The child is no longer recognizable. The friend is now a complete stranger. And the loving spouse is even perceived as an immediate threat.  For the agitated, bewildered parent, he has little if any awareness of his deteriorative condition, and can seldom recall recent events though they be repeated over and over again. As matters stand, he is a victim of both short and long-term memory loss and is experiencing a gradual decline in mood, thinking and social and language skills. And unfortunately, he is not alone. Millions more like him in every corner of the globe are suffering from what was once considered a rare form of dementia: Alzheimer’s disease.

Peggy, an elderly woman who has been living in a nursing home in southern Oregon for the last five years is one of Alzheimer’s afflicted. Served three hot meals a day, she often forgets which is which: breakfast, lunch or dinner. “This supper looks like what I ate at breakfast yesterday. And I never did get lunch this afternoon!”

Attacking and destroying neurons, or the brain’s nerve cells, Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive, degenerative condition resulting not only in gradual then permanent memory
loss, but causes a host of other debilitating behavioral changes. These neurons create a
neurotransmitter (brain chemical) called acetylcholine which, when destroyed, produces a “disconnect” with other nerve cells. Over time, thousands among thousands of nerve
cells die, finally leading to the last phase of Alzheimer’s crippling condition, such as that
which contributed to the death of former U.S. President Ronald Reagan, in early June of
this year.

For even the wealthy and celebrated are not immune to the dreaded disease. Film star
and Oscar winner Charlton Heston, after being diagnosed in 2001, campaigned for
progress in Alzheimer’s Disease. In a public service announcement on American
television and on behalf of the Academy of Molecular Imaging, he urged older people to
use a new detection method called Positron Emission Tomography (PET). PET can scan
the brain and diagnose Alzheimer’s very early on, and provide patients an opportunity to
better enjoy their lives when they remain symptom-free of the illness.

As part of the National Institute on Aging in the United States, the National Alzheimer Coordinating Center has funded PET studies at the University of Michigan and elsewhere.  PET is a major new breakthrough for helping Alzheimer’s disease because in the past it was near impossible to diagnose it from other diseases which imitate its symptoms. Only after death, could an autopsy confirm for certain the presence of the illness. “One of the challenges of trying to diagnose Alzheimer’s disease is that it doesn’t cause big changes that are visible on MRI and CT scans,” says Norman Foster, M.D., the neurologist guiding the research team at Michigan University. So PET can be used to reveal Alzheimer’s disease from other disorders and also help to determine how a person should be treated.

There are basically two main stages to the disease (see visual photos herein) although it
can take years of progressive degeneration before a patient is entirely ravaged by
Alzheimer’s. The illness first kills neurons in the hippocampus region of the brain; and
this is when short-term memory begins to fail. Later, when nerve cells are destroyed in
the brain’s cerebral cortex, both judgment and language skills increasingly deteriorate until one becomes completely dysfunctional and physically disabled. Despite all this, and
continued skepticism as to it’s real cause, Alzheimer’s is not considered a normal part of
growing old. Nor does it only manifest in seniors or older people. Some of Alzheimer’s obvious symptoms are:

• Feelings of stress and confusion in making decisions
• Loss of interest in people and previously enjoyable activities
• Loss of appetite and other normal urges
• Feelings of anxiety, suspicion and undue caution
• Repetition of actions and speech
• Loss of train of thought when talking or doing something
• Losing or misplace things with increasing frequency
• Loss of memory of familiar places and how to get to them
• Forgetting people’s names, who familiar people are, dates and times, phone numbers and other familiar things
• Increasing depressed, disoriented and agitated

Still, Alzheimer’s is most common among older adults, as about one in ten develops it
over the age of 65; and as many as five in ten people over the age of 85. Affecting about
equally both males and females, and all races, in the United States alone an estimated
four million people suffer from the degenerative condition. And numbers are continuing to climb there and in other developing nations, as well as in third-world countries.

