Stage I
Cancer is found in the pancreas only. Stage I is divided into stage IA and stage IB, based on the size of the tumor.
Stage IA: The tumor is 2 centimeters or smaller
Stage IB: The tumor is larger than 2 centimeters
Stage II
Cancer may have spread to nearby tissue and organs, and may have spread to lymph nodes near the pancreas. Stage II is divided into stage IIA and stage IIB, based on where the cancer has spread.
Stage IIA: Cancer has spread to nearby tissue and organs but has not spread to nearby lymph nodes
Stage IIB: Cancer has spread to nearby lymph nodes and may have spread to nearby tissue and organs
Stage III
Cancer has spread to the major blood vessels near the pancreas and may have spread to nearby lymph nodes.
Stage IV
Cancer may be of any size and has spread to distant organs, such as the liver, lung and peritoneal cavity. It may have also spread to organs and tissues near the pancreas or to lymph nodes.
© Georgetown University Hospital
Wednesday, May 31, 2006
pancreas diseases : Pancreatic Cancer
Pancreatic cancer is difficult to detect and diagnose because:
There aren’t any noticeable signs or symptoms in the early stages of pancreatic cancer
The signs of pancreatic cancer, when present, are like the signs of many other illnesses
The pancreas is hidden behind other organs (such as the stomach, small intestine, liver, gallbladder, spleen and bile ducts)
Difficult to diagnose and equally difficult to treat, pancreatic cancer is often aggressive, making it the fifth leading cause of cancer death in the U.S., and the cancer with the highest fatality rate. Of the estimated 29,000 patients diagnosed with pancreatic cancer annually, only one in five with cancer of the exocrine pancreas will live more than one year. Of these, just 15 percent will survive five years. While surgery is a patient’s best hope, it is only an option for those whose cancer is confined to the pancreas. For optimal patient outcomes, physician consults and patient evaluations should be initiated as soon as pancreatic cancer is suspected.
© Georgetown University Hospital
There aren’t any noticeable signs or symptoms in the early stages of pancreatic cancer
The signs of pancreatic cancer, when present, are like the signs of many other illnesses
The pancreas is hidden behind other organs (such as the stomach, small intestine, liver, gallbladder, spleen and bile ducts)
Difficult to diagnose and equally difficult to treat, pancreatic cancer is often aggressive, making it the fifth leading cause of cancer death in the U.S., and the cancer with the highest fatality rate. Of the estimated 29,000 patients diagnosed with pancreatic cancer annually, only one in five with cancer of the exocrine pancreas will live more than one year. Of these, just 15 percent will survive five years. While surgery is a patient’s best hope, it is only an option for those whose cancer is confined to the pancreas. For optimal patient outcomes, physician consults and patient evaluations should be initiated as soon as pancreatic cancer is suspected.
© Georgetown University Hospital
pancreas diseases : General Surgery
One option with the most potential to help shape the future of pancreatic care is the CyberKnife, a sophisticated stereotactic radiosurgical system designed to target hard-to-reach areas Georgetown’s pancreatic surgery program offers patients the full range of current therapies, supplemented by the potential to participate in promising clinical trials that could change how acute and chronic pancreatitis and pancreatic cancer are diagnosed and treated in the future.
Georgetown has the four pillars in place required to provide optimal care for all forms of pancreatic disease, including:
A state-of-the-art intraoperative radiation therapy suite and radiation center
The most advanced diagnostic procedures available today for the detection of disorders in the pancreas, liver, gallbladder and biliary ducts
Specialists experienced in benign and malignant pancreatic disease
Access to top-notch oncologists affiliated with the Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center – the only center in the metropolitan area to earn this top NCI-designation, and one of less than 40 nationwide
Studies suggest that institutions should perform a minimum of 10 pancreaticoduodenectomies (Whipple procedures) each year to maintain the level of expertise and skills required by the complex surgery; Georgetown’s numbers nearly double this benchmark. We are the sole hospital in the area with the specific patient volume necessary to support two pancreatic surgical specialists, thereby assuring the best possible outcomes.
© Georgetown University Hospital
Georgetown has the four pillars in place required to provide optimal care for all forms of pancreatic disease, including:
A state-of-the-art intraoperative radiation therapy suite and radiation center
The most advanced diagnostic procedures available today for the detection of disorders in the pancreas, liver, gallbladder and biliary ducts
Specialists experienced in benign and malignant pancreatic disease
Access to top-notch oncologists affiliated with the Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center – the only center in the metropolitan area to earn this top NCI-designation, and one of less than 40 nationwide
Studies suggest that institutions should perform a minimum of 10 pancreaticoduodenectomies (Whipple procedures) each year to maintain the level of expertise and skills required by the complex surgery; Georgetown’s numbers nearly double this benchmark. We are the sole hospital in the area with the specific patient volume necessary to support two pancreatic surgical specialists, thereby assuring the best possible outcomes.
© Georgetown University Hospital
Tuesday, May 30, 2006
pancreas diseases ; What are the characteristics of pancreatic cancer?
Pancreatic cancer is the fifth leading cause of cancer death in
the U. S. Each year, approximately 30,000 Americans develop cancer of the pancreas. It occurs more frequently in women than in men. It is typically diagnosed at age 60 or over, and is seldom found in patients under age 40. Cancer of the pancreas is difficult to diagnose because the organ is surrounded and hidden by other organs, including the stomach, small intestine, bile duct, gallbladder, liver and spleen. This is why pancreatic cancer is frequently undetected in its earliest stage. One of the early warning signs is jaundice, a yellowing of the skin and eyes.
Signs and symptoms of pancreatic cancer to watch out for:
Jaundice
Nausea or vomiting
Loss of appetite
Weight loss without change in eating habits
Pain in upper and middle abdomen, which may radiate into the back
Dark colored urine
Light colored stools
What are the stages of pancreatic cancer?
If a tumor is found to be malignant, its extent or spread is measured by a process called staging. Tumor stage is a classification based on the size of the primary tumor, involvement of nearby lymph glands, and spread to other organs, called metastasis. The stage of the tumor determines the appropriate treatment and the prognosis.
In cancer of the pancreas the stages are:
Stage I The cancer is limited to the pancreas, or its spread is localized in the surrounding tissues of the small intestine, stomach and bile duct.
Stage II The cancer has spread to the colon, spleen, stomach, or involves local major blood vessels, but has not reached the lymph system.
Stage III The cancer has spread to the lymph nodes, although not necessarily to distant organs.
Stage IV The cancer has metastasized to more distant organs such as the lungs, or liver.
