Sunday, September 20, 2009

Pets & Animals- Indian Python

Throughout the History, men have regarded snakes with fascination, fear & mystery. Indian Python is one of the most massively built snakes of India. It is also known as “AJGAR”. It belongs to the Boidae Family. Indian snakes are highly arboreal snake
Python snake grows to an average length of around 4 to 6 meters. Its weight varies from 70 to 129 pounds. The entire body is covered with scales. Usually their scales are smooth and glossy. The head is flat, with small eyes and large nostrils. On either side of the anal vent are vestigial or rudimentary limbs. An adult python may be white or yellow in color, depending upon its habitat. The pythons of the hill forests of Western Ghats and Assam are darker in color, while those of the Deccan Plateau and East Coast are lighter. Sensory pits on the snout shield and first two labials distinguish a Rock python from other types of snakes.

One of the unique features of the Rock pythons of India is that they can raise their body temperature above the ambient level, through muscular contractions.

Pythons kill their prey by constriction. Generally python snakes are found in tropical and subtropical Asia, Africa and Australia. In Florida pythons thrive as well.

The larger the python the larger the prey and large pythons are capable of eating big animals such as pigs and deer. When the prey has been asphyxiated it is swallowed in full. It takes the python snake from one to several days to digest the prey. Death of its prey is caused by suffocation – the python put so much pressure on the prey that the prey not able to breathe air. The diet of Pythons consists of mammals, birds and reptiles. After eating a huge meal, they may go without food for many days. It has been found that an Indian python not eating for 2 years at a stretch.

The preferred method of capturing prey is by ambushing. Python snakes have a forked tongue with sensors that can detect the odor from prey. The sensor organ is called the Jacobsen organ. They also have a set of organs capable of sensing heat from warm blooded animals such as small rodents.

Even though most pythons have fairly large teeth they only use them to hold onto something. The teeth of python snakes angle backward to keep hold on prey during constriction. Most prey is swallowed head first. That is why humans theoretically are a difficult prey for snake. The broad shoulder of human prevents them from being swallowed.

Rock python of India is a lethargic creature, moving only while hunting a prey or when threatened. It shows great swimming ability and is quite at ease in water. It is an endangered species, now partly protected by the Tamil Nadu Government. The reason for this is that it is killed for its fine skin, meat and even for medicinal purposes

The python's jungle habitat is disappearing as trees are cut down for firewood and to make room for spreading human settlement and agriculture.

The snakes are listed in CITES Appendix I. To protect the python Government has prohibited all trades & business in python products or live python. Still there are so many illegal trades of python products.

What do you think of the practice of skinning snakes alive in order to preserve the quality of the skin?
Humans have long persecuted large predators, such as the Indian python. What happens to ecosystems when predators are eliminated?

Heart (Coronary) Diseases in Women

In the past few years, Indian women, particularly urban, have broken most stereotype thrusts on them by traditional society. Women now pursue careers, smoke, drink, eat junk food and lead hectic lifestyles. Ironically, these symbols of emancipation are now posing a serious health threat to them. The result is that coronary diseases top the chart of women diseases.

About CAD: Coronary artery disease (CAD) is a condition where plaque clogs the lining of arteries that supply blood and nutrients to the heart. Slowly, plaque, of which cholesterol is a major ingredient, narrows the arteries and obstructs the flow of blood, posing the risk of heart attack.

Types of heart ailments in women: The other common heart ailment in women is valvular heart disease in which the valves start leaking or get obstructed. It could lead to heart failure if not treated on time. Valvular diseases can be congenital or acquired. But rheumatic valvular heart disease is commonest among young woman in India. A degenerative valvular disease, which predominantly causes a valve leak, is the second most prominent. Other forms of congenital diseases and aortic dissection are also seen in women.

A few years ago, CAD was considered to be predominantly a man’s problem. In women, CAD was reported only in the post-menopausal stage. But the trend is fast changing in urban India. You all will be surprised to read that the prevalence rate of metabolic syndrome among urban Indians is 44.2 percent among women and 17.6 percent for men. Metabolic syndrome is the name for a group of risk factors that increases the chances of heart disease, diabetes and stroke.

Now younger and middle-aged women are facing problems of coronary artery diseases and heart attacks. Besides smoking, drinking, increased stress, sedentary lifestyle, abnormal cholesterol levels, abnormal eating habits, diabetes, high blood pressure, a family history of heart disease, obesity and oral contraceptives put women at high risk of CAD.

Estrogen was once believed to insulate younger women from cardiac problems. But now changes in lifestyle are altering the patterns, with pre-menopausal women also falling victim to CAD. Awareness about heart disease in women is low among both physicians ad the public. In older women, other diseases, such as arthritis or osteoporosis, can obscure CAD symptoms and delay diagnosis. They may also suffer from chest pain, abdominal pain, and difficulty in breathing, nauseas and fatigue.