Besides PET, medical researchers across the globe continue studying new ways to diagnose, treat and even prevent Alzheimer’s.  A recent study that appears in the December 8, 2004 issue of The Journal of Neuroscience, found that a low-fat diet rich in fish and soy can cause an increase in the manufacture of IDE (insulin-degrading enzyme), which may assist in eliminating the amyloid peptides that create destructive plaque in the brain. Thus, researchers claim that such diets may protect against Alzheimer’s disease. They also conclude that the findings may explain why many people with type 2 diabetes and who are resistant to the benefits of insulin, are more inclined to develop Alzheimer’s disease due to their lack of the IDE protein in their body.

Another promising study being conducted is with the experimental antidepressant drug rolipram, which may offset some effects of Alzheimer’s.  At the University of Columbia in New York, animal tests with rolipram have shown promise in improving memory.  The drug was tested on mice with Alzheimer’s-like symptoms in which mice were injected with daily dosages of rolipram for three weeks.  Afterwards, the ability of the mice to learn a task and remember what they learned was duly noted.  Moreover, though younger mice showed improvement, even greater results were seen in older mice, and positive effects of rolipram remained long after the drug was last injected.

At present, a number or prescription medications are being used to treat Alzheimer’s disease.  Foremost are Aricept, given in the early stages of the illness to help relieve memory loss; Exelon and Reminyl, two newer drugs also most effective during early stages of Alzheimer’s; Namenda, which is prescribed to treat moderate to severe Alzheimer’s and has increased benefit when used with other drugs; Cognex, which works by slowing down the deterioration of acetylcholine; and Vitamin E, which has shown some moderate progress in reducing the onset of dementia in some patients.

Though most medical experts agree that Alzheimer’s cannot be prevented nor cured, through recent painstaking studies, future stem-cell research and new drug tests, a number of medications and treatments now exist and are available to ameliorate its devastating symptoms, and even perhaps slow down its progression. One thing doctors do know: if diagnosed and treated early, people with Alzheimer’s may be able to keep higher memory and thinking skills far longer.  And also perform daily tasks and activities for greater periods of time, as well as enjoy longer lasting relationships with family and friends, and remain in the community much longer.  This may be sobering news and of little import to those suffering end stage Alzheimer’s.  But it is a godsend to those recently diagnosed or who may be fearful of contacting the disease later in life.

HELP FOR ALZHEIMER’S VICTIMS:
http://www.alzvideo.com/
http://etrials.novartis.com/portals/AlzheimersDiseaseStudy/page.do?page=do_you_qualify&pl_id=bmradk000048
http://www.amenclinic.com/ac/default.asp
http://www.post-gazette.com/healthscience/20001211alzheimers2.asp
http://www.driver-ed.org/i4a/pages/index.cfm?pageid=104
http://www.jhbmc.jhu.edu/healthcarenews03/03110703.html

WEB SITES REGARDING SCANS OF ALZHEIMER’S:
http://www.pslgroup.com/dg/87bb6.htm
http://www.csua.berkeley.edu/~wuhsi/images.html
http://www.genomenewsnetwork.com/articles/03_02/brain_scans.shtml
http://www.sciencentral.com/articles/view.php3?article_id=218391942
http://www.news.harvard.edu/gazette/2000/04.27/alzheimer.html

In learning about cutting back on fats, oils and in eating healthy you have to take a look back to the basics of the food groups and cut back on the fatty foods in your diet, along with taking a cholesterol lowing medication such as Lipitor, for a better outlook for your health.

To start cutting the fats in your diet you will need to take a step back and look at your eating habits. Do you make home made meals, are you using lots of butter, are you eating out a lot, does your habits include stopping at the local fast food chain or are you eating a lot of chips or cookies that are high in fat?

Start reading the labels on what you are eating. If you see that the ingredients or the labels include a high amount of fats, oils, or fatty ingredients, you should learn to make yourself cut down on these types of foods and eat less of them. While every body is going to require some amount of fats in your foods, you are going to receive enough fats from other types of foods.

To cut back on fats in your diet, stop eating those deep fried foods.

To cut back on fats in your diet, start eating more leafy green vegetables.

