The 700 Club honors the 10th anniversary of 9/11 with incredible survival stories of Tony Rose who was in the Pentagon when the plan strcuk and managed to help save others from the burning building, and Steven Negron, a first responder at The World Trade Center... The Christian Broadcasting Network CBN www.cbn.com

Most people feel reassured by the pictures of smiling veterinarians and dog breeders paying tribute to the commercial pet food they feed their dog. Or perhaps, you’ve been convinced by your own vet that the food they sell is sure to be nutritionally balanced.

For your dog’s sake, be a bit suspicious. Don’t be convinced by anyone (including me) that what they are trying to sell you is necessarily in your dog’s best interest.

Instead, it may be in their own best interest if they gain a sale from convincing you.

If you’re having a problem getting your head around the idea of raw dog food, then I suggest it’s your problem, not your dog’s.

Dogs evolved on a diet of raw food over millennia. Humans have only recently taken an interest in making dog food.

Do you really imagine, for one moment, that humans have been able to change the domestic dog’s digestive and immune system in fifty odd years?

You may well say that humans have had an impact on the way dogs look, with all the different breeds. Yes, that’s true. But have you also noticed that pedigree dogs are also the most unhealthy? What I call a Heinz 57 dog, is normally much healthier.

So in breeding a selective type of dog, humans have gone against nature, by isolating one or more traits, until the breed becomes what the breeder wants.

And so it is with food. Humans tinker about with food, under the guise of ‘science’. I call it junk science, because there’s nothing scientific about commercial dog food. The word ‘science’ has come to be revered by the majority. Just as the word ‘natural’ is currently enjoying popularity.

So a clever commercial dog food manufacturer will incorporate the word ‘science’ and/or ‘natural’ in the advertising, to lure you in.

That doesn’t mean there’s anything of quality within the packet or can. It could be anything. You have no way of knowing how the food was prepared or what is in each pack.

Raw dog food, on the other hand, contains all the nutrients essential to a healthy dog.

I appreciate that it may take you time to get your head around the idea, because you’ve probably been brought up on the idea that commercial pet food is the healthiest way to go.

If that was true, how cum that dogs health invariably improves when a switch from commercial to raw dog food is made? The only way you’re really going to find out for sure is to try it out yourself.

You may be worried about parasites and bacteria in raw dog food.

Neither of these are an issue for dogs, whose digestive system is very robust, with powerful digestive juices. Dogs aren’t carnivores, they’re omnivores, which means they can eat anything (as long as it’s raw), including vegetation and rotting carcasses.

In fact, you will notice that when you feed a raw dog food, fleas and worms decrease and almost disappear.

Dogs have problems with unnatural foods - those that are cooked, those that contain preservatives. Neither of these are natural. Cooking destroys many vitamins and denatures other nutrients.

I can genuinely assure you, that your dogs health will improve considerably when you start feeding a raw dog food. There may be a ‘de-toxing’ period initially, but this is normal, natural and only takes a short time to go through.

Why not try it for a month and see for yourself? What have you got to lose?

Madeleine Innocent

What is a Cleanse & Nourish Retreat? The Cleanse and Nourish retreats are gentle, whole food based detoxification retreats that work as a cleanup and tune up for your body and your mind. What we consume in our diet; sugar, wheat, refined foods, alcohol and more, adds up to toxic overload occasionally. Not to mention the everyday, hidden toxins we are exposed like additives, pesticides, herbicides. A Gift To Yourself It is a gift to yourself to be able to periodically cleanse and restore your wellbeing and vitality. These retreats allow you to eliminate the accumulated toxins that often lead to poor physical, emotional and mental health. Do You Suffer These Common Symptoms of Toxicity? Common Symptoms of toxicity that can improve dramatically with a Cleanse: • Brain fog- noticeable decrease in memory retention, not be able to concentrate for long times • Addictions- cigarettes, caffeine, sugar, junk food • Allergies & food sensitivities • Arthritis • Bad breath or body order • Candida or thrush • Joint or muscle pain • Constipation • Cravings- CATS- caffeine, alcohol, tobacco, sugar • Depression, anxiety • Digestive problems -- bloating , gas, acid reflux, IBS • Dull skin, acne, eczema, psoriasis, and other skin conditions • Fatigue, lethargy, sluggishness • Headaches and migraines • Hormonal Imbalance • Lowered immunity • Lack of concentration, attention deficient and hyperactivity • Overweight • Poor sleep • Premenstrual syndrome • Stress More that 85% of Michele's <b>...</b>

