A liver biopsy is a simple, rapid method of obtaining a sample of liver for analysis. It provides important information for evaluating and treating liver disorders. While some complications can occur, they are unusual. The benefits of the exam always outweigh the risk. Early, specific, and effective therapy can often prevent irreversible liver damage.

There are several methods of obtaining biopsies of the liver, but unless it is an unusual situation, the most common method is percutaneously (”through the skin”). A percutaneous biopsy involves numbing a small area of skin over the lower right side of the chest (this site is directly over the liver).

A local anesthetic (usually Lidocaine or Novocaine) is injected with a needle. The needle is introduced further with additional injections of anesthetic all the way through the chest wall and into the liver. This numbs the tract that the biopsy needle will take and reduces discomfort.

Next, a special biopsy needle is inserted into the same area, and, with the patient holding his or her breath, the biopsy needle is inserted quickly into the liver and withdrawn. (The insertion and withdrawal of the biopsy needle takes only a second or two.) Suction through the needle, applied via an attached syringe, causes a small piece of liver (the biopsy) to be pulled into the needle and cut off from the rest of the liver. Other types of biopsy needles have a spring loaded cutting mechanism to obtain the liver tissue without the use of the syringe suction.

If there is a question about the exact position of the liver or a specific part of the liver is to be biopsied, an ultrasound of the liver may be performed before the biopsy to determine the exact direction for the biopsy needle to be inserted.

There may be varying amounts of discomfort at the site of the biopsy especially after the effect of the anesthetic wears off. Most patients have minimal pain, but some require medication for pain which lasts up to a few hours.

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Swine Flu – A highly contagious form of human influenza caused by a filterable virus identical or related to a virus formerly isolated from infected swine.

However, Novel H1N1 is a new influenza virus causing illness in people. This virus was originally referred to as “swine flu” because laboratory testing showed that many of the genes in this new virus were very similar to influenza viruses that normally occur in pigs in North America. But further study has shown that this new virus is very different from what normally circulates in North American pigs. It has two genes from flu viruses that normally circulate in pigs in Europe and Asia and avian genes and human genes. Scientists call this a “quadruple reassortant” virus. This new virus was first detected in people in the United States in April 2009. Other countries, including Mexico and Canada, have reported people sick with this new virus. This virus is spreading from person-to-person, probably in much the same way that regular seasonal influenza viruses spread.

The symptoms of novel H1N1 flu virus in people are similar to the symptoms of seasonal flu and include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. A significant number of people who have been infected with this virus also have reported diarrhea and vomiting. Also, like seasonal flu, severe illnesses and death has occurred as a result of illness associated with this virus

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) information says that the swine flu can be treated if caught very early with two of the anti-viral medications oseltamivir (Tamiflu) and zanamivir (Relenza). Tamiflu is for treatment in adults and children aged 1 year and older, and must be taken within 48 hours of the first symptom.

There are currently 4 types of antiviral drugs that are licensed for use in the US for the treatment of influenza: Amantadine, Rimantadine, Oseltamivir and Zanamivir. While most swine influenza viruses have been susceptible to these drugs, the most recent swine-flu viruses isolated from humans, are resistant to Amantadine and Rimantadine. None of these drugs prevent us from getting the virus, but can lesson the severity of the symptoms and shorten their duration.

Web User’s Perspective about the H1N1 “Swine Flu”:

It’s not really different from the “regular flu”. And yes, some people are majorly overreacting.
The media is often creating unnecessary panic in gullible people by focusing on a variety of diseases that turn out to be no big deal. Anyone remember West Nile Virus? SARS? Bird flu? If you hardly do it’s because not much ever came of any of those things. Take a clue, people.
Source: Yahoo User

To prevent H1N1 you must avoid going to endemic places for that disease, for instance Mexico. Cover your mouth and nose, more effective when you wear a face mask. Avoid breathing air when somebody is sneezing or coughing near you. Get enough sleep, eat healthy foods and drink plenty of water, these will enhance your immune system. Think positive, emotional stress can lower your immune system.
Source: Blurtit

