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There are also special techniques designed to
immobilize the part of the heart that needs the surgery, making it
easier to see and access the coronary artery to be bypassed. This type
of surgery is performed through an incision that runs the length of the
breastbone. Chronic pain - The best drugs for pain relief. Oral movies - review of oral porn sites with videos and pictures Latinas movies - reviews of latina sex sites with movie galleries Teens movies - review of teen porn sites with videos and pictures STRESS ARE you suffering from late-night insomnia? Constant back pains or a stiff neck? Have you lost or gained weight and are you experiencing problems in your relationship? These may seem like simple, everyday problems that the average American ignores, but doctors say there's a very good possibility that they are signs of stress. Stress, which is defined as a state of bodily or mental tension resulting from factors that tend to alter an existent equilibrium, can attack the immune system, bloodstream, nervous and limbic system as well as the heart. With an unstable economy and the necessity of dealing with new forms of racism, stress, sometimes debilitating, has become a major issue in the African-American community, where it is a leading contributor to irritability, nagging pain and some major medical problems. According to experts, there are three types of stress--acute, episodic acute and chronic--which affect the body physically, emotionally and psychologically. Acute stress can cause the entire body to have an immediate reaction and is often linked to a variety of life of situations--an argument, a minor traffic accident or an approaching deadline. Episodic stress is an extreme form of acute stress related to time management and anxiety. Chronic stress, aka "long term" stress, affects the entire health system and can lead to degenerative and inflammatory conditions like heart attacks, arteriosclerosis, strokes and cancer, the No. 1 killer in Black America. Now that it's clear how stress can cause an enormous amount of harm to the human body, what avenues should be chosen to prevent a lengthy pattern of stress? The American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) recommends meditation, daily exercises, well-balanced meals, plenty of rest, exercise, and a more relaxed and conflict-free life. DIABETES ABOUT 18 million Americans have diabetes, and another 41 million people between the age of 40 and 74 (40 percent of U.S. adult population) currently have pre-diabetes, a condition that increases a person's risk of developing diabetes. The new pre-diabetes estimate is more than double the old estimate, and is based on a revised, more accurate definition of a person's normal blood glucose levels. While diabetes affects African-Americans at twice the rate of Whites, new research points to ways to slow down the progression of diabetes, and to prevent it from occurring altogether. According to medical experts, losing 5 percent of a person's body weight through healthy eating and increased physical activity (as little as 30 minutes a day) can help to prevent the disease, which is linked with heart disease. Doctors say deaths from heart disease in women with diabetes have increased 23 percent over the past 30 years, compared to a 27 percent decrease in women without diabetes. Understanding how the insulin gene is regulated and how insulin-producing cells are generated is a promising area of research that could lead to a cure for diabetes, a disease that has tripled among Blacks during the past 30 years. The replacement of beta cells--cells within the islet cells in the pancreas that produce insulin--in an effort to produce sufficient quantities of insulin has shown tremendous progress during the past few years. "Diabetes is a growing epidemic in our communities, especially for these high risk groups," says Dr. James chair of the National Diabetes Education Program and president of Morehouse School of Medicine. "If we are going to make a difference, we need to reach people where they live, work, and play." According to the National Diabetes Education Program, everyone over age 45 should consult with his or her health care provider about testing for pre-diabetes or diabetes. STRETCH MARKS STRETCH marks--aka "badges of honor" for new and expectant mothers--occur in both men and women and can appear on various areas of the body, including the abdominal area, breasts, thighs, lower back and hips. Perhaps the greatest news about stretch marks is that African-American women are the least likely group to get them. Stretch marks (proper term, striae) occur when the elastic middle layer of skin (the dermis) is constantly stretched until it breaks. Stretch marks are rarely painful, although they may cause increased dryness or itching in the affected area, which is why for so many years, mothers, aunts and grandmothers have instructed their kin to slather on olive oil, cocoa butter, petroleum jelly and even cooled cooking grease to prevent the condition. Were they right? Keeping your skin properly moisturized is always a good thing, according to experts, but the verdict is still out on whether or not these oily rituals will prevent the familiar pattern from appearing. At least one expert says attacking stretch marks should begin from within. "The most important thing I have found for the prevention of stretch marks is a good diet," explains Dr. Cathy an instructor of obstetrics and pediatrics at the Boucher Institute in Vancouver. "The skin needs key nutrients for its health, including zinc, beta carotene and essential fatty acids, so that the skin is supple." Foods that are main sources of beta-carotene include yellow and green (leafy) vegetables, red peppers, spinach and carrots. Foods that are a good source of zinc include shellfish, meat, cereal products and dairy products. On the opposite end of the spectrum, caffeine can increase your likelihood of getting stretch marks, so it's a good idea to balance your coffee and tea intake with equal parts water. (See your doctor or nutritionist before making any changes to your diet, especially if you're pregnant.) Dr. Carlson-Rink also urges expectant mothers to monitor their weight gain--to put on the pounds at a safe pace, and to moisturize the abdomen as much as you like. "It's vital to have a normal weight gain if you want to [deter the onset of stretch marks] as rapid weight gain does not give your skin any chance to slowly expand," Dr. advises. "I have not found creams to make much difference, but the ritual of rubbing your belly is always a great one." Doctors at the Cleveland Clinic's Department of
Plastic Surgery suggest dermabrasion or chemical peel to address
unwanted stretch marks. A popular nonsurgical option is cool-beam laser
therapy. In this procedure, the skin's surface is cooled and a laser
beam is repeatedly directed to the affected area until the stretch mark
is "vaporized." Such a procedure can cost anywhere between $400 and
$1,000, and the end result varies, depending on your age, skin tone and
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