Echo of Life nr 21

echo życia PI/R21 DISABLED PERSONS MAGAZINE

ISSN 1427-048 BARWY ZDROWIA

AUTISM

my exceptional child PAGE 9-11

Lithany For The Isles Of Delight Oh, take me to the isles of delight, Comb my hair like flowers with gentle breeze, kiss endlessly, Lullaby me and ease with a sleep, veil me with a lyre, tranquilize, Never wake me up from my dream on the isles of delight.

Show me violent waters and waters of calm, Let me listen to stars chatting on the trees, all green, Show me myriad of butterflies, hug me with their hearts, Bow down thoughts of peace over the waters, with love.

Konstanty Ildefons Gałczyński

echo życia General editor: Danuta Maria Roszkowska In cooperation with our editors: Edyta Adamska Maciej Bogdański Maria Borawska Anna Danilewicz Marek Dolecki Michał Iwańczuk Andrzej Jarosz Agnieszka Kierznowska-Rurarz Justyna Małaszkiewicz Radosław Roszkowski Renata Saniewska Aneta Stupak Anastazja Szachowicz Marcin Szachowicz Ewa Szarkowska Lucyna Szepiel Urszula Tarasewicz Wojciech Wojszko Anna Worowska Dorota Wysocka The publisher: Wszechnica Diabetologiczna PSD OW w Białymstoku

echo życia

Photo: KatrinaStranger

Editor’s adress: Warszawska Street 23, 15-062 Białystok tel. 85 741 57 01, tel./fax 85 732 99 74 e-mail: redakcja@echozycia.pl www.echozycia.pl

The edition of this magazine has been financially supported

by Governmental Disabled Persons Rehabilitation Fund

The age-old dream all generations have been pursued after progress in aim of achieving life more comfortable and favourable is again and again up-to-date, since either mechanisation, or automatisation of the development processes did not afford any actual liberty in respect of free personal time aside from the fact however easier work it exacted.

The today existence is not any simpler, or more gratified. We had to learn the fact, that the modern-day technologies do not alter life into carefree vacation retreat. The know-how do change life, but not particularly for the better, whereas social nature escapes humankind. We are growingly confused in the face of the new schisms between people, unfamiliar conflicts, contemporary anxieties. In reality, the world for many of us became earnestly hard to withstand.

Fortunately not for each and every one.

As there are people whose composure and serenity lasts out the most challenging days and uncanny maelstroms. They do not yield to afflictions, disabilities, problems. Admittedly we all are provided with inner strength, but such long-distance optimists are rare to be found. While, we can recognise them among those who are able to rise to infirmity and live “in full swing”.

They do not count upon mercy, but instead, expect consideration and partnership in the best interests of community which they share being uncommon heroes of everyday life.

Danuta Maria Roszkowska

We introduce reprints for didactic and educational purposes based on regulations of legislative articles , 25, 26, 29, 33, and 49 in section 2 of copyright laws and related laws act dated 4.02.1994.

(DzU* of 23.02.1994, no. 24, entry 83) and generally accepted editorial usages.

• Journal of Laws of the Republic of Poland

1

echo życia

TABLE OF CONTENTS

FEUILLETON

21 - 22 Guards that serve no defence

page. 4 - 5 page. 9 - 11 CURRENT ISSUE

4 - 5 6 - 8

page. 21 - 22

Autism – so distant so close One health centre is not enough page. 13

9 - 11 My exceptional child

ABOUT US

12

Worth to know where to find support

13

Coffee may come in aid of dementia management

14 - 15 The disabled among us 18 - 20 I wish to win page. 38

page. 6 - 8 page. 14 - 15 2

echo życia

TABLE OF CONTENTS

DIET-HEALTHY EATING

23 - 25 Iron in diet

page. 23 - 25

page. 26

BITS AND PIECES ON HEALTH

page. 16 - 17

26

Remedial herb products await another official approval

page. 32 - 33

27

Anger

28

For male problems not viagra only

29

Joints “collapse” under body weight

30

Wild rose soothes joint pains

31

Urinary incontinence: smoking and over weight won’t favour the treatment

32 - 33 Pills plus smoking fume, namely on drug-smoke interactions

str. 28 FOR THOSE WHO ARE EAGER FOR THE WORLD

34 - 37

„The “sweet” name – Lucretia

38 - 41

Native Polish Noble Laureates

42 - 45

Wigry National Park

48

Add force to your body and spirit

page. 31 page. 34 - 37 3

CURRENT ISSUE

echo życia

AUTISM SO DISTANT SO CLOSE Scientists state autism to be one of the most enigmatic and intriguing diseases known as for wide spectrum of symptoms, diagnosis obscurities, the uncertainty of the grounds, and the diversity of treatment methods. Whereas the syndrome isolates mentally and impairs general communication with the world around.Autism is a psychoneurological disorder which renders development of individuals prejudiced. It transpires in children, more often than not before age of three, and more frequently in boys than girls (5:1). The incidence grows progressively worldwide.

The first ones, who independently from each other, identified autism in the forties of the 20th century were two researchers: an American psychiatrist Leo Kanner, and an Austrian paediatrician Hans Asperger. They both suggested the identical term to assign the disease – autism (derivation from Greek autos-alone). The name which expresses the nature of the syndrome like no other.

AM NOT ABLE TO COMMUNE WITH YOU Autistic persons are not capable to be fully together in contact with others, even with the dearest. They do not return feelings, and do not reflect behaviour being devoid of empathy. They are not able to play together, or join forces. Autistic individuals comport themselves with intense timidity and moodiness, from impulsive, or aggressive responses, to backdown, non-presence, and escape into inner world.

They are overpowered with opposing strive-avoid drives, shifting from interaction and affection into callousness. The reason behind is trepidation. “Autistic children (…) live through deep-seated fear so as to say that they are so immensely frightened as no one else conceivable” – explained Maria Grodzka, one of the pioneers of autism therapy programme in Poland.

AM NOT CAPABLE TO TALK WITH YOU Autistic children prove the indisposition of articulation and comprehension of the speech. In severe cases it may be never restored to health the situation of which necessitates employing special systems of assistive communication. The greater part of the concerned starts to speak later than at age of 3-4 years revealing distorted syntax and phonetics. Their voices are of different melodics and sound disagreeable. Fairly commonly they develop “echolalia” using quizzical language as if they coded it in their own unique way.

“I knew what I meant but could not match the thoughts with certain words” – recollects Geraldine Temple, a used-to-be autistic patient. As often as not, autistic children acquire the skill of writing rather than speaking, except that it serves the testimony of their innermost being.

4

I CAN SEE A TREE, NOT A FOREST Autistic persons perceive the world visually, not metaphorically. They find it immeasurably difficult to cognise abstract notions. This the reason why the concerned seldom engage in games which involve imagination, as for instance acting with dolls. They sense the environment overly literally excessively concentrating on details (e.g. bark, colour of tube trains, shape of windows, etc.). Autistic individuals can be experts in a given discipline, however are not able to conceptualise experiences or shift attention onto another area of operation.

echo życia

CURRENT ISSUE

Life devoid of metaphors may be of some enchantment yet still presents with WHO NEEDS NOISE? Superfluity or intensity of sensory stimuli is what affects autistic persons. The nervous system of the patients is not capable to process the impulses perplexing and stupefying as a result. One of reactions may be fixation (persisting repeating of actions or words), as well as unprovoked fit of violence towards others, or wounding with intent alike. Hence, therapy management relies on stable environment and balanced stimulation extent (e.g. quietening down of sounds or steady rotating on a chair).

CAUSES The quoted symptoms develop from disordered functioning of the brain and lesions engendered in its structure.

Then again, the very reasons have not been ascertained. In general, what is assumed is genetic background (e.g. inheritance of susceptibility to given environmental factors), experienced diseases during foetal period and infancy (candidosis, inborn herpes, neonatal herpes infection among others), damaging metabolism of neurotransmitters (mainly of serotonin). Correspondingly, another of grounds may be dysfunction of mirror neurons which answer for empathy, perception and comprehension of people’s intentions, and copying of gestures.

DANGEREOUS VACCINES The last studies revealed, that vaccines intended for infants are an established cause of autism. Particularly harmful is the mercury compound, thiomersal, which is applied as a preserving agent. The hypothesis is, that the manifold greater than before incidence of psychoneurological diseases (autism, ADHD, mental retardation) stays in relation to the marketing of infant vaccines, which is thiomersal just as. Parents bear witness, that the condition of their babies deteriorated the moment after a vaccination.

blem is serious, as only some few individuals who are intelligent and well-spoken can be fairly independent, and the mainstream of others require continuous care and support.

However, in the world, there are relevant health centres, where adult patients receive accommodation and can work while all activities they undertake are part of therapeutic management. In France for instance, there is an association Work Based Aid Centre Quanta which offers patients two areas of occupation: restaurant (autistic persons are cooks or waiters), and theatre (supervised by a professional director).

In Wilcza Góra close by Warsaw, there in turn, in 2007, was found a first one in Poland social enterprise for autistic persons, Workplace of Multifarious Items SYNAPSIS. It makes available and arranges for printing services, and fabrications of ceramic, stained glass, and woodwork. Similarly, Farm of Life was initiated in Więckowice nearby Cracow. It is an ecological holding, where adult autistic patients grow fruit and vegetables processing the produce likewise. Some of them live there permanently, some commute so as to attend rehabilitation sessions.

Ewa Szarkowska Photo: Deviantart

I HAVE GROWN UP AND WHAT THEN? Autism transpires in early childhood and lasts all life long. As far as children can be provided with secondary health care and education, adults cannot. Whereas, the pro-

5

CURRENT ISSUE

echo życia

One health centre is not

An interview with Ewa Kowalewska, the director of the Educational Therapeutic Care Centre for Autistic Children and Youth in Białystok

The Centre is a non-public organisation found and managed by the National Autism Society in Białystok. It was established in 1998. The Centre provides facilities of primary school and gymnasium for autistic children who prove retardation in severe degree. Alongside, there is also a nursery unit but for children of any given impairment gradation.

How many pupils attend the Centre?

At the moment 17. Regrettably, our means are limited, and we are able to admit a child only when one of our children leaves and gives the space. The reason behind it is financial funds and undersized premises. However, we additionally accommodate Diagnostic-Consultative Point the post of which serves to as many as 130 families. And, in actual fact, there are far more recipients we assist. Anyone of them can expect diagnostic aid, therapeutic support, chamber practice, child guidance, all arranged both for the concerned and their teachers. The post was instituted owing to the initiative of the Association, but on a daily basis is operated by the qualified personnel

of the Centre.

Is the number of autistic patients in Podlasie defined?

Some 8-10 years ago the foundation Synapsis carried out relevant research, but for the time being we do not have any up-to-date statistics as regards the region. In general, the incidence is surging worldwide. A ten-odd years ago it was as common as one in 50 thousand births, now, agreeing to the latest British studies, it is one child but one in 60 births.

Is it possible to explain this growing tendency?

From one side, the rate and figures are higher on account of more exact diagnostics, from the other – environmental factors become increasingly harmful altogether. Autism is as old as the world is, however the advancing civilisation is what adds to the disease prevalence.

Some say that such blessings of evolution as infant vaccinations further the morbidity rate.

It is natural, that parents of autistic patients try to manage any particular dynamics in relation to the disease including the vaccines, especially those 5 in one. The background is multifactorial. One of the factors is genetic predisposition whereas understood to be susceptibility to given detrimental conditions rather than the very heredity in a matter of fact. In each one case it is a combination of factors that engender the syndrome, and no body of us can be certain which one is bound to predominate. The vaccines can be a trigger but still dependable on a given pattern.

How regular are the autism training sessions you pilot?

Fairly regular. Then again, it is conditional upon ready money and actual offer. They are addressed to students, teachers and of course parents, and staged not only here in Białystok, but also in Warsaw, Łomża, Sopot. Before, we organised the coaching cyclically all throughout year, but now, in the absence of capability and time, we answer only to specific applications schools or other institutions turn to with. Nonetheless, the needs are substantial. And eventually, the first qu-

6

echo Ĺźycia

CURRENT ISSUE

alifying course in Białystok will move on in order to prepare teachers in the field of autism. It is reasonably important as far as didactic approach in case of autistic persons differs from the line assumed towards mentally retarded.