Most pancreatic cancers begin in the ducts that transport pancreatic enzymes. The most common form is adenocarcinoma. Pancreatic cancer most often occurs in the head of the pancreas and rarely develops in the "tail."
http://www.cumc.columbia.edu/dept/cs/programs/pancreas/pancreatic_cancer.html
the U. S. Each year, approximately 30,000 Americans develop cancer of the pancreas. It occurs more frequently in women than in men. It is typically diagnosed at age 60 or over, and is seldom found in patients under age 40. Cancer of the pancreas is difficult to diagnose because the organ is surrounded and hidden by other organs, including the stomach, small intestine, bile duct, gallbladder, liver and spleen. This is why pancreatic cancer is frequently undetected in its earliest stage. One of the early warning signs is jaundice, a yellowing of the skin and eyes.
Signs and symptoms of pancreatic cancer to watch out for:
Jaundice
Nausea or vomiting
Loss of appetite
Weight loss without change in eating habits
Pain in upper and middle abdomen, which may radiate into the back
Dark colored urine
Light colored stools
What are the stages of pancreatic cancer?
If a tumor is found to be malignant, its extent or spread is measured by a process called staging. Tumor stage is a classification based on the size of the primary tumor, involvement of nearby lymph glands, and spread to other organs, called metastasis. The stage of the tumor determines the appropriate treatment and the prognosis.
In cancer of the pancreas the stages are:
Stage I The cancer is limited to the pancreas, or its spread is localized in the surrounding tissues of the small intestine, stomach and bile duct.
Stage II The cancer has spread to the colon, spleen, stomach, or involves local major blood vessels, but has not reached the lymph system.
Stage III The cancer has spread to the lymph nodes, although not necessarily to distant organs.
Stage IV The cancer has metastasized to more distant organs such as the lungs, or liver.
Most pancreatic cancers begin in the ducts that transport pancreatic enzymes. The most common form is adenocarcinoma. Pancreatic cancer most often occurs in the head of the pancreas and rarely develops in the "tail."
http://www.cumc.columbia.edu/dept/cs/programs/pancreas/pancreatic_cancer.html
pancreas diseases : What is pancreatitis?
Pancreatitis is inflammation of the pancreas that may occur as an acute, painful attack, or may be a chronic condition developing gradually over time. It is caused when pancreatic enzyme secretions build up and begin to digest the organ itself. Another term for this condition is auto digestion, which occurs when, for some unknown reason, the pancreas' powerful enzymes are activated in the pancreas itself rather than in the duodenum. It is believed that trypsin sets off a domino effect, activating other enzymes to speed the auto digestive process. Risk factors for developing pancreatitis include:
Gallstones
Alcohol use
Some medications
Severe viral or bacterial infection
Injury to the abdomen
Elevated triglyceride levels, called Hyperlipidemia
Elevated calcium blood levels, called Hypercalcemia
Pancreatitis ranges in severity from relatively mild to severe, and in its worst form may not respond to treatment.
Chronic Pancreatitis Explained
Chronic pancreatitis develops over a period of years, most often in individuals who have experienced pancreatic damage from earlier episodes of acute pancreatitis. It is frequently caused by long-term alcohol use, but, as with acute pancreatitis, no cause may be found. Edema (swelling) and inflammation confined to the pancreas are typical symptoms of mild or chronic pancreatitis. Symptoms may develop over a period of time without the sudden dramatic occurrence of an acute attack. However, those with undiagnosed chronic pancreatitis may develop acute episodes. There is a decrease in the secretion of enzymes needed for digestion and absorption of dietary fats. Fat digestion is impaired, resulting in fatty stools. This is called exocrine insufficiency. Recurrent abdominal pain may be accompanied by nausea and weight loss. Diagnostic scans may find stones or areas of calcified tissue within the pancreas. Alcoholism is the most common cause of adult pancreatic exocrine insufficiency, occurring 50 times greater than the rate among nondrinkers.
http://www.blogger.com/post-create.g?blogID=26398892
Gallstones
Alcohol use
Some medications
Severe viral or bacterial infection
Injury to the abdomen
Elevated triglyceride levels, called Hyperlipidemia
Elevated calcium blood levels, called Hypercalcemia
Pancreatitis ranges in severity from relatively mild to severe, and in its worst form may not respond to treatment.
Chronic Pancreatitis Explained
Chronic pancreatitis develops over a period of years, most often in individuals who have experienced pancreatic damage from earlier episodes of acute pancreatitis. It is frequently caused by long-term alcohol use, but, as with acute pancreatitis, no cause may be found. Edema (swelling) and inflammation confined to the pancreas are typical symptoms of mild or chronic pancreatitis. Symptoms may develop over a period of time without the sudden dramatic occurrence of an acute attack. However, those with undiagnosed chronic pancreatitis may develop acute episodes. There is a decrease in the secretion of enzymes needed for digestion and absorption of dietary fats. Fat digestion is impaired, resulting in fatty stools. This is called exocrine insufficiency. Recurrent abdominal pain may be accompanied by nausea and weight loss. Diagnostic scans may find stones or areas of calcified tissue within the pancreas. Alcoholism is the most common cause of adult pancreatic exocrine insufficiency, occurring 50 times greater than the rate among nondrinkers.
http://www.blogger.com/post-create.g?blogID=26398892
pancreas diseases ; Diagnosis of Pancreatic Diseases
There are a variety of tests that physicians use to determine if pancreatic disorders are present, what kinds and how advanced they are, and what may be causing the problem.
Abdominal Ultrasound
Abdominal ultrasound is a non-invasive technique using directed sound waves to examine the body's internal organs, including the pancreas, gallbladder, liver, kidneys, spleen, stomach, and intestines. It even allows viewing of the aorta and the urinary bladder.
During this examination, the patient lies horizontally with abdomen exposed. The technologist who performs the exam, called a sonographer, spreads a gel on the skin's surface and then passes a hand-held instrument called a transducer around the surface of the abdomen. The gel enables smooth manipulation of the transducer and helps to transmit the sound waves by excluding air. Commonly, patients are asked to fast for 6 to 8 hours prior to the test; water and routine medications may be consumed. The test is completely painless and lasts for about twenty minutes.
The test yields a printed scan, similar to a doppler effect image, that is read by the technician and your physician. The results of the test will be discussed with you by your physician.
MRI Scan
MRI is another non-invasive diagnostic procedure commonly prescribed at the Pancreas Center. MRI combines the use of a large magnet and radio waves to create body images. The hydrogen atoms in a patient's body react to the magnetic field, a computer reads the resulting data and organizes the results into images that can be read by the radiologist. Preparation for the test to examine your abdomen also requires that you refrain from eating or drinking at least 6 hours prior to the exam. You should continue to take any medications with water as usual. To avoid interference with the MRI scanning, jewelry and makeup should not be worn. You should not have an MRI if you have a cardiac pacemaker or have had certain kinds of neurosurgery or orthopedic surgery.
http://www.cumc.columbia.edu/dept/cs/programs/pancreas/pancreatic_diagnosis.html
Abdominal Ultrasound
Abdominal ultrasound is a non-invasive technique using directed sound waves to examine the body's internal organs, including the pancreas, gallbladder, liver, kidneys, spleen, stomach, and intestines. It even allows viewing of the aorta and the urinary bladder.
