Medicine news and tips

Federation Of Holistic Therapists' Training Congress - Sunday 21st And Monday 22nd September, UK

2008-08-20T00:25:00.000-07:00

The event, which is to be held on Sunday 21st and Monday 22nd September 2008 at Donington Park in the East Midlands, is the UK's largest complementary therapy trade exhibition and educational experience taking place outside of London, and the only event of its kind supported by the Federation of Holistic Therapists (FHT).

As well as existing complementary therapists, the event is aimed at beauty therapists and salons looking to introduce new treatments that incorporate holistic therapies. Perhaps you have considered incorporating crystal therapy into your facials, or Reiki to your massage. If so, this is the event for you!

Look at the types of treatments and services that Holistic Health 2008 will showcase*

Accessories ~ Acupuncture ~ Allergy Treatment ~ Aromatherapy ~ Ayurveda ~ Bach Flower Remedies ~ Body Treatments ~ Books, Charts & DVDs ~ Business Services ~ Chiropractory ~ Crystal Therapy ~ Equipment ~ Feng Shui ~ Furniture ~ Homeopathy ~ Herbalism ~ Hydrotherapy ~ Hypnotherapy ~ Indian Head Massage ~ Insurance ~ Inspirational Interior Decoration ~ Magnotherapy ~ Massage ~ Naturopathy ~ Oriental Therapies ~ Reflexology ~ Reiki ~ Salon Supplies ~ Shiatsu ~ Skincare ~ Skin Rejuvenation ~ Sports Injury Therapy

The UK's leading brands and suppliers will be present, plus the Training Village will offer the chance to discuss your educational needs with key colleges and training providers.

The FHT Training Congress, an area within Holistic Health 2008, includes a programme of 32 CPPD-accredited seminars and workshops, designed to inform and inspire. The full programme of events can you found on the Federation of Holistic Therapist's website and if you book your tickets before 12th September you can qualify for 'early bird' discounts. You do not have to be an FHT member to attend - the Training Congress is open to all salon owners and therapists.

Don't forget also that Holistic Health will once again host the Chill Out Zone, which this year is raising money for LOROS - the Leicestershire and Rutland Hospice. The Chill Out Zone offers visitors the chance to try 'taster treatments' with all monies raised going to the charity. Previous Chill Out Zones have raised over £6,500 for worth causes. If you are a qualified therapist who is interested in volunteering your time and expertise on either or both days of the event, please contact Sarah Dolman at Sarah@BeautyServe.net who would love to hear from you.

Blood Pressure Medications: A Concise Guide

2008-01-10T06:03:00.001-08:00

High blood pressure is unfortunately something that most people have to deal with as they age. This is especially true for the average person in the western part of the world. The national average for high blood pressure is approximately 24% in the United States with most other Western countries within close proximity of that number.

Medication is the most frequent form of treatment outside of individual lifestyle choices. However, there are a wide variety of drug types used to treat high blood pressure and they each approach the problem in a unique fashion. A physician will prescribe the type of drug best suited for the needs of the individual patient.

Diuretics
A diuretic is a medication that reduces the amount of water and sodium in the blood. The reduction in water helps to reduce the overall pressure on the walls of the blood vessels and as a result lower the overall blood pressure. A diuretic is usually prescribed in addition to another type of medication as opposed to being used a sole treatment by itself. Diuretics are often called “water pills” and the physician may refer to them as such.

Beta Blockers
Beta blocks work to reduce the heart rate and lower the blood pressure by inhibiting the bodies “fight / flight” response. Essentially a beta-blocker blocks the ability of epinephrine and norepinephrine to stimulate the sympathetic nervous system. This action prevents the increased heart rate and high blood pressure, which is a direct result of that stimulation. The beta-blockers prescribed for high blood pressure have a calming effect and give the person a greater tolerance for stress.

Ace Inhibitors
Angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors, or ACE Inhibitors, as they are commonly known helped to reduce blood pressure by preventing the hormone Angiotensin II from forming. Angiontensin II normally constricts the blood vessels as well as acting on the brain to increase the need for salt and hydration.

Angiotensin Antagonist
Angiontensin antagonists target the same hormone as ACE inhibitors, described above. However, rather than inhibiting the production of Angiotensin II it blocks its effect on the cells of the heart and blood vessels. These medications are also referred to as ARB’s, which stands for angiotensin receptor blockers. This is a newer type of medication which helps to modulate the renin-angiotensin system which has a big role in maintaining the bodies overall blood pressure and the volume of blood in the body.

Calcium Channels Blockers
This class of medications reduce the overall level of calcium in the heart which in turn reduces the blood pressure since the level of calcium dictates the force with which the heart pumps blood. Individuals with a weak heart (cardiomyopathy) are advised to not take a calcium channel blocker.

Alpha Blockers
Alpha-blockers bring blood pressure lower by limiting the nerve impulses sent to the blood vessels, which allows the blood to pass more freely. Whereas the beta-blockers affect the heart to decrease blood pressure, the Alpha-blockers affect the blood vessels.

Alpha-Beta Blockers
The Alpha-Beta class of drugs combines the effects of both the Alpha-blockers and the Beta-blockers, and thereby bring about lower blood pressure. See the descriptions for both to understand how they work.

Nervous System Inhibitors
Nervous system inhibitors work at the level of the brain as opposed to the circulatory system. Essentially this class of drugs reduces the nerve impulses sent the blood vessels thereby allowing them to be more relaxed which results in lower blood pressure.