What is the methods currently employed in the management?

The therapy treatment is aimed to cover three areas: the area of somatic disorders (the effort of which is identifying and gradual eliminating of unsafe disease-prompting dynamics), the area of sensory stimuli disturbs (the exertion of which is meant to serve ability of receiving and processing both external and internal stimuli), and ultimately the area of social setbacks (all of which is pointed to recondition self-reliance, communication skills and aptitude for relationships).

Which one area is the broadest?

In order to enable children to develop unreservedly all three areas should be attended in equally serious a way. And, consequently, somatic disorders require adopting appropriate diets, although it might be difficult and quite expensive in routine. At times, diet alone appears to be insufficient, and such treatments as supplementation, detoxication of heavy elements, or chelation ought to take place. In turn, disturbs in receiving sensory stimuli necessitates interventions of bodily stimulation. Firstly, patients are observed in respect of their individual reactions, and then subjected to suitable physical stimulation. In the course of such a treatment all senses are stimulated in methodological manner. What has a bearing is repeatability and accustomed frequency of the practice. The minimum is 3 times daily though more often is unquestionably better. Still, the greater part of these activities can be freely exercised at home what is expected to improve therapy as a whole. Another method is sensory integration. The senses are also analysed and stimulated, but less often, which habitually comes to pass once a week.

For critically ill children it is certainly not as much as necessary.

Could you explicate the area of social setbacks?

In this respect it is important to show children how to make use of therapy treatment and apply it in everyday life. It cannot be satisfactory when children are able to name pictures during the classes, but are incapable of it while being in commonplace reality. Securing the competence of communication in case of these patients is crucial. It is because, the half of autistic population do not speak at all, unless verbalize in so corrupted a way, that any contact is simply out of the question. Parents are advised so as not await children to voice their thoughts, but to adapt assistive systems of communication instead. Communicating basic needs by way of screaming, or exchanging gestures, merely leads to acquired mental retardation.

What decides therapy to be effective?

The realisation of treatment depends on many an aspect: on the degree of a given impairment, on the duration of management, on the professionalism proved, as well as the family share in it, and obviously the communication level. The very predispositions of a child are not that influential.

Even in case of severe mental retardation, there are operative methods of improvement. For the fact, that autism is a disease which is highly questioning, we all have to concentrate on the interactions given, because it is patients themselves who can reveal their needs and their conditions as such.

7

CURRENT ISSUE

echo życia

What is the situation of the patients the moment they finish the school and leave the Centre?

It is a problem since these individuals need continual care and support. Inopportunely, they have to persist being objectively isolated at homes, whereas it is what exacts therapeutic effects reversed. Nursing social homes are not any accommodated to their needs. It is necessary to found health centres for adult autistics just as it takes place around the world. A few years ago, our Association made a purchase of an estate in Czarna Białostocka, and plan to build such an abode for as many adult patients as it is possible.

What the stage are you at?

At present, we are collecting money to finance a turnkey project. The moment we complete the design and budget estimations we may proceed for EU funds. In point of fact, we start from scratch and it is difficult to say when we would bring it to fruition. Our organisation exists by virtue of social contributions, expressly the parents who unified in aid of their children, and it makes our standing somewhat unpredictable.

How exactly do you manage to maintain the Centre?

Basically, we operate by means of subventions and PEFRON funds. Additionally, we receive donations from the parents and some sponsors. Since 2004, we have been functioning as a charitable organisation, and are entitled to enlist 1% of citizens’ taxes. In any event, we unvaryingly seek out for supplementary resources, and arrange new future assignments.

Do people in Białystok understand what autism syndrome is?

At this moment in time, they are more aware than before. I can remember when we just started and recall people who associated “autistic” and “authentic” to be one and the same. Today, they are likely to re-join “aha, autism…”, and I know that they are on familiar terms. Taking it into account, we initiated numerous actions so as to propagate the knowledge: tuitions, trainings, student practices, consultative sessions in other centres, frequent commemorative and bonding events together with other organisations… We ourselves attend conferences and seminars in order to upgrade our expertise and exchange facts of experience.

A large part of work…

Yes indeed, but still not enough. The issue has been raised for 12 years now, whereas still, there is one and only health centre in operation. At least four more is needed so as to major in different range of relevant medical problems.

Then, we wish you all the best. Thank You for the conversation.

Ewa Szarkowska Photo: OSTO

8

echo życia

CURRENT ISSUE

MY EXCEPTIONAL CHILD

“ I was holding happiness by its tail, it escaped, but left a feather, the one I am writing with now” – Stanisław Jerzy Lec I have a unique child – I thought the moment I saw Him for the first time… Anyone around in the hospital nodded. An unusually cute baby, who almost did not cry, but was continually focusing his big eyes on the window. My impression was, that he simply enjoys the reflections flickering in the open air. It was frosty, snowy winter. Our present for Christmas. My son born on 05.12.2006.

Being mother of two children, a boy and an older girl, I was over the moon. I was fulfilled.

The pregnancy in case of the boy I carried smoothly (in contrast to the prenatal period with the girl when I went through a gest pathology), and, it all was supposed to be ideal…

The petite darling did not blubber much, was not any fretful, but did sleep, hence we could sleep, a wonder!!!!

My cheerful sonny was eager to play on his own, and all my friends envied me. He was able to occupy himself…

He started to crawl… and… tended to find it a problem to negotiate the distance from the carpet to the parquet.

He started to walk… Outdoors, when the colour of the pavement changed from red for instance into grey he had a tendency to crouch and traverse the space as if he was to contend some imaginary obstacle… He was afraid of stairs…

Apart from that, he appeared to be a healthy boy, or, it was us who wanted to see him so.

When he reached the age of one year, me together with my husband stated, that he must be a genius. We saw him how much irresistible it was for him so as to match puzzles, accord colours of crayons, or arrange them in straight line with all tips one way. Be as it may, the whole kit and caboodle had to meet his own order – the number of milk measures could not change – otherwise he would turn hysterical.

At the moments when I was counting he joined me gurgling. We bought him styrofoam digits, since we concluded,

9

CURRENT ISSUE that he likes calculation and is able to perform it. And, for a month, he was sleeping with a giant four. Then, we noticed his ungainliness, but still were convinced, that he will come from behind.

At that point another problem evolved. Food aversion. He did not go in for touching it, having it in hands. I intuitively began to observe him for I presumed some phobia, cleanliness, or so. I questioned myself whether he happens to be a prig in a way.

Over time, he ceased to respond to my name. Some people suggested, that he might prove an audition complaint (whereas I had consulted a laryngologist!!). When he wanted, or did not understand something, he reacted shedding tears. He ate only these food items which he could recognise by colour, no novelties, to say his diet was badly impoverished.

He grew 2 years old. He did not speak, occasionally gurgled… something tempted me to compare him to his sister. Unlike him, she worked out her self-reliance far earlier and faster. He instead was unvaryingly a fanfan in respect of eating and dressing. And some bizarre.

Dressed in the morning he refused removing his clothes until the very evening.

Supposing he was clad in a cap and neckerchief he would not agree to shift it all day on. On the playgrounds, by the shops, where on earth, he tidied toys after other children. In a little while, I made it out, that he instantly scanned given locations, memorised them, and expected them to be always the same.

Control tests, vaccinations, and for the first time I heard from the doctor: “There is something wrong”. Then, we were referred to a neurologist….

The specialist kindly comforted us and advised us to turn to the “Dać szansę” centre so as to exact a defined diagnosis. Holidays. We had a great time notwithstanding the uncertainty of the pending medical opinion… in any case he was going to be admitted to a nursery in September, to a standard council kindergarten where his older sister attends.

The end of August – his first visit at a psychologist’s. The clinician suggests Asperger syndrome, and opines to wait and monitor… The first day in the nursery school, the principal calls me to attention – Is there something not right with your son? He is far different from anyone else… Tears…

Visit after visit in the Centre. In the meantime, we take our own initiative, and arduously search for Asperger syndrome in the web, and we discover that we are to face autism.

10

echo życia The diagnosis: HIGHLY-FUNCTIONING AUTISM Why? I cared for my health so mindfully, and the test results in the course of pregnancy were superb. Why? Autism? Maybe, they are mistaken, He is so sweet and beloved.

I am frightened. There is no cure for the disease… My parents and the closest believe that my sonny will recover…

In the nursery problems one after the other.

He does not want to eat, refuses drinking, is not able to understand directives, makes circles round the classroom like an uninhibited atom, does not integrate with the group, sorts toys, is lonely…

He is loath to be going to the nursery school and runs into hysteria. My heart ruptures. I feel as if in pieces.

Now, I know, He is different…

We introduce him to be a member of the National Autism Society, receive with promptness another diagnosis which ascertains what we already are on familiar terms with: highly-functioning autism. Now, we need to decide on a psychiatrist… our friend. We go to consult with him and arrange therapies, no time to wait for the other shoe to drop… More and more information, reasonably shocking…

In time, I cry, in front of the director of KTA, who offers a therapy for parents…

My wonderful husband says: “Now, we know, and let us be after positives, not after negatives. We will manage”. Relating to the husband, I guess he holds up, reads about autism, but also happens to isolate himself in the kitchen…

We attend a therapy, acquaint with therapists, but parents most of all. We are not alone, instead we exchange information, share experience, support one another.

On the strength of the therapy it is easier for us to work with “the small”, we learn how to instil self-reliance into him, motivate him, as well as neutralise his undesirable behaviour – we still do this incompetently to a degree, but some improvements are evident. We have contact with him, we have found the way of communication with our small extra-terrestrial.

echo życia We are instructed to exercise with him 3 times a day, 30 minutes each, and record it in CD discs, so as to re-perform in KTA. The director is pleased to see that my son keeps up the eye-contact with me, even though he still has to confront his difficulties attributable to oversensitivity in his hands and feet. Even so, the most important is the fact, that the toddler becomes more and more outgoing.

In aim of protecting him I stayed in home whereas he practically did not attend the nursery. Contrariwise, I felt burnt-out… Then, the director of KTA explained it to me, that children are more happy and healthy as soon as parents are more or less fulfilled.

Accordingly, I contract a job, enrol for rehabilitation studies, and have not any time to fuss over myself. From time to time a real break-down collars me, but I do not give up. This is then when I go and cuddle him, and can sense, that I would never wish him to be someone he is not – He is exceptional!

The all endeavour in aid of my son transpires to give me satisfaction since I can realise some progress!

Also, the diagnosis helped me to understand the situation in the nursery school. Me and my husband assumed that we need to do everything possible to give him a grounding in dealing with the external world single-handedly. In spite of the fact, that the nursery is not inclusive one, and the personnel is not qualified, the governesses make their best to serve him secure environment. Every time, they relate me any achievements he exacts, even those so trivial as an act of drink intake.

If talking of the major ones, I know from them, that he opened himself to resting, nestling the mistresses, and mixing with other children, although he still does not eat a thing…

My sonny turned three. He is fascinated with the sea world, loves sharks, medusas, starfish ones. My boy speaks better and better, only occasionally echoes heard phrases, and seems to figure out the meaning of the words.

I never imagined, that He would develop my sphere of perception, that I would concentrate on minute issues around. In order, He overcomes his own fears thanks to me. It is why I read so much so as to apprehend his perspective…

The latest accomplishment – “The little” dreaded puddles, he did not follow a street where water happened to sit. Consequently, I myself showed him how nice it is to splash in mud.

His smile is the most valuable reward in the world! And the trust in his eyes when he looks at me the finest sensation!

Likewise, we aim to pay more attention to our daughter who in the way started to feel as if she was out of sight since we focused on the son. She asked whether we loved her.

We are angry at ourselves, that we somewhat neglected her, whereas she is so courageous and responsible, takes care of her brother and is his best teacher as well as therapist. Thanks to their joint fun and games my son better evolves just as she is more willing to engage altogether. My daughter is my treasure, I cherish her for showing her unselfish love and understanding.

