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BREAST FEEDING
2008-05-29 00:14:00
Many benefits transpire from choosing nature?s method for infant feeding. Popularized by the La Leche League in a book called The Womanly Art of Breast Feeding , this routine is finding increasing acceptance among educated mothers and the thinking classes of society. Many scientific facts have amplified our understanding of the superiority for breast feeding over formula. In spite of infant formula propaganda, motivated by economic considerations, human milk and cow?s milk are very dissimilar. Only the water and lactose (milk sugar) contents resemble each other. The protein is different, with amino acid ratios that are quite distinct. Much less phenylalanine (a factor in the PKU syndrome, called phenylketonuria) is present in breast milk. The principal protein of cow? s milk is beta- Lactoglobulin, while those of human milk are lysozyme and lactoferrin. The casein in the two milks are quite different. Fat content, cholesterol levels, and vitamins are likewise dissimilar.Although tech...
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HOME DELIVERIES (part two)
2008-05-28 00:12:00
The newborn baby needs immediate care once the cord has been divided. He or she should be wrapped in warm dry blankets, and the head gently covered. A small cap made of stockinette helps to prevent heat loss from the scalp as well as the baby?s body. Prompt breathing and rapid delivery of oxygen to the tissues are enhanced when the newborn is kept warm. If the home is unusually cold, the child should be placed ?skin-to-skin? upon the mother. Then, both should be wrapped in a blanket. The use of insulating ?aluminum foil? may be helpful, but in such cases monitor the child?s temperature frequently with a thermometer to prevent overheating. Some newborns enjoy the experience of suckling, and will lay at their mother?s side to nurse for several minutes. A newborn baby who has been delivered with minimal trauma will have its eyes open, looking around. He or she may recognize the mother and ?imprint? her image in their mind within hours after birth. This ?bonding? is very important for t...
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HOME DELIVERIES (part one)
2008-05-26 23:57:00
In European countries most babies are delivered at home. Until recent years in the United States, the same custom was true. Among idealistic college youth, natural living enthusiasts, and those with no insurance, home delivery still holds an attraction. Midwives and occasionally physicians usually attend these patients. Husbands, wives, nurses, and family physicians shouldall become acquainted with the techniques of a home delivery. Either through planning or in an emergency, this knowledge may prove most useful.First in importance is the recognition of labor. For several weeks prior to delivery there may be painless, irregularly spaced contractions. These so - called Braxton?Hicks contractions serve to firm up the uterus and, as it were, ?prime? it for the main event. The baby typically ?drops? several weeks before labor is to begin, as the head descends into the pelvis, creating a ?lightening? sensation. Slight cervical dilation then follows, with increased secretion of mucus?like...
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PRENATAL CARE (continued)
2008-05-25 23:57:00
The mother?s diet should ideally be unrefined, with a unequivocal emphasis on whole grains, fresh fruits and vegetables, along with adequate amounts of water. Calcium intake can be secured through a liberal use of whole grain cereals, green leafy vegetables, and skim milk. The iron needed to maintain healthy red blood comes from such foods as: cereal grains; fruits? such as raisins, prunes, and strawberries; and dark green and yellow vegetables. At times, supplements are needed for those with deficient absorption of these important trace minerals. All other needed vitamins and minerals can be obtained easily from a diet of unrefined natural foods. The mother should eat a substantial breakfast. Energy needs for the day are best obtained at its beginning. One or two pieces of fresh fruit, a slice of whole wheat toast with peanut butter, a bowl of cereal such as shredded wheat, oatmeal, or granola, topped with fruit and soy milk make an excellent breakfast. For variety a healthful waff...
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PRENATAL CARE
2008-05-24 23:57:00
Before your baby arrives, a great deal of care needs to be maintained to preserve the your best health. Although pregnancy is a normal physiologic event, many physicians treat it as a disease, and attempt to control too closely the behavior of the mother. Most women, however, can be taught the basics of hygiene during pregnancy. That means taking take responsibility for your own health.During the monthly visits a pregnant lady makes to her midwife or physician, she will have a urine test for protein and sugar. Sugar in the urine raises a suspicion of diabetes. The diabetic mother is at increased risk during pregnancy, and has a greater likelihood of difficult labor, due to the predictably excessive size of her baby. Blood incompatibilities and hemorrhagic problems are more severe in a baby born to a diabetic mother. In addition, the stability of a mother?s diabetes is greatly influenced by her pregnancy. It could even trigger the death of a baby in utero, or a miscarriage, if care i...
