CANCER TREATMENTS AND SYMPTOMS - LUNG CANCER-DEFINITION, CAUSES AND PREVENTION - HYPERTENSION, NOT BLOOD PRESSURE DRUGS, LINKED TO BIRTH DEFECTS

CANCER TREATMENT AND SYMPTOMS.

Definition

Cancer is the uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells in the body. Cancerous cells are also called malignant cells.

Alternative Names

Carcinoma; Malignant tumor

Causes, incidence, and risk factors

Cells are the building blocks of living things. Cancer grows out of normal cells in the body. Normal cells multiply when the body needs them, and die when the body doesn't need them. Cancer appears to occur when the growth of cells in the body is out of control and cells divide too quickly. It can also occur when cells “forget” how to die.
There are many different kinds of cancers. Cancer can develop in almost any organ or tissue, such as the lung, colon, breast, skin, bones, or nerve tissue.
There are many causes of cancers, including:

• Benzene and other chemicals
• Certain poisonous mushrooms and a type of poison that can grow on peanut plants (aflatoxins)
• Certain viruses
• Radiation
• Sunlight
• Tobacco

However, the cause of many cancers remains unknown.
The most common cause of cancer-related death is lung cancer.
The three most common cancers in men in the United States are:

• Prostate cancer
• Lung cancer
• Colon cancer

In women in the U.S., the three most common cancers are:

• Breast cancer
• Colon cancer
• Lung cancer

Some cancers are more common in certain parts of the world. For example, in Japan, there are many cases of gastric cancer, but in the U.S. this type of cancer is pretty rare. Differences in diet may play a role.
Some other types of cancers include:

• Brain cancer
• Cervical cancer
• Hodgkin's lymphoma
• Kidney cancer
• Leukemia
• Liver cancer
• Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma
• Ovarian cancer
• Skin cancer
• Testicular cancer
• Thyroid cancer
• Uterine cancer

Symptoms

Symptoms of cancer depend on the type and location of the tumor. For example, lung cancer can cause coughing, shortness of breath, or chest pain. Colon cancer often causes diarrhea, constipation, and blood in the stool.
Some cancers may not have any symptoms at all. In certain cancers, such as gallbladder cancer, symptoms often do not start until the disease has reached an advanced stage.
The following symptoms can occur with most cancers:

• Chills
• Fatigue
• Fever
• Loss of appetite
• Malaise
• Night sweats
• Weight loss

Signs and tests

Like symptoms, the signs of cancer vary based on the type and location of the tumor. Common tests include the following:

• Biopsy of the tumor
• Blood chemistries
• Bone marrow biopsy (for lymphoma or leukemia)
• Chest x-ray
• Complete blood count (CBC)
• CT scan

Most cancers are diagnosed by biopsy. Depending on the location of the tumor, the biopsy may be a simple procedure or a serious operation. Most patients with cancer have CT scans to determine the exact location and size of the tumor or tumors.
A cancer diagnosis is difficult to cope with. It is important, however, that you discuss the type, size, and location of the cancer with your doctor when you are diagnosed. You also will want to ask about treatment options, along with their benefits and risks.
It's a good idea to have someone with you at the doctor's office to help you get through the diagnosis. If you have trouble asking questions after hearing about your diagnosis, the person you bring with you can ask them for you.

Treatment

Treatment also varies based on the type of cancer and its stage. The stage of a cancer refers to how much it has grown and whether the tumor has spread from its original location.

• If the cancer is confined to one location and has not spread, the most common goals for treatment are surgery and cure. This is often the case with skin cancers, as well as cancers of the lung, breast, and colon.
• If the tumor has spread to local lymph nodes only, sometimes these can also be removed.
• If surgery cannot remove all of the cancer, the options for treatment include radiation, chemotherapy, or both. Some cancers require a combination of surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy.

Although treatment for cancer can be difficult, there are many ways to keep up your strength.
If you have radiation treatment, know that:

• Radiation treatment is painless.
• Treatment is usually scheduled every weekday.
• You should allow 30 minutes for each treatment session, although the treatment itself usually takes only a few minutes.
• You should get plenty of rest and eat a well-balanced diet during the course of your radiation therapy.
• Skin in the treated area may become sensitive and easily irritated.
• Side effects of radiation treatment are usually temporary. They vary depending on the area of the body that is being treated.

