Dec
29
Information of Rosacea Treatment
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Rosacea
ROSACEA which is pronounced Ros-AY-sha, is a common skin disorder which
causes redness on the cheeks and small pimples. The face is very red
under this condition. This condition should be treated at the onset.
The age group of 30 to 60 is seen to be the most susceptible age group
and in need of ROSACEA treatment. The disease affects both men and
women but more women are seen to be having the skin disorder, although
Rosacea manifests more severely in males. Rosacea definitely affects
the patient physically but it is also emotionally and mentally
traumatic as it adversely affects the self confidence of the
individual.
Symptoms
• The nose, cheeks, forehead and chin tend to become red in colour.
• Small pimples n the face
• Eyes tend to water and become irritable
• Burning and itching sensation
The condition is observed to worsen with exposure to the sun, heat or
cold, stress and exercise. Some foods are also seen to add to the
severity of the disease. Some patients may even go through a phase of
depression or mental trauma as a result of Rosacea.
Treating Rosacea
Rosacea must not be neglected; it should be treated at the initial
stages. The intensity of the condition varies from patient to patient,
therefore it is very important that the doctor understands the
patient’s condition perfectl
y and prescribes a course of treatment that
is best suited for the patient. Expert medical advice, treatment
facilities and a reassurance from an experienced doctor would do a lot
of good for a Rosacea patient.
The developments in medicine have provided advanced state of the art
technology that would help in the treatment of the condition. There is
now the VBeam Laser technology which has been proved to be an effective
treatment option for Rosacea patients. The VBeam laser technology has a
successful track record of over 20 years and has proved to be one of
the best courses of treatment for Rosacea. The VBeam Laser technology
is found to be a more effective treatment in terms of cost as compared
to the Intense Pulse Light treatment.
Rosacea must not be left to heal on its own .It should be treated at
the early stages itself. The doctor is the best judge in this case. An
experienced doctor backed by the expertise for treating Rosacea would
be able to guide the patient as to what mode of treatment to adopt.
Rosacea treatment is one that does not affect the life or lifestyle of
the patient, in fact most patients are back to work soon after their
treatment sessions. A medical institute which specialises in Rosacea
treatment and which has a team of doctors who are experienced in the
field would be one that can offer a solution to the skin condition,
Rosacea.
Dec
28
Active Life: 5-7 days
Drug Class: Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulator (Oral)
Average Dose: 10-30 mg/day
Acne: Yes
Water Retention: No
High Blood Pressure: Rare
Liver Toxic: low
This remedy is somewhat different from others since it is not an anabolic/androgenic steroid. For male and female bodybuilders, how-ever, it is a very useful and recommended compound which is con-firmed by its widespread use and mostly positive results. Nolvadex belongs to the group of sex hormones and is a so-called antiestrogen. The normal application of Nolvadex is in the treatment of certain forms of breast cancer in female patients. With Nolvadex it is pos-sible to reverse an existing growth process of deceased tissue and prevent further growth. The growth of certain tissues is stimulated by the body’s own estrogen hormone. This is especially true for the breast glands in men and women since the body has a large number of estrogen receptors at these glands which can bond with the estro-gens present in the blood. If the body’s own estrogen level is unusu-ally high an undesired growth of breast glands occurs. However, in healthy women and particularly in men this is not the case. Despite this, it is mostly male bodybuilders who use Nolvadex, and fewer women. At first sight this seems somewhat inconceivable but when taking a closer look, the reasons are clear. Bodybuilders who take Nolvadex also use anabolic steroids at the same time. Since most steroids aromatize more or less strongly, i.e. part of the substance is converted into estrogens, male bodybuilders can experience a sig-nificant elevation in the normally very low estrogen level. This can lead to feminization symptoms such as gynecomastia (growth of breast glands), increased fat deposits and higher water retention. The antiestrogen Nolvadex works against this by blocking the es-trogen receptors of the effected body tissue, thereby inhibiting a bonding of estrogens and receptor. It is, however, important to un-derstand that Nolvadex does not prevent the aromatization but only acts as an estrogen antagonist. This means that it does not prevent testosterone and its synthetic derivatives (steroids) from converting into estrogens but only fights with them in a sort of “competition” for the estrogen receptors. This characteristic has the disadvantage that after the discontinuance of Nolvadex a “rebound effect” can occur which means that the suddenly freed estrogen receptors are now able to absorb the estrogen present in the blood. For this reason the combined intake of Proviron is suggested (see Proviron.)