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PROBLEMS IN EARLY PREGNANCY part 2
2008-05-23 23:56:00
Vaginal bleeding sometimes occurs, even after pregnancy begins. Usually this appears scant and transient, but at times it may be profuse. When an actual hemorrhage develops after pregnancy has established, this constitutes an obvious threat of miscarriage. The presence of regular contractions and pelvic pain, combined with vaginal bleeding, should alert to this possibility. At times a miscarriage may occur with the complete passage of the placenta and the subsequent stoppage of bleeding. If incomplete expulsion of the placenta or fetal tissue occurs, a simple operation, called a D and C (dilation and curettage), should be performed, so the bleeding will stop and the uterus can return to its normal size. Fever in the presence of a miscarriage is a more ominous sign, as it probably indicates the presence of pelvic infection.For treatment of threatened miscarriage, bed rest is always advisable. The absence of straining, standing, or moving about lessens the flow and usually decreases t...
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PROBLEMS IN EARLY PREGNANCY part 1
2008-05-22 23:56:00
One of the earliest predicaments to confront a woman who has missed one or two periods, involves this all absorbing question, ?Am I pregnant?? There are several simple techniques to determine pregnancy with reasonable certainty, right within one?s own home. A suspicion arises when there is a miss of the normal menstrual period. If menses have been regular for several months, then the intuition heightens. Many women have months when they skip the cycle normally. Others have periods too scant to notice. Then the diagnosis of pregnancy becomes more difficult.Symptoms of pregnancy may be present. You may experience a feeling of nausea, typically in the morning. This is occasionally associated with prolonged vomiting lasting throughout the day. The breasts may swell and become more tender than is usually associated with the premenstrual state. A slight change may occur in the vaginal discharge. Occasionally, a woman who has had previous children just ?feels pregnant.? In pregnancy after ...
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OTHER HORMONAL DISORDERS
2008-05-21 23:28:00
Finally, we turn to the common endocrine glands that occasionally produce a disease. Many people are concerned about the function of the thyroid gland. This endocrine organ, located at the base of the neck just below the ?Adam?s apple? (larynx) is an important regulator of the metabolism of the body. Its overactivity results in characteristic symptoms, such as a rapid pulse, bulging of the eyes, nervousness, tremor, and diarrhea.Tumors of the thyroid gland, as well as the overproduction of the brain hormone stimulating the gland to produce excessive amounts of thyroid hormone may cause these problems. Blood tests are available to determine the level of thyroxine, the major hormone, as well as others circulating in the system.Although stress may be a precipitating factor in the development of hyperthyroidism, a failure to respond to the recommended change in lifestyle with increased rest and physical exercise, should lead a person to seek medical counsel, as surgery is occasionally i...
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TRACE MINERALS
2008-05-20 23:22:00
Many trace minerals are known to be essential to physiologic processes. It is not known in all cases that supplementation of these can cure specific diseases, but a few of the common sources are listed below. Zinc is widely distributed in foods, particularly breads, cereals, lentils, beans, and rice. This nutrient is essential to growth, as well as in repair and healing processes. Copper is abundant in raisins, whole grain cereals, dried legumes, and nuts. It also plays a role in blood production, tissue metabolism, bone development, and nerve function.Cobalt is a component of vitamin B12 and comes from a variety of sources. Called hydroxycobalamin, vitamin B12 is a vital ingredient in blood cell formation as well as healthy nerve function. Deficiency of B12 produces the disorder pernicious anemia. Vitamin B12 is found in many animal products, such as milk, eggs, and cheese. It is absorbed in the small intestine (ileum), and requires a protein intrinsic factor for complete absorptio...
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VITAMIN DEFICIENCIES 2
2008-05-19 23:42:00
Vitamin B6 deficiency is seen occasionally in individuals who eat very few plant foods. Seizures occur in babies fed formulas deficient in B6. This has especially been a problem when a relatively high kidney excretion develops during pregnancy, while a mother was given high dose supplements. A number of drugs interfere with vitamin B6 utilization, such as isoniazid, used in the treatment of tuberculosis. Eating a natural varied diet, it is not difficult to get plenty of pyridoxine. It is the vegetable source of vitamin B6. Scurvy is another vitamin deficiency with worldwide prevalence as well as a colorful history. This condition is caused by a deficiency of ascorbic acid, also called vitamin C. It was a common cause of mortality in sailors during the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries. James Lind, a British naval surgeon, developed a simple cure in 1747 by giving the sailors two oranges and one lemon every day. Their swollen gums, weakness, and bleeding tendencies responded dramatic...