If you are going through chemotherapy, you should eat right. Chemotherapy causes your immune system to weaken, so you should avoid people with colds or the flu. You should also get plenty of rest, and don't feel as though you have to accomplish tasks all at once.
It will help you to talk with family, friends, or a support group about your feelings. Work with your health care providers throughout your treatment. Helping yourself can make you feel more in control.

Support Groups

A cancer diagnosis often causes a lot of anxiety and can affect your entire quality of life. Several support groups for cancer patients can help you cope.

Expectations (prognosis)

The outlook depends on the type of cancer. Even among people with one type of cancer, the outcome varies depending on the stage of the tumor when they are diagnosed.
Some cancers can be cured. Some cancers that are not curable can still be treated well. And some patients can live for many years with their cancer. Other tumors are quickly life-threatening.

Complications

One complication is that the cancer may spread. Other complications vary with the type and stage of the tumor.

Calling your health care provider

Contact your health care provider if you develop symptoms of cancer.

Prevention

One of the best ways to prevent cancer is to not smoke or chew tobacco. Many cancers can be prevented by avoiding risk factors such as excessive exposure to sunlight and heavy drinking.
Cancer screenings, such as mammography and breast examination for breast cancer and colonoscopy for colon cancer, may help catch these cancers at their early stages when they are most treatable. Some people at high risk for developing certain cancers can take medication to reduce their risk. 

Lung Cancer-Definition, Causes

Lung cancer is cancer that begins in the lungs, the two organs found in the chest that help you breathe.
The lungs are made up of areas called lobes. The right lung has three lobes; the left lung has two, so there's room for the heart. When you breathe, air goes through your nose, down your windpipe (trachea), and into the lungs where it spreads through tubes called bronchi. Most lung cancer begins in the cells that line these tubes.
There are two main types of lung cancer:

• Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is the most common type of lung cancer.
• Small cell lung cancer makes up about 20% of all lung cancer cases.

If the lung cancer is made up of both types, it is called mixed small cell/large cell cancer.
If the cancer started somewhere else in the body and spread to the lungs, it is called metastatic cancer to the lung.

Alternative Names

Cancer - lung

Causes, incidence, and risk factors

Lung cancer is the deadliest type of cancer for both men and women. Each year, more people die of lung cancer than breast, colon, and prostate cancers combined.
Lung cancer is more common in older adults. It is rare in people under age 45.
Cigarette smoking is the leading cause of lung cancer.
The more cigarettes you smoke per day and the earlier you started smoking, the greater your risk of lung cancer. There is no evidence that smoking low-tar cigarettes lowers the risk.
However, lung cancer has occurred in people who have never smoked.
Secondhand smoke (breathing the smoke of others) increases your risk of lung cancer. According to the American Cancer Society, an estimated 3,000 non-smoking adults will die each year from lung cancer related to breathing secondhand smoke.
The following may also increase one's risk of lung cancer:

• High levels of air pollution
• High levels of arsenic in drinking water
• Radon gas
• Asbestos
• Family history of lung cancer
• Radiation therapy to the lungs
• Exposure to cancer-causing chemicals such as uranium, beryllium, vinyl chloride, nickel chromates, coal products, mustard gas, chloromethyl ethers, gasoline, and diesel exhaust

Symptoms

Early lung cancer may not cause any symptoms. Many times, lung cancer is found when an x-ray is done for another reason.
Symptoms depend on the specific type of cancer you have, but may include:

• Cough that doesn't go away
• Coughing up blood
• Shortness of breath
• Wheezing
• Chest pain
• Loss of appetite
• Losing weight without trying
• Fatigue

Additional symptoms that may also occur with lung cancer:

• Weakness
• Swallowing difficulty
• Nail problems
• Joint pain
• Hoarseness or changing voice
• Swelling of the face
• Facial paralysis
• Eyelid drooping
• Bone pain or tenderness

These symptoms can also be due to other, less serious conditions, so it is important to talk to your health care provider.
For more information, see:

• Small cell lung cancer
• Non-small cell lung cancer

Signs and tests

The health care provider will perform a physical exam and ask questions about your medical history. You will be asked if you smoke, and if so, how long you have smoked.
When listening to the chest with a stethoscope, the health care provider can sometimes hear fluid around the lungs, which could (but doesn't always) suggest cancer.
Tests that may be performed include:

