http://www.moronacity.com/health-journal Health Mon, 10 Sep 2012 22:33:38 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.8.4 en hourly 1 http://www.moronacity.com/health-journal/2012/09/green-coffee-bean-extract/ http://www.moronacity.com/health-journal/2012/09/green-coffee-bean-extract/#comments Mon, 10 Sep 2012 22:33:38 +0000 Diane Ursu http://www.moronacity.com/health-journal/?p=528 There is no magic pill for weight loss, but green coffee bean extract may effectively aid in the battle of the bulge. The dietary supplement was featured on The Dr. Oz Show, but Dr. Oz went much further than simply informing his audience about the possible benefits of this simple supplement.

The Dr. Oz Show conducted the “Green Coffee Bean Project” to test the effectiveness of green coffee bean extract in women. One hundred overweight women between the ages of 35 and 49 were asked to take green coffee bean extract or a placebo. None of these women were pregnant or breastfeeding, nor had any health problems such as diabetes or heart disease.

The women were divided into two groups—one taking the placebo and one taking 400 mg capsules 30 minutes before each meal. All of the women were asked to keep a food journal and not make any dietary changes.

After two weeks, the women taking the green coffee bean extract lost two pounds. The women who were taking the placebo lost, on average, one pound. The Dr. Oz Show attributes the one-pound loss in the placebo group to greater awareness of their food intake due to the journaling.

Dr. Oz recommended trying green coffee bean extract, but cautioned against low-quality products. He gave the following recommendations for finding the right green coffee bean abstract supplement. The supplement:

• must contain Svetol® or GCA®;
• should contain at least 45% chlorogenic acid;
• should not contain fillers, binders, or artificial ingredients;
• should contain a full list of ingredients.

Dr. Oz recommends taking 400 mg of green coffee bean extract, three times per day, 1/2 hour before meals. He says that a 30-day supply costs about $30, so the free option is to keep a food journal.

Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding and young people under the age of 18 should not take green coffee bean extract. Green coffee bean abstract is a new supplement, so there may be unknown effects that have not been found in clinical studies. Dr. Oz does not endorse any brands.

]]> http://www.moronacity.com/health-journal/2012/09/green-coffee-bean-extract/feed/ 1 http://www.moronacity.com/health-journal/2011/06/colon-cancer-symptoms-and-signs/ http://www.moronacity.com/health-journal/2011/06/colon-cancer-symptoms-and-signs/#comments Fri, 10 Jun 2011 20:59:02 +0000 Diane Ursu http://www.moronacity.com/health-journal/?p=505 The colon is the large intestine, the bowel that extends from the small intestine to the anus. The colon absorbs nutrients and fluid from food while forming the feces that is expelled from the body as waste. Colon cancer symptoms and signs are often noticeable with changes in fecal characteristics.

The National Cancer Institute (NCI) at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) estimates that there were more than 142,000 new cases of colon cancer and rectal cancer in 2010 with more than 51,000 deaths. “Most colon cancers are adenocarcinomas (cancers that begin in cells that make and release mucus and other fluids),” explains the NCI in their article, “Colon and Rectal Cancer.” These adenocarcinomas arise from polyps.

“Only 5% of all colon cancers occur in families with a history of colon cancer and identifiable genetic defects,” reports eMedicineHealth in their article, “Colon Cancer.” Family history of colon cancer; ulcerative colitis or Crohn disease; breast, uterine, or ovarian cancer; obesity; and tobacco use increase the risk for developing colon cancer.

Colon Cancer Signs and Symptoms

Surviving colon cancer largely depends on early detection. Immediately see a doctor if any of the following colon cancer signs and symptoms occur:

• rectal bleeding, even if hemorrhoids are suspected to be the cause;
• iron deficiency anemia, which may produce fatigue and pallor;
• abdominal swelling without weight gain;
• abdominal pain;
• unexplained weight loss;
• unexplained vomiting;
• change in bowel habits, such as frequency or appearance of stool;
• sensation that a bowel movement is incomplete;
• rectal pain.

Narrow or ribbon-like stool is also considered a sign of cancer, but is most often a sign of other conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome. In the Mayo Clinic article, “Narrow stools: Should I be concerned?” Michael Picco, M.D. advises checking with a doctor if narrow stools persist for more than two weeks. “Consult your doctor immediately if your bowel changes are accompanied by rectal bleeding or severe abdominal pain.”