CURRENT ISSUE

I am undeniably grateful for friendliness presented me. It is convincingly right, that I learned the disease of my son so early and can be helping him. Fortunately, I encountered many great people, doctors, therapists. I know I am not alone. I have amazing children and husband, the husband who supports me through thick and thin…

Now, my heart expanded immensely notwithstanding the fact, that fear is somewhere there…

Carol’s Mother Photos: DeviantArt, Wiki

11

echo życia

ABOUT US

Diabetes Rehabilitation Centre offers: -

medicinal massage and remedial treatments

-

sessions with a psychologist, psychotherapist, relaxation therapist

-

consultations with a dietician and endocrinologist

-

educational classes

Diabetic’s Reintegration Centre recommends: - individual and group sessions with a career counsellor, psychologist, dietician, IT specialist - art, floral, photography classes - educational and integrating meetings the courses of which will: - impart knowledge how to manage disease and disability in everyday life - advance interpersonal skills indispensable so as to enter and function in the job market - equip with PC support

The individual and group classes are piloted by experts experienced in work with disabled persons.

Participants will be welcomed in order of application dates.

Partaking is free of charge.

Relevant information can be found on the web site www.cukrzycaazdrowie.pl and in the office of our Association:

Polish Diabetes Association regional branch in Białystok

Warszawska Road 23

15-062 Białystok

12

cont.no. (+48) 85 – 741 57 01 pol_stow_diabetykow_@wp.pl

echo życia

ABOUT US

Coffee may come in aid of dementia management As much as five cups of coffee daily may relieve memory setbacks in case of patients who prove Alzheimer symptoms – state American scientists during one of BBC broadcasts.

What follows from the research conducted in Florida is that caffeine inhibits production of amyloid – non-soluble fibrous protein, brain clusters of which engender Alzheimer disease.

The clinicians employed 55 laboratory mice which subjected to prearranged modifications proved Alzheimer symptoms. As soon as the mice reached the age of 18-19 months, namely equivalence of 70 years in people, some behavioural tests were carried out in order to verify the incidence of memory disorders. Subsequently, half of the rodents were day-to-day administered with water blended with 500 milligrams of caffeine what can be measured up to 227 grams in five cups of coffee. The other half received neat water.

After two months it appeared that the mice which drank caffeine performed better memory and thinking. They behaved exactly the same as mice of their age without dementia.

In addition, brain beta amyloid concentrations of the examined mice decreased nearly half as much. The experts maintain, that caffeine has an effect on production of the enzymes which actually form beta amyloid, but all at once prevent against inflammations which give ground to excessive accumulating of this protein in the brain.

“Our study demonstrated, that caffeine not only safeguards against the disease, but also, to a degree, may restore to health the patients, who are confirmed with already developed Alzheimer. It is worthwhile of attention, especially when, this is a cure which is fairly safe for majority of us, and is diffusible in one” – recounts dr. Gary Arendash from the University in Florida.

Correspondingly, Dr. Arendash intends to find it out whether similar results can be achieved in case of people. For the time being it is not known if lowered dosage of caffeine would be equally effective what relates to persons with high blood pressure and pregnant women.

Although Americans approach to it optimistically, British scientists are more sceptical. “It is too early to be able to ascertain the fact, that drinking coffee, or taking caffeine supplements, alleviates Alzheimer condition” – asserts Rebecca Wood from the Alzheimer’s Research Trust.

The Source: INTERIA.PL Photos: DeviantArt

13

echo Ĺźycia

ABOUT US

The disabled among us The practised social bias and stereotypes towards the disabled is what makes it impossible to fulfil rehabilitation of the concerned. The idea of integration, namely incorporation of them within society, involves a shift from negative to positive general way of approach: tolerance, acceptance, collective engagement.

Recently conducted survey in our country, reveal noteworthy inconsistency in societal attitudes in the direction of the disabled. Some about 15% of the respondents, interviewed by A. Ostrowska, proved to be decisively negatively inclined. They belong to those who stand minimal knowledge of what disability is. In their opinion, disabled persons have numerous physical and mental limitations, are not self-reliable, but unproductive being a burden to others. These negatively disposed persons stay away from any contact with the disabled and their families.

This representation of people go by the apprehension that they would be inept in eventual encounters with the disabled, they presuppose disturbing experience as one most likely to come. They are those who forbid their children to play with disabled peers. The reasons they give

14

is their own conviction, that disabled offspring is simply a weight down to the parents, stand none of chances of improvement, and should be isolated in an institution. This is who tend to show mercy and sympathy in demonstrative dubious a way.

In contrast of the abovementioned, there is a share of people, who are far more broad-minded. It is the 25% of the Polish. They, instead, perceive the concerned to be the part of what is our common being. In their understanding, the disabled are fairly capable to be contributing to any what is close, or far around, as well as are equally ready to meet their personal, the same as professional life of existence. They approach infirmity naturally and are well willing to come in aid.

These persons are not prejudiced in the respect, and find no effort to be in neighbouring or communal contact with the impaired persons given. It is a perspective which gives ground and opening to social bond between the disabled and any others.

Over and above, the integration movement in Poland, headed for rehabilitation of disabled children in their natural environment and clinical background, should be originated and built on tolerance of pupils and their parents.

At this point, the form master is the personality, who plays a great role in shaping positive bearing towards the disabled. The person in authority is meant to have this problem in mind. Special series of educational activities is what serves the aim in concern. Namely: - acquaints pupils with natures of disability - accustoms with suitable conduct and given help performance - clears bias and stereotypes which more often than not are based on ignorance or imaginary beliefs - outlines tolerance and empathy angle Attitudes towards the disabled: The series of educational activities has an important pedagogical relevance. It does not only edify pupils, but also prepares them to be realistically able to integrate with the disabled as factual members of their surroundings.

Today, public mass schools offer the disabled children teaching and learning together on an equ-

echo Ĺźycia al footing with their contemporaries. At the school age, children are driven principally by the need of feeling at one with the given peers and receiving their approval. The position of a disabled child is not much advantageous both in respect of didactic and tutorial understanding.

Long-standing observations reveal, that disabled children prefer less numerous interpersonal company, turning instead towards to friendships with adults, and, proving high degree of dependence on environment rather than own resourcefulness. Social life is the sphere they tend to escape from.

Hence, a child of the kind necessitates support from the teachers around. It is expected to fulfil such predispositions as: grounding children with comfortable situations when they can aptly engage into relationships with able-bodied peers, learning of suitable insight into both behaviour of healthy children and children disabled, advancing hardiness for defectively negative responses, correcting of inadequate social conduct deep-rooted in family upbringing and contacts with other children.

This is what is meant to be achieved on the strength of a range of therapeutic classes and actual interactions in given divisions.

In well-integrated groups pupils combine forces and there is no better or worse ones, but instead there is atmosphere of confidence and encouragement so as to freely express emotions, feelings, and opinions. The more vulnerable children receive support both as a sensitive attention and factual assistance, they are not kept aside, are not any ridiculed.

Therefore creating harmonized groups of disabled persons is vital and requisite role of educators. Teachers should complete classes in form of workshops during of which children single-handedly perform given tasks and become more active. By means of such an approach pu-

ABOUT US pils develop to be more aware of themselves and their colleagues, as well as improve interpersonal and communication skills.

Izabela Krasiejko The Source: www.vulkan.edu.pl Photo: DeviantArt

15

echo życia

ABOUT US

Tolerance towards disabled

„T“Being all the same we are still divided by a dam” – the song of Lady Pank which introduces a TV programme contributed to the disabled. We pass them in the streets around. We can witness how strenuous their life is. Thus, it is worthwhile to reflect the fact, whether we do tolerate them, or not.

In my opinion, not as it should be… We uncaringly go right past them absorbed with own problems. We move back, we are not able, or not willing to be close in contact… “They are disabled, different from us” – it is what habitually comes to mind. Why do we settle for this schism “them – us”?

How exactly can we change it?

Maybe, we shall consider what tolerance is in point of fact. I think, that we tolerate those whom we value, who we understand and are patient towards. Juxtaposing, we can approach the problem asking why we are intolerant instead.

I sense, that social responses found are far inappropriate. We have a tendency to pay attention to looks, body condition, intellect. In view of that, persons on wheelchairs, Down syndrome afflicted, or cerebral palsy stricken, are treated as ones who are inferior class of the public.

Another ground of aversion with regard to the disabled is judging them in terms of their capacity to work and producing goods. For this reason incapability of physical effort and creative exertion sentence 16

given individuals to be simply useless. Whereas such beliefs, or convictions, stated in the direction of others, is what engenders humiliation, reduces to worth of object, discriminates, and sends to dregs of society. All the way long, stereotypes form, and the problem becomes more and more deep-seated and engraves in general communal false mentality. For instance, it is said, that there is not many disabled on the whole, and they are passive in life “as a rule”. Or, it is answered, that these people are mentally retarded. This what may suggest it to be true is the fact that the disabled are not present and seen in schools, institutions, cinemas, shops. In most cases, the stereotypes are additionally secured on the strength of wide-ranging and influential media. This in turn renders the situation of the disabled far more desperate and affects them to grow respectively isolated.

Hence, we have a kind of duty to question how to solve this serious issue. From my standpoint, we all should act one by one not lying in wait for local authorities to re-join. A smile, any given oraichu.deviantart.com kind-hearted expression can be as much as pleasing … The blessed John Paul II pronounced it: “Social solidarity is possible to take place only if we learn to see and consider the disabled as human beings”. We cannot quote “disabled” to be “inferior”. All they need is consideration

echo życia

ABOUT US

and tolerance. Then again, they are like anyone else, and can found family, lead active social and professional life.

It is crucially important for them, especially when they are left to their own devices, devoid of specialised health care and psychological support, walled away from the world, and gradually lose their self-esteem merely concentrating on their drawbacks.

In contrast, the disabled personify genuine human being, embody this what authentic dignity is. In fact, they serve meaningful examples to others. After all they have to struggle further more than those “capable”. Accordingly, they more often than not represent fortitude and maturity.

It is actually a life testimony, that spiritual potential cannot be matched against physical or intellectual aptitudes. It is inviting enough to become more open towards them, to start to perceive them to be as equal as we are.

In turn, media and local authorities are institutions without which significant changes are practically not viable.

For instance, one of the effective conceptions they have means and measures for are massive campaigns in the course of which the general public have an occasion to learn about the nature of disability and find out that it can be lived through actively. All-encompassing access and involvement to culture and political affairs is this social order which stands best chances of recovering the disabled and making progress altogether.

“Awareness is the principle which points that as soon as we are equal and autonomous no one of us should cause any detriment to another else’s life, health, freedom and possessions”. May this maxim of John Locke become a motto in support of fostering tolerance towards the disabled.

Marta Maciejuk

A Group of Lycea No 2 in Gryfin

Form III “a” Grammar School The second place award of the competition “Tolerance towards disabled”

Photo: DeviantArt

17

echo życia

ABOUT US

I WISH TO WIN In delightful, simply enchanting scenery - surrounded by flaky shining snow, at the foot of a slope, by the ski lift in Szelment, on the 19th of February 2011, the contestants of the VI Regional Special Olympics in Cross-Country Skiing met together.

The starting line provided the space for one hundred skiers from 11 sections operating in Podlasie Voivodship, including “Huragan” from the Specialised Educative Health Centre in Suwałki, as well as “Szelment” section from the Local Sport and Recreation Resort.

Ski running skills, experience, and body health condition determine the applicable group the competitors are assigned to and the distance within which they race. The podium is a place of medal decoration expected to serve 8 rewarding positions. There is no losers in this type of competition.

What principally counts is the very partaking and making every effort in aim of achieving the best time record possible whereas fairly frequently reaching the finish line alone is a success. Prior to starting off, participants make a vow: “I wish to win, if not I will be spirited in endeavour nevertheless”. This candid valour and challenge captivate spectators who in turn eagerly cheer each one sportsperson while expressly those most fragile.