• Chest x-ray
• Sputum cytology test to look for cancer cells
• Blood work
• CT scan of the chest
• MRI of the chest
• Positron emission tomography (PET) scan

In some cases, the health care provider may need to remove a piece of tissue from your lungs for examination under a microscope. This is called a biopsy. There are several ways to do this:

• Bronchoscopy combined with biopsy
• Pleural biopsy
• CT scan directed needle biopsy
• Mediastinoscopy with biopsy
• Open lung biopsy

For more information, see:

• Small cell lung cancer
• Non-small cell lung cancer

Treatment

Treatment depends on the specific type of lung cancer. Each type is treated differently. Chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery may be needed.
See the individual articles on the different types of lung cancer:

• Non-small cell lung cancer
• Small cell lung cancer

Expectations (prognosis)

How well a patient does depends on the following:

• Type of lung cancer
• Whether or not the cancer has spread
• Your age
• Your overall health
• How well you respond to treatment

The earlier the cancer is found, the better the chances of survival. Lung cancer is a deadly disease. Nearly 60% of people with lung cancer die within a year. However, some people are cured and go on to live many years.

Complications

The cancer may spread to other parts of the body (metastasis). Cancer treatment can cause significant side effects.

Calling your health care provider

Call your health care provider if you develop symptoms of lung cancer (particularly if you smoke).

Prevention

If you smoke, quit. It is never too late to stop smoking. You should also avoid breathing in the smoke from other people's cigarettes, cigars, or pipes.
Eating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables may help prevent some cases of lung cancer.

Hypertension, Not Blood Pressure Drugs, Linked to Birth Defects

Although pregnant women who have high blood pressure face a higher risk that their baby will be born with birth defects, new research indicates that the medications typically used to treat the condition will not raise that risk any further.
The finding suggests that the widely used class of high blood pressure medications known as angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors are safe to use during the first trimester.
Published online Oct. 18 in the BMJ, the study results fill in a piece of the puzzle regarding the use of such medications, given that prior research had indicated that ACE inhibitors can be toxic to a fetus if used in the second and/or third trimester of pregnancy.
"Our finding suggests that it is likely the underlying hypertension, rather than use of antihypertensive drugs in the first trimester, that increases the risk of birth defects in offspring," the study authors, led by Dr. De-Kun Li of the Kaiser Foundation Research Institute in California, said in a news release from the journal.
The authors came to their conclusion after analyzing data collected between 1995 and 2008 on nearly 466,000 pairings of mothers and their children living in northern California.
The bottom line: pregnant women with high blood pressure bore a similar risk that their baby would be born with some type of birth defect whether or not they were prescribed an ACE inhibitor, another kind of high blood pressure control medication or nothing at all.
The authors noted that having high blood pressure during the first trimester did raise the birth defect risk relative to pregnant women with no high blood pressure. But their analysis pointed to the condition itself, rather than the treatment, as the primary cause for concern.
Dr. Arun Jeyabalan, an assistant professor in the division of maternal-fetal medicine in the department of obstetrics, gynecology and reproductive sciences at the University of Pittsburgh's Magee Women's Hospital, described the findings as "reassuring" yet "limited."
"The finding that there is a lack of increase in birth defects associated with [high blood pressure] medications is certainly reassuring," she noted. "But although the study is large, which is a strength, they don't have complete data on other medications that were used or on other conditions that are associated with, or may have caused, the hypertension," she added.
"So, I would say that there are some pieces of information that are missing," Jeyabalan cautioned. "And that would make me hesitate to come to the blanket conclusion they make. More research is needed, that will have more detail about the other underlying medical issues and maternal characteristics, as well as of all the medications that have been used or not used during the pregnancy."

What is Hypertension?