Avoiding Allergy Medications With Children

2008-01-09T09:02:00.000-08:00

Childhood Asthma - Getting Your Child Off Allergy Medications

A child with asthma and allergies may not know that asthma and allergies is the number #1 chronic childhood disease.

He also may not know that asthma claims more lives every year even though more treatments are available. It is a fact that there are over 3 million more Americans with asthma than there were 10 years ago. Why the rise in asthma and allergies?

With todays busier society, our house-cleaning standard have plummeted. We also have become a generation of 'couch potatoes'...spending over 95% of our time indoors. Our homes are tightly insulated and limit ventilation of household irritants such as mold, smoke and chemicals.

This all results in increased exposure to allergens. And allergens are the number one cause of allergy and asthma attacks. Allergy medications are being used on a daily basis as a way to control allergies & asthma. With children prevention of allergies is far better than taking allergy medications.

There are five simple things that can be done to reduce allergy symptoms and possibly reduce the use of allergy medications.

1) Never allow smoking in the home. Smoke will remain in an indoor environment for up to 10 years, even though you can no longer see or smell it.

2) Shoes should be taken off at the door to prevent allergens from being brought in on the shoes.

3) Use non-toxic cleaning products instead of store bought chemical brands. All cleaning products are eventually inhaled or absorbed into the skin. Do you really want to clean with even a 'little bit' of poison?

4) Do not let pets into the bedrooms. All pets have dander and it can be an allergen. Children spend around 8 hours in the bedroom at night. Keep it as allergy free as possible.

5) Make sure humidity levels in the home don't go over 45%. Humidifiers attached to the furnace are more reliable than freestanding ones. Humidifiers with damp filters in them can be a mold breeding area.

It is important to try to create a clean healthy environment for your child so he can breathe easy and not have to rely on allergy medications which can have negative side effects.

Deborah Mumm has been in the Indoor Air industry since 1996. She has written various articles on asthma, allergies

What if We Can Stop Malaria?

2008-01-08T06:01:00.000-08:00

What if we could prevent Malaria? What if we could save the 1-million people who die every year from this disease? What if Malaria were no longer an issue? What if the Mosquitoes did not pass it onto humans? What if humans could become immune? What if the Malaria parasite modified into something which was not in any way harmful to people? We seem to be working on so many ways to stop diseases, pathogens, parasites and viruses of all types, but some of the very worst often go somewhat unchallenged. The Malaria parasite has been studied along with the DNA of a Mosquito and there must be someone way to stop this. We must do something to prevent all these deaths, many of which are young children.

One team is working on this and funding the research to end Malaria. The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation has poured an additional 284 million dollars to see this research through and solve this problem.

Superbugs, Antibiotics & Fear

2008-01-06T08:01:00.000-08:00

I was witness to a TV program last evening on the rising crisis in Peru with multi drug resistant strains of the tuberculosis. This is another example of the "super bugs" that we are increasingly being threatened by in North America and Europe.

During the program a number of pharmaceutical representatives as well as physicians were raising fears that these super bugs could get out of control if legislation is not relaxed to allow drug companies to produce more cost effective alternative antibiotics for treating these new strains.

I need to say, that as a physician, who was taught to prescribe antibiotics during my medical training in the 1980's I was acutely cognizant of the risks that over prescribing such agents could pose. Specifically, for those who don't already know, the risk of creating and nurturing the proliferation of drug resistant strains of bacteria.

Sure enough, now 20 years later we are seeing exactly what I and others recognized could happen, a crisis of global proportions that is threatening to envelop the entire globe.

Although I find it unconscionable to see these drug company representatives and their physician supporters promoting the same solution (i.e. more and newer antibiotics) that caused the problem in the first place there is a more serious problem here

There is deeper level to which we can take this matter and one which may help release the global population from the scourge of having to become guinea pigs for another mass antibiotic experiment. Let me explain.

It is interesting how many choose to accept the faulty logic presented above by drug companies who employ the "fear of death" card to manipulate individuals into taking such toxic agents into their bodies (and please don't take my word for it just look at the thickness of any physician’s drug desk reference; over 90% of it listing potential drug side-effects) after contracting a bacterial infection. The fear of dying, in my view, is the very thing that is the foundation of the problem that created the super bug issue.

It is this fear of death that leads many to lose their sense of judgment and ultimately winds up killing them. Interesting, isn't it, that the "fear of death" does just what some "think" it is supposed to protect them from?

This is because the "fear of death", if you notice what it feels like to be consumed by it, it leaves one feeling terrified, paralyzed, confused, indecisive, drained of energy, weak willed, helpless and ultimately vulnerable to being maimed. In other words it sets one up "for" dying!

Here I am reminded of a nurse working in my city in Canada during the SARS crisis. After she contracted and eventually became the first to succumb to the illness it was recounted how frightened she was before hand that she might have such a fate. In other words it has the potential to become a self fulfilling prophesy/fact.

But, as I said, you probably thought the converse, didn't you? Well then, which is the truth? Does it protect or does it harm?

I will leave this for you to ponder.

I will suggest that it is possible to find another way out of this problem and if you wish to entertain it you are free to contact me at the web link below for an introductory consultation.

