An article by Dr. Magdi Elgadi

A co-founder of this group and an activist in the field of health and human rights, Dr. Magdi Elgadi is bed-ridden for the past 2 weeks in his struggle with Cancer... I took his permission in re-posting this article an article he wrote in 2005.

http://elgadi.blogspot.com/2005_03_20_archive.html

Friday, March 25, 2005

Teaching Tolerance

Hello everyone,
I have this article that I was thinking of for a few days, and I think it might offer a good advise to many people. Mohamed, I tried my best to avoid mistakes in spelling, grammar and language. If you find a mistake please correct it before you post my article on thewebsite. Also, if you think you can add or change something, do it, but remember, my article is mainly about teaching tolerance. Let me know ahead if you add/change contents.
Thanks.
Magdi

Teaching Tolerance

Life gets harder every day, violence escalates everywhere, hunger, starvation, torture,
killing, and misery haunts many as a result of all this. And the question arises : Why life is a mere suffering to mankind ? Man is the only civilized species on our planet, yet, still not civilized enough to attempt to put an end to life's man-made misery. As a matter of fact, the whole idea is ignored in this busy, fast running technology.

Something must be missing here, that can turn things the other way around, and make life better for everyone. Something that should be done at early age of childhood, and should be part of our educational program at school : Tolerance. A word that has a great meaning and a great effect as well.

Why when it comes for education the government puts all the efforts toward the budget only?
We don't hear much about changing or modifying the system, adding new curriculums such as a subject that teaches tolerance at school ? Is this hard to plan for ? No, it isn't !
It isn't at all if we bear in minds the end results that we badly need to maintain our goals to keep going in the right direction.

Teaching tolerance could be the most effective way to handle crisis and violent situations arise in our busy daily life, mainly, because of cultures, ethnicity, religious and ideology differences. What does it make different if you are black or white, or whatever color of hair, eyes, or skin complexion you have? It is what ideas you have in that brain of you that might need to be corrected after all. We could have saved many lives by ending violence using the non-violent attitudes, controlling anger, forgiving mistakes and forgetting uncomfortable situations.

Sometimes forgetting is the hardest thing to try to do, but believe me, give it time, change the situation, create an other atmosphere to divert the attention. Or even move out and away, and leave the whole situation behind. Think that there must be something that you have or the other party has missed, that led to the unreasonable situation. And think that you are acting better by stopping things from escalating toward harmful results to both parties.

Life is precious and useful, every life is precious, no matter what, and we have to maintain it that way. Forgive and try to forget. Seek help if you need, talk it out before you attempt to do some drastic action. No matter who you are, you always need someone to talk to and seek advice.

Let us work together to make life better for everyone.

Mohammed Magdi Elgadi
Los Angeles, California

USA

Asbestos and Cancer

image source: www.asbestoscancer.ws/mesothelioma/meso.htm

In the report of the General Accountant Office of 2008 on the Khartoum State Water Corporate, it was mentioned that the drinking water pipes are made of Asbestose, a cancerogenic material according to the WHO
أفاد المراجع العام في معرض ملاحظاته عن أداء هيئة مياه
الخرطوم بوجود تلوث بمياه الشرب والعديد من اﻟﻤﺨلفات البيئية والقاذورات والأوساخ التي تحيط بمحطات المياه .
لكن أخطر ماوردت إليه الإشارة في التقرير المعني لعام ٢٠٠٨ أن الخطوط الرئيسة وشبكة مياه أمدرمان
من مادة الاسبستوس وهي ماده مسرطنة حسب تصنيف الوكالة الدولية لأبحاث السرطان وهي منظمة تابعة لمنظمة الصحة العالمية ، كما حظرت منظمة العمل الدولية ومنذ العام ١٩٨٦ استعمال
الاسبستوس source: http://www.midan.net/nm/private/almidan/m2161/m2161.htm

Although this is a serious threat to the health of people however, there is no scientific evidence

that is linking cancer to ingesting of Asbestos through drinking water.

According to MedicineNet.com "Asbestos mainly affects the lungs: Changes in the membrane surrounding the lung are common in workers exposed to asbestos. These lung changes are also sometimes found in people living in areas with high levels of asbestos in the air. Breathing very high levels of asbestos may result in a slow buildup of scar-like tissue in the lungs and in the membrane that surrounds the lungs. People with asbestosis have shortness of breath, often along with a cough and sometimes heart enlargement. This is chronic obstructive lung disease (COPD), a serious disease that can lead to disability or death. "

Read more on this serious health threat from the US National Cancer Institute

Banana Facts

Source of article: http://healthnews.today.com/2009/01/31/why-banana-is-an-amazing-fruit/ (To print this article go to this link: http://freedomwellness.blogspot.com/2009/12/banana-facts.html)
Jan 31 2009

Why Banana is an amazing fruit?
Published by runjun at 12:42 pm

Banana is one of nature’s finest gifts to man. Sweet and soft, the pleasantly flavored pulp, secured in nature’s most neat, yet easily peelable pack is wholesome of all our fruits. It has a rare combination of energy value, tissue building elements, protein, vitamins, including riboflavin and niacin, phosphorus and iron. And that’s why it is regarded as an amazing fruit.
The banana has a high calorific value. One large banana supplies over 100 calories unlike other fruits. It’s high content of easily assimilable sugars makes it a good source of quick energy. It’s alkaline ash contributes to the alkalinity of the blood. Combination of milk and banana to growing children is a valuable and rich food. Banana if eaten in large quantities provide enough high grade protein for the needs of the body. It is reported that workers in the Congo rubber forests live for months at a time on bananas alone. Sounds strange. Isn’t it?
Banana is one of the best sources of potassium, an essential mineral required for maintaining normal blood pressure and heart function in human body. The vitamin content of banana is high. Because of it’s Vitamin C content, banana ranks second only to orange as a preventive to scurvy - a disease condition that appears due to lack of fresh fruits and vegetables in daily food. Banana is a good protector of eyes and a builder of good teeth due to it’s content of Vitamin A and calcium in good proportions.
The value of banana for infants lies in it’s assimilated sugars combined with vitamins and minerals. Banana may also help in bone formation, as it can improve body’s ability to absorb calcium via several mechanisms. It’s low protein and salt content together with it’s high carbohydrates makes it useful in the diet of the patients with the disease of kidneys. It’s soft texture and blandness are of value in the treatment of intestinal disorders. Banana is also known to have antacid effects that can provide protection against stomach ulcers and ulcer damages.