According to eMedicineHealth, you should immediately go to the emergency department if you experience “copious bleeding from your rectum, unexplained severe pain in your belly or pelvis, or vomiting and the inability to keep fluids down.”

]]> http://www.moronacity.com/health-journal/2011/06/colon-cancer-symptoms-and-signs/feed/ 0 http://www.moronacity.com/health-journal/2011/06/how-to-treat-sunburn-and-alleviate-symptoms/ http://www.moronacity.com/health-journal/2011/06/how-to-treat-sunburn-and-alleviate-symptoms/#comments Thu, 09 Jun 2011 15:35:55 +0000 Diane Ursu http://www.moronacity.com/health-journal/?p=487 The sun shines brightly during the long days of summer, motivating many to get outside to play and soak up the rays. Unfortunately, those who venture outdoors are often plagued with sunburn.

Sunburned skin is red and painful. It may be warm to the touch. Blisters and swelling may develop. In their article, “Sunburn: Symptoms,” the Mayo Clinic advises, “See your doctor if the sunburn is blistering and covers a large portion of your body; is accompanied by a high fever, extreme pain, headache, confusion, nausea or chills; [and] doesn’t respond to at-home care within a few days.” The only cure for sunburn is to allow it to runs its course, but there are several things you can do to treat sunburn symptoms and to promote good skin health. The following are tips for how to treat sunburn and alleviate symptoms.

1. Drink water. Aim for the recommended eight glasses per day. This helps regulate body temperature and is essential for normal body processes, including healing the skin. It treats dehydration caused by sunburn.
   
   
2. Take an anti-inflammatory medication. This helps to reduce swelling and pain. Anti-inflammatory medications include aspirin, ibuprofen, and acetaminophen. While acetaminophen and ibuprofen are more popular choices, compare the effects of each with aspirin to find what really works for you. If you are already taking aspirin for heart health, simply increase your dose from one baby aspirin to one or two regular aspirin. You may need to take the aspirin every four hours for pain relief.
   
   
3. Use a cold compress. This cools the skin to relieve pain and to reduce swelling. Another option is to take a cool bath.
   
   
4. Apply a moisturizer containing aloe vera. Apply a moisturizer to the skin, such as body lotion or aloe vera. The aloe vera may reduce pain and inflammation. Use a water-based moisturizer to allow the skin to breathe and to lessen the likelihood of acne breakouts. Avoid moisturizers with fragrances that may irritate the skin. Continue moisturizing until after the skin is finished peeling.
   
   
5. Apply a hydrocortisone cream. Look for a hydrocortisone cream, such as Cortisone 10, to treat pain, swelling, and itching.
   
   
6. Do not break any blisters. You may wish to cover them to protect them. If a blister breaks, apply an antibiotic ointment to prevent infection.
   
]]> http://www.moronacity.com/health-journal/2011/06/how-to-treat-sunburn-and-alleviate-symptoms/feed/ 0 http://www.moronacity.com/health-journal/2011/06/how-to-treat-a-sinus-infection-without-antibiotics/ http://www.moronacity.com/health-journal/2011/06/how-to-treat-a-sinus-infection-without-antibiotics/#comments Wed, 08 Jun 2011 17:25:23 +0000 Diane Ursu http://www.moronacity.com/health-journal/?p=464 Sinus pain and pressure accompanied by nasal congestion are the trademarks of a sinus infection. These symptoms are caused by the swelling and inflammation of the nasal cavities, also known as acute sinusitis. Treating sinusitis may prevent the infection from affecting the ears and causing serious complications.

Antibiotics are commonly prescribed for sinus infections, but they may not be the best choice. Some antibiotics produce negative side effects, such as indigestion and yeast infections. Antibiotics will not cure sinus infections caused by viruses. Fortunately, it is possible to treat a sinus infection without antibiotics.

Mucus buildup causes nasal congestion and sinus pressure. Promoting sinus drainage relieves the stuffiness and reduces the pressure. Proper drainage is also important for removing bacteria and viruses from the nasal cavity.


1. Treat nasal congestion with an oral decongestant or nasal spray. Choose one that works, and avoid medications that treat multiple symptoms if you do not have those symptoms. For example, you do not need a medication that treats coughing if you do not have a cough.
   