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VITAMIN DEFICIENCIES 1
2008-05-18 23:15:00
Although definite diseases can be associated with the excess intake of certain vitamins, these are seldom seen on a large scale. Much more common are the deficiencies described below. Pellagra is a disease caused by the deficiency of niacin, one of the B vitamins. The name is derived from the rough skin characteristically seen crusting around the hands and neck. Painful burning of the mouth, shaking of the body, and less commonly, mental disturbances can result. Pellagra was common in the United States in the early 1900?s. A healthful diet was discovered to be curative. One of the essential amino acids, tryptophan, is converted into nicotinic acid, a counterpart of niacin. Deficiency of other nutrients sometimes complicates the disease. Individuals subsisting on a diet primarily of corn are predisposed to pellagra, since corn protein is low in tryptophan and most of the milling removes the vitamin.Classically pellagra is characterized by the ?three D?s? ? diarrhea, dermatitis, and d...
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MALNUTRITION
2008-05-17 23:13:00
Although over-nutrition so characteristic of obesity could be considered a type of malnutrition, such diagnosis is usually reserved for the deficiency syndromes. In all parts of the world various deficiencies of vitamins, minerals, protein, or calories can be seen. Deficiencies are naturally more prevalent in countries where food supply is limited and poverty abounds. Careful analysisof food intake and any form of intemperance?such as manifested in alcohol consumption, bizarre food practices, food faddism, or the abuse of drugs? are productive to evaluate these conditions. Repeated closely spaced pregnancies and psychological disturbances manifested by a change in food intake should be assessed. Chronic infection, anorexia, or diarrhea likewise may profoundly affect the nutrient balance.Measurement of height and weight should never be omitted. These are the most commonly used measurements of growth in children and adolescents. Other body measurements include skin fold thickness, hea...
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OBESITY 2
2008-05-16 22:59:00
The dietary treatment of obesity constitutes our mainstay for successful therapy. It is crucial to maintain good nutritional balance with any diet chosen, especially limiting the calories sufficiently to lose weight. Crash diets should be discouraged, as a weight loss of 2-3 pounds weekly is quitesufficient for most obese patients to regain their healthful profile without looking like a ?dried prune.? I always emphasize the use of natural foods, such as fresh fruits, whole grain cereals, and vegetables. Modest limitations of salt intake helps prevent fluid retention. Avoid as much as possible all rich foods, such as gravies, sauces, salad dressings, and desserts containing muchsugar. Be sure to reduce fried foods, as fat contains 9 calories per gram compared with 4cal./gm, for most carbohydrates and proteins.For individuals finding it difficult to maintain a low calorie diet continuously, a fast one day a week using limited amounts of clear liquids is encouraging. Some find it more ...
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OBESITY 1
2008-05-15 10:34:00
The single most prevalent metabolic disorder in countries where food supplies are abundant is obesity. A person is considered over weight if his weight exceeds the upper range of ideal weight for his body frame. He is considered obese if his weight exceeds by 15-20% his ideal weight. Obesity occurs when the caloric intake exceeds the energy requirement of the body for physical activity and growth, with resultant accumulation of fat. This excessive adipose tissue may be distributed generally over the body or may be localized. Hormones from the pituitary, thyroid, adrenal, and sex glands all play important roles in fat distribution.For the most part, obesity is preventable. Unfortunately, however, the follow-through of treatment for prolonged periods is usually difficult. Relapse becomes extremely common.The amount of body fat can be estimated from the measurement of skin fold thickness with calipers. Most commonly employed, however, are bathroom scales, and the commonly available tab...

WATER RETENTION
2008-05-14 21:40:00
Adults who suddenly increase their body weight may have an increase in fatty (adipose) tissue, accumulation of fluid (edema) or both disorders. Weight gain in excess of two pounds per day usually implies excess fluid retention. It is easy to confirm this by comparing the body weight in the morning and then again in the evening. Weight gains of less than two pounds during one day usually will subside by the following morning. Fluid retention may disclose increased salt and water intake or decreased sodium and water secretion.Checking weight changes from morning to evening often provides early evidence of disease. Dietary indiscretion, the use of diuretics, excessive intake of licorice root, or a cortisol-type drug preparation may also be responsible. A special type of fluid retention called cyclic edema occurs predominantly in women. This is characterized by periodic episodes of fluid retention, frequently accompanied by distention of the abdomen, Patients may weigh several pounds mo...