Food allergies are a common problem in kids. Nearly two million children have food allergies in the United States. Some food allergies are life threatening, even if the food is taken in very little quantity. Peanut tops the list of notorious foods which cause allergies. Following it are milk, especially cow’s milk, soy, eggs, wheat, seafood and other nuts.

Food allergies are caused when the immune system is confused. The job of the immune system is to protect the body from diseases, bacteria, viruses and germs. The antibodies produced by the immune system helps to fight these minute external organisms which makes the person sick. But if the body is allergic to certain food, the immune system mistakes the food to a harmful foreign substance and takes action towards it thinking that it is dangerous to the body. The body acts adversely, when it isn’t supposed to do so.

When the immune system detects allergic substance, the antibodies produce mast cells. They are a kind of immune system cell which release a chemicals, such as histamine, in the bloodstream. These chemicals affect the respiratory system, digestive system, nose, eyes, throat, and skin. Initial symptoms are runny nose, tingling sensation in the lips or tongue, and itchy skin rash like hives. The reaction can be mild to severe and depends on every individual. The symptoms can appear right after the food is consumed or after few hours. Other symptoms are cough, wheezing, nausea, hoarse voice, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach ache, and throat tightness.

A sudden and harsh allergic reaction is known as anaphylaxis. The patient encounters many problems, all at once which involve blood vessels, the heart, digestion, breathing, and skin. The blood pressure drops very steeply, the tongue swells and there is swelling in the breathing tubes. Patients who have such allergic reactions should be ready to handle emergencies. They should always carry some type of medicine which will help to combat or reduce the adverse affect of the food.

Most of the times, it is very easy to detect the cause of food allergy. Problems such as hives begin to surface as soon as the child eats the substance he is allergic to. At other times, it becomes very difficult to determine the cause of allergy. In such cases, everything should be observed under close surveillance. Food items which are made out of many ingredients should be thoroughly checked for the allergic cause. Most of the times, allergies are inherited from other family members or other kids born with food allergies. Changes in the surroundings and the body play a major role in these kinds of cases. Some of the kids aren’t actually allergic to the food and show only mild reaction. Like people who are lactose intolerant suffer from diarrhea and belly pain after consuming milk and diary products. This is not an indication that the child is allergic to milk. This reaction happens because their body is incapable of breaking down the sugars which are found in diary products and milk.

If the conditions are severe, a doctor should be consulted immediately. If food allergy is diagnosed, the doctor refers to an allergy specialist. The doctor asks questions like eating patterns, past allergic reactions and the time period between the consumption of food and the surfacing of the symptoms. The specialist can also ask about allergy related conditions like asthma or eczema and whether allergic reactions are hereditary. Usually skin test and blood test is done to test the antibodies and the reaction they have on the skin when it is exposed to the allergic substance.

Kids who are allergic to egg and milk outgrow them as the age progresses. But allergies which are severe and are related to items such as peanut, shrimps, and some kind of fish, last for a lifetime. Other than food, children can be allergic to certain medicines and flower pollen. The best way to avoid allergies is to avoid the cause of it. No specific medicine has been developed for the cure of allergies.

Abhishek Agarwal

Colon cancer is a disease in which cancerous [malignant] cells form in the tissues of the colon, which is the lower part of our digestive system, commonly referred to as the GI [gastrointestinal] system. This system removes and processes nutrients such as vitamins, minerals, carbohydrates, fats, proteins and water, from foods and helps pass waste material out of the body.
Our digestive system is made up of the esophagus, stomach, and the small and large intestines. The first six feet of the large intestine are called the large bowel or colon; the last six inches are the rectum and the anal canal, which ends at the anus.
Our age and health history can affect the risk of developing cancer of the colon. There are multiple risk factors that may contribute to the development of this malignant disease. These factors are: age fifty or older, family or personal history of cancer of the digestive system, as well as of ovaries, uterus or breasts, plus ulcerative colitis, the presence of polyps, Crohn's disease.