During this examination, the patient lies horizontally with abdomen exposed. The technologist who performs the exam, called a sonographer, spreads a gel on the skin's surface and then passes a hand-held instrument called a transducer around the surface of the abdomen. The gel enables smooth manipulation of the transducer and helps to transmit the sound waves by excluding air. Commonly, patients are asked to fast for 6 to 8 hours prior to the test; water and routine medications may be consumed. The test is completely painless and lasts for about twenty minutes.
The test yields a printed scan, similar to a doppler effect image, that is read by the technician and your physician. The results of the test will be discussed with you by your physician.
MRI Scan
MRI is another non-invasive diagnostic procedure commonly prescribed at the Pancreas Center. MRI combines the use of a large magnet and radio waves to create body images. The hydrogen atoms in a patient's body react to the magnetic field, a computer reads the resulting data and organizes the results into images that can be read by the radiologist. Preparation for the test to examine your abdomen also requires that you refrain from eating or drinking at least 6 hours prior to the exam. You should continue to take any medications with water as usual. To avoid interference with the MRI scanning, jewelry and makeup should not be worn. You should not have an MRI if you have a cardiac pacemaker or have had certain kinds of neurosurgery or orthopedic surgery.
http://www.cumc.columbia.edu/dept/cs/programs/pancreas/pancreatic_diagnosis.html
Monday, May 29, 2006
pancreas diseases : Probing the Pancreas
The human pancreas, an elongated, flattened gland behind the stomach, is involved in or affected by a number of diseases, including diabetes mellitus, cystic fibrosis, pancreatitis, and pancreatic cancer. These conditions are diagnosed and treated with products regulated by the Food and Drug Administration.
The pancreas is composed of two major types of tissues:
exocrine tissue (acini), which secretes digestive enzymes via the pancreatic duct into the duodenum (part of the small intestine leading from the stomach)
endocrine tissue (islets of Langerhans), which produces and secretes the hormones insulin and glucagon directly into the blood.
Endocrine tissue contains alpha, beta and delta cells. Beta cells produce insulin and alpha cells produce glucagon. These hormones regulate blood glucose levels. Delta cells secrete the hormone somatostatin, which inhibits insulin and glucagon secretion.
Diabetes
A deficiency of insulin in the body results in diabetes mellitus, which affects about 13 million individuals in the United States. It is characterized by a high blood glucose (sugar) level and glucose spilling into the urine due to a deficiency of insulin. As more glucose concentrates in the urine, more water is excreted, resulting in extreme thirst, rapid weight loss, drowsiness, fatigue, and possibly dehydration. Because the cells of the diabetic cannot use glucose for fuel, the body uses stored protein and fat for energy, which leads to a buildup of acid (acidosis) in the blood. If this condition is prolonged, the person can fall into a diabetic coma, characterized by deep labored breathing and fruity-odored breath.
There are two types of diabetes. In Type I diabetes, formerly called juvenile-onset diabetes, the pancreas cannot produce insulin. People with Type I diabetes must have daily insulin injections. But they need to avoid taking too much insulin because that can lead to insulin shock, which begins with a mild hunger. This is quickly followed by sweating, shallow breathing, dizziness, palpitations, trembling, and mental confusion. As the blood sugar falls, the body tries to compensate by breaking down fat and protein to make more sugar. Eventually, low blood sugar leads to a decrease in the sugar supply to the brain, resulting in a loss of consciousness. Eating a sugary food can prevent insulin shock until appropriate medical measures can be taken.
Type II diabetes, formerly called adult-onset diabetes, can occur at any age. The pancreas can produce insulin, but the cells do not respond to it.
For many years, treatment was insulin therapy for Type I and oral sulfonylureas and/or insulin therapy for Type II.
Metformin (glucophage) was the first antidiabetic drug approved by FDA (May 1995) for the treatment of Type II diabetes since the oral sulfonylureas were introduced in 1984. Metformin promotes the use of insulin already in the blood. This May 1995 approval was followed by the September 1995 approval of another antidiabetic drug, Acarbose (precose), in September 1995. It slows down the digestion and absorption of complex sugars, which reduces blood sugar levels after meals.
Before 1982, insulin was purified from beef or pork pancreas. This was a problem for those diabetics allergic to animal insulin. Researchers produced a synthetic insulin called humulin. Approved by FDA in 1982, it was the first genetically engineered consumer health product manufactured for diabetics. Synthetic insulins can be produced in unlimited quantities.
Another possible treatment for diabetes includes surgically replacing the pancreas' endocrine tissues (islets of Langerhans) with healthy islet of Langerhans tissue grafts. Since 1988, 45 patients worldwide have undergone successful transplantation.
Cystic Fibrosis
The major problem of cystic fibrosis, the number one genetic killer disease of children in the United States, is that the body overproduces thick, sticky mucus. The mucus blocks the pancreatic ducts, which impedes the flow of the pancreatic juices from the pancreas into the duodenum of the small intestines. Food cannot be properly digested. Without treatment, children with cystic fibrosis suffer from malnutrition and constant diarrhea; their average life expectancy is 21. Pancreatic enzyme preparations are usually used to minimize the disease's effects on the pancreas.
Pancreatic juices contain enzymes for digesting all three major food types (proteins, carbohydrates and fats), as well as quantities of bicarbonate ions, which play an important role in neutralizing the acid emptied by the stomach into the duodenum. The most important enzyme for fat digestion is pancreatic lipase, which is capable of changing fat into glycerol fatty acids and cholesterol. Hormones regulate pancreatic secretions. Food enters the small intestine. The hormones secretin and cholecystokinin cause the pancreas to create large quantities of fluid containing bicarbonate ions, which neutralizes the acid stomach contents.
Pancreatitis
Another common disease associated with the exocrine function of the pancreas is pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas), which can be either acute or chronic.
The most common cause of acute pancreatitis is blockage by a gallstone of the main secretory duct from the pancreas as well as the common bile duct. When this happens, large quantities of pancreatic secretions pool in the pancreas and can digest the entire pancreas within a few hours. But because the islets of Langerhans are not adversely affected, the pancreas can continue secreting insulin. Acute pancreatitis is a condition demanding immediate medical attention. It is characterized by abdominal pain, vomiting, abdominal swelling and gas, fever, muscle aches, and a drop in blood pressure. When appropriately treated, the effects of acute pancreatitis usually calm down within five to seven days. Treatment includes stopping oral consumption and providing nourishment only with intravenous fluids.