   
2. Treat your nasal passages with a steam bath. Hold your head over a pot of steaming water and drape a towel over your head. This may help reduce sinus congestion and inflammation.
   
   
3. Use a neti pot to rinse the nasal cavity. After nasal congestion subsides, fill the pot with lukewarm water and about one teaspoon of salt (vary the ratio to find what works for you). Mix well, tilt the head, hold the neti pot spout to one nostril, and pour the water through the nose. Continue breathing while doing this. The water will come out of the other nostril. Nasal rinses are highly effective for removing mucus that is lodged in the nasal cavity. This helps to remove unwanted bacteria and viruses.
   
   
4. Drink plenty of fluids to thin mucus. Avoid caffeine and alcohol’s dehydrating effects.
   
   
5. Eat garlic for its antiviral and antibiotic properties. Eat a whole bulb of garlic, preferably raw, but roasted is also beneficial.
   
   
6. Pour hydrogen peroxide in your ears three times per day. Hydrogen peroxide kills the bacteria and viruses spread into the ears from the throat via the Eustachian tubes. This helps prevent ear infections. Hydrogen peroxide treatment at the onset of cold or flu symptoms may also prevent disease from advancing.
   
In their article, “Acute sinusitis: Symptoms,” the Mayo Clinic recommends, “See a doctor immediately if you have signs or symptoms that may indicate a serious infection: pain or swelling around your eyes, swollen forehead, severe headache, confusion, double vision or other vision changes, stiff neck, and shortness of breath.”

Most sinus infections will resolve without antibiotics if treated properly. Contact your doctor if the sinus infection lasts more than two weeks. Antibiotic treatment may be necessary.

]]> http://www.moronacity.com/health-journal/2011/06/how-to-treat-a-sinus-infection-without-antibiotics/feed/ 0 http://www.moronacity.com/health-journal/2011/06/how-to-become-an-ultrasound-tech/ http://www.moronacity.com/health-journal/2011/06/how-to-become-an-ultrasound-tech/#comments Fri, 03 Jun 2011 04:46:54 +0000 Diane Ursu http://www.moronacity.com/health-journal/?p=451 Ultrasound techs are highly trained healthcare professionals. Also called sonographers, they have a good understanding of ultrasound physics, physiology and anatomy, and disease processes. An ultrasound career requires excellent eye-hand coordination. Interpreting an ultrasound image may seem counterintuitive, at first, but becomes easier with experience.

Diagnostic Medical Sonography

Diagnostic medical sonography is a challenging career because it requires that one be both “book smart” and visual. This is difficult for some because an incredibly book-smart person does not necessarily make a great scanner, and a wonderful scanner may find the coursework difficult.

Essentially, ultrasound technicians are medical photographers who must be able to navigate each patient’s unique anatomy to obtain the appropriate images that will accurately demonstrate the patient’s health. They select different cameras for different examinations, and they choose different frequencies and other settings according to their patient’s physique.

Ultrasound Tech Salary

Sonographers generally make between $50,000 and $60,000 per year, although starting wages may be lower. Those who specialize in a particular type of ultrasound, such as cardiac ultrasound, may earn considerably more.

Ultrasound Technician School

The following are the steps you should take from preparing for ultrasound technician school to finding employment.


1. Become a competitive candidate. Diagnostic medical sonography programs are quite competitive. If your high school grades are less than exceptional, take some college courses to establish a college record. Earning a grade point average of 4.0 is ideal. In some programs, the lowest accepted GPA has been no lower than a 3.8.
   
   
2. Apply for an accredited program. While a two-year applied science program with a concentration in diagnostic medical sonography is acceptable, you may not be board registry eligible upon graduation. If you apply to an accredited program, you may take your board exam upon graduation.
   
   
3. Complete your didactic and clinical training. Diagnostic medical sonography programs include classroom work covering patient care, anatomy and physiology, and specific ultrasound courses. You will need to complete clinical work at a hospital with a registered sonographer. This is where you will develop hands-on experience with patient care and scanning. Some clinical instructors may challenge you, personally. Always show interest, ask questions, and do what they tell you.
   
   
4. Two to three months before graduation, send your resume to several potential employers. Many employers will hire new graduates with a contract clause of sitting for the registry exam within one year of employment.
   
   
5. Sit for the registry exam. Registered technicians have more opportunities and, in many cases, are the only sonographers considered for employment. Most traveling technician services require registered sonographers. Some hospitals pay higher wages for registered sonographers.

