- Among whites, 25.1 percent of men and 21.7 percent of women smoke

- Among black or African Americans, 27.6 percent of men and 18.0 percent of women smoke

- Among Hispanics/Latinos, 23.2 percent of men and 12.5 percent of women smoke

- Among Asians (only), 21.3 percent of men and 6.9 percent of women smoke - Among American Indians/Alaska Natives (only), 32.0 percent of men and 36.9 percent of women smoke Studies show that smoking prevalence is higher among those with 9-11 years of education (35.4 percent) compared with those with more than 16 years of education (11.6 percent). It's highest among persons living below poverty level (33.3 percent).

And These Figures Spell Death...

·One out of every five deaths is caused by tobacco

·An average of 400,000 Americans die each year from tobacco

·Tobacco is blamed for many serious pulmonary and cardiovascular diseases ·Tobacco and nicotine are some of most potent carcinogens and are to blame for a majority of all cancers of lung, trachea, bronchus, larynx, and esophagus

·Tobacco use also produces cancers in pancreas, kidney, bladder, and cervix

·Impotency is sometimes to blame from addiction to nicotine because of its ability to reduce blood flow

·Smoking is an important risk factor for respiratory illnesses, causing 85,000 deaths per year from pulmonary diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and pneumonia ·Children and adolescents who are active smokers will have increasingly severe respiratory illness, as they grow older

·Smoking during pregnancy causes about 5-6% of prenatal deaths, 17-26% of low-birth-weight births, and 7-10% of pre-term deliveries, and it increases risk of miscarriage and fetal growth retardation

·Cigarettes are responsible for about 25% of deaths from residential fires, causing nearly 1,000 fire-related deaths and 3,300 injuries each year

So, are you ready to try and quit smoking now?

Visit http://www.health-and-fitness-information.com/Quit-Smoking/ to learn how you can finally quit smoking fast, easily, and all naturally!

© 2004 Kathy Burns-Millyard and The Health and Fitness Information Network

What is Cause of Endometriosis?

The cause of endometriosis is still unknown. One theory is that during menstruation some of menstrual tissue backs up through fallopian tubes into abdomen, where it implants and grows. Another theory suggests that endometriosis may be a genetic process or that certain families may have predisposing factors to endometriosis. In latter view, endometriosis is seen as tissue development process gone awry.

According to theory of traditional chinese medicine, endometriosis is a disease which is caused by stagnation of blood. Blood stagnation may occur due to one or more abortions or lower abdominal or pelvic surgeries.

Additionally, engaging in sexual intercourse during menstruation may very likely over time cause blood stagnation. Emotional trauma, severe stress, physical or emotional abuse can all lead to stagnation of blood.

Additionally, diet may be a precipitating factor. The constant, long term ingestion of cold foods can congeal blood and thus contribute to stagnation thereof. Cold foods include raw vegetable, ices, ice cream, ice in drinks, frozen yogurt, etc. Remember, cold congeals. Think about what happens to a normal glass of water when put in freezer. It turns to ice.

The blood is affected similarly. That is to say, it congeals, doesn't flow smoothly and can form endometrial adhesions, chocolate cysts, uterine fibroids. Whatever cause of endometriosis, its progression is influenced by various stimulating factors such as hormones or growth factors. In this regard, investigators are studying role of immune system in activating cells that may secrete factors which, in turn, stimulate endometriosis.

In addition to these new hypotheses, investigators are continuing to look into previous theories that endometriosis is a disease influenced by delaying childbearing. Since hormones made by placenta during pregnancy prevent ovulation, progress of endometriosis is slowed or stopped during pregnancy and total number of lifetime cycles is reduced for a woman who had multiple pregnancies.

How is Endometriosis Diagnosed?

Diagnosis of endometriosis begins with a gynecologist evaluating patient's medical history. A complete physical exam, including a pelvic examination, is also necessary. However, diagnosis of endometriosis is only complete when proven by a laparoscopy, a minor surgical procedure in which a laparoscope (a tube with a light in it) is inserted into a small incision in abdomen.

The laparoscope is moved around abdomen, which has been distended with carbon dioxide gas to make organs easier to see. The surgeon can then check condition of abdominal organs and see endometrial implants. The laparoscopy will show locations, extent, and size of growths and will help patient and her doctor make better-informed decisions about treatment. Endometriosis is a long-standing disease that often develops slowly. What is Treatment?

While treatment for endometriosis has varied over years, doctors now agree that if symptoms are mild, no further treatment other than medication for pain may be needed. Endometriosis is a progressive disorder.

It is my opinion that by not treating endometriosis it will get worse. Treatment should immediately after a positive diagnosis is made. The pain associated with endometriosis can be diminished by using acupuncture and herbal medicine. I have treated many women with endometriosis and have successfully alleviated pain and slowed down growth and recurrence of endometriosis.

For those patients with mild or minimal endometriosis who wish to become pregnant, doctors are advising that, depending on age of patient and amount of pain associated with disease, best course of action is to have a trial period of unprotected intercourse for 6 months to 1 year. If pregnancy does not occur within that time, then further treatment may be needed. Again, these patients should consider herbal medicine to aid in process of conception.