As soon as the contestants finally complete the race, their vibrant joy is what penetratingly moves everyone around – co-

18

aches, referees, volunteers, carers, friends, all of whom open themselves to the atmosphere of the happening and take pleasure in the hymn resounding in the area, the flag being raised ceremonially by a selected guard, but by and large are taken with fanfares and ovations during honouring of winners.

The tournaments, meetings, sport days are piloted by professional arbiters. Just as coaches – therapists train themselves so as to acquire legal qualifications of Special Olympics. The protocols prepared by them allow for appointing the best skiers what straight away gives ground for a future entry in national contests, or even international ones, as far as health strength and good fortune come to pass. As yet, nobody keeps it in mind for hot meals and souvenirs are awaiting, and whilst medals are received to represent team-work then sweeties and mascots are to be welcomed more personally…

Cross-country skiing, likewise other disciplines, is organised every two years – relates Bożena Pachowska, the vice-chairman of the Regional Special Olympics, whereas today occasion was the third in the row when we were hosted by Suwałki town. Regarding the fact how greatly difficult any sponsorship is nowadays once grants became far insufficient to cover expenses, we would appreciate the setting, the decorum, and the professionalism of the event, thanks to which the competition took a smooth and legitimate course.

The reward for us all, who stage the affair, and are everyday companions and attendants of our disabled sportsmen, will always be this illustrious joy in their eyes and smile.

Despite everything, success is achieved whenever Wojtek, Basia, and Szymek go out for their training sessions.

echo życia

ABOUT US

Special Olympics is one of the biggest and most resilient sport and social organisations in the world. It is as much as one million of intellectually impaired sportspersons who play a part in over one hundred and fifty nationally accredited programmes. The disabled have at their disposal 19 summer and 7 winter disciplines in accordance with regulations of the international sport federations.

The movement was inspired by Eunice Kennedy-Shriver, the older sister of the president John F. Kennedy, then when she organised educational holidays for mentally impaired in the 60’s. It turned out, that the persons concerned proved to be far more active than what their carers and therapists had ever expected. Even before in the past, sport was always one of curative conceptions in case of rehabilitation. Still, it was a long way to change the general thinking, that the apposite encouragement and guidance is all what the retarded persons need to evolve and be able enjoy physical exercising.

In time, the activities turned to be standard training sessions, except that accustomed to given capacities of the patients.

It was a sheer revolution which denied the established conviction that what the disabled demand is care only – good care, that good as overprotectiveness is, or even incapacitation counteracting any possible self-worth existence.

Indeed, Eunice Kennedy-Shriver pioneered founding the international sport organisation by means of which disabled sportsmen train and enter competitions of Special Olympics. The basic code of principles, which remain in force up to now, were originated by a physical education teacher, Frank Hayden. The opening Special Olympics Games took place in 1968, in the premises of a military stadium in Chicago, at what time 1000 competitors from the United States and Canada rivalled for their medals.

In the movement of Special Olympics, the competitions can be entered by any individuals confirmed with intellectual impairment irrespective of the diagnosed disability gradation, or other concomitant physical or sensory dysfunction.

Minimal age of contestants is 8 years old while the upper limitation has not be determined.

In line with scientific research, Special Olympic Games advance in individuals their health condition, trust in others, and own self-esteem. It in turn serves in support of making acquaintances and friends, as well as comes in aid of contracting jobs, what in word is assumed to be the best way to find one’s feet within the society.

Special Olympics breaks stereotypes in respect of disability redirecting the attention on people’s potentials rather than their handicaps. The estimations of the World Health Organisation reveal, that the number of intellectually impaired world-wide amounts to nearly 170 million what equals to 2-3 per cent of the global population. In Poland, the proportion comes to 1200 000, whereas in Europe to 14 million altogether.

19

ABOUT US

Polish Special Olympic Games, like anywhere else, is the most considerable sport organisation in Poland. In 1990, the association was accepted to be a member of the Polish Olympic Committee, and unites 15 thousand persons, including 11 sportsmen who all year long can be training and preparing themselves to competitions of various levels whether regional or national among others.

And, the leaders in a given motherland are those who represent the country abroad. Be as it may, but everyone of any particular contestants dreams of competing in the World Summer or Winter Olympic Games staged every four years.

This year, in the IX World Winter Special Olympics in the United States of America, Polish team engaged two ski runners: Joasia Chmielewska and Paweł Jankowski from “Huragan” section in the Special Educational Centre No 1 in Suwałki. Their coach, Marek Wierzbicki, was relatedly fortunate being fulfilled with emotions long after arrival back home altogether.

Asia competed in the distances of 50 and 100 metres to win two gold medals. Likewise Paweł, whereas he not only accomplished two gold medals in the run for 500 and 1000 metres, but also secured a brown one in the relay race of 4 x 1000 metres – recounts Leszek Dąbrowski, an educator, coach, and carer in the “Huragan” sport centre. Together with

echo życia

his wife, a pedagogue, he initiated Olympic movement in Suwałki. The whole length of Olympic endeavours “I spent” in internet and followed the course of events – he affirms. – The moment when our children achieved the two gold medals each was the reward for all the years of hard work. It is what adds wings and gives sense.

Nevertheless, the greatest satisfaction is their personal growth, for instance seeing a girl, who used to be withdrawn, being active, out-going, and successful in other than sport spheres of life is what gratifies best and I know that we do need to dedicate them any time possible.

Special Olympic Games is an institution which advocates the rule of equal chances. Evenly skilled groups are selected and every single one consists of 8 persons. Attributable to this, each one competitor stands practically identical chances in the course of rivalry.

The disparity in skills between the best and the weakest cannot exceed 10 per cent. Therefore, the preliminary tests are that important in order to meet the idea.

Lucyna Szepiel Photo: Bożena Pachowska

20

echo życia

FEUILLETON

Guards of no defence Notwithstanding the fact that the medicine of 21st century offers hundreds of ground breaking discoveries, numerous diseases remain unidentified. Ones of them which can be quoted are auto immunological disorders, called conditions of auto aggression. Speaking in simpler terms, it is a syndrome on the strength of which human body organism invades it itself. The point is, that we all do not know why it comes to take place. The more and more popular question which arises in relation to the problem is one after the reasons behind diabetes.

The person who would happen to serve the answer, being accepted by the world of science, has a Nobel prize certain.

The diseases based on auto aggression are found to correspond to defective functioning of the immune system. This body structure can be compared to a cuirass, or a shield, protecting against viruses, bacteria, cancer cells. Whereas, the defence mechanism may fail in the face of unknown impulses attacking own cells in response to given detected danger. An act of violence can affect one organ only, for instance thyroid or pancreas, however more often it comes to pass destroying several at a time, for example in cases of rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, multiple sclerosis.

The suicidal tendencies have been not discerned so far. Genes can be accountable for the reactions, but it has to be proved. Nonetheless, there are some dynamics assumed, which contribute to the complaints. A trigger in concern might be a viral or bacterial infection,

intense stress, post-traumatic factor, or even long-lasting exposure to sun. The number of auto aggression diseases amounts to 80, then it can be possibly greater. Some of them develop deceitfully in extended length of years, just as diabetes does. Its incubation span of time takes 8-10 years. It is also classified to be an auto aggression disease. Diabetes type 1 is the most common in regard of immunological diseases. It concerns 1 person out of 20. Still, scientists state it in one accord that body system must be urged by a kind of an “impulse” that “commands” it to strike back.

Meanwhile, dr. Hulda Regehr Clark from the United States, carried out several medical researches and evidenced that 80% of people world-wide hosts at least one parasite. Namely, something what eats us up!

The terminal syndrome of our days – diabetes – does not lie in life-long metabolic indispositions exclusively, but altogether in impairment of the pancreas and its damaged isles of Langerhans (Paul Langerhans 1897-1888 – the German anatopathologist who in 1969 ascertained pancreas to be formed of specific cell clusters called isles of the organ), the tissues of which are thought to be compromised by methyl alcohol all told. The discovery appeared to be the foundation of the today diabetology.

In time, it was established, that pancreas of any diabetes stricken person involves presence of the Eurytrema pancreaticum trematode, which is to be found in … cattle. The pest passes through from animals to humans in meat, its products, and unprocessed dairy produce. The trematode abovementioned is intrinsically attracted by the very methyl alcohol! Where the poison penetrates from in actual fact?

Well, methanol is present in the mainstream of processed

21

FEUILLETON groceries, bottled beverages, baby-food articles, dehydrated nutriments. What is more, it was evidenced to be found in “healthy organic food” items all the like. It must be understandable since the substance is employed in disinfecting and cleansing of mass production facilities. Similarly, insulin infusions may also contain methyl alcohol, what in point of fact ends up to be an ironic twist of fate, when medical treatment contributes to the progress of disease.

Is it possible then that this unfathomable impulse is to be expected to come from without, and essentially does not have to be a bacteria, virus, or any other living organism?

Probably, it can be as yet undetermined chemical substance which disorients our corporal guards, and exacts them to combat what they were supposed to defend, giving rise to gradual or forceful auto destruction of a singular organ or the whole body system. And, here we introduce some examples of such invasions which affect globally.

Multiple sclerosis (MS) The disease is a concern of one person out of a thousand, whereas regrettably, three times more frequently in case of women. This syndrome prompts patients’ immune system to perceive the brain and the spinal cord as body enemies. Then, it deceitfully devastates nervous fibres. What forms in their place is a scar, a kind of hardened structure, sclerosis. It may attack once only and relent, but more often develops for years leading to depreciated ability of movement. The warning signs are sensory disorders in hands and feet – tingling sensations, stiffness, walking problems. Evenly alarming symptoms are complaints in respect of voiding urine and focusing eyesight, for instance double vision.

echo życia

Rheumatic arthritis.

It befalls in one person out of 1,5 thousand while 3,5 times more frequently in women than men. Immune system invades articular cartilage. This effects inflammations in joints, deformations, and mobility restrictions at long last. The symptoms are pains in fingers, wrists, elbows, or knees, as well as fever fits and stiffness of joints (however this relents during the day).

Lupus erythematous.

It is as common as in one person out of 3 thousand, more often in case of woman who are aged 15-45. Immune body system attacks connective tissue. This is what initiates inflammatory lesions in reins, hearts, skin. Also, lupus may transpire in the course of pregnancy on the strength of oestrogen fluctuations. Stress and exposure to sun are circumstances that add up to the condition. Lupus takes appearance of red butterfly-shaped rash, higher body temperature, joint oedema, fingers growing blue. Though, the disease may affect solely skin, producing red-like flaky blotches.

Nevertheless, scientists are not going to allow pears to fall asleep in the ashes. For instance, the American experts from the Kellogg Eye Center in the Michigan University, they devised a digital camera which scans the bulb of the eye, and detects lesions engendered by diabetes. The method is based on assessment of flavoprotein content found in the organ. Any given increasing concentration of it indicates that blood glucose intensity must be rising in excess. In conclusion, the fundoscopic examination is one that affords reliable early diagnosis of diabetes, the use of which can be as painless as stress-free.

Compiled by: Janusz Nieczyporowicz Photo: Wiki

22

echo Ĺźycia

DIET - HEALTHY EATING

Iron in diet At some stage of pregnancy I was diagnosed with anaemia and was advised to supplement iron. Spontaneously, I had to be me myself to find it out in what other than tablets form the element is generally reachable.

Iron is the most common heavy metal in the ecosystem being an essential bio compound which serves all living beings. The best possible source of it is natural, unprocessed food. It can be found both in animal and plant produce, the richest of which are oyster, spinach, curly kale, watercress, broccoli, parsley top leave, beetroot, nettle, nuts, rye and oat cereal, coarse groat, rice, tofu, or legume such as bean, lens, or chick pea.

Another good resource is fish which can be frozen and preserved (for instance mackerel, sardine, whitebait).

Alike, iron can be supplied from lean red meat, or such

offal as liver, tongue, kidney.

In the same way, it may be freely delivered from dried plums, raisins, yolks, yeasts.