]]> http://www.moronacity.com/health-journal/2011/06/how-to-become-an-ultrasound-tech/feed/ 0 http://www.moronacity.com/health-journal/2011/06/5-lifestyle-changes-that-lower-blood-pressure-without-medication/ http://www.moronacity.com/health-journal/2011/06/5-lifestyle-changes-that-lower-blood-pressure-without-medication/#comments Thu, 02 Jun 2011 16:37:48 +0000 Diane Ursu http://www.moronacity.com/health-journal/?p=446 Chronically high blood pressure is called hypertension. Generally, no symptoms are associated with hypertension, although dizziness and headaches may occur in the more advanced stages.

Hypertension produces increased pressure on the arterial walls. This added pressure may produce tears in the arterial wall that may develop into plaque deposits. This plaque buildup can lead to heart disease, peripheral vascular disease, stroke, aneurysms, vision loss, and kidney failure.

Most people can make lifestyle changes to lower blood pressure. The key to success is to make one change at a time. Making too many changes at once can be overwhelming and lead to failure. Slowly incorporate the following changes to lower blood pressure without medication.

Eat a Low Fat Diet

Fast food restaurants, name-brand cookies and cakes, potato chips, and many other processed foods provide an overabundance of not only fat, but bad fat. These foods are full of saturated fat and hydrogenated oil. Saturated fat is known to cause cardiovascular disease. Hydrogenated oils are also known as trans-fat and are also linked with cardiovascular disease.

Good fat is necessary for good health. For example, many people take Vitamin D supplements, but do not take them with a meal containing fat; so much of the Vitamin D is not absorbed by the body. Good fat can also help lower your risk for heart disease and other cardiovascular problems. Opt for small amounts of monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats. These are found in nutritious foods such as olive oil, nuts, and avocados. Opt for lean cuts of meat and trim the fat prior to eating.

Weaning yourself off of fatty, processed foods can be quite difficult because cravings for the carbohydrates and the man-made chemicals can be strong. Start out by avoiding all fast-food restaurants. Do not buy anything from them. Replace all breads and pastas with 100% whole-grain bread and pasta. Make your own pies using fresh fruit and whole-grain flour. The whole-grain foods may taste “weird,” at first, but you will end up loving these foods. Also, avoid all food containing high-fructose corn syrup, a man-made sugar replacement that is known for increasing appetite and causing diabetes.

Eat Less Salt

“A lower sodium level — 1,500 milligrams (mg) a day — is appropriate for people 51 years of age or older, and individuals of any age who are African-American or who have hypertension, diabetes or chronic kidney disease,” explains the Mayo Clinic in their article, “High blood pressure (hypertension): Lifestyle and home remedies.” “Otherwise healthy people can aim for 2,300 mg a day or less.”

Many processed foods are packed full of sodium, so read the food labels. The easiest method for lowering sodium intake is to shop the perimeter of the store, avoiding the inner aisles containing the canned and boxed food. Opt for fresh meat, dairy, fruits, and vegetables.

Most food should not need added salt, so avoid the salt shaker in favor of herbs and spices. Fresh herbs and spices are more flavorful. Toss whole-grain pasta with fresh, diced tomato, olive oil, fresh basil, freshly-ground black pepper, and freshly-grated Parmesan cheese instead of using canned tomato sauce. If there is a demand for tomato sauce, learn how to make it from scratch. The point is that fresh foods are more flavorful and negate the need for added salt.

Decrease Alcohol Consumption

Alcohol consumption is directly related to hypertension. “The association between alcohol and high blood pressure is particularly noticeable when the alcohol intake exceeds five drinks per day. Moreover, the connection is a dose-related phenomenon. In other words, the more alcohol that is consumed, the stronger is the link with hypertension,” explains MedicineNet in their article, “How Do Alcohol, Coffee, and Smoking Influence Blood Pressure?”

Quit Smoking and Avoid Secondhand Smoke

Tobacco smoke is overwhelmingly linked to cardiovascular disease. Chemicals in cigarettes contribute to hypertension, hardening of the arteries, and plaque buildup. Combined with diabetes, smoking is practically a guarantee of cardiovascular disease.