A medical condition where ones blood pressure is chronically high is called hypertension or what is also commonly known as high blood pressure. Acquiring hypertension is a serious condition that may then lead to coronary heart disease, heart failure, stroke, kidney failure, as well as other health related problems.
Generally, diagnosing hypertension is based on the persistence of high blood pressure. The diagnosis will usually require three separate measurements, which are at least taken one week apart. In exceptional cases though, if the elevation is very extreme, or end organ is already damaged then the diagnosis may be applied and treatment should be administered immediately.
As hypertension generally does not manifest any symptoms, having a regular blood pressure monitor is important and to be able to obtain a reliable blood pressure measurements following several rules and understanding the many factors that influence blood pressure reading is very important.
For instance, if measurements to be taken in control of hypertension it should be at least one hour after caffeine, 30 minutes after smoking or strenuous exercise and without any stress.
When taking measurements, the bladder should encircle and cover two-thirds of the length of the (upper) arm. The patient should be sitting upright in a chair and with both feet flat on the floor for a minimum of five minutes before taking a reading. The patient should also not be on any adrenergic stimulants, such as those found in many cold medications.
A systolic pressure is the pressure reading at the onset of the sounds described by Korotkoff (Phase one), while a diastolic pressure is then recorded as the pressure at which the sounds disappear (K5) or sometimes the K4 point, where the sound is abruptly muffled.
Two measurements should be made which are at least five minutes apart, and, if a discrepancy of more than 5 mmHg occurs, a third reading should be made. The readings gathered should then be averaged. The initial measurement should be made with both arms. For elderly patients who particularly when treated may show orthostatic hypotension, measuring BP while in lying sitting and standing position may be useful.

Today's Scripture: 2 Peter 2

Mercedes and Mansions

Today's Scripture: 2 Peter 2   1But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction. 2And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of. 3And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you: whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not, and their damnation slumbereth not. 4For if God spared not the angels that sinned, but cast them down to hell, and delivered them into chains of darkness, to be reserved unto judgment; 5And spared not the old world, but saved Noah the eighth person, a preacher of righteousness, bringing in the flood upon the world of the ungodly; 6And turning the cities of Sodom and Gomorrha into ashes condemned them with an overthrow, making them an ensample unto those that after should live ungodly; 7And delivered just Lot, vexed with the filthy conversation of the wicked: 8(For that righteous man dwelling among them, in seeing and hearing, vexed his righteous soul from day to day with their unlawful deeds;) 9The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptations, and to reserve the unjust unto the day of judgment to be punished: 10But chiefly them that walk after the flesh in the lust of uncleanness, and despise government. Presumptuous are they, selfwilled, they are not afraid to speak evil of dignities. 11Whereas angels, which are greater in power and might, bring not railing accusation against them before the Lord. 12But these, as natural brute beasts, made to be taken and destroyed, speak evil of the things that they understand not; and shall utterly perish in their own corruption; 13And shall receive the reward of unrighteousness, as they that count it pleasure to riot in the day time. Spots they are and blemishes, sporting themselves with their own deceivings while they feast with you; 14Having eyes full of adultery, and that cannot cease from sin; beguiling unstable souls: an heart they have exercised with covetous practices; cursed children: 15Which have forsaken the right way, and are gone astray, following the way of Balaam the son of Bosor, who loved the wages of unrighteousness; 16But was rebuked for his iniquity: the dumb ass speaking with man's voice forbad the madness of the prophet. 17These are wells without water, clouds that are carried with a tempest; to whom the mist of darkness is reserved for ever. 18For when they speak great swelling words of vanity, they allure through the lusts of the flesh, through much wantonness, those that were clean escaped from them who live in error. 19While they promise them liberty, they themselves are the servants of corruption: for of whom a man is overcome, of the same is he brought in bondage. 20For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning. 21For it had been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, after they have known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered unto them. 22But it is happened unto them according to the true proverb, The dog is turned to his own vomit again; and the sow that was washed to her wallowing in the mire.