If you find you eat gravy, butter and toppings a lot, these contain a lot of fats. Cut back and use less.

Cutting back on the fats you eat and eating foods that are lower in fat is really not as hard as you might think. There are many types of foods that you can eat that are lower in fat, that are good for you, that will give you energy and that will be the building block for your healthy future.

Some foods that are great for you, low in fat, and that taste great are:

• Fresh vegetables, washed and uncooked
• Vegetables, steamed
• Fruits, served fresh, in jello or cut up and in a salad.
• Low fat breads, cheeses, and jellies.
• Low fat butter, crackers, low fat peanut butter
• Pastas, sauces and noodles that you do not add butter too can be low in fat
• Many types of cereals are low in fat – read the labels
• Oatmeal, used in various meals or recipes is low in fat.

But it’s not just the physical addiction that keeps you chained to your smokes.  Cigarette smoking, like many addictions, is also a social and behavioral habit.  A habit is simply a repetitive action, a consistent way of responding to events.  For example, you probably have a habitual routine for waking up in the morning and starting your day.  You likely have a habitual way of getting to work, or the same routine for relaxing once you are home at the end of the day.

A big part of cigarette addiction is the dependence on your behavioral habits.  Having a cigarette is a learned way of reacting to certain situations.  For example, if you walk into a room full of strangers, you may find yourself automatically reaching for smokes.  When you pour your morning coffee, you may immediately light a cigarette.

These habitual responses are as important to conquer as the physical addiction; in fact they can be the key to success when trying to quit.  The good news is that social and behavioral habits are learned responses.  They can be unlearned, with a little effort.

The following method for quitting cigarettes may be quite different than anything else you have tried.  In this method, you may give yourself permission to smoke.  You may indulge in a cigarette, and smoke it with enjoyment and without guilt.

Start by paying attention to how and when you smoke.  You will probably notice that you always smoke in certain situations.  Perhaps when you are driving your car or when you are on the phone, you automatically light a smoke.   Maybe you reach for cigarettes at the first feeling of stress or irritation.

If you notice that you always smoke at a certain time, then you can assume that something about that situation makes you respond in a habitual way.  That situation is a trigger, that is, it is an event that causes you to react without thinking.  It is triggering your learned pattern of response.  Without thinking about it, without even consciously wanting a cigarette, you find yourself smoking one.

You need to separate your genuine desire for a cigarette from your automatic response to triggers.   When you do this, you will diminish the addictive power of cigarettes enormously.  Here is how to do it.

You’ve already noticed that certain situations trigger your desire to smoke.  Now, begin to anticipate those situations.  For example, you are heading into the living room to relax after dinner, and you can anticipate that you will reach for your cigarettes.

Do not judge yourself.  It won’t help to label parts of your addictive behavior good or bad.  Instead, just note that you are reaching for a smoke the way you always do at this same time.  Acknowledge that you want to smoke, and give yourself permission to do so.

That’s right, say yes to a smoke.   With one catch.  You must wait ten minutes before you have it.  Check your watch if you want.  Simply delay lighting up for ten minutes.  If at that time you still want to smoke, then go ahead, and enjoy it, knowing that you exercised control over your choice, instead of being ridden by your habit.

How does it work?  You will find, frequently, that when you separate the act of smoking from the trigger that makes you want to smoke, your need for a cigarette will lose some of its urgency.  Also, you’ve already gotten through the triggering event, and found another way to deal with it.  Maybe you’ve doodled while on the phone instead of smoking, or you’ve reached for your crochet needles instead of a pack of smokes after dinner. You are finding new responses to your triggers.  In fact you are retraining yourself with new habits.  A cigarette may still be somewhat desirable, but you’ll find the urge is not unbearable now.  Still, if you want it, go ahead and have one.

You’ll find that this is an easy program to commit to.  It is much more manageable to handle ten minutes of not smoking than it is to promise never to touch another cigarette again.  One goal is very doable; the other nearly impossible.  And the more often you delay your smoking, the easier it becomes.  More and more, you’ll decide to forego that cigarette after all, and wait until the next one you really want.