Nolvadex is also useful during a diet since it helps in the burning of fat. Al-though Nolvadex has no direct fatburning effect its antiestrogenic effect contributes to keeping the estrogen level as low as possible. Nolvadex should especially be taken together with the strong an-drogenic steroids Dianabol and Anadrol 50, and the various test-osterone compounds. Athletes who have a tendency to retain water and who have a mammary dysfunction should take Nolvadex as a prevention during every steroid intake. Since Nolvadex is very affective in most cases it is no wonder that several athletes can take Anadrol 50 and Dianabol until the day of a competition, and in combination with a diuretic still appear totally ripped in the. limelight. Those who already have a low body fat content will achieve a visibly improved muscle hardness with Nolvadex.
Several bodybuilders like to use Nolvadex at the end of a steroid cycle since it increases the body’s own testosterone production -which will be discussed in more detail in the following-to counter-act the side effects caused by the estrogens. These can occur after the discontinuance of steroids when the androgen level in relationship to the estrogen concentration is too low and estrogen becomes the dominant hormone. A very rare but all the more serious problem of Nolvadex is that in some cases it does not lower the estrogen level but can increase it. Another disadvantage is that it can weaken the anabolic e
ffect of some steroids. The reason is that Nolvadex, as we know, reduces the estrogen level. The fact is, however, that certain steroids – especially the various testosterone compounds-can only achieve their full effect if the estrogen level is sufficiently high. Those who are used to the intake of larger amounts of various steroids do not have to worry about this. Athletes however, who predominantly use mild steroids such as Primobolan, Winstrol, Oxandrolone, and Deca-Durabolin should carefully consider whether or not they should take Nolvadex since, due to the compound’s already moderate ana-bolic effect, an additional loss of effect could take place, leading to unsatisfying results.
A rarely observed but welcome characteristic of Nolvadex is that it has a direct influence on the hypothalamus and thus, by an in-creased release of gonadotropine, it stimulates the testosterone pro-duction in the testes. This does not result in a tremendous but still a measurable increase of the body’s own testosterone. This effect, however, is not sufficient to significantly increase the testosterone production reduced by anabolic/androgenic steroids.
The side effects of Nolvadex are usually low in dosages of up to 30 mg/day In rare cases nausea, vomiting, hot flashes, numbness, and blurred vision can occur. In women irregular menstrual cycles can occur which manifest themselves in weaker menstrual bleeding or even complete missing of a period. Women should also be careful not to get pregnant while taking Nolvadex. It is important for fe-male athletes that Nolvadex and the “pill” not be taken together since the antiestrogen Nolvadex and the estrogen-containing pill nega-tively counterfeit each other. The normal daily dosage taken by athletes corresponds more or less to the dosage indications of the manufacturer and is 10-30 mg/day To prevent estrogenic side ef-fects normally 10 mg/day are sufficient, a dosage which also keeps low the risk of reducing the effect of simultaneously-taken ste-roids. Often it is sufficient if the athlete begins this preventive intake of Nolvadex only three to four weeks after the intake of anabolics. Athletes who have tendencies toward gynecomastia, strong water retention, and increased fat deposits with steroids such as Dianabol, Testosterone, Anadrol 50, and Deca-Durabolin usually take 20-30 mg/day The combined application of Nolvadex 20-30 mg/day and Proviron 25-50 mg/day in these cases leads to excellent results. The same is true for athletes who are in competition, and for women. Women, however, should do without the intake of Proviron or at least reduce the dose to one 25 mg tablet per day. Unfortunately, in most cases, a very pronounced gynecomastia (“bitch tits”) cannot be reduced by taking Nolvadex so that often surgery is required, surgery which is not paid for by health insurance. First signs of a possible gynecomastia are light pain when touching the nipples. The tablets are usually taken 1-2x daily, swallowed whole without chewing, with some liquid during meals.
Nolvadex unfortunately is a very expensive compound. Some ex-amples: In Germany one hundred 20 mg tablets cost $192. In Spain the prices are fixed by the govern-ment and it makes no difference whether it is an original Nolvadex or a generic compound. One hundred 20 mg tablets cost approx. $60 in Spain. In Greece the same quantity costs about $85. The athlete should look for the 20-mg version since, from its price, it is the most economical. On the black-market, mostly the foreign Nolvadex can be found costing about $2 – 3 per 20 mg tablet. Origi-nal Nolvadex tablets can be easily identified since, on the front, ICI (name of the manufacturer) is stamped and, on the back, the name “Nolvadex”. Most of the time the tablet strength is also imprinted. Ten tablets are included in an unusually large push-through strip. In the U.S. original Nolvadex is packaged by the manufacturer, ICI Pharma, in small, white plastic boxes with a childproof screw cap. So far
there are no fakes of Nolvadex and its generic products.