What is the Meaning of this Text?      elievers are cautioned against false teachers, and the certainty of their punishment shown from examples. (1-9) An account of these seducers, as exceedingly wicked. (10-16) But as making high pretences to liberty and purity. (17-22) Verses 1-9: Though the way of error is a hurtful way, many are always ready to walk therein. Let us take care we give no occasion to the enemy to blaspheme the holy name whereby we are called, or to speak evil of the way of salvation by Jesus Christ, who is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. These seducers used feigned words, they deceived the hearts of their followers. Such are condemned already, and the wrath of God abides upon them. God's usual method of proceeding is shown by examples. Angels were cast down from all their glory and dignity, for their disobedience. If creatures sin, even in heaven, they must suffer in hell. Sin is the work of darkness, and darkness is the wages of sin. See how God dealt with the old world. The number of offenders no more procures favour, than their quality. If the sin be universal, the punishment shall likewise extend to all. If in a fruitful soil the people abound in sin, God can at once turn a fruitful land into barrenness, and a well-watered country into ashes. No plans or politics can keep off judgments from a sinful people. He who keeps fire and water from hurting his people, (Isa 43:2), can make either destroy his enemies; they are never safe. When God sends destruction on the ungodly, he commands deliverance for the righteous. In bad company we cannot but get either guilt or grief. Let the sins of others be troubles to us. Yet it is possible for the children of the Lord, living among the most profane, to retain their integrity; there being more power in the grace of Christ, and his dwelling in them, than in the temptations of Satan, or the example of the wicked, with all their terrors or allurements. In our intentions and inclinations to commit sin, we meet with strange hinderances, if we mark them When we intend mischief, God sends many stops to hinder us, as if to say, Take heed what you do. His wisdom and power will surely effect the purposes of his love, and the engagements of his truth; while wicked men often escape suffering here, because they are kept to the day of judgment, to be punished with the devil and his angels. Verses 10-16: Impure seducers and their abandoned followers, give themselves up to their own fleshly minds. Refusing to bring every thought to the obedience of Christ, they act against God's righteous precepts. They walk after the flesh, they go on in sinful courses, and increase to greater degrees of impurity and wickedness. They also despise those whom God has set in authority over them, and requires them to honour. Outward temporal good things are the wages sinners expect and promise themselves. And none have more cause to tremble, than those who are bold to gratify their sinful lusts, by presuming on the Divine grace and mercy. Many such there have been, and are, who speak lightly of the restraints of God's law, and deem themselves freed from obligations to obey it. Let Christians stand at a distance from such. Verses 17-22: The word of truth is the water of life, which refreshes the souls that receive it; but deceivers spread and promote error, and are set forth as empty, because there is no truth in them. As clouds hinder the light of the sun, so do these darken counsel by words wherein there is no truth. Seeing that these men increase darkness in this world, it is very just that the mist ofdarkness should be their portion in the next. In the midst of their talk of liberty, these men are the vilest slaves; their own lusts gain a complete victory over them, and they are actually in bondage. When men are entangled, they are easily overcome; therefore Christians should keep close to the word of God, and watch against all who seek to bewilder them. A state of apostacy is worse than a state of ignorance. To bring an evil report upon the good way of God, and a false charge against the way of truth, must expose to the heaviest condemnation. How dreadful is the state here described! Yet though such a case is deplorable, it is not utterly hopeless; the leper may be made clean, and even the dead may be raised. Is thy backsliding a grief to thee? Believe in the Lord Jesus, and thou shalt be saved.

How can We Apply this Scripture to our Life?

  

In applying today's text we see the warning of false teachers. We should heed this text and understand that there are those who wish to deceive you for the ultimate goal of getting you to give them your money. They disguise the need for your funds in many ways but the typical spin is you give us money and you will get much more than you give. God has specific plan for giving outlined through the Bible in the giving of tithes and offerings with the goal to fund the Church and advance the kingdom of God. Yes, the Lord does bless the giver but it's not about Mercedes and Mansions but rather Souls Surrendering to the Savior for Salvation from their Sins. Being Born Again. Do you have a Spiritual Leader, Bishop, Pastor, or Preacher? If so do they preach Jesus-Christ and forgiveness of sins through repentance? OR Do they preach a prosperity message with the focus on gaining things here on Earth? Measure your leader on today's text and the qualifications of Leaders outlined in the Bible.

Children who go to bed late more likely to be overweight ----Early risers are slimmer

Children who go to bed late more likely to be overweight ----Early risers are slimmer