Appropriate matching of products is what greatly reduces the risk of iron deficiencies. In order to afford optimal assimilation of iron one can suck vitamin C (preferably 0,5g daily), or mix meals with citron acid (for example out of sauerkraut, red pepper, parsley top leave, broccoli, black currant, orange fruit), however as far as hyperacidity does not take place. Directly next to it, methods of preparation are equally important. For instance, long-lasting cooking makes iron to escape away to waste water. Whereas, acidy dishes prepared in cast iron pots may boost iron content even in several hundred per cent.

Absorption of iron tends to decrease in presence of calcium and phosphorus salt, milk, cheese, tea (tannin), coffee. Superfluity of such one element as calcium, zinc, manganese, iron, inhibits assimilation of other elements from this group. And, absorption of iron improves the moment when some shortage of it transpires.

Given bodily requirement for iron changes in time on account of certain syndromes acquired (e.g. malabsorption), and due to growing in age. Hence, the daily iron demands can be quoted as: new-born babies 6-15mg, 12 years old children 10mg, 12-18 aged youth 18mg, after age of 18 10mg, pregnant women who lactate 18mg. In order to enable normal assimilation of Fe some trace quantities of copper are needed. In turn, iron which happens to accumulate at the level of 100mg is intensity that becomes toxic, when in contrast its level of 1mg engenders disease called anaemia. In the course of everyday ordinary diet we ingest 10-20 mg of iron but assimilate less than 10% of it. However, new-born babies and children assimilate it more than adults. And, women develop its deficiencies far more often than men.

23

DIET - HEALTHY EATING Iron falls into two categories: heme iron which is received from animal produce (assimilated in 20%), and non-heme iron found in vegetable products (absorbed only just in 5%). In this respect, it is recommended so as to have intakes from both sources.

Children who prove deficiencies of iron do not manage in school, are chronically fatigued, apathetic, or in bad mood. Generally, all people react poorly to deficits of this bio element. More often than not they have unhealthy pale skin complexion, complain for headaches, breathe briefly, burst out in anger, are burdened with constipations, bloats, sicknesses, persist hair loss, brittle nails, cheilosis, oral cavity ulcerations. Bleeding nose and proneness for bruises are also frequent. Anaemia based on iron scarcities arises from internal haemorrhaging,

for instance in kidneys. In answer to this incidence certain symptoms follow: numbness, tingling in hands and feet, sudden fits of heart beating and arrhythmia, unnatural lustre of eyes and skin. Deficiency of Fe is what inhibits generating of antibodies, condition of which worsens the moment when it meets excess of calcium and sugar. Absence of iron degrades immunity against colds and infections, as well as disintegrates mental capacity. It can also be prompted by profuse bleeding (menstruation, gastric draining). Most frequently privation of iron concerns pregnant women who need to breast-feed, or women who exact crash slimming diets and cannot afford such important hematogenic components as folic acid, vitamin B12, cobalt, copper.

24

echo Ĺźycia The principal biological function of iron is production of haemoglobin. Iron contributes to the process of growth and immunity. Superfluous amounts of it is what accumulates in liver, pancreas, and other organs, effecting in so called hemochromatosis.

Symptoms of poisoning in case of healthy adult persons are relatively rare. Overdosing of the element in turn runs the risk of cardiovascular diseases and cancers, rectal carcinoma in particular.

Causes of iron deficiencies are: insufficient physical activity, need of eating, disproportionate intakes of sugar, salt, white bread, incompetent slimming, unwarranted following of milk diet, diet rich in carbohydrates, refraining from meat, copious blood losses. Another ground of iron deficit may be too intense decomposing of red blood cells on the strength of toxins, exposure to artifi-

cial light, or passing time away from fresh air. Equally harmful can be drinking liquids of temperature over 45ď‚°C, as well as contact with contaminated surroundings.

Disorders in absorption of iron can be genetically hereditary. Alike, they may be a result of surgical removal of stomach, or short bowel syndrome, both of which exact absence of hydrochloric acid. In such cases, patients who do not tolerate, or do not assimilate orally applied doses of iron, receive it intravenously or intramuscularly. The contradictions against the pharmacological approach is diseases of stomach and duodenum, or treatments on tetracycline.

Aiming to be healthy, I walked, jogged great a lot, and started to grow my domestic parsley and dill. I fed

echo życia myself on the green at full liberty sprinkling it on everything whether it was butter, soup, or my favourite herring (especially during pregnancy). The drinks I benefited from was beetroot or mix vegetable juices.

I fell for spinach in yogurt blended with lemon and garlic. The first choice of dinner was fried liver on stewed apples, at times tongue in horseradish sauce.

At the moments when I did not move around, while reading, or watching TV, I heartily ate dried plums.

I nibbled raisins, almonds, other nuts, naturally in sensible amounts. In the evenings I drank coco. To date, I have my cup of bottlebrush tea as I used to do then. Today, my readings of iron prove to be pretty normal and I feel very well. My diet enhanced in varieties, I realised new flavours, and learned how to fulfil nourishment with vitamins, and minerals. I am healthy, I feel better, and I do look better.

Allegedly, the best practice in aid of iron deficiencies is: intakes of crushed nettle mixed together with sugar, or nettle infusions sweetened with honey ( a spoonful twice a day), what can be administered to babies and children as well. As good as this may be homemade juices made of spinach, carrot, nettle, and wild endive.

DIET - HEALTHY EATING

Compilated by: A. Kierznowska www.lekmedia.pl, www.dieta.pl/nowosci, J. Górnicka, Apteka Natury Photo: DeviantArt

The content of iron in 100g of some given food products: fried pork liver – 20mg, dried mushrooms – 11mg, buckwheat groat – 10,9mg, cacao – 10,7mg, yolk – 7,2mg, bean – 6,5mg, oat cereal – 3,9-4,5mg, dried plums – 3,9mg, cooked spinach – 3mg, smoked ham – 2,5mg, hen meat – 1,5mg, green pea – 1,9mg, broccoli – 0,8mg, raspberry or currant – 0,9mg, rice – 0,8mg, grapes or peaches – 0,8mg, tomato, onion, cabbage, lettuce, celery, banana, whortleberry – 0,6mg, fish – 0,7mg, milk – 0,05mg.

25

echo życia

BITS AND PIECES ON HEALTH

Remedial herb products await another approval In line with an EU directive, which is to enter into force on the 30 of April 2011, traditional therapeutic plant product is one which among other characteristics does not contain any synthetic components. The problem in the respect is that some about 500 herbal remedies produced in Poland which would be proved to comprise even trace amounts of the “synthetics” cannot be classified to the category of “plant products” and would have to be subjected to another trial of approval.

The process of harmonisation of medical records is an objectively expensive procedure. The more so because Polish manufacturers already managed to register their commodities only just last year.

Among 6771 endorsements the Ministry of Health agreed with regards to extension of medical validity, 1713 decisions related to plant remedies. In this particular case 5% of applications were resolved negatively.

One of the alternatives the producers may undertake is shifting into the classification of diet supplements. However, it is the situation when trademark will not stand the previous quality any longer. The definition of nourishment and food safety law is the reason behind it according to which diet supplements are nutrient preparations which are intended to add to normal diet being a concentrated source of vitamins, minerals, or other substances that exact nutritional or physiological effect.

The manufacturers trust, that after altering their category of goods into homeopathic medicines, the relevant Polish pharmacological and toxicological regulations would be still binding.

It would mean upholding the category of supplements called to be borderline which are ones that meet the definition of products being diet supplements, cosmetics, or remedial articles under pharmacological law regulations.

The Source: Rynek Zdrowia Photo: DeviantArt

26

echo życia

BITS AND PIECES ON HEALTH

Anger People reason, that anger is a threatening reaction and prefer so called positive thinking instead – says prof. George Vaillant from the Harvard Medical School. – Whereas, we have discovered, that in fact, it is a form of self-defence against perceived dangers around. Actually, sharing anger with others at work is what may strengthen career position insofar as it would be an act of controlled kind of showing irritation.

The scientist directed the experiment for 44 years in the course of which 824 volunteers were monitored. A panel of psychologists and psychiatrists followed their professional and personal life from 1965. It turned out, that those, who supressed their frustrations, were three times more liable to lack of promotion vistas and disappointments in private life.

The findings of the research were published in the Journal of Social Behaviour and Personality.

Prof. Vaillant points, that negative emotions, such as fear or anger, are innate and essentially needed to be able to normally function in the world and adverse circumstances it involves.

What is more, anger vitally serves our health – while subduing it may lead to depression and somatic disorders. Then again, unrestrained fury is in contrast an earnestly destructive singularity.

- We all experience anger, but these persons, who are capable to express it without going to extremes and auto devastating attitudes, gain in stability of emotions and health likewise. If we are able to identify anger and take advantage of the emotion, we are more than likely to produce many a result – states the scientist.

From his observations follows the fact, that negative emotions make us concentrate on details and in the view of that we can be better workers. If, from time to time, we show our anger at the workplace, being still respectful towards the people we work with, we are bound to be returned with a promotion. We only have to tell assertiveness apart from aggression. Over than 55% subjects of the experiment affirmed, that showing anger rewarded them in positive outcomes. This is what translated both into promotions at work, and emotional closeness with family.

The Source: Rynek Zdrowia

Photo: DeviantArt

27

echo życia

BITS AND PIECES ON HEALTH

For male problems not viagra only Hydrogen sulphide plays an important role in evoking erection – stated Italian scientists from the Frederick II University from Naples. The research results were published in the “Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences” magazine.

Sulphureted hydrogen, gas accountable for the loathsome smell of decayed eggs among others, has not been associated with male sexual potency as yet. In opinion of the researchers, the malodorous gas relieves tension in blood vessels what in turn furthers blood to reach cavernous body of phallus. The gas forms owing to decomposition of animal protein which contains sulphur. It can also be found in volcano gases, mineral waters, crude oil beds, and car pipe fumes.

-Our study may come in aid so as to resolve this very complicated mechanism which initiates the course of erection. We hope, that it will contribute to more diversified approach in management of impotence and would bring fruit in form of a new effective drug – explains professor Giuseppe Cirino who directed the experiment.

The scientists injected the gas into cavernous bodies of eight subjected men who had undergone a surgery of gender re-assignment. Altogether, they tested rats. It proved, that additional sulphur infusions in case of the transsexual persons and rodents enabled them to reach satisfying erections. Prof. Cirino concludes, that the prospective drug would perform analogically to sildenafil, namely the popular viagra.

Viagra which induces erection on the base of nitric oxide The experts discovered, that during sexual arousal brain sends a signal to nervous cells in the penis medulla and then they start to secrete nitric oxide. In turn, the gas inspires production of guanosine cyclase which relaxes smooth muscles, adds to blood volume in cavernous bodies, and exacts erection in this way. Now, the scientists attempt to find it out, whether the enzyme can be activated by hydrogen sulphide. Graham Jackson, the chairman of the Association of Sexual Dysfunctions in the Great Britain, said, that developing a new medicine in concern is needed indeed. The data the association collected reveal, that as much as one third of impotent men do not react positively to sildenafil.

Whereas, it turns out, that gents who are challenged by erection disorders may aim some help from … watermelons. The researchers from Texas proved, that citrulline found in the fruit serves as similarly as viagra does. According to the Americans, the amino acid, consumed in plentiful amounts, increases intensities of nitride oxide in the body system and improves potency.

The Source: Rynek Zdrowia

28

Photo: DeviantArt

echo życia

BITS AND PIECES ON HEALTH

Joints „collapse” under weight Obesity adds to the odds of inevitability of implanting prosthesis as a result of bone and joint inflammations – forewarn Australian scientists on the pages of the “Arthritis Research & Therapy” magazine.

The experts observed, that sizeable girth and high body mass index dangerously increase the risk of transplanting knee and hip joints.

A panel of researchers from the Monash University in Melbourne carried out an investigation involving 32 thousand of volunteers. The subjects were measured and analysed in terms of BMI, waist length and its proportion to hip extent, as well as mass and percentage of fat tissue.

The results obtained revealed, that excessive body mass, BMI, and fat mass and content upturn the risk of joint replacement as critically as 3-4 times more.