Dr. Nick Arrizza is trained in Chemical Engineering, Business Management & Leadership, Medicine and Psychiatry. He is an Energy Psychiatrist, Healer, Key Note Speaker,Editor of a New Ezine Called "Spirituality And Science" (which is requesting high quality article submissions) Author of "Esteem for the Self: A Manual for Personal Transformation" (available in ebook format on his web site), Stress Management Coach, Peak Performance Coach & Energy Medicine Researcher, Specializes in Life and Executive Performance Coaching, is the Developer of a powerful new tool called the Mind Resonance Process(TM) that helps build physical, emotional, mental and spiritual well being by helping to permanently release negative beliefs, emotions, perceptions and memories. He holds live workshops, international telephone coaching sessions and international teleconference workshops on Physical. Emotional, Mental and Spiritual Well Being.

Sleeping Pills - Facts and Tips

2008-01-05T09:00:00.000-08:00

Frequently called sedatives, nerve pills or muscle relaxants, sleeping pills are drugs used to reduce anxiety, nervous tension, sleeping problems and muscle tension.

Belonging to a family of drugs called benzodiazepines, most medications used to reduce anxiety and stress, or help with sleeping problems, must be prescribed by a doctor.

Benzodiazepines depress or slow down the central nervous system. They are frequently used for relief of depression, anxiety or sleeping problems which may be caused by life changes such as retirement, reduced financial income, poor health, the loss of loved ones, or physical and social loneliness. As we age, typical changes in sleeping patterns may be interpreted as a sleeping disorder. Less frequently recommended than in the past, sleeping pills are still used more than they should be to releive these symptoms.

Effects
Since they treat the symptoms of stress and not the cause, sleeping pills only releive anxiety and sleeping problems momentary. They may help during an exceptionally stressful time, but they are not meant to be used for more than 8 to 12 days.

Side Effects
Body’s sensitivity to sleeping pills augments with aging and severe illness.The side effects of these medications are more to be expected in seniors. The property of medication can be more altered in a senior than in a younger individual because drugs stay longer in seniors’ bodies. The following side effects may be experienced:
•drowsy during the day
•groggy
•confusion and lack of concentration
•forgetful
•dizzy or uncoordinated which can result in a fall or another kind of accident
•irritable
•anxious
•depression
•headache
•nausea
•constipation
•changes in heart rate

Unlike other medications, the side effects do not fade away with persistent use.

Dependency
More than ever when used repeatedly for more than a few weeks, all prescription sleeping pills can cause corporeal and psychological addiction. Signs of addiction can be the need to get more of these drugs to get the similar effect, or finding it hard to do with no drugs.

Withdrawal Symptoms
If a dependence on sleeping pills has developed, withdrawal from these drugs have to be supervised by a health professional to lessen the risk of severe withdrawal symptoms which may be life threatening. Watch for the following withdrawal symptoms:
• anxiety
• irritability
• agitation
• abdominal cramps
• vomiting
• diarrhea
• sweating
• increased heart rate
• tremors
• seizures

Drug Interactions
Damaging reactions can take place when taking sleeping pills with other prescription or non-prescription medications. Alcohol will augment the consequence of sleeping pills and can generate inadvertent side effects. Do not drink alcohol when taking these medications. You should tell your doctors and pharmacists concerning all the drugs you are taking and the quantity of alcohol you drink to diminish the risk of these reactions.

Alternatives to Sleeping Pills
The following healthy ideas can help out with sleeping, aloneness and anxiety problems as a replacement of taking sleeping pills. If you can't sleep:
• Get fresh air and exercise throughout the day, but bear in mind: exercise before bed can keep you awake;
• Keep your bedroom cool and quiet, make it more comfortable;
• Before you go to bed, drink warm milk or hot water;
• Read a little, listen relaxing music in the evening or take a warm bath;
• After 5 p.m., avoid soft drink, coffee or tea, alcohol, smoke and spicy food.

For those already taking sleeping pills, here are a few essential tips

Take sleeping pills only during a stressful period. Since they treat symptoms and not causes, keep in mind that these drugs do not solve your aloneness, anxiety or sleeping problems.

Except if your doctor advises otherwise, avoid taking sleeping pills for more than 8 to 12 days. In fact, one of the effects of continuing use of sleeping pills is not being able to sleep.

Know your medication; what is it called? How often should you take it? How long should you take it for?

Ask for written information concerning the medication or put in writing answers from your doctor.

Always ask your doctor for the smallest effective dosage.

Don't drink alcohol when you are taking sleeping pills.

Tell all the doctors and pharmacists you visit about all the prescription, non-prescription and herbal remedies you take. Combining medications can cause undesirable reactions.

Do not carry on taking medication if it is not helping you or if you have uncomfortable feelings after taking it. Speak to your doctor and pharmacist.

Keep in mind: If you have been taking sleeping pills for a long period, stopping this medication rapidly can cause severe withdrawal symptoms.

Under no circumstances borrow or share medication.

In conclusion, what you should know is that sleeping pills can be an answer to your problems if taken carefully, along with the indications of your doctor.

Arthritis Pain Relief

2008-01-04T05:59:00.000-08:00

Recently, Many Arthritis Patients Are Choosing Glucosamine for Arthritis Pain Relief

While science has yet to bring us a cure for arthritis, there are many different forms of alternative medicine which can bring arthritis pain relief. While one individual may benefit from magnet therapy and another may see relief through acupuncture, glucosamine dietary supplements are proving themselves to be the leader of the pack when it comes to arthritis pain relief.

