Diseases Associated with Speech Disorders

September 12, 2011 Leave a Comment
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

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Speech disorders can arise at any point in a person’s life. Sometimes they appear as the result of a traumatic accident or injury, while other times speech problems seem to appear of their own accord. However, sometimes a disease can cause speech disorders.

Lou Gehrig’s disease, the more common term for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, is one of the more well-known diseases that can cause a speech disorder. The nerve cells in both the brain and spinal cords die. This leads to people with Lou Gehrig’s disease eventually losing control of their muscles, their movements, and their speech. The disease cannot be cured, but therapy and treatment can help patients live longer. People who pursue careers in speech pathology can help people with Lou Gehrig’s learn to communicate as long as possible.

Another disease that can cause speech disorders is Huntington’s disease. This is a genetic disease that causes nerve cells in the brain to degenerate. As the disease progresses, it leads to mental impairment and disordered speech. Over time, this can cause a patient to lose the ability to interact with others. A speech therapist can help patients maintain their ability to interact with others.

Throat cancer is another serious disease that can lead to disordered speech. Marked by a persistent sore throat, coughing up blood, and other symptoms, throat cancer can also lead to slurred or incomprehensible speech. Depending on the severity of the disease, it can also cause a person to completely lose his or her voice.

Clearly, there are many disorders and diseases that develop into a speech disorder. It is important for people who notice changes in their speech to see a doctor.

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Circadian Rhythm Disorders

February 10, 2011 Leave a Comment

The business world is ruled by morning people. Many successful people are highly energetic and creative at night, however. The body has a natural circadian rhythm, in which a number of biological clocks respond to light. For most people, their main clock dictates that they arise in the morning and get sleepy at night. This is primarily due to the production of the hormone melatonin at night.

In other people, melatonin production peaks at a later time. If a job allows it, these people sleep later and are active into the late night hours. Commonly known as “night owls,” such people suffer from a circadian rhythm disorder.

A subset of night owls is totally nocturnal, rising late in the afternoon and working all night. Some people are forced to do this by shift work and suffer terribly, if they are morning people. Other people are naturally nocturnal.

People who are not severely affected treat themselves by taking melatonin, the hormone that affects the sleep cycle. There is debate scientifically about the effectiveness of the synthetic compound. One way to avoid sleep disorders includes avoiding bright light late at night. Drinking warm milk is a common folk remedy. It can help make casual insomniacs sleepy, but will not affect people with severe circadian rhythm disorders.

Some people with chronic, severe circadian rhythm disorders suffer from bipolar disorder. When managed properly, such patients can be highly productive. Many creative individuals such as writers do have the leeway to do their work in the middle of the night. It should be noted that creative writers are 10-20 times more likely to be bipolar.

Other night owls with nocturnal tendencies have jobs that require work within the typical 8-5 time frame. If bipolar, treatment with benzodiazepines or anti-psychotics to sleep at night will frequently enable the patient to sleep at a normal time and help them to keep normal hours. This can be a lifesaver for people used to lying awake at night for hours and being asked by well-meaning people:  “Why don’t you just go to sleep early?”

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Health Differences Between Electric Cigarettes and Traditional Cigarettes

December 24, 2010 Leave a Comment
Electronic Cigarettes
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Electric cigarettes, or e-cigarettes, are not real cigarettes, but only an imitation of traditional cigarettes. A smoker can puff and exhale smoke just like they do with a traditional cigarette; the main difference here is the health benefits. In the past, electric cigarette users found that this product could be an effective instrument in helping them to quit smoking. They satiate the urge to smoke a real cigarette, and thus the get help in dealing with smoking withdrawal symptoms. However, some of the e-cigs contain nicotine liquid, which can be inhaled while smoking. Still, users believe that the small amount of nicotine in e-cigs is much better for you than the nicotine found in traditional cigarettes.

Even though e-cigs have been officially launched in Europe, the US Food and Drug Administration have placed a ban on the product. But since the product was already available in the market before the ban, there are still places where these electric cigarettes can be purchased. By September 2010, there were several online websites selling electric cigarettes all over the country. The popularity of e-cigs, even though banned, is largely due to their health benefits. We all know how difficult it is for someone who is addicted to traditional cigarettes to quit.

Smoking can cause death. Another serious risk is that of coronary heart disease, heart stroke, lung cancer, obstructive lung diseases, tissue loss, possibility of gangrene, abdominal aortic aneurysm, and several other health problems. These health risks are not an issue at all with electric cigarettes. It is a simple and effective traditional cigarette replacement tool to help smokers gets rid of their addiction. The e-cigs also come with replacement refills. E-cigs are a much healthier alternative to the traditional cigarette.

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Living Healthy in the Winter Months

December 14, 2010 Leave a Comment
Winter-Life
Image by Etolane via Flickr

The winter months are cold and dreary for most people. The short days, the snowy weather, and freezing temperatures are enough to make any sane person crazy. But along with the cold temps and the falling snow comes the dreaded flu season. While you can’t completely escape the colds and the flu, there are steps you can take to protect yourself. Check out these tips for staying healthy in the winter months.

1. Wash your hands. A lot. We touch many surfaces throughout that day that can carry germs. Doorknobs, car handles, keyboards, and even telephones. Make sure you wash your hands so you can avoid transferring those germs.

2. Stay active. If you have a regular workout routine, you’re more likely to ward off sickness. A healthy body is better able to fight when germs attack.

3. Get clean. No, we’re not talking about taking a shower here. If you have any kind of drug or alcohol addiction, now is the time to stop. Your body’s immune system is compromised when you put drugs into your system. If you need help with your addiction, seek professional help at a place like MichaelsHouse.com.

4. Get plenty of rest. You need a good 7-9 hours a sleep at night. Not only will you be more alert and well rested, but when you have enough sleep your body is able to function at its best.

Follow these tips and you’ll be ahead of the game when it comes time to fight the colds and flu. While it’s no guarantee you won’t get sick, even if you do all of these things, you’ll be one step ahead of the rest. Plus, you’ll be living a healthier lifestyle. That’s a good thing, even if you do end up with the flu!

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