Spam messages about Cancer Treatment Miracle!

This is just one of thousands Spam messages in circulation for the past few years...

http://www.diwanalarab.com/spip.php?article4846

(To print this article click here then print: http://freedomwellness.blogspot.com/2009_08_01_archive.html )

اكتشاف علاج نهائي للسرطان بدون التدخل الجراحي او الكيميائي

أخيرا عقار «الرحمة» لعلاج السرطان في مصر برعاية سعودية
يهان حسين - عن الأسبوع المصرية
٢٠ حزيران (يونيو) ٢٠٠٦
ُ بعد أن التهم مرض البلهارسيا العديد من البشر اشهرهم العندليب عبد الحليم حافظ ليصبح بعد سنوات مجرد مرض بسيط ينتهي ب(شريط برشام)، يبدو أن القدر سوف يكون رحيما بنا من جديد ليتحول الوحش المفترس الذي نخشي مجرد ذكر اسمه مكتفين بأنه ’المرض الخبيث’ الذي حصد أرواح الآلاف اشهرهم الراحل الجميل احمد زكي.
يبدو ان ’السرطان’ سوف يتحول في الغد القريب بفضل الله الي مجرد مرض عادي يشبه نزلة البرد تتم معالجته بجرعات دواء متوافرة رخيصة الثمن! كانت ’الاسبوع’ قد نشرت قصة الدكتور محمد النجار استاذ الطب الشرعي بجامعة الاسكندرية الذي توصل الي اختراع علاج لمرض السرطان بكل انواعه، وقام بتسجيل براءة اختراعه باكاديمية البحث العلمي في مصر وظل في محاولات مضنية لاقناع وزارة الصحة المصرية بتبني هذا الاختراع الذي يمكنه ان يمحو آلام البشر خاصة بعد أن استفحل المرض في العصر الحديث وبعد ان ثبتت الاثار الجانبية الحادة للعلاج الاشعاعي والكيماوي للمرضي وعدم فاعليته في الشفاء بنسبة 100 % .. حاول د. النجار اقناع المسئولين الذين تشبثوا بالروتين وطلبوا عرض الموضوع علي الازهر!!! وتساءل د. النجار عن علاقة الازهر بالدواء، وظلت المحاولات والمهاترات العلمية في بلد يكره العلم والعلماء، مما دفع المخترع للتفكير في الهجرة لامريكا بعد ان حاربته جامعة الاسكندرية مثلما حاربت د. زويل من قبل، وبالفعل انهالت عليه عروض شركات الدواء الامريكية لشراء العقار الذي كان يطلق عليه ’رودكس’ ووقف سعر العقار حائلا دون اتمام الصفقة حيث اشترط د. النجار الا يزيد ثمن حقنة الدواء علي (300 جنيه) الامر الذي بات مستحيلا من وجهة نظر الامريكان لان البيزنس لا مكان فيه ’للعواطف المصرية’.
وانهالت العروض الاوربية لشراء العقار ومنها اليونان التي تحمس رئيس وزرائها بنفسه للتعاقد مع المخترع المصري حتي ظهر في الافق عرض سعودي تحمس له الدكتور النجار لأن صاحب العرض كان سمو الامير فهد بن عبد الله بن محمد آل سعود الذي قام بالاتفاق شخصيا مع الدكتور النجار الذي اكد ل’الاسبوع’ انه في خلال ايام قليلة سوف يتم التعاقد مع الامير السعودي الذي تبني العقار وسوف يطلق عليه اسم ’عقار الرحمة’ بعد ان اثبت فعاليته في علاج حوالي ’300 حالة مرضية’ في معظم انواع السرطان ’الغدد الليمفاوية والرئة والقولون والبنكرياس’ وسوف يتم منح الجنسية السعودية للمخترع المصري ليتمكن بعدها من انشاء ’5 مراكز’ لعلاج السرطان في القاهرة والاسكندرية وطنطا ودمنهور والاشراف عليها مع فريق علي اعلي مستوي من اطباء واساتذة الاورام المصريين علي ان يطلق عليها ’مراكز لعلاج السرطان السريع في خلال شهر’ وذلك بواسطة عقار الرحمة الذي لن يباع في الصيدليات وانما يتم العلاج به فقط داخل المراكز ولايتعدي ثمن الحقنة الواحدة (300 جنيه) وتكفي حقنتان من العقار لعلاج سرطان الدم ’اللوكيميا’ الي جانب مستحضرات طبية اخري من العقار لعلاج انواع السرطان المختلفة وسوف يجري تصنيع العقار في اكبر مصنع ادوية بمدينة الرياض بالسعودية مع وجود فرع آخر بالامارات وتم بالفعل اختيار اول موقع بالاسكندرية بجوار الحديقة الدولية ويجري البحث عن المواقع الاخري ليتم العمل علي قدم وساق لنتمكن من محو آلام المرضي في مصر والوطن العربي.

The Immune System

What is the immune system ?

(To print this article click here first then print: The Immune System)

It is a multi organ system that is responsible of protecting our body systems against any abnormal situation arises due to their malfunction . These situations are always created when the body is invaded by foreign micro-organisms such as bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites .

The immune system uses different strategies to attack and neutralize these invaders.
Aside from these mechanisms of the immune system, the body has another way of defense against unwanted invaders, which is the first line of defense the body uses. For example, a healthy skin secretes anti bacterial substance, the nose secretes mucus to trap foreign invaders, the mouth produces saliva to get rid of invaders during oral hygiene, the eyes lacrimate to get rid of harmful materials, and so on. But if any of the invaders would succeed in breaking these barriers and enter the body, they will be destroyed by the cells of the immune system before they proliferate and cause infection. If the immune system could not function properly, these organisms can cause serious diseases.