Much research is being undertaken on how glucosamine can benefit patients with arthritis. Glucosamine has been shown to reduce inflammation and to retard the progression of joint deterioration in arthritis patients. Many arthritis patients have added a dietary supplement of glucosamine to their diets and are reporting it has the ability to bring about arthritis pain relief.

Glucosamine is a natural substance which is found in the body. The supplemental form of glucosamine usually originates from sea creatures, such as the shrimp, shark, or lobster. The great thing about glucosamine is that you can use it in conjunction with your prescription medication. You should always tell your doctor when you add a supplement (or use another form of alternative medicine) to find arthritis pain relief. Glucosamine is not a fad. In fact, there are many reputable hospitals which are currently researching glucosamine and how it can aid in arthritis pain relief. So, you should not feel you need hide your intake of glucosamine supplements from your doctor.

Glucosamine supplements come in liquid, powder and capsule form. Most individuals take the capsule form of glucosamine for arthritis pain relief. Capsules are convenient and tasteless. They are also fairly inexpensive. Glucosamine comes in different forms, but most individuals take glucosamine sulfate. Glucosamine supplements are available in extended relief or time release form. This is perfect for the individual who is looking to have glucosamine inside their system throughout the day for arthritis pain relief.

Everyone who has arthritis is encouraged to be proactive and find the arthritis pain relief treatment which works for them. Your best bet is to start with glucosamine supplements. You will know within a few weeks if they are working for you. If they do not, you are no worse off than when you started. If they do provide arthritis pain relief for you, you will be joining the list of countless other arthritis patients who are benefitting daily from glucosamine supplements.

Steps Towards Minimizing Your Breast Cancer Risk

2008-01-03T09:16:00.001-08:00

Breast cancer is a frightening reality that one in seven women will face within their lifetime. Every 13 minutes another woman dies from breast cancer, a disease that has more than tripled in incidence over the past 50 years. While there are risk factors that are beyond our control, such as genetic predisposition, researchers are continually revealing newly discovered causes and finding that environmental and synthetic substances are at the root of much of the breast cancer epidemic.

There is no sure fire way to prevent breast cancer,but even a genetic predisposition does not indicate a death sentence. Studies show that less than 10% of the breast cancer cases today are caused by genetics,while the other 90% have unknown origins. Even with a predisposition, it is necessary to be exposed to hormone altering substances in order to set the disease in motion.

At the root of breast cancer lays the dangerous culprit, estrogen. An overabundance of estrogen can cause cancerous cells to proliferate and lead to breast cancer. While the body generates a certain amount of estrogen over our lifetimes, certain synthetic substances, such as pesticides and plastics, have the ability to mimic estrogen when they enter the body. It’s these substances that can take an otherwise healthy body and turn it into a breeding ground for disease.

Below is a list of 6 steps that you can take to minimize or even eliminate your exposure to some of these dangerous everyday substances. All of these substances are known or suspected carcinogens. This list is not complete and the dangers are not limited to breast cancer alone. Following these recommendations will not only help to lower your breast cancer risk but will also improve the health and longevity of your entire family.

1. Pull the Plug on EMFs

Electromagnetic Fields (EMFs) are generated by all electrical sources, whether they are plugged into a wall or powered by batteries. The buzz on EMFs began in the 1970’s when a link was established between radiation from local power lines and childhood leukemia. Since then, the research has expanded and a link has been established between EMF waves and breast cancer. In laboratory studies, cancer cells exposed to EMFs have been shown to grow at a startling rate. A study conducted by the Midwest Research Institute in Kansas City, MO, also found that women exposed to high levels of EMFs showed significantly higher levels of estrogen than normal. These two findings combined make for a lethal combination when it comes to breast cancer.

The FDA recommends “prudent avoidance” when it comes to EMFs. What does this mean? Limit your exposure by keeping all appliances unplugged except when in use. Since EMFs drop off significantly the further you are from the source, put distance between yourself and your appliances while they are in use. Move your alarm clock from your bedside to the opposite side of the room. Don’t stand in front of the microwave while your food is cooking or sit too closely to the television set. Have a licensed electrician check the wiring in your home to verify that it is working properly. Faulty wiring can lead to dangerously high EMF exposure.

2. Discover A New Layer In Ozone

The water that comes flowing out of your tap is treated with chlorine to kill dangerous microorganisms that cause water born diseases. Research has shown, however, that when chlorine mixes with organic substances, such as leaves, algae and even skin, dangerous byproducts called organochlorines are created. Organochlorines enter the body when we shower or ingest water treated with chlorine and are stored in the fatty tissues of our bodies. A recent study conducted in Hartford, Connecticut found that “women with breast cancer have 50% to 60% higher levels of organochlorines in their breast tissue than women without breast cancer.”

In 2002, England began using ozone to treat their nation’s drinking water. The process works by adding the same kind of ozone that is found in the atmosphere to the drinking water. Followed by an electrical charge, all disease-causing microbes are then destroyed. Small units can be purchased for your home and are more effective than chlorine at treating your drinking and bathing water supply. There are no dangerous side effects and the ozone units eliminate chlorine and its byproducts from your water.

Ozonated water’s alkaline state, as opposed to chlorinated water’s acidic state, is an added benefit. To achieve a natural, healthy state the human body must be slightly alkaline. A slightly alkaline pH level in the body will increase physical vitality and stamina, boost resistance to illness, better regulate sugar metabolism and blood pressure and slow down premature aging.

