Kamis, 15 Mei 2008

Sony VAIO Laptop


The new Sony VAIO laptop, with its stunning features and charismatic characteristics have helped the model in invading the minds of users. VAIO, the acronym for Video Audio Integrated Operation, is a sub-brand for Sony, the electronic giant. The branding was done by Sony to distinguish items that encompassed the usage of consumer audio and video, as well as being conventional computing products. Sony was a big name in the Japanese computer market in the 1980s, but left the field in the end of the decade. Its re-entry to the computer market, this time globally, was in 1996 with a new brand name VAIO with the PCV series of desktops. The VAIO logo of the brand which became a big hit represents the integration of analog and digital technology. The 'VA' represents an analog wave and the 'IO' represents digital binary code.

Sony plans to expand the use of the VAIO label. Among its new products include notebooks, sub notebooks, desktops and a hard-disk-based audio player that comes in both 20GB and 40GB variations. The network media solutions by Sony will also carry the brand name VAIO. High-end Sony VAIO notebooks usually get shipped with Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium or Business, while low-end laptops such as the N series come with Microsoft Vista Home Basic. VAIO computers come with components from Intel processors, Seagate technology or Fujitsu hard drives and Sony Speakers.

The recent models from Sony VAIO, such as the TX or SZ, have implemented the LED backlit XBRITE LCD, that further enhance the power saving and accurate color reproduction capability of the LCD unit. The VAIO SZ series features both an Intel GMA950 graphics chip and an NVIDIA graphics chip. The high-end AR Series VAIOs were the first models to incorporate a Blu-ray Disc burner. These laptops were designed to be the epitome of high-definition products including a 1080p capable WUXGA (1920 × 1200 pixels) screen, HDMI output and the aforementioned Blu-ray burner. The AR series also includes an illuminated logo below the screen.

Cheap Laptops
SONY VAIO VGN-AR31S
SONY VAIO VGN TX5XN/B

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com



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Sabtu, 10 Mei 2008

Symptoms Of Diabetes


In non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM), which is also called type II, adult-onset, or stable diabetes, the body has enough insulin or even high levels of this hormone. The main problem is the body's resistance to insulin.

Insulin receptors or cells that accept insulin don't function well or are in short supply. This usually occurs in overweight people over 40. These people don't always need insulin injections but their blood sugar level can be controlled by means of diet, exercise, and oral hypoglycemic agents -medications taken by mouth that lower the concentration of sugar in the blood.

"Most persons with NIDDM are overweight or obese. Excess weight worsens the state of the diabetes, and weight reduction has a favorable effect. In some instances, insulin injections will be required to keep blood glucose concentrations within satisfactory limits but, unlike the situation in IDDM, omission of these injections will not result in complications," said Dr. David E. Larson, editor-in-chief of the Mayo Clinic Family Health Book.

"Medicines taken by mouth called oral hypoglycemic agents, often are helpful in NIDDM but are of no value for treating IDDM (insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus). As a result of a weight-loss program, insulin or an oral hypoglycemic medication often may be decreased or eliminated," he added.

The classic symptoms of diabetes are frequent urination and thirst, excessive hunger, weight loss in spite of increased appetite, fatigue, nausea and vomiting. Other signs are itching in the genital area, skin infections, slow healing of cuts and bruises, blurred vision, and occasionally, impotence in men and lack of menstruation in women.

In mild cases or in those with NIDDM, these symptoms may exist for years but the disease is discovered only during a routine examination which reveals high concentrations of sugar in the blood (hyperglycemia) or urine (glycosuria).

Before the advent of insulin, there was a very little hope for diabetics. Most of them lived for a few months only. A diagnosis of diabetes in those days was like getting a death sentence. As Dr. Isadore Rosenfeld of the New York Hospital Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center said in The Best Treatment:

"This knowledge about how insulin works the juvenile verses the adult form of diabetes, insulin receptors, and the auto immune concept - has all come to light only in the last decade or so. Leafing through a medical book published in the early 1900's, I found the symptoms of diabetes - thirst, frequent urination, weight loss, increased appetite, itching and coma - accurately described. But although high blood sugar was recognized as the cause, insulin was not destined to be discover until the 1920's.

