Rheumatoid arthritis is a disease that has no cure. This inflammatory disease leads to swollen, stiff, and painful joints. It will also reduce movements affecting the person mentally and physically. As such, the only way to cope with the situation is by educating people with rheumatoid arthritis about the disease. This education will help them to think positively and to cope with the chronic disease. Exercise, proper rest, and a balanced diet will ensure flexibility of joints and keep inflammation under control.
Rheumatoid arthritis has a symmetrical pattern. That is, two joints—for instance, the elbow of both the hands—develop pain, swell, and stiffen together. There is no specific cause for its occurrence or a specific cure. But once diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis, a person is treated with medicines.
Medication is administered for relieving pain and also to reduce the inflammation of the joints. It is recommended based on the severity of the disease. There are other types of drugs that also try to reduce the intensity of the disease. While analgesics such as paracetamol are taken as painkillers, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) help to reduce inflammation and relieve pain in the joints. The analgesics always come in combination with some of the recommended drugs, as do the non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs. There are also disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) that reduce or control the intensity of the disease, reducing pain and stiffness of the joints. These are found to be very effective in combating the illness. For instance, injecting gold intramuscularly is one such disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drug. All of these medications, whether controlling pain or intensity, have side effects. These may include constipation, skin irritation, bleeding in the stomach, kidney problems, and so on. As such, one must take the medicines as instructed by a medical practitioner.
The most recent set of medications, however, are biological therapies or biologic-response modifiers. These are considered more “body-friendly” drugs. Biologic-response modifiers stop or block the components, especially the proteins, which trigger inflammation normally as a defense mechanism. For instance the protein called interlukin 1 (IL-1) is blocked by anakinra drug. As a result, the deformity caused by damaged and destroyed bones and cartilages is reduced along with the inflammation. Often, the doctors recommend a combination of drugs. But the present sets of drugs are definitely more effective in controlling rheumatoid arthritis.
Friday, August 31, 2007
Tuesday, August 28, 2007
What are Lamisil Side Effects?
Lamisil side effects are probably the biggest concern for people who are taking this drug, or considering taking it, for fungus nail infections. Fungal infections are difficult to treat, and antifungal drugs are infamous for their toxicity. The liver is the organ that removes toxins from the bloodstream: the liver recognizes many drugs, including Lamisil as toxins, so this is where the drug does its worst damage. No one wants liver damage in exchange for treatment to clear up a fungal nail infection.
The danger of Lamisil side effects is real, but probably not as severe as many people believe. Controlled studies of the drug, and years of experience, indicate that severe complications are rare. When side effects Lamisil may cause are usually mild and temporary. If you are thinking about taking it, learn to recognize the symptoms of liver toxicity: nausea, vomiting, appetite loss, stomach pains, a yellowish hue developing in your skin and eyes, dark urine, pale stools, tiredness. If any of these symptoms occur, you can always stop taking the drug and let your liver recover.
Other side effects Lamisil may cause include rash or itchy skin, diarrhea, and an altered sense of taste, and these symptoms are more common than those experienced with liver toxicity. Rarely, people experience Lamisil side effects such as blistering and peeling skin, fever, chills, aching joints, and sore throat.
The danger of Lamisil increases in certain circumstances. You should not take Lamisil without consulting your doctor if you are pregnant or breast-feeding. Do not use alcohol while taking it. Alcohol abuse, past or present, as well as liver disease or kidney disease don’t mix well with the drug: patients with these conditions should not take the medication. Finally, if you are taking other medications, be sure to remind your doctor and your pharmacist: some of the side effects Lamisil causes are made worse when the drug is mixed with other drugs in the body.
While it’s important to be careful, remember Lamisil side effects are rare and the danger of Lamisil doing you serious long-lasting harm is quite remote. In fact, the greatest danger of Lamisil could be the damage it will do to your budget if you have to pay for it yourself. Depending on where you buy it, the drug can cost more than eight dollars per pill! At one pill a day for 12 weeks, you would spend about $700.00 clearing up a nail infection, and some nail infections take much longer to resolve. It might be safe to say that, of all the side effects Lamisil can cause, financial stress is both the worst, and the most common.
The danger of Lamisil side effects is real, but probably not as severe as many people believe. Controlled studies of the drug, and years of experience, indicate that severe complications are rare. When side effects Lamisil may cause are usually mild and temporary. If you are thinking about taking it, learn to recognize the symptoms of liver toxicity: nausea, vomiting, appetite loss, stomach pains, a yellowish hue developing in your skin and eyes, dark urine, pale stools, tiredness. If any of these symptoms occur, you can always stop taking the drug and let your liver recover.
Other side effects Lamisil may cause include rash or itchy skin, diarrhea, and an altered sense of taste, and these symptoms are more common than those experienced with liver toxicity. Rarely, people experience Lamisil side effects such as blistering and peeling skin, fever, chills, aching joints, and sore throat.
The danger of Lamisil increases in certain circumstances. You should not take Lamisil without consulting your doctor if you are pregnant or breast-feeding. Do not use alcohol while taking it. Alcohol abuse, past or present, as well as liver disease or kidney disease don’t mix well with the drug: patients with these conditions should not take the medication. Finally, if you are taking other medications, be sure to remind your doctor and your pharmacist: some of the side effects Lamisil causes are made worse when the drug is mixed with other drugs in the body.
While it’s important to be careful, remember Lamisil side effects are rare and the danger of Lamisil doing you serious long-lasting harm is quite remote. In fact, the greatest danger of Lamisil could be the damage it will do to your budget if you have to pay for it yourself. Depending on where you buy it, the drug can cost more than eight dollars per pill! At one pill a day for 12 weeks, you would spend about $700.00 clearing up a nail infection, and some nail infections take much longer to resolve. It might be safe to say that, of all the side effects Lamisil can cause, financial stress is both the worst, and the most common.
Friday, August 24, 2007
Lamisil Cream for Nail Fungus
The antifungal drug terbinafine is the active ingredient in Lamisil cream, a topical prescription drug for fungal skin infections. The drug works by interfering with a fungal cell’s ability to maintain its cell membrane, the protective membrane that surrounds the cell and holds it together. With repeated exposure to the drug, the fungus is unable to grow; it eventually dies and the infection is cured.
Currently, Lamisil is probably the best FDA-approved drug for the treatment of fungal infection. In addition to Lamisil cream, Lamisil tablets are available, recommended for treatment of fungal nail infections, which are difficult to cure with topical preparations. Studies have shown a better treatment success rate with terbinafine than with other available prescription drugs such as griseofulvin and itraconazole.
Both Lamisil cream and Lamisil tablets are used daily and usually need to be continued for a number of weeks to completely wipe out the fungus. Skin infections usually take from one to four weeks to resolve. Nail infections will often clear up in six weeks, while toe nail infections take four months or more to cure. It’s not uncommon, however, for much longer periods of treatment to be necessary, especially in the case of toe nail fungus infection. Complete replacement of the disfigured nail takes many months, even if the fungus is dead, because nails grow very slowly.
Systemic antifungal drugs have had a reputation for causing unpleasant side effects, most notably liver damage, and although clinical studies of Lamisil tablets have indicated that these side effects are relatively rare, and usually quite mild, they are still a concern. Patients taking Lamisil tablets should watch for signs of liver toxicity, such as fatigue, nausea, vomiting, yellowing of the eyes and skin, dark urine, or light colored stools. Any other unexpected symptom that appears during the course of treatment should also be reported to a doctor. Concerns are not as great with Lamisil cream because the cream is only applied locally and relatively little gets into the bloodstream.
Another concern with Lamisil tablets is the possibility of drug interactions, and there is a long list of drugs that should not be used together with Lamisil tablets, or that should be used only with caution. The Lamisil dose may need to be adjusted to prevent adverse drug interactions and side effects. Anyone taking any other prescription medication should check with their doctor and their pharmacist before taking Lamisil. Again, Lamisil cream does not carry the same concerns; however, it is always wise to ask an appropriate medical professional before mixing medication.
Currently, Lamisil is probably the best FDA-approved drug for the treatment of fungal infection. In addition to Lamisil cream, Lamisil tablets are available, recommended for treatment of fungal nail infections, which are difficult to cure with topical preparations. Studies have shown a better treatment success rate with terbinafine than with other available prescription drugs such as griseofulvin and itraconazole.
Both Lamisil cream and Lamisil tablets are used daily and usually need to be continued for a number of weeks to completely wipe out the fungus. Skin infections usually take from one to four weeks to resolve. Nail infections will often clear up in six weeks, while toe nail infections take four months or more to cure. It’s not uncommon, however, for much longer periods of treatment to be necessary, especially in the case of toe nail fungus infection. Complete replacement of the disfigured nail takes many months, even if the fungus is dead, because nails grow very slowly.
Systemic antifungal drugs have had a reputation for causing unpleasant side effects, most notably liver damage, and although clinical studies of Lamisil tablets have indicated that these side effects are relatively rare, and usually quite mild, they are still a concern. Patients taking Lamisil tablets should watch for signs of liver toxicity, such as fatigue, nausea, vomiting, yellowing of the eyes and skin, dark urine, or light colored stools. Any other unexpected symptom that appears during the course of treatment should also be reported to a doctor. Concerns are not as great with Lamisil cream because the cream is only applied locally and relatively little gets into the bloodstream.
Another concern with Lamisil tablets is the possibility of drug interactions, and there is a long list of drugs that should not be used together with Lamisil tablets, or that should be used only with caution. The Lamisil dose may need to be adjusted to prevent adverse drug interactions and side effects. Anyone taking any other prescription medication should check with their doctor and their pharmacist before taking Lamisil. Again, Lamisil cream does not carry the same concerns; however, it is always wise to ask an appropriate medical professional before mixing medication.
Wednesday, August 22, 2007
Diagnosis of IBS
Irritable Bowel Syndrome falls under the category of Medically Unexplained Disorder or Disease (MUD). Also included in this category is Fibromyalgia Syndrome. Professor Carson at the Royal Edinburgh Hospital says MUD develops when the brain’s control of the body becomes faulty.
There were no clear guidelines as to what symptoms or combination of symptoms lead to a diagnosis of IBS until the Manning Criteria was established in 1978.
The Manning Criteria: A patient has Irritable Bowel Syndrome if there is abdominal pain and at least two of the listed symptoms in the absence of any structural disease.
• Abdominal pain eased after defecation.
• More frequent bowel movement at onset of pain.
• Loose stools at onset of pain.
• Mucus with stools.
• Feeling of incomplete emptying.
Manning et al. 1978.
Today doctors use the Rome 11 Criteria.
Rome 11 Criteria: Irritable Bowel Syndrome is the diagnosis if there is abdominal pain or discomfort for a duration of 12 weeks or more in a year with two of the three features listed in the absence of structural or other explanation.
• Pain relief with defecation.
• Change in frequency of stools.
• Change in form of stools.
IBS is very likely if you have all three of the above. Diarrhoea is when the bowels open three or more times a day. Constipation is when the bowels open three times or less in a week.
Patients who suspect they have Irritable Bowel Syndrome must see their doctor if they have any of the listed symptoms.
• Unexpected weight loss.
• Loss of appetite (anorexia).
• Bleeding from the rectum.
• Symptoms first appearing after the age of 50.
• If you have symptoms of IBS and you have a family history of colon cancer or polyp.
There is a higher incident of haemorrhoids (piles) in Irritable Bowel Syndrome and can cause bleeding from the rectum. Bleeding from the rectum is, however, a red flag symptom and can point to serious underlying disease. Check it out.
There were no clear guidelines as to what symptoms or combination of symptoms lead to a diagnosis of IBS until the Manning Criteria was established in 1978.
The Manning Criteria: A patient has Irritable Bowel Syndrome if there is abdominal pain and at least two of the listed symptoms in the absence of any structural disease.
• Abdominal pain eased after defecation.
• More frequent bowel movement at onset of pain.
• Loose stools at onset of pain.
• Mucus with stools.
• Feeling of incomplete emptying.
Manning et al. 1978.
Today doctors use the Rome 11 Criteria.
Rome 11 Criteria: Irritable Bowel Syndrome is the diagnosis if there is abdominal pain or discomfort for a duration of 12 weeks or more in a year with two of the three features listed in the absence of structural or other explanation.
• Pain relief with defecation.
• Change in frequency of stools.
• Change in form of stools.
IBS is very likely if you have all three of the above. Diarrhoea is when the bowels open three or more times a day. Constipation is when the bowels open three times or less in a week.
Patients who suspect they have Irritable Bowel Syndrome must see their doctor if they have any of the listed symptoms.
• Unexpected weight loss.
• Loss of appetite (anorexia).
• Bleeding from the rectum.
• Symptoms first appearing after the age of 50.
• If you have symptoms of IBS and you have a family history of colon cancer or polyp.
