We've all heard the theory about taking an aspirin a day to keep heart attacks away. Can a little pill that you find on the shelf of every pharmacy or grocery store, taken once a day, really protect you from heart attacks or stroke?
One particular report, published in a British Medical Journal, would like you to believe that. Their report stated that aspirin therapy should be used in cases where patients are at a high risk of cardiovascular disease, heart attack or stroke. Ideally we do not want to get to the point where we're considered high risk.
How Does Aspirin Reduce The Risks Of Heart Attack Or Stroke?
Simply put, aspirin will dilate your arteries creating more room within the arteries for your blood to flow. That is medical science's recommendation when you are at a high risk of heart attack or stroke. Dilate arteries and all will be well.
Is It Really That Simple?
Of course I jest, as they do offer more recommendations such as prescription heart medicine, angioplasty or bypass surgery. Anyhow, getting back on topic, aspirin also inhibits the blood clotting process crucial to controlling bleeding. Without this process working, the result can be uncontrollable bleeding that can cause you to bleed to death if you were cut and couldn't get medical attention quickly enough.
Did you know that if you are scheduled for surgery of any kind, the surgeon will not perform the operation if you have been taking aspirins? You would have to stop taking the aspirin and wait until its out of your system before they would operate.
That tells me that dilating the arteries may not be the way to go. What do you think? Personally, I don't think it's worth the risk to take the "aspirin a day" especially since there is a better, more effective way.
In addition, what happens as the plaque in your arteries keeps building up and continues to narrow the openings within your arteries and finally becoming completely blocked/closed. Will the aspirin prevent a heart attack or stroke if the arteries become blocked? You bet it won't.
The Natural Way To Solve The Problem Without The Risk
If the medical profession spent more time and effort on preventing the problem in the first place there would be less people struggling with heart disease. Instead they find ways of treating the symptoms with the use of drugs after the damage has been done.
By using the right nutritional plan, which includes specific vitamins and minerals, the body will not only heal itself, but will prevent any arterial plaque build-up while dissolving any existing plaque that may be in your arteries already.
Staying healthy is easier than you think. Don't eat foods that contain hydrogenated fats (also known as Trans-Fats) as these are manufactured fats. According to the Harvard School of Public Health, doctors warn against eating trans fats because studies show that trans fats raise LDL (bad) cholesterol levels and put people at risk of heart attacks. Don't be afraid of fats however, as long as they are "good fats."
Take in more protein and Omega-3/Omega-6 fatty acids as these fats are extremely helpful in protecting against sudden heart attack or stroke. In addition, keep an eye on your LDL (bad) cholesterol levels and get them down if too high, while raising your HDL (good) cholesterol.
Supplement your healthy eating with the right combination of vitamins, minerals, and glandular concentrates that will "scrub" your arteries clean of deadly plaque. Make sure you get some exercise in there as well. Good health is all about good nutrition... not about drugs or surgery.
Sunday, December 30, 2007
Wednesday, December 26, 2007
Changing Your Life-style Can Lower Blood Pressure
When treating high blood pressure it helps a lot if it is detected in an early phase, because it appears long time before its symptoms and complications do.If it's detected early, much of the damage it does to the organs in the body can be prevented, and lowering blood pressure can be done easier. This is the first step that should be taken in high blood pressure treatment.
Afterwards, when what is called "pre-hypertension" is discovered, several other things should be done in order to lower the blood pressure.For example, patients should change their lifestyle quite often. The doctors recommend this for pre-hypertensive people. They are stating that life-style changes helps lowering blood pressure a lot for them. If your blood pressure reading starts exceeding 140/90 mm Hg, you can treat yourself by changing your lifestyle and taking the prescribed medicines. This, together with quitting smoking and drinking significantly helps lowering blood pressure. People must be made aware of these facts in order to help preventing and/or lowering blood pressure, and to reduce the risks of heart attacks and kidney failures.
As said before the blood pressure reading is very important when trying to prevent hypertension. For example, if you discover that the diastolic pressure is situated somewhere between 85 and 90 mm Hg you must consult a doctor and follow a different treatment, because there have been cases where people with blood pressure of these values suffered from end organ damage, and for some patients aged around 65 years-old the risk of cadiovascular damage increased when their diastolic blood pressure increased.These patients were suffering from diabetes and were smoking. Therefore it is recommended to immediately visit a doctor and lower your blood pressure if the readings indicate such levels.
Besides lifestyle changes of course, proper medication has an important role in lowering blood pressure.Medication should be administered right when high blood pressure is discovered in order for it to have its best effects in lowering blood pressure.If you suffer from high blood pressure and also diabetes there are special drugs that help treating both in the same time. Therefore, the conclusion is that in order to successfully and quickly lower blood pressure it must be discovered and treated while it is still in an early stage.
Afterwards, when what is called "pre-hypertension" is discovered, several other things should be done in order to lower the blood pressure.For example, patients should change their lifestyle quite often. The doctors recommend this for pre-hypertensive people. They are stating that life-style changes helps lowering blood pressure a lot for them. If your blood pressure reading starts exceeding 140/90 mm Hg, you can treat yourself by changing your lifestyle and taking the prescribed medicines. This, together with quitting smoking and drinking significantly helps lowering blood pressure. People must be made aware of these facts in order to help preventing and/or lowering blood pressure, and to reduce the risks of heart attacks and kidney failures.
As said before the blood pressure reading is very important when trying to prevent hypertension. For example, if you discover that the diastolic pressure is situated somewhere between 85 and 90 mm Hg you must consult a doctor and follow a different treatment, because there have been cases where people with blood pressure of these values suffered from end organ damage, and for some patients aged around 65 years-old the risk of cadiovascular damage increased when their diastolic blood pressure increased.These patients were suffering from diabetes and were smoking. Therefore it is recommended to immediately visit a doctor and lower your blood pressure if the readings indicate such levels.
Besides lifestyle changes of course, proper medication has an important role in lowering blood pressure.Medication should be administered right when high blood pressure is discovered in order for it to have its best effects in lowering blood pressure.If you suffer from high blood pressure and also diabetes there are special drugs that help treating both in the same time. Therefore, the conclusion is that in order to successfully and quickly lower blood pressure it must be discovered and treated while it is still in an early stage.
Sunday, December 23, 2007
Periodontal Gum Disease -- Can You Turn It Around?
Can you get the upper hand against bacteria once you’re diagnosed with periodontal gum disease? The answer is yes, if you begin early enough and are diligent. More advanced periodontal gum disease may still be reversed, but it will take some special cleaning provided by your dentist to give you a fighting chance.
Adopting a strenuous daily oral hygiene routine now can go a long way to reversing periodontal gum disease.
1. Brush thoroughly when you get up in the morning and before you go to bed each night. Brushing or at least rinsing with water after meals and snacks will also help remove food and bacteria trapped between teeth, helping in reversing periodontitis.
2. Rinse your mouth with a good antibacterial mouthwash for at least a full thirty seconds twice each day. This will help reach bacteria trapped in pockets below your gum line, aiding in reversing periodontal gum disease.
3. Floss every single day. Pay special attention to flossing just below the gum line for reversing periodontal gum disease.
4. Even better than flossing or rinsing is the use of one of the powerful oral irrigators on the market, which blast food particles out from between your teeth and clean the gumline. High-end irrigators can be purchased with special tips to reach deeply into any pre-existing pockets and clean them out. These special tips are necessary for effective cleaning if your periodontitis has already established itself.
While a conscientious oral hygiene routine can go a long way in aiding the reversal of periodontal gum disease, sometimes the infection is too far advanced, and it is necessary to get professional help.
If the problem is becoming severe, your dentist may see fit to perform a periodontal cleaning. If x-rays show deep pockets of bacteria surrounding any of your teeth below the gum line, your dentist can choose from special procedures known as debridement, scaling or root planing to go in and scrape the bacteria out and make the tooth less hospitable to germs. He may also order a prescription antibacterial mouth wash to be used daily that will also help in reversing periodontal gum disease.
If more is required, he may perform actual periodontal surgery, which involves lifting the flaps of the gum to enable deep cleaning and suturing them back in place. After the procedure, you will have several appointments to check on the success of the cleaning. Still, there's good news for patients that have to suffer through surgery -- a 2001 study found that roughly 50% of patients with moderate to severe periodontal disease showed measurable improvement from surgery, while those trying non-surgical options enjoyed less success.
The important thing is to seek help as soon as you notice any signs of trouble with your gums. The good news is, periodontal gum disease can be reversed if it's caught early enough.
Adopting a strenuous daily oral hygiene routine now can go a long way to reversing periodontal gum disease.
1. Brush thoroughly when you get up in the morning and before you go to bed each night. Brushing or at least rinsing with water after meals and snacks will also help remove food and bacteria trapped between teeth, helping in reversing periodontitis.
2. Rinse your mouth with a good antibacterial mouthwash for at least a full thirty seconds twice each day. This will help reach bacteria trapped in pockets below your gum line, aiding in reversing periodontal gum disease.
3. Floss every single day. Pay special attention to flossing just below the gum line for reversing periodontal gum disease.
4. Even better than flossing or rinsing is the use of one of the powerful oral irrigators on the market, which blast food particles out from between your teeth and clean the gumline. High-end irrigators can be purchased with special tips to reach deeply into any pre-existing pockets and clean them out. These special tips are necessary for effective cleaning if your periodontitis has already established itself.
While a conscientious oral hygiene routine can go a long way in aiding the reversal of periodontal gum disease, sometimes the infection is too far advanced, and it is necessary to get professional help.
If the problem is becoming severe, your dentist may see fit to perform a periodontal cleaning. If x-rays show deep pockets of bacteria surrounding any of your teeth below the gum line, your dentist can choose from special procedures known as debridement, scaling or root planing to go in and scrape the bacteria out and make the tooth less hospitable to germs. He may also order a prescription antibacterial mouth wash to be used daily that will also help in reversing periodontal gum disease.
If more is required, he may perform actual periodontal surgery, which involves lifting the flaps of the gum to enable deep cleaning and suturing them back in place. After the procedure, you will have several appointments to check on the success of the cleaning. Still, there's good news for patients that have to suffer through surgery -- a 2001 study found that roughly 50% of patients with moderate to severe periodontal disease showed measurable improvement from surgery, while those trying non-surgical options enjoyed less success.
The important thing is to seek help as soon as you notice any signs of trouble with your gums. The good news is, periodontal gum disease can be reversed if it's caught early enough.
Friday, December 21, 2007
How To Be Your Doctor's Favorite Patient
First of all, let me explain something in case you don’t already know. The more your doctor and his staff like you, the better service you will receive. It’s just a plain fact and human nature. Most doctors are swamped with patients and have to make choices when appointing patients to their schedule. So how do you get the only appointment left on next Tuesday, your day off?
Asking for an appointment: Make or break the relationship. Depending upon how large the practice is, there is probably one person designated to make appointments and is most likely a woman or young adult. This position is one of the lowest paid in the practice, so keep that in mind when talking to them and boost their ego at every chance.
· Don’t tell them you have to get in this week because you are going on a cruise or exotic trip next week and just have to be seen now. This will not induce sympathy with a person financially incapable of affording such luxury. Just say you’re going out of town.