Here’s another good thing.  You’ll find that you actually enjoy the cigarettes you’re smoking again.  Remember what that felt like?  You will be replacing knee jerk habit with conscious choice.  Cigarettes will begin to lose their grip on you because you have eliminated a big source of their power.  By breaking the connection to your triggers, you will cut the power of your cigarette habit down to size.

And unlike traditional methods of quitting, having a smoke does not mean you have failed.  As long as you have waited ten minutes you are still with the program.  You are still successfully reshaping your behavior and unlearning your responses to certain triggers.  And if you really slip up and have a cigarette without waiting, don’t judge yourself.  Just notice whether you enjoy that cigarette as much as the ones you waited for.  Chances are that a cigarette coated with guilt is just not as good.

Combine this behavior retraining with a nicotine patch if you like, for a one two punch.  And remember, don’t stress about this.   Don’t judge yourself, and don’t feel guilty. These things simply do not help you to quit. Allowing yourself the indulgence of that cigarette you waited for, and allowing yourself the occasional mistake takes all the pressure off quitting.  You don’t have to say that you will never smoke another cigarette again.  There are oceans of stress around that!

But what you can easily and successfully say is this:  I will not smoke another cigarette for the next ten minutes.

In some cases dementia can be cured because the original cause of dementia is treatable. For instance, someone who has a case of dementia caused by drugs, alcohol, vitamin imbalances, etc. can be treated. However, in most cases dementia can’t be treated.

There are also some cases where a person may seem to have dementia, however it is actually a severe case of depression causing the symptoms that they have. This is called pseudo-dementia, otherwise known as being false dementia. This particular type of case is very treatable.

Not everyone, however, knows someone with Narcissistic Personality Disorder, a pathological condition included in the American Psychiatric Association’s fourth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, or DSM IV (or realizes that someone he or she knows has it). The DSM IV, considered the bible of psychiatry, lists all recognized mental disorders and the criteria used in their diagnoses, along with recommendations for treatment. Included are mental illnesses of adults and children, including autism, schizophrenia, paranoia, eating disorders, and bipolar and obsessive-compulsive personality disorders.

The DSM IV defines Narcissistic Personality Disorder as “an all-pervasive pattern of grandiosity (in fantasy or behavior), need for admiration or adulation and lack of empathy…” (Code 301.81). The DSM IV does not concern itself with obnoxious personalities and annoying people. It deals only with pathology, or disease. According to the DSM IV, these are the characteristics of pathological narcissists: a grandiose notion of self-importance, of being special; abnormal need for admiration; emotional coldness toward others, including those very close to him; unreasonable sense of entitlement; arrogance; envy; willingness to exploit others to meet his own needs; and fantasies of greatness.

Pathological narcissists are predominantly male. There is no cure, no way to treat its symptoms. One expert claims the only sure cure is suicide, which is the recourse frequently chosen by its sufferers. The irony is that narcissists don’t really love themselves. According to one version of the tale, the mythological and handsome Narcissus was doomed to stare at his own reflection because he spurned the love of the beautiful nymph, Echo. He did not realize he was looking at his own image; rather, he thought it belonged to another beautiful creature looking up at him from the water. He desired to have the lovely being in the pond as a lover, but every time he reached for her, she disappeared. This was his torment, that having once shunned love, he would die never having found it.

A narcissist doesn’t love himself, because there is no “self” to love. Since he was a child he has known his “self” had no value (his parents made sure of that). To survive, he needs to abandon that worthless self and construct a new identity that is more socially acceptable—someone who obviously has value to society, someone who is successful, intelligent, respected, and admired. Not all narcissists are loud and overbearing; there are more reticent types who exhibit their narcissistic behaviors only around people whom they trust. Perhaps they know on some level that their pretend selves are too fragile to withstand a challenge by an outsider.

The fake personality the pathological narcissist began creating when he was young is based solely on others’ perceptions. His self-image and self-esteem derive from others’ feedback: their words, actions, decisions, even facial expressions. He is an admiration junkie, and, like a drug addict, he knows exactly how to get it—a steady supply of it—no matter what it takes.