Dec
28
Rich Blend Of Fragrance Oils
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Fragrance oils commonly used essential oils for producing perfume and fragrance products. Fragrance oil fetches more demands among the people and large number of perfume and fragrance products is produced from the fragrance oils. Fragrance oils are considered as most important and essential oils among the people such as men and women. Fragrance oils are designed specifically to meet the requirements and demands of the people around the world. Fragrance oil is also called as aroma oil, flavor oil, essential oil and blended oil and in many other names. Fragrance oils are the blend of essential oils and it comprises of essential ingredients and flavors.
Fragrance oils are made up of essential oils and it is a blend of rich aromas, ingredients, flavors. Fragrance oil comprises of fruits, vegetables, essential oils, herbs, woods, plants and any other rich blends existing in the world. Generally, fragrance oils are considered to be more desirable essential oil added for different skin care products of perfume and fragrance products. Fragrance oil fetches more demand among the people, because of its uniqueness and essential aromas. Fragrance oils are used to produce rich blends of aromas with different ingredients and flavors comprised from different natural sources.
With usage of fragrance oils, more number of perfume and fragrance products can be produced by the manufacturers. Manufacturers produce different kinds of perfume and fragrance p
roducts with the use of fragrance oils to meet the requirements of the customers. Different kinds of perfume products, fragrance products and skin care products can be produced from Fragrance oils. Fragrance oils are rich blends of essential oils, fruits, vegetables, woods and herbs. These rich blends will produce finite fragrance oils to the manufacturer to produced different perfume products.
Perfume, fragrance products produced from fragrance oils can be used for different seasons, climate, and occasions. Fragrance products can also be used during day or night time as per the requirement of the men and women. The main purpose of fragrance oils in perfume, fragrance products is to keep men and women cool, fresh, relaxed, happy and pleasant. Fragrance products such as cosmetics, shave gels, creams, body lotion, conditioners, deodorant and many other skin care products required for people can be produced from fragrance oils.
Preservation of fragrance oils enables to provide rich aromas after a long time. Care and maintenance is required for fragrance oils and proper precaution does not allow the aromas presented to be wasted. Fragrance oils are sold for reasonable prices in the market to enable men and women to be used during their day times. Fragrance oils are the most required essential oils among the people and it fetches the same demand among the customers for reasonable prices.
Dec
28
Gout is a health problem resulting because of the deposit of uric acid crystals in the joints and surrounding tissues. It is characterized by an excess of uric acid in the body that deposits in different parts of the body leading to recurring attacks of joint inflammation. We know two types of gout: acute and chronic. The most severe phase of gout is chronic gout that beside joint inflammation and pain may also lead to kidney malfunction and kidney stones.
Throughout history it is believed that gout is the most frequent illness. It is also believed that gout is a problem that can be inherited. It consists of the deposit of uric acid in the joints or surrounding tissues. Abnormal elimination of uric acid can cause attacks of painful arthritis (gout attack), kidney stones or even kidney failure. Even so there are known a few cases where patients only develop elevated blood uric acid levels (hyperuricemia) without developing arthritis or kidney problems.
Gout attack means a rapid onset of joint inflammation and pain that usually occur over night.
A high number of persons develop gout. Only in America not less than one million people are suffering from recurrent gout attacks. It is well to know that men are more prone to develop gout than women. It is believed that gout is nine times more common in men than in women. Men are prone to develop gout right after puberty while women are at risk only at menopause.
It is believed that a relation between gout and hyperuricemia exists but it is unclear. We are certain that many patients with hyperuricemia do not develop gout. We are also certain about the fact that some patients with repeated gout attack have normal or low blood uric acid levels. About 10 percent of the male population has hyperuricemia and a small percentage of them will actually develop gout.
Specialists are able to advice humans how to prevent gouty arthritis. Obesity in youth, high alcohol intake and unhealthy diets may lead to gout attacks. Also aspirin and diuretics could be a cause for developing gout attacks. Of course injury of the joints could lead to a gout attack. Gout attacks are also related to some diseases such as leukemia, lymphoma and hemoglobin disorders.