Where is the immune system found ?
(A) The Bone Marrow:
It is the main organ that produces immune system cells, therefore, it is considered the essential organ of defense of the body. It produces the stem cells that can change to any other type of immune cell according to the body’s need.

(B) The Thymus:
The thymus gland is a pinkish-gray organ situated behind the breast bone. It is large in young adults but becomes small in aged people and in those suffering from chronic illnesses . The thymus produces the immune cells known as T cells, or T lymphocytes. They help in recognizing invaders and destroy them, as well as destroying abnormal cell growth such as cancer cells.

(C)The Spleen:
It is an organ located in the left side of the abdomen just behind the stomach. It is one of the centers of activity of the immune system. It’s mainly composed of lymphoid tissue hence it is also known as the largest lymph node in the body . Beside its function as an immune system organ , the spleen is responsible for destruction of old red blood cells, and it is a reservoir for
large amount of platelets to be used in an emergency. In the embryo till the fifth month of gestation, the spleen is responsible of creating the red blood cell for the baby. The spleen also produces lymphocytes that are a source for both T cells and B cells of the immune system.

(D) The Lymph Nodes:
These are small bean-shaped organs found in many parts of t he body, such as neck, groin, and inside the abdomen and chest. They are responsible of filtering the lymph to get rid of unwanted micro organisms. They become swollen and tender if the immune system is triggered by invading organisms, this is due to amounts of dead organisms that had been destroyed and
swallowed by lymphocytes.

(E) Lymph Nodules:
These include tonsils, appendix and Peyer’s patches in the intestine. Unlike the lymph nodes, these organs have no role in filtering the lymph, they function as protection for strategic areas of the body such as the respiratory system and gastro intestinal tracts. They are mostly composed of lymphoid tissue (lymphocytes) that play a role in immune defense system . They also can get themselves infected from repeated bacterial exposure and they have to be removed surgically.

Cells of the immune system:
These are represented by the white cells (leucocytes), they are formed by the bone marrow as stem cells. The stem cells transform into different types of immune cells to assume a specific assignment either by attacking the invading organisms, or by communicating with each other to start an immune response.
All cells of the immune system carry distinctive molecules allow them to recognize each other. This will prevent them from attacking healthy cells of the body, as what happens in case of an auto immune disease, where the immune cells become incapable of distinguishing between body cells and invading organisms.

There are five main groups of white cells:
( 1 ) Lymphocytes (2) Monocytes (3) Neutrophils (4) Eosinophils (5) Basophils

( 1 ) Lymphocytes:
They represent 20 - 40 % of the white cells. They are found in the lymphoid tissue, and include T cells and B cells

2) Monocytes:
These represent 5 – 8% of the total leucocytes . They can transform into macrophages, the scavengers of the body that destroy micro-organisms and engulf dead cells of viruses and bacteria. They also stimulate the B and T cells of the immune system by displaying pieces of the engulfed antigen on their surfaces to initiate an immune response.

3) Neutrophils:
These are about 40 – 70% of the total white cells, hence they are trillions throughout the body. Their function is to attach themselves to the micro-organisms and digest them.

4) Eosinphils:
They represent a small group of the white cells, about 1 – 3%. They attack and kill parasites by releasing special enzymes. They also control the inflammatory process.

5) Basophils:
These also represent a very small group of the white cells, about 0 – 0.5%. They are responsible of releasing histamine and heparin when they come in contact with an antigen. They are also capable of ingesting foreign particles. They are always associated with asthma and other allergies.


Types of immunity:
Two types are known:
A) Innate immunity (or natural immunity): This is due to the ability of the immune system cells to protect the body against diseases due to the immune response triggered by foreign bodies
entering the system. White cells do not need to recognize the invaders, the attack is launched automatically.


B) Acquired immunity (or adaptive immunity): This type takes several days to develop, usually after a foreign substance enters the body. The white cells start to remember their previous contact with the invaders, recognize them, then launch their attack.

What happens when things go wrong ?
To keep infections and unwanted invaders away, you need an effective or a strong immune system. There are many factors that can decrease the effectiveness of the immune system. These include:
Chemicals: as pesticides, herbicides, pollution
Nutritional: Deficiencies, food intolerance
Drug abuse: like tobacco, recreational drugs
Stress: diseases, infections, injuries
Hereditary: runs in the family
Lack of sleep: especially in old age when hormone levels decreases such as Melatonin hormone responsible for normal sleep
Hormonal imbalance: such as sex hormones estrogen and progesterone
Medications: such as steroids and cytotoxic drugs


Autoimmune diseases:
These happen when the immune system loses its ability to distinguish between “Self” and “ Non - self ” and starts attacking healthy tissues identifying them as foreign invaders. The reason why this happens is not clearly known, but it is believed that some organisms have the ability to expose only those parts of them that mimic the structure of an autoimmune system protein, thus causing the white cells to attack similar proteins including the good ones. Also genetic predisposition has a role in causing many known autoimmune diseases.

Many autoimmune diseases are known, such as:
Arthritis , Asthma , Multiple sclerosis , Myasthenia Gravis , Psoriasis , Crohn’s disease of the bowels , Primary Biliary Cirrhosis , Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Pernicious Anemia, Systemic Lupus Erythematosis and Autoimmune Thyroid Diseases.


Immuno deficiencies:
This occurs when the immune system fails or malfunctions due to shortage of essential cells as T cells or antibodies , or due to over-production of suppressor cells. Immuno deficiency diseases are either inherited or acquired.

A) Inherited (Primary) immunodeficiency diseases:
In this type the person inherits abnormal changes in the cells of his/her immune system as missing part of the immune system due to genetic defect. There is often a shortage in B cells and/or T cells. Complement or macrophage deficiencies are associated as well.
For more information you can check the following links:
http://www.pia.org.uk/
http://www.jmfworld.com/
http://www.primaryimmune.org/

B) Acquired (Secondary) immuno dificiency diseases (AIDS):
These disorders are caused by acquired defect in the immune system in a previously normal person. It can be caused by HIV, malnutrition, or aging. It is also found in those suffering from a chronic illness such as cancer, or those with poor liver or kidney functions. Also long term
use of immune-suppressants, steroids, chemotherapy or radiation can suppress the immune system due to damage to stem cells in the bone marrow.