· Don’t tell them it ‘has to be next Tuesday between 2 and 4’. Ask nicely if ‘that time’ is available, but do not insist on it. If you consistently follow the suggestions laid out here, chances are the appointment coordinator will move patients around to accommodate your schedule just because you are the favorite. But it is not a good idea to demand a specific time unless they ask you first. In case you don’t know, the appointment coordinator is taught to run the schedule, and to not let the patients do it for them.
· Keep in mind it is the appointment coordinator’s job to FILL the schedule for the doctor. Most doctors want to see a full schedule for tomorrow when they leave for the day. “Emergency time” is seldom available, unless the practice has a consistent need for it. I know of no doctor that likes to sit around with no patients and therefore no income. Even the most caring of doctors still has their income in mind. After all, they have a staff and bills to pay.
· Which brings up the next point: do not ask the appointment coordinator for a discount or a payment plan. Trust me, they will not have the authority to grant one. In most practices, only the doctor can grant lower fees. Sometimes the office manager can suggest payment plans. However, keep in mind, you will never be the doctor’s favorite patient if you consistently ask for lower fees or special treatment in the payment department. If you truly need help with financing, do it with the greatest tact.
· And please, please if you remember nothing else I’ve said here, remember that your insurance is a contract between you and your insurance company. Your doctor files your insurance for you as a courtesy. It is not a requirement. It is not their duty. It is not their fault if your insurance does not pay, (most times anyway.) You may be responsible for any balances left by your insurance. Just because your insurance does not pay all of your doctor’s charges, does not mean your doctor charges too much. If there is a question about your insurance, offer to call the insurance company yourself. It is so time consuming for the office personnel to do this. Sometimes they will need to, but you’ll gain points with them if you do it yourself.
· And please know your insurance information. If you are going to a medical doctor, have your medical card with you for them to copy. If you are going to a dental office, know the difference between your medical and dental insurance and have the proper card available. Most dental policies are separate from the medical policy. Some vision policies are separate, also. If you work for a large corporation or a large group, such as State or Federal employees, the office will probably know who is your insurance carrier, but have your card available for them for ID numbers, etc., from the card. If you do not know who handles your insurance, contact your Human Resources department for the information before your appointment. Or, if your doctor is referring you to a specialist, you can obtain your insurance information from your regular doctor to take to the specialist’s office. They will love you for this.
· Which brings up the next point: reward any special favors. Bring goodies with you for the doctor and staff. I’ve had patients bring the doctor a bottle of wine and a box of cookies for the staff. Most people are watching their weight, so fresh fruit is nice, too. One patient brought fresh strawberries, another fresh peaches in season. Bake them a cake. Bring a potted plant. Trust me, they’ll love you for it because it so rarely happens. If you do not have a chance to bring them anything, a written card to the doctor and staff with specific comments about how wonderful everyone was, is a great favorite, too. Praise the staff to the doctor if they do a good job and they’ll be your friends forever.
· Do not wear strong perfume. I’m constantly amazed how often patients do this. Remember you are at a doctor’s office. People there are sick, hurting, or have some kind of malady. A vast majority of people gets headache from smelling strong perfume. You are never going to be a favorite patient nor are you going to get the most compassionate service if all the staff can think about is getting your smelly self out of their office as soon as humanly possible. Do you want to be a rush job? What if your doctor is allergic to your perfume? Mine is! And so are members of our staff. It will be noted in your chart because a nurse or assistant that can tolerate your smelly self will be assigned to you while those you make sick will avoid you. The doctor may deliberately anger you just to get rid of you. You will not be treated well and may never know why because it is hard to tell a patient that they stink! Enough said.
· Do not cry. Yeah you’re hurting, or deathly sick, but please try not to cry. Doctors and staff will feel helpless and sad for you, but they’ll also be relieved when you leave. Raw emotion is hard for any human to deal with and doctors and staff are no different.
· Do not whine, or complain about another doctor you’ve already seen. It could be the doctor’s best friend. Or a staff member’s friend. If you’ve been ‘doctor shopping’ and have seen several doctors in a short period of time, don’t tell the new doctor that you’ve seen ‘5 different doctors and can’t find a good one’. You’ll be pegged as a ‘problem patient’ in a heartbeat and won’t be taken as seriously. Be professional when talking about other doctors, not complaining.
· Keep religion and politics out of your conversations in the doctor’s office. Period. Unless you know the affiliation of your doctor and/or staff matches yours from something they’ve said. I’ve seen a Baptist patient bring our Catholic doctor literature that conflicted with his beliefs. It created an uncomfortable situation. And don’t think just because you and everyone you know is fed up with your country’s leaders, your doctor is also. He may be in a different financial situation than you are and has differing opinions.
With a little forethought and tact and lots of kindness, you can be one of your doctor’s favorite patients. Now, to find that perfect doctor...
Asking for an appointment: Make or break the relationship. Depending upon how large the practice is, there is probably one person designated to make appointments and is most likely a woman or young adult. This position is one of the lowest paid in the practice, so keep that in mind when talking to them and boost their ego at every chance.
· Don’t tell them you have to get in this week because you are going on a cruise or exotic trip next week and just have to be seen now. This will not induce sympathy with a person financially incapable of affording such luxury. Just say you’re going out of town.
· Don’t tell them it ‘has to be next Tuesday between 2 and 4’. Ask nicely if ‘that time’ is available, but do not insist on it. If you consistently follow the suggestions laid out here, chances are the appointment coordinator will move patients around to accommodate your schedule just because you are the favorite. But it is not a good idea to demand a specific time unless they ask you first. In case you don’t know, the appointment coordinator is taught to run the schedule, and to not let the patients do it for them.
· Keep in mind it is the appointment coordinator’s job to FILL the schedule for the doctor. Most doctors want to see a full schedule for tomorrow when they leave for the day. “Emergency time” is seldom available, unless the practice has a consistent need for it. I know of no doctor that likes to sit around with no patients and therefore no income. Even the most caring of doctors still has their income in mind. After all, they have a staff and bills to pay.
· Which brings up the next point: do not ask the appointment coordinator for a discount or a payment plan. Trust me, they will not have the authority to grant one. In most practices, only the doctor can grant lower fees. Sometimes the office manager can suggest payment plans. However, keep in mind, you will never be the doctor’s favorite patient if you consistently ask for lower fees or special treatment in the payment department. If you truly need help with financing, do it with the greatest tact.
· And please, please if you remember nothing else I’ve said here, remember that your insurance is a contract between you and your insurance company. Your doctor files your insurance for you as a courtesy. It is not a requirement. It is not their duty. It is not their fault if your insurance does not pay, (most times anyway.) You may be responsible for any balances left by your insurance. Just because your insurance does not pay all of your doctor’s charges, does not mean your doctor charges too much. If there is a question about your insurance, offer to call the insurance company yourself. It is so time consuming for the office personnel to do this. Sometimes they will need to, but you’ll gain points with them if you do it yourself.
· And please know your insurance information. If you are going to a medical doctor, have your medical card with you for them to copy. If you are going to a dental office, know the difference between your medical and dental insurance and have the proper card available. Most dental policies are separate from the medical policy. Some vision policies are separate, also. If you work for a large corporation or a large group, such as State or Federal employees, the office will probably know who is your insurance carrier, but have your card available for them for ID numbers, etc., from the card. If you do not know who handles your insurance, contact your Human Resources department for the information before your appointment. Or, if your doctor is referring you to a specialist, you can obtain your insurance information from your regular doctor to take to the specialist’s office. They will love you for this.
· Which brings up the next point: reward any special favors. Bring goodies with you for the doctor and staff. I’ve had patients bring the doctor a bottle of wine and a box of cookies for the staff. Most people are watching their weight, so fresh fruit is nice, too. One patient brought fresh strawberries, another fresh peaches in season. Bake them a cake. Bring a potted plant. Trust me, they’ll love you for it because it so rarely happens. If you do not have a chance to bring them anything, a written card to the doctor and staff with specific comments about how wonderful everyone was, is a great favorite, too. Praise the staff to the doctor if they do a good job and they’ll be your friends forever.
· Do not wear strong perfume. I’m constantly amazed how often patients do this. Remember you are at a doctor’s office. People there are sick, hurting, or have some kind of malady. A vast majority of people gets headache from smelling strong perfume. You are never going to be a favorite patient nor are you going to get the most compassionate service if all the staff can think about is getting your smelly self out of their office as soon as humanly possible. Do you want to be a rush job? What if your doctor is allergic to your perfume? Mine is! And so are members of our staff. It will be noted in your chart because a nurse or assistant that can tolerate your smelly self will be assigned to you while those you make sick will avoid you. The doctor may deliberately anger you just to get rid of you. You will not be treated well and may never know why because it is hard to tell a patient that they stink! Enough said.
· Do not cry. Yeah you’re hurting, or deathly sick, but please try not to cry. Doctors and staff will feel helpless and sad for you, but they’ll also be relieved when you leave. Raw emotion is hard for any human to deal with and doctors and staff are no different.
· Do not whine, or complain about another doctor you’ve already seen. It could be the doctor’s best friend. Or a staff member’s friend. If you’ve been ‘doctor shopping’ and have seen several doctors in a short period of time, don’t tell the new doctor that you’ve seen ‘5 different doctors and can’t find a good one’. You’ll be pegged as a ‘problem patient’ in a heartbeat and won’t be taken as seriously. Be professional when talking about other doctors, not complaining.
· Keep religion and politics out of your conversations in the doctor’s office. Period. Unless you know the affiliation of your doctor and/or staff matches yours from something they’ve said. I’ve seen a Baptist patient bring our Catholic doctor literature that conflicted with his beliefs. It created an uncomfortable situation. And don’t think just because you and everyone you know is fed up with your country’s leaders, your doctor is also. He may be in a different financial situation than you are and has differing opinions.
With a little forethought and tact and lots of kindness, you can be one of your doctor’s favorite patients. Now, to find that perfect doctor...
Wednesday, December 19, 2007
Asthma Treatment and Medication
Asthma is a chronic lung disease that effects over 30 million Americans alone and researchers estimate that 10 – 15% of the world population suffers from asthma. People with asthma have extra sensitive or hyper-responsive airways. The airways become irritated and narrow and constrict during an asthma attack, causing increased resistance to airflow, and obstructing the flow of the air to and from the lungs.
Most often asthma must be treated with prescription medicine. There are two main types of medicines for the treatment of asthma. Quick relief medicines, also called relievers, give rapid, short-term relief and are taken when asthma symptoms worsen potentially leading to an asthma attacks. The effects of these medicines are felt within minutes. Long-term control medicines, also called preventers, are taken every day, usually over long periods of time, to control chronic symptoms and to prevent asthma attacks. The full effects of these medicines are felt after taking them for a few weeks. People with persistent asthma need long-term control medicines.
Some asthma drugs treat asthma by resembling two of our hormones. These two hormones are adrenaline (epinephrine in the USA) and hydrocortisone (a steroid).
Adrenaline (epinephrine) is pumped into our bloodstream when we have a sudden fright or emergency. It is the quick-acting hormone from the middle of the adrenal glands near our kidneys. It makes your pulse race, your heart thump, and readies your body for emergency action. In asthma, the medicines which resemble adrenaline quickly relieve asthma for a short time.
Hydrocortisone comes from the outer part of our adrenal glands, called the 'cortex'. It is also partly an “emergency hormone” but it works much more slowly, for much longer, and in a completely different way to adrenaline. Medicines which resemble hydrocortisone slowly allow the lining of air tubes in an asthma sufferer to become normal. As a result, your asthma becomes less severe and you are less likely to get asthma attacks. So these steroid medicines are called preventers. There are other asthma 'preventers', but the steroids are the most powerful.