"In the same text the author stated that most children with diabetes live only six months to four years after the diagnosis is made. Death on those days came in the form of 'exhaustion' or coma. Treatment consisted of an absolutely rigid diet without even a trace of a sugar or starch - no bread, milk, potatoes, carrots, and not a single fruit. No wonder these kids died so soon," Rosenfeld said. (Next: Complications of diabetes,)

Since obesity can worsen diabetes, keep your weight down to a healthy level. You can do this with the help of Zyroxin, a safe and natural supplement that will maximize your weight loss through its unique fat-burning ingredients.

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

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Sinus Infection Symptoms Like Throbbing Teeth Versus Dental Pain


Our teeth are connected to our sinus cavity via the alveolar process which is a 'U' shaped process. Throbbing teeth are a symptom of sinus infection. It occurs when a person's maxillary sinuses get infected. This can also occur if a person has some kind of infection in the teeth or gums. This infection spreads to the maxillary sinuses creating sinus infection symptoms like throbbing teeth.

Poor oral hygiene can cause bacteria to grow in the teeth and gums. The bacteria build up may cause the bacteria to enter the maxillary sinus. This can also result in a sinus infection. Proper care should be taken of the teeth and gums to avoid sinus infection symptoms like throbbing teeth.

Toothache or throbbing teeth due to sinus is similar to the toothache we have during other dental trouble. Cheeks become swollen or sensitive to touch in both cases. Sinus infection symptoms like throbbing teeth accompanied by other symptoms like a headache, runny nose, fatigue and fever are sure shot signs of a sinus infection.

Though dental pain is always confused with pain associated with sinus, there is a difference between the two. Sinus pain occurs when there is trouble with the maxillary sinuses whereas dental pain occurs when there is trouble with the teeth. It is recommended that you visit a dentist as soon as possible in both cases.

Sinus infection symptoms like throbbing teeth are very spontaneous. They are caused by a fluid build up in the maxillary sinus. It normally occurs in the upper and back teeth. Dental pain can occur in any part of the teeth. A gum infection is normally called gingivitis.

Other symptoms associated with dental sinus pain are swollen gums, tenderness in the cheek bones, facial swelling and a throbbing headache. This type of sinusitis is no different from other types. The same course of treatment is given for this type of sinus.

Sinusitis in the maxillary cavity can be avoided by taking proper care of the teeth. Brushing twice a day, flossing regularly and periodic visits to the dentist can help in avoiding sinus infection symptoms like throbbing teeth.

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

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Vitamin D and Chronic Disease


Growing up I remember spending hour upon hour playing outside-especially during the spring and summer months. As a matter of fact, my brothers and sisters were not unique in that respect. Every family enjoyed the outdoors in the sun.

In those days there was no media blitz warning people to beware of the sun for fear of developing skin cancer. So naturally people spent more time in sunlight without rubbing layers of sunblock on themselves.

'In 1989, around the time autism began to rise, the American Medical Association's (AMA) Council on Scientific Affairs first warned about the dangers of sun exposure, advising mothers to "keep infants out of the sun as much as possible." In 1999, when autism rates really exploded, the American Academy of Pediatrics went further, advising mothers always to keep infants out of direct sunlight, use sun protective clothes and sunblock, and make sure children's activities minimize sunlight exposure. Quite inexplicably, they said there was "no evidence" such "rigorous sun protection" would affect vitamin D levels. By 2002, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) reported such efforts were quite successful: "protection from sun exposure is reported for a high proportion of children."' (1)

Sunlight is the most efficient means for renewing the body's stores of vitamin D. The production of vitamin D from the ultraviolet rays of the sun (UVB) making contact with the skin beats any oral intake of it by a factor of 10! As a matter of fact, a fair-skinned person bathing in the sun for about 20 minutes will produce 20,000 IUs (international units) of vitamin D. But, the darker a person's skin, the more sun exposure is necessary. An African-American needs to spend two or more hours in the sun to create an equivalent amount of vitamin D.

Critical sunlight exposure becomes even more important for those of us who live in the northern latitudes. Sunlight is not as strong and is almost nonexistent in the winter months. Dr. Joseph Mercola (www.mercola.com) believes that the imbalance between omega-6/omega-3 fatty acids standard in the American diet is the cause of a higher risk of developing skin cancer from excess sun.