There is a higher incident of haemorrhoids (piles) in Irritable Bowel Syndrome and can cause bleeding from the rectum. Bleeding from the rectum is, however, a red flag symptom and can point to serious underlying disease. Check it out.
Saturday, August 18, 2007
Is There a Nail Fungus Cure?
As you read this, about one in ten North Americans are looking for a nail fungus cure. Many people don't realize how common nail fungal infections are because most of these infections are on the toes, and people keep their infected toes out of sight. A nail that is infected with fungus turns a yellow or brownish color, becomes thick and scaly, and may crumble or flake. Initially, the infection is usually painless, but in time it will start to hurt.
There are numerous choices in products for fingernail and toenail fungus cure. Regardless of your initial preference, consult your doctor first to confirm the diagnosis and the need for a nail fungus cure, and to discuss treatment options. There are a few oral medications that your doctor can prescribe for you as well as a prescription lacquer that is painted on the nail and surrounding skin like a fingernail polish. Your doctor may also recommend over the counter topical nail fungus lotions or ointments. He or she will probably not suggest natural or alternative remedies for fingernail or toenail fungus cure, such as herbal preparations, diet modifications, or other home remedies, but these nail fungus cures far outnumber the ones recognized by the medical profession.
A natural cure for toe nail fungus might involve soaking your feet in vinegar, dilute bleach, hydrogen peroxide, or even dark beer! Or you might choose to apply an essential oil, such as oregano, lavender or tea tree oil, or an essential oil blend for nail fungus cure. Daily application of Vicks Vaporub is recommended by some; others take apple cider vinegar by mouth, and many people combine two or three different home remedies to maximize their chances for a toenail fungus cure. There are a number of homeopathic and natural preparations commercially available. They are generally much less expensive than prescription drugs.
In choosing a cure for toe nail fungus, or any other nail fungus infection, be sure to learn as much as you can about the treatment you plan to use, and consider the benefits and risks. Prescription drugs, over the counter formulations, and home remedies all carry some risk of side effects or other harm, especially if they are used inappropriately. Also remember that all of these types of nail fungus cure take a long time to work because nails grow slowly, and fungus readily rebounds if you are not continually vigilant. If you are seeing improvement, keep at it, and you should be successful in achieving a nail fungus cure.
There are numerous choices in products for fingernail and toenail fungus cure. Regardless of your initial preference, consult your doctor first to confirm the diagnosis and the need for a nail fungus cure, and to discuss treatment options. There are a few oral medications that your doctor can prescribe for you as well as a prescription lacquer that is painted on the nail and surrounding skin like a fingernail polish. Your doctor may also recommend over the counter topical nail fungus lotions or ointments. He or she will probably not suggest natural or alternative remedies for fingernail or toenail fungus cure, such as herbal preparations, diet modifications, or other home remedies, but these nail fungus cures far outnumber the ones recognized by the medical profession.
A natural cure for toe nail fungus might involve soaking your feet in vinegar, dilute bleach, hydrogen peroxide, or even dark beer! Or you might choose to apply an essential oil, such as oregano, lavender or tea tree oil, or an essential oil blend for nail fungus cure. Daily application of Vicks Vaporub is recommended by some; others take apple cider vinegar by mouth, and many people combine two or three different home remedies to maximize their chances for a toenail fungus cure. There are a number of homeopathic and natural preparations commercially available. They are generally much less expensive than prescription drugs.
In choosing a cure for toe nail fungus, or any other nail fungus infection, be sure to learn as much as you can about the treatment you plan to use, and consider the benefits and risks. Prescription drugs, over the counter formulations, and home remedies all carry some risk of side effects or other harm, especially if they are used inappropriately. Also remember that all of these types of nail fungus cure take a long time to work because nails grow slowly, and fungus readily rebounds if you are not continually vigilant. If you are seeing improvement, keep at it, and you should be successful in achieving a nail fungus cure.
Thursday, August 16, 2007
Hypertension - Causes, Prevention and Treatment
Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is a persistent blood pressure above 90 mm Hg between the heart beats (diastolic) or over 140 mm Hg at the beats (systolic). The blood pressure varies naturally in response to stress and physical work load.Therefore the blood pressure shall be measured in a relaxed situation and several times before this diagnosis is certain.
Hypertension does not in itself give dramatic symptoms, but it is dangerous because it causes a highly increased risk for heart infarction, stroke and renal failure.
THE PREVALENCE OF HYPERTENSION
One out of six persons is hypertensive. Most persons suffering from hypertension is over the age of 35. Still 6% of teenagers are hypertensive and also 1% of every child.
THE SYMPTOMS AND CONSEQUENCES OF HYPERTENSION
Hypertension is often without symptoms. By mild hypertension, flushing and headache can occur.
More serious hypertension gives symptoms like: Fatigue, dizziness, palpitations, tachycardia (rapid heart rate) and nosebleeds.
Extreme hypertension gives morning headache, blurred vision, dyspnoea (breathing difficulties) and elevated values of certain components in the blood, like urea and serum creatinine. Hypertension will in the long run hurt the blood vessels, and serious hypertension can do extensive damage to the blood vessels in a few months or years.
The damaged blood vessels will impair the blood flow. They can also rupture causing a bleeding or be clogged by a blood clot that shuts out the blood flow and causes tissue damage. These things can occur in the brain, causing a stroke, in the heart causing heart infarction or in the kidneys with renal failure as a consequence.
A renal failure will in the next turn cause the hypertension to aggarvate, partly because a damaged kidney will not manage to secrete water and salt well enough, and partly because a kidney that do not get enough blood will start a hormonal mechanism that induces the kidney to actively hold back salt and water.
THE MECHANISMS AND CAUSES OF HYPERTENSION
The direct mechanisms causing hypertension is one or more of these factors:
- An increased tension in the blood vessel walls.
- An increased blood volume caused by elevated levels of salt and lipids in the blood holding back water.
- Hardened and inelastic blood vessels caused by arteriosclerosis.
The primary causes behind these mechanisms are not fully understood, but these factors contribute to causing hypertension:
- A high consume of salt
- A high fat consume.
- Stress at work and in the daily life.
- Smoking.
- Over-weight
- Lack of exercise.
- Kidney failure.
LIFESTYLE MEASURES TO PREVENT AND TREAT HYPERTENSION
Lifestyle measures shall always be a component of the hypertension treatment. Sometimes such measures are enough to cure the condition. Those measures are:
- Reducing salt consume.
- Reduction of the consume of fat, and especially saturated fat.
- Weight reduction.
- Relaxing and stress reduction techiques, for example meditation and autogenic training.
- Regular exercise.
SPECIAL FOOD TYPES THAT REDUCE THE BLOOD PRESSURE
Research projects suggest that the following food types reduce blood pressure.
- Fish oil and fat fish. The working substances seem to be the omega-3 unsaturated fatty acids eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). The effect from fish oil seems to cease when the fish oil supplements are stopped.
-Olive oil, especially olive oil of the quality extra virgin.
NATURAL SUPPLEMENTS TO HELP AGAINST HYPERTENSION
Natural supplements to treat hypertension exist. These supplements reduce blood pressure by lowering the cholesterol and lipid content in the blood, by preventing oxidation of tissue components by free radicals, and by helping damaged blood vessels to heal. Examples of ingredients having these effects are vitamin B3, inositol, turmenic extract and gum guggul extract.
They may also contain Ingredients giving a direct anti-hypertensive effect, like potassium, magnesium, calcium, vitamin C and fatty acids from marine sources.
MEDICAL TREATMENT OF HYPERTENSION
When lifestyle measures and supplements are not enough to cure the condition, medical treatment must be applied.
Diuretics, or medicines to increase the urine production, are used to decrease the water content in the blood vessels, and thereby reduce the pressure in the vessels. When the water content is lowered, the heart does not need to pump so hard any more, and this will also reduce the pressure.
Beta-adrenergic blockers are another group of medicines to treat hypertension. This group of medicines block the signals that hormones and neurotransmitters give to the vessel walls, and the vessel walls then relax. They also slow down the heart rate to give a lower pressure exerted by the heart upon the blood.
---------------------------------------------------
Knut Holt is an internet consultant and marketer focusing on health items. TO FIND natural products to prevent and help cure common diseases, please visit his web-site. Examples: Hypothyroidism, over-weight, acne, hemorrhoids, allergies, depression, digestive problems, heart trouble, rheumatism, high cholesterol, depression, anxiety, fatigue, colds, flu, menstrual problems, sexual problems, skin aging, and more:----
Hypertension does not in itself give dramatic symptoms, but it is dangerous because it causes a highly increased risk for heart infarction, stroke and renal failure.
THE PREVALENCE OF HYPERTENSION
One out of six persons is hypertensive. Most persons suffering from hypertension is over the age of 35. Still 6% of teenagers are hypertensive and also 1% of every child.
THE SYMPTOMS AND CONSEQUENCES OF HYPERTENSION
Hypertension is often without symptoms. By mild hypertension, flushing and headache can occur.
More serious hypertension gives symptoms like: Fatigue, dizziness, palpitations, tachycardia (rapid heart rate) and nosebleeds.
Extreme hypertension gives morning headache, blurred vision, dyspnoea (breathing difficulties) and elevated values of certain components in the blood, like urea and serum creatinine. Hypertension will in the long run hurt the blood vessels, and serious hypertension can do extensive damage to the blood vessels in a few months or years.
The damaged blood vessels will impair the blood flow. They can also rupture causing a bleeding or be clogged by a blood clot that shuts out the blood flow and causes tissue damage. These things can occur in the brain, causing a stroke, in the heart causing heart infarction or in the kidneys with renal failure as a consequence.
A renal failure will in the next turn cause the hypertension to aggarvate, partly because a damaged kidney will not manage to secrete water and salt well enough, and partly because a kidney that do not get enough blood will start a hormonal mechanism that induces the kidney to actively hold back salt and water.
THE MECHANISMS AND CAUSES OF HYPERTENSION
The direct mechanisms causing hypertension is one or more of these factors:
- An increased tension in the blood vessel walls.
- An increased blood volume caused by elevated levels of salt and lipids in the blood holding back water.
- Hardened and inelastic blood vessels caused by arteriosclerosis.
The primary causes behind these mechanisms are not fully understood, but these factors contribute to causing hypertension:
- A high consume of salt
- A high fat consume.
- Stress at work and in the daily life.
- Smoking.
- Over-weight
- Lack of exercise.
- Kidney failure.
LIFESTYLE MEASURES TO PREVENT AND TREAT HYPERTENSION
Lifestyle measures shall always be a component of the hypertension treatment. Sometimes such measures are enough to cure the condition. Those measures are:
- Reducing salt consume.
- Reduction of the consume of fat, and especially saturated fat.
- Weight reduction.
- Relaxing and stress reduction techiques, for example meditation and autogenic training.
- Regular exercise.
SPECIAL FOOD TYPES THAT REDUCE THE BLOOD PRESSURE
Research projects suggest that the following food types reduce blood pressure.
- Fish oil and fat fish. The working substances seem to be the omega-3 unsaturated fatty acids eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). The effect from fish oil seems to cease when the fish oil supplements are stopped.
-Olive oil, especially olive oil of the quality extra virgin.
NATURAL SUPPLEMENTS TO HELP AGAINST HYPERTENSION
Natural supplements to treat hypertension exist. These supplements reduce blood pressure by lowering the cholesterol and lipid content in the blood, by preventing oxidation of tissue components by free radicals, and by helping damaged blood vessels to heal. Examples of ingredients having these effects are vitamin B3, inositol, turmenic extract and gum guggul extract.
They may also contain Ingredients giving a direct anti-hypertensive effect, like potassium, magnesium, calcium, vitamin C and fatty acids from marine sources.
MEDICAL TREATMENT OF HYPERTENSION
When lifestyle measures and supplements are not enough to cure the condition, medical treatment must be applied.
Diuretics, or medicines to increase the urine production, are used to decrease the water content in the blood vessels, and thereby reduce the pressure in the vessels. When the water content is lowered, the heart does not need to pump so hard any more, and this will also reduce the pressure.
Beta-adrenergic blockers are another group of medicines to treat hypertension. This group of medicines block the signals that hormones and neurotransmitters give to the vessel walls, and the vessel walls then relax. They also slow down the heart rate to give a lower pressure exerted by the heart upon the blood.
---------------------------------------------------
Knut Holt is an internet consultant and marketer focusing on health items. TO FIND natural products to prevent and help cure common diseases, please visit his web-site. Examples: Hypothyroidism, over-weight, acne, hemorrhoids, allergies, depression, digestive problems, heart trouble, rheumatism, high cholesterol, depression, anxiety, fatigue, colds, flu, menstrual problems, sexual problems, skin aging, and more:----
Wednesday, August 15, 2007
How Breathing Oils Can Help Your Sinus Problems
Sinus is a very common condition and another that the medical profession cannot resolve. However, nature has had its remedies for hundreds of years. It is only now, with the advances of computers and modern technology that we are having what we were told were “old wives tales”, proved to be highly effective relief and cures.
