Vitamins ! Are They Good For You?

Hi Guys,

I dare say many of you will have read much of the misinformed nonsense written in recent print media world-wide about the potential harm of vitamins but not much has been written in reply, giving the counter arguments and disputing the interpretations of the studies, or questioning the sponsorship of such studies.

In a earlier post I mentioned that last year the Chief Coroner in New Zealand had queried similar negative reports about the dangers of vitamins to human health and had been inspired to conduct a review of all recorded deaths, nation-wide. As I recall from media reports, he could not find any incidence of vitamins, or other such supplements, being the cause, or a major contributor, of a death.

Another cause of some concern is bleating from the medical profession contesting the benefits of supplements which they say are untried and untested. (Ignoring the past hundred years or so and in the case of some, herbs especially, thousands of years).

The medical profession talk of the well tested, credible, and strictly regulated drugs and pharmaceuticals used by doctors’ but that dubious claim appears to have been refuted in a recent Brisbane Courier report, wherein professor Kelman from the National Centre for Epidemiology and Population Health, is quoted as saying “The current system for evaluating drug safety is outdated”.

It seems that currently, new medicines are judged solely on pre-marketing trials and on doctors’ adverse finding reports. Experts have warned that all new drugs should carry warning labels as part of an overhaul of Australia’s “archaic” monitoring system for new medications.

Professor Kelman is quoted as saying Australia has fallen behind the rest of the world in this matter, and that “Trials usually last no more than 12 months, so do not evaluate the increasingly common long-term use of medicines by patients with chronic disorders.”

Gents, we must counter the pharmaceutically-biased, misinformed, misinterpreted and often, drug company sponsored, studies condemning vitamins and let the truth be know. We can best do this by being well informed ourselves, fully armed with apposing argument. I have recently found a brilliant web site that most ably presents the total picture and which appears to have all the ammunition we need. CLICK on the link below…

For a wealth of information on this issue, go to:

http://www.doctoryourself.com/safety.html

See also: http://www.orthomolecular.org/resources/omns/index.shtml

Metastases to the Bone

Hi Guys,

I thought you’d be interested in this article because, as you probably know, when prostate cancer spreads its invariably goes to the bones. When my aggressive prostate cancer was diagnosed last May I was told markers indicated a high probability of the cancer having started on its journey to my bones, although follow up tests at the time were inconclusive. Ten months later I have not considered further tests because knowing would not achieve anything at this juncture. I’m hell bent on maintaining my alternative medicine regimen and all the signs to date are very positive health wise and as for my quality of life, it is truly great.

I hope that you find this item informative…

Metastases to the Bone
Disease Site of Metastases to the Bone:

Metastases is the term used to describe the spread of cancer from its site of origin to another location in the body. Bone is one of the most common locations in the body to which cancer metastasises. Any type of cancer can spread to the bone.The most common metastasising cancers are those of the breast, lung, kidney, thyroid and prostate.

Incidence of Metastases to the Bone:

Bone metastases are common, however, its true incidence is unknown, as it is dependent on the prevalence of certain types of cancers in the community which predispose to bone metastases.

Predisposing Factors of Metastases to the Bone:

Bone metastases are found more commonly in middle-aged to elderly people; they are uncommon in children. The major cancer types which tend to metastasize to bone include multiple myeloma, breast, prostate, lung, kidney, and thyroid cancers. However, a number of factors are involved - the probability of bone metastasis can be assessed only by knowing the prevalence of the cancer and its preference for bone in a particular ethnic group.

Natural History of Metastases to the Bone:

Bone metastases results in injury to bone tissue. There are two types of bone lesions: lytic lesions, which destroy bone material, and blastic lesions, which fill up bone with extra cells. Normal bone is in a constant state of remodelling - being broken down and rebuilt. Cancer cells that have spread to the bone disrupt this balance between the activity of cells that break down bone (osteoclasts) and cells that make bone (osteoblasts).

Bone metastases may be found anywhere in the skeleton, but generally occur in the central parts. More than 90% of all metastases are found in the back, pelvis, upper leg, ribs, upper arm, and skull. Complications of bone metastases include pain, increased risk of fracture, raised calcium levels in the blood, and a decreased blood cell count.

Prognosis of Metastases to the Bone:

Once cancer has spread to the bone, prognosis tends to be poor and treatment is generally aimed at minimising symptoms and improving quality of life. Bone metastases often have a significant impact on a patient’s quality of life by causing reduced mobility and pain, and complications such as high calcium levels, bone marrow suppression and fractures.

Investigation of Metastases to the Bone:

Tests which may be done if bone metastases are suspected include:
# Blood tests.
# ECG (if the patient has an irregular heartbeat).
# X-rays.
# Whole body bone scan looking for metastases.
# CT scan / MRI scan to assess local disease.

Treatment Overview of Metastases to the Bone:

The goal of treatment for bone metastases is to relieve pain and reduce the risk of fracture. Treatment may consist of surgery, radiation therapy, pain medications, and/or bisphosphonate drugs.
# Surgery may be required if there is immediate risk of fracture. Metal rods, plates, screws, wires, nails, or pins can be inserted to stabilise the bone at risk.
# Radiation Therapy: For metastatic lesions without immediate risk of fracture, radiation is effective for reducing localised bone pain and progression of the cancer.
# Medications: A groups of drugs called ‘bisphosphonates’ have been shown to reduce the risk of fractures caused by metastatic bone lesions, as well as treating bone pain and controlling raised calcium levels. Painkillers may be required if bone pain is interfering with the patient’s quality of life.

Drugs used in the treatment of this disease:

Supportive care drugs

* Zoledronic acid
(Zometa)

Other

* Sodium clodronate
(Bonefos)

For further information, please go to the VirtualCancerCentre.com site from whence this came:
http://www.virtualcancercentre.com/diseases.asp?did=708