Dr. Mercola says, "But, even with the potential increase in skin cancer, most skin cancers are relatively benign when compared with breast, colon, and prostate cancers that lack of sun exposure is associated with. So you can't have it both ways. Avoid the sun and don't change your diet and you may lower your risk of skin cancer, but increase your risk of far more common and deadlier cancers. So why not change the fat content of your diet and use sensible sun exposure guidelines and reap the benefits of sunlight?"

Up until the sunlight/skin cancer scare tactics of the AMA and the CDC (Centers for Disease Control), 90 percent of vitamin D came from sunlight. Today what little we get comes predominately from our diets. And believe it or not, the American Cancer Society (ACS) is opposed to vitamin D supplementation. According to the strategic director of nutritional epidemiology, no one should take supplements to prevent cancer!

The AI (adequate intake) which has been established for vitamin D is as follows:

- ages 19 thru 50- 200 IUs

-ages 51 thru 69- 400 IUs

-ages 70 plus- 600 IUs

Many non-traditional medical practitioners-those not wed to the AMA, sunscreen manufacturers and/or the pharmaceutical industry-think that those numbers are woefully inadequate. They contend that 1,000 IUs or more are necessary in today's society. One epidemiologist found from his studies that 1,000 to 2,000 IUs of vitamin D were necessary to achieve a 50 percent reduction in colon cancer risk.

Consider the following-vitamin D has been shown by studies to be effective against breast, prostrate and other forms of cancer, Parkinson's disease, Multiple Sclerosis, and tuberculosis. As a matter of fact, vitamin D has been shown to prevent 77 percent of all cancers! And the most efficient and readily available source of it, sunlight, is absolutely free of charge.

Sadly, many people have been frightened of the sun by news of the development of skin cancer by those who stand to gain by treating disease and selling sunscreen concoctions which themselves contain carcinogenic substances. One of the consequences of such negative advertising is that pregnant and soon to be pregnant women have a vitamin D deficiency.

This translates into a high percentage of their newborns being deficient too. The deficiency existed even though most of the women (90%) took their prenatal vitamins during pregnancy. Another consequence is that breast cancer is the number one cancer killer of women.

A recent study concerning vitamin D deficiency among pregnant women revealed another disturbing statistic. The study which was performed by researchers from the University of Pittsburgh shows that 80 percent of African-American women and 92.4 percent of their newborns were vitamin D deficient. This is compared with about 50 percent white women and 66.1 percent of their newborns. Researchers say that the children of mothers with low vitamin D levels may be at a greater risk of developing rickets, a softening of the bones, type 1 diabetes, and asthma.

One possibility for the disparity between African-American women and white women is that organizations such as the American Cancer Society and the American Medical Association are not educating African-Americans about sun exposure. Darker complexions which is caused by greater levels of melatonin require longer exposure to sunlight than lighter-skinned individuals to achieve the same results.

This lack of education is a virtual death blow to African-American women from breast cancer and to African-American men from prostate cancer. African-American men are 60 percent more likely to develop prostate cancer than whites, and twice as likely to die from it than any other group.

Breast cancer is more prevalent in white women than African-American women. However when a young, African-American woman does develop breast cancer, she is a lot more likely to have a highly aggressive and deadly form. "Its been long known that breast cancer in African-American women is a far less common disease than in white women. But when it occurs, it seems to be more aggressive and harder to treat," said study co-author Dr. Lisa Carey of the University of North Carolinas Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center.

Since 77 percent of all cancers (breast, colon, prostrate, and others) can be prevented, why don't the ACS and government agencies provide that information to the American people? The answer is there is a conflict of interest. They have links to the pharmaceutical industry. Cancer prevention as opposed to treatment would represent billions of dollars in lost revenue to Big Pharma.

It is much more profitable to 'treat' cancer over a patient's lifetime rather than cure the disease and forever lose that patient. So the ACS pretends to look for a cure while fully aware of the research and studies proving the potency of vitamin D and sunlight.

Vitamin D is vital to your health. Be proactive and get adequate sunlight for your skin type. For those living in northern climates, supplementation may be necessary in the winter months. The vitamin D in most supplements and in milk is the synthetic form, D2 (ergocalciferol.)