People who have had Sinus problems for many years can now find fast, effective relief in hours! Yes, it can happen.
Sinus is the blocking of the passages around your nose and eyes. If you suffer from it, and it ranges from a mild irritation to major problems, including severe pain, not being able to sleep, getting depressed because you never seem to be free of it, and other upsetting side effects, take heart.
For the majority of people there is relief from it. We should remember that there is no certainty of a cure or relief with any remedy, natural or chemical.
But a perfectly natural product which can provide most effective relief from sinus can be obtained with Sinus Oil B.S.R., a blend of natural essential oils in a carrier base.
With Sinus Oil B.S.R., when a few drops are rubbed into the sinus tracts under and over the eyes (taking care not to put too much over the eyes so that it drips down!) and at the side of the nose, enables the mucus to drain away.
Sinus Oil B.S.R in some cases may not rid you of the problem, but it will keep it under control at a sensibly low cost.
You may find in any number of books a myriad of other suggestions as “remedies” for sinus, including inhaling salt water! Try them if you wish, but for my money, and I spend mine carefully, Sinus Oil B.S.R I know really can be most effective.
People who have had Sinus problems for many years can now find fast, effective relief in hours! Yes, it can happen.
Sinus is the blocking of the passages around your nose and eyes. If you suffer from it, and it ranges from a mild irritation to major problems, including severe pain, not being able to sleep, getting depressed because you never seem to be free of it, and other upsetting side effects, take heart.
For the majority of people there is relief from it. We should remember that there is no certainty of a cure or relief with any remedy, natural or chemical.
But a perfectly natural product which can provide most effective relief from sinus can be obtained with Sinus Oil B.S.R., a blend of natural essential oils in a carrier base.
With Sinus Oil B.S.R., when a few drops are rubbed into the sinus tracts under and over the eyes (taking care not to put too much over the eyes so that it drips down!) and at the side of the nose, enables the mucus to drain away.
Sinus Oil B.S.R in some cases may not rid you of the problem, but it will keep it under control at a sensibly low cost.
You may find in any number of books a myriad of other suggestions as “remedies” for sinus, including inhaling salt water! Try them if you wish, but for my money, and I spend mine carefully, Sinus Oil B.S.R I know really can be most effective.
Tuesday, August 14, 2007
Preventing Adverse Drug Reactions
In part 3 of the Healthy Aging Presentation, we are going to examine the very common but under-reported phenomenon of Adverse Drug Reactions.
In North America:
• There are over 2 million serious adverse drug reactions each year
• Over 100,000 deaths occur yearly due to adverse drug reactions
• According to the Journal of the American Medical association (JAMA); most serious (often fatal) adverse drug events are preventable.
To illustrate the problem of adverse drug reactions, we are going to use a case study of a patient named Jenny.
Jenny’s is a single 48 year old, working mother with 2 teen age boys. Jenny experienced a health crisis from an adverse drug reaction compounded by self medication.
Jenny presented to her physician with the following symptoms:
• Anxiety
• Headaches
• Fatigue
• Low back pain
The medical examination findings revealed:
• Increased Total Cholesterol
• She was 40 pounds overweight
• An increase in blood pressure (measured at 150/100)
• Extreme Tenderness of her low back and neck muscles
Therefore, Jenny was diagnosed with:
• Hypercholesterolemia
• Hypertension
• Tension headaches
• Anxiety
She was prescribed the following medications to treat her symptoms:
• Lipitor (to decrease cholesterol)
• Ativan (to decrease anxiety)
• Naproxen (an anti-inflammatory) to relieve symptoms of her back pain and headaches
Each and every medication has common side effects. The common side effects of Lipitor include:
• 1. Headaches
• 2. Constipation/diarrhea
• 3. Stomach pain
• 4. Muscle and Joint Pain
• 5. Rash
• 6. Muscle weakness and tenderness
After taking the medication exactly as prescribed for 2 weeks, Jenny experienced:
• 1. Increased intensity of headaches
• 2. Increased fatigue which prevented her from performing her regular job duties.
• 3. Severe Abdominal pain
• * These are all signs of an ADVERSE DRUG REACTION
Instead of reporting the symptoms to her doctor, Jenny decided to self medicate by taking Tylenol #3 and Percocet. Both these medications are very potent analgesics. It is no surprise that Jenny ended up in the hospital with a diagnosis of:
• 1. Adverse Drug Reaction
• 2. Adverse Drug Interaction from self medication
After being treated at the hospital, Jenny decided to visit her local chiropractor. She explained her problems to the chiropractor and asked him if there was anything that he could do. After taking a thorough history and performing a comprehensive physical examination, the chiropractor told Jenny that he agreed with the medical diagnosis. Jenny was somewhat perplexed and asked the chiropractor 2 questions:
• 1. Why do I have high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and ache all over?
• 2. Why can’t I lose weight Doc?
The chiropractor said that all her signs and symptoms pointed to one underlying cause. His diagnosis was that she suffered from Couch Potato Syndrome! Her symptoms were mainly due to inactivity and a sedentary lifestyle. She was looking for a quick fix with pills and potions.
After several minutes of a heated discussion, the chiropractor proposed the following treatment program.
• 1. Walk 30 minutes daily with Nordic walking poles
• 2. Yoga classes
• 3. Regular Chiropractic care
• 4. Take all old medications to her local pharmacy in a brown bag for proper disposal.
• 5. In future, report all side effects of medication to the physician.
Jenny agreed that the treatment plan made sense, but quickly retorted that she didn’t have time to exercise. The doctor replied, “What fits your busy schedule better? Exercising 1 hour a day or being dead 24 hours a day?”
Jenny finally agreed to the treatment program and has never looked back since.
After 2 months of following her treatment plan Jenny has:
• 1. Lost 15 pounds
• 2. Takes only 1 medication
• 3. Reduced frequency and intensity of her headaches
• 4. Has signed up for her first ever 5 kilometer fun run!
Remember the facts:
• In North America there are over 2 million serious adverse drug reactions each year from prescriptions taken as prescribed
• Over 100,000 deaths occur yearly due to adverse drug reactions
• Adverse drug reactions are the 4th leading cause of death ahead of AIDS, pneumonia, accidents and automobile deaths
Medications are necessary, may be life saving and may improve the quality of your life, but why not try safer conservative measures first?
When was the last time your doctor wrote you a prescription for exercise?
Today’s action steps are:
• 1. Put all old prescriptions in a brown paper bag and bring to your local pharmacy for proper disposal.
• 2. Make an Appointment for a Chiropractic Check up today.
• 3. Take a walk around the block with your family and friends. Instead of playing cards or drinking coffee, meet at the park every week to exercise!
In North America:
• There are over 2 million serious adverse drug reactions each year
• Over 100,000 deaths occur yearly due to adverse drug reactions
• According to the Journal of the American Medical association (JAMA); most serious (often fatal) adverse drug events are preventable.
To illustrate the problem of adverse drug reactions, we are going to use a case study of a patient named Jenny.
Jenny’s is a single 48 year old, working mother with 2 teen age boys. Jenny experienced a health crisis from an adverse drug reaction compounded by self medication.
Jenny presented to her physician with the following symptoms:
• Anxiety
• Headaches
• Fatigue
• Low back pain
The medical examination findings revealed:
• Increased Total Cholesterol
• She was 40 pounds overweight
• An increase in blood pressure (measured at 150/100)
• Extreme Tenderness of her low back and neck muscles
Therefore, Jenny was diagnosed with:
• Hypercholesterolemia
• Hypertension
• Tension headaches
• Anxiety
She was prescribed the following medications to treat her symptoms:
• Lipitor (to decrease cholesterol)
• Ativan (to decrease anxiety)
• Naproxen (an anti-inflammatory) to relieve symptoms of her back pain and headaches
Each and every medication has common side effects. The common side effects of Lipitor include:
• 1. Headaches
• 2. Constipation/diarrhea
• 3. Stomach pain
• 4. Muscle and Joint Pain
• 5. Rash
• 6. Muscle weakness and tenderness
After taking the medication exactly as prescribed for 2 weeks, Jenny experienced:
• 1. Increased intensity of headaches
• 2. Increased fatigue which prevented her from performing her regular job duties.
• 3. Severe Abdominal pain
• * These are all signs of an ADVERSE DRUG REACTION
Instead of reporting the symptoms to her doctor, Jenny decided to self medicate by taking Tylenol #3 and Percocet. Both these medications are very potent analgesics. It is no surprise that Jenny ended up in the hospital with a diagnosis of:
• 1. Adverse Drug Reaction
• 2. Adverse Drug Interaction from self medication
After being treated at the hospital, Jenny decided to visit her local chiropractor. She explained her problems to the chiropractor and asked him if there was anything that he could do. After taking a thorough history and performing a comprehensive physical examination, the chiropractor told Jenny that he agreed with the medical diagnosis. Jenny was somewhat perplexed and asked the chiropractor 2 questions:
• 1. Why do I have high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and ache all over?
• 2. Why can’t I lose weight Doc?
The chiropractor said that all her signs and symptoms pointed to one underlying cause. His diagnosis was that she suffered from Couch Potato Syndrome! Her symptoms were mainly due to inactivity and a sedentary lifestyle. She was looking for a quick fix with pills and potions.
After several minutes of a heated discussion, the chiropractor proposed the following treatment program.
• 1. Walk 30 minutes daily with Nordic walking poles
• 2. Yoga classes
• 3. Regular Chiropractic care
• 4. Take all old medications to her local pharmacy in a brown bag for proper disposal.
• 5. In future, report all side effects of medication to the physician.
Jenny agreed that the treatment plan made sense, but quickly retorted that she didn’t have time to exercise. The doctor replied, “What fits your busy schedule better? Exercising 1 hour a day or being dead 24 hours a day?”
Jenny finally agreed to the treatment program and has never looked back since.
After 2 months of following her treatment plan Jenny has:
• 1. Lost 15 pounds
• 2. Takes only 1 medication
• 3. Reduced frequency and intensity of her headaches
• 4. Has signed up for her first ever 5 kilometer fun run!
Remember the facts:
• In North America there are over 2 million serious adverse drug reactions each year from prescriptions taken as prescribed
• Over 100,000 deaths occur yearly due to adverse drug reactions
• Adverse drug reactions are the 4th leading cause of death ahead of AIDS, pneumonia, accidents and automobile deaths
Medications are necessary, may be life saving and may improve the quality of your life, but why not try safer conservative measures first?
When was the last time your doctor wrote you a prescription for exercise?
Today’s action steps are:
• 1. Put all old prescriptions in a brown paper bag and bring to your local pharmacy for proper disposal.
• 2. Make an Appointment for a Chiropractic Check up today.
• 3. Take a walk around the block with your family and friends. Instead of playing cards or drinking coffee, meet at the park every week to exercise!
Monday, August 13, 2007
Hypertension - What Exactly Causes High Blood Pressure?
High blood pressure (hypertension) is often called the "Silent Killer" because of a distinct lack of symptoms. The first time someone finds out they may have hypertension is after a routine test at the doctor's office.
Your doctor can quickly and easily check your blood pressure, but do be warned, there is a very real syndrome called "White Coat Syndrome" where people's blood pressure actually increases as a direct response to visiting the doctor. Mine did just that, so every test the doctor did pointed to high blood pressure. My solution to this was to buy a home digital blood pressure monitor. They are relatively cheap, and are very accurate (although do get it checked by your doctor for accuracy). The results were amazing, as my blood pressure taken at home was usually normal.
Since hypertension is a major factor in strokes and coronary heart disease, it is vital that we all get checked frequently.
While some people are at more risk of developing high blood pressure, the sad truth is that 90% or more of cases have unknown causes. For this reason, it is not possible to fully answer the question of what causes high blood pressure, although we can highlight a number of factors thought to be involved.
Blood pressure is carefully controlled by the human body, keeping it within very strict limits. Simply put, if blood pressure drops, the body can contract the smooth muscles in arteries and arterioles, decreasing the size of the blood vessels, which in turn increases the resistance encountered by the blood trying to push its way through. Blood pressure increases. If blood pressure becomes too high, the body can reverse this process.
This obviously does not explain long-term hypertension, which places a huge strain on both arteries and the heart itself. The factors which have been linked to causing high blood pressure include the following:
Excessive alcohol
Smoking
Obesity
Salt in the diet
Stress
Caffeine
Genetic factors
Obviously most of these factors are within our own control (with the exception of genetics), so we do have the potential to lower our blood pressure by more natural means. Following a healthy diet with increased fruit and vegetables intake, while reducing those factors harmful to our health can help lower blood pressure. If you are over-weight, losing a few pounds can help a lot. Even walking for 30 minutes, 3 times a week can have beneficial effects on your blood pressure. There is a diet called the DASH diet that has been clinically proven to lower blood pressure. Its worth looking it up.