Quick relief medicines are used only when needed. A type of quick relief medicine is a short-acting inhaled bronchodilator. Bronchodilators work by relaxing the muscles that have tightened around the airways. They help open up airways quickly and ease breathing. They are sometimes called "rescue" or "relief" medicines because they can stop an asthma attack very quickly. These medicines act quickly but their effects only last for a short period of time. People with asthma should take quick relief medicines when they first begin to feel asthma symptoms like coughing, wheezing, chest tightness, or shortness of breath. Anyone who has asthma should always have one of these inhalers nearby in case of an attack. For severe attacks, your doctor may use steroids to treat the inflammation.
The most effective, long-term control medication for asthma is an inhaled corticosteroid. This medicine reduces the swelling of airways that makes asthma attacks more likely. Inhaled corticosteroids are the preferred treatment for controlling mild, moderate, and severe persistent asthma. They are safe when taken as directed by your doctor. Inhaled medicines go directly into your lungs where they are needed. There are many kinds of inhalers that require different techniques, and it is important to know how to use your inhaler correctly. In some cases, steroid tablets or liquid are used for short times to bring asthma under control. The tablet or liquid form may also be used to control severe asthma.
Many people with asthma need both a short-acting bronchodilator to use when asthma symptoms worsen rapidly and long-term daily asthma control medication to treat the ongoing inflammation. Over time, your doctor may need to make changes in your asthma medication. You may need to increase your dose, lower your dose, or try a combination of medications. Be sure to work with your doctor to find the best treatment for your asthma. The goal is to use the least amount of medicine necessary to control your asthma and to find the right medicine for you.
Most often asthma must be treated with prescription medicine. There are two main types of medicines for the treatment of asthma. Quick relief medicines, also called relievers, give rapid, short-term relief and are taken when asthma symptoms worsen potentially leading to an asthma attacks. The effects of these medicines are felt within minutes. Long-term control medicines, also called preventers, are taken every day, usually over long periods of time, to control chronic symptoms and to prevent asthma attacks. The full effects of these medicines are felt after taking them for a few weeks. People with persistent asthma need long-term control medicines.
Some asthma drugs treat asthma by resembling two of our hormones. These two hormones are adrenaline (epinephrine in the USA) and hydrocortisone (a steroid).
Adrenaline (epinephrine) is pumped into our bloodstream when we have a sudden fright or emergency. It is the quick-acting hormone from the middle of the adrenal glands near our kidneys. It makes your pulse race, your heart thump, and readies your body for emergency action. In asthma, the medicines which resemble adrenaline quickly relieve asthma for a short time.
Hydrocortisone comes from the outer part of our adrenal glands, called the 'cortex'. It is also partly an “emergency hormone” but it works much more slowly, for much longer, and in a completely different way to adrenaline. Medicines which resemble hydrocortisone slowly allow the lining of air tubes in an asthma sufferer to become normal. As a result, your asthma becomes less severe and you are less likely to get asthma attacks. So these steroid medicines are called preventers. There are other asthma 'preventers', but the steroids are the most powerful.
Quick relief medicines are used only when needed. A type of quick relief medicine is a short-acting inhaled bronchodilator. Bronchodilators work by relaxing the muscles that have tightened around the airways. They help open up airways quickly and ease breathing. They are sometimes called "rescue" or "relief" medicines because they can stop an asthma attack very quickly. These medicines act quickly but their effects only last for a short period of time. People with asthma should take quick relief medicines when they first begin to feel asthma symptoms like coughing, wheezing, chest tightness, or shortness of breath. Anyone who has asthma should always have one of these inhalers nearby in case of an attack. For severe attacks, your doctor may use steroids to treat the inflammation.
The most effective, long-term control medication for asthma is an inhaled corticosteroid. This medicine reduces the swelling of airways that makes asthma attacks more likely. Inhaled corticosteroids are the preferred treatment for controlling mild, moderate, and severe persistent asthma. They are safe when taken as directed by your doctor. Inhaled medicines go directly into your lungs where they are needed. There are many kinds of inhalers that require different techniques, and it is important to know how to use your inhaler correctly. In some cases, steroid tablets or liquid are used for short times to bring asthma under control. The tablet or liquid form may also be used to control severe asthma.
Many people with asthma need both a short-acting bronchodilator to use when asthma symptoms worsen rapidly and long-term daily asthma control medication to treat the ongoing inflammation. Over time, your doctor may need to make changes in your asthma medication. You may need to increase your dose, lower your dose, or try a combination of medications. Be sure to work with your doctor to find the best treatment for your asthma. The goal is to use the least amount of medicine necessary to control your asthma and to find the right medicine for you.
Monday, December 17, 2007
Overworked Doctors Go Online to Study
The current trend towards distance learning is attracting doctors at an ever-increasing rate as time to study for royal college exams decreases under a heavy NHS Hospital workload. The working hours limit introduced in the European Working Time Directive has meant that hospitals are less keen for doctors to spend time offsite for study leave.
Many doctors would traditionally take a week off to attend an exam revision course but the pace of life for a junior doctor around the time they are preparing for exams is often too hectic. Taking time away from the hospital, even for a short period of study, can become very stressful.
A senior manager of a hospital Academic Centre, said: "There are practical difficulties for many doctors to arrange locum cover when they are away on study leave. Study leave funding is limited and most lecture courses are costly and time consuming. Leaving your study for one week quite close to the exam time can be quite mind-boggling. Better to do a bit each day in the months leading up to the exam.
"Online, self-paced study allows doctors the flexibility to study in short effective bursts. Online courses with interactive content, streaming video lectures, exercises and on-demand help provide students with the study resources when they are ready to learn - not when the teacher is ready to teach. He added, "Online videos go hand in hand with exam quizzes where students can track their score until they attain an ‘exam-ready’ level."
Sabine Guerry, CEO of 123Doc Medical Courses , an online medical revision service reports, “This time last year many doctors were happy to attend an off-site course before the exam. Their study leave money normally covered this and they were expected to gain approval for time off. Now we have well over 2000 junior doctors coming to our site every day looking for better ways to revise for their exams in the small windows of time they have available for study. Demand for in-depth reference material online has meant a huge investment for us in archival content. Over 2000 pages of in-depth study material from the leading medical books and 3 years of medical journals is now online and needs to be constantly updated”.
"In the longer term, the whole of the NHS will see significant cost savings and greater equity of access to exam training for doctors. Doctors will be able to study efficiently for their exams online giving them greater control and flexibility over their study time," Richard Osborn, Knowledge & Library Services Manager, NHS North
Many doctors would traditionally take a week off to attend an exam revision course but the pace of life for a junior doctor around the time they are preparing for exams is often too hectic. Taking time away from the hospital, even for a short period of study, can become very stressful.
A senior manager of a hospital Academic Centre, said: "There are practical difficulties for many doctors to arrange locum cover when they are away on study leave. Study leave funding is limited and most lecture courses are costly and time consuming. Leaving your study for one week quite close to the exam time can be quite mind-boggling. Better to do a bit each day in the months leading up to the exam.
"Online, self-paced study allows doctors the flexibility to study in short effective bursts. Online courses with interactive content, streaming video lectures, exercises and on-demand help provide students with the study resources when they are ready to learn - not when the teacher is ready to teach. He added, "Online videos go hand in hand with exam quizzes where students can track their score until they attain an ‘exam-ready’ level."
Sabine Guerry, CEO of 123Doc Medical Courses , an online medical revision service reports, “This time last year many doctors were happy to attend an off-site course before the exam. Their study leave money normally covered this and they were expected to gain approval for time off. Now we have well over 2000 junior doctors coming to our site every day looking for better ways to revise for their exams in the small windows of time they have available for study. Demand for in-depth reference material online has meant a huge investment for us in archival content. Over 2000 pages of in-depth study material from the leading medical books and 3 years of medical journals is now online and needs to be constantly updated”.
"In the longer term, the whole of the NHS will see significant cost savings and greater equity of access to exam training for doctors. Doctors will be able to study efficiently for their exams online giving them greater control and flexibility over their study time," Richard Osborn, Knowledge & Library Services Manager, NHS North
Saturday, December 15, 2007
Side Effects of Some Drugs that Are Lowering Blood Pressure(part Two)
Alpha blockers —Alpha blockers has a big hand in lowering the blood pressure. A patient may suffer from fast heart rate, dizziness or a drop in blood pressure when stand or walk.
Combined alpha and beta-blockers — lower blood pressure patients experience a drop in blood pressure when they stand up and try to walk.
Central agonists — Alpha methyldopa (Aldomet) may lower your blood pressure when your stand or walk which result in weakness or dizziness in your body. This drug may also cause drowsiness or sluggishness, dryness of the mouth, fever, or anemia. Doctor’s approval is necessary for taking this kind of drug.
Clonidine (Catapres), guanabenz (Wytensin) or guanfacine (Tenex) may produce severe dryness of the mouth, constipation, or drowsiness. Never leave any of this drugs abruptly, it may cause high blood pressure and could be dangerous for you.
Peripheral adrenergic inhibitors — Reserpine may cause a stuffy nose, diarrhea, or heartburn. It can be treated and the drug has not effect so badly. However, the patients of nightmares or insomnia or depression need to take recommendation from their doctors.
Treatment can be done with the side effects arise from Guanadrel (Hylorel) or guanethidine (Ismelin). It causes some diarrhea, which may persist in some people. Never go in sunshine when you feel faint or weakness. It could be dangerous and low your blood pressure to high levels.
Blood vessel dilators — the causes of these drugs are not severely but a lower blood pressure patient has to avoid when he/she feels swelling around the eyes, heart palpitations or aches and pains in the joints. Most of the times these drugs only prescribed by your doctor because Minoxidil (Loniten) is a potent drug that's used only in resistant cases of severe high blood pressure. It may cause fluid retention (marked weight gain) or excessive hair growth. Therefore, whenever you feel any symptoms of this medicine consult your doctor.
Causes of lowering blood pressure are also depends upon the conditions of the nervous system includes bleeding, infections, dehydration, heart disease, adrenal insufficiency, pregnancy, prolonged bed rest, poisoning, toxic shock syndrome, and blood transfusion reactions. In the some cases, it is also examine that when an individual has a truly low blood pressure, they will have a lack of energy and frequent dizziness.
Therefore, don’t take any decision by yourself. Consult your doctor tell them the problems you suffered. Let the doctor to take right decision for your health.
Combined alpha and beta-blockers — lower blood pressure patients experience a drop in blood pressure when they stand up and try to walk.
Central agonists — Alpha methyldopa (Aldomet) may lower your blood pressure when your stand or walk which result in weakness or dizziness in your body. This drug may also cause drowsiness or sluggishness, dryness of the mouth, fever, or anemia. Doctor’s approval is necessary for taking this kind of drug.
Clonidine (Catapres), guanabenz (Wytensin) or guanfacine (Tenex) may produce severe dryness of the mouth, constipation, or drowsiness. Never leave any of this drugs abruptly, it may cause high blood pressure and could be dangerous for you.
Peripheral adrenergic inhibitors — Reserpine may cause a stuffy nose, diarrhea, or heartburn. It can be treated and the drug has not effect so badly. However, the patients of nightmares or insomnia or depression need to take recommendation from their doctors.