The most common affection is the big toe joint problem. It is seen in about 50 % of the cases of gout. Other joints can be affected too. The ankles, the knees, wrists, fingers and elbows are at risk. After a rapid onset of the pain in the affected joint it usually follows warmth, swelling and high sensitivity for the joint. These painful attacks may last hours to days and may be recurrent.
Dec
28
It is very important the any person, especially the older ones know what their cholesterol levels are. To find out your cholesterol level, you simply must visit your doctor.
If you find yourself at the doctor, in order to check your blood cholesterol levels, this is what is going to happen. A sample of your blood will be taken to determine the total cholesterol levels in your blood. I say total, because you have two different types of cholesterol: good and bad. The HDL cholesterol is the good one and LDL cholesterol is the one that can get you into trouble. Before taking this cholesterol test, no special measures must be taken by you. You do not have to fast in order to take the cholesterol test. After your cholesterol levels have been found, the are some things to do depending on the result of the cholesterol test. There things that must be done are only for people that do not suffer from heart problems. So after discovering the cholesterol test results, this is what you must do:
- if the cholesterol level that you have is less than the 200mg/ Dl number and the “good ” cholesterol levels are 40 or higher this means that you are in a good condition when cholesterol is concerned; the cholesterol t
est must then be taken after five years. Meanwhile, to maintain the good cholesterol levels that you have, there are some things you must do: eat saturated fat as little as possible and cholesterol as well, exercise a lot and try to keep a healthy weight; If you do this, then the good cholesterol test results will appear when taking the test for cholesterol after five years;
- if the total cholesterol level is little than 200, but the HDL cholesterol is less than 40 mg/ Dl, then you have a problem; you will then need another test to find out what the LDL cholesterol levels are as well; this cholesterol test requires that you fast about twelve hours before taking the LDL cholesterol test; only water, tea or coffee are allowed before taking the test for cholesterol;
- between 200 and 240 mg/ dl total cholesterol and higher than 40 when HDL cholesterol is concerned means that your doctor must also look into risk factors for heart conditions; eat foods that have low saturated fat levels in order to improve your cholesterol condition;
- if the total cholesterol number is above 240 mg/ dl, the HDL level of cholesterol does not matter anymore, because you certainly have a cholesterol problem;
Dec
28
Organic Skin Care
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Surprisingly looking good is no more confined to women but the revolution in the world of beauty has even pulled the men making them also realized that beauty is denoted by how healthy your skin is and not simply by your make-up. As there is no substitute for beautiful skin so it is essential to take care of your skin. The great looking skin is not only the ideal canvas for makeup, but also it is a good sign of health inside out. Do not be reluctant about this issue of caring your skin because your skin is something that will bag you compliments and will be with you for the rest of your life. Apart from providing beauty to your look it biologically assists in sensory perception, protects you from wounds, works as a obstructer against dehydration, aids in temperature upkeep, removes toxic wastes, aids in the manufacture of vitamin D, and serve as a protective covering to the organs and tissues within your body. In simple words, your skin is a vital part of your life
As each one of us desires to look beautiful therefore it is essential that you care for it and maintain it in a healthy state so that it will continue to function well for you in future too. Though there are several skins care creams and lotio
ns being launched seemingly every day, organic skin care is the best way to take good care of your skin. Organic skin care involves using organic products obtained from food that is grown without synthetic pesticides, insecticides or any other artificial chemical and is harmless to your skin. Various organic skin care products that are available in the market are specially manufactured to suit the various skin texture from dry skin to normal or dry skin to help you gain fresh and glowing skin in the natural way.
There is no doubt that organic skin care products have become the latest rage for beauty conscious people who wants to avoid the harmful affects of the chemical used in the traditional products. First determine your skin type and then purchase those products that suit your skin type. Make sure to read the ingredients of the organic skin care product you choose to use and evaluate the safety of any ingredient listed on your skin care product with the help of your local library or the internet.
Organic skin care products can help you accomplish your goal of possessing a healthier skin and attractive look whatever your complexion may be without harming your skin.
Dec
27
The treatment of varicose veins
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Varicose Veins
Varicose veins are caused due to a minor problem caused by the
malfunctioning of the vein valves. It is a rather painful medical
condition that can affect the daily life of the patient .