Avoiding the Swine Flu
Stay away from people who have the symptoms.
In Addition, you should wash your hands regularly and keep them away from your face, especially your mouth, eyes, and nose. You can also take vitamins, especially vitamin C and others that boost your immune system, and drink lots of orange juice for the vitamin C that it contains. Avoid stress as much as possible; it can lower your resistance to any disease.
You can wear a surgical face mask* over your nose and mouth when you are in public, unless it is a “respirator”, it will not stop you from inhaling the virus but it could keep you from giving it to someone else if you have to go in public when you have the virus. You should really stay home if you are sick and for seven days afterward or for 24 hours after symptoms are gone, whichever is longer. Only go out for medical appointments prior to that.
* Make sure that you do not visit anyone with swine flu, keep a distance of 6 ft from anyone who has the virus if possible.
* Use a tissue/handkerchief when sneezing and coughing.
* Dispose of the tissue immediately. Catch It, Kill It, Bin It!
* Whenever using a tissue, use a new one each time.
* Wash your hands regularly.**
They are currently working on a vaccination, but that will take some time.
Source: WikiAnswers

The swine flu is like any other flu the difference is that it has mutated so there are few that have immunity to it. It is serious, as any flu, to the very young and the very old and those with immuno-supression.
Source: Yedda

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Caffeine – A drug that stimulates the central nervous system.

Caffeine addiction is for real and to make matters more disheartening for the avid coffee drinker or cola fan, caffeine employs the same effects as alcohol, LSD, cocaine, crystal methamphetamine, nicotine, opioids, benzodiazepines, and other major drugs. This makes caffeine the widest used psychoactive drug in the world.

Another compounding problem with caffeine addiction is that it affects many people differently. Some caffeine addicts are satisfied with a low level of caffeine in take, like a few cups of coffee. Others can’t seem to function without a liter of cola and a few Red Bulls everyday. Since an addiction to caffeine is highly personalized, it remains any standardized treatment remains a riddle.

Caffeine addiction also has a social aspect. Where as all other drugs have a social stigma attached to them, caffeine products from chocolate to coffee are widely accepted by the general public. Despite its acceptance and central nervous stimulant affecting a person’s sense of well being, caffeine’s use is also associated with a number of physical and psychological syndromes that are similar to other drugs, i.e. caffeine addiction.

The Best of Answers:
“Caffeine addiction is more serious than you might expect it is by far the most widespread addiction in the world. I used to drink caffeinated soda a lot then would feel a bit off going a day without it. What you do is make sure you do not consume caffeine every day if you drink it one day avoid it the next or at least go two days every week with no caffeine.”
Source: Yahoo!Answers

“It is a legal drug that is really popular in society and many people use it as a pick me up.”
Source: WikiAnswers

“Back off of caffeine slowly by consuming progressively smaller amounts of it (such as half-caff coffee or mixing caffeinated and decaffeinated sodas). Steadily decrese the caffeine levels over a couple of weeks.”
Source: Answerbag

“Caffeine should be illegal it’s a drug not a beverage.”
Source: Yedda

Which answer do you think is The Best of Answers?

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One of the most important muscle groups in the male body are the chest muscles, also known as the pectoral muscles. The truth is that the pectoral muscles are one of the most appealing muscle groups in the eyes of women. That’s why men with excessive chest fat, also called man boobs, are anxious to lose their chest fat.

There are some specific treatment options in order to totally eliminate excessive chest fat, chest fat burning pills and plastic surgery being the 2 most common, but you can reduce the amount of excess chest fat you have by doing the right kind of aerobic routines.

Here is a list, in order of effectiveness, of aerobic routines that can reduce your excess chest fat:

1. Swimming – The breast stroke is especially effective because it works the chest muscles as well as providing a great cardio workout. Now, I know that some men with excessive chest fat have a hard time taking their shirt off in a public pool, but if you can look past that and do some swimming, it can burn off some of your chest fat.

2. Running – running is a great all body cardio workout. When you run your entire body is moving and all the muscles group are taking an active part. Your chest muscles are working as well

3. Walking – Walking is a less effective form of aerobic workout than running but as long as you swing your arms, your chest muscles are working as well.