Your doctor can quickly and easily check your blood pressure, but do be warned, there is a very real syndrome called "White Coat Syndrome" where people's blood pressure actually increases as a direct response to visiting the doctor. Mine did just that, so every test the doctor did pointed to high blood pressure. My solution to this was to buy a home digital blood pressure monitor. They are relatively cheap, and are very accurate (although do get it checked by your doctor for accuracy). The results were amazing, as my blood pressure taken at home was usually normal.
Since hypertension is a major factor in strokes and coronary heart disease, it is vital that we all get checked frequently.
While some people are at more risk of developing high blood pressure, the sad truth is that 90% or more of cases have unknown causes. For this reason, it is not possible to fully answer the question of what causes high blood pressure, although we can highlight a number of factors thought to be involved.
Blood pressure is carefully controlled by the human body, keeping it within very strict limits. Simply put, if blood pressure drops, the body can contract the smooth muscles in arteries and arterioles, decreasing the size of the blood vessels, which in turn increases the resistance encountered by the blood trying to push its way through. Blood pressure increases. If blood pressure becomes too high, the body can reverse this process.
This obviously does not explain long-term hypertension, which places a huge strain on both arteries and the heart itself. The factors which have been linked to causing high blood pressure include the following:
Excessive alcohol
Smoking
Obesity
Salt in the diet
Stress
Caffeine
Genetic factors
Obviously most of these factors are within our own control (with the exception of genetics), so we do have the potential to lower our blood pressure by more natural means. Following a healthy diet with increased fruit and vegetables intake, while reducing those factors harmful to our health can help lower blood pressure. If you are over-weight, losing a few pounds can help a lot. Even walking for 30 minutes, 3 times a week can have beneficial effects on your blood pressure. There is a diet called the DASH diet that has been clinically proven to lower blood pressure. Its worth looking it up.
Sunday, August 12, 2007
Rheumatoid Arthritis Medication
Rheumatoid arthritis is a disease that has no cure. This inflammatory disease leads to swollen, stiff, and painful joints. It will also reduce movements affecting the person mentally and physically. As such, the only way to cope with the situation is by educating people with rheumatoid arthritis about the disease. This education will help them to think positively and to cope with the chronic disease. Exercise, proper rest, and a balanced diet will ensure flexibility of joints and keep inflammation under control.
Rheumatoid arthritis has a symmetrical pattern. That is, two joints—for instance, the elbow of both the hands—develop pain, swell, and stiffen together. There is no specific cause for its occurrence or a specific cure. But once diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis, a person is treated with medicines.
Medication is administered for relieving pain and also to reduce the inflammation of the joints. It is recommended based on the severity of the disease. There are other types of drugs that also try to reduce the intensity of the disease. While analgesics such as paracetamol are taken as painkillers, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) help to reduce inflammation and relieve pain in the joints. The analgesics always come in combination with some of the recommended drugs, as do the non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs. There are also disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) that reduce or control the intensity of the disease, reducing pain and stiffness of the joints. These are found to be very effective in combating the illness. For instance, injecting gold intramuscularly is one such disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drug. All of these medications, whether controlling pain or intensity, have side effects. These may include constipation, skin irritation, bleeding in the stomach, kidney problems, and so on. As such, one must take the medicines as instructed by a medical practitioner.
The most recent set of medications, however, are biological therapies or biologic-response modifiers. These are considered more “body-friendly” drugs. Biologic-response modifiers stop or block the components, especially the proteins, which trigger inflammation normally as a defense mechanism. For instance the protein called interlukin 1 (IL-1) is blocked by anakinra drug. As a result, the deformity caused by damaged and destroyed bones and cartilages is reduced along with the inflammation. Often, the doctors recommend a combination of drugs. But the present sets of drugs are definitely more effective in controlling rheumatoid arthritis.
Rheumatoid arthritis has a symmetrical pattern. That is, two joints—for instance, the elbow of both the hands—develop pain, swell, and stiffen together. There is no specific cause for its occurrence or a specific cure. But once diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis, a person is treated with medicines.
Medication is administered for relieving pain and also to reduce the inflammation of the joints. It is recommended based on the severity of the disease. There are other types of drugs that also try to reduce the intensity of the disease. While analgesics such as paracetamol are taken as painkillers, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) help to reduce inflammation and relieve pain in the joints. The analgesics always come in combination with some of the recommended drugs, as do the non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs. There are also disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) that reduce or control the intensity of the disease, reducing pain and stiffness of the joints. These are found to be very effective in combating the illness. For instance, injecting gold intramuscularly is one such disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drug. All of these medications, whether controlling pain or intensity, have side effects. These may include constipation, skin irritation, bleeding in the stomach, kidney problems, and so on. As such, one must take the medicines as instructed by a medical practitioner.
The most recent set of medications, however, are biological therapies or biologic-response modifiers. These are considered more “body-friendly” drugs. Biologic-response modifiers stop or block the components, especially the proteins, which trigger inflammation normally as a defense mechanism. For instance the protein called interlukin 1 (IL-1) is blocked by anakinra drug. As a result, the deformity caused by damaged and destroyed bones and cartilages is reduced along with the inflammation. Often, the doctors recommend a combination of drugs. But the present sets of drugs are definitely more effective in controlling rheumatoid arthritis.
Saturday, August 11, 2007
The Facts You Need To Know About Long Term Care
When most people think of long-term care, they think of someone in the golden years of their life, but an illness or accident can strike anyone of any age and make this a necessary part of their life. It isn't easy for many people to admit they need help with their every day living, but for some, the simple task of eating becomes a chore.
Another misconception is that long-term care means a stay in a nursing home or rehabilitation center, but this is not always the case. With the portability of medical equipment today, it is often preferred that patients remain in their own home if possible. Insurance companies prefer to pay for full-time home care instead of nursing home care, feeling that it is more cost effective and beneficial to the patient's well being.
Long-term care doesn't even need to mean that the patient cannot do for himself or herself. It can mean simply a patient who has an ongoing condition that requires the services of a health care professional on a routine basis for things the patient is no longer able to do for him or herself. This can mean preparing and planning meals, care of personal hygiene, dressing, household chores including shopping and paperwork, and any medical needs.
In addition to in-home and nursing home facilities, another type of long-term care facility is called assisted living. In this setting, the patient has his or her own apartment or quarters where the patient lives and tends to their needs as much as possible. However, the patient is close enough to the nursing home facility that someone is readily available to assist the patient whenever needed, thus the term, "assisted living." This allows the patient some type of independence while giving them the assistance they need as well. Many people who become dependent on others feel like they are a burden, but with assisted living, help is there if it's needed, and the patient is able to do the things for himself that he is able to do.
Fortunately, the term long-term care has lost the stigma it used to have for patients, and they are now more receptive to accepting help when it is needed. This is likely due to the introduction of both the assisted living and the in-home nursing care that allows a patient to remain in the comfort of his home as long as possible. Even twenty years ago this was a "baby" to the medical field, but with the insurance companies pushing for less hospital time, and the patients wanting to hurry home from the hospital to tend to other family members, it has become commonplace. As the generation of middle-aged citizens enters their senior years, this practice will likely become more common. Long-term care is changing its face every day.
Another misconception is that long-term care means a stay in a nursing home or rehabilitation center, but this is not always the case. With the portability of medical equipment today, it is often preferred that patients remain in their own home if possible. Insurance companies prefer to pay for full-time home care instead of nursing home care, feeling that it is more cost effective and beneficial to the patient's well being.
Long-term care doesn't even need to mean that the patient cannot do for himself or herself. It can mean simply a patient who has an ongoing condition that requires the services of a health care professional on a routine basis for things the patient is no longer able to do for him or herself. This can mean preparing and planning meals, care of personal hygiene, dressing, household chores including shopping and paperwork, and any medical needs.
In addition to in-home and nursing home facilities, another type of long-term care facility is called assisted living. In this setting, the patient has his or her own apartment or quarters where the patient lives and tends to their needs as much as possible. However, the patient is close enough to the nursing home facility that someone is readily available to assist the patient whenever needed, thus the term, "assisted living." This allows the patient some type of independence while giving them the assistance they need as well. Many people who become dependent on others feel like they are a burden, but with assisted living, help is there if it's needed, and the patient is able to do the things for himself that he is able to do.
Fortunately, the term long-term care has lost the stigma it used to have for patients, and they are now more receptive to accepting help when it is needed. This is likely due to the introduction of both the assisted living and the in-home nursing care that allows a patient to remain in the comfort of his home as long as possible. Even twenty years ago this was a "baby" to the medical field, but with the insurance companies pushing for less hospital time, and the patients wanting to hurry home from the hospital to tend to other family members, it has become commonplace. As the generation of middle-aged citizens enters their senior years, this practice will likely become more common. Long-term care is changing its face every day.
Friday, August 10, 2007
Alternative Medicine and Disease Prevention
Alternative Medicine
Acupuncture, Chiropractic Care, and Massage Therapy are available to every member of our society. Each of these therapies have been proven to improve our life and our health. Yet, very few of us have ever undertaken a serious course of Alternative Medicine, let alone a regular course of each. They can be a beneficial, and relatively inexpensive, adjunct in your pursuit of excellent health.
The key to understanding and using these alternative medicines properly is to understand that they are preventative of disease, and contributive to energy. Thinking of these therapies the same way that you think of mainstream medicine will only give you the results that mainstream medicine has.
Whether you have or haven't explored these areas, you will definitely need a professional opinion in terms of how to properly access these alternative fields of medicine and how to receive the most benefit to your health. Each one of these disciplines carries an important means in addressing the currents which control our health.
Discovering which to use, when to use them, and how to use them, is a step by step process. The empowering effects of these healing arts are criticized and unduly insulted in medical offices to this day. Unfortunately, these critical physicians are often not familiar with the annals of research in the other fields.
It is sad that the 'real' doctor of today is educated entirely by the pharmaceutical industry, and would prescribe dangerous drugs before exploring the power of these emerging arts. Even more unfortunately, this leaves the patient without any authoritative guidance as to how to explore the world of Alternative Medicine.
As we consider different health issues, we should also consider which of these alternative care disciplines you should enlist to assist you. Research thoroughly how to select an alternative care doctor and how to receive as much assistance as you can without affecting your pocket book. These disciplines are, in many cases, not any more expensive than mainstream efforts to achieve a health goal . Explore what you feel you'd prefer to avoid in the alternative health field, what you'd be comfortable with accepting, and how to find a medical doctor who is educated well in alternative medicines.
Disease Prevention
Disease Prevention is a popular phrase and a poorly followed principle. The problem we have, as a society, with the concept of disease prevention is that there is nothing exciting about it. If you consider eating healthy and living right only as a means to prevent disease, you'll never be excited enough to follow it up properly.
The only people who become excited about preventing disease are usually people who already have a disease.
The most effective manner of motivating yourself towards healthy living is to understand how it will bring you closer to a stronger, more energetic person than the one you are today. Using prevention only to prevent disease is both dull and pessimistic. Using the tools you've associated with prevention to bring you more strength and vitality can make it exciting and can show you new pleasures in life.
If you can fathom that the same lifestyle you had when you were young is attainable now, this might make the alternative principles of disease prevention a little more interesting to you.
What is important to understand is that alternative principles, such as Vitalism, are a source of rejuvenation, can restore energy, and can even bring energy to a person who has never had strong energy levels. These principles, often associated with helping eliminate or reduce disease prevention, should be followed until an individual has achieved an ideal state of health in their life.
Acupuncture, Chiropractic Care, and Massage Therapy are available to every member of our society. Each of these therapies have been proven to improve our life and our health. Yet, very few of us have ever undertaken a serious course of Alternative Medicine, let alone a regular course of each. They can be a beneficial, and relatively inexpensive, adjunct in your pursuit of excellent health.
The key to understanding and using these alternative medicines properly is to understand that they are preventative of disease, and contributive to energy. Thinking of these therapies the same way that you think of mainstream medicine will only give you the results that mainstream medicine has.
Whether you have or haven't explored these areas, you will definitely need a professional opinion in terms of how to properly access these alternative fields of medicine and how to receive the most benefit to your health. Each one of these disciplines carries an important means in addressing the currents which control our health.
Discovering which to use, when to use them, and how to use them, is a step by step process. The empowering effects of these healing arts are criticized and unduly insulted in medical offices to this day. Unfortunately, these critical physicians are often not familiar with the annals of research in the other fields.
It is sad that the 'real' doctor of today is educated entirely by the pharmaceutical industry, and would prescribe dangerous drugs before exploring the power of these emerging arts. Even more unfortunately, this leaves the patient without any authoritative guidance as to how to explore the world of Alternative Medicine.