Children who go to bed late more likely to be overweight

Early risers are slimmer

Scientists found that children who went to bed late and got up late were 1.5 times more likely to become obese than those who went to bed early and got up early.
The study, published in the journal Sleep, also found that late-nighters were almost twice as likely to be physically inactive and 2.9 times more likely to sit in front of a TV , computer or play video games.
The study author, Dr Carol Maher, from the University of South Australia, said: "The children who went to bed late and woke up late, and the children who went to bed early and woke up early got virtually the same amount of sleep in total.
"Scientists have realized in recent years that children who get less sleep tend to do worse on a variety of health outcomes, including the risk of being overweight and obese.
"Our study suggests that the timing of sleep is even more important."
The researchers recorded the bedtimes and wake-up times of 2,200 Australian children, aged 9 to 16, and compared their weights and uses of free time over four days.
Dr Maher said that mornings were more conducive to physical activity for young people than nights, when children are more likely to be slumped in front of favourite TV programmes or on the computer using social network sites. This could partly explain the link between screen time and later bedtimes.
Research also shows that teenagers have a natural tendency to stay up late and wake late, she added.
"It is widely accepted that the sleep patterns of adolescents are fundamentally different from children and adults, and that it is normal for adolescents to stay up very late and sleep in late in the morning," Dr Maher said.
"Our findings show that this sleeping pattern is associated with unfavourable activity patterns and health outcomes, and that the adolescents who don't follow this sleep pattern do better."
The early-to-bed, early-to-rise children also went to bed 70 to 90 minutes earlier, woke up 60 to 80 minutes earlier and fitted in 27 more minutes of physical activity a day.

Carbon monoxide poisoning: are you at risk?-Silent killer

Carbon monoxide poisoning: are you at risk?-Silent killer

Carbon monoxide poisoning: are you at risk?

Silent killer

 

 

© Laur - Fotolia.com

Most of us know the risks of not fitting a smoke alarm. But how many of us take steps to prevent the silent killer in our homes – carbon monoxide?

The deadly gas, which is colourless and odourless yet highly toxic, kills at least 50 people in the UK each year and sees thousands hospitalised.

Yet despite the scary statistics, most households fail to take the few simple steps needed to help save lives.

Only one third of us have a carbon monoxide alarm and two thirds don’t bother to get our fuel appliances, which can leak CO, regularly checked.

Now, for CO Awareness Week (November 21-27), campaigners are desperate to get the message out that CO is dangerous stuff – but that a few easy measures can stop the risks.

Dr Ed Walker, medical advisor to the charity Carbon Monoxide Awareness, says: “Carbon monoxide is lethal even in small amounts, yet is commonly found in homes and workplaces all over the world.

“As a society we are probably less aware of its dangers than we were 50 years ago, and unless that changes people will continue to die and be severely disabled.”

So what causes CO to leak into our homes – and how can we stop it?

Carbon monoxide is produced when fuels such as oil, paper, wood, coal or petrol are burned incompletely.

If combustion appliances such as boilers, cookers and gas fires are properly installed, ventilated and regularly maintained, the risks are extremely low. But if those appliances are not fitted by a licensed expert, or kept in good working order, unsafe levels of CO can build up – putting our health at risk.

When CO enters the body, it prevents blood from bringing oxygen to cells, tissues and organs. It can cause brain and heart damage and harm unborn children.

As the Health and Safety Executive puts it: “You can't see it, taste it or smell it but CO can kill quickly without warning.

“Levels that do not kill can cause serious harm to health if breathed in over a long period. In extreme cases paralysis and brain damage can be caused as a result of prolonged exposure. [But] taking sensible precautions could dramatically reduce this risk.”

Symptoms of poisoning are wide-ranging and can easily be confused with other illnesses. They include headaches, flushing, nausea, trembling, drowsiness, vertigo, weakness, concentration problems, irritability and severe muscle pain.

But while CO poisoning may resemble food poisoning or flu, it does not cause a high temperature. Symptoms may be less severe when you are away from the source of the leak. But the longer you breathe it in, the worse those symptoms will get – with loss of consciousness possible within just two hours if there is a lot of CO in the air.

The problem, of course, is that it is hard to know whether CO is on the loose unless you have an alarm fitted to detect it in your home or place of work. Happily, alarms can cost as little as £12, don’t need to be connected to the mains and are readily available from the likes of British Gas, npower, Tesco and B&Q.

Chris Thewlis, head of operations for npower, comments: “Millions of UK homes could be at risk of a CO leak. But with the help of a carbon monoxide alarm, people will be alerted to the fact that there is a problem and will be able to act.

“It’s not just big leaks that can be detrimental to health: smaller leaks, which emit lower levels of carbon monoxide, can cause serious damage to your health over time.”

Fitting an alarm is a quick DIY task – just make sure you pick one with an audible siren rather than a colour change indicator, and a British Standard EN 50291 mark.