Varicose veins are not only physically traumatic but also affect the
patient emotionally as it is an embarrassing situation for the patient.
Some of the common reasons attributed to the condition of varicose
veins are obesity, family history, work induced or even pregnancy
related.
Symptoms of Varicose Veins
• Burning or throbbing pain in the legs
• Protruding or bulging veins
• Discolouration of the veins of the legs
Treating Varicose veins
Varicose veins should not be left to heal on their own as they never
will. The treatment of varicose veins requires medical attention that
too from a vein specialist. There are several sophisticated techniques
of treating varicose now available with the developments in technology.
The earlier days of very painful procedures like “vein stripping” for
treating varicose veins is over. Some of the latest and most advanced
techniques of treating the condition of varicose veins include:
•Compression stocking therapy: For mild conditions and cases where the
problem of varicose veins is at its initial stages , the problem can be
rectified merely by the use of compression garments. Compression
garments like stockings are now available in a range of colours and
styles to go with your dress and no one would even make out the
difference.
•Sclerotherapy: Sclerotherapy is an important technique used for
treating varicose veins. This method of treatment requires injecting
the drugs directly into the veins to cure the disorder. This may
involve more than one session with the doctor for full treatment of the
condition. The Duplex Ultrasound technology has come as a boon to help
the doctors see the actual problem causing deeper veins. This is state
of the art minimally invasive technology which helps to repair the
problem right from its root.
•Laser therapy: Laser therapy is a quick and painless treatment which
uses the very latest in technology to fix the problem of varicose veins.
•Endovenous Laser Therapy: This technique is suggested by the doctor under specific circumstances and the type of the problem.
There are several specialised vein institutes today which deal solely
with vein problems and are equipped with the best in technology and
also employ the services of trained and experienced doctors and other
medical staff. Such institutes help the patient in understanding his
problem and also provide access to a vein specialist who would be able
to guide him regarding the right mode of treatment. In case of any
problems also the best medical help is available.
The developments in the field have provided several solutions for the
treatment of varicose veins. Now even if you are diagnosed with
varicose veins , help is not far away. It is a problem which can be
treated without any problem and you would soon be back on your lovely
feet.
Dec
27
Know All About Dry Eye Syndrome
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Dry eye syndrome
It’s a disorder of the tear film that occurs because of decreased tear production, excessive tear evaporation or abnormality in mucin or lipid components of the tear film. This leads to itchiness, redness or a feeling of burning sensation in the eyes.
Several factors responsible for eye dryness are:
· Menopause in women.
· Long periods of contact lenses usage.
· Excessive computer usage or TV watching
· Excessive exposure to dust
· Insufficient sleep
· Consumption of drugs like estrogens, and excessive intake of beverages like caffeine, alcohol
- Arthritis, gout or usage of corticosteroids, antidepressants can lead to eye dryness.
Its main cause is age. As we grow older, we become more prone to dry eye. It is observed that dry eyes symptoms are more common among women than in men with a ratio of 2:1, who are usually aged above 51 years of age. As per an Australian survey: around 60 percent of patients aged 50 or above, were victims of dry eye symptoms, whereas 16 percent of people had moderate to severe symptoms.
Treatment for Dry Eye
There are many dry eye treatments, which can bring relief to your irritated eyes. These have been listed as below:
· Best treatment options of eye dryness are therapeutic, depending upon the severity of the syndrome. In some cases, the doctors may need to treat the underlying eyelid diseases, or have to modify the environmental conditions of the ocular surface.
“” 0.5in;=”" text-indent:=”" -0.25in;”=”">· The other method is the use of punctual plugs. These plugs block the drainage of tears and conserve them in the eyes for a longer time. They are painlessly inserted and can be removed by an eye care professional.
· Sealing of the drainage can also be done surgically. This method prevents tears from draining from the eyes and keeps the eyes moisturized.
· Warming of the eye can also heal the worst eye condition. A warming device is used for correcting the tear breakup time.
· -size:="" 7pt;="" line-height:="" normal;="" font-size-adjust:="" none;="" font-stretch:="" normal;"=""> The over-the counter dry eye supplements are very effective in providing instant relief to the itchy parts, by providing moisturization to the ocular surface.
· The first and only therapy approved by FDA (Food and Drug Administration) for DES (Dry Eye Syndrome) victims is the topical cyclosporine ophthalmic emulsion. This helps people whose tear production is suppressed due to ocular inflammation.