And what better supplier than the new woman in his life. She is a kind, fun, “normal” woman who admires him and finds him exciting, a little bit “dangerous.” He’s handsome and sexy and sensual and has been waiting all his life for someone like her. He is deeply in love with her, he says every chance he gets, and when they’re apart he counts the minutes until they are together again. He’s been married twice before—but, as it turns out, those women were nuts. Real head cases.

This gorgeous woman with the delicate features and perfect skin is different. He knew it the minute he laid eyes on her. She is perfect for him. Not only is she pretty, but she needs him, he can tell. She asks him for advice and follows it. She thinks he smells good. She loves making love to him—the way it makes her feel is completely out of this world. She laughs at his jokes, and he loves having her “on his arm.” She is turned on by his unpredictability; he might come home with tickets to Florida or a new luxury coupe, or maybe he wants her to go look at a beautiful home that just came on the market.

Once again the unsuspecting woman takes the bait, just as he predicted. He reels in a fresh supply of his drug.

The honeymoon is short, though. She disagrees with him occasionally, offers suggestions, even becomes irritated with him. She obviously doesn’t understand how it should work. Someone who criticizes, challenges or even mildly disagrees with him, regardless of whether he is right or wrong, is a serious threat to the narcissist’s identity. An innocent comment or a tease becomes a judgment, even a condemnation.  He cannot risk losing control. His entire existence depends on maintaining it. She must be punished so she won’t soon do this again.

How he punishes depends on his state of mind, his stress level, how often she’s committed similar transgressions over the last few weeks, how much he had had to drink, and if anyone else is around. He may be sarcastic; he may insult or humiliate; he may raise his voice, and may even threaten to leave (“I just can’t take this anymore.”); he may embarrass her, claim to understand why no one likes her, and count the ways that she is dysfunctional. He may blame her for “all their problems,” even though she was hardly aware there were any. He may yell and even make her feel certain he will hurt her. He may put his fist through a wall, slam doors and literally kick the dog.

He almost gets high watching her anguished reaction. He knows he has once again nipped a potential rebellion in the bud. He feels so good about his victory that the next day he is remorseful and ashamed. What is there to lose? She is a softie—she will show him that all is forgiven. After all, he smells so good and his deep kisses are very hard to resist.

She is a quick study. She has no choice, because she doesn’t want to rock the boat. She learns to deny her own opinions and beliefs, her psychological needs, desires and pleasures. She has no idea that she is not in love with a real, authentic person, but with an image, someone in a disguise. And his professed love isn’t a genuine emotion but a mix of need and fear.

Their interaction is classic pathological narcissism in action. The narcissist first idealizes his prey as the perfect source of his admiration fix. He must then devalue her to keep her in line. He lies to her, exploits her and manipulates her as though she were Gumby. The more she resists, the harsher he must become. He ignores her and flirts with other women in front of her. He maintains control by keeping her off balance all the time, so she never knows what to expect. He is capricious, irrational and impatient with her. She begins to believe that she is, indeed, the unstable one. She begins to give up the independence she had prized in her previous life. Life with the narcissist becomes a continual exercise in walking on eggshells.

Little does she know that he has squeezed out of her all he can and is desperately seeking a new supplier. He is already building a relationship with another—someone who needs his counsel and who admires him for his superior intellect, financial success and sexual prowess. Because in addition to a continual supply of admiration, even hero-worship, the pathological narcissist needs drama, upheaval and chaos. He is willing to self-destruct if that’s what it takes to feed his habit. He risks being fired from his job, doing further damage to his children, and walking out on another marriage. He is incapable of feeling any guilt over his actions. He is not bound by agreements or promises, least of all vows. He needs what he needs, and can tolerate no obstacles in his path. He cannot be concerned about leaving a trail of broken lives or broken hearts any more than a junkie cares about leaving a trail of broken windows or broken bodies. He’ll do whatever it takes to get his fix.  He is a hopeless and incurable addict.