Treatment can be done with the side effects arise from Guanadrel (Hylorel) or guanethidine (Ismelin). It causes some diarrhea, which may persist in some people. Never go in sunshine when you feel faint or weakness. It could be dangerous and low your blood pressure to high levels.
Blood vessel dilators — the causes of these drugs are not severely but a lower blood pressure patient has to avoid when he/she feels swelling around the eyes, heart palpitations or aches and pains in the joints. Most of the times these drugs only prescribed by your doctor because Minoxidil (Loniten) is a potent drug that's used only in resistant cases of severe high blood pressure. It may cause fluid retention (marked weight gain) or excessive hair growth. Therefore, whenever you feel any symptoms of this medicine consult your doctor.
Causes of lowering blood pressure are also depends upon the conditions of the nervous system includes bleeding, infections, dehydration, heart disease, adrenal insufficiency, pregnancy, prolonged bed rest, poisoning, toxic shock syndrome, and blood transfusion reactions. In the some cases, it is also examine that when an individual has a truly low blood pressure, they will have a lack of energy and frequent dizziness.
Therefore, don’t take any decision by yourself. Consult your doctor tell them the problems you suffered. Let the doctor to take right decision for your health.
Thursday, December 13, 2007
Neck pain or Cervicalgia, and the Migraine Syndrome
“My neck always hurts. Sometimes it kills me so bad, I cannot think and have to go lie down. It all started when I injured my neck years ago. When I get stressed out it is the worst. Well, it doesn’t take much to stress me out nowadays. It’s always the back of my head and neck. I wish I could cut it out. Then maybe I could think and remember better. The last time I had a massage she said my neck and shoulders were the tightest she had seen in months! Nothing seems to help for any length of time. I’m so frustrated!”
This is a very common presentation of the migraine syndrome. Frequently their problems are compounded by overmedication—either by self-medicating or prescription drugs. Often there is a history of injury to the neck, for example, whiplash. Often they have been to the chiropractor and have been told there neck is so far out of alignment that the curve in the neck is reversed. The curve in the neck is straightened or reversed because of painful spasm. The trigeminal nerve (sensation of the face) and the cervical (neck) nerves are adjacent to each other in the brain stem (the base of the brain). What affects one affects the other. Migraineurs who smoke usually will develop neck problems. It is absolutely essential for the migraineur who smokes to abstain! Smoke is a smell. The sensitivity to the smell is the problem! Also secondhand smoke and perfumes are major problems. The patient can develop extreme sensitivity to stress and after years with frequently develop fibromyalgia.
Neck pain can be debilitating and frustrating. The migraine syndrome makes neck pain make sense. No matter what underlying conditions are there, the migraine syndrome can make it worse. This person falls into the migraine syndrome profile. Let me explain what I mean by the migraine syndrome. It is the outward expression of the body’s sensitivity to light, sound, smell, food, and/or stress. Some people are more sensitive than others; therefore, their reactions to different stimuli are greater. This sensitivity can be manifested in the body as migraines, sinus headaches, neck aches, palpitations, irritable bowel syndrome, motion sickness or vertigo, reactive hypoglycemia, temporomandibular joint syndrome (TMJ), panic attacks, and/or fibromyalgia. Now that’s a mouthful! Understanding what is going on with you is very important in the healing process.
This is a very common presentation of the migraine syndrome. Frequently their problems are compounded by overmedication—either by self-medicating or prescription drugs. Often there is a history of injury to the neck, for example, whiplash. Often they have been to the chiropractor and have been told there neck is so far out of alignment that the curve in the neck is reversed. The curve in the neck is straightened or reversed because of painful spasm. The trigeminal nerve (sensation of the face) and the cervical (neck) nerves are adjacent to each other in the brain stem (the base of the brain). What affects one affects the other. Migraineurs who smoke usually will develop neck problems. It is absolutely essential for the migraineur who smokes to abstain! Smoke is a smell. The sensitivity to the smell is the problem! Also secondhand smoke and perfumes are major problems. The patient can develop extreme sensitivity to stress and after years with frequently develop fibromyalgia.
Neck pain can be debilitating and frustrating. The migraine syndrome makes neck pain make sense. No matter what underlying conditions are there, the migraine syndrome can make it worse. This person falls into the migraine syndrome profile. Let me explain what I mean by the migraine syndrome. It is the outward expression of the body’s sensitivity to light, sound, smell, food, and/or stress. Some people are more sensitive than others; therefore, their reactions to different stimuli are greater. This sensitivity can be manifested in the body as migraines, sinus headaches, neck aches, palpitations, irritable bowel syndrome, motion sickness or vertigo, reactive hypoglycemia, temporomandibular joint syndrome (TMJ), panic attacks, and/or fibromyalgia. Now that’s a mouthful! Understanding what is going on with you is very important in the healing process.
Wednesday, December 12, 2007
Bird Flu - Prevention and Treatments
Bird flu is turning out to be a terror for Asian countries; the epidemic is growing rapidly which is a matter of concern for the U.S. Government. The recent out break has the potential to become a human flu pandemic.
As per recent updates Bird Flu has taken the lives of almost 50 people in Southeast Asia and resulted in the deaths of millions of poultry. The virus can be a serious threat if it develops the capacity of easy transmission from one person to another.
Bird flu symptoms
Bird flu symptoms are like any other flu's. The symptoms worsen to become a severe respiratory disease that has been fatal in a high percentage of cases.
In February 2005, researchers in Vietnam reported human cases of bird flu in which the virus infected the brain and digestive tract of two children. Both ultimately died after a few days of struggle. Hence, this proves that the bird flu may start like any other flu but more often than not is fatal.
Fortunately, no human cases of bird flu have been seen in the U.S. or North America. Yet as a precaution, the CDC is asking people who have traveled to East Asia to see a doctor if they develop flu-like symptoms. It's important to tell the doctor about having visited these areas so the proper tests can be done. Prevention is better than cure.
Avian Flu Treatment
The current bird flu strain is immune to older flu drugs. However, the drug remains sensitive to the newer flu drugs Tamiflu and Relenza. However, supplies remain short. Unfortunately there's only one plant making Tamiflu - and the U.S. isn't the only country desperately trying to build up a stockpile. Other countries, such as Britain, have also started stockpiling the drug.
Antiviral drugs, some of which can be used for both treatment and prevention, are clinically effective against influenza. But these drugs too have some limitations.
Avian Flu Vaccine
At least four months would be needed to produce a new vaccine, in significant quantities, capable of conferring protection against a new virus subtype. Such a vaccine will not be easy to produce, as the virus kills the chicken eggs usually used to mass-produce flu vaccines. One approach being contemplated is to produce the vaccine from a similar (but not egg-killing) strain isolated from ducks in Singapore in 1997.
Saira Simmons is a well known author who has long been writing articles related to health & fitness. Her articles are well known across the web for being quite informative and according to the changing trend in the pharmacy industry.
As per recent updates Bird Flu has taken the lives of almost 50 people in Southeast Asia and resulted in the deaths of millions of poultry. The virus can be a serious threat if it develops the capacity of easy transmission from one person to another.
Bird flu symptoms
Bird flu symptoms are like any other flu's. The symptoms worsen to become a severe respiratory disease that has been fatal in a high percentage of cases.
In February 2005, researchers in Vietnam reported human cases of bird flu in which the virus infected the brain and digestive tract of two children. Both ultimately died after a few days of struggle. Hence, this proves that the bird flu may start like any other flu but more often than not is fatal.
Fortunately, no human cases of bird flu have been seen in the U.S. or North America. Yet as a precaution, the CDC is asking people who have traveled to East Asia to see a doctor if they develop flu-like symptoms. It's important to tell the doctor about having visited these areas so the proper tests can be done. Prevention is better than cure.
Avian Flu Treatment
The current bird flu strain is immune to older flu drugs. However, the drug remains sensitive to the newer flu drugs Tamiflu and Relenza. However, supplies remain short. Unfortunately there's only one plant making Tamiflu - and the U.S. isn't the only country desperately trying to build up a stockpile. Other countries, such as Britain, have also started stockpiling the drug.
Antiviral drugs, some of which can be used for both treatment and prevention, are clinically effective against influenza. But these drugs too have some limitations.
Avian Flu Vaccine
At least four months would be needed to produce a new vaccine, in significant quantities, capable of conferring protection against a new virus subtype. Such a vaccine will not be easy to produce, as the virus kills the chicken eggs usually used to mass-produce flu vaccines. One approach being contemplated is to produce the vaccine from a similar (but not egg-killing) strain isolated from ducks in Singapore in 1997.
Saira Simmons is a well known author who has long been writing articles related to health & fitness. Her articles are well known across the web for being quite informative and according to the changing trend in the pharmacy industry.
Monday, December 10, 2007
Hemorrhoids - Symptoms, Causes and Treatment Options
By hemorrhoids the veins in or around the anus, or in the lower rectum are swollen and often also inflamed. Hemorrhoids inside the rectum are called internal hemorrhoids, and those in the anal area external ones. Studies have shown that 1 out of 3 persons below the age of 50 will suffer from hemorrhoids. 1 out of 2 persons over the age of 50 is affected by this condition.
THE SYMPTOMS OF HEMORRHOIDS
Hemorrhoids give these symptoms:
-Swollen veins in the anal area or inside the rectum.
-Itching.
-Tears in the swollen veins and bleeding from the tears.
-Coagulated blood in the veins making hard lumps.
-The hemorrhoids may lead to permanent lumps, scars or thickened area after the initial healing.
THE PROCESS THAT LEADS TO HEMORRHOIDS
Before hemorrhoids form, there is usually an increased pressure in the veins of the anal area, for example due to over-filled intestines, due to constipation and thereby straining to get hard stool out during toilet visits, or due to frequent diarrhoea.
The veins have valves preventing the blood from flowing backwards. The increased pressure makes the segment of a vain right after a valve to swell up like a balloon.
The blood in the swollen vein segment then coagulates, making a hard lump that clogs the vein, and the clogged vein segment then gets infected and inflamed.
The inflamed hemorrhoids may then tear, so that the content empties and the vein bleeds. After emptying its content, the vein heals, but may develop a residing scar.
Other times the content of the hemorrhoids is dissolved and the vein heals without rupturing, but also now a permanent thickened or hardened vein segment may form.
CAUSES OF HEMORRHOIDS
Since hemorrhoids are caused by conditions making increased pressure in the anal veins, like lazy colon, constipation or diarrhoea, the ultimate cause of hemorrhoids are factors causing these conditions. Such factors are:
-Lack of fibre in the daily diet
-Drinking too less water.
-Consuming too less fat, or the opposite too much fat.
-Lack of daily physical exercise.
Cramping or prolonged tension in the anal sphincter and the muscles around the rectal opening seems to restrict the blood stream from the anal area back towards the heart, and thus also contribute to hemorrhoids. Nervous or psychological processes may cause tension in these muscles.
Hemorrhoids are a very common complication by pregnancy. The hormonal stimulation during pregnancy causes the vessels in the anal area to dilate. The weight of the foetus and the straining during childbirth will further cause a marked pressure increase in the already dilated vessels, with hemorrhoids as a consequence.
Heavy muscular work or heavy lifting can increase the pressure in the anal vessels and contribute to hemorrhoids. Conditions that weaken the tissue in the anal area may also contribute to development of hemorrhoids, for example inflammations, allergies or high age.