· Tear substitutes like colustrum helps greatly in treating conjunctival disorder. Oral cyclosporine A (CsA), is used in treatment of severe ocular disorders, which incorporates DES along with other eye problems. This is a topical treatment and deters the possibility of side effects.
Treatments are numerous. However, the unique new topical treatments are good for treating patients with dry eye syndrome, which can be in the primary or secondary stage associated with ocular allergy.
Dec
27
Compared to the early releases, new video games have improved in terms of plot and character development. The psychology and personalities of the characters – hero, villain, and recurring figure alike are now just as important as how the game plays.
However, like in the early days of comic books before Stan Lee’s “Spider-Man,” video game characters tend to be flat caricatures of real people, with flaws like social anxiety, fragile mental health, and depression being traits reserved for antagonists. Yet, even in such a climate, there are still maverick character designers who have made heroes that are difficult to fit into the traditional definition of the “hero” role. Among the best examples of such games is Hideo Kojima’s “Metal Gear Solid” series.
Being a game that both embraces the psychology of war and carries a strong pacifist undercurrent, there is a complexity in the cast of characters that is necessary. To an extent, all of the characters have some form of mental health disorder, which is appropriate for a game that relies heavily on the personalities of its characters. While some might initially see them as extreme responses to their situations, Kojima has gone to great lengths to present his characters as possibilities present when war meets psychology. The characters of the MGS series can be taken to represent the various effects of war on a person’s mental health, whether they are soldiers, commanders, or bystanders. He shows this through their personalities and the conversations that they have with the protagonist, making them more than just an obstacle to overcome to complete the game.
Among the most long-standing favorites of Kojima’s multitude of antagonists is the woman known only as Sniper Wolf. She may appear perfectly sane at first glance, but some have analyzed her personality as a potential consequence of growing up in a war zone. The experience of living in war-torn Iraq has left scars that damaged her mental health and emotional development . For children who were born and raised in a war zone, the typical response is to find a way out of the chaos and destruction. For Sniper Wolf, even after her rescue, her mental health was so marked by her experiences that the only real way she could overcome her prolonged trauma was to become part of it. Yet, perhaps due to some sort of anxiety disorder, she also longed to distance herself from it. As a soldier, she became part of the very thing that terrorized her as a child. As a sniper, she perhaps relieved her fear and anxiety as a child by distancing herself from the front lines, taking lives from behind the scope of her rifle. This theme of a person becoming part of what scarred them in their youth is repeated in the “Beauty and the Beast” military unit in the upcoming finale of the MGS series, albeit with a more literal interpretation.
Liquid Snake, one of the series’ primary antagonists, also exhibits a number of psychological disorders. His initial goal appeared to have been little more than the “world conquest” standard, but as the plot progresses, it is revealed to be much deeper. As the genetically-altered “twin brother” to the protagonist, Solid Snake, Liquid exhibits signs of sibling-caused status anxiety. Altered to be the inferior of the two brothers, Liquid pushed himself to perform in every aspect of his military life to prove that his inferior genetics were not going to define him. His status anxiety also pushed him to lead an insurrection of soldiers in an attempt to outdo his father and form a utopia for soldiers. His murderous competition with his brother is also driven by status anxi
ety, as he subconsciously desires to kill his brother to prove that he is better than both his brother and his father. This desire to outdo both his brother and father is a consistent factor in his appearances in the series. He also exhibits a slight Messiah complex in his desire to fulfill his father’s dream, as he expanded the plan to not only create a haven for soldiers, but also to destroy the governments that would use and discard them.
The problem of status anxiety also manifests slightly in the goals of Big Boss, Liquid and Solid Snake’s “father.” A man deemed to be the “perfect soldier,” his genetic material was used to create his “sons,” even as he had one of them modified to be inferior to the other. As a solider, he quickly realized that the time would come when men like him would no longer be needed and would be discarded by the governments they served like obsolete trash. His own status anxiety, combined with his disillusionment at how the US government betrayed his mentor to save their reputation, forged the idea of a soldier’s utopia in his mind. It was during his second attempt to establish such a utopia – which he termed “Outer Heaven” – that he was slain in battle by Solid Snake, his genetic son. His adamant refusal to be referred to by his codename of “Big Boss” also reflects his status anxiety towards the events that earned him the name. He resents the fact that he was awarded that codename because he killed his mentor, “The Boss,” for a government that discarded and abandoned her – despite her loyal service – simply because it was politically convenient to do so. The bitter irony of the name has not escaped him.