Chronic pancreatitis occurs when acute pancreatitis continues until pancreatic function is greatly diminished. Symptoms include persistent pain in the upper abdomen which can radiate to the back and last for days or weeks, with mild jaundice (yellow skin and eyes) and rapid weight loss. A person can have recurrent attacks over several years. This may result in secondary bacterial infections of the pancreas, calcium deficiencies, and Type II diabetes.
Pancreatic Cancer
Pancreatic cancer is the fourth leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States, affecting about 27,000 persons yearly. It is second only to colon cancer as a cause of death from gastrointestinal malignancy. It affects men twice as frequently as women and is more likely to develop after the age of 40. Pancreatic cancer risks increase with chronic pancreatitis, diabetes mellitus, genetic factors (more common in blacks than whites), smoking, excess alcohol consumption, high-fat diets, and exposure to industrial chemicals such as urea, naphthalene or benzidine. Symptoms include weight loss, abdominal pain, nausea, loss of appetite, itching, jaundice, and constipation. Abdominal stress may improve or worsen after eating, and the pain may increase after lying down. Because its symptoms mimic many other common health problems, it often goes undetected until it is too late to treat effectively.
When early diagnosis and early treatment are possible, however, survival chances increase. Imaging with endoscopic ultrasound may aid early diagnosis. Researchers are also rapidly building a library of potential genetic markers that indicate the onset of pancreatic cancer. Treatment includes chemotherapeutic drugs and traditional surgical techniques.
The most commonly used chemotherapeutic agents are 5-Fluorouracil (5-FU ) and the recently approved Gemzar (gemcitabine), a nucleoside analog that mimics DNA building blocks. FDA's approval of Gemzar last May was based on two clinical studies in patients with cancer that was locally advanced or had spread beyond the pancreas. These studies found improvement with Gemzar in what is termed "clinical benefit response"--a measure including changes in patients' use of painkillers, pain intensity, and body weight.
The first study, conducted with patients who had never before received chemotherapy, showed that when compared to patients receiving 5-FU therapy, patients treated with Gemzar had a statistically significant improvement in clinical benefit (23.8 percent versus 4.8 percent) and in median survival (5.6 months versus 4.2 months).
A second study conducted in 63 patients previously treated with 5-FU therapy and then given Gemzar showed a clinical benefit response of 27 percent and a median survival of 3.8 months.
Before its approval, FDA authorized Gemzar's manufacturer, Eli Lilly and Company, to make the drug available through a Treatment IND (investigational new drug) program. More than 2,800 patients received the drug under this program between February 1995 and May 1996. Treatment INDs allow drug developers to give patients access to drugs before they are approved for marketing in cases of immediately life-threatening or otherwise serious diseases.
Cryosurgery, a type of surgery in which extremely low temperatures are employed either locally or generally to destroy tissue, is also being investigated for use in pancreatic cancer. The technique involves specific time length and time interval applications by a probe containing liquid nitrogen to freeze the cancer cells to death. The advantages of cryosurgery are that it is inexpensive, requires shorter hospital stays, and causes less blood loss.
Pancreatic diseases are among the most common and most deadly diseases that affect Americans today. Due to genetics and the pancreas' inability to cope with disease, having one pancreatic disease primes the body to contract or develop a second pancreatic disease. Although scientists have made considerable progress in the treatment of diabetes, early detection and treatments for cystic fibrosis and pancreatic cancer don't always guarantee the patient will live a long normal life. However, researchers are constantly searching for new and improved methods to complement or replace current therapies in an attempt to at least improve the patient's quality of life.
Craig D. Reid, a writer in Los Angeles, was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis more than 30 years ago.
by Craig D. Reid, Ph.D.
The pancreas is composed of two major types of tissues:
exocrine tissue (acini), which secretes digestive enzymes via the pancreatic duct into the duodenum (part of the small intestine leading from the stomach)
endocrine tissue (islets of Langerhans), which produces and secretes the hormones insulin and glucagon directly into the blood.
Endocrine tissue contains alpha, beta and delta cells. Beta cells produce insulin and alpha cells produce glucagon. These hormones regulate blood glucose levels. Delta cells secrete the hormone somatostatin, which inhibits insulin and glucagon secretion.
Diabetes
A deficiency of insulin in the body results in diabetes mellitus, which affects about 13 million individuals in the United States. It is characterized by a high blood glucose (sugar) level and glucose spilling into the urine due to a deficiency of insulin. As more glucose concentrates in the urine, more water is excreted, resulting in extreme thirst, rapid weight loss, drowsiness, fatigue, and possibly dehydration. Because the cells of the diabetic cannot use glucose for fuel, the body uses stored protein and fat for energy, which leads to a buildup of acid (acidosis) in the blood. If this condition is prolonged, the person can fall into a diabetic coma, characterized by deep labored breathing and fruity-odored breath.
There are two types of diabetes. In Type I diabetes, formerly called juvenile-onset diabetes, the pancreas cannot produce insulin. People with Type I diabetes must have daily insulin injections. But they need to avoid taking too much insulin because that can lead to insulin shock, which begins with a mild hunger. This is quickly followed by sweating, shallow breathing, dizziness, palpitations, trembling, and mental confusion. As the blood sugar falls, the body tries to compensate by breaking down fat and protein to make more sugar. Eventually, low blood sugar leads to a decrease in the sugar supply to the brain, resulting in a loss of consciousness. Eating a sugary food can prevent insulin shock until appropriate medical measures can be taken.
Type II diabetes, formerly called adult-onset diabetes, can occur at any age. The pancreas can produce insulin, but the cells do not respond to it.
For many years, treatment was insulin therapy for Type I and oral sulfonylureas and/or insulin therapy for Type II.
Metformin (glucophage) was the first antidiabetic drug approved by FDA (May 1995) for the treatment of Type II diabetes since the oral sulfonylureas were introduced in 1984. Metformin promotes the use of insulin already in the blood. This May 1995 approval was followed by the September 1995 approval of another antidiabetic drug, Acarbose (precose), in September 1995. It slows down the digestion and absorption of complex sugars, which reduces blood sugar levels after meals.
Before 1982, insulin was purified from beef or pork pancreas. This was a problem for those diabetics allergic to animal insulin. Researchers produced a synthetic insulin called humulin. Approved by FDA in 1982, it was the first genetically engineered consumer health product manufactured for diabetics. Synthetic insulins can be produced in unlimited quantities.
Another possible treatment for diabetes includes surgically replacing the pancreas' endocrine tissues (islets of Langerhans) with healthy islet of Langerhans tissue grafts. Since 1988, 45 patients worldwide have undergone successful transplantation.