Symptoms and signs that may accompany intestinal cancer are a change in bowel habits, blood [bright red blood or very dark] in the stools, diarrhea, constipation, feeling that the bowel does not empty completely, etc.
Also, stools that are narrower than usual, frequent gas pains, bloating, fullness or cramps.
Weight loss for no known reason, feeling very tired, vomiting and other gastrointestinal symptoms may go together with advanced stages of this disease.
Tests that examine the rectum, rectal tissue and blood are used to detect and diagnose colon cancer: physical exams and history, general signs of health, looking for signs such as lumps or anything else that seem unusual. A history of the patient's health habits and past illnesses and treatments will also be taken.

Fecal occult blood test is a test designed to check stools for blood that can only be seen with a microscope. Small samples of stool are placed on special cards and returned to the doctor or lab
Cleansing the Colon? Avoid Colon Cancer by Cleansing Colon

oratory for testing.

Digital rectal exam; the doctor or nurse inserts a lubricated, gloved finger into the rectum to feel for lumps or anything else that seems unusual. Barium enemas are a series of x-rays [lower GI series] of the lower gastrointestinal tract taken after a liquid that contains barium is introduced into the rectum; this substance coats the lower gastrointestinal tract and x-rays are taken.

A 'sigmoidoscopy' is a procedure applied to look inside the rectum and sigmoid colon for polyps, abnormal areas, or cancer. An instrument called 'sigmoidoscope', which is a thin, flexible, lighted tube, is inserted through the rectum into the sigmoid colon. Polyps or tissue samples may be taken for biopsy. This procedure may also be called 'colonoscopy' when the exam includes the colon. A 'biopsy' is the removal of cells or tissues that can be viewed later under a microscope to check for the presence of cancerous or malignant cells.

A 'colonography or CT colonography', also known as 'virtual colonoscopy' is the procedure that uses a CT scanner to detect polyps and anything else that seems unusual on the inside surface of the colon. This is an 'external' diagnostic procedure, without the use of a 'colonoscope.'

What are the factors affecting the chances of recovery after a malignancy is found?... It depends on the stage of the cancer: whether it is in the inner lining of the colon only, involves the whole colon, or has spread to other places in the body; when the cancer has blocked or perforated the colon. Also when blood tests show that certain antigens are elevated, particularly the 'carcinoembryonic antigen' or 'CEA', before treatments begin. Another important factor is the recurrence of the malignancy after it was treated. All the factors are affected by the patient's general health.

After colon cancer has been diagnosed, tests are done to find out if cancer cells have spread within the colon or to other parts of the body; this process is called 'staging.' The information gathered from the staging process determines the advance of the disease. It is important to know the stage in order to plan treatments. The following tests and procedures may be used in the staging process:

CT scan - It is a procedure that makes a series of detailed pictures of areas inside the body, taken from different angles. The pictures are made by a computer linked to an x-ray machine. A dye may be injected into a vein or swallowed to help the organs or tissues show up more clearly. This procedure is also called 'computed tomography', 'computerized tomography', or 'computerized axial tomography.'
Lymph node biopsy - It is the removal of all or part of a lymph node; a pathologist views the tissue under a microscope to look for cancer cells.
Complete blood count or 'CBC' - It is a procedure in which a sample of blood is drawn and checked for the number of red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets, plus the amount of 'hemoglobin' in the red blood cells.

The 'CEA' or 'Carcinoembryonic Antigen' assay - It is a test that measures the level of CEA in the blood, released into the bloodstream from both cancer cells and normal cells. When found in higher than normal amounts, it can be a sign of colon cancer or other conditions.
MRI or 'Magnetic Resonance Imaging' - It is a procedure that uses a magnet, radio waves, and a computer to make a series of detailed pictures of areas inside the colon; a substance called 'gadolinium' may be injected into the patient through a vein to enhance the images obtained. Abdominal and chest x-ray films are also obtained to determine the presence of tumors in different organs. Surgery is used to remove tumors and see how far they have spread through the colon.