Fat tissue mass is understood to be an organ of internal secreting, which frees many dynamics, for instance inflammatory ones that take part in damage of the cartilage.

Altogether, metabolic factors may be equally important. Since it is a well-known fact, that disordered proportions of waist and hips promotes the risk of metabolic syndrome incidence.

The Source: Rynek Zdrowia Photo: DeviantArt

29

echo życia

BITS AND PIECES ON HEALTH

Wild rose soothes joint pains

Foto : Deviantart

Danish scientists were ones who discovered the properties of wild rose powder that can be applied in degenerative joint management saving against high consumption of non-steroidal drugs.

Powdered wild rose (Rose canina) comprises cerebroside, called GOPO, which serves inflammatory protection.

However, the substance decomposes at the temperature higher than 40C, and it is the reason why it cannot be found in processed marmalades and other preserves based on the rose extract.

-It is a long practice now that I advocate powder on wild rose to patients concerned with degenerative joint disease since it relieve the pain and stifling in the morning what directly translates into their ability of better physical activity – affirmed dr. hab. Krystyna Księżopolska-Orłowska, the head of the Rehabilitation Clinic at the Institute of Rheumatology in Warsaw.

The patients who suffer from degenerative joint disease attempt for years to ease it with natural plant preparations, such as powdered wild rose, or glucosamine, namely the amino sugar which is a component of the cartilage. Whereas, they agree, that it is weeks until effects take place, and advanced joint deformations cannot be treated in this way but require endoprosthesis.

30

In order to confirm the effectiveness of the preparations, Danish researchers, guided by a specialist on medical statistics, prof. Robert Christensen, analysed findings of three series of studies related to hydrochloride of glucosamine, engaging 933 patients, and three of examinations on wild rose subjecting 287 patients.

It turned out that glucosamine was not any more recovering than placebo, while wild rose did produce greater and long-lasting outcomes.

The results were publicly introduced this year at the World Osteoporosis Congress in Montreal.

Nonetheless, dr. hab. Księżopolska-Orłowska advises, that patients concerned with joint pains should consult a doctor first before they would start receiving the rose powder for the grounds of the complaint might be of different nature, for instance cancer metastasis.

The Source: Rynek Zdrowia

Foto : Deviantart

echo Ĺźycia

BITS AND PIECES ON HEALTH

Urinary incontinence: smoking and overweight won’t favour the treatment!

Women do not express the complaint, doctors rarely ask after it. Too bad, since actual help is achievable.

There are two types of the disorder: urge incontinence and stress incontinence.

The first is the concern of women aged 60-65, the latter transpires earlier on, which is during menopause period, and befall women at age of 45-60. Sometimes, it may happen, that a person is burdened with both types of incontinence at a time.

The most frequent in incidence is stress incontinence (49%), that takes effect down to even insubstantial upsurge of pressure in stomach, for instance as a result of a sneeze, a cough turn, or a fit of laugh. Incontinence based on urgency to bladder affects 22% of patients whereas cruciform incontinence 29% of cases.

The medical problem of incontinence may disturb even young women, however the older a patient is the more serious consequences are likely to take place. In the view of entire length of life, the risk of acquiring urinary incontinence equals 35%, the rate of which is rather high regarding the probability of blood hyper pressure (25%), depression (20%), or diabetes (8%).

Why is it women who tend to live through urinary incontinence?

PFirst of all, it is anatomically influenced (much shorter female urethra), and stays in relation to given pregnancy labours, and menopause in later future. Forcing a baby all the way through the foetal canal may damage neuromuscular structures of pelvis fundus, or exact stratification of so called perineal fascia where urethra rests on.

Smoking is what adds up to the complaint as far as produces lingering cough which in turn weakens the urethra support. Nicotine directly disturbs urine displacement muscles effecting their spasms. Altogether, the toxic substance unsettles the economy of oestrogens.

Obesity, apart from the fact it is not the cause of incontinence as such, also in some way complicates the problem. It is because the bladder of obese persons has to unceasingly guard itself against superfluous kilograms.

Urine incontinence is managed pharmacologically, or, innovatively treated with botox injections down in the bladder walls. Nonetheless, the intervention is to be repeated every once in a while.

The Source: Rynek Zdrowia Photo: DeviantArt

31

BITS AND PIECES ON HEALTH

echo Ĺźycia

Pill plus cigarette fume, namely drug-smoke interactions

Tacrine, a medicine applied in treatments of Alzheimer, meaningfully interacts with cigarette smoke. It was confirmed when smokers were observed to prove 50% decrease in its biological half-time performance and three-fold reduced concentration in serum. In respect of insulin, its inhalatorily managed form is contraindicated both to smokers and patients who had abstained from the habit 6 months before therapy.

It is because smokers tend to present with incidence of hypoglycaemia generated on the strength of 2-5 times more drug intensity in blood. Irinitecan (Marne, Campto) is an anticancer medication being an analogue of camptothecin.

In smokers, the surface area under the curve of dependence between drug concentration and timing 32

(AUC) can be as much lower as in 40%.

Pharmacodynamics in interactions In context of cigarette smoke interaction efficiency of hormonal anti conception agents does not decline whereas smoking still contributes to the risk of complications engendered in the blood circulatory system. The frequency of cardiovascular diseases grows the more the more older we are and the more nicotine we consume. It is the reason why using oral anticonception medicines is unadvisable to women at the age over 35 who smoke more than 15 cigarettes a day.

In smokers who are asthmatic, effectiveness of inhaled corticosteroids subsides. To be precise, confirmed with benign asthma non-smoking patients who for 3 months inhaled 1000mg daily doses of fluticasone (Avamys, Saltikan, Seretide, Flixo-

echo życia

nase, Flixotide) showed considerable rise in maximum inspiratory flow at the top (27 l/min) in contrast to smokers (5 l/min) treated with equivalent drug dosage.

Interactions corresponding to nicotine Nicotine is a basic substance in cigarettes and a core pyridine alkaloid found in tobacco leaves. This natural chemical compound is highly toxic and mainly affects the nervous system, whether centrally-acting or peripherally. It gets absorbed throughout respiratory system, alimentary tract, and skin, what takes place objectively rapidly – the way from oral cavity, lungs, low blood circulation, heart, aorta, to brain arteries takes it only just 7 seconds. In greater amounts (LD50 stands for some about 50mg per kilogram of body mass) nicotine has ganglionic nature and strength – infects cholinergic receptors N in autonomic ganglions. For its own pharmacological activity nicotine should be recognised to be mainly pharmacodynamically interactive.

Clozapine used along with nicotine catalyses isoenzymes of cytochrome P450 reducing the drug intensity in serum and its effectiveness in regular doses. Memantine (Akatinol, Axura, Ebixa) – applied concurrently

BITS AND PIECES ON HEALTH

with nicotine may affect serum concentrations of both nicotine and the memantine. Cimetidine (Altramet, Apo-Cimetidine, Belomet, Cimegast, Cinamet, Histodil, Tagamet) and other antagonists of H2 receptor – ranitidine, famotidine (Famotidine-Apo-Famo, Fagastin, Famogast, Novo-Famotidine, Quanatel, Ulfamid) employed together with nicotine lowers clearance of nicotine in 30% and may exact nicotine toxic overdose effects, such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, stomach aches, light-headedness. The apparent mechanism of this interaction lies in depressed metabolism of nicotine.

Kamil Broszko Photo: DeviantArt

33

FOR THOSE WHO ARE EAGER FOR THE WORLD

echo życia

„Sweet” name – Lucretia The time my yet to be born daughter was growing in my belly was when I was trying to find a name for her. I aimed it to be womanlike and associating with something sweet…

Lucretia. I came to a decision to unearth a little about it.

Lucretia is a Latin feminine name and derives from one of the Roman lines. Lucretia the historical figure lived in the 6th century A.D. She was a wife of Lucius Tarquinius Collatinus. During his absence she was raped by Sextus Tarquinius – the son of Lucius Tarquinius Superbus. She was not able to bear the shame and committed a suicide having had told Collatinus everything before. In agreement with the legend, the moral harm that befell her was held to be the straightforward ground to the revolution led by Brutus which in consequence resulted in the overthrow of Rome monarchy into republic. The narrations of her story was what served the outline of the opera libretto “The Rape of Lucrece” of B. Britten and the poem of Shakespeare of the same title.

Nonetheless, the name engraved in memory of humanity by fame of Lucretia Borgia (1480-1519). She drew her first breath as a illegitimate daughter of the cardinal Rodrig Borgia and Vannozza dei Cattanei. She had three immediate brothers: Cesare, Giovanni and Gioffre.

In 1492, her father became Pope Alexander VI and espoused Lucretia with Giovanni Sforza.

Lucretia was depicted as a poisoner and wanton, woman of avarice, rapacious and treacherous lady, near enough as blood thirst beast in female disguise. She was pronounced to be the uttermost courtesan in Rome. However, the then chroniclers founded their descriptions of her on hearsays. Ages afterwards, in the second half of the 19th century, scholar be-

34

gan to rehabilitate her repute. The rumours and facts from Lucretia’s life gave ground to many a literary work and opera composed on – for instance, the opera “Lucrezia Borgia” of G. Donizetti in accordance to a play of Victor Hugo, or Mario Puzo’s “The Family” novel.

The researches in the theme reveal, that the duchess Ferrara was more attracted to ..business than to political intrigues. As of yet it was assumed that, she was not any markedly intelligent but somewhat flawed spending money on fashion and jewellery. Since she was a woman they did not review archive records on other transactions. Lucretia Borgia became a grand freeholder.

It turned out, that she managed to convert waste morasses into fertile fields breeding wheat, barley, bean, flax, olives and grapes. Some certain documents uncover the fact, that the duchess was well versed with frontier crossing law, as well as was some familiar with water engineering ( the first drainage project in a scale comparable to those undertaken by Lucretia was implemented in the Northern Italia as late as 30 years after her death). In fact, she was not excessively attached to trumperies. There was an old text confirming that she sold an unusually precious necklace made of rubies and pearls what served financing of milk cattle in intention of mozzarella production. Also, some manuscripts bring it to light, that Lucretia donated huge of amounts to her confessors alongside known and unknown to her priests.

Today, the prevailing belief is, that she was a submissive tool of her father’s and brother’s political game. Lucretia Borgia was 13 years old when they espoused her with Giovanni Sforza for

echo życia the first time. It was a politically established marriage.

The pope used it to form a coalition against enemies of the Borgia – Orsini family. Though, when the Sforza power came to an end the tie became inconvenient. The Pope directed an argument which rescued his decree of divorce – he charged Giovanni with impotence. Sforza, in revenge, spread gossip, that she acted in incestuous couples with her father and brothers. Even so, the marriage was annulled. Subsequently, also politically based, Lucretia was espoused with Alfonso of Aragon, but it turned out that Lucretia and Alfonse fell in love with each other. Nonetheless, in 1500, Alfonso was strangled in his own bed, murdered by Cesare, the brother of Lucretia.

WIn 1501-1502 the pope entrusted Lucretia with managing of Vatican and espoused her with Alfonso d’Este, a duke of Ferrara. Yet, the pope’s death was what ended Borgia’s times of power.

The papal throne was entered upon by Julius, one of the Orsini family. Lucretia herself departed to Ferrara where she lived encircled by scholars and artists. Lucretia died at the age of 39 in 1519.

It is as much as I was able to find out from the history of the name. However, the “sweet” Lucretia does not associate with famous ladies only.

