Factors that influence Health & Diagnostic Tools.

1. A&P 1 – Session 3 Tutor: Eleshia Howell Factors that influence Health &Diagnostic Tools. Written by Eleshia Howell for use by WEA - AoCH. (c) 2012. Not to be used without permission from the Author.

2. Activity: • There are many factors that can influence a person’s health. • As a group (or in small groups) ‘brainstorm’ some of these factors and explore their impact on health. Written by Eleshia Howell for use by WEA - AoCH. (c) 2012. Not to be used without permission from the Author.

3. Factors that can influence health • Nutrition – what we eat / drink, quality and quantity • Alcohol • Drugs – prescribed and elicit • Smoking • Environmental toxins • Exercise / activity – type and frequency • Stress Written by Eleshia Howell for use by WEA - AoCH. (c) 2012. Not to be used without permission from the Author.

4. Age • Gender • Emotions / Thought patterns • Disease processes • Pathogens and invasive organisms • Interrelationship between organ systems Written by Eleshia Howell for use by WEA - AoCH. (c) 2012. Not to be used without permission from the Author.

5. Diagnostic Tools Tests are used to: • Screen for diseases / abnormalities • Diagnose a disorder • Evaluate the severity of a disorder in order to plan appropriate treatment • Monitor the response to treatment Written by Eleshia Howell for use by WEA - AoCH. (c) 2012. Not to be used without permission from the Author.

6. Common diagnostic tests • Analysis of body fluids • Blood • Urine • Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) • Synovial fluid (from joint spaces) • Stools • Medical imaging • X-ray – fractures, breaks, dislocations, some soft tissue changes. Radio waves detect calcium ions. Written by Eleshia Howell for use by WEA - AoCH. (c) 2012. Not to be used without permission from the Author.

7. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) – finely detailed images of the body. Uses a magnetic field and radio waves to collect pictures of the internal structures of the body. One way to think of it is...a ‘water’ x-ray! Soft tissue contains water molecules and the magnetic field acts upon microscopic substances (called protons) found in water. The magnetised protons in the soft tissue send out an echo in response to the MRI scan’s radio waves. A computer then organises these echoes into images. Often used to detect soft tissue injury / disease. Written by Eleshia Howell for use by WEA - AoCH. (c) 2012. Not to be used without permission from the Author.

8. Computed Tomography (CT) - uses x-rays and digital computer technology to create detailed two or three-dimensional images. Unlike other forms of medical imaging, the CT scan can image every type of body structure at once including bone, blood vessels and soft tissue. Multiple x-rays are taken in thin cross-sections along the person’s body (imagine a loaf of sliced bread). The detectors collect the x-ray information from each cross-section and send them to a special computer that combines them into a single image. Written by Eleshia Howell for use by WEA - AoCH. (c) 2012. Not to be used without permission from the Author.

9. Ultrasound – used to demonstrate internal body structures by using high frequency sound waves to ‘echo’ off tissue to produce an image. Commonly used in obstetrics, abdominal and pelvic organs, muscles, joints, heart and blood vessels. Ultrasound can also be used to guide other procedures, such as a biopsy. • Digital Vascular Imaging – eg Angiogram. Uses combination of x-ray and CCTV to produce ‘real time’ images to assist in diagnosing and treating conditions of the vascular system. Written by Eleshia Howell for use by WEA - AoCH. (c) 2012. Not to be used without permission from the Author.

10. Endoscopy – observation of internal structures by inserting a fibroptic camera into an opening of the body, eg mouth, anus, urethra. • Gastroscope – stomach • Colonoscope – rectum / bowel • Cystoscope – bladder • Bronchoscope – lungs • Hysteroscope - Uterus Written by Eleshia Howell for use by WEA - AoCH. (c) 2012. Not to be used without permission from the Author.

11. Biopsy – a sample of tissue is taken from a specific area to determine a diagnosis of disease or illness. A biopsy may be taken using a needle, a “punch” needle or an excision of tissue. The sample is then examined for abnormal cells or evidence of diseased tissue. Written by Eleshia Howell for use by WEA - AoCH. (c) 2012. Not to be used without permission from the Author.

12. Genetic testing - identifies changes in chromosomes, genes, or proteins. Most of the time, testing is used to find changes that are associated with inherited disorders. The results of a genetic test can confirm or rule out a suspected genetic condition or help determine a person’s chance of developing or passing on a genetic disorder. Several hundred genetic tests are currently in use, and more are being continually developed. Require blood, hair or tissue sample. Written by Eleshia Howell for use by WEA - AoCH. (c) 2012. Not to be used without permission from the Author.

13. Measurement of body functions – various types of tests can help to determine the ability of certain body systems to function properly. This may be a stress test, for cardio performance, a spirometry test, for lung function, eye or hearing tests. • Functional tests – used in physical therapy modalities to asses range of motion, function and pain in joints and soft tissue structures. Written by Eleshia Howell for use by WEA - AoCH. (c) 2012. Not to be used without permission from the Author.

14. Natural therapy methods of testing and diagnosis – vary according to modality and scope of practice, but may include: • Iridology • Pulse reading • Tongue examination • Skin, nails • Hair analysis • Complete digestive stool analysis • Saliva hormone test • Functional liver test • Metals and minerals analysis– blood & urine • Live blood analysis Written by Eleshia Howell for use by WEA - AoCH. (c) 2012. Not to be used without permission from the Author.

15. This is by no means a definitive list of all forms of diagnostic testing, but should provide you with an understanding of some of the most commonly used tools to determine health and disease. Always ask your client (or Doctor) to explain what the test was about and why it was done to help expand upon your knowledge. Written by Eleshia Howell for use by WEA - AoCH. (c) 2012. Not to be used without permission from the Author.