However, perhaps the most psychologically compelling case among the MGS series cast would be the chief protagonist himself, Solid Snake. According to records spread throughout the games, Snake exhibited signs of social anxiety at an early age. Trained to be the perfect killer and the ultimate stealth soldier, he was raised to dislike emotional attachments and view closeness with other people as a potential weakness. This social anxiety was reinforced by his second major mission, where he had to kill both his best friend and his father to fulfill his mission objectives. The fight with Gray Fox, his best friend, was also an instance where he showed performance anxiety, being extremely unwilling to fight a man he considered his friend and combat superior. His traces of status anxiety also plays a role in his character, though not in the way most would expect. He views himself not as the hero the people around him believe he is, but simply as “an old killer, hired to do some wet work.” He constantly seems to wish to prove that he is more than just the soldier he believes himself to be, but inevitably cannot distance himself from the battlefield. His conflicted status anxiety sometimes plays out subtly, as he no longer wishes to engage in fighting and just live out his life in isolation. However, he understands that he is a soldier and he will always be a soldier, with his only home being the chaos of a battlefield.
A common trait among the front line soldier characters of the MGS series is their inability to feel grief over loss. The explanation was that, as they were exposed more and more to the horrors of war, they began to lose the ability to grieve over lost comrades and family. This has been portrayed as a side effect of the horrors of war upon a soldier’s mental health, particularly in the cases of Big Boss and Solid Snake, who both had to endure the trauma of killing someone that they were emotionally attached to.
Dec
27
Imagine one day the station wagon you rely on to get you the office, ferry around the kids, and haul the weekly groceries home suddenly breaks down. You take it to the garage and the mechanic there tells you he doesn’t know exactly what’s wrong, but he has a quick-fix solution: push the car everywhere you want to go! You can still do all the things you relied on your station wagon for, only now you have to help it along a little. Time to get a new mechanic, right? Yet when you want to treat your thyroid problem, your physician will often recommend you take a course of thyroxin, or other thyroid hormones. This is the job of your thyroid gland! It produces the hormones triiodothyronine (T3), and thyroxin (T4), which control weight, heart rate, skin conditions, and energy levels of body, plus much more. By controlling your thyroid problem with artificial T hormones you’re not treating the problem but doing all the work instead, lugging around your thyroid gland like a broken-down Ford Woody.
But is there any alternative? We can’t trade in our thyroid gland for a new model, but the treatment of thyroid disease and thyroid problems is possible with the help of B vitamins. The B vitamins are a group of similar, but not identical, nutrients that work together and are vital to every function of your body and especially in providing immune support. Why is providing immune system support relevant to the treatment of thyroid problems? Firstly, we need to look at thyroid disease and related problem in more detail.
Under- and Over-active Thyroid Problems: Why?
Thyroid disease can arise from either an under-active thyroid (hypothyroidism) or an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism) gland. With hypothyroidism, the thyroid gland makes less thyroid hormone than the body needs. Symptoms of this thyroid problem include:
Weight gain, constipation, depression,
Fatigue, weakness, nervousness, insomnia,
Immune system problems and poor memory.
That’s right, hypothyroidism patients often have weak immune systems and are more prone to infections. What’s more, the cause of hypothyroidism is often down to a weak immune system. Suddenly, B vitamins used for the treatment of thyroid disease is looking interesting.
The symptoms of hyperthyroidism, and over production of thyroid hormones, include:
Accelerated heart rate, weight loss, diarrhea
Muscle weakness, sensitivity to heat, and sleeping difficulties
Irregular menstrual cycles in women, coarse skin, and hair loss
The cause of hyperthyroidism is linked to Graves’ disease, an autoimmune disorder, in which antibodies responsible for protecting the body mistakenly attack the thyroid gland, causing over-stimulation and too many T hormones in the body.
B Vitamins and Thyroid Disease
The first step in fixing a problem is knowing the problem. Thyroid disease, be it an over-active or under-active thyroid gland, is closely linked with a healthy immune system. As B vitamins are crucial in the healthy functioning of the immune system, they are also crucial in the healthy function of the thyroid gland. What’s more, when thyroid problems occur, extra supplements of B vitamins can be used to treat the disease, and get your thyroid gland firing on all cylinders once again.
How do B vitamins treat thyroid disease and provide immune support? That is the topic for another article.