As we consider different health issues, we should also consider which of these alternative care disciplines you should enlist to assist you. Research thoroughly how to select an alternative care doctor and how to receive as much assistance as you can without affecting your pocket book. These disciplines are, in many cases, not any more expensive than mainstream efforts to achieve a health goal . Explore what you feel you'd prefer to avoid in the alternative health field, what you'd be comfortable with accepting, and how to find a medical doctor who is educated well in alternative medicines.
Disease Prevention
Disease Prevention is a popular phrase and a poorly followed principle. The problem we have, as a society, with the concept of disease prevention is that there is nothing exciting about it. If you consider eating healthy and living right only as a means to prevent disease, you'll never be excited enough to follow it up properly.
The only people who become excited about preventing disease are usually people who already have a disease.
The most effective manner of motivating yourself towards healthy living is to understand how it will bring you closer to a stronger, more energetic person than the one you are today. Using prevention only to prevent disease is both dull and pessimistic. Using the tools you've associated with prevention to bring you more strength and vitality can make it exciting and can show you new pleasures in life.
If you can fathom that the same lifestyle you had when you were young is attainable now, this might make the alternative principles of disease prevention a little more interesting to you.
What is important to understand is that alternative principles, such as Vitalism, are a source of rejuvenation, can restore energy, and can even bring energy to a person who has never had strong energy levels. These principles, often associated with helping eliminate or reduce disease prevention, should be followed until an individual has achieved an ideal state of health in their life.
Thursday, August 9, 2007
Alternative Medicine - Homeopathy
The founder and developer of homeopathy was Samuel Hahnemann, (1755-1843). He was a German physician and some of his concepts seem to appear early in medical history. He developed homeopathy after becoming dissatisfied with the medicine of the time. Treatments at that time included bleeding, purging, cupping and excessive doses of mercury. He stopped practicing medicine in about 1782 and began to seriously question the mechanisms his cohorts were using.
He viewed disease as a matter of vital force or spirit. One of the earliest speculations of recorded medical history is the concept of the vital spirit and similar forces form the probable basis for any number of metaphysical health practices. It was thought to be a nonmaterial "force" that maintains life and for which there is no objective evidence. "The cause of our maladies cannot be material, since the least foreign material substance, however mild it may appear to us, if introduced into our blood-vessels, is promptly ejected by the vital force, as though it were a poison. no disease, in a word, is caused by any material substance, but that every one is only and always a peculiar, virtual, dynamic derangement of the health", according to Hahnemann.
Paying attention to the symptoms rather than to the external causes of a disease is believed to be more important. If one knew the specific symptoms of an illness, then all one had to do was find a substance or substances that induced the same symptoms in a healthy individual. This is referred to as, "Hahnemann's Principle of Similars". At one time there were experiments that supported this notion, such as the work of Pasteur and Koch on inoculations, where very tiny amounts of weakened disease-causing microbes were used.
To test this notion Hahnemann and his followers tested the effects of almost 100 substances on themselves. This is a process known as "proving". The usual procedure was for a healthy person to ingest a small amount of a particular substance and then attempt to cautiously note any type of reaction or symptom which included emotional or mental reactions that might occur. By using this method, he "proved" that some substances were effective for treatment for a particular symptom. In one controlled study, healthy people reported similar symptoms whether given a homeopathic dilution of belladonna or a placebo.
Hahnemann believed that homeopathic remedies must be right for each individual person and prescribed them according to body type and personalities, which was based on the ancient humoral theories of Galen. The theories stated that there were four body types and personalities, based on which body "humor" predominated: blood (sanguine, warm-hearted and volatile,) black bile (melancholic, sad), yellow bile (choleric, quick to anger and to action) and phlegm (phlegmatic, sluggish and apathetic). He also said there were a few corresponding primary causes of acute and chronic illnesses, which he called "miasms". The first miasm is known as "psora" (itch) refers to a general susceptibility to disease and may be considered the source of all chronic diseases. The other two miasms are venereal diseases syphilis and sycosis (gonorrhea). These three conditions were thought to be the causes of at least 80 percent of all chronic diseases.
One good thing most definitely did come from homeopathy and that was an end to some of the ridiculous treatments. Some of the treatments were more dangerous than the diseases. Homeopathy may have helped speed the demise of such treatments and it provided the ideas and source for more useful drugs and treatments. Some early scientists stated that homeopathy led them to important pharmacological discoveries.
He viewed disease as a matter of vital force or spirit. One of the earliest speculations of recorded medical history is the concept of the vital spirit and similar forces form the probable basis for any number of metaphysical health practices. It was thought to be a nonmaterial "force" that maintains life and for which there is no objective evidence. "The cause of our maladies cannot be material, since the least foreign material substance, however mild it may appear to us, if introduced into our blood-vessels, is promptly ejected by the vital force, as though it were a poison. no disease, in a word, is caused by any material substance, but that every one is only and always a peculiar, virtual, dynamic derangement of the health", according to Hahnemann.
Paying attention to the symptoms rather than to the external causes of a disease is believed to be more important. If one knew the specific symptoms of an illness, then all one had to do was find a substance or substances that induced the same symptoms in a healthy individual. This is referred to as, "Hahnemann's Principle of Similars". At one time there were experiments that supported this notion, such as the work of Pasteur and Koch on inoculations, where very tiny amounts of weakened disease-causing microbes were used.
To test this notion Hahnemann and his followers tested the effects of almost 100 substances on themselves. This is a process known as "proving". The usual procedure was for a healthy person to ingest a small amount of a particular substance and then attempt to cautiously note any type of reaction or symptom which included emotional or mental reactions that might occur. By using this method, he "proved" that some substances were effective for treatment for a particular symptom. In one controlled study, healthy people reported similar symptoms whether given a homeopathic dilution of belladonna or a placebo.
Hahnemann believed that homeopathic remedies must be right for each individual person and prescribed them according to body type and personalities, which was based on the ancient humoral theories of Galen. The theories stated that there were four body types and personalities, based on which body "humor" predominated: blood (sanguine, warm-hearted and volatile,) black bile (melancholic, sad), yellow bile (choleric, quick to anger and to action) and phlegm (phlegmatic, sluggish and apathetic). He also said there were a few corresponding primary causes of acute and chronic illnesses, which he called "miasms". The first miasm is known as "psora" (itch) refers to a general susceptibility to disease and may be considered the source of all chronic diseases. The other two miasms are venereal diseases syphilis and sycosis (gonorrhea). These three conditions were thought to be the causes of at least 80 percent of all chronic diseases.
One good thing most definitely did come from homeopathy and that was an end to some of the ridiculous treatments. Some of the treatments were more dangerous than the diseases. Homeopathy may have helped speed the demise of such treatments and it provided the ideas and source for more useful drugs and treatments. Some early scientists stated that homeopathy led them to important pharmacological discoveries.
Wednesday, August 8, 2007
Why Alternative Medicine? My Story
I was very slow and stubborn about alternative medicine back in the mid 1960’s. Armed with abundant arrogance and a newly-minted college degree, I knew it all, including everything about medicine and health.
However, my chronic nosebleeds couldn’t be eradicated permanently. Each one required a physician’s visit. After moving from Hartford to New Haven, Connecticut, I had to find a new nosebleed doctor.
The New Haven physician boldly told me that I had a Vitamin C deficiency--scurvy. He prescribed 1,000 mg of Vitamin C daily which, if taken as prescribed, would mean no more nosebleeds.
Oh no, this quack was trying to prevent my future nosebleeds with Vitamin C!
Trying to prove this guy wrong--after all, then I believed only in “scientific” medicine--I took the Vitamin C. No nosebleeds for a week, then a month, then many months.
What was happening here? No more nosebleeds? Perish the thought. Was there something to alternative medicine? Was this doctor really not a quack?
Was I nosebleed free, thanks to Vitamin C? Answer: yes to all of these.
Is this what the Apostle Paul felt like when he was knocked off his horse on the road to Damascus-— arrogance quashed, ears and mind now open?
Perhaps. Like Paul,I unexpectantly became a convert-—in my case, a convert to alternative medicine.
So I studied and experimented with multi-vitamins and minerals. When I lived and worked in California in the early 1970’s, my physician was a gifted alternative medicine medical doctor.
I had become so burnt out and exhausted from workaholism, I felt like a 120 year old. Diagnosis: extreme hypoglycemia, mineral deficiencies, food allergies and adrenal exhaustion.
He prescribed alternative solutions, which worked during a six month period. I felt like a kid again. No drugs! No surgery! Boundless energy.
Fast forwarding 30 years to 2005, I’m even more convinced now of alternative medicine, correct diet, organic food, regular vigorous exercise, and good sleep habits. Alternative medicine now is ever better than the 1970’s.
I have studied this field intensely and consistently from the 1960’s to the present. I’ve kept up with what’s new.
Sadly, though, a majority of people are in bondage to allopathic (surgery and synthetic drug) physicians, to Big Pharma’s greed, and to “factory fresh” junk food from agri-business and food companies.
But my hope is to see people released from the bondage and ruination of needless surgeries and drugs, from dangerous doctors, from devitalized junk food, and from the lethargy of sedentary living with no regular exercise.
If you’re still unconvinced, here are more specifics:
1. Some 61% of American adults and 30% of children are obese.
2. There are 167,933 diet book titles, yet 300,000 Americans die prematurely from obesity-related reasons each year. Diets don’t work, lifestyle changes do. The first three letters in the word diet are DIE !
3. 62% of McDonald’s customers supersize their fries. 14% of Americans eat a diet mostly of fast foods. 22% of those ages 18-24 eat mostly fast foods.
4. And did you know Americans eat 48% of all meals in restaurants, obviously not knowing what exactly they are eating?
5. 106,000 Americans die in hospitals each year, having taken doctor-prescribed, legal drugs. There are 2,216,000 annual, non-fatal hospitalizations from reactions to legal drugs as well.
Drugs, legal and illegal, are fraught with dangers and, in many cases, prescribed drugs aren’t needed at all.
If you want to suffer and die prematurely from heart disease, stroke, cancer, or diabetes, please don’t make any lifestyle changes.
Ignore what I say. Keep making agri-business, Big Pharma, fast food chains, and the $25 billion sickness industry richer with your hard-earned money.
The choice is yours: an abundant, healthy life or a miserable unhealthy life and premature death all too soon. You decide.
However, my chronic nosebleeds couldn’t be eradicated permanently. Each one required a physician’s visit. After moving from Hartford to New Haven, Connecticut, I had to find a new nosebleed doctor.
The New Haven physician boldly told me that I had a Vitamin C deficiency--scurvy. He prescribed 1,000 mg of Vitamin C daily which, if taken as prescribed, would mean no more nosebleeds.
Oh no, this quack was trying to prevent my future nosebleeds with Vitamin C!
Trying to prove this guy wrong--after all, then I believed only in “scientific” medicine--I took the Vitamin C. No nosebleeds for a week, then a month, then many months.
What was happening here? No more nosebleeds? Perish the thought. Was there something to alternative medicine? Was this doctor really not a quack?
Was I nosebleed free, thanks to Vitamin C? Answer: yes to all of these.
Is this what the Apostle Paul felt like when he was knocked off his horse on the road to Damascus-— arrogance quashed, ears and mind now open?
Perhaps. Like Paul,I unexpectantly became a convert-—in my case, a convert to alternative medicine.
So I studied and experimented with multi-vitamins and minerals. When I lived and worked in California in the early 1970’s, my physician was a gifted alternative medicine medical doctor.
I had become so burnt out and exhausted from workaholism, I felt like a 120 year old. Diagnosis: extreme hypoglycemia, mineral deficiencies, food allergies and adrenal exhaustion.
He prescribed alternative solutions, which worked during a six month period. I felt like a kid again. No drugs! No surgery! Boundless energy.
Fast forwarding 30 years to 2005, I’m even more convinced now of alternative medicine, correct diet, organic food, regular vigorous exercise, and good sleep habits. Alternative medicine now is ever better than the 1970’s.
I have studied this field intensely and consistently from the 1960’s to the present. I’ve kept up with what’s new.
Sadly, though, a majority of people are in bondage to allopathic (surgery and synthetic drug) physicians, to Big Pharma’s greed, and to “factory fresh” junk food from agri-business and food companies.
But my hope is to see people released from the bondage and ruination of needless surgeries and drugs, from dangerous doctors, from devitalized junk food, and from the lethargy of sedentary living with no regular exercise.
If you’re still unconvinced, here are more specifics:
1. Some 61% of American adults and 30% of children are obese.
2. There are 167,933 diet book titles, yet 300,000 Americans die prematurely from obesity-related reasons each year. Diets don’t work, lifestyle changes do. The first three letters in the word diet are DIE !
3. 62% of McDonald’s customers supersize their fries. 14% of Americans eat a diet mostly of fast foods. 22% of those ages 18-24 eat mostly fast foods.