Cystic Fibrosis
The major problem of cystic fibrosis, the number one genetic killer disease of children in the United States, is that the body overproduces thick, sticky mucus. The mucus blocks the pancreatic ducts, which impedes the flow of the pancreatic juices from the pancreas into the duodenum of the small intestines. Food cannot be properly digested. Without treatment, children with cystic fibrosis suffer from malnutrition and constant diarrhea; their average life expectancy is 21. Pancreatic enzyme preparations are usually used to minimize the disease's effects on the pancreas.
Pancreatic juices contain enzymes for digesting all three major food types (proteins, carbohydrates and fats), as well as quantities of bicarbonate ions, which play an important role in neutralizing the acid emptied by the stomach into the duodenum. The most important enzyme for fat digestion is pancreatic lipase, which is capable of changing fat into glycerol fatty acids and cholesterol. Hormones regulate pancreatic secretions. Food enters the small intestine. The hormones secretin and cholecystokinin cause the pancreas to create large quantities of fluid containing bicarbonate ions, which neutralizes the acid stomach contents.
Pancreatitis
Another common disease associated with the exocrine function of the pancreas is pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas), which can be either acute or chronic.
The most common cause of acute pancreatitis is blockage by a gallstone of the main secretory duct from the pancreas as well as the common bile duct. When this happens, large quantities of pancreatic secretions pool in the pancreas and can digest the entire pancreas within a few hours. But because the islets of Langerhans are not adversely affected, the pancreas can continue secreting insulin. Acute pancreatitis is a condition demanding immediate medical attention. It is characterized by abdominal pain, vomiting, abdominal swelling and gas, fever, muscle aches, and a drop in blood pressure. When appropriately treated, the effects of acute pancreatitis usually calm down within five to seven days. Treatment includes stopping oral consumption and providing nourishment only with intravenous fluids.
Chronic pancreatitis occurs when acute pancreatitis continues until pancreatic function is greatly diminished. Symptoms include persistent pain in the upper abdomen which can radiate to the back and last for days or weeks, with mild jaundice (yellow skin and eyes) and rapid weight loss. A person can have recurrent attacks over several years. This may result in secondary bacterial infections of the pancreas, calcium deficiencies, and Type II diabetes.
Pancreatic Cancer
Pancreatic cancer is the fourth leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States, affecting about 27,000 persons yearly. It is second only to colon cancer as a cause of death from gastrointestinal malignancy. It affects men twice as frequently as women and is more likely to develop after the age of 40. Pancreatic cancer risks increase with chronic pancreatitis, diabetes mellitus, genetic factors (more common in blacks than whites), smoking, excess alcohol consumption, high-fat diets, and exposure to industrial chemicals such as urea, naphthalene or benzidine. Symptoms include weight loss, abdominal pain, nausea, loss of appetite, itching, jaundice, and constipation. Abdominal stress may improve or worsen after eating, and the pain may increase after lying down. Because its symptoms mimic many other common health problems, it often goes undetected until it is too late to treat effectively.
When early diagnosis and early treatment are possible, however, survival chances increase. Imaging with endoscopic ultrasound may aid early diagnosis. Researchers are also rapidly building a library of potential genetic markers that indicate the onset of pancreatic cancer. Treatment includes chemotherapeutic drugs and traditional surgical techniques.
The most commonly used chemotherapeutic agents are 5-Fluorouracil (5-FU ) and the recently approved Gemzar (gemcitabine), a nucleoside analog that mimics DNA building blocks. FDA's approval of Gemzar last May was based on two clinical studies in patients with cancer that was locally advanced or had spread beyond the pancreas. These studies found improvement with Gemzar in what is termed "clinical benefit response"--a measure including changes in patients' use of painkillers, pain intensity, and body weight.
The first study, conducted with patients who had never before received chemotherapy, showed that when compared to patients receiving 5-FU therapy, patients treated with Gemzar had a statistically significant improvement in clinical benefit (23.8 percent versus 4.8 percent) and in median survival (5.6 months versus 4.2 months).
A second study conducted in 63 patients previously treated with 5-FU therapy and then given Gemzar showed a clinical benefit response of 27 percent and a median survival of 3.8 months.
Before its approval, FDA authorized Gemzar's manufacturer, Eli Lilly and Company, to make the drug available through a Treatment IND (investigational new drug) program. More than 2,800 patients received the drug under this program between February 1995 and May 1996. Treatment INDs allow drug developers to give patients access to drugs before they are approved for marketing in cases of immediately life-threatening or otherwise serious diseases.
Cryosurgery, a type of surgery in which extremely low temperatures are employed either locally or generally to destroy tissue, is also being investigated for use in pancreatic cancer. The technique involves specific time length and time interval applications by a probe containing liquid nitrogen to freeze the cancer cells to death. The advantages of cryosurgery are that it is inexpensive, requires shorter hospital stays, and causes less blood loss.
Pancreatic diseases are among the most common and most deadly diseases that affect Americans today. Due to genetics and the pancreas' inability to cope with disease, having one pancreatic disease primes the body to contract or develop a second pancreatic disease. Although scientists have made considerable progress in the treatment of diabetes, early detection and treatments for cystic fibrosis and pancreatic cancer don't always guarantee the patient will live a long normal life. However, researchers are constantly searching for new and improved methods to complement or replace current therapies in an attempt to at least improve the patient's quality of life.
Craig D. Reid, a writer in Los Angeles, was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis more than 30 years ago.
by Craig D. Reid, Ph.D.
pancreas diseases : Common Diseases of the Pancreas
When pancreas function is compromised, a number of possible health complications can arise. The location of the gland, buried as it is in the abdomen, makes it difficult to detect problems. Physical palpation of the gland is not possible, so blood tests and diagnostic imaging are often needed to diagnose pancreatic health difficulties. Health problems may include:
Pancreatitis is inflammation of the organ, and is often a source of pain. Pancreatitis may have a number of causes, and can be acute or chronic, hereditary or acquired. In some cases, pancreatitis can be fatal.
Pancreatic Cancer is the fifth leading cause of cancer deaths worldwide. The disease has a high mortality rate, and treatment options are, at present, limited. Diabetes and pancreatitis are considered to be risk factors.
Type 1 Diabetes occurs when insulin production either shuts down or is severely reduced. The body is then unable to maintain appropriate blood sugar levels.
Type 2 Diabetes occurs when insulin production is normal, but the body's cells no longer respond correctly to the hormone.
Cystic Fibrosis is a genetic disorder that causes the body to produce thick mucus that interferes with both respiratory function and the exocrine system. The mucus blocks the pancreas ducts, preventing digestive enzymes from reaching the small intestine. This results in insufficient digestion and malnutrition.
Copyright Pancreatic-Disorders.com 2003-2006. All rights reserved.
Pancreatitis is inflammation of the organ, and is often a source of pain. Pancreatitis may have a number of causes, and can be acute or chronic, hereditary or acquired. In some cases, pancreatitis can be fatal.
