Mobile phones ARE linked to cancer, study claims: Long-term use 'is associated with Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, headaches and skin irritation'

Mobile phones ARE linked to cancer, study claims: Long-term use 'is associated with Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, headaches and skin irritation'

• ¥ Radiation from wireless devices such as phones and tablets could be linked to a number of health risks, a new review of studies has claimed
• ¥ Scientists claim radiation causes oxidative stress in the body - a damaging process thought to be closely linked to degenerative diseases
• ¥ Study authors say mobile phone use should be minimised to prevent harm
• ¥ Official guidelines state the devices could 'possibly' cause cancer
• 
  

By ANNA HODGEKISS FOR MAILONLINE

PUBLISHED: 11:31 EST, 31 July 2015 | UPDATED: 07:52 EST, 1 August 2015

Mobile phones pose a 'very real risk' to human health, a new study claims.

Radiation from wireless devices such as phones and tablets could be linked to a number of health risks, from cancer to diseases of the brain such as Parkinson's and Alzheimer's, the researchers state.

They claim this is because the radiation causes an 'imbalance' - or oxidative stress - in the body. 

Oxidative stress is a damaging process thought to be closely linked to degenerative diseases. 

The new study is a review of experimental data on the effects of radiofrequency radiation in living cells - basically how mobiles phones may damage a person's DNA. 

Warning: Radiation from wireless devices such as phones and tablets could be linked to a number of health risks, from cancer to diseases of the brain such as Parkinson's and Alzheimer's, a new study claims (file pic)

Dr Igor Yakymenko, from the The National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, claims the oxidative stress due to radiofrequency exposure could explain the link between wireless devices and cancer.

After long-term exposure, it is also linked to other minor disorders such as headache, fatigue, and skin irritation, he says. 

His argument is based around reactive oxygen species - chemically reactive molecules containing oxygen.

They play an important role in cell signalling  and the control of i When reactive oxygen species levels increase dramatically, this can cause significant damage to cell structures - this is known as oxidative stress.

The article argues that while reactive oxygen species are often produced in cells due to aggressive environments, they can also be provoked by 'ordinary wireless radiation'.

'These data are a clear sign of the real risks this kind of radiation poses for human health,' Dr  Yakymenko said.

WHAT IS OXIDATIVE STRESS? 

One way that our cells can become damaged is when they encounter oxidative stress.

And preventing or repairing cell damage from oxidative stress is helpful against ageing.

This stress happens when there is higher-than-normal production of free radicals, unstable molecules that carry a loosely bound extra electron.

When the free radical encounters another molecule, this extra electron is passed along in a rapid chain reaction from molecule to molecule.

When it reaches the end of the chain, it can break apart connections between atoms within important components of the cell, like the cellular membrane, essential proteins or even DNA.   

He told the New York Daily News that using your phone for just 20 minutes a day for five years increased the risk of one type of brain tumor threefold, and using the phone an hour a day for four years upped the risk of some tumors three to five times.

He told the paper: '(Our) data were obtained on adults who used cell phones mostly up to 10 years as adults.

'The situation can dramatically differ for children who use cells phone in childhood, when their biology much more sensitive to hazardous factors, and will use it over the life.'

And despite the risk of cancers of the brain being low, he insists care is still needed because some health implications only appear decades later. 

As a result, Yakymenko and his colleagues call for a precautionary approach - such as using phones less and going hands-free to keep the frequency away from the head area.

The study, published in the journal Electromagnetic Biology & Medicine, is the latest in a long-running exploration of mobile-phone safety.

It was done in collaboration between scientists at Indiana University, the University of Eastern Finland and the University of Campinas in Brazil. 

Over the past 15 years most investigations have failed to turn up conclusive results either way, although several have suggested a link between a type of brain tumour called a glioma and intensive, long-term use.

The latest official stance is that radiofrequency (RFR)/microwave radiation has a 'possible carcinogenic effect'.

Over the past 15 years most investigations into the safety of mobile phones have failed to turn up conclusive results either way. However several have suggested a link between a type of brain tumour called a glioma and intensive, long-term use

In 2011, the International Agency for Research on Cancer classified mobile phones for the first time in their 'gold-standard' rating system. 

Scientists there said the devices could 'possibly' cause cancer in humans but there was not enough evidence to come to a clear conclusion. 

The type of radiation used in communications, electronic and other devices is called non-ionising radiation.