Other than that, it is essential to:

• Arrange for appliances to be professionally serviced once a year
• Have chimneys swept and inspected regularly to remove blockages such as birds’ nests or leaves
• Make sure the building’s ventilation openings are not blocked
• Fit an extractor fan in your kitchen
• Always use a safety mask when using chemicals that contain methylene chloride
• Do not leave petrol-fuelled lawnmowers or cars running in the garage
• Do not burn charcoal in an enclosed space, such as on an indoor barbecue

Warning signs of a potential CO leak include a yellow or orange rather than blue flame in your gas appliance, soot or yellow and brown staining around it, pilot lights that frequently blow out and increased condensation inside windows in the room where the appliance is installed.

And if you do suspect CO poisoning may be blighting your home or that of a loved one, don’t hang around – seek medical attention straight away, whether from your GP or A&E.

If several people in the same building develop flu-like symptoms without a temperature, and you think it could be linked to a CO leak, you should:

• Immediately stop using all cooking and heating appliances that use fuel other than electricity
• Open all of the windows
• Move away from the source of the CO gas

Lynn Griffiths, founder of the Carbon Monoxide Awareness charity, says: “Poisoning can have a devastating effect on someone’s life and the more people who are aware of the symptoms of exposure, especially at the initial stages, the more chance we have of preventing avoidable deaths or injuries.”

Today's Scripture: 1 Peter 5 -Get in Line

Get in Line

Today's Scripture: 1 Peter 5   1The elders which are among you I exhort, who am also an elder, and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that shall be revealed: 2Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind; 3Neither as being lords over God's heritage, but being examples to the flock. 4And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away. 5Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble. 6Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: 7Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you. 8Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: 9Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world. 10But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you. 11To him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen. 12By Silvanus, a faithful brother unto you, as I suppose, I have written briefly, exhorting, and testifying that this is the true grace of God wherein ye stand. 13The church that is at Babylon, elected together with you, saluteth you; and so doth Marcus my son. 14Greet ye one another with a kiss of charity. Peace be with you all that are in Christ Jesus. Amen.

What is the Meaning of this Text?      lders exhorted and encouraged. (1-4) Younger Christians are to submit to their elders, and to yield with humility and patience to God, and to be sober, watchful, and stedfast in faith. (5-9) Prayers for their growth and establishment. (10-14) Verses 1-4: The apostle Peter does not command, but exhorts. He does not claim power to rule over all pastors and churches. It was the peculiar honour of Peter and a few more, to be witnesses of Christ's sufferings; but it is the privilege of all true Christians to partake of the glory that shall be revealed. These poor, dispersed, suffering Christians, were the flock of God, redeemed to God by the great Shepherd, living in holy love and communion, according to the will of God. They are also dignified with the title of God's heritage or clergy; his peculiar lot, chosen for his own people, to enjoy his special favour, and to do him special service. Christ is the chief Shepherd of the whole flock and heritage of God. And all faithful ministers will receive a crown of unfading glory, infinitely better and more honourable than all the authority, wealth, and pleasure of the world. Verses 5-9: Humility preserves peace and order in all Christian churches and societies; pride disturbs them. Where God gives grace to be humble, he will give wisdom, faith, and holiness. To be humble, and subject to our reconciled God, will bring greater comfort to the soul than the gratification of pride and ambition. But it is to be in due time; not in thy fancied time, but God's own wisely appointed time. Does he wait, and wilt not thou? What difficulties will not the firm belief of his wisdom, power, and goodness get over! Then be humble under his hand. Cast "all you care;" personal cares, family cares, cares for the present, and cares for the future, for yourselves, for others, for the church, on God. These are burdensome, and often very sinful, when they arise from unbelief and distrust, when they torture and distract the mind, unfit us for duties, and hinder our delight in the service of God. The remedy is, to cast our care upon God, and leave every event to his wise and gracious disposal. Firm belief that the Divine will and counsels are right, calms the spirit of a man. Truly the godly too often forget this, and fret themselves to no purpose. Refer all to God's disposal. The golden mines of all spiritual comfort and good are wholly his, and the Spirit itself. Then, will he not furnish what is fit for us, if we humbly attend on him, and lay the care of providing for us, upon his wisdom and love? The whole design of Satan is to devour and destroy souls. He always is contriving whom he may insnare to eternal ruin. Our duty plainly is, to be sober; to govern both the outward and the inward man by the rules of temperance. To be vigilant; suspicious of constant danger from this spiritual enemy, watchful and diligent to prevent his designs. Be stedfast, or solid, by faith. A man cannot fight upon a quagmire, there is no standing without firm ground to tread upon; this faith alone furnishes. It lifts the soul to the firm advanced ground of the promises, and fixes it there. The consideration of what others suffer, is proper to encourage us to bear our share in any affliction; and in whatever form Satan assaults us, or by whatever means, we may know that our brethren experience the same. Verses 10-14: In conclusion, the apostle prays to God for them, as the God of all grace. Perfect implies their progress towards perfection. Stablish imports the curing of our natural lightness and inconstancy. Strengthen has respect to the growth of graces, especially where weakest and lowest. Settle signifies to fix upon a sure foundation, and may refer to Him who is the Foundation and Strength of believers. These expressions show that perseverance and progress in grace are first to be sought after by every Christian. The power of these doctrines on the hearts, and the fruits in the lives, showed who are partakers of the grace of God. The cherishing and increase of Christian love, and of affection one to another, is no matter of empty compliment, but the stamp and badge of Jesus Christ on his followers. Others may have a false peace for a time, and wicked men may wish for it to themselves and to one another; but theirs is a vain hope, and will come to nought. All solid peace is founded on Christ, and flows from him