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HYPOGLYCEMIA
2008-05-13 22:53:00
Low blood sugar, usually called hypoglycemia, has many causes. The most common one relates to our fast-paced lifestyle. Excessive sugar intake, frequent snacking, and caffeine or cola beverages contribute to this frequent malady. When the blood glucose level falls rapidly, emergency ?fight-orflight? stress responses take over. The individual feels weak, very hungry, and frequently becomes irrational. Emotional reactions to hypoglycemic episodes vary from agitated to angry, depressed to suicidal. Personalities change rapidly, but return to normal function with some form of food.Rather than frequent feedings such as the ?six meal a day? diet, I recommend the following regimen: First, begin the day with a wholesome, hearty breakfast. Some whole grain cereal, bread, nut butter, or fruit makes a great way to start the day. Avoid coffee and frequent snacks. They both aggravate any tendency to low blood sugar. Mealtimes should be at regular intervals, usually five or six hours apart. Stres...
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DIABETES MELLITUS 2
2008-05-12 10:30:00
This is associated first of all by the achieving and maintaining of an ideal body weight. Our third goal is the prevention or delay of the specific complications associated with diseases of the eye, kidney, and nerves. Finally, we try to stem the accelerating atherosclerosis to which the diabetic is particularly liable. Success in these therapies depends on how well the patient has been instructed and his conscientiousness in following directions. The avoidance of cigarette smoking, with regular daily exercise, the monitoring of the urine and blood sugar, cholesterol and triglycerides, blood pressure and body weight are all imperative. Basically, however, the treatment of diabetes revolves around an appropriate diet.The dietary treatment must meet the basic nutritional requirements. These are usually the same as those of a nondiabetic patient and, of course, to be acceptable, taste, variety, economy, and other nutritional factors should be considered. The prevention of high blood su...
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DIABETES MELLITUS 1
2008-05-11 10:19:00
We now turn to the common problems of metabolism that can often be treated, controlled, or prevented in a home setting. Knowledge of sugar diabetes is important, because of its high prevalence. This disease has been recognized from antiquity. Both Greek and Chinese writings have mentioned it; and in the sixteenth century Paracelsus initiated the study of the chemistry of diabetic urine. The word mellitus, introduced by Thomas Willis one hundred years later, describes the sweetness of the diabetic urine, ?as if imbued with honey.? This rapidly led to a dietary approach to this disease, until finally Langerhans, a medical student, in 1869 described the islets in the pancreas where the basic production of insulin occurs. Two Canadians, Banting and Best, finally prepared the extract from dog pancreas that was capable of reducing the elevated blood glucose level. A fascinating long history of discoveries marks the approaches to understanding and treating this common disorder.It is estima...
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SYMPTOMS RELATED TO THE ENDOCRINE SYSTEM
2008-05-10 10:11:00
We now present a few common symptoms and the possible relationships to specific endocrine diseases. Clinical experience is certainly important in interpreting these relationships. Nevertheless, the suspicion that there is something wrong is often the first step toward an accurate diagnosis.Weakness and increased fatigability are without doubt the most frequent symptom of adults seeking medical diagnosis. In the majority, these complaints derive primarily from emotional or psychological disturbances. When hormone abnormalities are suspected, one should inquire first whether the symptoms have been accompanied by weight loss. If so, insufficiency of the adrenal gland, overactivity of the thyroid, and diabetes mellitus should be considered.Adrenal insufficiency is usually accompanied by increased pigmentation, low blood pressure, and perhaps salt craving. Hyperthyroidism is suggested by goiter (enlargement of the thyroid gland), bulging eye changes, tremor, and heat intolerance. Sugar d...
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URINARY RETENTION
2008-05-09 10:06:00
Inability to void may develop abruptly, but is usually preceded by a history of diminished size and force of the urinary system, hesitancy, nocturnal urination, and dribbling. Many of these individuals are older men, having developed gradual prostate enlargement, but scarring and stricture from infection in the urinary tract can also produce these symptoms.One of the most important ways of relieving these conditions, short of actual surgical cure, is the use of the urinary catheter. Unless the obstruction is severe this soft, flexible tube with a rounded end can be passed successfully into the bladder in most people. The catheter should be sterilized, the opening of the urethra (meatus) cleansed carefully with antiseptic solution, and with appropriate lubrication the catheter passed gently into the bladder. Usually relief is obtained and this technique is easily learned at home thus allowing either for the necessary time to seek medical care or a chronic relief in older patients dee...