Treatment for coronary disease: As far as treatment for coronary disease is concerned, prevention is always better than cure. Women who fall in the high-risk categories should undergo regular screening and take preventive measures. Adequate lifestyle changes can considerably reduce the risk too.

A diet rich in high-fiber foods, fruits, vegetables and fish is ideal. The intake of saturated fat, Tran’s fats, alcohol, and sodium should be minimized. Avoid both active as well as passive smoking. Make sure to maintain regular and accommodating fitness regime. Keep your stress levels down both at home and office. High stress levels can certainly give rise to high blood pressure thereby increasing the chances of strokes.

Things You Must Know About Adult Dyslexia

Dyslexia has affected nearly 40-50 million people in USA. In many cases, it could not be detected until the screening was done. Many adults are not aware of the fact that they have dyslexia and some of them, who are aware, do not reveal the secret. Dyslexia is basically a neurological disorder. In this disorder an individual’s ability to process the words is affected. It leads to learning disabilities. And due to this there is problem in reading and understanding the spellings. Other symptoms of dyslexia include lack of concentration, restlessness, dull memory etc. Many successful people have fought successfully with dyslexia. Jay Leno, Tom Cruise, Leonardo Da Vinci are some of the examples. Thus, there is a ray of hope for those who want to win over this disorder.

There are mainly two forms of dyslexia. One is developmental and the other is acquired. The former is due to genetic disorder. And the latter one is due to any injuries or problems at the time of birth. Dyslexia can be treated and so there is nothing to worry. With online screening adult dyslexia can be easily diagnosed. This online screening is also helpful to know the intensity of dyslexia. The intensity or level of dyslexia can be identified through difficulties in correlation, speech sound challenges etc.

After identification of the level of dyslexia in a dyslexic, the kind of treatment can be recommended. A dyslexic must not be underestimated. Even he can develop like other normal beings. However, the required support must be provided. There are many reading schemes available for the dyslexia patient. And so they can overcome their problems. It is important that dyslexic patients do not hide their problem. They can receive the treatment or support only if they frankly intimate the people around about the problem.

Linus Orakles
http://www.authorclub.info/

DVR Surveillance: A Modern Day Security Arrangement

DVR or Digital Video Recorders are a gift of modern science which has found wide spread acceptance in security initiatives around the world. With the growing threats of crimes, the need of surveillance and monitoring has also gone up. DVR systems fulfill this need of safety and therefore are an important part of modern day security arrangements.

DVR surveillance can be used in offices and homes where video monitoring is necessary to ensure safety. This technology utilizes a PC and by connecting the security cams with the PC, one can monitor a selected area from a remote location. With the advantages of internet, nowadays, the images of a selected area can be viewed from anywhere. This solves a much awaited need of the frequent travelers and those who need to access video monitoring from a remote place.

In DVR systems, use of videotapes is eliminated thereby ensuring protection of data from daily wear and tear. The components of a DVR surveillance system include motion sensors, image zoom controls; color quad processor, multiplexer and CCTV camera connections. One can use image zoom controls that move from one side to the other to restrict the need of cameras in a particular room to two. There are motion sensor DVRs which gets activated when any movement takes place, thereby saving disk space and need of constant monitoring. The data obtained from DVRs can be recorded onto a CD or any other digital recording device.

Earlier VCR surveillance systems were available but they have been discarded for poor quality of output. DVR surveillance is also helpful in recording and disseminating stored data. All portions of movement recorded by the system can be obtained in common picture formats, such as jpg. This helps in proper recognition activities that took place in the selected area that is being monitored.

The data in DVR systems get stored in Date and time format. So, activities of some particular time can be retrieved without examining the whole record. However, these advanced options are limited and may not be available in all systems.

The security threats that have cropped up with the use of modern arms and ammunition can only be dealt with the modern surveillance and security arrangements. DVR systems are a bold step towards safekeeping of property and people from the hands of criminals. The use of such devices can only go up with passing time.

Monday, September 14, 2009

Effective Ways to Fight Cancer: Chemotherapy and Radiotherapy

Chemotherapy and radiotherapy are two most effective ways to fight against cancer. Chemotherapy is used to make use of of drugs for killing cancer cells and shrinking tumors. It may be taken orally, or can also be injected, depending on the drug and the treatment.

It is an anti-cancer drug that is given intravenously or orally to destroy microscopic (tumor) cells in the body after surgery. In case, chemotherapy is not given then the tumor cells may spread to the other parts of the body. These drugs enter the blood and travel through the body to kill the entire number of cancer cells, but in the process they also damage normal cells and tissues, since these chemicals cannot distinguish between the normal and cancerous cells.

Chemotherapy is given in measured doses and is often given in planned cycles. The treatment is usually spaced over period of days. The number of cycles rises depending on the chemotherapy regime and the stage of the disease. At times, antibody treatment is also given in combination with chemotherapy, which increases the chances of getting rid of cancer. It reduces the recurrence of cancer.

