthcare industry is facing an environment where there are pressures to reduce operating costs and increase margins, without threatening production or medical-care quality.
An analysis of the total healthcare system indicates that the supply-management system is one of the primary areas where cost reductions can be a predictable outcome (Butters and Eom, 1992). At the same time, as Jarrett points out, the one advantage of reengineering the supply chain is that the cost reductions would not affect all the components of the medical-care operation. The increase in healthcare costs and inefficiencies are partly due to inadequate and tedious purchasing procedures (Alt, 1997). With supplies and services representing the second largest expense category in a hospital’s operating budget, procurement professionals are under enormous pressure to reduce cost in these areas.
To do so, there are two pathways available. One is to lower the unit price paid for those goods and services, and the other is to lower the transaction costs. The theory of information systems (ISs) concentrates on getting the right information at the right time in the right format to the right user. This requires focus on organisational objectives as well as design and dynamics as much as it requires focus on the procurement of the most appropriate hardware and software (Leonard et al., 2000). It is to be recognised that healthcare supply chains have evolved from mass to focused marketing and that while flexibility is essential, facilities need to be concentrating on integrated supply chains.
Healthcare costs are under attack by the public because healthcare information management systems are merging and consolidating (Adams, 1995). That means current healthcare logistical research needs to focus on specific supply chain processes, especially on the information flow. Indeed, supply chain automation in a modern healthcare organisation (HCO) represents a huge target for cost savings.

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