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TRAUMA TO THE KIDNEY
2008-05-08 09:53:00
Injury to the urinary tract may at times produce blood in the urine. This isparticularly a problem in contact sports, since the kidneys are easily traumatized.Long distance runners also frequently show signs of kidney damagewith elevated enzymes and blood in the urine. This may be related not only tothe metabolic breakdown of muscle during severe exercise, but also to thedehydration that results from profound sweating. In most cases of urinarytrauma where the urethra, bladder, or ureters have not been ruptured bed restcombined with hot packs and adequate fluid intake will produce a rapid cure.
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KIDNEY FAILURE
2008-05-07 09:49:00
Failure of the kidneys to form urine properly can be either of an acute or chronic nature. The acute types are called nephritis, referring to the inflammation of the functional kidney complex. This may occur in conjunction with a Strep. throat or other bacterial infection. At times it develops suddenly, associated with protein loss, edema, and high blood pressure. These cases need to be evaluated with laboratory tests and medical expertise. But several simple approaches are helpful.First of all it is important to recognize the influence of diet on kidney function. Many years ago it was discovered that a high protein diet predisposes to kidney complications. For this reason it is wise to avoid an excess of animal products, particularly flesh foods. Adequate fluid intake isalso important. In treating these symptoms hot packs as well as hydration will be beneficial.Chronic failure of the kidneys frequently produces metabolic disturbances in water, sodium, potassium, calcium, and acid-b...
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Involuntary loss of urine is a very troublesome symptom
2008-05-06 09:48:00
This may occur in children and when associated with bed-wetting is usually termed enuresis. Up to 4-5 years of age this may be quite common, and when persistent usually indicates some psychological distress. Congenital defects in the formation of the urinary organs may contribute to this disorder, and they can be evaluated with a specific x-ray study, the intravenous pyelogram.Most cases of childhood incontinence subside with the passage of years. Women of childbearing age may have incontinence after the delivery of a large baby. Or with successive pregnancies, the support of the bladder and urethra may be weakened, producing a hernia or prolapse called a cystocele. Often this is associated with stress incontinence on sneezing, coughing, or straining. The Kegel exercises described in the chapter on gynecology are often helpful in alleviating these symptoms. If persistent anatomic defect is demonstrated, surgical repair may be indicated to restore continence and alleviate the anxiety...
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URINARY INFECTION
2008-05-05 09:45:00
Bacterial infections of the urinary tract are extremely common. Some are also notoriously resistant to treatment and thus likely to reoccur. Yet the majority of persons with urinary tract infections are unaware of it. On other occasions, infections take the form of an acute disease usually with characteristic symptoms. The commonest symptoms are pain on urination, urinary frequency, and a strong urge to void. More serious infections may produce fever, pain in the bladder region, or over the kidneys.Many different causes can produce infection. The commonest of these come from the group of gram negative bacteria (such as E. coli) inhabiting the digestive tract. Cultures of the urine can usually pinpoint the exact offender. Most of the time these coliform bacteria gain access to the bladder through the urethra. Under normal circumstances the urine in the bladder is sterile and large numbers of bacteria can be cleared rapidly in both humans and animals. Slight physiologic alterations, h...
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URINARY STONES
2008-05-04 09:44:00
Stones in the kidney or ureters may occur at any age, but are more common in the third and fourth decades. These calculi may be single or multiple, firmly lodged or free. Kidney stones often cause pain, produce blood in the urine, and symptoms of vague abdominal distress. Occasionally, even when large, stones may occur without symptoms, while causing serious andinsidious kidney damage.Characteristically, as mentioned above, renal calculi cause severe, sharp flank pain, which is often acute in onset and present intermittently. A small stone being passed in the ureter creates painful colic and the patient usually moves about restlessly, vainly seeking relief. Blood is frequently present in the urine, but at times requires the microscope for its detection. Physical findings may be entirely normal, although tenderness, muscle spasm, or even a lump may be felt in the location.It is important to search for the original cause of the stone, then attempt to correct it. Most stones after blad...