Lucretia (Glycyrrhizin) also refers to some certain perennial. The name originates from the Greek word “glycos” – sweet, and “rhiza” – root. It grows in bushes. Its stem reaches the height of 1,5m. Lucretia flowers are tiny and light lilac or purple in colour. Blossoming comes to pass in June and July. Fruit takes a form of legume and encloses three to five seeds. This what serves as herbal material is the root. Once it is barked and dried it turns yellow being odour-free and very sweet. It affords glycyrrhizin, the substance which exacts characteristic, intensely sweet flavour that is 50 times sweeter than any commonplace white sugar (saccharose). For the fact it is comprised of many other bitter tangs the general savour is not quite bland. It is this very essence which is applied in confectioneries. The most familiar and recognised candies produced on it are anise spiced (Scandinavian speciality). The

FOR THOSE WHO ARE EAGER FOR THE WORLD sweetmeats are undeniably quaint thanks to the black colour, gummy consistency and of course the taste – one like no one other. Spiralled or in sticks, I happened to come across on occasions, always fascinated me with the savour. Nonetheless, they did not become any popular in Poland. In contrast, Danish children find them irresistible whereas the Lucretia goods in their country are not sweet but salty. Actually, the sweets appear to be marketed out of an accident. One day, a storm flooded a confectionery stockhouse with sea water. Though, the owner did not run panic for he tried the bonbons and fin-

ding them tasty he introduced them to children. Equally, the colourful assortments of lucretia sweets are also well-liked in the Great Britain. Furthermore, lucretia is a spice that laces the widely recognised Guinness and the Italian liquor Sambuca.

Alike, it adds to the compositions of many a beer variety and beverages. In Italy, the root of it is sold in small boxes similar to those of cigarettes. Altogether, lucretia is practised in tobacco industries.

Lucretia can be found around the basin of the Mediterranean Sea, on the south of the USA, and in the south-western Asia. In mass scale, it is cultivated in Afghanistan, China, France, Spain, Iraq, Iran, Mongolia, Russia, Syria, Turkey, and Italy. There are some plantations in Poland as well.

The glycyrrhizin present in lucretia is what strongly binds water in skin cells and then can be an effective moisturising agent.

Glycyrrhizinic acid comprises glycyrrhetinic acid.

Both compounds exact antiseborrheic and antioxidant properties what allows lu-

35

FOR THOSE WHO ARE EAGER FOR THE WORLD cretia to be widely used in the cosmetic commerce. Then, being anti-inflammatory in turn, root extracts are applied in healing gels, lotions, creams which treat skin complexions that are oversensitive, oily, or prone to eczema. Cosmetics based on lucretia strengthen face blood vessels, as well as relieve cellular regeneration, whether it relates to aging, or skin injuries such as sun burns or wounds. Also, these chemical composites, contained in the beauty pro-

ducts, inhibit activity of thirosinase, the enzyme which contributes to forming of brown skin pigment and gives rise to skin discolorations. Altogether, some of extracts are practiced in shampoos intended to nurse hair that is delicate, brittle, or damaged.

Giving a depiction of lucretia, it would not be correct enough as not to mention its medical adaptations. It is one of the oldest plants which were acknowledged to be apt to be applied in airway catharrh. As early as in the ancient times in Egypt, Greece, and Italy, it was generally accepted to be a valuable kind of medicine. The olden scholars of the Chinese were officially endorsed by the emperor Shen Nung (some about 3000 A.D) to ascertain it a medicine.

In Mesopotamia, lucretia was blended with ginseng and used as an aphrodisiac for women. Europe acknowledged the plant not earlier than in 13th century.

36

echo życia

The up-to-date studies confirm, that saponins found in lucretia prove to be anti-inflammatory, antirheumatic, and antiarthritic. In turn, the root of it is also antispasmodic, diuretic, cholagogic, antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, antiallergic, healing, immunogenic, cytostatic, expectorant.

Moreover, scientists affirm, that lucretia is anticancer as well.

Conducted in 1997 experiment suggested, that glycyrrhizin may counteract progressing of cancer in case of the patients who suffer from chronic hepatitis C. The compound safeguards liver against cirrhosis as well as against toxic influence of hydrocarbons and heavy metals. Lucretia extracts are recommended in treatments of Simmonds’ disease, pituitary gland tumour, multiple sclerosis, Addison’s anaemia, and asthma. Essences of it protect against damage and infections of stomach and duodenum mucosa, stimulate restoring of epithelium in the alimentary tract, as well as advance healing of peptic ulcers. Lucretia preparations are advised to

be used in catarrh of the oral cavity, throat, windpipe, gills, lungs. Agents based on lucretia root are applied in skin inflammations and relieve itching, irritations, and swellings, whereas in cases of more serious lesions they can replace steroids, for instance hydrocortisone. For the fact that the plant extracts suppress reactions of autoaggression, they can be exerted in therapies of auto immunological diseases, for example psoriasis. Altogether, 0,1g of lucretia daily reduces cholesterol concentrations.

Lucretia root is available prescription-free in pharmacies and herbal shops. The produce is most often directed in form of herbs and composite powders, syrups, extracts and dried juice preparations (e.g. Tussipect”). Lucretia agents are very potent and effective in use.

But be cautious! If overdosed or administered too rapidly or for too long, this remedy may cause oedemas, head ru-

echo Ĺźycia

FOR THOSE WHO ARE EAGER FOR THE WORLD

shes and aches, arrhythmia conditions, and hyper pressure complaints. Consequently, it is advised against using it during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Contraindications: hypokalemia, hypernatremia, oedema, hyper pressure, excessive intakes of digitalis and diuretic agents, renal failure, heart inefficiency.

Medicine potion: The ingredients needed are: 1 spoonful of blackwort root, 1 spoon of lucretia root, 1 spoon of plantago root, 1 spoonful of flax seed. All the components should be blended together and infused in 150ml of water. The concoction is meant to be boiled for 10 minutes without replenishing any evaporated water. Then, it is supposed to be strained through a tight sieve and the first brew obtained should be set aside whereas the plant lot boiled once again for 10min but in 100ml of water. Next, both brews are supposed to be combined together, mixed with 1 spoonful of honey, 2 spoons of sugar and some glycerine, and boiled for more 5 minutes. In a last step, it can be laced with some lemon juice. The herbal remedy should be received 4 times daily in doses of 1-2 spoonfuls.

Recommended for: coughs, inflammations of the airways, colds, infectious diseases, peptic ulcers.

For autumn evenings we certainly suggest lucretia tea. The given portions of Lucretia should be immersed in water and brought to the boil before simmering over a low heat for 15 minutes. The infusion should be appetizing being naturally sweet.

As we can observe, both the name and the very plant are well worth of interest, but still I need to deliberate it how to name my baby ‌ Antonina Niekrasz http://www.doz.pl/czytelnia

http://luskiewnik.pl/autoimmunologia

http://www.prometeusze.pl Foto: Deviantart, Wiki

37

FOR THOSE WHO ARE EAGER FOR THE WORLD

echo życia

Native polish Nobel laureates „I, Alfred Nobel, with my signature to this statement below and having deliberated my Last Will and Testament, do hereby declare as follows; All my surviving assets upon death should be invested by my executors into a Trust Fund, the income from which should provide annual rewards to those who have meritoriously earned them on behalf of the humanity […]”

Maria Skłodowska-Curie - born in Warsaw 7th of November 1867 and died in Paris the 4th of July 1934 from leukaemia probably caused by exposure to high doses of radiation acquired during the methodical researches she conducted. A notable physicist and chemist. The co-founder of the science of radioactivity and nuclear chemistry. She was the first one woman who in 1906 became a professor at the university of Sorbonne, and a member of Paris Academy of Science in 1922. In 1903, together with P. Curie and A.H. Becquerel, she received her first Nobel Prize for contribution to the research on radioactive phenomena. In 1911, she was rewarded with another Nobel distinction, this time for discovering two radioactive elements – polonium (termed in aim to honour her motherland) and radium. She was an initiator of the Radium Institute in Warsaw. During the First World War, Maria Skłodowska-Curie became the head of a military medical division which organised field x-ray stations and managed to serve 30 000 cases of wounded French soldiers. Founded in 1945 University of Lublin is one which bears her name.

Fritz Haber - born in Wrocław 9th of December and died in Swiss Basle 29th of January 1934. A professor at the University in Karlsruhe and Physical Chemistry Institute in Berlin, he investigated the subjects of electrochemistry and catalysis.

He received his Nobel Prize in 1918 in reward for developing synthesis of ammonia. This method of chemical processing is what turned out to be underlying principles of the industry of fertilisers. During the World War I, he engineered the production and targeting of chemical weapons in service for the German army.

Haber’s commitment to the biological warfare reduced his wife Clara to suicide, who could not bear the nervous tension to witness him contributing to death of soldiers. After the First World War, he continued to be active in his line of work, and assisted the reconstruction of the German war industry. In the twenties of the 20th century, he devised “Cyclone B”, which admittedly was intended to be a disinfection agent, but in reality was applied by Nazi in gas chambers throughout the Second World War. As a native Pole, he was forced to emigrate in 1934 after Hitler came to power. Fritz Haber moved abroad, first to the Great Britain, then to Switzerland, where he soon died from a heart attack.

38

echo życia

FOR THOSE WHO ARE EAGER FOR THE WORLD

Max Born - born in Wrocław 11th of December 1882 and died in Gottingen 5th of January 1970. A professor of physics at the Universities in Berlin, Gottingen, Edinburgh. He was one of the designers of quantum mechanics and static interpretation of wave function. Max Born together with W. Bothe received their Nobel Prizes in 1954. The Institute of Theoretical Physics is one that annually stages the Scientific Symposium named after Max Born.

Maria Goeppert-Mayer - born in Katowice 28th of June and died in San Diego in the USA 20th of February. She formulated the nuclear shell model of the atomic nucleus. Achieved this discovery together with H.J.D. Jensen and E.P. Wigner, she received her Nobel reward in 1963. After her death, the American Physical Society established a distinction named after her name which is granted to those young women who start their practice of career at physics. It is not recognition only what follows it but also funds that ground future perspectives of studies.

Klaus von Klitzing - born in Środa Wielkopolska 28th of June 1943. He is still a director of the Max Planck Institute of Computer Science in Stuttgart. He attends the works on semiconductors, and analyses electron gas properties in temperatures close to absolute zero, or those in very potent magnetic fields. The Nobel Prize in the respect, he received in 1985 for his discovery of the fractional Hall’s observable facts. In 2003, his name was given to the asteroid in orbit between Mars and Jupiter.

Georges Charpak - born in Dąbrowica 1st of August 1924.

A professor of physics at the University of Physics and Chemistry in Paris. What he explored was detection of nuclear radiation and the potential of applying elementary particles in biology and medicine. He was awarded the Nobel Prize in 1992 for his contribution to localizing the scope of radiation through his invention of the ‚multiwire proportional chamber’ in 1968.

Otto Stern - born in Żory in the Upper Silesia 17th of February and died in Berkley in the USA 17th of August 1969.

He was a professor of physics at the University of Hamburg in Germany, and the Carnegie Institute of Technology in Pittsburgh in the USA. A laureate of the Nobel Prize for his “contribution to developing research methods related to molecular radiation and discovery of magnetic moment of proton”.

Walther Hermann Nernst - born in Wąbrzeźno 25th of July 1864 and died in Niwica 18th of November 1941. A professor of chemistry and physics in Berlin. He was involved in the synthesis of war gases for which he was prosecuted soon after.

He discovered one of the thermomagnetic laws out of which 39

FOR THOSE WHO ARE EAGER FOR THE WORLD

echo życia

he formulated the third law of thermodynamics (the Nernst’s theroum). He received his Noble Prize in 1920.

Friedrich Bergius - born in Złotniki 11th of October 1884 and died in Buenos Aires 30th of March 1949. A professor at the University in Heidelberg. He elaborated the method of winning synthetic petrol based on catalytic hydrogenation of carbon. Together with C. Bosch, he received the Noble Prize in 1931.

Kurt Alder - born in Chorzów 10th of July 1902 and in Cologne. He always tended to call the Upper Silesia his own “little fatherland”. A professor of chemistry at the University of Cologne. In 1950, he received his Nobel distinction together with O.P. Diels for their “discovery and development of cycloaddition synthesis”. In appreciation, one of the volcano craters and a street in Cologne is named after his person.

Roald Hoffmann - born in Złoczów 18th of July 1937. He lives in the USA. He received his Nobel Prize in 1991 for the theory which explains the processes of chemical reactions. In addition, Hoffman is a poet and a propagator of chemistry, just as he is the author and presenter of two American TV programmes “World of Chemistry” and “Molecular World”.

