Dignity Health Dictionary

The basic evaluative principles which (should) guide “good” care. Principles typically refer to respect for, and the dignity of, human beings. Basic dimensions are “autonomy” (respect for self determination), “well-being” (respect for happiness, health and mental integrity) and “social justice” (justifiable distribution of scarce goods and services). More specifically, ethics of care refer to ethical standards developed for the care professions which are designed to implement ethical principles in the practice of care provision.... ethics (of care)

(Hindi) Born into the nobility; having great dignity Gambhiri, Gambhirie, Gambhiria, Gambhirea, Gambheera, Gambheira, Gambhiera, Gambheara... gambhira

(African) One who has dignity Jahah... jaha

An invasive growth which gradually emerges into life and, undisciplined, eats its way into neighbouring tissues. Malignancy is the growth of abnormal cells with the ability to form a primary lesion from which cells may be bloodborne to other parts of the body (metastasis). Growth usually follows the line of the lymph vessels (Violet leaves have an affinity for lymph vessels).

Course of the disease is unpredictable, cases surviving for many years on primary or supportive herbal treatment. Suspected malignancy should be referred to modern hospital treatment immediately. Early detection is vital.

Common signs calling attention are: (1) Unusual bleeding or discharge. (2) Tired feeling all the time. (3) Thickening or lump in breast or elsewhere. (4) Sudden change in hair texture and colour. (5) Irritable cough or hoarseness. (6) Extreme mental depression. (7) Obvious change in a mole or wart. (8) Muscle weakness and cramps. (9) A sore that does not heal. (10) Change in bowel or bladder habit. (11) Sudden weakness of the eyes. (12) Difficulties in swallowing; indigestion. (13) Excess wind in stomach or bowel.

Tumour-killing effect of chemotherapy may be intensified and side-effects minimised (loss of weight, and of white blood cells) when certain neoplastic herbs are prescribed. Cytotoxic drugs inhibit the ability of Vitamin C to stimulate the body’s defences. Herbs enhance the body’s self-healing ability to eliminate. An inoperable cancer would appear to be good grounds for herbal medication which often relieves pain and preserves a man’s dignity in his hour of extremity.

A series of medical trials in Finland revealed that terminal cases had 12 per cent lower mean serum selenium concentration than controls. Other similar trials point to the need for selenium supplements. Those with both low selenium and low Vitamin E levels are especially at risk.

See: GERSON CANCER THERAPY.

Exercise. High levels of fitness are associated with lower death rates. (American study)

Plants with a special reference to cancer include: Blue Flag, Burdock, Clivers, Condurango, Echinacea, Guaiacum, Houseleek, Poke root. There are many more referred to in medical literature.

Poke Root. John Bartram reported in the late 18th century that from his experience among the Mohawk Indians, Poke root (Phytolacca decandra) was a “cure” for cancer. (American Indian Medicine, Virgil J. Vogel)

Blood Root. For internal or external bleeding of cancer.

Calendula (Marigold). For the same purpose.

Mistletoe. Dr Alfred Vogel advises an extract of the plant (Loranthus europaeus) as grown on the Oak tree: dose: 10-15 drops.

Almonds. Edgar Cayce, Virginia Beach, USA, with some successes to his credit, advised eating three almonds a day to counter any tendency towards the disease.

Laetrile. From Apricot kernels that contain cyanogenic glucosides. Though competent physicians have reported positive results in some terminal cases without prior surgery or radiation, the remedy has been withdrawn from general practice because of possible toxicity.

Much needless suffering may be incurred because of out-moded resistance of doctors and governments against prescribing morphine early in cancer patients. It is estimated that 50-80 per cent of patients do not receive satisfactory pain-relief because doctors fear tolerance of the drug would increase, necessitating a higher dosage. From the beginning of time the Opium Poppy has been the most effective analgesic for the terminal condition. Morphine is a respiratory depressant and some authorities believe it should be given before the final stages in continuous doses for adequate pain control. Risks must be balanced with benefits. Dangerous in asthmatics.

Way of Life. Herbal medication of malignant disease involves the patient with his treatment. Here is something he or she can do to regain some control over their life. It can give them the satisfaction of knowing that in some way they are ‘fighting back’ thus influencing the quality of life and a sense of well- being.

If improvement in cancer is not possible maybe the condition can be stabilised and the patient helped to cope with the very unpleasant side-effects of chemotherapy and radiation. Thus, may be restored the body’s natural balance and a possible extension of lifespan.

For this, patients and practitioners may need information and support. That is why suggestions for malignant disease are included in this book. Moreover, well-meaning friends and relatives may exert pressure on the patient ‘to leave no stone unturned’ in search of a cure. Thus every possible secondary treatment should be considered since any one may prove to contribute towards recovery. It is hoped that this book will invite a therapeutic alliance with members of the medical profession as well as with other practitioners.

Macmillan nurses help alleviate physical pain and the psychological distress that can accompany this illness. They are trained to help people with cancer and their families fight cancer with more than medicine.

All forms of cancer should be treated by or in liaison with a qualified medical practitioner or an oncologist. ... cancer

n. the condition of being apart from public view. The law recognizes privacy as a *human right by virtue of the Human Rights Act 1998, although there are occasions when this right may be overridden (for example, in legal proceedings). In medical ethics, the concept is associated with maintaining a patient’s dignity and *autonomy and with the doctor’s duty of *confidentiality.... privacy

A hospital for accommodation and treatment of the terminally ill. Emphasis is not only upon appropriate physical treatment but upon the mind and psyche by generating a positive attitude to their illness. The patient is treated with compassion and accorded the special care to enable them to complete their days with dignity. Gradually, hospices are adopting some of the rational aspects of natural therapy in which is seen the increasing role of essential oils as used in Aromatherapy.

Information of the Hospice Movement is obtainable from The Hospice Information Service, St Christopher’s Hospice, 51-59 Lawrie Park Road, London SE26 6DZ, on receipt of a large self-addressed envelope stamped for 200g. ... hospice

the most common form of *dementia, occurring in middle age or later. It is characterized by memory impairment and, as the disease progresses, language difficulties, *apraxia, and visuospatial problems, leading to a loss of judgment and the inability to carry out even basic functions. At post mortem there are excess deposits of *amyloid protein and *neurofibrillary tangles in the brain. In rare cases of familial Alzheimer’s, mutations in three genes have so far been detected; patients with these genes usually have early-onset dementia. The cause of the common sporadic form is not known although genetic factors can significantly increase the risk of developing the disease. Mutations in four other genes have been implicated in the more common late-onset form of the disease. The demonstration of damage to the cholinergic pathways has led to the development of *acetylcholinesterase inhibitors, which have been shown to slow disease progression. Ethical problems in the care of someone who has been used to making their own decisions (but now cannot) include respecting what *autonomy remains, how to gain valid *consent for treatment, and how to allow the patient proper *dignity. [A. Alzheimer (1864–1915), German physician]

AMA see American Medical Association.... alzheimer’s disease