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The PREVENTION of MALIGNANCY
2008-05-03 09:42:00
Based upon the evidence currently available, it is my conviction that a rational plan can be designed to prevent most types of cancer. Summed up in one word, moderation, the preventive approach involves several factors:Your diet should be simple, utilizing natural foods as much as possible. Adequate amounts of fruit, fresh vegetables, and whole grain cereals should be included together with some nuts and natural sources of dietary fats, such as olives, avocados, and a most sparing use of vegetable oil. Any excess of oil, sugar, salt, or any single food, especially refined ones, in the diet should be shunned.The low-fat vegetarian diet has been associated clearly with an increased resistance to many types of cancer. When individuals abstain from milk and eggs, as well as meat, the cancer risk becomes even lower. Naturally these total vegetarians must have a considerable knowledge of nutrition in order to maintain balanced nutrition, and provide optimum vitamin and mineral intake to m...
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SKIN CANCER
2008-05-02 09:40:00
Although more skin cancers are seen than malignancies involving any other organ, this is least commonly a cause of cancer death. Inasmuch as the lesion can be seen with the naked eye in an early stage, the potential for cure is well over 90%. It is thought that the single most important factor in the cause of skin cancer is chronic exposure to ultraviolet light of the sunburn wavelength (UV-B). Individuals who are intensely pigmented are quite well protected from these rays. Fair-complexioned individuals and albinos should especially use sunscreen preparations. All should avoid unnecessary exposure to x-rays, coal tar products, and arsenic preparations known to be carcinogens.Seventy-five percent of all skin cancers are of the basal cell carcinoma type. These rarely metastasize, but are locally invasive. The cancer typically begins as a noninflamed, smooth, waxy nodule. Usually a number of small blood vessels are visible near the surface. These nodules often ulcerate and form a crus...
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LEUKEMIA
2008-05-01 09:39:00
Cancer involving the blood and bone marrow is most often seen in children. Several types of leukemia are described, based upon the type of blood cells involved and their appearance under the microscope. Samples from the blood and bone marrow are usually compared. Ionizing radiation, whether from nuclear sources or x-ray therapy, is clearly associated with an increased incidence of these leukemias. Chemical agents, such as the anticancer drugs and occupational exposure to benzal have been associated with increased leukemia. Some hereditary factors havealso been linked with this disease.Most interesting is the firmly established viral theory in relation to acute leukemia. In rodents, fowls, cats, and monkeys certain viruses are known to cause leukemia when experimentally inoculated. These animals can pass viruses to their offspring through the ovum or shed it in their milk or other secretions, thereby transmitting it to unaffected animals. Again it makes one wonder how much leukemia m...
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LUNG CANCER
2008-04-30 09:36:00
Cancer of the lung is the most common cancer in men and increasing rapidly among women in the United States. There are a number of types of lung cancer, but the most common is called bronchogenic, since it originates in the bronchial tubes. By far, the most common cause of lung cancer is tobacco smoking with the risk directly proportionate to the number of cigarettes smoked and the amount of inhaling. It appears that in the tobacco tar, we find not only benz-0-pyrene, but also dozens of other cancerproducing chemicals, as well as other substances that sensitize the tissues to the destructive action of these agents. Over a period of years the hapless smoker accumulates an increasing amount of tar, until some of the lining cells, which at first increase in number as a protective measure, finally become transformed into malignant cells, which invade local tissues and eventually metastasize.Extensive research on tobacco was sponsored by The American Cancer Society. Also, momentous publi...
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CANCER of the UTERUS and CERVIX
2008-04-29 09:33:00
Routine screening has decreases the incidence of cervical cancer in recent years. Called the ?Pap smear?, this screening tool developed by Dr.Papanicoleau has allowed for the early detection of change in the cells of the cervix. Being less common in nuns, in Jewish women, and in those with less sexual activity, this type of cancer merits great interest from a preventive standpoint. A virus similar to the Herpes virus that causes cold sores has been implicated in the development of some of these cancers.More and more nurses, as well as many midwives are learning how to take these smears, thus increasing the acceptance of the pap smear to many women as well as making the procedure more available. It certainly should be part of an annual examination from the time of marriage on through life. Early diagnosis with surgical removal of the uterus and cervix can well be curative.Cancer of the lining of the womb (endometrium) is less common, but is still taking many lives. This has definitel...