HOW CAN YOU CURE HEMORRHOIDS
Sometimes hemorrhoids require surgical or other medical intervention. However, in many cases you can do much yourself to prevent, alleviate or cure the condition. Since cancer or other serious conditions sometimes resemble hemorrhoids or cause hemorrhoids, newly detected hemorrhoids should always be medically investigated.
1. Lifestyle adjustments
Lifestyle measures to prevent or cure an inactive colon, an overfilled colon and constipation, will also help to prevent or cure hemorrhoids. Such measures are:
* A diet with enough fibre, containing whole corn cereals, whole corn bread, vegetables and fruit.
* Using natural oils in the food that gives the intestinal content a soft consistency, like olive oil, sunflower oil, rape oil and soy oil.
* Some daily exercise.
* Drinking enough water.
2. Agents to regulate the digestive function
You can use certain natural products to regulate your digestive functions and this will also help against hemorrhoids:
* Bran added to your diet has high fibre content, and will stimulate the intestines to contract better and pass its content more rapidly.
* Linen seeds will make the stool softer so that it is passed better through the intestines.
3. Topical balms or ointments
You can find topical balms on the market to apply onto the affected area. The balms contain ingredients that penetrate through the skin into the swollen blood vessels and anal muscles, or are transported through the tissue fluids upwards in the intestinal wall. Other ingredients remain on the affected area as a protecting and lubricating sheet. The effects of these ingredients are.
* Alleviating inflammation and itching.
* Stimulating tissue healing.
* Alleviating cramping in the rectal sphincter.
* Dissolving coagulated blood.
* Killing bacteria that cause infection in the affected area.
* Lubricating the rectal opening or the end part of the rectum to make the stool pass more easily.
4. Oral products to treat hemorrhoids
You can also find oral pills or capsules to help against hemorrhoids with the following effects:
* Giving the stool a greater volume so that the intestines manage better to get hold of it and work it through.
* Giving the stool a smoother consistency so that it passes more easily through the intestinal system and rectal opening.
* Alleviating cramping and irregular contractions in intestinal system.
* Stimulating the regular and effective contraction of the intestines.
* Alleviating inflammation and itching.
* Stimulating tissue healing.
5. Enemas
If there is a hard constipation aggravating the hemorrhoids, a small enema can help to empty the colon and the rectum, and also help to cure the hemorrhoids. However, big enemas can increase the intestinal pressure and aggravate the condition.
THE SYMPTOMS OF HEMORRHOIDS
Hemorrhoids give these symptoms:
-Swollen veins in the anal area or inside the rectum.
-Itching.
-Tears in the swollen veins and bleeding from the tears.
-Coagulated blood in the veins making hard lumps.
-The hemorrhoids may lead to permanent lumps, scars or thickened area after the initial healing.
THE PROCESS THAT LEADS TO HEMORRHOIDS
Before hemorrhoids form, there is usually an increased pressure in the veins of the anal area, for example due to over-filled intestines, due to constipation and thereby straining to get hard stool out during toilet visits, or due to frequent diarrhoea.
The veins have valves preventing the blood from flowing backwards. The increased pressure makes the segment of a vain right after a valve to swell up like a balloon.
The blood in the swollen vein segment then coagulates, making a hard lump that clogs the vein, and the clogged vein segment then gets infected and inflamed.
The inflamed hemorrhoids may then tear, so that the content empties and the vein bleeds. After emptying its content, the vein heals, but may develop a residing scar.
Other times the content of the hemorrhoids is dissolved and the vein heals without rupturing, but also now a permanent thickened or hardened vein segment may form.
CAUSES OF HEMORRHOIDS
Since hemorrhoids are caused by conditions making increased pressure in the anal veins, like lazy colon, constipation or diarrhoea, the ultimate cause of hemorrhoids are factors causing these conditions. Such factors are:
-Lack of fibre in the daily diet
-Drinking too less water.
-Consuming too less fat, or the opposite too much fat.
-Lack of daily physical exercise.
Cramping or prolonged tension in the anal sphincter and the muscles around the rectal opening seems to restrict the blood stream from the anal area back towards the heart, and thus also contribute to hemorrhoids. Nervous or psychological processes may cause tension in these muscles.
Hemorrhoids are a very common complication by pregnancy. The hormonal stimulation during pregnancy causes the vessels in the anal area to dilate. The weight of the foetus and the straining during childbirth will further cause a marked pressure increase in the already dilated vessels, with hemorrhoids as a consequence.
Heavy muscular work or heavy lifting can increase the pressure in the anal vessels and contribute to hemorrhoids. Conditions that weaken the tissue in the anal area may also contribute to development of hemorrhoids, for example inflammations, allergies or high age.
HOW CAN YOU CURE HEMORRHOIDS
Sometimes hemorrhoids require surgical or other medical intervention. However, in many cases you can do much yourself to prevent, alleviate or cure the condition. Since cancer or other serious conditions sometimes resemble hemorrhoids or cause hemorrhoids, newly detected hemorrhoids should always be medically investigated.
1. Lifestyle adjustments
Lifestyle measures to prevent or cure an inactive colon, an overfilled colon and constipation, will also help to prevent or cure hemorrhoids. Such measures are:
* A diet with enough fibre, containing whole corn cereals, whole corn bread, vegetables and fruit.
* Using natural oils in the food that gives the intestinal content a soft consistency, like olive oil, sunflower oil, rape oil and soy oil.
* Some daily exercise.
* Drinking enough water.
2. Agents to regulate the digestive function
You can use certain natural products to regulate your digestive functions and this will also help against hemorrhoids:
* Bran added to your diet has high fibre content, and will stimulate the intestines to contract better and pass its content more rapidly.
* Linen seeds will make the stool softer so that it is passed better through the intestines.
3. Topical balms or ointments
You can find topical balms on the market to apply onto the affected area. The balms contain ingredients that penetrate through the skin into the swollen blood vessels and anal muscles, or are transported through the tissue fluids upwards in the intestinal wall. Other ingredients remain on the affected area as a protecting and lubricating sheet. The effects of these ingredients are.
* Alleviating inflammation and itching.
* Stimulating tissue healing.
* Alleviating cramping in the rectal sphincter.
* Dissolving coagulated blood.
* Killing bacteria that cause infection in the affected area.
* Lubricating the rectal opening or the end part of the rectum to make the stool pass more easily.
4. Oral products to treat hemorrhoids
You can also find oral pills or capsules to help against hemorrhoids with the following effects:
* Giving the stool a greater volume so that the intestines manage better to get hold of it and work it through.
* Giving the stool a smoother consistency so that it passes more easily through the intestinal system and rectal opening.
* Alleviating cramping and irregular contractions in intestinal system.
* Stimulating the regular and effective contraction of the intestines.
* Alleviating inflammation and itching.
* Stimulating tissue healing.
5. Enemas
If there is a hard constipation aggravating the hemorrhoids, a small enema can help to empty the colon and the rectum, and also help to cure the hemorrhoids. However, big enemas can increase the intestinal pressure and aggravate the condition.
Sunday, December 9, 2007
Chronic Pain: Barriers to Effective Pain Management
Chronic pain affects the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual aspects of a patient's life. Daily non-cancer pain in the elderly has been associated with impaired activities of daily living, change in mood, and decreased involvement in social activities. Chronic pain impairs function, can lead to depression, and can even result in suicidal behavior. Chronic pain due to arthritis affects approximately 20 million Americans. This represents almost 50% of all pain sufferers.
What are the barriers to effective pain management?
Barriers to effective pain management are imposed by the health care system, physicians, and by patients themselves.
Patient Barriers:
-Reluctance to report pain to physicians.
-Reluctance to take pain medication
-Lack of education regarding available pain therapies.
-Compromised cognitive function secondary to certain pain medications.
Physician Barriers :
-Inadequate training and knowledge concerning pain management.
-Improper assessment of pain.
-Concern about scrutiny from regulatory agencies.
-Fear of patient addiction.
-Concern regarding analgesic side effects.
-Concern regarding the development of tolerance to analgesics.
Health Care System Barriers :
-Pain management is given a low priority in the system.
-Treatment availability problems exist in the system.
-Treatment access problems exist in the system.
-Inadequate reimbursement for pain management remains a problem.
-The most appropriate treatment may not be reimbursed or it may be too costly for the patient.
Many arthritis sufferers continue to take anti-inflammatory medications that no longer control their symptoms. Physicians, fearful of regulatory investigation, avoid appropriate treatment while switching patients from on ineffective medication to another. Some patients are forced to consider joint replacements prematurely, due to unrelenting, under-treated pain.
What are the barriers to effective pain management?
Barriers to effective pain management are imposed by the health care system, physicians, and by patients themselves.
Patient Barriers:
-Reluctance to report pain to physicians.
-Reluctance to take pain medication
-Lack of education regarding available pain therapies.
-Compromised cognitive function secondary to certain pain medications.
Physician Barriers :
-Inadequate training and knowledge concerning pain management.
-Improper assessment of pain.
-Concern about scrutiny from regulatory agencies.
-Fear of patient addiction.
-Concern regarding analgesic side effects.
-Concern regarding the development of tolerance to analgesics.
Health Care System Barriers :
-Pain management is given a low priority in the system.
-Treatment availability problems exist in the system.
-Treatment access problems exist in the system.
-Inadequate reimbursement for pain management remains a problem.
-The most appropriate treatment may not be reimbursed or it may be too costly for the patient.
Many arthritis sufferers continue to take anti-inflammatory medications that no longer control their symptoms. Physicians, fearful of regulatory investigation, avoid appropriate treatment while switching patients from on ineffective medication to another. Some patients are forced to consider joint replacements prematurely, due to unrelenting, under-treated pain.
Saturday, December 8, 2007
Be Careful - Read Everything!
Did you know that there are over 1600 prescription medications. Out of the top 150 medications that are prescribed most often, 8 of them start with the letter Z.
Zanaflex – short term management of spasticity
Zantac – short term treatment of duodenal ulcer
Zelnorm – for women with irritable bowel syndrome
Zestril – a heart medication
Zetia – reduces cholesterol
Zitromax – treatment of infection from pneumonia
Zocur – reduces cholesterol
Zypresza – treatment for schizophrenia
Don’t forget about Xanax (sounds like a Z) – controls anxiety.
How easy would it be to get any of these confused with another? What if you go to your doctor, and he gives you the wrong prescription? You may have a claim against your doctor, but you may not be alive to pursue it.
I wrote another article – The #1 Rule in Boxing – Protect Yourself at All Times. This Rule applies whenever you are dealing with prescription medication. It is very easy for a physician to make a mistake and just as easy for the pharmacy to make a mistake in dispensing the medication.
Make sure you get a copy of your office visit with your physician. Read you’re your prescription form before you leave the doctor’s office. Make a copy of the prescription form and add it to your medical records file. Make sure you read the label on the bottle that the pharmacy gives you.
If you are having any problem after you start taking the medication, call your doctor or go to a hospital immediately – you may have been given the wrong medication.
Keep track of your medications, the name, dosage and how often you take it. An innocent error may cause you your life!
Remember: It's your life – take charge – today!!!