Treatment of deficient immune system:
A) Conventional therapies: Treating infections with the appropriate antibiotics, taking care of nutrition and using immune system boosters such as immune globulins.

B) Immunizations: By using small amounts or non active amounts of a virus to initiate an mmune response. Active immunization by giving vaccines to stimulate the production of antibodies which keep a “Blue Print” of the antigens so they can attack and neutralize them when a similar encounter occurs.

C) Biological response modifiers (Immunotherapy): These are natural substances that can activate the body natural defenses. They can be reproduced in the laboratories through genetic engineering . These include : interferons , interleukins, tumor necrosing factor , colony-
stimulating factors and monoclonal antibodies.

D) Intravenous Gamma globulin: Such as IgG , an antibody used for treatment of primary immune deficiencies. They can be extracted from blood of healthy donors. Patients are tested prior to giving this kind of therapy to avoid severe allergic reactions.

E) Gene therapy/Stem cells: This is done by replacing the defective or missing gene with normal genes. The missing gene is plucked from a healthy person and inserted into a harmless virus, then stem cells are harvested from the person with the missing or defective genes and mixed with the virus carrying the missing gene then re-injected into the bone marrow. Once in the system, the virus will spread the gene throughout the body. In 2002 this was done successfully in two boys in Paris who suffered from severe combined immune deficiency.

F) Bone marrow transplant: This has been used for the past 20 years in U. K. as a treatment for children with immunodeficiencies. Cells are extracted from the person’s sibling bone marrow as the closest match. If this is not possible, a closely matched donor is used. This has to be carefully done otherwise the donor’s T cell can lead to severe Graft - versus - Host disease , where the transplanted cells cannot recognize the tissues as “ Self ” and they attack them.

G) Complementary and Alternative medicine:
It is also known as CAM. These are variety of therapies known to have immuno-modulating properties that boost a depleted or suppressed immune system. These therapies include : Naturopathy , Herbalism, Traditional Medicine , Chiropractic , Meditation , Yoga , Biofeedback,
Homeopathy, Acupuncture and Diet-based Therapies. Generally, CAM therapists recommend a few guidelines to maintain a strong immune system:
1- Keep a healthy lifestyle
2- Eat a balanced diet
3- Have adequate sleep
4- Exercise regularly
5- Keep a positive attitude

There are different ways of applying complementary and alternative medicine, we will discuss some of the basic ones.


I) The mind technique:
In a new field of medicine known as psyco – neuro - immunology, scientists investigated the interactions between the brain and the immune system.
It was found out that the brain has a great influence on the immune system through the central nervous system and the neuro-endocrine system. Under normal conditions, the brain cells secrete hormone-like substances called neuropeptides. They convey messages from
the brain to the lymphocytes which feed – back to the brain by secreting neuropeptides too. When a person is under stress, the effectiveness of the immune system is markedly decreased due to release of stress hormone cortisol by the suprarenal glands. Cortisol cusses great damage to the lymphocytes ending in their destruction.
On the other hand, during relaxation, exercise, laughter and positive attitude, the brain chemicals serotonin and endorphins are produced and can activate the natural killer cells of the immune system.
Patients are instructed to do regular relaxation sessions to allow this two-way communication between body and mind to flow properly.

To read abstracts and other studies click here. or visit the webpage:
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/8263433?dopt=Abstract

II) Autogenic therapy:
This form of therapy is generated from within the body itself. Through deep relaxation, a state of physical and mental rest is induced. This will allow the arteries in the limbs to open up
increasing the blood flow. This is reached when warmth and heaviness of the limbs occur. At this, point the natural self-regulatory system will be able to function well, creating balance
between the brain and the immune system. This should be done for about 10 minutes several times a day. Those suffering from diabetes, heart problems or psychiatric conditions should not do this technique without consulting their doctors first.

III) Acupuncture:
Acupuncture has been practiced by Chinese native doctors for thousands of years. In the 1950s , electro - acupuncture was introduced By allowing a low-intensity electric current to pass
through the acupuncture needles to stimulate the acupoints, causing response in the immune system. This is possibly due to stimulation of the autonomic nervous system that regulates the
flow of communication between the brain and the immune system.

IV) Herbalism:
Many herbs and medicinal plants have been used to stimulate and regulate our immune system to fight serious illnesses. These herbs either to be eaten fresh, dried and powdered to be mixed
with foods, soaked and the tinctures are taken orally or their fruits and juices are taken as dietary supplements.

Examples of these immune-stimulant plants are:
Aloe vera, Acai berry, Black berries, Cat’s claw, Curcumin, Garlic, Ginger, Ginko biloba, Ginseng, Green tea, Licorice, Maitake mushroom , Marigold , Rosemary, Sage , Shiitake
mushroom and St. John’s Wort.
Many articles and studies are posted on the world wide web and are easily accessible to almost everyone.

V) Hydrotherapy:
Water has important cleansing and supportive effects on our systems. In addition, hydro-thermal therapy makes the use of additional effects of heat on the body. Hot water dilates blood
vessels increasing the blood flow to skin and muscles. This will help circulate oxygen around the body and remove the waste products effectively, thus improving the immune system.
Alternating hot and cold water therapy will help dilate the blood vessels then constrict them to squeeze more blood back to the systems.
There are different ways of applying hydrotherapy, such as:
Warm baths, cold rubbings, sauna/steam room, high-powered jets, whirlpool baths and packs/compresses.

VI) Hyper-baric oxygen therapy:
Oxygen is normally carried throughout our body in the red blood cells. When we breathe oxygen from the air under the normal atmospheric pressure, the 21% oxygen we take-in can
saturate our red cells up to 100%. But in some abnormal health conditions, this oxygen is not delivered efficiently to the tissues. Increasing the atmospheric pressure 2- 4 times will let
oxygen to be dissolved in plasma and other body fluids leading to increase in the circulating oxygen up to 500%. This will cause more oxygen to be delivered to the body tissues. Those
who can benefit from this therapy are people suffering from peripheral circulatory problems like in diabetics who have foot ulcers and foot gangrene. This high oxygen also can stop the growth of bacteria causing gangrene since they are anerobic in nature and cannot survive in oxygen. Many other health problems are now treated with hyperbaric oxygen such as diseases of the brain, including Parkinson’s disease, Autism in children and dementia. Other conditions include
Myasthenia Gravis, multiple sclerosis and cancer patients.