4. Elliptical – If you’re hands aren’t moving this isn’t a very effective burning chest fat aerobic routine, but if you make sure to swing your arms continuously, your chest muscles are sharing some of the effort.

5. Rowing – rowing is a massive aerobic routine but it mainly works the back muscles, not the pectorals, so it doesn’t provide an added value apart from being a great cardio workout.

6. Outdoor bicycle riding – when you’re riding a bike you’re burning a lot of overall body fat, but your chest muscles aren’t working that much, so it provides little added value.

7. Gym bicycle riding – This is the least effective workout to lose chest fat because you’re sitting down, usually leaning back, and your chest muscles are totally relaxed. Spinning is much more effective because it involves a little resistance routine.

All these cardio routines can help you reduce your chest fat. Swimming is the most effective while gym bicycles are the least.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=John_Drummond

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“The best way to lose weight quick and effectively is through a good healthy diet and exercise. Try not to starve yourself because that is the unhealthiest way to lose weight. Do not over indulge yourself with food either. Try to eat small portions throughout the day. When snacking, try to snack on healthy snacks such as carrots, apples, yogurt, etc.

I lost 20 lbs. in one month just by eating healthy and plenty of exercise. I do laps in the swimming pool for about an hour, 5 times a week.

If its stomach fat you are trying to lose, the best way is by doing crunches. Try starting off slowly and work your way up to maybe 50 reps and 3 sets a day 3 times a day if possible.”

Source: Yahoo

“It is as simple as a balanced lifestyle.

Eating things like Fruit and vegetables which are low in fat and high in vitamins and nutrients will boost your metabolism, lean protein such as chicken, turkey, fish or filet mignon, will help to build muscle, and burn fat. While milk products are essential to the functioning of your bones and muscles.

Exercise wise, Cardiovascular activity such as running, biking, swimming, jogging, walking, stair climbing, cross country skiing, and boxing are the most effective way to burn calories and increase muscle tone, but lifting weights will increase size and strength of the muscle.”

Source: WikiAnswers

“Getting rid of laziness and keep moving to burn calories,even dancing alone.think before you eat!”

“Change your normal eating habits, if your normal breakfast is at 9am, eat at 8am or later,exercise as much as you can and exercise does not mean go to the gym,you can do squats,leg lifts,push ups etc at home,squeeze your buttocks and hold for 3 to 6 min at a time.”

Source: Blurtit

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Your abdominal muscles best respond to exercises that concentrate on each part of your abs, the upper abs, the lower abs and the obliques (commonly known as the love handles). Even though your upper and lower abs are actually one single muscle the best way to train them is with exercises that concentrate on each part individually as each part of your abs needs a slightly different stomach exercise to train most effectively, that’s why I have chosen these three exercises.

Best Upper Abs Exercise : The Basic Crunch

Lie on your back on the floor or on an exercise mat with your hands to the side of your head or crossed on your chest. Keep your knees bent at a 90 degree angle with your feet resting on the floor.

Lift your shoulder blades of the ground as if you are trying to touch your knees with your chest but do not move the legs. Concentrate on lifting using your stomach muscles only.

At the top of the movement contract your ab muscles intensely and then slowly lower your body down. Lightly touch the floor with your shoulder blades and repeat.

Repeat 15-30 times. Breathe out on the way up, in on the way down. Rest a few minutes and do another set. Try to do 3-4 sets.

If you are a beginner or if this is hard for you, do 10 repetitions for one set and gradually work your way to the recommended amount of repetitions.

When doing this ab exercise it is important that you don’t actually sit up all the way. When you sit up your hip flexors do most of the work and it can be bad for your back.

Best Lower Abs Exercise : The Reverse Crunch

Lie on your back on the floor with your hands behind your head or on the floor by your hips, with your knees bent and your feet lifted six inches above the ground.

Slowly bring your knees toward your chest and lift your butt of the ground. Concentrate on contracting your abs, you should feel your lower abs working after a few repetitions.

Use your abs do not swing your legs to create momentum. slowly lower your legs to the starting position, six inches of the floor.