3. Be An All Natural Beauty

The cancer causing agent paraben is used in more beauty products than any other synthetic ingredient and is second only to water. Used as a common preservative to extend a products shelf life, parabens have the ability to mimic estrogen in the body thereby increasing the risk of breast cancer. A recent study found the presence of parabens in human breast cancer tissue. The finding has lead to a number of other cancer research that are now under way.

When choosing your beauty products, go to your local health food store and buy only all natural products. There are many alternatives available that can be used safely and without worry.

4. End the Heavy Metal Revolution

Heavy metals such as cadmium, copper, cobalt, nickel,lead, mercury and tin all exhibit estrogen like activity within the body. Recent studies have shown that exposure to such metals can precipitate early menstruation, thereby extending your lifetime exposure to estrogen- a known risk for breast cancer. It is standard in my medical practice to test patients for heavy metals and I have found that 90% of the evaluations come back with elevated levels of these metals.

It is impossible to eliminate your exposure to heavy metals, as they are found in the air that we breathe, the water that we drink and even the foods that we eat. You can limit your exposure some, however, by lowering your intake of fish, which contains dangerously high levels of mercury. If you have silver amalgams (fillings), which contain extremely high amounts of mercury, visit a biological dentist to have them safely removed.

Since there is little that you can do to avoid exposure, talk to your doctor about heavy metals detoxification. There are several safe ways to eliminate the heavy metals from your body and many can be done with supplements that can be taken at home.

5. Pick Your Produce Wisely

The produce that you purchase at your local grocery store is laden with insecticides, herbicides and fungicides containing dangerous hormone altering chemicals that make their way into the body’s fatty tissues. The EPA considers 60% of herbicides, 90% of fungicides and 30% of insecticides to be carcinogenic and research has shown that exposure to such chemicals can lead to breast cancer.

By buying organic produce you are ensuring that the fruits and vegetables that you eat are free of toxic chemicals. Additionally, you are purchasing a nutritionally superior food that contains all of the necessary nutrients that are lacking in the produce found in grocery stores today.

6. Go Wild With Free Range

Hormones are used to fatten up the animals that eventually make their way to our dinner tables. While the FDA has approved hormones for use in our meat supply, recent studies indicate that such hormones cause breast cancer cells to proliferate in the body.

Instead of serving up hormone saturated meals to your family, purchase grassfed meats and poultry. No antibiotics, growth hormones, fertilizers, herbicides or pesticides are used when raising grassfed animals. Not only will you be eating chemical free food, your main course will contain less fat and fewer calories, stimulate your immune system and reduce your risk of diabetes.

Medical Tourism Saves You Money, but Which Country is Best?

2008-01-02T09:17:00.000-08:00

Increasingly, people from the industrialized countries of the world are seeking out places where they can both enjoy a vacation and obtain medical treatment at a lower price, than in their country of residence.

Medical tourists are increasing in numbers, but which country is best for medical tourism?

Medical Tours to India

For medical tourism, India is a relative newcomer, but recent estimates indicate that the number of foreign patients is increasing by 30 percent each year.

India has world-class medical facilities, with excellent staff in all areas of medical care. All Indian hospitals are equipped with the latest electronic and medical diagnostic equipment.

India also has the technological sophistication and infrastructure to maintain its market lead. Indian pharmaceuticals for example, meet the stringent requirements of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

India's quality of care is world class, competing with any other industrialized country.

Indian medical centres provide services that are in fact uncommon elsewhere. For example, hip surgery patients in India can have a hip-resurfacing procedure, in which damaged bone is taken away and replaced with chrome alloy, an operation that costs less and causes fewer traumas than the traditional replacement operations carried out in western countries.

Medical Tours to South East Asia

South East Asia offers some great advantages for medical tourism with Thailand being the main destination and the main rival to India.

The Thai medical profession is probably the most advanced in the region and successive governments have invested in ensuring the necessary education and training.

Many doctors undertake specialist training abroad, particularly in the United States and Europe and are at least as well qualified as physicians in these countries.

Singapore and Malaysia also have well developed medical facilities.

Medical Tours to the East Indies

For North American patients, the East Indies and Costa Rica in particular, are the chosen destinations for medical tourism.

Costa Rica provides close, inexpensive, high-quality medical care without a trans-Pacific flight. Cost wise though, it is more expensive for medical tourists generally, particularly from destinations outside of the USA.

Medical Tourism in South America

Medical tourism in South America is mainly cantered on Brazil, which has been a centre for plastic surgery for many years.

With a large influx of medical tourists particularly from the USA, Brazil has built a well-developed healthcare industry in all areas.

Although slightly more pricey than many other destinations, you are assured of good quality healthcare in Brazil - one of the most beautiful countries on earth.

Argentina also has a flourishing medical tourism industry, but its geographical position is a problem for many.

The Rest

Medical tourism is growing in other countries with Eastern Europe, Africa, and Dubai entering the industry.

Dubai will be providing the Dubai Healthcare City by 2010 and this clinic will be the largest international medical centre between Europe and South East Asia. Including a new branch of the Harvard Medical School, it will be prestigious, but aimed at the medical tourist with more money.

Eastern Europe and Africa are emerging markets, but probably have some way to go to match the healthcare services available in countries such as India.

India for Medical Tourism

There are many choices for medical tourists seeking overseas healthcare and many destinations have reasons to recommend them, but overall for medical tourists, it will be India that will be the most attractive. Why? Simply, India has wide variety of treatments, world-class hospitals, and medical staff, is inexpensive, and offers a beautiful holiday destination.