Zanaflex – short term management of spasticity
Zantac – short term treatment of duodenal ulcer
Zelnorm – for women with irritable bowel syndrome
Zestril – a heart medication
Zetia – reduces cholesterol
Zitromax – treatment of infection from pneumonia
Zocur – reduces cholesterol
Zypresza – treatment for schizophrenia
Don’t forget about Xanax (sounds like a Z) – controls anxiety.
How easy would it be to get any of these confused with another? What if you go to your doctor, and he gives you the wrong prescription? You may have a claim against your doctor, but you may not be alive to pursue it.
I wrote another article – The #1 Rule in Boxing – Protect Yourself at All Times. This Rule applies whenever you are dealing with prescription medication. It is very easy for a physician to make a mistake and just as easy for the pharmacy to make a mistake in dispensing the medication.
Make sure you get a copy of your office visit with your physician. Read you’re your prescription form before you leave the doctor’s office. Make a copy of the prescription form and add it to your medical records file. Make sure you read the label on the bottle that the pharmacy gives you.
If you are having any problem after you start taking the medication, call your doctor or go to a hospital immediately – you may have been given the wrong medication.
Keep track of your medications, the name, dosage and how often you take it. An innocent error may cause you your life!
Remember: It's your life – take charge – today!!!
Friday, December 7, 2007
The Story of Oral Chelation Therapy
Chelation therapy has been used to treat heavy metal poisoning since World War II. The term ‘chelate’ was coined by the analytical chemist, G.T. Morgan in 1920. ‘Chelate’ is the Greek word for ‘claw’. Alfred Werner, the son of a factory foreman and the ‘Father of Coordination Chemistry’, was awarded the 1913 Nobel Prize for developing this concept of chelation therapy. In chelation therapy, the ring within the molecule of the chelator captures and firmly binds the metallic ions. Thus chelation therapy treats heavy metal poisoning by forming complexes with the molecules of the heavy metal, which are then excreted in urine. Up to a certain stage, the subsequent fall in the metal stores can help reverse the toxicity.
‘Dimercaprol’, more commonly known as BAL was the first agent used in chelating therapy. During the II World War, biochemists at Oxford University developed BAL as an antidote for the war gas Lewisite. Exposure to Lewisite causes acute arsenical blisters and systemic arsenic poisoning. That is how the first chelating agent, Dimercaprol, came to be known as British Anti-Lewisite (BAL). Soon the effectiveness of Dimercaprol in the chelation therapy of heavy metal poisoning became evident. Peters noted that BAL ointment had proved very successful in cases of industrial arsenical accidents. Injectable forms of BAL were also found to be effective in chelation therapy. By 1947, 32 articles were published or in press on the therapeutic value of BAL. BAL became the chelation therapy of choice in arsenic, antimony, gold, and mercury poisoning.
A study conducted by Denny-Brown and Porter in 1951 found other uses of BAL as a chelating agent. BAL was noted to be an effective in chelation therapy of Wilson’s disease wherein excessive amount of Copper accumulates in the body. BAL chelates copper and removes it from body by excretion. At this time a need for better chelators was felt. BAL was found to be associated with various toxic effects and moreover, chelation therapy with BAL became ineffective in most patients after some time.
In 1956, Walsh first advocated use of Penicillamine, another chelating agent in treatment of Wilson’s disease. Penicillamine was found to be more effective and less toxic. It is now commonly used in treatment of Wilson’s disease.
In the 1950s and 1960s, there was an explosion of publications on the effects of various chelating agents in animals and human beings. Ferdinand Munz had discovered EDTA (ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid), a synthetic amino acid with chelating properties way back in 1938. By 1951, EDTA was widely used in treatment of inorganic lead poisoning and is approved by FDA for the same.
The numerous adverse effects of BAL, and the need to give it intravenously, stimulated further research in this field. It was on the whole found to be inefficient in the chelation therapy of chronic mercury poisoning. Water soluble derivatives of BAL, like Meso-2, 3-dimercaptosuccinic acid (DMSA) and 2, 3-dimercaptopropane-1-sulfonic acid (DMPS) were developed. They were found to be highly effective in treatment of mercury and lead poisoning.
DMSA and DMPS exhibit very low toxicity and are valuable oral chelating agents. In 1999, Baun opined that, unlike BAL, DMSA can be used in treatment of organic mercury poisoning. Patients with chronic mercury poisoning can now receive oral chelation therapy with DMSA, eliminating the need for a hospital admission. In 2003, Bose-OReilily and other found that oral DMSA was highly effective in treating chronic mercury toxicity among the inhabitants of gold-mining area in Philippines. DMSA was licensed by FDA for treatment of lead poisoning in 1991. Given their proven advantages over BAL, DMSA and DMPS have gained increased acceptance among clinicians. They have improved the management of heavy metal poisoning.
BAL derivatives are not effective in chelating iron. Previously, deferoxamine was the only iron-chelator available which needed to be given as long intravenous infusions. Recently, deferasirox, an oral iron-chelator was developed. Deferasirox is approved for oral chelation therapy for disorders like sickle cell anemia, which are characterized by excess accumulation of iron in body.
‘Dimercaprol’, more commonly known as BAL was the first agent used in chelating therapy. During the II World War, biochemists at Oxford University developed BAL as an antidote for the war gas Lewisite. Exposure to Lewisite causes acute arsenical blisters and systemic arsenic poisoning. That is how the first chelating agent, Dimercaprol, came to be known as British Anti-Lewisite (BAL). Soon the effectiveness of Dimercaprol in the chelation therapy of heavy metal poisoning became evident. Peters noted that BAL ointment had proved very successful in cases of industrial arsenical accidents. Injectable forms of BAL were also found to be effective in chelation therapy. By 1947, 32 articles were published or in press on the therapeutic value of BAL. BAL became the chelation therapy of choice in arsenic, antimony, gold, and mercury poisoning.
A study conducted by Denny-Brown and Porter in 1951 found other uses of BAL as a chelating agent. BAL was noted to be an effective in chelation therapy of Wilson’s disease wherein excessive amount of Copper accumulates in the body. BAL chelates copper and removes it from body by excretion. At this time a need for better chelators was felt. BAL was found to be associated with various toxic effects and moreover, chelation therapy with BAL became ineffective in most patients after some time.
In 1956, Walsh first advocated use of Penicillamine, another chelating agent in treatment of Wilson’s disease. Penicillamine was found to be more effective and less toxic. It is now commonly used in treatment of Wilson’s disease.
In the 1950s and 1960s, there was an explosion of publications on the effects of various chelating agents in animals and human beings. Ferdinand Munz had discovered EDTA (ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid), a synthetic amino acid with chelating properties way back in 1938. By 1951, EDTA was widely used in treatment of inorganic lead poisoning and is approved by FDA for the same.
The numerous adverse effects of BAL, and the need to give it intravenously, stimulated further research in this field. It was on the whole found to be inefficient in the chelation therapy of chronic mercury poisoning. Water soluble derivatives of BAL, like Meso-2, 3-dimercaptosuccinic acid (DMSA) and 2, 3-dimercaptopropane-1-sulfonic acid (DMPS) were developed. They were found to be highly effective in treatment of mercury and lead poisoning.
DMSA and DMPS exhibit very low toxicity and are valuable oral chelating agents. In 1999, Baun opined that, unlike BAL, DMSA can be used in treatment of organic mercury poisoning. Patients with chronic mercury poisoning can now receive oral chelation therapy with DMSA, eliminating the need for a hospital admission. In 2003, Bose-OReilily and other found that oral DMSA was highly effective in treating chronic mercury toxicity among the inhabitants of gold-mining area in Philippines. DMSA was licensed by FDA for treatment of lead poisoning in 1991. Given their proven advantages over BAL, DMSA and DMPS have gained increased acceptance among clinicians. They have improved the management of heavy metal poisoning.
BAL derivatives are not effective in chelating iron. Previously, deferoxamine was the only iron-chelator available which needed to be given as long intravenous infusions. Recently, deferasirox, an oral iron-chelator was developed. Deferasirox is approved for oral chelation therapy for disorders like sickle cell anemia, which are characterized by excess accumulation of iron in body.
Wednesday, December 5, 2007
Asthma Allergy - Current Medical Treatment
Among all allergic and respiratory-related diseases, asthma allergy makes up the majority. Asthma allergy is perhaps one of the leading causes of respiratory illness among children and young adults although this condition may progress a lifetime.
While it is considered an allergy, asthma is so prevalent (especially among children) that it deserves to be addressed in its own chapter.
Proper care and health maintenance is essential to warding off the debilitating repercussions of exposure to irritants which could trigger all the symptoms underlying such disease.
What exactly is Asthma allergy?
Asthma allergy is a chronic lung disease characterized by difficulty of breathing, wheezing, coughing, and increased mucus production during recurrent attacks. These same symptoms can cause death in some cases depending on the severity of the amount of allergens involved and antihistamine molecules produced by the body enough to block the airways for the transportation of air to the lungs.
Around 7 to 10% of children experience the condition and current statistics shows an increasing number of sufferers. Asthma allergy does not seem to be an inherited disease since a family member, who apparently do not have relatives exhibiting the symptoms of the disease, can be infected anytime should he or she is exposed to environmental factors triggering the onset of the disease.
People with this medical condition have a very sensitive bronchial pathway. Presence of molecules or particles recognized by the body as foreign can set a huge allergic attack characteristic of the condition described above.
From a medical point of view, asthma is a type of allergy. Allergy is defined as a change in the body’s biological activity due to the presence of one or more types of allergens (substance promoting the symptoms of allergy.
According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, more than 50 million people in America are suffering from allergy and currently 20 million individuals, comprising the wide-range of America’s population experiences the symptoms of asthma.
Causes of Asthma allergies
The causes of asthma allergies are the same as for other allergies we have discussed. Causes can be in the form of dust, certain chemicals, scents, and various odors. Other trigger factors may be in the form of temperature. Cold or hot air can provoke allergic reactions to patients sensitive to them. In any case, allergic reactions are specific to individuals and not all individuals suffering from allergy responds universally to all types allergens.
Particularly interesting clients are the ones allergic to some forms of physical activity like exercise. In the same manner, emotional state is one factor for some individuals in order for the characteristic asthma symptoms to set in.
Among all these influential agents, smoke has been found to occupy the universally recognized trigger attacks for patients with asthma allergy especially for children. At least 8 out of 10 children are more prone to developing asthmatic conditions once exposed to these agents.
Perhaps, as society becomes industrialized and increased fume emissions accelerates, more and more people will develop symptoms characteristic of this disease.
Who Are at Risk?
Statistical data shows that asthma allergy is not a discriminating disease. It affects people of all ages, race, culture, color and gender.
Especially predisposed to developing such illness are people who are exposed to heavy car or industrial emissions and filthy surroundings. 10 to 12% of children averaging 18 years of age are the common target.
Additionally, individuals whose relatives have a history of such illness are more at risk in manifesting such condition in the future.
Latest Diagnostic Device and Treatments
Gone are the days when people die of symptoms and complications involved in asthmatic attacks. Due to the development of studies and research in asthma allergies and other forms of allergies, treatment and varying levels of diagnosis were introduced to properly treat the symptoms typical of asthma allergy.
But basically, one first hand “cure” or initial activity to be done in the management of asthma allergy is to avoid the source of the allergens to which the individual is allergic to.
While it is considered an allergy, asthma is so prevalent (especially among children) that it deserves to be addressed in its own chapter.
Proper care and health maintenance is essential to warding off the debilitating repercussions of exposure to irritants which could trigger all the symptoms underlying such disease.