Pancreatic Cancer is the fifth leading cause of cancer deaths worldwide. The disease has a high mortality rate, and treatment options are, at present, limited. Diabetes and pancreatitis are considered to be risk factors.
Type 1 Diabetes occurs when insulin production either shuts down or is severely reduced. The body is then unable to maintain appropriate blood sugar levels.
Type 2 Diabetes occurs when insulin production is normal, but the body's cells no longer respond correctly to the hormone.
Cystic Fibrosis is a genetic disorder that causes the body to produce thick mucus that interferes with both respiratory function and the exocrine system. The mucus blocks the pancreas ducts, preventing digestive enzymes from reaching the small intestine. This results in insufficient digestion and malnutrition.
Copyright Pancreatic-Disorders.com 2003-2006. All rights reserved.
pancreas diseases : Pancreatic disorders affecting the endocrine and digestive systems
Diseases of the Pancreas
The pancreas is located in the abdomen. It lies behind the stomach, in front of the spine, and is surrounded by the intestines and liver. The gland is approximately six inches long and resembles a compressed bunch of grapes. Proper pancreas function is essential for the production of a number of hormones and digestive enzymes.
The Endocrine System: Insulin and Glucagon Production
The pancreas plays an important role in the endocrine system: it secretes hormones and other chemical substances which are released into the bloodstream.
Specialized clusters of pancreatic cells, known as islet cells, produce a variety of hormones, with each cluster specializing in the production of a specific hormone. For example two hormones produced by these specialized cells are glucagon and insulin. Glucagon breaks down glycogen in the liver, which raises blood sugar levels. Insulin makes it possible for cells to use blood glucose for energy. Thus, healthy pancreas function is necessary for maintaining correct blood sugar levels.
Pancreas Function and the Digestive System
The digestive system is also affected by pancreas function. The gland secretes pancreatic "juices," which travel from the gland through a duct and into the duodenum (the beginning of the small intestine). These juices contain enzymes that are necessary for proper digestion.
Exocrine vs. Endocrine
When pancreas function is discussed, the terms exocrine and endocrine are used. The endocrine system releases hormones into the bloodstream. The exocrine system secretes substances and enzymes required for digestion into the small intestine.
Copyright Pancreatic-Disorders.com 2003-2006. All rights reserved.
The pancreas is located in the abdomen. It lies behind the stomach, in front of the spine, and is surrounded by the intestines and liver. The gland is approximately six inches long and resembles a compressed bunch of grapes. Proper pancreas function is essential for the production of a number of hormones and digestive enzymes.
The Endocrine System: Insulin and Glucagon Production
The pancreas plays an important role in the endocrine system: it secretes hormones and other chemical substances which are released into the bloodstream.
Specialized clusters of pancreatic cells, known as islet cells, produce a variety of hormones, with each cluster specializing in the production of a specific hormone. For example two hormones produced by these specialized cells are glucagon and insulin. Glucagon breaks down glycogen in the liver, which raises blood sugar levels. Insulin makes it possible for cells to use blood glucose for energy. Thus, healthy pancreas function is necessary for maintaining correct blood sugar levels.
Pancreas Function and the Digestive System
The digestive system is also affected by pancreas function. The gland secretes pancreatic "juices," which travel from the gland through a duct and into the duodenum (the beginning of the small intestine). These juices contain enzymes that are necessary for proper digestion.
Exocrine vs. Endocrine
When pancreas function is discussed, the terms exocrine and endocrine are used. The endocrine system releases hormones into the bloodstream. The exocrine system secretes substances and enzymes required for digestion into the small intestine.
Copyright Pancreatic-Disorders.com 2003-2006. All rights reserved.
pancreas diseases : Diseases of the Pancreas
What is the pancreas?
The pancreas is a narrow, flat organ about six inches long, with a head, middle, and tail section. It is located below the liver, between the stomach and the spine, and its head section connects to the duodenum (first part of the small intestine). Inside the pancreas, small ducts (tubes) feed fluids produced by the pancreas into the pancreatic duct. This larger duct carries the fluids down the length of the pancreas, from the tail to the head, and into the duodenum. The common bile duct also runs through the head section of the pancreas, carrying bile from the liver and gall bladder into the small intestine.
The pancreas consists of two kinds of tissues:
Exocrine -- which make powerful enzymes to digest fats, proteins, and carbohydrates. The enzymes normally are created and carried to the duodenum in an inactive form, then activated as needed. Exocrine tissue also makes bicarbonates that work to neutralize stomach acids.
Endocrine -- which produce the hormones insulin and glucagon and release them into the blood stream. These hormones regulate glucose transport into the body's cells and are crucial for energy production.
©2001-2006 American Association for Clinical Chemistry
The pancreas is a narrow, flat organ about six inches long, with a head, middle, and tail section. It is located below the liver, between the stomach and the spine, and its head section connects to the duodenum (first part of the small intestine). Inside the pancreas, small ducts (tubes) feed fluids produced by the pancreas into the pancreatic duct. This larger duct carries the fluids down the length of the pancreas, from the tail to the head, and into the duodenum. The common bile duct also runs through the head section of the pancreas, carrying bile from the liver and gall bladder into the small intestine.
The pancreas consists of two kinds of tissues:
Exocrine -- which make powerful enzymes to digest fats, proteins, and carbohydrates. The enzymes normally are created and carried to the duodenum in an inactive form, then activated as needed. Exocrine tissue also makes bicarbonates that work to neutralize stomach acids.
Endocrine -- which produce the hormones insulin and glucagon and release them into the blood stream. These hormones regulate glucose transport into the body's cells and are crucial for energy production.
©2001-2006 American Association for Clinical Chemistry
Monday, May 15, 2006
[How to] Connect your iRiver to an external player (home stereo, car stereo)
There are a number of ways to attack this issue, some simple, some difficult and some maybe illegal if you live in certain parts of the planet.
Let’s look at the easy and best sounding way first and move on to the other possible methods.
PLAN A
For the best possible playback quality a direct connection to your car stereo is the best and first choice. Unfortunately most OEM (came with the car) stereo units were not intended to take remote inputs….that is too bad. If you have had an upgraded stereo installed in your car and it has a front panel LINE IN you are in luck. Some units have a LINE IN but it is located on the back of the stereo. This means you must lay on your back with your head under the dashboard with a flashlight and look to see if you have this input. You could of course just remove the stereo and look at the back of the unit or look at the owner’s manual….but that would be too easy.
If you have a LINE IN be it analog or optical simply plug your player into that connection and you are off and running….real easy. You should also read this thread and look for posts made by Spike (http://www.misticriver.net/boards/showthread.php?t=10002) as he has the answer that solves your problem if you want to add LINE IN function to a car that does not have one. Thanks Spike U'Da man!
If however you do not have a LINE IN on the front or back and do not follow Spikes suggestions we have to look at PLAN B.