The Truth On Taking An Aspirin A Day To Prevent Heart Attacks

2007-12-30T09:16:00.000-08:00

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.

Changing Your Life-style Can Lower Blood Pressure

2007-12-26T04:15:00.000-08:00

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.

Periodontal Gum Disease -- Can You Turn It Around?

2007-12-23T04:14:00.000-08:00

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.

How To Be Your Doctor's Favorite Patient

2007-12-21T09:14:00.000-08:00

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...

Asthma Treatment and Medication

2007-12-19T09:12:00.000-08:00

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.

Overworked Doctors Go Online to Study

2007-12-17T13:54:00.000-08:00

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

Side Effects of Some Drugs that Are Lowering Blood Pressure(part Two)

2007-12-15T13:53:00.000-08:00

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.

Neck pain or Cervicalgia, and the Migraine Syndrome

2007-12-13T23:39:00.000-08:00

“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.

Bird Flu - Prevention and Treatments

2007-12-12T16:10:00.000-08:00

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.

Hemorrhoids - Symptoms, Causes and Treatment Options

2007-12-10T16:09:00.000-08:00

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.

Chronic Pain: Barriers to Effective Pain Management

2007-12-09T16:09:00.000-08:00

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.

Be Careful - Read Everything!

2007-12-08T16:08:00.000-08:00

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!!!

The Story of Oral Chelation Therapy

2007-12-07T16:07:00.000-08:00

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.

Asthma Allergy - Current Medical Treatment

2007-12-05T16:07:00.000-08:00

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.

Are You Helping by Asking, "Did You Take Your Meds?"

2007-12-04T20:04:00.000-08:00

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?”

Is Natural Progesterone the Best Choice for Me?

2007-12-03T14:03:00.000-08:00

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.

The Dangers of Aspirin Use!

2007-12-02T16:03:00.000-08:00

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.

Insomnia Medication Side Effects

2007-12-01T14:02:00.000-08:00

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.

Neuropathy Medication

2007-11-29T16:02:00.000-08:00

Neuropathy is disease of the nervous system. One or more nerves of similar length could be damaged, thereby causing severe pain, numbness or tingling sensations.

Medications are available to cure neuropathy, but these take a long time; the time taken depends on the type and intensity of the disease. Taking too many drugs could also cause neuropathy.

Strong medications such as narcotics are mostly used to control severe neuropathy pains, which should be avoided for milder neuropathies. Non-narcotic pain killers are not effective against these neuropathy pains. But over-the-counter analgesics can be used for mild pain. Antidepressants and anticonvulsants can be administered for other type of nerve pains.

But although narcotic pain killers are initially effective, their effect wears off: as time goes by, the dosage of the drug needs to be increased to achieve the same measure of pain relief. Topical anesthetics are said to be effective against these resistant neuropathy pains.

Medications approved by FDA for diabetic neuropathy pain is Duloxetine or Cymbalta. It is a known fact that HIV patients are more at risk of neuropathy. Drugs like didanosine (ddI, Videx), zalcitabine (ddC, Hivid), and stavudine (d4T, Zerit) are prescribed for HIV patients. Taking all these drugs together could also cause neuropathy, so care should be taken to follow the doctor’s prescription strictly.

The effectiveness of neuropathy medication ranges from slight to complete. Strong medication should only be used for severe neuropathy, and taken in moderation to avoid resistance to the drugs. Care should also be taken not to cause neuropathy by overload of drugs.

GERD - The Acid Reflux Disease

2007-11-28T16:01:00.000-08:00

The Disease

The term GERD is a acronym for gastroesophageal reflux disease and is a very glorified term for heartburn. Frequent, persistent heartburn is the primary symptom associated with acid reflux disease or GERD. With GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease), stomach acid flows back into the esophagus, the tube leading from the throat to the stomach. If you suffer from persistent heartburn two or more days a week, you may have gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Though heartburn is the most common of the acid reflux disease symptoms, other signs may also manifest themselves.

For these individuals, acid reflux disease, also known as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), may be at the heart of their burn. Prevacid is a prescription drug that helps GERD-sufferers prevent the acid that causes heartburn pain associated with acid reflux disease.

Pain

Besides the discomfort of heartburn, reflux results in symptoms of oesophageal inflammation, such as odynophagia (pain on swallowing) and dysphagia (difficult swallowing). Remarkably, the frequency of severe heartburn seems to decline with age, possibly due to a decrease in esophageal pain perception and atrophic gastritis. Although elderly patients may have fewer complaints of heartburn, their disease is usually more severe and has more complications. The burning, pressure, or pain of heartburn can last as long as 2 hours and is often worse after eating; and, can include very unpleasant symptoms, such as heartburn, chest pain, trouble swallowing, hoarseness, throat irritation and bad breath. However, some people with GERD may not experience heartburn, but instead feel a pain in the chest, hoarseness, or problems swallowing. The feeling of heartburn my be similar to heart pain, but in actuality a heartburn has nothing whatsoever to do with the heart. Never assume that chest pain is heartburn or ingestion. GERD Symptoms Heartburn is described as a burning pain in the stomach that rises up towards the chest or towards the neck. A positive Bernstein test is considered if the patient experiences heartburn or chest pain. The acid perfusion test may have its utility more in explaining reflux as the cause of atypical chest pain. Potentially dangerous confusion can arise when someone neglects their heart pain believing it to be heartburn.