Andrzej Wiktor Schally - born in Vilnius 30th of November and lives in the USA. A biochemistry professor and the director of a laboratory of peptides in the Veteran’s Hospital in New Orleans. His Noble distinction, together with R. Guillewich and R. Yalow, he received in 1977, for determining the structure and performance of peptide hypothalamus hormones.

Paul Ehrlich - born in Strzelno 14th of March 1854 and died in Bad Homburg in Germany 20th of August 1915. A doctor, bacteriologist, chemist. He worked in the Institute of Infectious Diseases in Berlin and Experimental Therapy Institute in Frankfurt am Main. A pioneer of the modern chemotherapy. Together with S. Hata, he developed the first medication against syphilis, ‚Salvarsan’, an effective drug achieved before the era of antibiotics.

He received his The Noble Prize together with J.I. Miecznikow in 1908 for the progress made in the field of immunology. Their findings, ascertained by means of dyeing blood smears with aniline pigments, officially resolved presence of lymphocytes and so achieved a breakthrough in haematology.

40

Emil von Behring - born in Ławice 15th of March and died in German Marburg 31st of March 1917. A professor of bacteriology at the University in Halle and Institute of Experimental Therapies in Marburg. In 1890, he discovered a serum against these terminal diseases as tetanus and diphtheria. He received his Nobel distinction together with S. Kitasato for “initiating therapies based on serum”.

The unearthing was what opened a new approach in medical treatments of bodily disorders and death rates all in all.

echo życia

FOR THOSE WHO ARE EAGER FOR THE WORLD

Gerhard Domagk - born in Łagów 30th of October 1895 and died in Schwarzwald in Germany 23rd of April 1964. A pathologist and microbiologist at the University in Munster. He discovered antibacterial properties of sulphonamides. The Nobel Prize was granted to him for determining antibacterial activity of the drug ‘Prontosil’. The fame he well deserved came to pass when he restored to health the president Roosevelt’s son who suffered from adenitis.

Tadeusz Reichstein - born in Wrocławek 20th of June 1887 and died in Switzerland 1st of August 1996. A professor of biochemistry at the University in Basel. He effected the synthesis of the ascorbic acid (vitamin C), and isolated adrenal cortex steroid hormones resolving their structure (cortisone and aldosterone). He received his Nobel distinction together with E. Kendall and P. Hench in 1950.

Konrad Emil Bloch - born in Nysa 21st of January 1912 and died in the USA 15th of October 2001. A professor of biochemistry at the Universities in Chicago and Cambridge. He headed the clinical examinations of tuberculosis germs. In 1964, he and T. Lynen became laureates of the Nobel Prize for the synthesis of cholesterol and metabolism of fat acids in living organisms.

Gunter Blobel - born in Niegosławice 21st of May 1936. A professor of biochemistry at the University in New York. He established the biological fact, that certain sequences of amino acids are signals directing proteins to particular cell structures – the signal hypothesis of Blobel. This discovery rewarded him the Nobel distinction in 1999.

Isidor Isaac Rabi - born in Rymanów 29th of 1898 and died in New York 11th of January 1988. A professor of physics at the Colombia University, where he piloted the works on atomic physics, quantum mechanics and magnetism. His Noble Prize he received in 1944 was the reward for the completed resonance method of detecting magnetic nucleus properties. He ascertained the fact, that nucleus protons generate some weak electro field on the strength of its spinning movement.

Albert Abraham Michelson - born in Strzelno 19th of December 1852 and died in the USA 9th of May 1931. A professor of physics at the University of Cleveland in Chicago. He was the constructor of optic interferometer devices of light. It was this person who proved one of the experimental laws of special relativity; how little influence light activity has on the speed of light itself. He received his Nobel Prize in 1907.

Compiled by: Karolina Konrad A student of the fifth form of the Public Health faculty At the University of Medicine in Białystok The Source: “History of physics” by A.K. Wróblewski, 2007 “History of medicine” by W. Szumowski,1994 Photo: Wikipedia

41

FOR THOSE WHO ARE EAGER FOR THE WORLD

echo życia

WIGRY NATIONAL PARK The Wigry National Park is a setting of uncontested qualities of nature as well as cultural values. The reserve, under the protection of the competent officials, has remained the treasured environment features. These are multifarious terrain formations, wood concentrations, and wealth of water regions, such as small lakes, located in-between forest sites, or the vast lakes areas as the Wigry lake, which stands the greatest ecological locality of its kind in the world altogether with the joined former monasteries. The land is also interlaced with a net of slender rivers. The main and the longest one is Czarna Hańcza, which at the upper stretch of it is typified by a steep gradient such as those as mountain torrents. It is the most well-known river in Poland on account of canoeing rallies where from partakers cross the picturesque route to Augustów.

The woods, lakes and rivers is the natural ecosystem of the abundant local flora and fauna. What can be found here is exceptionally rare sundew or orchids, or club mosses. Sea eagles and ever-present beavers are more and more frequently observed. All these valuable assets attract travellers whether they are natural scientists, water enthusiasts, biking tourists, or horse zealots. Thousands of people go in for angling notwithstanding it is summer or winter. Remarkably, all the bionetwork is provided with functional and pleasing infrastructure what is reasonably inviting to the disabled persons altogether.

The WPN Tourist Information Centre is in operation throughout all year long. The guidance is presented in as many languages as Polish, German, English, and Russian. Altogether, some assistance can be obtained via the established website, which is Facilities and services made available to the disabled: 1. The directorate office of WPN in Krzywe. The main entrance is secured from any inconvenient steps and curbs. Consequently, people disabled are far more free to reach the ground floor and may take the opportunity to view the there exhibition “At the site of Wigry”. The doorway was adapted to accommodate as much space as 100cm. The exposition is designed to make it possible to be accessed by persons of limited movement potential as well as individuals who prove deficient eye-sight – the depicting boards are written in the Braille’s language whereas display units are made to order to be detectable and sensed what given terrain configuration, tree bark, animals happen to be. The models of the natural network are positioned on some special platforms what improves communication for the persons wheel-chaired and sightless.

2. Touch screens – based also on sound, enable the unsighted to understand the WPN information system 3. The exhibition of sculptures is set on a plain length of land what is customized to facilitate the access to the disabled on the wheelchairs.

42

echo życia

4. The parking space in front of the WPN administrative centre makes available two sanitary cabins, one of which is specially adjusted to the wheel-chaired persons.

5. The ethnographic exposition is staged in a used to be farming building. The wooden trap leading to the door accommodates wheel-chairs.

6. The educational site “Dziupla” - the facility is laid on a hardened ground and people on wheel-chairs can run it as smoothly as it is possible. There is a bonfire place provided outdoors and fire-side indoors alike.

7. The educational tract “Wood” – the disabled on wheel-chairs can be comfortable to use 360 wooden passages leading to marshes or view the Suchar type lake from a platform by the bank.

8. The educational tract “Płazy” is another attraction located away from the woods in the village Rosochaty Róg. In order to arrive at the spot the wheel-chaired persons need to be driven there by car via field ways.

9. The educational tract “Jeziora” stretches over the length of 3000m. 60% of roads running there is hardened in aim of providing proper path surface to the disabled on wheel-chairs. Also, there are speed breakers built in so as to afford security of the traffic.

10. The sited by the south-eastern Wigry bank campsite “Jastrzębie” is equipped with the electrical station for powering caravans and two sanitations supplying hot and cold water. Naturally, the facilities are adjusted to be of service for the disabled.

11. More than the greater extent of the tourist routes are laid in grounds which can be fairly easily reached by the disabled persons on wheel-chairs.

12. The viewing platform in the village of Bryzgiel by the lake of Wigry. Likewise, the site is adapted to

FOR THOSE WHO ARE EAGER FOR THE WORLD host the wheel-chaired disabled. The platform is positioned on the building of the used be ice house where fish produce was frozen and preserved.

13. The sanitary post on the beach of Krzywe by the Black Lake. It is where another toilet base is designed to provide the room for the wheel-chaired disabled.

14. The exhibition “History and traditions of fishery by the Wigry”, staged in Red Farm, is also accustomed to be available to the disabled on wheel-chairs. Canoeists may well reach the shore by way of the lowered pier which is secured by the balustrades installed.

Many events can be attended in the park. The labour force offers workshops on ceramics, sculpturing, or culinary practice, such as learning the old culture of “kartacze” or home-made bread.

Everyone of us taken, should have this opportunity to come into contact with wild and not any contaminated nature. The disabled can not be an exception in the respect.

Especially when, the disabled persons may expect expressly supportive services hospitably provided by the Wigry National Park.

Jarosław Borejszo The Source: www.wigry.win.pl Photo: DeviantArt

43

FOR THOSE WHO ARE EAGER FOR THE WORLD

44

echo życia

echo życia

FOR THOSE WHO ARE EAGER FOR THE WORLD

45

FOR THOSE WHO ARE EAGER FOR THE WORLD

echo życia

ADD FOR CE TO YOUR BODY AND SPIRIT KTAKING LITTLE TIME, THESE FAIRLY AMUSING EXERCISES CAN BE PERFORMED IN CASE OF NEED – AT WORK, IN A TRAFFIC JAM, ON A BUS OR IN ANY MOMENT OF LEISURE. PEACEFULNESS A man at peace is stronger than the one who cowardly Than the one who escapes before the unease A peaceable man gains more at the length of an hour However lonesome with sadness and unfulfilled dreaming Denies business and rush in life A peaceful person is of inner harmony and unconditional trust what must be effortless in the face of any adversities to come Others might hopelessly struggle The those at peace are fountain-like in contrast Ever-flowing and never-ending Source of the invisible But one that enthralls all the any interested To grow it to peace To be wanting nothing than this TThe quotation of an unknown author was introduced by Rolf Herket in his book “Relax within 90 seconds”.

The writer gently suggests to his readers, who are somewhat hectic and burdened with the duties of modern life, to switch off for these 90 seconds and break away from their everyday routine. Apparently, it is as much as to be enough so as to relaxation exercises called “islets of rest” revived body and mind and afforded readapting to everyday routine of life.

Our “isles of repose” can raise unbelievable reserves of strength whether physical or psychic in nature – points R. Herket. The proposed exercises of relaxing come in aid to any given life situation, from pedagogical and educational practice to “inner training” for persons who cover senior positions. Equally, they are confirmed to be useful in treatment of aggression and hyper activeness in case of children and youth.

The exercises, qualified as “inner training” sessions, prove to be stress relieving and energizing as well as providing well-being and a general zest for life. Moreover they do not necessitate as much effort as meditation or techniques intended to aim imagination and creativeness require. The short-lasting exercises are well bound to bring continuing optimal effects as far as are performed as it should be:

46

- each one “inner training” approach is supposed to take 90 seconds whereas can be extended according to the will - combinations of activities can be adapted and gradually added in number - breathing during it is meant to be relaxed, uninhibited, and flowing, while during deep state of eased tension it can be built up - every one exercise should be followed by reflection what experience has taken place and where muscle blocks happened to locate – we need to be aware of the responses within us - in all the way expressions of smile are a great contribution – it is what we hear from the philosophers “smiling is like bath in the sun of our own soul” - stretching of muscles is thought to last some about seven seconds whilst the relaxation condition is to be resolved in the course of it - if a situation calls for it, the phase of relaxation can be completed with two or three stronger inhales or exhales, what enables the meeting the well-known common rhythm - the exercises are to be repeated two or threefold in respect what personal responses are - altogether, we need to not forget that we ourselves are masters in all individual a way Maciej Lutka

Seven steps on the way to instantaneous relaxation:

1.Place your hands behind your head with elbows tight back 2. Unbend your legs, down to your toes, tensing all the muscles 3. Contract stomach muscles, cease the breathing and count to seven 4. Make it gently to exhale and free the body in so far as it is possible 5.Be able to feel truly the experience 6. Like a cat after a nap, stretch straight and yawn unremittingly in length 7.Then, turn to be agile and lively in actual fact In thoughts or out loud voice it: “I am full of energy, paying attention, and at peace”

Foto : Deviantart

47