There are 3 things which I have found help to stay cheerful, and to climb out of depths of despair as well. They are not substitutes for medical treatments, and may not help much in extreme financial distress either, but they can help people keep their heads above the drowning waters of hopelessness. I have used these approaches with success in my own case, and patients who heeded my advice in this matter, have benefited as well.

The first thing which helps to cope with depression and anxiety is to find plenty to do. It could be writing for the Internet, or even a form of community service, in case you do not have a regular job or a vocation. Sitting around without activities certainly does add to burdens of the mind, and even the physical company of strangers is better than being all alone.

Nights are more difficult to manage with a troubled mind than daylight hours. It is tempting to badger physicians in to writing prescriptions for sleeping pills, but their side-effects, addictive potentials, and related complications, make watching television, reading, or other ways of tackling insomnia, far better alternatives. You might feel listless for the best part of the week, but a normal sleep pattern will probably take over soon.

I have kept my third and most important recommendation for the end. The travails of depression, anxiety, and stress, ease when you find a sympathetic ear. The weights of these troubles are crippling if you keep them bottled inside, but solutions often emerge as you express yourself fully. I invariably find that the simple act of listening attentively to the woes of another person helps everyone present and concerned. Come to think of it, is that not the main thing which happens on a psychiatrist’s couch?

1.Proven Teratogens

Thalidomide, Ergometrine, Antitumour drugs (e.g. Aminopterin, Cyclophosphamide, Methotrexate, Podophyllum)

2.Analgesics

Aspirin and analgesic powders

3.Anticoagulants

Warfarin and Heparin

4.Antimicrobials

Tetracycline, Chloramphenicol

5.Anti-Malarial drugs

Quinine, Primaquine,Chloroquine

6.Antithyroid drugs

Iodides, radioactive iodine, Thiouracils

7.Cardiac preparation

Propranolol

8.Drugs Acting on CNS

General anaesthetics, Local anaesthetics, Obstetric analgesics, Anticonvulsants, Narcotics, Lysergic acid Diethylamide, Amphetamines, Lithium and Diazepam.

9.Steroid preparations

Cortisone “Hormonal pregnancy test Androgens, Oral contraceptives’ Diethyl stilbosterol

10.Hypoglycaemic agents

11.Vaccines

Rubella vaccine, Mumps, Measles, Smallpox vaccines, Yellow fever vaccine, Sabin vaccine, B.C.G vaccine.

1. Bone marrow:

Bone marrow depression is the most serious toxicity and this limits the dose that can be administered. This results due to supression of proliferation of bone marrow cells, which in turn causes granulocytopenia, Agranulocytosis, thrombocytopenia and aplastic anaemia.

2. Lymphoreticular tissue:

It causes lymphocytopenia and inhibition of Lymphocyte function. Impairment in lymphocyte function causes a supression in immunity both cell mediated and humoral.

Because of the above two effects it leads to a fall in the defense machanisms and susceptability for all infections is increased. Organisms that are non pathogenic to humans may cause infections.

3. GIT:

Nausea and vomitting are general adverse effects common to many anticancer drugs. This can be reduced by antiemetics such as prochlorperazine, dexamethasone and ondansetron. This is due to direct stimulation of CTZ and also by emetic impulses generated by the drug molecule in the upper gastrointestinal tract. Different drugs have different emetogenic potential.

Oral and intestinal ulceration, diarrhoea, stomatitis, haemorrhages occur due to decrease in the rate of renewal of the mucous cells.

4. Skin:

Dermatitis and Alopecia are two toxic effects of anticancer drugs on skin.

5. Gonads:

In males: Inhibition of cell proliferation in testacles causes oligozoospermia and impotence.

In females: Inhibition of ovulation and amenorrhoea occurs in females.

6. Foetus:

All anticancer drugs affect the foetus in pregnant women. It leads to abortion, foetal death and teratogenisis.

7. Carcinogenicity:

Many years after the treatment ends the frequency of appearance of secondary cancer increases. This may be attributed to depression in the cell mediated and humoral blocking factors against neoplasia.

