Whether you're a young mother, a truck driver, or senior citizen you've probably had an experience with hemorrhoids.  Hemorrhoids are a very common health problem for millions of Americans.  The itching and burning of hemorrhoids have lead to a billion dollar business from salves to various homeopathic treatments.

What are hemorrhoids?

Hemorrhoid, or piles, is a painful mass of swollen veins in the lining of the anus and rectum, resulting from the formation of varicose veins around the anus.

Hemorrhoids can occur at any age, often without apparent cause. Causes may include constipation, pregnancy, liver disorders, rectal tumors, and the repeated use of laxatives. Hemorrhoids can cause itching and burning and may bleed during a bowel movement.

Hemorrhoids do not cause cancer nor do they become cancerous. But any rectal bleeding may be a sign of cancer of the colon or rectum and should be checked by a physician.

What can I do about hemorrhoids?

• Temporary relief
  from hemorrhoids may be obtained by applying a cold compress directly to the affected area until the pain subsides. This is most asily done if the patient lies face-down and another person applies the compress.
• Tepid water baths
  may also help.
• High-roughage diet
  A person should eat a high-roughage diet to ensure regular defecation of large, soft stools.
• Ointments, creams, and suppositories
  containing corticosteroids may also ease the symptoms.
• Stress can also make hemorrhoids flare up.
  Foods that can cause you trouble include strong spices such as red pepper and mustard, and drinks such as coffee, decaffeinated coffee and alcohol. Tobacco can also cause flare ups.
• You can treat constipation by eating more fiber.
  A vegetarian diet will help you here. Or take psyllium seed husks, in any of the forms available in drugstores and health-food stores. Drink lots of water -- 8 glasses of day works well.
• Sitz Bath
  A natural, soothing treatment for the hemorrhoids themselves is an old-fashioned sitz bath. Sit in a bathtub filled with enough warm water to cover the anal area for 15 minutes several times a day. Also, apply aloe vera gel to the area frequently. Instead of dry toilet paper, which will irritate the veins, use compresses or cotton balls of witch hazel to clean the anal area after bowel movements. You can buy witch hazel at any drugstore. Just moisten sheets of toilet paper with it. There are also premoistened, prepackaged versions available.  You also might find relief by placing a a small folded square of dry toilet paper in the anus area.  Change this everytime you go to the bathroom to keep the area dry.  It's the moisture that causes the itching.
• Natural Remedies
  Finally, here are two Chinese remedies that use foods to correct the imbalances that may cause hemorrhoids: Eat an orange three times a day, or eat two bananas first thing in the morning.

See your doctor
All cases of rectal bleeding should be examined by a physician to rule out cancer of the colon and rectum. If the diagnosis is hemorrhoids, the remedies mentioned above may solve the problem. However, persistent hemorrhoids may need to be removed, using one of several methods. The hemorrhoid may be frozen off during cryosurgery; hardened, using a sclerosing agent; tied off, using a rubber band at the base of the hemorrhoid; or removed surgically (hemorrhoidectomy).

Ovarian Cancer Facts
Signs & Symptoms of Ovarian Cancer
by Sue Spataro, RN, BSN
Ovarian cancer is our most deadliest gynecologic cancer. It ranks number 4 in the cause of cancer deaths in women. Most of us have a less that 2% lifetime chance of developing ovarian cancer. But, every year over 25,000 women are diagnosed with ovarian cancer. But once diagnosed with ovarian cancer 75% of women will die within 5 years of their diagnosis. Early detection is the key. How can you tell if you have it?

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