Most non-ionising radiation has less energy than ionising radiation, this means it doesn’t have enough energy to change our cells in the same way as ionising radiation. 

According to Cancer Research UK, the scientific evidence currently shows it's unlikely that mobile phones could increase the risk of brain tumours, or any other type of cancer.

But the charity concedes that not enough is known to 'completely rule out a risk'. 

Last year another study claimed that people who used their phones more than 15 hours each month appears to have a higher risk of developing certain types of brain cancer.

The French researchers said these users were at two to three times higher risk of developing glioma and meningioma tumours.  

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-3181406/Mobile-phones-linked-cancer-scientist-claims-Long-term-use-causes-disease-headaches-skin-irritation.html#ixzz3haE9PhCe 

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http://health.einnews.com/article/278855317/NiTDR0Z-1XxfueZs

Movement disorder treatment expands

By

• Ellen Schmidt

July 29, 2015

Deep brain stimulation uses electrical currents to treat movement disorders. like Parkinson’s disease.

Dr. Noam Harel, an associate professor in the University’s departments of Radiology and Neurosurgery, poses in front of a 7 Tesla MRI scanner in the Center for Magnetic Resonance Research on July 27, 2015. The 7 Tesla model has the ability to capture highly accurate images of the brain, which aids in the success of deep brain stimulation surgery. 

When University of Minnesota neurosurgeon Dr. Michael Park explains to his patients how deep brain stimulation surgery works, he compares the process to finding a house with satellite images.

 

He tells his patients that the procedure is similar to locating a city, pinpointing the affected neighborhood, finding the target house and dropping a package — in this case, a DBS device, a probe made of four coiled wires — into the living room.

 

Deep brain stimulation surgery is used to relieve patients suffering from movement disorders with symptoms like intense and immobilizing shaking. Primarily used to treat movement disorders like Parkinson’s disease, essential tremor and dystonia, doctors offer the procedure when medication to fight these diseases stops working. 

 

Now, the University of Minnesota Medical Center’s  team of neurologists, surgeons, researchers and imaging specialists are researching new applications for the device and ways to spread knowledge about its potential positive effects.

 

The three hour surgery requires extensive planning that uses a large number of DBS specialists. Doctors decide if a patient qualifies for the procedure if their medication isn’t successful in reducing symptoms and if the disease isn’t far progressed, after which the candidate is sent for imaging.

 

At the University, Noam Harel, a researcher at the Center for Magnetic Resonance Research, uses a 7 Tesla MRI machine  —  a precise imaging device  —  to look at the of the portion of the brain that will be targeted during the surgery.

 

“You can generate better images, so we can actually see the targets that doctors … are aiming to put the DBS lead in,” Harel said. “Just think of a camera with much more pixels.”

 

Harel uses the MRI images to create a three-dimensional anatomical model of the patient’s brain for doctors to reference during surgery.

 

But before doctors can jump into surgery, they measure electrical currents in different parts of the brain. The step allows them to later accurately place the DBS lead, which will send electrodes to a specific spot in the brain to attack patients’ symptoms, University neurology chair Dr. Jerrold Vitek said.

 

“You go through different structures in the brain. It’s almost like going through different countries. Each area speaks a different language, so the pattern of activity of the cells

in each location can be quite different,” Vitek said. “When the pattern changes, we know we’re going into a different area.”

 

Reaching the target area of the brain requires the patient to be awake during surgery so doctors can monitor the brain at full activity and watch how moving the lead relieves patients’ symptoms, he said.

 

One of Park’s patients with essential tremor — a nervous system disorder that causes shaking — needed DBS surgery on both sides of his brain, but due to medical complications, the surgery had to be stopped after only one side was treated. A day after the surgery, Park’s patient went home and was already asking for treatment on the other half of his brain.

 

“The most common thing that patients say after the surgery is that they don’t know why they didn’t do it any sooner,” Park said.

 

In recent years, DBS research has started extending past movement disorders, said neurology assistant professor Ken Baker.

 

While the new projects aren’t receiving funding yet, he said researchers hope to use DBS for treating conditions like drug addiction and obsessive-compulsive disorder in the future.

 

Biomedical engineering researchers in are also working on creating new devices to reduce side effects of the surgery by better controlling the electrical current sent from the lead to the brain, Baker said.