PLAN B
Hope you have a cassette player. If you have a tape player then simply get a cassette adaptor that will plug into your LINE OUT of the player. This will give you good results but is not as good as PLAN A. Google to find manufactures of this device or visit iRiver’s website and check out what they sell. If you do not have a cassette player and you do not live in a country that prohibits the next course of action consider the next option.
PLAN C
Use a FM Transmitter. This is a small device that takes the audio output from the iRiver player and converts it to a small broadcast signal and sends it without wires (via the antenna in your car) to a blank channel on your FM car stereo. Works ok but may not give audio quality similar to PLAN A or B and may not be legal in your country. I would go on as to why I personally think banning such devices is stupid but I respect “bunker dwellers” too much to stir up this kettle of cat fur. If legal in your country visit your local electronic gizmo store or Google to find. If not look at the next option.
PLAN D
Caution: This is the last resort and should only be undertaken if you are both too cheap to buy a new aftermarket car stereo with a front mounted LINE IN and have some experience in electronics.
Copyright ©2000-2006, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.
Let’s look at the easy and best sounding way first and move on to the other possible methods.
PLAN A
For the best possible playback quality a direct connection to your car stereo is the best and first choice. Unfortunately most OEM (came with the car) stereo units were not intended to take remote inputs….that is too bad. If you have had an upgraded stereo installed in your car and it has a front panel LINE IN you are in luck. Some units have a LINE IN but it is located on the back of the stereo. This means you must lay on your back with your head under the dashboard with a flashlight and look to see if you have this input. You could of course just remove the stereo and look at the back of the unit or look at the owner’s manual….but that would be too easy.
If you have a LINE IN be it analog or optical simply plug your player into that connection and you are off and running….real easy. You should also read this thread and look for posts made by Spike (http://www.misticriver.net/boards/showthread.php?t=10002) as he has the answer that solves your problem if you want to add LINE IN function to a car that does not have one. Thanks Spike U'Da man!
If however you do not have a LINE IN on the front or back and do not follow Spikes suggestions we have to look at PLAN B.
PLAN B
Hope you have a cassette player. If you have a tape player then simply get a cassette adaptor that will plug into your LINE OUT of the player. This will give you good results but is not as good as PLAN A. Google to find manufactures of this device or visit iRiver’s website and check out what they sell. If you do not have a cassette player and you do not live in a country that prohibits the next course of action consider the next option.
PLAN C
Use a FM Transmitter. This is a small device that takes the audio output from the iRiver player and converts it to a small broadcast signal and sends it without wires (via the antenna in your car) to a blank channel on your FM car stereo. Works ok but may not give audio quality similar to PLAN A or B and may not be legal in your country. I would go on as to why I personally think banning such devices is stupid but I respect “bunker dwellers” too much to stir up this kettle of cat fur. If legal in your country visit your local electronic gizmo store or Google to find. If not look at the next option.
PLAN D
Caution: This is the last resort and should only be undertaken if you are both too cheap to buy a new aftermarket car stereo with a front mounted LINE IN and have some experience in electronics.
Copyright ©2000-2006, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.
Saturday, May 13, 2006
Yamaha YSP-800
Yamaha has overturned the conventional wisdom that spectacular surround-sound requires five or more separate loudspeakers. The Sound Projector YSP-800 comprises just one compact loudspeaker cabinet, in which are mounted numerous small speaker drive units, each with its own individual digital amplifier. Yamaha’s digital sound processing system enables this array of tiny transducers to direct focused beams of sound all around the room, creating a highly three-dimensional soundfield which is hard to distinguish from multi-speaker effects. With DTS and Dolby Digital decoding on board, the YSP-800 is the most neat, complete, discreet home theatre speaker you can imagine.
COPYRIGHT © 1992 - 2005 EISA
COPYRIGHT © 1992 - 2005 EISA
Tuesday, May 09, 2006
Encyclopedia--roulette (rūlĕt')
roulette (rūlĕt') , game of chance popular in gambling casinos, and in a simplified form elsewhere. In gambling houses the roulette wheel is set in an oblong table. Its outer area is marked off into 37 (in Europe) or 38 (in the United States) spaces, each of which has retaining walls so that a small ball may come to rest in one. The sectors, alternately red and black, are numbered 1 to 36; there is also a green (or sometimes white) 0 and in the United States an additional 00. On the table is an arrangement of red and black squares numbered in correspondence with the wheel. In addition, there are spaces for other types of bets: manque, that the winning number will be 1–18; passe, that it will be 19–36; pair, that it will be an even number; impair, that it will be odd; rouge, that it will be red; noir, that it will be black. All bets are placed against the house and are indicated by placing stakes on the layout. The croupier spins the wheel and tosses the ball onto it; its final place of rest indicates the winning bets. Many betting combinations are allowed, with varying odds and maximum stakes. Roulette dates from the late 18th cent.
The noun roulette has 3 meanings:
Meaning #1: a line generated by a point on one figure rolling around a second figure
Synonym: line roulette
Meaning #2: a wheel with teeth for making a row of perforations
Synonym: toothed wheel
Meaning #3: a gambling game in which players bet on which compartment of a revolving wheel a small ball will come to rest in
Copyright © 2006 Answers Corporation. All rights reserved
The noun roulette has 3 meanings:
Meaning #1: a line generated by a point on one figure rolling around a second figure
Synonym: line roulette
Meaning #2: a wheel with teeth for making a row of perforations
Synonym: toothed wheel
Meaning #3: a gambling game in which players bet on which compartment of a revolving wheel a small ball will come to rest in
Copyright © 2006 Answers Corporation. All rights reserved
Friday, May 05, 2006
Remodeling project to create a new look
NILES — An upcoming renovation to Eastwood Mall will be the second-largest remodeling project by the Cafaro Co., which owns 19 malls across the country.
Anthony Cafaro Sr., president of the Youngstown-based company, said the project will cost several million dollars and be highlighted by the addition of a food court, skylights and carpeting.
"We think this area deserves this kind of treatment, this kind of investment," he said Wednesday at a ceremony to announce the renovation and the opening of a new store, Steve & Barry's University Sportswear.
Ken Kollar, mall general manager, said he expects the work to be completed by October in time for the holiday shopping season. Construction barricades could appear by this weekend as work begins on the food court, he said.
The escalator, stairs and planters at the main entrance near Ruby Tuesday's will be removed so an open space can be created for 350 seats in the food court. An elevator and stairs for access to Kahunaville will be installed off to the sides.
Also, the walls of the units just inside the entrance will be removed as part of the open appearance. There will be six retailers in the food court, including Salvatore's Pizzeria, which is relocating from elsewhere in the mall.
Kollar said others in the food court will include a hot dog shop and restaurants that offer Mexican, Japanese and Asian food.