Gerd

Only 2 to 3 percent of acid reflux events reach the conscious level and are perceived by patients with GERD. Abnormalities that make it dysfunctional promote acid reflux and the constellation of GERD problems. Many people, including pregnant women, suffer from heartburn or acid indigestion caused by GERD. Most cases of acid reflux respond to lifestyle changes and prescription medication. Anyone experiencing heartburn twice a week or more may have GERD. Occasional heartburn is common but does not necessarily mean one has GERD.

Cure for one Illness and Cause of the Other: Drugs you take Damage your Teeth

2007-11-27T16:00:00.000-08:00

Every person, regardless of his occupation, social position or gender, can be a connoisseur in a particular sphere of knowledge but is usually ignorant in medicine. We are used to follow our therapist's prescriptions without any hesitation. We've never taken effort to investigate the way this or that medicine works ...But, actually, even if we did, I doubt we'd make head or tale of what is written in thick volumes of medical books. It looks like sometimes it's worth doing...

The recent research in the field of salivary dysfunction field has shown that over 600 medications wide-spread nowadays lead to tooth decay through saliva inhibiting in our mouth. Meanwhile, saliva executes an important function of protecting our mouth from acid that destroys teeth. This acid is produced by bacteria while you eat sugar and it destroys the upper layer of our teeth. Salvia in its turn is rich in calcium and phosphate and flowing in it replaces the layer that has been removed.

Atropine, propanolol, clonidine and drugs similar to them take first place among the medications harmful for our teeth. These medicines either inhibit saliva production or alter its composition that is just as bad. Studies held on rats to see the relationship between cavity incidence, salvia flow and specific drugs, have shown that such drugs as atropine and its similarities, including antihistamines (eg, Benedryl) and some anti-depressants (eg, Elavil, Aventyl) retard the process of salvia secretion. Propanolol, in its turn, alters salviaТs composition causing tooth decay this way. The third drug under investigaton, clonidine, has been proved to prevent saliva producing by rducing neurotransmitters - stimulators of salivary glandsТ work.

This all is sad especially because these drugs are widely used by elderly people, together with those who have heart or hypertention problems. Clonidine, by the way, is used additionally to treat children with attention deficit problem.

Professor Watson calls doctors to reconsiderate using the above mentioned drugs or at least think about the dose reducing. This we, at least, can do if we are not able to fight such disorders as Sjogren's syndrome, an autoimmune illness and damaged salivary glands, side effect of radiation therapy to the head or neck.

Despite The New Medicare Plan: Is Buying Drugs From Canada Still More Affordable?

2007-11-26T19:59:00.000-08:00

One of the biggest changes in the American drug industry is implementing the new medicare system. The recent changes in January 2006, will allow everyone regardless of income, health status and prescription drug use, to have access to prescription drug coverage.

What does this mean for canadian pharmacies online, who have built up a network of clients in our neighbouring nation?

After looking at the medicare plan and analysing what their proposing it still may not be an effective choice for all your prescription drug needs. One of the major factors in the medicare plan is that before you can get the 95% of coverage you must spend a total of $3,600 on prescription meds.

Also if you don’t sign up for the medicare plan before March 15th, you could be looking at spending even more. There are many variables in the cost and coverage as well as convenience. You will have to find a pharmacy that is available in your area, and if you are unable to walk or get around you will have fewer options if the pharmacy is far. The final choice is of course the convenience of what your current coverage plan is against what medicare is offering with their new prescription plan.

Here is a few questions you may want to ask before you go forward with the new medicare plan:

How many prescriptions do I actually require a year and is this going to be the most cost effective way to retain those prescriptions?

If I require more than one prescription a month?

The best way to answer this question is to call your pharmacy and ask them to check and calculate the amount of money that it will actually cost for your prescription drugs.

The ultimate choice will always be the consumer in the end. The Canadian drug industry has always been a great alternative for getting quality prescription drugs. If you are purchasing a prescription over the internet, Canadian or not, please check that they have the following credentials:

- A Licence to administer medication
- A Real pharmacist you can talk to regarding your medications
- They require a prescription from your doctor.

When you are choosing the best prescription drug plan, make sure that you are choosing the best choice for all your prescription needs.

The "Life Force" Has Been Left Out By Modern Medicine

2007-11-25T15:58:00.000-08:00

There was a time when being a doctor meant caring for your patient as the human being that they were. With the advent of increasing advances in medical technology doctors have allowed themselves to become seduced by several myths:

1. That the human body can be thought of a simply a machine that needs fixing when it breaks down.

2. That modern technology will eventually be able to fix human bodies in disrepair.

3. That the human being whose body it is is simply a passive and unimportant factor in the process of healing the body.

4. That the idea of there even being "a person" in that body is unscientific nonsense.

Interestingly however it seems that modern medicine has yet to explain an interesting and indisputable fact; the issue of an individual's "will to live".

In other words when an individual receives a poor prognosis one person might choose to accept it as gospel while another might instead choose not to accept it.

In the latter case one often experiences what some might consider unexplained even miraculous healing phenomena. Phenomena that puzzle doctors to no end. Yes puzzle them because the mechanical reductionist approach to healing that many physicians have adopted, pure and simple, leaves out the human being in that body.

Why does it do this? Well because the essence of an individual, what some consider the "life force" itself cannot be reduced to such a limited mechanical model. In this light it is my view that "modern" medicine will never realize its ultimate goal, that of healing others, unless it acknowledges and accepts the true healing element in the bodies they are attempting to heal, the human spirit itself.