Some people find it very difficult to quit smoking. Others transfer their habit to eating, so they suffer weight gain as a consequence. Speak with a family physician about options. Some people may find medications helpful, while others may have to develop another habit to replace smoking. Be mindful of new habits and make an effort to choose something healthy. If quitting smoking is about the habit of doing something, an electronic cigarette may be helpful.

Exercise Regularly

Regular exercise is highly effective for lowering blood pressure. Aim for at least 30 to 60 minutes of exercise per day. Choose an enjoyable activity such as walking, hiking, or bike riding. If arthritis or other physical limitations are a factor, try swimming. Many communities offer water aerobics specifically for this reason.

Some people may need to take blood pressure medication while they gradually make these lifestyle changes. Most blood pressure medications have important negative side effects, so work with your doctor to wean yourself off of these medications. Those who have high blood pressure due to genetics may have to permanently take blood pressure medication.

These lifestyle changes must be a lifelong commitment. Not only do they help lower blood pressure to a healthy level, but they help prevent hypertension and other related diseases such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes.

]]> http://www.moronacity.com/health-journal/2011/06/5-lifestyle-changes-that-lower-blood-pressure-without-medication/feed/ 0 http://www.moronacity.com/health-journal/2011/06/umbilical-cord-blood-banking/ http://www.moronacity.com/health-journal/2011/06/umbilical-cord-blood-banking/#comments Wed, 01 Jun 2011 23:57:26 +0000 Diane Ursu http://www.moronacity.com/health-journal/?p=437 Umbilical cord blood is a source of stem cells that can be stored for future use. During childbirth, the umbilical cord blood is collected and immediately packaged and shipped to the umbilical cord blood bank.

Umbilical cord blood is rich in stem cells that are useful for treating diseases that compromise the immune system, such as leukemia. Cord blood may replace the need for bone marrow transplants if the right type is available. “Umbilical cord blood contains many types of blood cells, but only the hematopoietic—or blood-making—stem cells are currently useful for transplant,” explains the American Assocation of Blood Bank’s “Umbilical Cord Blood Donation FAQ.” “Each source of hematopoietic progenitor cells (bone marrow, peripheral blood, or cord blood) has advantages and disadvantages associated with its use in a transplant.” While umbilical cord stem cells are limited in use, researchers continue to seek new uses, so umbilical cord blood banked today may someday be much more useful than current technology allows.

Women have the option of storing cord blood for personal and family use. It is easily collected during childbirth and is painless and risk-free.

Choosing an Umbilical Cord Blood Bank

Speak with your obstetrician about umbilical cord banking. He or she may work with a particular blood bank and will be able to guide you through the process. Choose a cord blood bank that is accredited with the American Association of Blood Banks (AABB). If you do not wish to bank the cord blood, then your obstetrician can make arrangements to donate the blood with your permission.

The obstetrician collects the blood within 15 minutes of childbirth, after the placenta and the umbilical cord are detached from the mother. This is done either by lifting the placenta and umbilical cord to drain the cord blood into a bag, or by removing the cord blood from the umbilical cord with a syringe. Your obstetrician is responsible for ensuring the delivery of the cord blood to the lab facility of your choice within 48 hours.

The lab facility prepares the cord blood for freezing by separating the stem cells from the red blood cells and plasma and placing them in several vials. The vials are slowly exposed to increasingly colder temperatures. This slow freezing process lessens the likelihood of damage to the stem cells. The vials are then stored in nitrogen tanks at the cord blood bank.

Umbilical Cord Blood Banking Cost

The cost of cord blood banking varies among cord blood banks. “The initial fee will range from $900 to $2100 depending on the predetermined period of storage,” the American Pregnancy Association states in their article, “Cord Blood Banking.” “Annual storage fees beyond the initial storage fee are approximately $100.” Some facilities offer prepayment discounts or payment plans.

Umbilical cord blood banking is an investment in your family or child’s health. Umbilical cord blood use is currently limited, but future advancements in medicine may find new benefits that give great returns on this investment.

]]> http://www.moronacity.com/health-journal/2011/06/umbilical-cord-blood-banking/feed/ 0 http://www.moronacity.com/health-journal/2011/04/artificial-light-may-cause-breast-cancer/ http://www.moronacity.com/health-journal/2011/04/artificial-light-may-cause-breast-cancer/#comments Sat, 16 Apr 2011 13:00:39 +0000 Diane Ursu http://www.moronacity.com/health-journal/?p=413 Weight, age, number of pregnancies – these are all factored into a woman’s risk for breast cancer, but what about exposure to artificial light? Did you know that women who are exposed to longer periods of light are at a greater risk for developing breast cancer?