VII) Magnet therapy:
The purpose of magnet therapy is to increase oxygen flow to body tissues. This can help the body to better absorb nutrients and heal itself. Wastes are carried away effectively and lactic
acid flushed away ending in relieving pain and inflammation.
Magnets also help boost the immune system and can improve sleep patterns. They can be placed on the lymph nodes, or on the meridians of acupuncture or on the areas of the body that
need healing, like joints for example. Length of therapy can go from few minutes to several hours.

VIII) Massage therapy:
Massage has both physical and psychological benefits to our body . It can stimulate the lymph nodes and the lymphatic system to drain toxins out of the body and boosts both the
circulatory and the immune systems. Gentle massage can relax the body and trigger the release of endorphins; the body’s own natural pain killers causing feeling of comfort and well-being.
The most important thing is that it directly affects heart rate, blood pressure, respiration, digestion and skin tone. It can also decrease the levels of stress hormone which weakens the
immune system . Different techniques are used to perform massage therapy, but in the end massage therapy has great healing effects on various health conditions.

IX) Pranic healing:
The aim here is to use the body’s own energy to heal the ailing part of the body. This healing technique was created by the Chinese-Filipino spiritual teacher Grandmaster Choa Kok Sui,
after he spent years in researching the esoteric systems of healing like Chi Kung, Yoga, Reiki and others. The point is to move the healing energy from the body’s power center through the energy channels towards the ailing body part.
The body’s healing energy should be always replenished from nature by being exposed to the sun frequently, walking with your bare feet on natural earth or sitting under large shady trees.
Pranic healing is performed in a series of steps that are written in details in a book mentioned below in the source number 3) “Your Hands Can Heal You”.

X) Shifting body metabolism:
Studies were conducted using this method of therapy mainly in cancer patients. The outcome proved its effect especially when combined with chemotherapy , allowing the use of smaller doses of the chemotherapy drugs, thus avoiding the serious side effects that compromise the immune system.
Normally our body cells can metabolize carbohydrates and fats to produce the energy needed for their survival and to maintain healthy body systems. Cancer cells depends only on carbohydrates and sugars to produce the energy they need to keep growing. By eliminating or greatly reducing carbohydrates from the cancer patients diet , cancer cells
can die or become weak enough to be killed by the immune system. For this method to be effective, blood glucose level should be kept at 90 mg/dL or less. As a source of energy,
the patient is allowed to eat Polly-unsaturated fats such as omega-3 fats from fish and other sea foods.

A final word to add, is that natural and alternative healing methods should be always used along with conventional treatment. This will allow using smaller doses of those cytotoxic drugs to avoid their damaging effects on the body systems.



Sources:
1) Henry Spink Foundation website – Immune System
http://www.henryspink.org/immune_system.htm

2) The hyperbaric oxygen websites:
http://www.oxygenzone.co.uk/anti_aging1.aspx
http://www.cincinnatihyperbarics.com/thetherapy.html

3) “Your Hands Can Heal You” - A book by Master Stephen Co and Eric B. Robins, MD. Available in bookstores, ISBN: 0-7432-3562-2 To order this book online:
Click here: Your Hands Can Heal You, Master Stephen Co, Book - Barnes & Noble
You can also visit some of the author’s websites below for details:
a) http://www.pranichealing.com/master-stephen-co
b) http://www.openexchange.org/archives/AMJ04/co.html

4) http://www.empowereddoctor.com/doctor_index_5870.html

Kofi Annan: Africa should fight impunity

For the original article, click here: http://www.nytimes.com/2009/06/30/opinion/30iht-edannan.html

Africa and the International Court
By KOFI ANNAN
Published: June 29, 2009

Eleven years ago, when I opened the Rome conference that led to the founding of the International Criminal Court, I reminded the delegates that the eyes of the victims of past crimes and the potential victims of future ones were fixed firmly upon them. The delegates, many of whom were African, acted on that unique opportunity and created an institution to strengthen justice and the rule of law.

Now that important legacy rests once more in the hands of African leaders as they meet in Libya on Wednesday. The African Union summit meeting will be the first since the I.C.C. issued an arrest warrant for Sudan’s president, Omar Hassan al-Bashir, on charges of crimes against humanity and war crimes for his alleged role in the atrocities in Darfur.

The African Union’s repeatedly stated commitment to battle impunity, will be put to the test. On the agenda is an initiative by a few states to denounce and undermine the international court !
In recent months, some African leaders have expressed the view that international justice, as represented by the I.C.C., is an imposition, if not a plot, by the industrialized West.
In my view, this outcry against justice demeans the yearning for human dignity that resides in every African heart. It also represents a step backward in the battle against impunity.
Over the course of my 10 years as United Nations secretary general, the promise of justice and its potential as a deterrent came closer to reality. The atrocities committed in Rwanda and the former Yugoslavia moved the Security Council to set up two ad hoc tribunals, building on the principles of post-World War II courts in Nuremberg and Tokyo.

These new tribunals showed that there is such a thing as effective as international justice.
But these ad hoc tribunals were not enough. People the world over wanted to know that wherever and whenever the worst atrocities were committed — genocide, war crimes or crimes against humanity — there would be a court to bring to justice anyone in a government hierarchy or military chain of command who was responsible. That principle would be applied without exception, whether to the lowliest soldier or the loftiest ruler.

Thus the International Criminal Court was formed. It now has 108 states, including 30 African countries, representing the largest regional block among the member states. Five of the court’s 18 judges are African. The I.C.C. reflects the demand of people everywhere for a court that can punish these serious crimes and deter others from committing them.
The African opponents of the international court argue that it is fixated on Africa because its four cases so far all concern alleged crimes against African victims.
One must begin by asking why African leaders shouldn't celebrate this focus on African victims.
Do these leaders really want to side with the alleged perpetrators of mass atrocities rather than their victims? Is the court’s failure to-date to answer the calls of victims outside of Africa really
a reason to leave the calls of African victims unheeded?