What exactly is Asthma allergy?
Asthma allergy is a chronic lung disease characterized by difficulty of breathing, wheezing, coughing, and increased mucus production during recurrent attacks. These same symptoms can cause death in some cases depending on the severity of the amount of allergens involved and antihistamine molecules produced by the body enough to block the airways for the transportation of air to the lungs.
Around 7 to 10% of children experience the condition and current statistics shows an increasing number of sufferers. Asthma allergy does not seem to be an inherited disease since a family member, who apparently do not have relatives exhibiting the symptoms of the disease, can be infected anytime should he or she is exposed to environmental factors triggering the onset of the disease.
People with this medical condition have a very sensitive bronchial pathway. Presence of molecules or particles recognized by the body as foreign can set a huge allergic attack characteristic of the condition described above.
From a medical point of view, asthma is a type of allergy. Allergy is defined as a change in the body’s biological activity due to the presence of one or more types of allergens (substance promoting the symptoms of allergy.
According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, more than 50 million people in America are suffering from allergy and currently 20 million individuals, comprising the wide-range of America’s population experiences the symptoms of asthma.
Causes of Asthma allergies
The causes of asthma allergies are the same as for other allergies we have discussed. Causes can be in the form of dust, certain chemicals, scents, and various odors. Other trigger factors may be in the form of temperature. Cold or hot air can provoke allergic reactions to patients sensitive to them. In any case, allergic reactions are specific to individuals and not all individuals suffering from allergy responds universally to all types allergens.
Particularly interesting clients are the ones allergic to some forms of physical activity like exercise. In the same manner, emotional state is one factor for some individuals in order for the characteristic asthma symptoms to set in.
Among all these influential agents, smoke has been found to occupy the universally recognized trigger attacks for patients with asthma allergy especially for children. At least 8 out of 10 children are more prone to developing asthmatic conditions once exposed to these agents.
Perhaps, as society becomes industrialized and increased fume emissions accelerates, more and more people will develop symptoms characteristic of this disease.
Who Are at Risk?
Statistical data shows that asthma allergy is not a discriminating disease. It affects people of all ages, race, culture, color and gender.
Especially predisposed to developing such illness are people who are exposed to heavy car or industrial emissions and filthy surroundings. 10 to 12% of children averaging 18 years of age are the common target.
Additionally, individuals whose relatives have a history of such illness are more at risk in manifesting such condition in the future.
Latest Diagnostic Device and Treatments
Gone are the days when people die of symptoms and complications involved in asthmatic attacks. Due to the development of studies and research in asthma allergies and other forms of allergies, treatment and varying levels of diagnosis were introduced to properly treat the symptoms typical of asthma allergy.
But basically, one first hand “cure” or initial activity to be done in the management of asthma allergy is to avoid the source of the allergens to which the individual is allergic to.
Tuesday, December 4, 2007
Are You Helping by Asking, "Did You Take Your Meds?"
Sometimes it’s appropriate and helpful to ask a family member or friend, “Did you take your meds?” My husband, Adrian, for example, is forgetful and wants to be reminded when he needs to take any medication. I probably ask him three or four times a day if he’s taken one of his numerous prescription drugs, and he’s happy to get the extra help.
For those of us who have a mental illness, however, like depression or bipolar disorder, we may not appreciate being asked, “Did you take your meds?” This issue was discussed at a bipolar support group meeting I attended, and most people felt such a question was not helpful, especially since “the meds” are anything but a cure-all for our problems.
There is no guarantee that if you take your Lithium or Depakote or "X" on a regular basis, you will never have another manic or depressive episode. Add to this general problem, the variety of side effects such as weight gain, ringing in the ears, itchy rashes, liver damage, energy depletion, mind numbing, ad infinitum, you'll see that there is no simple plan that will "fix" us.
"Fixing us" is, of course, what our loving family would like to do. In their mind there is a logical correlation between "taking your meds" and leading a peaceful, productive, non-combative life. It is understandable that they fear the phone call telling them we've been arrested or are in the mental ward of a hospital or have had a car accident because in our manic state, we thought we were indestructible. Of course they want us to take our meds! It's their only hope.
One parent I know, who has lived through years of trying to "fix" his daughter with policing so that she would "take her meds," has come to a more peaceful place. "It's her life," he says. "She has to want to get better for herself, not for me. I no longer ask her if she's taking her medication or doing the things she needs to in order to stay healthy. I stay out of it." He added that he is there for his daughter if she needs him and asks for the help, but that's it.
It's hard as a parent to stand back and watch the destructive behavior of our children. I am a parent, and I was a fanatic when I thought anything was threatening my daughter. Fortunately, she didn't inherit my bipolar genes. I didn't have to watch any wild, destructive behavior in her that my parents had to watch in me. For those of us who have a mental illness like depression or bipolar disorder, we need to give our family members some slack. Most of them do mean well when they ask, "Did you take your meds?" But if you're a family member reading this, realize that such a question only frustrates and antagonizes the person suffering from a mental disorder.
If our meds really worked, if they really "fixed us" so that we could lead lives filled with peace, energy, purpose, and a guaranteed good night’s sleep, don't you think we'd be taking them?
The key to being helpful rather than hurtful is to assist your loved one in ways they have asked you to rather than assuming a parental role. “How can I be helpful?” is a better question than “Did you take your meds?”
For those of us who have a mental illness, however, like depression or bipolar disorder, we may not appreciate being asked, “Did you take your meds?” This issue was discussed at a bipolar support group meeting I attended, and most people felt such a question was not helpful, especially since “the meds” are anything but a cure-all for our problems.
There is no guarantee that if you take your Lithium or Depakote or "X" on a regular basis, you will never have another manic or depressive episode. Add to this general problem, the variety of side effects such as weight gain, ringing in the ears, itchy rashes, liver damage, energy depletion, mind numbing, ad infinitum, you'll see that there is no simple plan that will "fix" us.
"Fixing us" is, of course, what our loving family would like to do. In their mind there is a logical correlation between "taking your meds" and leading a peaceful, productive, non-combative life. It is understandable that they fear the phone call telling them we've been arrested or are in the mental ward of a hospital or have had a car accident because in our manic state, we thought we were indestructible. Of course they want us to take our meds! It's their only hope.
One parent I know, who has lived through years of trying to "fix" his daughter with policing so that she would "take her meds," has come to a more peaceful place. "It's her life," he says. "She has to want to get better for herself, not for me. I no longer ask her if she's taking her medication or doing the things she needs to in order to stay healthy. I stay out of it." He added that he is there for his daughter if she needs him and asks for the help, but that's it.
It's hard as a parent to stand back and watch the destructive behavior of our children. I am a parent, and I was a fanatic when I thought anything was threatening my daughter. Fortunately, she didn't inherit my bipolar genes. I didn't have to watch any wild, destructive behavior in her that my parents had to watch in me. For those of us who have a mental illness like depression or bipolar disorder, we need to give our family members some slack. Most of them do mean well when they ask, "Did you take your meds?" But if you're a family member reading this, realize that such a question only frustrates and antagonizes the person suffering from a mental disorder.
If our meds really worked, if they really "fixed us" so that we could lead lives filled with peace, energy, purpose, and a guaranteed good night’s sleep, don't you think we'd be taking them?
The key to being helpful rather than hurtful is to assist your loved one in ways they have asked you to rather than assuming a parental role. “How can I be helpful?” is a better question than “Did you take your meds?”
Monday, December 3, 2007
Is Natural Progesterone the Best Choice for Me?
Is natural progesterone the best choice for my 40 something body? My gynecologist gives me that look whenever I mention using any natural substance, but what is truly best for me? My grandmother followed her gynecologist’s advice to the letter, developed breast cancer & died. So pardon me if I have a few questions.
For those of us who are taking natural hormones, such as bioidentical progesterone, how much do we take? How long do we take it? Will our bodies adjust? Most of us start taking progesterone to balance it out with our high estrogen level., There are so many ingredients in our lotions, makeup, laundry detergent, shampoos & deodorants that cause xenoestrogens (foreign estrogens), not to mention the excess estrogens we are exposed to through pesticides, plastics and meats. These xenoestrogens are causing estrogen dominance in our bodies, which may cause pms, foggy brain, uterine fibroids, endometriosis, breast cysts, testicular cancer, mood swings, etc.
According to Dr John Lee in his book “What Your Doctor May Not Tell You About Premenopause” One of progesterone’s most important and powerful roles in the body is to balance or oppose estrogen. When our progesterone levels are in balance, excess estrogen is better handled. The fall of progesterone levels at menopause is proportionately much greater than the fall of estrogen levels. Also from his book – The uterus is one of the first organs to manifest symptoms when a woman’s hormones are out of balance. Two of the most common uterine symptoms of premenopause syndrome are an enlarged uterus and uterine fibroids. How many 40 something women do you know with a flat stomach? It might be a nationwide problem, but what is being done to clean up our environment & to help us get these xenoestrogens out of our bodies?
Estrogen dominance affects everyone differently. For me it was breast cysts and uterine fibroids. My doctors, and I have seen many, would ask me if I wanted to keep my uterus. Like its disposable! OF COURSE I WANT TO KEEP IT! I may want more children, & don’t give me that look again! So I began the research. Dr. Lee’s book suggests that, after taking an ultrasound of the fibroids, women with fibroids can take one oz of progesterone cream from days 10, 11 or 12 of the cycle, to days 26 to 30. After 3 months, have another ultrasound done to see the results. If the fibroid has gotten smaller, or at least not gotten any bigger, continue with the progesterone until menopause.
I tried the progesterone, for years, along with reducing xenoestrogens from my environment. The migraines before my periods went away. The breast tenderness before my periods went away. Then THEY RETURNED. I thought I might have exposed myself to more xenoestrogens so I INCREASED MY PROGESTERONE! My symptoms got worse. I then had my hormones checked. My estradiol was low & my progesterone was high. These same symptoms were now caused by Progesterone Dominance! According to Dr. Mercola, progesterone is stored in fat cells for up to 2 years! Is this really the best solution for me to balance my hormones?
In my research I have come across an herb/root grown organically high in the Andean Mountains in Peru that is worth looking into. Its called Maca. It is suppose to adapt to the body’s needs and support menopausal health. It works with the body, the pituitary & hypothalamus, to bring about healthy balanced hormones. Maca is not a hormone, but a food that helps the body balance itself. I would much rather take something natural that helps my body get itself back into balance, than try & guess how much of a particular hormone to take.
For those of us who are taking natural hormones, such as bioidentical progesterone, how much do we take? How long do we take it? Will our bodies adjust? Most of us start taking progesterone to balance it out with our high estrogen level., There are so many ingredients in our lotions, makeup, laundry detergent, shampoos & deodorants that cause xenoestrogens (foreign estrogens), not to mention the excess estrogens we are exposed to through pesticides, plastics and meats. These xenoestrogens are causing estrogen dominance in our bodies, which may cause pms, foggy brain, uterine fibroids, endometriosis, breast cysts, testicular cancer, mood swings, etc.
According to Dr John Lee in his book “What Your Doctor May Not Tell You About Premenopause” One of progesterone’s most important and powerful roles in the body is to balance or oppose estrogen. When our progesterone levels are in balance, excess estrogen is better handled. The fall of progesterone levels at menopause is proportionately much greater than the fall of estrogen levels. Also from his book – The uterus is one of the first organs to manifest symptoms when a woman’s hormones are out of balance. Two of the most common uterine symptoms of premenopause syndrome are an enlarged uterus and uterine fibroids. How many 40 something women do you know with a flat stomach? It might be a nationwide problem, but what is being done to clean up our environment & to help us get these xenoestrogens out of our bodies?