Repeat 15-30 times. Breathe out on the way up, in on the way down. Rest a few minutes and do another set. Try to do 3-4 sets.

If you are a beginner or if this is hard for you, do 10 repetitions for one set and gradually work your way to the recommended amount of repetitions.

Best Obliques Exercise : The Oblique Crunch

Lie on your back, knees bent, so your left foot is resting flat on the floor. With your right knee bent, place your right foot across your left knee.

Place your left hand at the side of your head and your right hand on the left side of your abdominals or on the floor next to your thigh.

Curl your body up with a twisting movement, bringing your left shoulder toward your right knee. slowly lower your body to the ground.

Repeat 15-30 times. Breathe out on the way up, in on the way down. Rest a few minutes and do another set. Try to do 3-4 sets.

If you are a beginner or if this is hard for you, do 10 repetitions for one set and gradually work your way to the recommended amount of repetitions. Don’t forget to do the same for the other side as well.

Bonus : The Bicycle Exercise
This is a simple and very effective exercise that works all three areas of your stomach simultaneously.

Lie on your back on the floor with your hands behind your head. Slightly bend your knees and bring them in towards the chest and lift the shoulder blades off the ground.

Straighten the left leg out to about a 45-degree angle while simultaneously turning the upper body to the right, bringing the left elbow towards the right knee.

Switch sides, bringing the right elbow towards the left knee. Continue alternating sides in a ‘pedaling’ motion for 15-30 reps. Rest a few minutes and do another set. Try to do 3-4 sets.

If you are a beginner or if this is hard for you, do 10 repetitions for one set and gradually work your way to the recommended amount of repetitions.

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Yeast infection while pregnant is very stressful but, it does not have to be this way. It is said that all expectant mothers are likely to have the infections because of various reasons and the major reason is hormonal imbalance. This is a time when the body is changing to accommodate new life and so many unexpected twists may occur. Firstly, you need to know what exactly the infection is and what you need to do when you get it while pregnant. yeast is a fungus that can manage to get the joy out of you. It is scientifically known as candida and it in found in the body.

Yeast infection while pregnant needs to be taken very seriously and the signs that might inform you that you have an infection are itching in the birth canal, soreness, pain while urinating and others. Many women who have already undergone this will easily identify their condition and they will know what to do. If you are a first time mother to be, you need to follow the steps carefully. First, you need to have the above symptoms. The infection can be severe as you progress to your second trimester. When you see the signs clearly do not hesitate to see a doctor. You are not supposed to use any kind of medication for yeast before you see a doctor.

The main reason for this is not that you will harm the baby but, it is for the purpose of ruling out other diseases like sexually transmitted diseases. The diseases are much worse than yeast overgrowth and if you make a mistake of diagnosing yourself, you might put the life of your baby in a lot of risk. If the doctor states that you have yeast infection while pregnant, he will also recommend medication for you. You can choose to have natural remedies or contemporary cures. One thing that doctor will stress on is the safety of the medication you take. Usually, oral medications are never recommended because they are too strong.

You need to follow the medication when you have yeast infection while pregnant. The treatment will ease discomfort and you will be able to enjoy your pregnancy as it lasts. Some women wait for the yeast overgrowth to clear on itself which is very dangerous. Some women can have yeast clear without any medication while others need the medication. Do not take chances go for expert advise on the medication. Another reason why you need to follow through with medication is the fact that if you do not you have a very high chance of infecting your baby with the yeast during delivery.

Yeast infection while pregnant should not surprise any woman because it is expected. People should therefore take that step to prepare for the infection if at all it comes. You will get a lot of information about the topic on the internet therefore, take time so that you can have an in depth understanding of why yeast will love to come and be part of your pregnancy.

Peter Gitundu is a Web Administrator and Has Been Researching and Reporting on Yeast Infection for Years. For More Information on Yeast Infection While Pregnant, Visit His Site at YEAST INFECTION WHILE PREGNANT You Can Also Post Pour Views About Yeast Infection While Pregnant On My Blog Here – YEAST INFECTION WHILE PREGNANT

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Running Calorie Calculator allows you to calculate how many calories you have burned while running. Simply enter your weight in pounds, stone, or kilograms, and the distance you ran in miles or kilometers, then click the “Calculate” button.