The natural form of vitamin D, D3, is converted by our bodies 500 percent faster than D2. That being said, I recommend getting supplemental vitamin D from cod liver oil. The brand I use (Carlson's) is very good and it contains lemon oil to appeal to those who hate the taste of cod liver oil.

However, get enough sunlight exposure when the weather permits. And remember, the darker your complexion, the more sunlight you need. The high prostate cancers in African-American men and high breast cancers in African-American women can be addressed by much more sunlight than we have been accustomed to getting.

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

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Lupus - Medical and Alternative Treatment


Lupus, frequently referred to as SLE for systemic lupus erythematosus, is a chronic rheumatic disease in which connective tissue throughout the body becomes inflamed. It is an autoimmune disorder in which inflammation is caused by antibodies that attack normal body tissue as if it were an outside invader. The precise cause is unknown, but researchers believe that certain people inherit a genetic predisposition to the disorder, which is then triggered by a virus or some other unidentified environmental factor. The disease strikes women about 10 times as often as men. It can develop at any age, but is most common in young adults. Symptoms range from so mild that SLE goes undetected for long periods to disabling, even life threatening.

Lupus is often described as the great pretender among diseases because it causes such a wide range of symptoms, the most common of which are fatigue and joint pain. But other manifestations may include a chronic low-grade fever, hair loss, weakness, weight loss, dry eyes and mouth, muscle aches, swollen lymph nodes, loss of appetite, nausea, and mouth ulcers. About half of all patients develop a butterfly-shaped rash over the nose and cheeks. Depending upon the organs affected, SLE may also cause severe headaches, anemia, inflammation in the lining of the heart or lungs, kidney failure, and mental disorders. A variation discoid lupus erythematosus affects mainly the skin. A rash may appear not only on the face but also on the neck, scalp, and other areas. It ranges from a mild scaliness to a widespread blistery eruption. As in many other rheumatic disorders, symptoms come and go unpredictably. Sun exposure or stress often produces a flare-up. During pregnancy, symptoms can worsen and cause miscarriage.

Diagnostic Studies And Procedures

Any unexplained joint pain and stiffness accompanied by other vague signs warrant seeing a rheumatologist for lupus testing. The workup should include blood tests to determine if the body is producing substances called antinuclear antibodies (ANA) and, more specifically, antibodies against your own DNA. If lupus seems likely, further tests will be done to evaluate the kidneys, lungs, and other organs that are frequent targets of the disease.

Medical Treatments

You and your doctor may have to experiment with various drug regimens over a period of months to find the right one for you. Possibilities include: Aspirin and other nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen (Motrin and others), naproxen (Naprosyn and Anaprox), indomethacin, sulindac , tolmetin (Tolectin), and piroxicam They are the first line of treatment and may be all that is necessary to control relatively mild forms. NSAIDs ease pain by interfering with the body's production of prostaglandins, chemicals involved in the inflammatory process. However, they can cause stomach irritation and ulcers, and should always be taken with food and perhaps antacids. Even if you do not take any of these drugs for pain, your doctor may recommend taking one baby aspirin daily to reduce your risk of blood clots because lupus can also increase the risk of heart attack and stroke. Antimalarials, such as hydroxychloroquine . These help control lupus by suppressing the immune system. They are particularly useful in preventing rashes and joint pain. However, it may take two to six months before benefits are noted, especially disappearance of a nightly low grade fever. Because these drugs cause eye damage in a small percentage of patients, anyone using them on a long term basis must have an eye examination every three to six months. Oral corticosteriods, such as prednisone and methylprednisolone, synthetic versions of cortisone (one of the body's own steroid hormones).

They reduce inflammation by suppressing the immune system. Steroids are often a mainstay of treatment for people with lupus-related kidney, blood, and neurologic disorders, but they cause unwanted side effects, including weight gain and lowered resistance to infections. Therefore, they should be taken only for limited periods, at the lowest possible dosage and, preferably, on alternate days. Because steroids taken long term increase the risk of osteoporosis, daily calcium supplements are recommended. When steroids are to be discontinued, the dosage should be reduced slowly over a period of several weeks to months, because sudden cessation can cause a lupus flare-up or life threatening adrenal gland failure. Topical steroids, such as hydrocortisone creams and ointments, carry fewer side effects than oral steroids and may be useful in the treatment of lupus rashes. Continuous use should be limited to no more than two weeks. Cytotoxic drugs, such as azathioprine (Iand cyclophosphamide (Cytoxan or NEOSAR), were developed to suppress the immune system in patients undergoing organ transplants. Subsequently, doctors discovered that they are also useful for treating severe lupus. They may be prescribed instead of, or in addition to, steroids. However, because of their potentially severe side effects, including possible liver damage and a slightly increased risk of cancer, frequent blood and urine tests are necessary to detect such problems early.

