Archive for 2006
Earliest know indicator for future breast cancer development
Thursday, November 16th, 2006
With more emphasis being placed on early detection screenings, there is now renewed interest in the parallel development of complementary imaging techniques that can also exploit the precocious metabolic, immunological and vascular changes associated with early tumor growth.
One promising modality for aiding clinicians in differentiating malignant from benign breast lesions is Medical Infrared Imaging. This modality is non-invasive and detects physiologic tissue response, rather than evaluating anatomic features. As heat is released from the body, a portion is in the form of infrared radiation.
At the Irish Centre of Integrated Medicine (ICIM) a state-of-the-art infrared radiation detection system utilizes ultra-sensitive infrared cameras and sophisticated computers to detect, analyze, and produce high-resolution diagnostic images of these infrared emissions. The problems encountered with first generation infrared camera systems such as improper detector sensitivity (low-band), thermal drift, calibration. Analog interface, etc. have been solved for almost two decades.
New Equipment helps to catch Osteoporosis before it takes hold
Thursday, November 2nd, 2006
By Lesley Hunter-Nolan
At a time when statistics have been released to show that over 400,000 people in Ireland suffer from osteoporosis, The Irish Centre of Integrated Medicine in Naas has introduced an advanced ultra-sound bone Sonometry machine which provides information about the strength of the bone, its structure and elasticity.
The machine is a quick and safe method of measuring an individuals ‘osteoporosis fracture risk’ using ultra sound and is an alternative to waiting list and radiation involved with the more commonly used bone density measurement, the ‘DEXA’ scan.
The radiation emitted by the DEXA scan is minimal but can have a cumulative effect.
Bone up on how to Battle the “Silent Disease”
Monday, September 25th, 2006
Jackie Fitzgerald
As you read this, a ‘silent disease’ could be attacking your bones, thinning them, making them porous and even causing them to break. As many as 400,000 people in Ireland are estimated to be experiencing osteoporosis.
This disease affects one in three women over 50 years of age, and one in five men, even though many people are unaware that they have the condition and only discover it when it is too late.
But osteoporosis is a treatable (and even preventable) disease. Early diagnosis helps, of course, but you should also be proactive and be aware of the risk factors.
Worldwide, millions of people are affected by osteoporosis, which is now six times more prevalent in women than it was in the sixties. So what exactly is it and what can be done to ensure that we don’t become victims of this virulent disease?
Them bones need testing!
Wednesday, September 20th, 2006
Osteoporosis effects one in three women and one in five men over the age of 50 in Ireland. Many people aren’t actually aware that they have the condition because they don’t experience any obvious symptoms.
If you have any risk factors for osteoporosis eg, family history or early menopause, then it’s particularly important that you get a bone density test.
DEXA machines, which carry out the test are available in clinics and hospitals around the country and The Irish Centre of Integrated Medicine in Naas has just introduced a new Quantitative Ultrasound (QUS) testing machine.
While DEXA machines use x-ray (and therefore a low level of radiation), this new machine uses ultra sound.
For more information about osteoporosis and how to avoid it, contact the Irish Centre of Integrated Medicine, St. Johns Grove, Johnstown, Naas, Co. Kildare. Tel: 045 844819. www.icim.ie The test costs €135.00.