Estrogen dominance affects everyone differently. For me it was breast cysts and uterine fibroids. My doctors, and I have seen many, would ask me if I wanted to keep my uterus. Like its disposable! OF COURSE I WANT TO KEEP IT! I may want more children, & don’t give me that look again! So I began the research. Dr. Lee’s book suggests that, after taking an ultrasound of the fibroids, women with fibroids can take one oz of progesterone cream from days 10, 11 or 12 of the cycle, to days 26 to 30. After 3 months, have another ultrasound done to see the results. If the fibroid has gotten smaller, or at least not gotten any bigger, continue with the progesterone until menopause.
I tried the progesterone, for years, along with reducing xenoestrogens from my environment. The migraines before my periods went away. The breast tenderness before my periods went away. Then THEY RETURNED. I thought I might have exposed myself to more xenoestrogens so I INCREASED MY PROGESTERONE! My symptoms got worse. I then had my hormones checked. My estradiol was low & my progesterone was high. These same symptoms were now caused by Progesterone Dominance! According to Dr. Mercola, progesterone is stored in fat cells for up to 2 years! Is this really the best solution for me to balance my hormones?
In my research I have come across an herb/root grown organically high in the Andean Mountains in Peru that is worth looking into. Its called Maca. It is suppose to adapt to the body’s needs and support menopausal health. It works with the body, the pituitary & hypothalamus, to bring about healthy balanced hormones. Maca is not a hormone, but a food that helps the body balance itself. I would much rather take something natural that helps my body get itself back into balance, than try & guess how much of a particular hormone to take.
Sunday, December 2, 2007
The Dangers of Aspirin Use!
For people who use various forms of aspirin, such as BC Powder, Bayer brand, Excedrin, and Advil, they are risking their health for short term pain relief. Yes, you may obtain the illusion of pain relief, but do you know how the various aspirins work against pain? ANSWER: By deadening your nerves! Long term aspirin use is sure to corrode your nerves and entire nervous system leading to certain central nervous system pathologies such as Parkinson’s Disease and Alzheimer’s Disease, and even stroke.
Aspirin breaks down or converts into ascetic acid inside the body and eats up red blood cells, just like white distilled vinegar does. Therefore, aspirin use pollutes the blood which is the essence of life. In addition to polluting and eating up the blood, aspirin greatly thins the blood. Many people take aspirin daily as a blood thinner. These people’s arteries are so clogged, rather than cleansing the arteries in order to improve or enhance blood flow, doctors unwisely prescribe aspirin to thin the blood which is very dangerous because lack of blood equals lack of oxygen flow, and lack of oxygen flow to the brain will undoubtedly result in stroke. The herb “gingko biloba” is a much better and safer medicinal and alternative to aspirin as it is a mild blood thinner, but unlike aspirin, it greatly enhances oxygen flow throughout the body.
Aspirin use also causes intestinal and stomach ulcers. Aspirin burns a hole through the lining of the intestines and the stomach causing internal wounds (ulcers) and bleeding. Drinking cabbage juice is the best remedy for this problem. Aloe vera juice will also help to heal ulcers.
Females who take “Midol” drug for menstrual-related pain and cramps would do much better to take the herbs “feverfew”, “cramp bark”, and “black haw.” A liquid calcium “supplement” will greatly reduce menstrual-related pain. Calcium is nature’s nervine and tranquilizer.
Serious suffers of headaches, especially migraines, would do well to use the herbs aspirin was originally made from. Aspirin was originally made from herbs rich in the alkaloid “salicin” which converts into salicyclic acid inside the body, which has an anti-inflammatory effect on the body and thereby neutralizes pain.
Herbs that contain amounts of salicin include “meadowsweet”, “white willow bark”, “red willow bark”, “black willow bark”, “woodruff”, “balm of gilead”, and “wintergreen.”
The herbs “feverfew”, “peppermint”, and “wood betony” should or can be added to the herbs above to create a natural pain relieving tea that can be drunk throughout the day and as much as you like in order to naturally eradicate a headache. Please know that a headache is an “acid” condition and alkaline substances can heal/cure and prevent headaches. Herbs are alkaline substances.
Lastly, long-term aspirin use will greatly pollute and eventually degenerate the liver, a very important cleansing agent and organ. People with red eyes have very toxic livers. Liver toxicity manifests in the white of the eyes. The herbs “milk thistle seed”, “dandelion”, “boldo”, “goldenseal”, “tumeric”, “Oregon grape”, “artichoke”, “blue flag”, “gentian root”, and “barberry” will heal, repair, and cleanse the liver.
Aspirin breaks down or converts into ascetic acid inside the body and eats up red blood cells, just like white distilled vinegar does. Therefore, aspirin use pollutes the blood which is the essence of life. In addition to polluting and eating up the blood, aspirin greatly thins the blood. Many people take aspirin daily as a blood thinner. These people’s arteries are so clogged, rather than cleansing the arteries in order to improve or enhance blood flow, doctors unwisely prescribe aspirin to thin the blood which is very dangerous because lack of blood equals lack of oxygen flow, and lack of oxygen flow to the brain will undoubtedly result in stroke. The herb “gingko biloba” is a much better and safer medicinal and alternative to aspirin as it is a mild blood thinner, but unlike aspirin, it greatly enhances oxygen flow throughout the body.
Aspirin use also causes intestinal and stomach ulcers. Aspirin burns a hole through the lining of the intestines and the stomach causing internal wounds (ulcers) and bleeding. Drinking cabbage juice is the best remedy for this problem. Aloe vera juice will also help to heal ulcers.
Females who take “Midol” drug for menstrual-related pain and cramps would do much better to take the herbs “feverfew”, “cramp bark”, and “black haw.” A liquid calcium “supplement” will greatly reduce menstrual-related pain. Calcium is nature’s nervine and tranquilizer.
Serious suffers of headaches, especially migraines, would do well to use the herbs aspirin was originally made from. Aspirin was originally made from herbs rich in the alkaloid “salicin” which converts into salicyclic acid inside the body, which has an anti-inflammatory effect on the body and thereby neutralizes pain.
Herbs that contain amounts of salicin include “meadowsweet”, “white willow bark”, “red willow bark”, “black willow bark”, “woodruff”, “balm of gilead”, and “wintergreen.”
The herbs “feverfew”, “peppermint”, and “wood betony” should or can be added to the herbs above to create a natural pain relieving tea that can be drunk throughout the day and as much as you like in order to naturally eradicate a headache. Please know that a headache is an “acid” condition and alkaline substances can heal/cure and prevent headaches. Herbs are alkaline substances.
Lastly, long-term aspirin use will greatly pollute and eventually degenerate the liver, a very important cleansing agent and organ. People with red eyes have very toxic livers. Liver toxicity manifests in the white of the eyes. The herbs “milk thistle seed”, “dandelion”, “boldo”, “goldenseal”, “tumeric”, “Oregon grape”, “artichoke”, “blue flag”, “gentian root”, and “barberry” will heal, repair, and cleanse the liver.
Saturday, December 1, 2007
Insomnia Medication Side Effects
I seldom have a sleepless night but remember an occasion when I had difficulty falling asleep. Being awake when I should have been asleep was very annoying. Since I work at night, the problem may have been too much sunlight coming in through the window when it was time to go to bed. In the winter time the light isn't bright enough to bother me.
Light influences the production of a hormone that regulates when we get that sleepy feeling. Too much light tends to make us wake up. Unfortunately, light is only one of the factors that influences our ability to fall asleep. Stress, caffeine use and a host of other factors can also contribute to a case of insomnia.
Insomnia can be described as the inability to fall asleep, the inability to stay asleep or waking up too early. There are three categories of insomnia. Chronic insomnia is long term and happens most nights for a month or longer. Two to four weeks of poor sleep constitutes short-term insomnia and the transient form of insomnia lasts but a few nights.
Benzodiazepines could be prescribed to help one fall asleep on a short term basis. Long term use of sleeping pills can become addictive.
Lorazepam is a benzodiazepine used for insomnia and anxiety relief. Lorazepam also goes by the names Lorazepam Intensol, Loraz, Alzapam and Ativan. In Canada you might find the names Nu-Loraz, Novo-Lorazepam or Apo-Lorazepam.
There are a number of side effects that a Lorazepam user might wish to be aware of. Among them are clumsiness, drowsiness and dizziness. Other possible side effects include, decreased sex drive, difficulty urinating, nausea, constipation or diarrhea. There are more potential side effects, ask your pharmacist for more information.
The human body can be viewed as a system made up of other systems. There are a number of systems that work together to make up the miracle of human life. Whenever introducing an external force to one of these systems in the form of a drug, the potential to interfere with or cause problems in other systems always exists. For this reason, you should work closely with your doctor or pharmacist when taking any medication. If you are fortunate to have a doctor who is willing to entertain alternatives, this will broaden the arena of options that are available to you.
Keep in mind that many drugs are synthetic imitations of substances that occur in nature. Sometimes a doctor who is willing to utilize these natural alternatives can be of great benefit.
Consider that this article is for information purposes only. It is not intended to give advice. It is also not intended suggest treatment, diagnosis or prevention of any health condition. Consult your primary care physician for any health related issues you may be facing.
Light influences the production of a hormone that regulates when we get that sleepy feeling. Too much light tends to make us wake up. Unfortunately, light is only one of the factors that influences our ability to fall asleep. Stress, caffeine use and a host of other factors can also contribute to a case of insomnia.
Insomnia can be described as the inability to fall asleep, the inability to stay asleep or waking up too early. There are three categories of insomnia. Chronic insomnia is long term and happens most nights for a month or longer. Two to four weeks of poor sleep constitutes short-term insomnia and the transient form of insomnia lasts but a few nights.
Benzodiazepines could be prescribed to help one fall asleep on a short term basis. Long term use of sleeping pills can become addictive.
Lorazepam is a benzodiazepine used for insomnia and anxiety relief. Lorazepam also goes by the names Lorazepam Intensol, Loraz, Alzapam and Ativan. In Canada you might find the names Nu-Loraz, Novo-Lorazepam or Apo-Lorazepam.
There are a number of side effects that a Lorazepam user might wish to be aware of. Among them are clumsiness, drowsiness and dizziness. Other possible side effects include, decreased sex drive, difficulty urinating, nausea, constipation or diarrhea. There are more potential side effects, ask your pharmacist for more information.
The human body can be viewed as a system made up of other systems. There are a number of systems that work together to make up the miracle of human life. Whenever introducing an external force to one of these systems in the form of a drug, the potential to interfere with or cause problems in other systems always exists. For this reason, you should work closely with your doctor or pharmacist when taking any medication. If you are fortunate to have a doctor who is willing to entertain alternatives, this will broaden the arena of options that are available to you.
Keep in mind that many drugs are synthetic imitations of substances that occur in nature. Sometimes a doctor who is willing to utilize these natural alternatives can be of great benefit.
Consider that this article is for information purposes only. It is not intended to give advice. It is also not intended suggest treatment, diagnosis or prevention of any health condition. Consult your primary care physician for any health related issues you may be facing.
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