The effect of artificial light on melatonin production is the cause of the increased cancer risk. “Researchers have found that low melatonin levels in premenopausal women are associated with an increased risk of breast cancer,” ScienceDaily reported in their article, “Low Melatonin Associated with Increased Risk of Breast Cancer in Postmenopausal Women.”

Artificial Light Suppresses Melatonin Production

Melatonin levels in the body rise in the evening and remain high throughout the night. They drop off early in the morning. The reason is that melatonin production is affected by light. More melatonin is produced when it is dark, and exposure to light can cause melatonin levels to drop. Drowsiness is a side effect of melatonin, which is why it is used as a sleep aid.

According to the National Institutes of Health article “New Research Shows Artificial Light at Night Stimulates Breast Cancer Growth in Laboratory Mice,” a Bassett Research Institute study shows that “nighttime exposure to artificial light stimulated the growth of human breast tumors by suppressing the levels of melatonin. The study also showed that extended periods of nighttime darkness greatly slowed the growth of these tumors. [This] might explain why female night shift workers have a higher rate of breast cancer.” In fact, breast cancer is more prevalent among women of industrialized nations such as the United States. Conversely, women who are exposed to longer periods of darkness are less likely to develop breast cancer.

Melatonin Blocks Cancerous Tumor’s Ability to Use Conjugated Linoleic Acid

This link between breast cancer and light may have to do with melatonin’s effects on linoleic acid, an essential fatty acid. According to David Blask, M.D., Ph.D., the lead author of the Bassett Research Institute study, tumors often need linoleic acid to grow. Melatonin blocks the tumor’s ability to use linoleic acid, which prevents the tumor from growing.

They supported this theory by injecting melatonin-rich blood into the cancerous tumors, which slowed the growth of the tumors. Tumor growth increased when they injected blood with low melatonin levels.

There are different types of linoleic acid. Some promote cardiovascular health and work as antioxidants, fighting free radicals that can cause cancer. Conjugated linoleic acid promotes weight loss, but cancerous tumors use this fatty acid to grow. Maintaining proper melatonin levels is important in order to reap the benefits of conjugated linoleic acid without increasing the risk for cancer.

The best way to combat cancer caused by artificial light is to sleep and wake with the sun. Go to bed at a regular hour, keeping the bedroom as dark as possible. If you need to get up in the middle of the night, keep the lights off, or only use night lights, but never in the bedroom. This is important because turning on lights can cause melatonin levels to drop to abnormal levels for nighttime.

]]> http://www.moronacity.com/health-journal/2011/04/artificial-light-may-cause-breast-cancer/feed/ 0 http://www.moronacity.com/health-journal/2011/04/second-trimester-ultrasound/ http://www.moronacity.com/health-journal/2011/04/second-trimester-ultrasound/#comments Fri, 15 Apr 2011 13:00:52 +0000 Diane Ursu http://www.moronacity.com/health-journal/?p=408 Second trimester ultrasound is the most common pregnancy ultrasound. It is typically done between 18 and 22 weeks of gestation to determine if the fetus is developing properly. It is a very thorough examination in which pictures of many body parts are obtained.

Second Trimester Ultrasound Preparation

Expectant mothers are asked to fill their bladders prior to the second trimester ultrasound. This is a necessary preparation that greatly affects the outcome of the examination. The full bladder pushes the fetus up and out of the mother’s pelvis so the pelvic bones do not obstruct the view – ultrasound cannot see through bone. The full bladder also creates a sonographic window that allows the sonographer to examine the cervix and the placental position. In addition, the bladder may be helpful in visualizing the ovaries to determine if there are any masses or cysts that need immediate medical attention.

The following bladder preparation ensures that the bladder will be full in time for the ultrasound.
• One hour before the exam, completely empty the bladder and begin drinking 32 ounces of water, to be completed within 10 minutes.
• The 32 ounces of water should be completely drunk by 50 minutes prior to the exam.
• Do not use the restroom until told to do so by the sonographer. If the bladder is not adequately filled for the exam, the ultrasound examination may be rescheduled for another day.
Uterus and Adnexa

The sonographer begins the ultrasound by examining and taking a series of pictures of the uterus, placenta, and the adnexa. The adnexa are the areas on either side of the uterus, containing the ovaries. A transvaginal ultrasound may be done to more thoroughly examine the cervix and the placenta, especially if the placenta is in a low position. The amniotic fluid index (AFI) is taken by measuring a pocket of fluid in each quadrant of the gestational sac.