 

Still, many don’t know about the surgery, Vitek said, partly because they work in hospitals that don’t supply the necessary equipment for the procedure. Only 20 percent of candidates in the United States opt for the procedure and 5 percent in the world, he said.

 

“A lot of places don’t have the equipment or the skillset to do this, but we need to get the word out to people,” Vitek said.

 

The University’s DBS team thinks education about the procedure could help more patients find normality in their lives and is working to spread the word as part of a MNDrive grant, he said.

 

“Just think if you couldn’t put on your makeup or brush your teeth or drink from a coffee cup,” Vitek said. “Just think what being able to do that would mean to you.” 

http://www.mndaily.com/news/metro-state/2015/07/29/movement-disorder-treatment-expands

AXIM Biotech Presents Patented Cannabinoid Delivery Methods at My Compassion's Chicago Cannabis Conference

Global Hemp Biotech Company Fosters Cannabinoid Education With Patients, Peers and the Public

NEW YORK, July 29, 2015 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- AXIM Biotechnologies, Inc. (OTC:AXIM) CEO George E. Anastassov, MD, DDS, MBA, proudly shared the Company's cannabinoid delivery methods – including the world's first patented cannabinoid release chewing gum - at the My CompassionChicago Cannabis Conference. The three-day conference took place at Chicago's Navy Pier and focused on medical cannabis and hemp education with patients, industry professionals and the public.

"We sincerely appreciate My Compassion hosting the 2^nd Annual Chicago Cannabis Conference and including AXIM Biotech as a presenter on cannabinoid delivery methods," states Dr. George E. Anastassov. "We were able to educate healthcare and legal professionals, patients and the news media. It was an invaluable experience and AXIM looks forward to supporting My Compassion in the future."

Many found the world's first patented hemp cannabinoid release chewing gum intriguing. News features with AXIM include: ABC, NBC, Telemundo, WGN, and CBS.

Complete use of the industrial hemp plant is at the core of the Company's business plan, which aims to use the natural plant to benefit human health, while providing clean alternative energy and delivering many other innovative applications. By focusing efforts on unique proprietary delivery mechanisms for the introduction of cannabinoids (e.g. CBD, CBG, CBN), AXIM Biotechnologies has charted a course and is actively developing solutions for conditions for which there currently are no effective treatments including: Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease / dementia, ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder), PTSD, autism, MS, spasticity, pain, RLS (restless leg syndrome), glaucoma, IBD, IBS and Crohn's disease.

Dr. Anastassov continues, "AXIM is committed to developing hemp-based solutions for conditions with no known cure. Research of these conditions including epilepsy, auto-immune disorders, and post-traumatic stress disorder / PTSD, were discussed at the Chicago Cannabis Conference. Those that attended gained access to valuable resources that are available today as well as knowledge of what is to come in the near future."

AXIM Biotech also creates strategic partnerships and acquisitions, allowing ongoing research and development in the areas of functional foods, nutraceuticals, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and clean energy – all derived from the industrial hemp plant. For more information, visit AXIM Biotech's website.

To arrange for media interviews, contact Andrew Hard, Public Relations Spokesperson, at Andrew.Hard@CMWmedia.com or call 858-380-5478.

About AXIM:

AXIM Biotechnologies, Inc. (OTC:AXIM) is an innovative biotechnology company focusing on research, development and production of pharmaceutical, nutraceutical and cosmetic products where we prioritize the well-being of our customers while embracing a solid fiscal strategy. For more information, visit the Company website at www.AXIMBiotech.com.

FORWARD-LOOKING DISCLAIMER

This press release may contain certain forward-looking statements and information, as defined within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and is subject to the Safe Harbor created by those sections. This material contains statements about expected future events and/or financial results that are forward-looking in nature and subject to risks and uncertainties. Such forward-looking statements by definition involve risks, uncertainties and other factors, which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of Axim Biotechnologies, Inc. to be materially different from the statements made herein.

LEGAL DISCLOSURE

AXIM Biotechnologies does not sell or distribute any products that are in violation of the United States Controlled Substances Act (US.CSA). The company does grow, sell, and distribute hemp-based products.

