In this part of the exercise you are sending energy to an area of discomfort. You may feel heat or cold and possibly rumblings in your gut. Don’t be surprised if it makes loud noises. This is just a sign that you are relaxing. As you practise this you will get a feeling of being ‘finished’. That is the only way to describe the sensation of an area having taken enough energy. You might also notice your nose feeling less congested or your sinuses making popping noises when you are working around your head. You can transfer energy in the same way to any aching muscles or joints that you can reach. Clearing congestion from the field also helps to cool a fever, ease itching and reduce swelling.

Many people get very enthusiastic about Therapeutic Touch and are keen to use it to help others. This is certainly to be encouraged but not before you are well and have learned more about it. Unfortunately most of the reading on this subject is American and some of the books are difficult to get in the UK. Dolores Kreiger’s Therapeutic Touch, How to Use Your Hands to Help or Heal is probably the most readily available.

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Testicular cancer is currently one of the most common types of solid tumors found in males entering early adulthood. Those between the ages of 17 and 34 are at greatest risk. There has been a steady increase in tumor frequency over the past several years in this age group.

Although the exact cause of testicular cancer is unknown, several possible risk factors have been identified. Males with undescended testicles appear to be at greatest risk for the disease. In addition, some studies indicate that there may be a genetic influence.

In general, testicular tumors are first noticed as a painless enlargement of the testis or as an apparent thickening in testicular tissue. Because this enlargement is often painless, it is extremely important that all young males practice regular testicular self-examination. This is done by placing the index and middle fingers of both hands on the underside of the testicle and the thumbs on top. Gently roll the testicle between your thumb and fingers. If a suspicious lump or thickening is found, medical follow-up should be sought immediately. It is best to perform an exam after a bath or shower, as the heat causes the testicles to descend and the scrotal skin to relax.

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How do you know how much insulin to inject? The doctor sets the doses and the routine of the injections after a period of trial and gradual adjustment. (The aim is to use the smallest amount of insulin that will keep the blood sugar under good control.) Then the patient may make minor changes in the dose on the basis of daily blood tests and any changes in his or her schedule, or special stress, that may arise. A cold or some more serious illness will make the body require more insulin, while heavy exercise will burn up sugar and decrease the person’s insulin requirement. (In fact, he or she may need to take a snack before exercising.)

The size and timing of meals are very important for anyone taking insulin. A healthy pancreas adjusts the amount of insulin it delivers according to the body’s needs. More insulin is produced after a large meal or a high-sugar, high-fat dessert; the pancreas cuts back its secretion when a healthy person skips a meal. But someone who takes insulin shots cannot adjust the insulin flow in this way. Once the injection is given, the amount cannot be increased or decreased to meet unexpectedly changing needs.

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