Or, if it is more convenient, enter your weight in pounds, stone, or kilograms, your speed in miles per hour or kilometers per hour, and the length of your run in minutes, then click the “Calculate” button.

For example: A person that’s 180 lbs. running 1 miles will loose about 118 calories .

Try it for yourself!

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Sweating or perspiring is a normal physiologic response of the body. It is natural for anyone to sweat. Perspiration is a reaction that helps regulates body temperature. It also brings lubrication to moving parts of the body. Perspiration is a very important bodily response because it aids in the elimination of wastes as well as maintaining fluid balance in the body. Therefore, it is a good and desirable reaction. However, other people sweat to the extent that it is no longer normal. Many people experience excessive sweating or hyperhidrosis.

Why does excessive sweating occur? Of course, when something irregular happens to the body there is imbalance in the whole system. In the case of excessive sweating, there is imbalance on the activity of the sweat glands due to an overactive sympathetic nervous system. In simpler terms, sweat is produced more than what is expected by the body. This occurs particularly on areas such as the feet, hands, face, groin, back, and most commonly the underarms.

As mentioned above, excessive sweating is primarily caused by extreme activity of the sympathetic nervous system. This is the part of our brain that functions according to conscious control. When it comes to sweating out body fluids, its central command center is the hypothalamus. Therefore, perspiration depends on this part of the brain. Once the brain sends signals to the sweat nerves, it continuously sends messages to the sweat glands. When this message relay becomes over active, the sweat glands automatically produce a larger volume of sweat.

There are different stimuli that can contribute to the faulty process made by the sweat glands. The most common causes are stress, nervousness, anxiety, and excessive temperature. When any of these stressors or aggravators happens during social interactions, a person can become extensively susceptible to sweat. Moreover, there are two types of hyperhidrosis that can happen anytime and anywhere. This includes focal excessive sweating. This means that hyperhidrosis can happen in any part of the body such as the palms of the hand or soles of the feet. Studies have noted its cause to be part of genetic predisposition.

Generalized excessive sweating is another type of hyperhidrosis. This means that the whole body is affected. In most cases, this type is primarily caused by medical conditions. Some conditions or diseases can cause people to sweat excessively. This includes side effects of drugs, heart problems, anxiety disorders, infections, nerve damage, hormone problems, and even cancer.

Excessive sweating is a serious problem. It does not only cause sweaty skin but it also causes embarrassment as well as social problems. With this physiologic problem, it is always best to stop it before the worst can occur. There are many treatments for this condition. Many of these remedies are natural ways while some include the use of active ingredients. Hyperhidrosis is not a simple problem that should be taken for granted. Stop it before it stops you!

Do You Want To Stop Sweating Excessively?

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The thigh muscles are divided into four main groups – the quadriceps, biceps femoris, leg adductors and leg abductors. Any thigh exercise must work on these principal thigh muscles to see a noticeable change. Aerobic exercise in the form of walking or swimming works best on the thigh muscles. Brisk walking for about 20 – 50 minutes on a regular basis can go a long way in shaping your thighs. Swimming tones the thigh and abdominal areas thoroughly. Cardiovascular exercise is yet another way to reduce those thunder thighs. Stationary bikes or treadmills can provide significant workout, provided you keep the resistance to a minimum. Too much of resistance can lead to muscle growth on the thighs. Weights can be carefully supplemented in your exercise routine to target the problem thigh area. Light weights and high repetitions can tone up the thigh muscles.

The key to losing fat on the thighs as well lose overall weight is to burn more calories than you have taken. Cycling and skipping are also excellent thigh exercises. You can use gym equipment that is specifically tailored for thigh muscle toning. Leg curls and leg presses done regularly can give you well toned thighs. Anaerobic exercises such as squats and lunges will also give your legs a good workout. When you position your feet wider during the squats, your inner thigh muscles are better worked out. It is essential to keep your stomach firm while performing thigh exercises.

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