Fetal Growth

The sonographer determines the approximate age and weight of the fetus by taking several body measurements. The calculated due date is compared with that of the first trimester ultrasound or last menstrual period dating (LMP). The following measurements are obtained:
• head circumference;
• biparietal diameter – from the inner edge of the far side of the skull to the outer edge of the near side of the skull, in relation to the ultrasound camera;
• abdominal circumference – basically the measurement of the fetus’ waist;
• femur length – the measurement of the upper leg bone from the hip to the knee.
Head Anatomy

The head and brain anatomy are extensively surveyed because this is the part of the body that is most likely to exhibit signs of genetic defects, such as Down Syndrome. Images of the following head anatomy is obtained:
• choroid plexus;
• lateral ventricles;
• cisterna magna;
• cavum septum pellucidum (CSP);
• cerebellum;
• nuchal fold (fold of skin on the back of the neck);
• eye orbits;
• lips and nose;
• profile, including the nasal bone.
Spine

Several pictures of the spine are acquired to rule out abnormalities such as spina bifida. A lengthwise image is taken to demonstrate that full spine from the neck to the tip of the tailbone. Transverse, or cross-sectional, images are taken at the level of the neck or clavicles, the heart, the kidneys, and the iliac bones.

Chest and Abdomen

Several organs are examined in the chest and abdomen. Some sonographers extensively examine the heart, while others obtain only the four-chamber view. The following are obtained:
• heart rate;
• four-chamber heart;
• left ventricular outflow tract (aorta);
• right ventricular outflow tract (pulmonary arteries);
• diaphragm;
• stomach;
• kidneys;
• bladder;
• umbilical cord insertion into the abdomen.
The second trimester ultrasound examination may take as little as 30 minutes, but often takes as much as an hour. Fetal position and movement can make it more difficult to obtain all of the necessary images. In some cases, the mother will be scheduled for a follow-up ultrasound examination if some of the images cannot be taken.

]]> http://www.moronacity.com/health-journal/2011/04/second-trimester-ultrasound/feed/ 0 http://www.moronacity.com/health-journal/2011/04/uterine-positions-what-is-a-tipped-uterus/ http://www.moronacity.com/health-journal/2011/04/uterine-positions-what-is-a-tipped-uterus/#comments Thu, 14 Apr 2011 13:00:14 +0000 Diane Ursu http://www.moronacity.com/health-journal/?p=398 Many women are told that they have a “tipped uterus.” This is significant because it can affect the difficulty of an exam, such as an ultrasound. Knowing the uterine position makes it easier for a physician to complete procedures such as biopsies, or help with pregnancy examinations.

A physician may not be able to hear a heartbeat for a pregnancy in a retroflexed uterus as early as he might in an anteverted uterus. A woman with a retroflexed uterus might have back pain from fibroids, whereas a woman with an anteflexed uterus may have more abdominal cramping with fibroids. While differences such as these exist among the different uterine positions, they are not abnormal. Uterine position is not an indicator of health and does not affect a woman’s ability to conceive or carry a pregnancy.

Uterine position is much like eye or hair color. Several variations exist, and they are all normal. Just as a woman might have blue or brown eyes, she may have a retroverted or an anteverted uterus. In fact, five different uterine positions exist.

The position of the uterus has to do with how it is tipped from the bottom of the cervix, and whether it flexes, or folds, and in which direction.
• The anteverted uterus tips forward.
• The anteverted and anteflexed uterus tips forward and folds, or flexes, forward at the cervix.
• A retroverted uterus points straight toward the head.
• A retroflexed uterus flexes backward at the cervix, so that the body and fundus of the uterus point toward the back.
• A retroverted and retroflexed uterus tips backward and folds, or flexes, backward at the cervix.
The uterus may also tilt toward the right or the left. As a pregnancy grows, the uterus becomes retroverted. It generally returns to its normal position after the pregnancy.

The different uterine positions are completely normal. They can present a bit of a challenge during some health examinations, but may require nothing more than patience. A “tipped uterus” does not affect fertility or any other health concerns.

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