4. And did you know Americans eat 48% of all meals in restaurants, obviously not knowing what exactly they are eating?
5. 106,000 Americans die in hospitals each year, having taken doctor-prescribed, legal drugs. There are 2,216,000 annual, non-fatal hospitalizations from reactions to legal drugs as well.
Drugs, legal and illegal, are fraught with dangers and, in many cases, prescribed drugs aren’t needed at all.
If you want to suffer and die prematurely from heart disease, stroke, cancer, or diabetes, please don’t make any lifestyle changes.
Ignore what I say. Keep making agri-business, Big Pharma, fast food chains, and the $25 billion sickness industry richer with your hard-earned money.
The choice is yours: an abundant, healthy life or a miserable unhealthy life and premature death all too soon. You decide.
Tuesday, August 7, 2007
For a Good Workout, Try the Medicine Ball
When most people think of a medicine ball, they usually get a mental picture of the old, tattered and torn brown leather weighted ball sitting in the corner of an old school iron pumping gym. They also see these balls as being a very outdated method of working out. When was the last time you've seen anyone use one of those or even heard anyone talk about them? With all the modern exercise machines and other various equipment available today, what possible reason could there be to make anyone want to include the medicine ball as part of their workout?
First of all, the medicine ball has come a long way from the old leather ones mentioned earlier. They now come in a vast array of colors and are made with rubber surfaces making them easier to grip. They also come in weights ranging from one to fifty pounds so you can vary resistance to suit your needs. Because they bounce and can be tossed around, they are great for working you with random movements instead of the fixed ones that come with barbell, dumbbell and machine workouts. There is virtually no other equipment in the gym or at home that can provide the versatility of the medicine ball.
Some good reasons to make the medicine ball part of your workout routine are:
You can add variety to your routine because of the limitless kinds of exercises you can do with them. You can toss them, bounce them, roll them, and do many traditional free weight exercises with them. With all the variety they provide, it is hard to get bored with their use and people of all fitness levels from beginner to athlete can use them.
Using the medicine ball is a good tool for meeting people because there are loads of exercises you can do with the ball that work great with two or more people. You can toss the ball to each other, roll it to each other, bounce it back and forth, and hand it off to each other. You can even work in small groups using the ball, making room to be even more creative with it.
A lot of medicine ball exercises are great for working your core or midsection muscles, which are involved when you toss, roll, bounce or catch it. There is also a lot of movement involved when using the ball like side to side movement or front to back movement to catch it. Standing and twisting side to side while holding the ball is great for your midsection as well.
If you are looking to improve your performance in a particular sport or activity, the medicine ball can help there too. Tossing and bouncing it back and forth with a partner helps improve eye-hand coordination. Tossing the ball also improves strength for things like golf and tennis swings, throwing a baseball or football, and swimming strokes. Rolling it will help improve strength for your bowling game or underhand softball pitching.
Using the medicine ball is a great way to add a little something different to your usual exercise routine. You can do things with it that you most likely could not do with the traditional equipment you've been using, and at times, using the medicine ball can be downright playful and fun to work with, reminding you of when you were a kid tossing and rolling the ball around in the park with your friends thus making you feel young again.
First of all, the medicine ball has come a long way from the old leather ones mentioned earlier. They now come in a vast array of colors and are made with rubber surfaces making them easier to grip. They also come in weights ranging from one to fifty pounds so you can vary resistance to suit your needs. Because they bounce and can be tossed around, they are great for working you with random movements instead of the fixed ones that come with barbell, dumbbell and machine workouts. There is virtually no other equipment in the gym or at home that can provide the versatility of the medicine ball.
Some good reasons to make the medicine ball part of your workout routine are:
You can add variety to your routine because of the limitless kinds of exercises you can do with them. You can toss them, bounce them, roll them, and do many traditional free weight exercises with them. With all the variety they provide, it is hard to get bored with their use and people of all fitness levels from beginner to athlete can use them.
Using the medicine ball is a good tool for meeting people because there are loads of exercises you can do with the ball that work great with two or more people. You can toss the ball to each other, roll it to each other, bounce it back and forth, and hand it off to each other. You can even work in small groups using the ball, making room to be even more creative with it.
A lot of medicine ball exercises are great for working your core or midsection muscles, which are involved when you toss, roll, bounce or catch it. There is also a lot of movement involved when using the ball like side to side movement or front to back movement to catch it. Standing and twisting side to side while holding the ball is great for your midsection as well.
If you are looking to improve your performance in a particular sport or activity, the medicine ball can help there too. Tossing and bouncing it back and forth with a partner helps improve eye-hand coordination. Tossing the ball also improves strength for things like golf and tennis swings, throwing a baseball or football, and swimming strokes. Rolling it will help improve strength for your bowling game or underhand softball pitching.
Using the medicine ball is a great way to add a little something different to your usual exercise routine. You can do things with it that you most likely could not do with the traditional equipment you've been using, and at times, using the medicine ball can be downright playful and fun to work with, reminding you of when you were a kid tossing and rolling the ball around in the park with your friends thus making you feel young again.
Monday, August 6, 2007
Chinese Medicine Schools
Seeking an alternative health education in Chinese Medicine? Instructing students an ancient healing art; Chinese medicine schools teach students how to balance the body's "chi" (life force) through energy channels. These channels are believed to be the body's internal balancing mechanism; able to bring about natural and self healing.
Providing students with fundamental knowledge of the therapeutic benefits of acupuncture, acupressure, cupping, herbal medicine, therapeutic exercise, and nutrition, Chinese medicine schools also provide comprehensive instruction on a variety of health treatments including moxibustion, a form of heat therapy application that is believed to prevent or possibly cure disease. Additionally, students who enroll in Chinese medicine schools may opt to take in-depth courses in Qi Gong and Tai Chi.
Educating students about dietary intake comprised of nutrient-rich foods; herbs; minerals; vitamins and other necessary supplements, Chinese medicine school philosophy and educational training is built upon the basis of the Yin and Yang, the Five Elements and Zang Fu.
Chinese Medicine Schools teach a wide curriculum of therapies that are used for allergies, arthritis, weight loss, quitting smoking, stress, TMJ, PMS and other menstrual problems, back pain, musculoskeletal problems, fatigue, digestive problems, and urinary problems, in addition to many other common or chronic health issues.
Though over 2,000 years old, today Chinese medicine is still considered alternative or complementary to traditional Western medicine; but its remarkable treatments and therapies are gaining headway in mainstream healthcare. Prospective practitioners can anticipate great personal satisfaction and substantial growth in this particular career choice.
Providing students with fundamental knowledge of the therapeutic benefits of acupuncture, acupressure, cupping, herbal medicine, therapeutic exercise, and nutrition, Chinese medicine schools also provide comprehensive instruction on a variety of health treatments including moxibustion, a form of heat therapy application that is believed to prevent or possibly cure disease. Additionally, students who enroll in Chinese medicine schools may opt to take in-depth courses in Qi Gong and Tai Chi.
Educating students about dietary intake comprised of nutrient-rich foods; herbs; minerals; vitamins and other necessary supplements, Chinese medicine school philosophy and educational training is built upon the basis of the Yin and Yang, the Five Elements and Zang Fu.
Chinese Medicine Schools teach a wide curriculum of therapies that are used for allergies, arthritis, weight loss, quitting smoking, stress, TMJ, PMS and other menstrual problems, back pain, musculoskeletal problems, fatigue, digestive problems, and urinary problems, in addition to many other common or chronic health issues.
Though over 2,000 years old, today Chinese medicine is still considered alternative or complementary to traditional Western medicine; but its remarkable treatments and therapies are gaining headway in mainstream healthcare. Prospective practitioners can anticipate great personal satisfaction and substantial growth in this particular career choice.
Sunday, August 5, 2007
Medical Health Care Information - Preventing Hospital Infections
Hospital spread infections are on the rise. There are many reasons for this ever increasing epidemic, and it is going to be up to each one of us to protect ourselves.
Let's face it, many hospitals are under staffed, making it harder for the nurses and doctors to perform all of their duties in a safe and practical manner.
Sure, you will always have those that do not perform their duties to the fullest making neglect another reason it is imperative that you take charge of your healthcare. You need to have some say so in how your treatments are managed, especially when mistakes could cripple or even kill you or your loved one.
The Centers For Disease Control reports that 2,000,000 patients will be affected by hospital spread infections. The sad part is that over 90,000 will die. You go to the hospital to get well not to get sick.
Awareness of the problem is the key to defending yourself. Once you are aware, then you need to act. Act by gaining knowledge on how to protect yourself or your loved ones.
You must know the basic methods for maintaining the proper care of your I.V. It all starts with proper hygiene. Proper handwashing is mandatory if we are to fight these infections. Do not, let any one at all come into your hospital room without first washing their hands. This must be done with an alcohol based cleanser or one approved by the hospital, and hands need to be washed for at least 30 seconds. This may sound like unnecessary precautions, but if it will keep you from extra days in the hospital or crippling side effects, it is worth it.
Did I mention that you must take charge? Do not go to the hospital and feel intimidated. Who pays if you get an infection that makes you miss work, keeps you away from your family, keeps you from getting on with your life? You do, your employer does, your family suffers, insurance companies will raise rates to make up for the extra expenses, which means we all pay in the long run.
Make your I.V. your lifeline not your deathline. Sterile technique must be used before and I.V. is installed and anytime it is accessed. Have your doctors and nurses write in your chart to use sterile techniques. Hang signs on your door telling all who enter to wash their hands first. These are very simple measures to insure that you get in, get out, get on with your life.
Take charge now before it is too late. Your actions may reduce pain and suffering, and most of all may save a life.
Arm yourself with the necessary weapons needed to fight infections. Discover how to help your child through the traumatic experience of getting an I.V. Learn how to take charge and have some say so in your health treatment. You have been made aware of a serious problem, how will you react? React now to avoid becoming a victim.
Fight back do not lay down. Stand your ground, do not let infections ruin your life.
Let's face it, many hospitals are under staffed, making it harder for the nurses and doctors to perform all of their duties in a safe and practical manner.
Sure, you will always have those that do not perform their duties to the fullest making neglect another reason it is imperative that you take charge of your healthcare. You need to have some say so in how your treatments are managed, especially when mistakes could cripple or even kill you or your loved one.
The Centers For Disease Control reports that 2,000,000 patients will be affected by hospital spread infections. The sad part is that over 90,000 will die. You go to the hospital to get well not to get sick.
Awareness of the problem is the key to defending yourself. Once you are aware, then you need to act. Act by gaining knowledge on how to protect yourself or your loved ones.
You must know the basic methods for maintaining the proper care of your I.V. It all starts with proper hygiene. Proper handwashing is mandatory if we are to fight these infections. Do not, let any one at all come into your hospital room without first washing their hands. This must be done with an alcohol based cleanser or one approved by the hospital, and hands need to be washed for at least 30 seconds. This may sound like unnecessary precautions, but if it will keep you from extra days in the hospital or crippling side effects, it is worth it.
Did I mention that you must take charge? Do not go to the hospital and feel intimidated. Who pays if you get an infection that makes you miss work, keeps you away from your family, keeps you from getting on with your life? You do, your employer does, your family suffers, insurance companies will raise rates to make up for the extra expenses, which means we all pay in the long run.
Make your I.V. your lifeline not your deathline. Sterile technique must be used before and I.V. is installed and anytime it is accessed. Have your doctors and nurses write in your chart to use sterile techniques. Hang signs on your door telling all who enter to wash their hands first. These are very simple measures to insure that you get in, get out, get on with your life.
Take charge now before it is too late. Your actions may reduce pain and suffering, and most of all may save a life.
Arm yourself with the necessary weapons needed to fight infections. Discover how to help your child through the traumatic experience of getting an I.V. Learn how to take charge and have some say so in your health treatment. You have been made aware of a serious problem, how will you react? React now to avoid becoming a victim.
Fight back do not lay down. Stand your ground, do not let infections ruin your life.
Saturday, August 4, 2007
Fear Of The Dentist – Conquer Your Fear
For many of us, a visit to the dentist can be a stressful and traumatic experience.
Granted, today’s dentistry is relatively painless, but nevertheless the fear of a needle (the anesthetic injection) and a drill whizzing at nearly the speed of sound in your mouth could un-nerve even a gladiator.
There are some pre-visit preparations that you can engage in, and also some calming herbal teas to bring you closer to a quiet state.
We all worry, as Mark Twain said, “about many things that never come to be”. Here we shall tell you how to prepare, and behave at the dentist. Age, sex, and strength have nothing to do with it. The mighty elephant fears the lowly mouse.
First of all, its best to book your dentist appointment in the morning. Your nerves will be the calmest after a night’s sleep, and the stress of the day will not yet be upon you.