8. Hyperuricaemia:

This is a secondary effect to the massive cell destruction. Gout and urate stones in the urinary tract may develop. This is caused due to increase in the production of uric acid which is a product of purine matabolism. Allopurinol administration decreases uric acid synthesis

BULK LAXATIVES: increase the volume of the intestinal contents, stimulating Peristalsis. They include,

Bran:

Increasing the intake of dietary fibres like bran is the first line approach in the treatment of constipation in most cases. It contains unabsorbable cellulose, pectins, glycoproteins and other polysaccharides. It absorbs water in the intestines, swells, increases water content of faeces thus softening the faeces. It facilitates bacterial growth in the Colon which increases the faecal mass.

Methyl cllulose:

It is a semisynthetic, colloidal, hydrophillic derivative of cellulose. Around 4-6 grams per day is effective in most cases. It absorbs water thus increasing the bulk of the faeces. large amounts of water must be taken along with these bulk forming agents.

Lactulose:

This is an osmotic laxative which increases bulk in the bowel and by retaining water by an osmotic effect. It is a semisyntetic disaccharide of Fructose and Lactose. It is broken down in the colon by bacteria to osmotically more active products. a dose of 10 gram, twice daily is effective in most cases. Plenty of water has to be taken along with lactulose.

STIMULANT LAXATIVES: increase motility by acting on the Mucosa or nerve plexuses, which may be damaged by prolonges use. They often cause abdominal cramps. They include,

Anthraquinones:

These are rich in senna leaves obtained from cassia senna and other cassia species. Senna is commonly used. It contains anthraquinone glycosides. It is inactive as such. It is unabsorbable in small intestine, when it reaches colon bacteria liberate the anthranol form which act locally or absorbed in to circulation. It is believed to act on the myenteric plexus and increase peristalsis.

FAECAL SOFTENERS: promote defecation by sofening and /or lubricating faeces and assisting evacuation of bowel. they include,

Liquid paraffin:

It is a viscous liquid. It is mixture of petroleum hydrocarbons. It was introduced as a laxative at the turn of 19 th century. Millions of gallons have passed through the intestinal pipeline since then. When taken for 2 to 3 days, it softens stools and is said to lubricate hard scybali by coating them. Chronic use of liquid paraffin impair absorption of fat soluble vitamins A and D and cause paraffinomas.

Docusates:

It is an annionic detergent. It emusifies the colonic contents and increases penetration of water in to faeces. By ites detergent action, it can disrupt the mucosal barrier and enhance absorption of nonabsorbable drugs, e.g. liquid paraffin. because of this effect liquid paraffin should not be combined with Docusates. It causes abdominal pain and cramps. It may cause Hepatotoxicity on prolonged use.

There are a number of medications for those experiencing stress. However, medication should be used in extreme anxiety cases only. There are a number of ways that a person can learn to reduce their stress level without the use of any prescription medication or herbal supplements. If you’re serious about reducing the amount of stress in your life, I have found that it is possible to do in just one week’s time. The following steps can help you to reduce your stress levels dramatically, and find a renewed sense of joy in life.

Day One – Acknowledge Your Stress

It sounds cliché, like something straight out of a step program’s handbook. But it is the truth. Acknowledging the fact that you are stressed out is the first step toward relieving the anxiety that stress causes.

Learn to understand you responses to stress, and you can learn to control the way your body naturally reacts to it. Once you understand your reaction to stress, you can learn how to harness that natural reaction and use it to your benefit. An example of this is the people who work better under the pressure of a deadline.

Day Two – Identify Your Stress Triggers

On day two, you need to find a notebook, pen, and a quiet place to sit. Write down all of the things in your life that cause you to feel stressed. Whether it is your jobs, your kids, anything; write it down! Knowing exactly what your stress triggers are, can help you to figure out the best way to deal with them. Obviously, you can’t just avoid your kids if they’re your biggest trigger; but you can train yourself to understand when you’re getting too stressed, and let you know when to give yourself a timeout.