Stages 0 to IV are used to determine how the tumor progresses, in the intestine and adjacent organs. Stage 0, also called 'Carcinoma In Situ' is when malignant cells are found on the lining of the colon. Stages I through IV will describe the advance of the tumor through the intestine's wall and other pelvic or abdominal organs and peritoneum.

Surgical removal is the most common treatment for all stages of colon cancer: 'local excision' is performed when the cancer is found at a very early stage, for instance in the form of a polyp. This is done using a 'colonoscope' equipped with special instruments that will remove malignant lesions [polypectomy] from the inside of the colon.
When cancer cells have invaded the wall of the colon, or when the cancer is larger, a surgeon will perform a 'partial colectomy', removing the cancer and a small amount of healthy tissue around it. An 'anastomosis' or sewing the healthy parts of the colon together may be performed.
Lymphatic nodes near the colon will also be removed and examined under a microscope to see whether they contain cancer.

If after a resection of a segment of the colon cannot be put back together, then a 'colostomy', or opening through the abdominal wall is performed [stoma], which will allow for waste to be eliminated into a bag. Sometimes the colostomy is needed only until the lower colon has healed, and then it can be reversed. If the surgeon needs to remove the entire lower colon, however, the 'colostomy' may be permanent, requiring daily care.

Radiofrequency ablation is the use of a special probe with tiny electrodes that kill cancer cells. Sometimes the probe is inserted directly through the skin and only local anesthesia is needed. In other cases, the probe is inserted through an incision in the abdomen; this is done in the hospital, using general anesthesia.
Cryosurgery is a treatment that uses an instrument to freeze and destroy abnormal tissue, such as 'carcinoma in situ.' This type of treatment is also called 'cryotherapy.'
Even if a surgeon removes all the cancer that can be seen at the time of the operation, some patients may be given chemotherapy or radiation therapy after surgery to kill any cancer cells that are left. Treatment given after the surgery, to increase the chances of a cure, is called 'adjuvant therapy.'

Chemotherapy is a cancer treatment that uses drugs to stop the growth of cancer cells, either by killing the cells or by stopping the cells from dividing. When chemotherapy is taken by mouth or injected into a vein or muscle, the drugs enter the bloodstream and can reach cancer cells throughout the body [systemic chemotherapy]; when it is placed directly into the spinal column, an organ, or a body cavity such as the abdomen, the drugs mainly affect cancer cells in those areas [regional chemotherapy].
Chemoembolization of the hepatic artery may be used to treat cancer that has spread to the liver. This involves blocking the hepatic artery (the main artery that supplies blood to the liver) and injecting anticancer drugs between the blockage and the liver. The liver's arteries then deliver the drugs throughout the liver. Only a small amount of the drug reaches other parts of the body. The blockage may be temporary or permanent, depending on what is used to block the artery. The liver continues to receive some blood from the hepatic portal vein, which carries blood from the stomach and intestine.
The way the chemotherapy is given depends on the type and stage of the cancer being treated.

Radiation therapy is a type of treatment that uses high-energy x-rays or other types of radiation to kill cancer cells. There are two types of radiation therapy: external radiation therapy uses a machine outside the body to send radiation toward the cancer, while internal radiation therapy uses a radioactive substance sealed in needles, seeds, wires, or catheters that are placed directly into or near the cancer. The way the radiation therapy is given depends on the type and stage of the cancer being treated.

Other types of treatments are being tested: 'Biologic Therapy' is a treatment that uses the patient's immune system to fight cancer. Substances made by the body or made in a laboratory are used to boost, direct, or restore the body's natural defenses against cancerous cells. This type of treatment is also called 'Biotherapy' or 'Immunotherapy.'

Follow-up exams may help find recurrent colon cancer earlier. After treatments, blood tests measure 'carcinoembryonic antigens', which may be done along with other tests to see if the cancer has come back.

Alice M Crawford, MD
Health & Life® MedixNet®
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Alice M. Crawford, Md