CONTACT: North American Address:

                       18 East 50th Street, 5 Floor

                       New York, NY 10022

                       +1 844 294 6246

                      

                       European Address:

                       Boelewerf 32, Unit 3

                       2987 VD Ridderkerk, The Netherlands

                       +31 10 8209 227

http://www.einpresswire.com/article/278405688/axim-biotech-presents-patented-cannabinoid-delivery-methods-at-my-compassion-s-chicago-cannabis-conference

Ain't the Way to Die | ZDoggMD.com

Do we have the right to die the way we want to?
Or should we be made to stay alive, with climbing medical bills, not being able to be able to
communicate to our love ones, until that final day comes that we pass?

I have mixed feelings.
What is your opinion?

Parkinson's Disease: Other Medical Concerns: Swallowing Problems

Introduction

Many people with Parkinson's disease have difficulty swallowing because they lose control of their mouth and throat muscles. As a result, chewing and managing solid foods can be difficult.

Swallowing problems increase the risk of aspiration (inhaling fluid or stomach contents) and pneumonia in people with Parkinson's disease. For some, following special swallowing techniques is sufficient to alleviate swallowing problems. For others, dietary changes may be necessary.

How Are Swallowing Problems Diagnosed?

If you are having trouble swallowing, contact your doctor. He or she will recommend a speech pathologist to carefully examine your swallowing abilities and evaluate your aspiration risk. A swallowing study using foods and liquids of varying consistency under video-fluoroscopy may be given.

How Can I Make Chewing and Swallowing Easier?

The way you sit and the type of food you eat can influence your ability to swallow. Here are some suggestions to make chewing and swallowing easier.Positioning

• Sit upright at a 90-degree angle. 
• Tilt your head slightly forward. 
• Remain sitting or standing upright for 15-20 minutes after eating a meal.

Dining environment

• Minimize distractions in the area where you eat. 
• Stay focused on the tasks of eating and drinking. 
• Do not talk with food in your mouth.

Amount and rate

• Eat slowly. 
• Cut your food into small pieces and chew it thoroughly. 
• Do not try to eat more than 1/2 teaspoon of your food at a time.

Swallowing

• You may need to swallow two or three times per bite or sip. 
• If food or liquid catches in your throat, cough gently or clear your throat, and swallow again before taking a breath. Repeat if necessary. 
• Concentrate on swallowing frequently.

Saliva management

• Drink plenty of fluids. 
• Periodically suck on popsicles, ice chips, lemon ice or lemon-flavored water to increase saliva, which will increase how often you swallow.

Food consistency

If chewing is difficult or tiring:

• Minimize (or eliminate) foods that require chewing, and eat more soft foods. 
• Puree your foods in a blender. 
• If thin liquids cause you to cough, thicken them with a liquid thickener (your speech pathologist can recommend one for you.) You can also substitute thin liquids with thicker liquid choices such as nectars for juices and cream soups for plain broths.

Tips for Taking Medications

Crush your pills and mix them with applesauce or pudding. But, some medications, such as Sinemet CR should not be crushed because this can affect how the medications work. Ask your pharmacist for his/her recommendations on which pills should not be crushed and which medications can be purchased in a liquid form.

Reviewed by the doctors at The Cleveland Clinic Neuroscience Center

Edited by Charlotte E. Grayson, MD, WebMD, March 2004. 

http://www.medicinenet.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=42556

Financial Assistance Available for Out-of-Pocket Costs of Parkinson's Medications

FoxFeed Blog

Financial Assistance Available for Out-of-Pocket Costs of Parkinson's Medications

Posted by  Elizabeth Joyce, July 01, 2015

As a member of The Michael J. Fox Foundation community, you may be aware of our efforts to engage payers    -- insurance companies and Medicaid and Medicare -- and represent the patient voice in key conversations about the medical needs of Parkinson's patients today.

Given the United States' payer landscape, some private funders and foundations provide supplementary financial assistance to further offset costs accrued by people who may not be able to pay for medical coverage related to chronic diseases and conditions.

The Patient Access Network Foundation (PANF), for example, recently launched such a program for patients being treated for Parkinson’s disease. This fund is one of nearly 60 disease-specific funds offered by PANF, spanning programs for cancer, chronic illnesses and rare diseases.

PANF's Parkinson’s disease fund helps eligible individuals and their families by providing funds for out-of-pocket costs of critical medications. Those who qualify are eligible to receive up to $16,500 per year. To qualify, applicants must have insurance that covers the medication for which they seek assistance, reside and receive treatment in the United States, and have a household income less than or equal to 500 percent of the Federal Poverty Level. To learn more, visit www.panfoundation.org/parkinsons-disease.