For some people, your diet can play a big part in the way your body reacts to your stress triggers. For example, you may discover that you are ultra-sensitive to caffeine, and switching to decaf may help you to deal better with your triggers. For others, sweets and fatty foods can cause you to deal with stress differently as well.

Day Three – Avoid The Drama Queens

Get out your notebook again. We all have one in our lives – the drama queen that turns every hang nail into a catastrophe! A little of this can go an awfully long way, and too much can cause you to stress out as well. Stress is a contagious affliction. Surround yourself with too many people that are always stressed out, and you’ll soon start to feel the effects.

Take a few moments to sit down and make a list of everyone you know that always seems to be having some sort of crisis. You don’t necessarily have to cut these people out of your life, but it may be best if you learn to limit your contact with them.

Day Four – Learn To Breathe

Breathing exercises have been around for thousands of years. From the Yogis of old, we have learned that it is possible to control our heart rate just by controlling the way we breathe. Women for generations have understood this, as Lamaze classes teach the power that controlled breathing has over a woman’s labour.

It’s relatively simple to learn to control your anxiety level through slower breathing. Find a quiet place to sit, and possibly play some relaxing music in the background. Practice inhaling and exhaling, the ultimate yin and yang, for counts of ten. Slowly, through your nose, inhale to the count of ten. Then, just as slowly, exhale through your mouth for a count of ten.

Little by little, you will feel all anxiety, fear, and stress leaving your body. Your heart rate will slow down, and you may even find yourself drifting off to sleep. These breathing exercises are also often used as a method of self hypnosis for those with sleeping disorders. If you do feel yourself falling asleep, take a cue from your body and take a nap. You’ll wake feeling refreshed!

Day Five – Think Positive!

Bobby McFerrin said it best with the popular lyrics, “Don’t worry, be happy.” It is a well known fact that positive thinking has a positive effect on your mental health. Step five of your seven day plan to stress relief involves learning to stop allowing negative thoughts to control your sense of self. Repeatedly telling yourself that you’re not good enough, or worrying that things will go wrong, will eventually drive you to the edge.

Instead, take up a mantra. Tell yourself that you’re wonderful, smart, resourceful, and can handle anything. If need be, write it out on an index card, tape it somewhere you will see it several times a day, and read it aloud every time you pass it. Remember, it takes three positive thoughts to cancel just one negative thought. My grandmother had a saying that I still hold dear today, “never borrow trouble.” In other words, don’t worry about the things that might happen; instead focus on the right now.

Day Six – Set A Sleep Schedule

It is a well known fact that a body cannot function without a certain amount of sleep each night. But did you know that repeatedly losing sleep can be one of the biggest factors in a person’s stress level? Your body builds up a “sleep debt” that, eventually, you will have to repay – even if it means falling asleep while working, or worse, driving.

You should try to get at least seven hours of sleep each night, and no less than six. If you have trouble getting to sleep because of your stress level, lie down in bed and use the breathing exercises you learned on day four. Slow, steady breathing will relax your body and mind enough to fall asleep.

If you are unable to get the sleep you need at night, try to set aside at least one hour during the day for a small nap. Even a twenty minute, power nap can seriously improve your outlook on life!

Day Seven – Takes Cues From Those Around You

The final step in your stress relief program, is to take a look at the people you know. Who always manages to keep their cool when under fire? What is it, do you suppose, that they are doing differently than you when it comes to handling their stress? Ask them! There is nothing wrong with asking for a little help when you are learning to manage your stress levels. Most people are more than happy to share their methods for keeping calm, as we all know what it is like to get stressed out from time to time.

No matter what is going on in your life that has you feeling stressed, it is vital to your well being that you learn how to control your response to it. If, after following this program, you still find yourself with an unhealthy stress level, it may be something more serious than simple stress. Anxiety disorders mirror can the symptoms of high stress levels, and should be treated by a healthcare professional. You should never feel guilty about wanting to talk to someone about the way you are feeling. Just take a deep breath and stay calm – everything’s going to be alright!