Alternative Therapies

Herbal Medicine

Feverfew, which is available in capsule form and as a tea, has been shown to have an anti inflammatory effect and some studies have reported benefits in the treatment of autoimmune joint pain.

Hydrotherapy

Contrast baths can alleviate severe generalized pain. Sit in a bath that is as hot as you can stand for 5 to 10 minutes, then take a cold shower for 2 to 5 minutes. If pain is in only one or two joints, an ice pack may be sufficient; or use a plastic bag filled with frozen peas or corn that can be molded around the joint. Wrap the pack in cloth before placing it on the skin.

Meditation and Self hypnosis

These and other relaxation techniques are helpful in controlling stress, which can aggravate lupus.

Nutrition Therapy

Nutritionists recommend a diet low in protein, and high in starches , fresh fruits, and vegetables. Alfalfa sprouts and seeds, which may trigger a flare-up, should be avoided. Some people find that milk, beef, and certain vegetables can also intensify symptoms. It may be wise to keep a food diary and eliminate from your diet any food that causes problems. Antioxidant vitamins, especially beta carotene (a precursor to vitamin A) and vitamins C and E, have been reported to help alleviate lupus. Vitamin E applied directly to the skin may help mitigate a lupus rash. Studies suggest that gamma linoleic acid (GLA) and other omega 3 fatty acids may decrease the inflammatory response. Good sources of and recommended dosages include capsules of evening primrose oil (1000 milligrams twice a day) or black currant oil (500 milligrams twice a day). Other good sources of omega-3 fatty acids are flaxseed oil and cold-water fish such as salmon and sardines. In general, lupus patients should avoid such polyunsaturated oils as corn, safflower, sunflower, and soybean, which are high in arachidonic acid, a fatty acid that may contribute to inflammation. Better are annotative, and other monounsaturated oils.

Self Treatment

As a starting point, try to identify any factors that worsen the condition. Keep a daily diary of symptoms and your evening temperature (when elevated, it can be an early sign of an impending flareup. At the first indication of an increase in symptoms, see your aggressive treatment with more medications may head them, To lessen fatigue, get at least nine hours of sleep at night, and during day, take half-hour rest breaks between periods of activity. Reorganize your home and work space to decrease unnecessary energy expenditure. energy levels permit, exercise but avoid jarring movements joints. Walking, swimming, and stretching movements seem to be When the disease is active, arrange a less demanding schedule and to make plans that cannot be canceled, because you never know you will feel from one day to the next. If you are planning a vacation, purchase trip cancellation insurance. If your symptoms are worsened by the sun, try to avoid exposure between 10 A.M. and 4 P.M. and always use a sunscreen and wear protective Because estrogen may be in the development of lupus, women with the disease are often advised not to use birth control pills. After menopause, estrogen replacement therapy may not be advisable for such women.

Certain drugs, including antibiotics and sulfa drugs, can provoke a lupus flare-up. In general, do not take any medication without checking first with your rheumatologist. If your medication regimen includes NSAIDs andJor steroids, after meals take two antacids that contain calcium to lessen stomach irritation and the of osteoporosis. If you have dry mouth, sip water or sugarless soda throughout the day. Try sugarless gum to stimulate production of saliva. Or use a nonprescription saliva substitute. Remember, too, that dry mouth increases the risk of cavities and gum disease. Brush and floss regularly, see a dentist at least every six months, and ask about fluoride treatments and antibacterial dental products. Find out about lupus support groups in your area. Meeting with others who have the disease can alleviate a sense of isolation and provide you with information for enhancing your life.

Other Causes of Lupus like Symptoms

Chronic fatigue syndrome and Lyme disease and other rheumatic disorders can cause symptoms like those of lupus.

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

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