The Patient Access Network Foundation is an independent, nationwide 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to providing help and hope to underinsured patients who are unable to afford the out-of-pocket expenses for their prescribed medications. Since 2004, PANF has provided nearly 500,000 underinsured patients with over $880 million dollars in much needed financial assistance to cover out-of-pocket medical expenses. For applications and eligibility questions, call 866-316-PANF (7263). 

https://www.michaeljfox.org/foundation/news-detail.php?pan-promo-blog-post-ej-draft

12 Things I Learned from My Husband’s Diagnosis

FoxFeed Blog

Posted by  Ava Butler, July 22, 2015

Ava Butler, a member of The Michael J. Fox Foundation community, shares some of the things her husband's diagnosis of Parkinson's disease and Lewy Body dementia has taught her — which she takes to heart at home, and in her career.

I am an organizational development consultant specializing in transformational change.  I’m also the wife of my dear Richard.  We’ve been happily married for almost 24 years and are deeply in love.  But our relationship is a non-traditional one because Richard has Parkinson’s disease and Lewy Body dementia.  In January, he moved into a memory care facility. He’s 63 and I’m 57.

Richard was diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 2010, but we’re sure he had the disease long before the diagnosis.  We were somewhat prepared to take on the physical challenges of Parkinson’s but utterly ill-equipped to deal with the accompanying dementia.  Richard’s decline has been rapid and relentless despite our full scale attempts to do everything possible to stop or even reverse his disease. 
Our situation has been devastating, but it has made me an even better consultant and person. 

Here are the top 12 things I’ve learned, or re-learned, so far.

1) Watch for early signs of problems.

• It’s easy to dismiss or ignore information that you don’t want to hear.
• Rely on those around you to provide insights.  Ask for feedback.
• Listen to what others have to say, regardless if you see it yourself or not. 
• 
  

2) Learn as much as you can.

• Educate yourself, even on topics that you don’t want to learn about at all, and will have trouble understanding.  
• Pay attention to the details and don’t be afraid to ask for clarification when people are speaking in language foreign to you.
• Get ready to be an advocate.
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3) Get the ‘system in the room’.  

• Insist on a cross-functional, multi-disciplinary approach and create opportunities for people with diverse views to hear and learn from each other. This is essential in order to determine the best solution or approach.
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4) Plan ahead.  

• Last minute changes to your priorities due to unforeseen circumstances are inevitable. Expect and accept them with grace.
• Never wait until the last minute to get prepared.  It will add to your stress and the stress of those around you.
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5) Plan for all scenarios.

• Most people plan ahead based on predicting a few different scenarios.  But few plan for or discuss the most devastating possibilities, and therefore can find themselves in emotionally and financially difficult situations that could have been avoided or diminished.
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6) Be flexible.

• Plan to manage current and known future priorities but you must also adapt to your changing environment.
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7) Pre-position others beforehand.

• No one likes surprises.  Advance communication, sometimes several times, before an event occurs helps individuals prepare.
• Always avoid personal surprises in public places. Never let a person be embarrassed or humiliated due to your actions or inactions. Honor the self-esteem of others.
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8) Show compassion.  

• Be understanding and know the limitations of others and yourself.
• Listen carefully to maximize your understanding of other’s situations and perspectives.
• Be present in the moment.
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9) Focus on the positive.

• Negative feedback, especially when it’s focused on capabilities that another doesn’t have, is counterproductive at best.
• Think about what you and others can do, as opposed only thinking about what you or others can’t do.
• Look for creative solutions to maneuver around obstacles.
• Celebrate even the smallest wins.
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10) Take care of yourself.  

• As they say on the airplanes “put your own oxygen mask on before helping others”.
• Accept the help of others.  Don’t be afraid to ask for help and do so proactively.
• Find joy in your work.
• Remember to breath.
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11) Help others.

• Share what you have learned and mentor those in earlier stages of their journey than you are.
• Give freely of your time, and know that your goodwill will be returned.
•  

12) Be grateful.

• Appreciate what others do. Say thank you a lot. 
• Treat every day as if it were your last.
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• Make a difference every day.  Have a positive impact on those around you.

I’m still learning, whether I want to or not. I’ll continue to work to be the best consultant I can be, the best wife I can be, and to become a better person because of it. Transformational change indeed. 

https://www.michaeljfox.org/foundation/news-detail.php?12-things-learned-from-my-husband-diagnosis