By DON SHILLING
Anthony Cafaro Sr., president of the Youngstown-based company, said the project will cost several million dollars and be highlighted by the addition of a food court, skylights and carpeting.
"We think this area deserves this kind of treatment, this kind of investment," he said Wednesday at a ceremony to announce the renovation and the opening of a new store, Steve & Barry's University Sportswear.
Ken Kollar, mall general manager, said he expects the work to be completed by October in time for the holiday shopping season. Construction barricades could appear by this weekend as work begins on the food court, he said.
The escalator, stairs and planters at the main entrance near Ruby Tuesday's will be removed so an open space can be created for 350 seats in the food court. An elevator and stairs for access to Kahunaville will be installed off to the sides.
Also, the walls of the units just inside the entrance will be removed as part of the open appearance. There will be six retailers in the food court, including Salvatore's Pizzeria, which is relocating from elsewhere in the mall.
Kollar said others in the food court will include a hot dog shop and restaurants that offer Mexican, Japanese and Asian food.
By DON SHILLING
Wednesday, May 03, 2006
Relocating to Tampa Bay A Great Place to Call Home
Its no wonder that Florida's Tampa Bay area has become such a popular choice for relocating adults and families to call home. The west coast of Florida has mile after mile of white, sandy beaches and magnificently, beautiful natural resources. These areas include the city of Tampa, Clearwater, St. Petersburg, as well as Palm Harbor, Tarpon Springs and Oldsmar.
Picture if you will, the opportunity for renewing your spirit any time you need a recharge. Dip your toes into the gentle, warm gulf waters of Tampa Bay. Let your troubles roll out to sea with the tides. As the waves return to once again touch the shores, let them bring you peace and a renewed sense of self. Now that you feel newly invigorated, perhaps you will want to head over to one of the areas more populated beaches, such as Clearwater Beach or St. Petersburg Beach, for some adventure. Take the whole family for a day of fun-filled activities such as collecting sea shells, building sand castles, swimming, fishing, parasailing, or take a cruise for the chance for spotting a whale or a group of dolphins.
You will find exciting activities away from the beaches as well. You can spend the day shopping to find that unique gift for yourself or a loved one. Take in an art gallery or take the family on a historic tour of the area or even to one of the many museums you will find throughout Florida's Tampa Bay area. When you get hungry, you will find plenty of fine dining and family restaurants to satisfy even the most finicky of eaters.
The Tampa Bay area is also home to some of the best theatre productions, live music, and sporting events to be found anywhere. Attend a play or watch in awe, the beauty of ballet, for a cultural experience your family will not soon forget. The sports fan will be delighted as a spectator at one of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers action-filled football games. Those who like to gamble a bit might enjoy a little time spent betting, at one of the areas Greyhound Racing tracks.
You will find that life along Florida's West Coast offers on one hand, an oasis from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, and even the influx of tourists that visit Florida each year: but also provides you with many recreational and educational activities to enhance the time that you spend with your family. And of course, you are just a short distance drive from family attractions such as Disney World, Busch Gardens, Universal Studios, Cypress Gardens, and Universal Studios. But unlike visitors who only get to experience some of what Florida's West Coast has to offer, as a resident, you can discover and explore all that is here, at your own pace.
You can rely on your Tampa real estate representative to provide you with all of the information and assistance that you will need as you become an official "Floridian." A real estate agent can help you select the neighborhood that best matches your living style and needs. Whether you're looking for a suitable neighborhood to raise a family in, or a community for adults 55 and over, or looking to settle in where other single, middle-aged people are already living: your real estate agent can help you locate these areas.
Together you and your agent can explore the many housing options available to you. From single-family dwellings to single adult condominium complexes and retirement villas, so that you can choose the one that is best for you. These friendly and knowledgeable real estate representatives can also assist you in obtaining the financing you need to make your dream of relocating to Florida's West Coast, a reality!
Bob Lipply is a full time, full service broker associate in Tampa Bay Florida with many years of experience helping people relocate to Tampa Bay. Visit his website at Tampa Bay Real Estate for much more local relocation information. His team of experienced realtors really know this area, they can help you find your Florida dream home.
by Bob Lipply
Picture if you will, the opportunity for renewing your spirit any time you need a recharge. Dip your toes into the gentle, warm gulf waters of Tampa Bay. Let your troubles roll out to sea with the tides. As the waves return to once again touch the shores, let them bring you peace and a renewed sense of self. Now that you feel newly invigorated, perhaps you will want to head over to one of the areas more populated beaches, such as Clearwater Beach or St. Petersburg Beach, for some adventure. Take the whole family for a day of fun-filled activities such as collecting sea shells, building sand castles, swimming, fishing, parasailing, or take a cruise for the chance for spotting a whale or a group of dolphins.
You will find exciting activities away from the beaches as well. You can spend the day shopping to find that unique gift for yourself or a loved one. Take in an art gallery or take the family on a historic tour of the area or even to one of the many museums you will find throughout Florida's Tampa Bay area. When you get hungry, you will find plenty of fine dining and family restaurants to satisfy even the most finicky of eaters.
The Tampa Bay area is also home to some of the best theatre productions, live music, and sporting events to be found anywhere. Attend a play or watch in awe, the beauty of ballet, for a cultural experience your family will not soon forget. The sports fan will be delighted as a spectator at one of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers action-filled football games. Those who like to gamble a bit might enjoy a little time spent betting, at one of the areas Greyhound Racing tracks.
You will find that life along Florida's West Coast offers on one hand, an oasis from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, and even the influx of tourists that visit Florida each year: but also provides you with many recreational and educational activities to enhance the time that you spend with your family. And of course, you are just a short distance drive from family attractions such as Disney World, Busch Gardens, Universal Studios, Cypress Gardens, and Universal Studios. But unlike visitors who only get to experience some of what Florida's West Coast has to offer, as a resident, you can discover and explore all that is here, at your own pace.
You can rely on your Tampa real estate representative to provide you with all of the information and assistance that you will need as you become an official "Floridian." A real estate agent can help you select the neighborhood that best matches your living style and needs. Whether you're looking for a suitable neighborhood to raise a family in, or a community for adults 55 and over, or looking to settle in where other single, middle-aged people are already living: your real estate agent can help you locate these areas.
Together you and your agent can explore the many housing options available to you. From single-family dwellings to single adult condominium complexes and retirement villas, so that you can choose the one that is best for you. These friendly and knowledgeable real estate representatives can also assist you in obtaining the financing you need to make your dream of relocating to Florida's West Coast, a reality!
Bob Lipply is a full time, full service broker associate in Tampa Bay Florida with many years of experience helping people relocate to Tampa Bay. Visit his website at Tampa Bay Real Estate for much more local relocation information. His team of experienced realtors really know this area, they can help you find your Florida dream home.
by Bob Lipply
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