During the breakfast the morning of the appointment, avoid coffee, and tea. Instead, make an infusion (soaked herbs in hot water for about 20 minutes) of fresh mint leaves.
This will have the effect to lower your blood pressure, and calm the nerves. It acts almost as a tranquilizer.
Eat also sparingly, something like dry toast and some fruit. Leave your stomach half empty. Set out for the dentist, but repeat to yourself that you are in command of your nerves and not your nerves in command of you! Be resolute.
Arriving at the dentist, while waiting for your appointment, continue with your affirmation, close your eyes and try and relax your body by deep breathing; inhaling from the nose and exhaling from the mouth. Practice until you are called.
Arriving to the dentist, express your anxiety, and the steps you have taken to alleviate it. If allowed, ask the dentist if you can listen to an MP3 player (yours or the dentists), during the procedure.
Most dentists will permit this, as they know that the music will divert your attention away from the mouth and teeth, thus reducing pent-up fear. If the dentist is in agreement, fit the player’s earphones to your ears and lay back.
The dentist may need to speak a bit with you before this happens, but when the dentist begins, its best his or her attention is on your teeth and not your fears or problems.
At this point, turn your palms up on the dentist’s chair armrests. This is very important, as it will prevent also your muscles from tensing. You are forcing your body to relax, even if you mind would keep it tense. All though the procedure, remember to keep you palms facing upwards.
If you need anesthesia, keep your eyes closed. The syringe is by necessity very large, and the needle long. Your dentist will usually put a pre-anesthesia gel on your gums so the injection itself is not painful either. Its best to keep your eyes closed.
As the anesthesia starts working, concentrate on your music, and not the dentist. He or she knows what they are doing and you should be confident of them, or you should not be at that dentist.
Make sure your MP3 tracks will cover the whole of the session. Dentists don’t like to work more than two hours without a break, and for good reason. They become fatigued themselves, as well as their patient.
If you are still stressful into the procedure, ask to practice once again your breathing and relaxation technique.
Go back to the chair with resolve that you are in command of your nerves and not your nerves in command of you.
Believe it, and it will be true. This break will refresh you and the dentist as well, and know it will quickly be over.
Keep in mind a special treat for yourself at the end of the day; as a reward for conquering your fear and anxiety.
Have this in mind as the dentist is in the last phase of your appointment. You will feel relieved only at the thought only.
Granted, today’s dentistry is relatively painless, but nevertheless the fear of a needle (the anesthetic injection) and a drill whizzing at nearly the speed of sound in your mouth could un-nerve even a gladiator.
There are some pre-visit preparations that you can engage in, and also some calming herbal teas to bring you closer to a quiet state.
We all worry, as Mark Twain said, “about many things that never come to be”. Here we shall tell you how to prepare, and behave at the dentist. Age, sex, and strength have nothing to do with it. The mighty elephant fears the lowly mouse.
First of all, its best to book your dentist appointment in the morning. Your nerves will be the calmest after a night’s sleep, and the stress of the day will not yet be upon you.
During the breakfast the morning of the appointment, avoid coffee, and tea. Instead, make an infusion (soaked herbs in hot water for about 20 minutes) of fresh mint leaves.
This will have the effect to lower your blood pressure, and calm the nerves. It acts almost as a tranquilizer.
Eat also sparingly, something like dry toast and some fruit. Leave your stomach half empty. Set out for the dentist, but repeat to yourself that you are in command of your nerves and not your nerves in command of you! Be resolute.
Arriving at the dentist, while waiting for your appointment, continue with your affirmation, close your eyes and try and relax your body by deep breathing; inhaling from the nose and exhaling from the mouth. Practice until you are called.
Arriving to the dentist, express your anxiety, and the steps you have taken to alleviate it. If allowed, ask the dentist if you can listen to an MP3 player (yours or the dentists), during the procedure.
Most dentists will permit this, as they know that the music will divert your attention away from the mouth and teeth, thus reducing pent-up fear. If the dentist is in agreement, fit the player’s earphones to your ears and lay back.
The dentist may need to speak a bit with you before this happens, but when the dentist begins, its best his or her attention is on your teeth and not your fears or problems.
At this point, turn your palms up on the dentist’s chair armrests. This is very important, as it will prevent also your muscles from tensing. You are forcing your body to relax, even if you mind would keep it tense. All though the procedure, remember to keep you palms facing upwards.
If you need anesthesia, keep your eyes closed. The syringe is by necessity very large, and the needle long. Your dentist will usually put a pre-anesthesia gel on your gums so the injection itself is not painful either. Its best to keep your eyes closed.
As the anesthesia starts working, concentrate on your music, and not the dentist. He or she knows what they are doing and you should be confident of them, or you should not be at that dentist.
Make sure your MP3 tracks will cover the whole of the session. Dentists don’t like to work more than two hours without a break, and for good reason. They become fatigued themselves, as well as their patient.
If you are still stressful into the procedure, ask to practice once again your breathing and relaxation technique.
Go back to the chair with resolve that you are in command of your nerves and not your nerves in command of you.
Believe it, and it will be true. This break will refresh you and the dentist as well, and know it will quickly be over.
Keep in mind a special treat for yourself at the end of the day; as a reward for conquering your fear and anxiety.
Have this in mind as the dentist is in the last phase of your appointment. You will feel relieved only at the thought only.
Friday, August 3, 2007
Prescription Drugs: Are We Swallowing Our Happiness?
Conspiracy theorist, I am not. But lately I’m feeling a bit more paranoid than usual. I don’t know what’s happening exactly, and I know even less why I seem to be the only one who thinks something is happening at all. But suffice it to say that everyone I know is on one kind of prescription drug or another. And what’s worse is that these same people have been brainwashed into thinking that their pills hold the key to a happy and healthy life. And so they wait. But from my vantage point (which is un-medicated), here’s where I see the glitch. Not only are the individuals popping pills not happy, but they now suffer from new problems that are caused by the drugs themselves. But they keep swallowing. And then I wonder, if it’s so obvious that they are not feeling better, how come they don’t notice that the pills aren’t working? It’s as if they’ve all fallen under a spell cast by those wearing white lab coats. But what I can’t decide is, who to blame - the drug companies who fashion the illnesses and then manipulate our most fundamental fears of sickness and death in their not-so-subliminal advertising that inundates us morning, noon and night - or the trigger-happy doctors who write the scripts. Doesn’t anyone besides me think it is the most egregious act in the world to advertise medicine directly to the consumer? To sell medicine? To provide coupons for drugs? To send people to a website to take a quiz that diagnoses them? Have we all lost our minds?
Granted, the biggest jokes have come from the Viagra commercials where a suave masculine voice warns against the potential dangers of the four-hour (or longer) erection that could result from taking the drug – like that’s a bad thing. As if they didn’t know that even an outside chance of an uber erection would sell more pills. Personally though, as far as side-effects are concerned, I think it’s hard to choose which drug to fear most. I would have to say that on the top of my list was the pill that can make you vomit coffee grinds with every violent heave. But my all time favorite ad was the one that cautioned users to expect a possible “greasy odoriferous discharge.” I don’t know about you, but I would do just about anything to avoid that. And I’m guessing that I wasn’t alone because that commercial went off the air as quickly as it came on. No doubt, sales dipped as a result and some poor deprived sales rep somewhere missed his quota and the chance to win a trip to Hawaii. I guess in the case of Viagra and its brothers, despite the appeal of the never ending hard on, the cases of blindness that they found linked to the drug in Europe weren’t enough to scare people away.
The fact is that I’ve yet to find one guy who can’t get it up (for reasons other than drinking too much) who takes Viagra for legitimate medical reasons. Oh yeah, I forgot, except for the convicted rapists who get it through Medicaid. However, mixed with cocktails and other psychotropic drugs, I understand that it makes for a rather enjoyable evening. But I do have a friend who was given a prescription for Viagra shortly after she was given an antidepressant to alleviate minor symptoms of irritability and sadness associated with her menstrual cycle. It all started one day when she was lying on her couch in a suicidal state after ingesting a popular white pill for two weeks. At first blush, I found myself asking, “Isn’t that pill supposed to be an anti-depressant?” Naturally, the operative word here was “anti.” I couldn’t help but notice that her sudden desire to actually take her own life was not boding well for this drug, nor was it a sign that her depression was improving. All she had had was a little PMS each month, for heaven's sake.
I don’t know, let me see…a few days of feeling a little off, maybe slightly edgy, a condition endured by women for centuries, or having a newfound desire to bleed out, never to wake up again. Which is better? Gosh, I’m torn. What happened was that my friend’s doctor had placed her on 90 milligrams of the drug right out of the gate – no tests, no analysis, no nothing. And, no surprise the guy’s wall was decorated with elegantly framed degrees. Oddly enough however, none had the words “psychology,” “psychiatry” or “OBGYN” anywhere on them. Perhaps he too had seen the commercial the night before and decided it was worth a shot. My friend went to another doctor next who was indeed a shrink, a psycho-pharma-something. He was not surprised at all that thoughts of cutting her skull open with a kitchen knife ran rampant through her head, because he said, “Well of course you don’t feel good. You’re actively being poisoned, basically becoming more and more toxic every day.” “Well gee,” I thought. “Isn’t that dangerous? Shouldn’t someone have known better?” So that doctor slowly brought her down to 5 milligrams and then planned to wean her off completely. FIVE MILLIGRAMS! And she had been on 90! Is it me?
The good news is that my friend’s soaring libido took her mind off her desire to die and gave her something to live for. The problem was that she couldn’t concentrate on anything else. That is, until a commercial and its online survey convinced her that she had ADD – a medical problem that impinged on her mind’s ability to focus.
So her doctor gave her a prescription and told her that she might have trouble sleeping but that she shouldn’t worry about it, because he had something for that too.
Shocker. Now that she was too tired to have sex and sleeping too much to be depressed, I figured we should take matters into our own hands. I suggested in jest that we might as well go over to the East Village to find a dealer of our own, one who didn’t take insurance, and buy her some speed. She cracked a barely perceptible smile as her eyes filled up with tears. Dreading news that the depression was settling back in, I cringed and asked her why she was crying. She assured me that she wasn’t, that sometimes her eyes watered from the drops that the doctor gave her to moisturize them when they dried out from the ADD medicine that kept her awake, and the sleeping pills that put her to sleep. I was concerned. She then told me there was nothing to worry about, unless of course “the foreign body sensations” kicked in, in which case she was to notify her doctor immediately. What? I couldn’t even comprehend what “foreign body sensations” meant. Were they from the whole body, or a specific part? Was she going to vibrate, ache or tingle? Or maybe foreign meant outer body? I had to know. So I asked if I could read the label on the package. Sure enough, she was right. There it was on the bottle in black and white along with all of the other side effects. But next to it was something else, a word that I hadn’t seen before – pruritus. So I asked Jeeves. Turns out, pruritus is chronic itching of the skin around the anus. From eye drops? Luckily my friend was pruritus-free. Good thing too because I was not looking forward to watching her scoot along the rug like my dog. So then, one night I’m sitting on my couch watching TV, when low and behold a commercial for one of my friend’s drugs comes on. And at the end, a soft, upbeat melodic voice says, and I quote, “SIDE EFFECTS INCLUDE… POSSIBLE FATAL EVENTS!" And I thought to myself, “Ah, jeez, the irony of it – she’s right back where she started…only a pill away from stopping the depression.” I mean, what happened to the good ole days when we took drugs that actually made us feel better?
Granted, the biggest jokes have come from the Viagra commercials where a suave masculine voice warns against the potential dangers of the four-hour (or longer) erection that could result from taking the drug – like that’s a bad thing. As if they didn’t know that even an outside chance of an uber erection would sell more pills. Personally though, as far as side-effects are concerned, I think it’s hard to choose which drug to fear most. I would have to say that on the top of my list was the pill that can make you vomit coffee grinds with every violent heave. But my all time favorite ad was the one that cautioned users to expect a possible “greasy odoriferous discharge.” I don’t know about you, but I would do just about anything to avoid that. And I’m guessing that I wasn’t alone because that commercial went off the air as quickly as it came on. No doubt, sales dipped as a result and some poor deprived sales rep somewhere missed his quota and the chance to win a trip to Hawaii. I guess in the case of Viagra and its brothers, despite the appeal of the never ending hard on, the cases of blindness that they found linked to the drug in Europe weren’t enough to scare people away.
The fact is that I’ve yet to find one guy who can’t get it up (for reasons other than drinking too much) who takes Viagra for legitimate medical reasons. Oh yeah, I forgot, except for the convicted rapists who get it through Medicaid. However, mixed with cocktails and other psychotropic drugs, I understand that it makes for a rather enjoyable evening. But I do have a friend who was given a prescription for Viagra shortly after she was given an antidepressant to alleviate minor symptoms of irritability and sadness associated with her menstrual cycle. It all started one day when she was lying on her couch in a suicidal state after ingesting a popular white pill for two weeks. At first blush, I found myself asking, “Isn’t that pill supposed to be an anti-depressant?” Naturally, the operative word here was “anti.” I couldn’t help but notice that her sudden desire to actually take her own life was not boding well for this drug, nor was it a sign that her depression was improving. All she had had was a little PMS each month, for heaven's sake.