Radiation therapy is high energy protons/X-rays, which are given by linear accelerator or telecobalt 60 to destroy cancer cells and shrink tumors. Radiation may come from a machine outside the body or from the placement of thin plastic tubes containing radiation into the area where the cancer cells are found. Radiation is tailored to the individual’s needs and is usually limited to the diseased areas and possibly near the cancer-affected organ. For patients, radiation may be given in the neck, chest and also under the arms.

Radiation therapy is a standard treatment for many types of cancer. Side-effects and complications of radiation generally depend on the target site in the body. These may include dental problems, hypothyroidism, infection and infertility. Radiation therapy can be used in addition to surgery and chemotherapy depending on the type of lymphoma, the age of patient, the stage of the disease, whether the intent is to cure or relive symptoms and how close sensitive organs are to the diseased area.

However, chemotherapy with or without radiation therapy, is still considered as the commonest and most effective way of treating cancer. Cancer has been one of the most dreadful diseases in world and diagnosis in first stage is always more important than any other factor.

Linus Orakles
http://www.authorclub.info/

Leukemia and Lymphoma: Cancers of Blood

Leukemia, a type of cancer, is characterized by an abnormal multiplication of blood cells, usually the white blood cells called leukocytes. Leukemia is of two types-acute and chronic. These categories are made usually depending on the aggressiveness of the condition. Acute leukemia is generally common in children whereas chronic leukemia is mostly found in adults.

Lymphoma is another type of blood cancer that develops when lymphocytes (white blood cells that facilitate protection of the body from infection and other ailments) work abnormally. Abnormal lymphocytes may either divide themselves faster than normal cells or they may survive longer than they are really believed to. Lymphoma may occur in any segment of the body: the lymph nodes, bone marrow, spleen, and other organs or in the blood. There are two types of lymphomas: Hodgkin’s lymphoma (HL) and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL). Though both progresses in the same way, what makes them different is the Reed Sternberg cell. This cancerous cell type is found only in Hodgkin’s lymphoma.

Leukemia and lymphoma, both are the cancers of blood. The difference is in the types of cells that are affected-in leukemia, there is abnormal production of leukocytes, and in lymphoma the abnormality is in lymphocytes.

Both leukocytes and lymphocytes are involved in the body’s defense mechanism. The risk factors for both the blood cancers are not specific and vary from person to person. some of the general symptoms seen in both are swollen, painless lymph, nodes in the neck, armpits, and groin; fever, unexplained weight loss, sweating at night, fatigue, pain, itching, lack of energy, chills, enlargement of spleen, swelling or a feeling of fullness in the abdomen, pain during alcohol consumption, coughing, breathing trouble and chest pain. A few other symptoms of leukemia are bleeding and bruising easily, flow of blood from gums, itchy purplish patches on the skin or minute red colored spots under the skin.

Diagnosis of the type of cell involved in the malignancy helps to distinguish between the types of cancer. Blood and bone marrow investigations, including cyto chemistry, immuno-phenotyping and karyotyping are used to know the cell’s origin, which helps a physician to decide the intensity of the treatment.

New investigation techniques like the PET scan help in assessing the patient’s response to the treatment. Both the kinds, Leukemia as well as Lymphoma are treated with a combination of chemotherapy and radiation therapy depending on the type, stage of the cancer and the patient’s age. The goal of the treatment in both is to bring about the complete reduction of the disease so that a person can live his or her life fully without any threat.

Linus Orakles
http://www.authorclub.info/

Considering a Spa Vacation

Due to stressful lives, many people prefer to re-energize themselves during their vacations. And for such people there is no better option than going on a spa vacation. This is the perfect way by which you can pamper yourself. There are so many reasons that justify the importance of a spa vacation.

Get Healthy
If you are planning to make a few healthy changes in your life then you must visit a spa or go on a spa vacation. Health spas help you to detoxify your body. With healthy, nutritious food and legendary massages, reenergize your senses.

Attain Relaxation
This is one of the best reasons for going on a spa vacation. You will attain relaxation of mind and body and hence will be prepared to perform daily tasks better. A spa destination will give you all the facilities and amenities that you will require for attaining relaxation.

Body Detoxification
Visiting a spa or going on a spa vacation will enable you to get rid of all the toxins present in your body. The food available at health spa is undoubtedly nutritious and free from too many spices.

Spend Time with People you Love
Normally when you lead a city life, it is really very difficult to spend quality time with your friends and family. This is the best way to give ample time to your family as well as friends.

Get ready for the Competition again
The world is full of competition and so you require lots of energy to stay ahead in this rat race. A Spa vacation will give you all the required energy and you will feel a new zing in your life. It makes you ready to face the fast world with a new zeal. You can perform better with a fresh mind, body and soul.

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