Moreover, in three of these cases, it was the government itself that called for I.C.C. intervention — the Democratic Republic of Congo, the Central African Republic and Uganda. The fourth case, that of Darfur, was selected not by the international court but forwarded by the U.N. Security Council.
It’s also important to remember that the I.C.C., as a court of last resort, acts only when national justice systems are unwilling or unable to do so. There will be less need for it to protect African victims only when African governments themselves improve their record of bringing to justice those responsible for mass atrocities.

The I.C.C. represents hope for victims of atrocities and sends a message that no one is above the law. That hope and message will be undermined if the African Union condemns the court because it has charged an African head of state. The African Union should not abandon its promise to fight impunity. Unless the indicted war criminals are held to account, regardless of their rank, others tempted to emulate them will not be deterred, and African people will suffer.

We have little hope of preventing the worst crimes known to mankind, or reassuring those who live in fear of their recurrence, if African leaders stop supporting justice for the most heinous crimes just because one of their own stands accused.

Kofi Annan served as secretary general of the United Nations from 1997-2006 and is now president of the Kofi Annan Foundation.

New report from PHR: "Their Voices Must Be Heard"

(To print this article click here first then print: New report from PHR: "Their Voices Must Be Heard" )

ssource: http://darfuriwomen.phrblog.org/

SPECIAL UPDATE (5/31): New PHR Report on Darfuri Women Refugees in Chad


(Press Release)
Lives Shattered, Voices Silenced
Violence and Fear Persist for Darfuri Women
In November, 2008, Physicians for Human Rights (PHR) sent a team of four experts to gather an in-depth picture of the lives and concerns of Darfuri women now living in the Farchana Refugee Camp in eastern Chad. Eighty-eight women sat with PHR’s team of three physicians and a human rights researcher and spoke candidly and openly about their lives in Darfur, the horrific attacks that drove them from their villages, their harrowing flight to Chad, and the struggles of their daily lives in the camp…(continue)

Ethics and Torture by Medical Professionals

(To print this article click here first then print: Ethics and Torture by Medical Professionals)

A few days ago,I received a petition e-mail from Physicians for
Human Rights(PHR), disclosing a shocking proof of involvement
of medical professionals in the torture of detainees during the
Bush Administration. As my profession obliged me, I couldn't
ignore this issue that stirred my anger toward such a disgusting
act by medical professionals in a country like the U. S. who
is known as the leader in defending and protecting human
rights. I positively responded by signing the petition then
forwarded it to others.

It is such a shame to know that those medical professionals, who
took the Hippocratic Oath obliging them to "CONSIDER FOR THE
BENEFIT OF MY PATIENT AND ABSTAIN FROM WHATEVER HARMFUL
OR MISCHIEVOUS";to allegedly get involved in such an act that
has become a stigma in the medical profession worldwide.
Click this link to view the Hippocratic Oath


We know, when you help someone by relieving his/her sufferings,
you will be overwhelmed with a feeling that I call it beyond
satisfaction and greater than happiness, then what kind of
feelings do those individuals get when they use their medical
knowledge to impose torture and sufferings on someone who
needs all the help to relieve his/her sufferings ! If that
brings them satisfaction in any way, they must be sick-minded
and shouldn't be in the medical profession that requires them
to help relieve peoples sufferings, and after all, to follow
the professional ethics.

I call upon everyone in the medical profession to join me and
demand investigation of this serious human rights violation
in a time everyone is concerned about peace and non-violence.
And what is the Medical Board's action towards this violation
of ethics of the profession ? Doesn't this make it a ground
for revoking the license and punishment of those involved in
such unlawful act ? We demand the Medical Board to step forward
and protect the dignity of the medical profession and help
bring justice to all !

Below I attached the petition I received from PHR for everyone
to take action and help stop these violations.

click here to sign the petition.
------------------------------------------------------------------

Dear M M Elgadi,

The proof just keeps piling up. Act today to stop torture:
http://actnow-phr.org/campaign/investigate_torture/xek3nei217n6jnkb??

The full disclosure of a confidential International Committee of
the Red Cross(ICRC):
http://www.nybooks.com/articles/22614


report on CIA treatment
of detainees confirms what PHR has been alleging for years.
Health professionals violated their ethical duties by participating
in the torture and abuse of detainees in US custody.

Take Action:
http://actnow-phr.org/campaign/investigate_torture/xek3nei217n6jnkb?

The Bush Administration weaponized medicine by using health
professionals to break the bodies and minds of detainees. Sign
the petition today urging Congress to restore medical ethics by
authorizing a non-partisan commission to probe these crimes.

And consider donating to PHR today to support our groundbreaking
work against torture and other health and human rights challenges
facing America and the world.

PHR has brought torture to the forefront of the US debate through
reports like Broken Laws, Broken Lives, which details the abuse
suffered by detainees at Abu Ghraib, Bagram and Guantanamo. With
your help, we've exposed the truth about torture, and made policy
makers take action to stop this heinous abuse of power.

Take Action:
http://actnow-phr.org/campaign/investigate_torture/xek3nei217n6jnkb?

Medicine is supposed to heal people, not support a regime of
torture that has shaken the world's confidence in the US.
Support PHR today, and help ensure America's reputation as
a leader on human rights and the rule of law is restored.

Sincerely,


Frank Donaghue
Chief Executive Officer

P.S. Don't forget to sign the petition—and forward to 5 friends
to help us reach our goal of 10,000 signatures.

Alternatives Against Cancer

Alternatives Against Cancer
(To print this article click here first then print: Alternatives Against Cancer)

To become a cancer survivor takes more than the conventional
treatment such as radiation or Chemotherapy that were used
for decades with a limited success. Such a ridiculous way of
dealing with this deadly disease, makes you think why
Cancer treatment is going on the same way for that long with
few survivors. Isn’t it the time yet for those who are sitting on
the throne of Cancer-drugs industry to think differently and
direct their researches towards other alternatives ? This
monstrous disease has been taking peoples lives every minute
for decades with no mercy. We proudly hail the few people and
institutes who dedicated themselves and put up a great deal of
hard work and effort to prove that there is the alternative for
that conventional treatment, meant to prolong lives of Cancer
victims, while in fact , it just prolongs their misery and
sufferings from all those horrible side effects of such toxins
known as Chemotherapy and radiation.