How can We Apply this Scripture to our Life?

  

When making application of our text today we are reminded to be Humble before the Lord acknowledging His Position in our lives as the boss. Knowing that the Lord cares for you we can lean on Him to fight our battles in every aspect of our lives. We are reminded of how the devil is also out there looking to attack us when we least expect it. When we place ourselves in the correct position He can work in and through us to do His will. It is not about us but Him, His Plan, and His Will. Once we get "in line" we can have victory in our lives. 

Half of Britons expect antibiotics for colds and flu--Ineffective against viruses

 

Over half of those visiting the doctor with a cough or a cold still expect to receive antibiotics, according to research.
A survey of 1,700 people by the Health Protection Agency (HPA) found that fifty three per cent of people expected their doctor to give them antibiotics for respiratory infections such as a cough, flu or sore throat.
However, antibiotics are ineffective against viruses, the cause of most winter respiratory infections.
Around a quarter of those questioned said they thought antibiotics worked on most coughs and colds, while 97 per cent said their GPs had prescribed them antibiotics the last time they asked for them.
And one in ten admitted to keeping leftover antibiotics, a practice which can fuel antibiotic resistance if the drugs are then used at a later date.
The survey was carried out to mark European Antibiotic Awareness Day.
Dr Cliodna McNulty, the HPA's head of primary care, said: “Our findings show that people expect, and are often prescribed, antibiotics for mild illnesses such as coughs, colds and sore throats as well as for flu, which can be more severe, but is still a viral illness.
"Most coughs, colds and flu are caused by viruses and these do not respond to treatment using antibiotics.
"Some people, particularly those with underlying health conditions, may suffer with complications as a result of these illnesses and should seek medical attention but the majority of people can treat themselves at home using over the counter medicines to relieve symptoms."

HPA's top ten tips for using antibiotics

1. Most coughs and colds will get better on their own without antibiotics, and antibiotics will not hasten your recovery.
2. Discuss the pros and cons of antibiotics with your doctor – they will be able to assess whether you need them.
3. Coughing up phlegm on its own is not a reason to need an antibiotic – even if it is yellow.
4. When you have a sore throat with a runny nose with phlegm it suggests that the infection is less likely to respond to antibiotics.
5. If you have a high temperature, with a really red or purulent throat and feel really ill this may be an indication for antibiotics.
6. HPA research shows that some people stop their course of antibiotics early which might indicate that they didn't need them in the first place.
7. Always take all the doses each day and finish the course – this is typically only five days. Otherwise you encourage the emergence of resistant strains.
8. Never keep any leftover antibiotics in the cupboard for later use, an antibiotic prescribed for one infection may not be appropriate for the next.
9. If you had an antibiotic last time you had a respiratory tract infection, this time ask your doctor about a delayed antibiotic prescription which you take only if your symptoms get worse or do not get better within the expected time for that illness - that way you will not be taking antibiotics unnecessarily but if you do need them you can get them later.
10. Antibiotics in certain situations can be life-savers – so if you or your child are very ill – do visit your doctor for advice.