I don’t know, let me see…a few days of feeling a little off, maybe slightly edgy, a condition endured by women for centuries, or having a newfound desire to bleed out, never to wake up again. Which is better? Gosh, I’m torn. What happened was that my friend’s doctor had placed her on 90 milligrams of the drug right out of the gate – no tests, no analysis, no nothing. And, no surprise the guy’s wall was decorated with elegantly framed degrees. Oddly enough however, none had the words “psychology,” “psychiatry” or “OBGYN” anywhere on them. Perhaps he too had seen the commercial the night before and decided it was worth a shot. My friend went to another doctor next who was indeed a shrink, a psycho-pharma-something. He was not surprised at all that thoughts of cutting her skull open with a kitchen knife ran rampant through her head, because he said, “Well of course you don’t feel good. You’re actively being poisoned, basically becoming more and more toxic every day.” “Well gee,” I thought. “Isn’t that dangerous? Shouldn’t someone have known better?” So that doctor slowly brought her down to 5 milligrams and then planned to wean her off completely. FIVE MILLIGRAMS! And she had been on 90! Is it me?
The good news is that my friend’s soaring libido took her mind off her desire to die and gave her something to live for. The problem was that she couldn’t concentrate on anything else. That is, until a commercial and its online survey convinced her that she had ADD – a medical problem that impinged on her mind’s ability to focus.
So her doctor gave her a prescription and told her that she might have trouble sleeping but that she shouldn’t worry about it, because he had something for that too.
Shocker. Now that she was too tired to have sex and sleeping too much to be depressed, I figured we should take matters into our own hands. I suggested in jest that we might as well go over to the East Village to find a dealer of our own, one who didn’t take insurance, and buy her some speed. She cracked a barely perceptible smile as her eyes filled up with tears. Dreading news that the depression was settling back in, I cringed and asked her why she was crying. She assured me that she wasn’t, that sometimes her eyes watered from the drops that the doctor gave her to moisturize them when they dried out from the ADD medicine that kept her awake, and the sleeping pills that put her to sleep. I was concerned. She then told me there was nothing to worry about, unless of course “the foreign body sensations” kicked in, in which case she was to notify her doctor immediately. What? I couldn’t even comprehend what “foreign body sensations” meant. Were they from the whole body, or a specific part? Was she going to vibrate, ache or tingle? Or maybe foreign meant outer body? I had to know. So I asked if I could read the label on the package. Sure enough, she was right. There it was on the bottle in black and white along with all of the other side effects. But next to it was something else, a word that I hadn’t seen before – pruritus. So I asked Jeeves. Turns out, pruritus is chronic itching of the skin around the anus. From eye drops? Luckily my friend was pruritus-free. Good thing too because I was not looking forward to watching her scoot along the rug like my dog. So then, one night I’m sitting on my couch watching TV, when low and behold a commercial for one of my friend’s drugs comes on. And at the end, a soft, upbeat melodic voice says, and I quote, “SIDE EFFECTS INCLUDE… POSSIBLE FATAL EVENTS!" And I thought to myself, “Ah, jeez, the irony of it – she’s right back where she started…only a pill away from stopping the depression.” I mean, what happened to the good ole days when we took drugs that actually made us feel better?
Thursday, August 2, 2007
Awake And Paralyzed During Surgery
The Trauma of Awakening
Awareness under anesthesia ranks second only to death as a dreaded complication of surgery. It is reported to affect 40,00-140,000 patients per year in the US but there is reason to believe that many more have awakened during surgery. Because modern anesthesia consists of three agents – a light dose of painkiller, a paralyzing drug, and an amnesic agent that blocks memory of the experience – most patients do not remember awakening and so do not report it to their doctors. The paralyzing drug prevents any struggle or gesture as sign of distress so the surgeon, the anesthesiologist, and nurse cannot see that the patient is awake. Some experimental studies estimate the rate of awareness may be as high as 44%.
Not remembering does not diminish the pain, fear, and utter helplessness of awakening under the knife and being unable to let anyone know. Nor does it diminish the traumatic effect of that experience. Survivors who finally recall the awakening usually describe an experience in which their center of awareness coalesces outside their helpless body and they watch the scene from above. Their frozen state and accompanying depersonalization seems to go on and on without a clear point of resolution. The return to the body may happen in the recovery room or even later in the hospital room and, rarely, only after days, weeks, or years.
Posttraumatic Consequences
The experience of awakening in a panic during surgery and finding oneself unable to move or cry out creates a dramatic crescendo of survival instincts. The drug-induced paralysis thwarts any impulse to escape and deepens the instinctual freeze response. Awareness during surgery carries the exact conditions known to induce post-traumatic symptoms. The horrors of the experience become embedded in the nonverbal mind with a potential to intrude into consciousness whenever triggered. The suffering individual will not relate the emerging panic to unremembered and wordless experiences during a past surgical operation.
Over half of the patients that remember coming light under anesthesia develop the full syndrome of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Survivors with or without memory often become phobic about surgery and their avoidance of triggers may generalize to a fear of hospitals or doctors or of white coats. They may suffer attacks of frozen panic or depersonalization, sometimes with clouded states of altered consciousness. They may repeatedly hear the voices of operating room staff. Their conditions are often misdiagnosed as panic disorder, major depression, schizophrenia, or epilepsy.
Treatment of Surgical PTSD
Once the true cause is suspected the condition can be readily treated and cured with trauma therapy. Successful treatment does require processing of the entire traumatic experience so the therapy must be able to access that seemingly forgotten memory. The memory is there even though conscious verbal probes fail to reach it. It was not verbally coded when the person was under the dual effect of the anesthetics and the instinctual trauma response. Even though it was stored in fragments of nonverbal perception it can be processed into a narrative form that will be available to conscious thought.
Hypnosis is very effective in providing access to the traumatic memory fragments. Other approaches that use nonverbal communication can also be effective. These are the creative arts therapies such as art therapy, movement therapy, music therapy and psychodrama. In most applications the person constructs a verbal narrative of the trauma and comes to own it as a finished historical event.
Awareness under anesthesia ranks second only to death as a dreaded complication of surgery. It is reported to affect 40,00-140,000 patients per year in the US but there is reason to believe that many more have awakened during surgery. Because modern anesthesia consists of three agents – a light dose of painkiller, a paralyzing drug, and an amnesic agent that blocks memory of the experience – most patients do not remember awakening and so do not report it to their doctors. The paralyzing drug prevents any struggle or gesture as sign of distress so the surgeon, the anesthesiologist, and nurse cannot see that the patient is awake. Some experimental studies estimate the rate of awareness may be as high as 44%.
Not remembering does not diminish the pain, fear, and utter helplessness of awakening under the knife and being unable to let anyone know. Nor does it diminish the traumatic effect of that experience. Survivors who finally recall the awakening usually describe an experience in which their center of awareness coalesces outside their helpless body and they watch the scene from above. Their frozen state and accompanying depersonalization seems to go on and on without a clear point of resolution. The return to the body may happen in the recovery room or even later in the hospital room and, rarely, only after days, weeks, or years.
Posttraumatic Consequences
The experience of awakening in a panic during surgery and finding oneself unable to move or cry out creates a dramatic crescendo of survival instincts. The drug-induced paralysis thwarts any impulse to escape and deepens the instinctual freeze response. Awareness during surgery carries the exact conditions known to induce post-traumatic symptoms. The horrors of the experience become embedded in the nonverbal mind with a potential to intrude into consciousness whenever triggered. The suffering individual will not relate the emerging panic to unremembered and wordless experiences during a past surgical operation.
Over half of the patients that remember coming light under anesthesia develop the full syndrome of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Survivors with or without memory often become phobic about surgery and their avoidance of triggers may generalize to a fear of hospitals or doctors or of white coats. They may suffer attacks of frozen panic or depersonalization, sometimes with clouded states of altered consciousness. They may repeatedly hear the voices of operating room staff. Their conditions are often misdiagnosed as panic disorder, major depression, schizophrenia, or epilepsy.
Treatment of Surgical PTSD
Once the true cause is suspected the condition can be readily treated and cured with trauma therapy. Successful treatment does require processing of the entire traumatic experience so the therapy must be able to access that seemingly forgotten memory. The memory is there even though conscious verbal probes fail to reach it. It was not verbally coded when the person was under the dual effect of the anesthetics and the instinctual trauma response. Even though it was stored in fragments of nonverbal perception it can be processed into a narrative form that will be available to conscious thought.
Hypnosis is very effective in providing access to the traumatic memory fragments. Other approaches that use nonverbal communication can also be effective. These are the creative arts therapies such as art therapy, movement therapy, music therapy and psychodrama. In most applications the person constructs a verbal narrative of the trauma and comes to own it as a finished historical event.
Wednesday, August 1, 2007
Palliative Care : Nurses Speak Hope When Hope Seems Lost
Any Family dealing with the loss of a loved one is usually involved in the Medical Community. The ones wit the most frequent and closest care are the nurses. The nurse is there working closely with the client assess their needs as well as the families needs. Family and dear friends are coping with the many physical and emotional demands of the dying or palliative patient. It is a heavy burden to bear and bearing it can cause a deep feeling of hopelessness that blurs all vision of hope for help and improving the situation for both the Patient and the Family.
A Nurse is A listening ear and not only for the client but for the family. There are a lot of fears that can be put to rest when they are voiced and appropriate and helpful solutions are presented. A nurse is A Client Advocate who will speak up and seek out help that the client or family may not know how to or be unable to themselves.
When many fears have been put to rest by being able to talk them out with the Nurse and Other members of the Palliative team then the client and family will have a better sense of being in control of the process a little better and are then able to make healthier and more beneficial decisions for their care.
A Client who is unable to speak for themselves is often spoken for by the family member. They may not be reading the signs that the patient may be giving non-verbally. The Nurse can come along side the Family member and help them become more aware of how to assess the needs and manage comfort levels in a safe and healthy way.
Speaking the truth in kindness is a difficult thing to do. But as the Patient is priority the nurse takes this responsibility and does her best to respectfully bring to awareness the needs. She helps set up a Plan with the Doctors, Case managers and many other valued members of the health team.
Often a Spouse will try to take a lot of the load on themselves and they often get burnt out and put themselves at risk of physical and emotional exhaustion. There are many Palliative resources that can alleviate the stress and help improve both client and Family members safety.
For example and older woman trying to help her palliative husband to the bathroom is unable to support him if he would fall and the risk of them both ending up with a detrimental injury is high! The care giver in this case the wife would be of no further help if she ended up in hospital with a broken hip for example. This can be avoided with getting a helper in for transferring the client or for daily care like getting bathed etc.
Helping the Client and Family become aware of the help they can get and being positive with them as much as possible Speaks Hope were things seem Hopeless!
It Is always good to talk and ask as many questions as you need to. You can only get more information to help relieve your overwhelmed feelings if You are in this situation.
A Nurse is A listening ear and not only for the client but for the family. There are a lot of fears that can be put to rest when they are voiced and appropriate and helpful solutions are presented. A nurse is A Client Advocate who will speak up and seek out help that the client or family may not know how to or be unable to themselves.
When many fears have been put to rest by being able to talk them out with the Nurse and Other members of the Palliative team then the client and family will have a better sense of being in control of the process a little better and are then able to make healthier and more beneficial decisions for their care.
A Client who is unable to speak for themselves is often spoken for by the family member. They may not be reading the signs that the patient may be giving non-verbally. The Nurse can come along side the Family member and help them become more aware of how to assess the needs and manage comfort levels in a safe and healthy way.
Speaking the truth in kindness is a difficult thing to do. But as the Patient is priority the nurse takes this responsibility and does her best to respectfully bring to awareness the needs. She helps set up a Plan with the Doctors, Case managers and many other valued members of the health team.
Often a Spouse will try to take a lot of the load on themselves and they often get burnt out and put themselves at risk of physical and emotional exhaustion. There are many Palliative resources that can alleviate the stress and help improve both client and Family members safety.
For example and older woman trying to help her palliative husband to the bathroom is unable to support him if he would fall and the risk of them both ending up with a detrimental injury is high! The care giver in this case the wife would be of no further help if she ended up in hospital with a broken hip for example. This can be avoided with getting a helper in for transferring the client or for daily care like getting bathed etc.
Helping the Client and Family become aware of the help they can get and being positive with them as much as possible Speaks Hope were things seem Hopeless!
It Is always good to talk and ask as many questions as you need to. You can only get more information to help relieve your overwhelmed feelings if You are in this situation.
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