Researches are conducted now on how to boost the immune
system and let the natural defense mechanisms of the body
take care of critical health conditions caused by serious
diseases such as Cancer . There are countless herbs , dietary
supplements and natural substances that have marked
boosting effects on the immune system. What is this immune
system all about ?. It is a multi-organ system that protects
the body against any abnormal situation resulting from
invasion by bacteria, viruses or even Cancer cells that are
formed every second inside our body throughout our life.

Our immune system is located in the bone marrow, spleen,
thymus gland in the chest, lymph nodes, and lymph nodules.
All these organs produce the white cells or the leucocytes that
transform into different types of immune cells to assume
a specific assignment, either by attacking the invading
organism or by communicating with each other to start
an immune response. All the cells of the immune system
carry distinctive molecules allowing them to recognize each
other and hence they will not attack healthy cells of the body
as when it happens in an auto immune disease where the
immune cells become incapable of distinguishing between
body cells and invading organisms. The most common form
of the immune cells, a type known as the natural killer cells
(NK). They provide the first line of defense for dealing with
any form of invasion to the body. As long as these natural
killer cells are active everything would be under control.
Our main concern now is to find natural substances that
increase the natural killer cells activity.

Studies have found a mushroom extract known as Active
Hexose Correlated Compound (AHCC). It was proved that
this substance can dramatically increase the activity of the
natural killer cells (NK), as well as increasing the levels of
interferon, a potent compound produced by the body and
can inhibit the replication of viruses in the infected cells.
AHCC also can increase the formation of tumor necrosis
factors that help destroy the Cancer cells.

So many natural substances contain ingredients that have
great effects on human health to help fight diseases and
abnormal health conditions. As for substances that can help
in fighting Cancer, many are found in the following herbs
and dietary supplements:

1- Mushroom:
A known type of mushroom, Maitake mushroom (grafiola
frondosa), has been shown to activate the first line of
defense of the immune system; the natural killer cells(NK),
giving a great boost to the immune system to fight any
harmful invaders or abnormal cells such as Cancer cells.
A different type of mushroom called the yellow mushroom
(Phellinus linteus) contains an extract that can stop blood
vessels from growing to supply nutrients to Cancers of brest,
prostate, lung and skin. It is the same action we get by using
a toxic drug known as Avastin that has a reputation of high
toxicity to kidney, liver and immune system and should be
given with extreme caution. What a beautiful nature that gave
us this yellow mushroom instead !
Another type of mushroom; the white button mushroom
(or regular mushroom) , was found to contain a substance
that is very effective in blocking the enzyme aromatase,
which is known to promote breast Cancer. White button
mushroom also can suppress the growth of prostate
Cancer. For details and to find out how to get this dietary
supplement visit the websites:
http://www.healthcastle.com/herb_mushroom_maitake.shtml
http://www.nhs.uk/news/2008/04April/Pages/Mushroomextractsfightcancer.aspx

2- Graviola tree:
The Graviola tree (annona muricata) , is found in the
Amazon rain forest and some of the Caribbean islands.
It has a delicious fruit that is consumed by the natives in
those areas . Studies are still going on to know how Graviola
tree extracts help benefit Cancer patients. At the same time
some of the compounds found in the Graviola tree are
acetogenins and muricins and others, were found to
have inhibitory activity against herpes simplex-1(HSV-1),
Leishmania braziliensis and Leishmania Panamensis. Due
to the possible side effects of the plant extracts , it is
advisable when using Graviola plant extracts on daily
basis, to stop for two days per week and one week per
month. To learn more on this and how to buy this product,
visit the following links:
http://www.raysahelian.com/graviola.html
http://foodsthatheal.blogspot.com/2007/09/mushrooms.html

3- Mangosteen fruit (Queen of fruits):
Mangosteen fruit (Garcinia mangosteena), is one of the
amazing fruits of nature , found in Southeast Asian
countries as Thailand, Malasia, Vietnam and parts of the
Philippines . Over forty Xanthones were found in this
fruit that made it one of the super anti-oxidant natural
products. With this amount of xanthones, it is claimed to
have the highest ORAC value (oxygen radical absorbance
capacity) among all edible plants in the market. It has
an ORAC value of 17,000 to 24,000 while the highest
known before was 7,000 . Mangosteen has anti Cancer,
anti bacterial, anti septic and fungicidal properties. It is
available as juice in many stores in the market, such as
COSTCO wholesale food stores in the U.S. with
affordable price. More details are available in the links
below:
http://www.hort.purdue.edu/newcrop/morton/mangosteen.html
http://www.betterliving4life.com/1xangoresearch.html
http://www.betterliving4life.com/XANGO%20FILES/xango.html
http://www.chetday.com/mangosteen.htm

4- Acai berry fruit (pronounced ahsai berry):
One of the wonderful fruits of nature , found in the
Amazon rain forests of Brazil . It is one of the super
anti-oxidants that has an ORAC value of 21,010 per
serving in some of its products in the market, making it
one of the powerful Cancer fighter natural products. It is
available in bottled juice in many stores in U.S. mainly in
COSTCO under the brand names of FRUT A VIE and
MON A VIE. One famous brand called RIOVIDA that
contains a unique substance called Transfer Factor that
increases the human natural killer cells (NK) of the
immune system by 383 % . This product is available
online or by calling (888)300-6242. Read more in the
following links:
http://www.judyshealthcafe.com/riovida.html
http://oracvalues.com/sort/orac-value/
http://www.transferfactor.tv/tftv/content/view/17/32/

