Ecstasy drug, which has gained notoriety some years ago, is a hallucinogenic substance that is derived from stimulant amphetamines. The chemical name of ecstasy is 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA). This dangerous drug causes hyperpyrexia (high fever), electrolyte imbalance (especially sodium), stroke secondary to cerebral infarction (death of brain tissue from blood clots), liver failure and coma. The drug is not only illegal but quite deadly. No one in his/her right mind would even think of taking this poison.
Will cervical cancer be a disease of the past?
Hopefully so. A vaccine to prevent cancer of the cervix has been developed and impressive clinical studies showed it is practically 100 percent effective in warding off malignancy of the cervix, a significant killer cancer among women. However, there are
numerous HPV strains causing cancer that are not covered by this vaccine. Scientists are still working on a common vaccine that will protect women from all types of cancer-causing HPViruses.
Does high cholesterol really increase the risk for heart attack?
There is no question that high blood level of cholesterol (from eating pork, beef, eggs, etc) increases the risk for heart attack and even stroke. The popular
ongoing Framingham Heart Study in Massachusetts initially conducted in 1948 with 5127 male and female subjects revealed in no uncertain terms that a 1
percent rise in cholesterol level results in 2 percent
increase in the risk of coronary heart disease in both sexes. Cigarette smoking is a most deadly factor in the causation of heart attack and stroke, not to mention cancer of the lungs and other organs in the body. Lack of daily exercise is also a factor that contributes to the development of heart disease. As far as diet is
concerned, the healthiest one is a daily menu consisting of fish, vegetables and other high-fiber foods.
Why do breasts get larger with pregnancy?
Obviously, this is nature’s way of preparing for the birth and feeding of the newborn. Large quantities of fat are deposited in the breasts with the onset of pregnancy. But the actual sequence of physiologic event starts with the development of the placenta during pregnancy, which produce enormous amounts of estrogen. Acting together with other hormones produced by the placenta, the pituitary and other glands in the body, estrogen makes the mammary ducts grow in size and form more branches. Progesterone, also from the placenta, causes the glandular tissues to enlarge and proliferate. The alveoli (sacs) are lined with milk-producing cells which respond to hormonal stimulation and “instruction” and suppress milk production until the baby is born. Immediately after the neonate is born, the loss of the placenta and its hormones, the hormone prolactin (secreted by the pituitary gland) becomes unopposed by the placental hormones, and stimulates milk production.
Are all antibiotics effective for all infections?
No, not all antibiotics have the same spectrum of activity against bacteria. In general, different microorganisms respond to specific antibiotic drugs. While there are broad spectrum antibiotics, which could cure various infections, no one drug will be effective in curing all types of infections caused by all bacteria. This is the reason why specimen (either sputum, blood, wound drainage, urine, stools, etc.) are obtained and sent to the laboratory for culture and sensitivity tests to find out what type of antibiotic(s) the culprit bacteria are sensitive to, before prescribing the appropriate antibiotic to a patient. With the experience and training of physicians, they also know which infection usually respond well to what antibiotic(s). Self-medication is strongly discouraged because antibiotics, just like any drug, could have some serious, even fatal, side effects for some individuals.