5- Noni fruit:
The Noni fruit tree (Morinda citrifolia) is found almost
everywhere around the world . It is one of the most
used medicinal herbs in many of the Pacific islands.
The most famous varieties are the Hawaiian Noni and
the Tahitian Noni, but varieties from other places are
also as effective as these two. The Noni fruit extracts
contain a great deal of nutrients making it one of the
best Cancer fighters: anthraquinone, selenium, Noni-ppt,
limonene, betasitosterol, polysaccharides and
proxeronine (a precursor of xeronine), are just a few
among many on the list. Many other nutrients found in
the Noni plant made it an all-remedies-in-one dietary
supplement. For this reason it’s been used for almost all
health problems . It improves energy and stamina,
digestion , sexual function , mental focus , cholesterol
levels , cardio-vascular function , and it strengthens the
immune system.
The ORAC value of the Noni is estimated at 14,970 per
liter of the juice. Since the Noni fruit and its juice have
very bad smell and taste; it is also available in the
market as tablets with the same effect. The 100% pure
form is the Hawaiian Noni tablets, available in ABC stores
in Hawaii and GNC stores nationwide(USA). A Cheaper
brand is found in Wal Mart stores in the form of
gel tablets. Noni is also available in COSTCO stores but
only in the juice form.
More to read in the following links:
http://www.tropical-antioxidants.com/
http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/1181035/the_healing_powers_of_puna_noni_juice.html?cat=5
http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/10110/the_medical_benefits_of_the_noni_fruit.html
http://www.healthyminerals.com/vitale_letter.html

6- Marine phytoplankton:
One of the most powerful foods on Earth, because it is
loaded with high energy super anti-oxidants. It is a tiny
microscopic plant, the size of a red blood cell. It grows
naturally in the ocean and can be taken as powder of the
dried plant or mixed with water as a thick juice. These
vegetables are amazing as detoxifiers due to their
content of unique anti-oxidant pigments not available in
other foods. This marine life product was reported as
a potent Cancer fighter that can completely stop its
growth. A pure form of the product is available by
calling (888)659-2279 . More to read in the links below:
http://www.getwellstaywellnow.com/
http://www.getwellstaywellnow.com/lab_report_3.html
http://www.world-wire.com/news/0612110001.html


7- Zeolite:
This naturally formed mineral is a product of volcanic
eruptions since thousands of years . It has been used in
traditional remedies to promote overall health and
wellbeing. Zeolites and their activated forms Clinoptilolites,
have a unique complex crystalline structure that is similar
to a honeycomb. When it is taken and absorbed into the
blood, Zeolites, as negatively charged crystals, will attract
positively charged toxins and trap them in the honey-comb
where they become no more threat to our systems. This
will help eliminate many kinds of toxins that get into our
body such as pesticides, insecticides and other toxins. It also
supports the immune system by removing toxins that block
it from performing correctly. This allows Cancer patients to
get the most out of this advantage. Zeolite is available in
liquid form as oral drops, 3 drops over the tongue every
6 – 8 hours. Many of Zeolite products are marketed online,
the best of them is made by Waiora since it contains the
100% pure activated Zeolite. It can be ordered online
or by phone and would be by a referral. I can be of help
if you contact me via e-mail: St2mig@aol.com otherwise
you can order from other manufacturers online.
http://www.zeoliteshealth.com/benefits-of-ncd.html
http://www.waiora.com/products/pro_ncd.php
http://www.zeolite-products.com/ktml2/files/uploads/zeolite%20anticancer.pdf
http://www.zeoliteshealth.com/benefits-of-ncd.html

Our wonderful mother nature is full of mysteries and
secrets that yet to be discovered and used for promoting
a healthy life to everyone without exception. As a Cancer
survivor, I recommend using at least five of the above-
mentioned natural products, along with Chemotherapy
or radiation and to be continued after that for prevention.
Healthy people are also advised to use these products to
help their immune system function effectively.
Let’s put all the hard efforts to spread the news and
make nature our way towards a healthy lifestyle.

Sources:
1) “ Alternatives “ magazine
2) http://www.botanicalpreservationcorps.com/mushrooms_1.htm
3) http://www.drdavidwilliams.com/
4) http://www.healthcastle.com/
5) http://www.henryspinkfoundation.com/
6) www.raysahelian.com/graviola.html
7) http://foodsthatheal.blogspot.com/
8) www.xango.com/science/mangosteen

Pesticides and Health

(T0 print this article click here first then print: Pesticides and Health)
image source: http://www.mass.gov/agr/pesticides/


There still some people debate the harmful impact of chemical pesticides on human being health. Not to mention its strong relation to Cancer is in denail!

We know that more than 90% of the sprayed pesticides miss the target pest and end up in the environment thru drift and run off into water courses.
The following research links were picked at random from the Beyond Pesticides Daily News Blog:

Study Finds Controversial Pesticide May Contribute to Obesity

New Study Links Fungicides to Parkinson’s Disease

Study Shows Herbicides Increase Risk of Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma

Study Links Women’s Brain Cancer to Herbicide Use

Gender-Bending Herbicide Contaminates Lakes Far from Use Sites

Pyrethroid Pesticide Affects Puberty at Low Levels

Testicular Defects in Newborns Linked to Prenatal Chemical Exposure

Arsenic Exposure Linked to Diabetes

Living Downstream is a good scientific source for the impact of pesticides on the human health. It was reviewed by Peter Montague.

Free the Iranian Doctors

from the TAC website: http://www.tac.org.za/community/node/2452

6 January, 2009 - 23:16 — moderator
Drs. Kamiar and Arash Alaei, two prominent HIV physicians have been imprisoned in Iran since June 2008. Please join the call to the Iranian government to drop the charges against them by signing the Physicians for Human Rights petition at this link http://actnow-phr.org/campaign/drop_the_charges

Here is a message from Physicians for Human Rights. TAC endorses it:
After being held without charge for 6 months, Arash and Kamiar were subjected to a perfunctory trial last week, and found guilty of communicating with an enemy state, as well as other secret charges the Iranian government refused to reveal. PHR believes these to be politically motivated and illegitimate charges, leveled in a patently unfair court proceeding. We fear for the health, safety and human rights of these well known doctors.

Please take action TODAY to help free the two brother Kamiar and Arash.
Contact the Iranian Mission to the UN and urge Iran to release the brothers so they can continue their life-saving AIDS work.