It has been my experience that the power of the human spirit is capable of miracles as I described. Such miracles can only come about however if the human being in that body is acknowledged and given priority as the main healing force in that body.

This means that the focus modern medicine has taken must change dramatically. If it doesn't it will continue to alienate this force with technology that is both expensive and dehumanizing. In doing so it will only be undermining itself and its efforts.

Dr. Nick Arrizza is trained in Chemical Engineering, Business Management & Leadership, Medicine and Psychiatry. He is an Energy Psychiatrist, Healer, Key Note Speaker,Editor of a New Ezine Called "Spirituality And Science" (which is requesting high quality article submissions) Author of "Esteem for the Self: A Manual for Personal Transformation" (available in ebook format on his web site), Stress Management Coach, Peak Performance Coach & Energy Medicine Researcher, Specializes in Life and Executive Performance Coaching, is the Developer of a powerful new tool called the Mind Resonance Process(TM) that helps build physical, emotional, mental and spiritual well being by helping to permanently release negative beliefs, emotions, perceptions and memories. He holds live workshops, international telephone coaching sessions and international teleconference workshops on Physical. Emotional, Mental and Spiritual Well Being.

What is a Good Arthritis Medication?

2007-11-23T20:57:00.000-08:00

The correct answer the question of what is a good arthritis medication is really dependant on what the specific requirements of your particular condition are. There is not a single medication that can deal with every aspect of arthritis since it is a very wide-ranging condition covering everything from rheumatoid arthritis to gout. There are a variety of medications available for arthritis that can be very effective when used on their own or in conjunction with other drugs and treatments. As well as providing pain relief, some of these drugs have anti-inflammatory properties that can be necessary since the inflammation of the joints can be a very painful problem for arthritis sufferers. Some of these non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as aspirin and ibuprofen can be bought without prescription but can have a few minor and unpleasant side effects such as problems with the stomach. Although these sedative like effects can and do wear off after a while corticosteroids can be an alternative to the more popular anti-inflammatory drugs.

What is considered a good arthritis medication as far as the alternative medicines and natural cures is rather uncertain due to the fact that they are not always regulated in the same way as pharmaceuticals. However, some evidence suggest that massage, good diet and exercise are generally thought to have a beneficial effect on many patients provided you use a proper system of treatment that is devised by a healthcare professional. If you are not happy with the idea of taking a large amount of medication to ease your arthritis pain then it may be worth looking into this. Glucosamine is a natural substance that is derived from sea fish and crustations that some doctor’s think can aid pain relief. It is actually used in some hospitals and is available in a number of different ways such as powder capsule form and also as a liquid.

If you were wondering what is a good arthritis medication that can really help with pain relief then it is possible that painkilling injections may help. They are injected straight into the site of the pain and can last for a number of weeks. There are many different types of pain medication that are very effective for arthritis sufferers and it is very important to choose the right one for your condition.

The best person to ask what is a good arthritis medication is undoubtedly your doctor or health care specialists. It is not a good idea to try anything new without the proper medical advice and that way you can be sure that you are getting the very best treatment for your condition

The New Medicine of Dr.Ryke Geerd Hamer

2007-11-22T19:56:00.000-08:00

Dr.Ryke Geerd Hamer, one time chief internist of the Cancer Clinic of Munich University Hospital met horrific tragedy when in 1978, his 19 year old son Dirk, was shot dead in front of his eyes! Shortly afterwards he developed testicular cancer and wondered why! His exploration brought him to a dramatic conclusion that he called “The Iron Rule of Cancer”!

The “Iron Rule” states that a sudden and unforeseen incident of a highly charged emotional nature leads to cancer. He continues by saying that the cancer can be cured once the emotional conflict is resolved. If it is not changed the patient will die! This he suggests is why so many conventional treatments are unsuccessful.

The same phenomenon occurs in the animal world. A sheep looses its lamb to a predator and goes on to develop teat cancer. The cancer disappears when the ewe falls pregnant once again.

The sudden shock or “Significant Emotional Event” (SEE) leads to what Hamer calls a”Dirk-Hamer-Syndrome” or DHS, which swiftly produces a cancerous growth or equivalent in a bodily organ. Hamer was able to trace this development by using CT scans. With the help of “Computerized Tomography”, Dr. Hamer was able to produce a chart that relates specific emotional traumas with the formation of lesions in the brain that result in cancerous tumors growing in predictable parts of the body. Taking breast cancer as an example, the doctor attributes the emotional cause to a separation issue in the patient’s life. In the case of left-handed woman who develops cancer as a result of a mother-daughter conflict there is likely to be a tumor on the right breast. With right-handed women this would reverse.

The manufacturers of the CT equipment, Siemens, testify that Geerd Hamer used over 6,000 CT scans in his work in developing this extraordinary theory. What he appears to be saying is that the cancer is a symptom of the real illness, which lies painfully embedded in the psyche and in the brain. He appears to have thoroughly researched his explanation to boot!

Hamer criticizes the orthodox medical treatment of cancer by saying that 98% of patients die from the treatment and not the disease. He claims: “Nowadays most people with cancer die from the affects of the medical diagnosis and prognosis. It is the diagnosis and prognosis which produces the supposed metastases.” He maintains there is no such thing as cancer spreading as conventionally supposed. Instead the metastasis is the growth of another cancer caused by yet another Significant Emotional Event. In this case the shock of the medical diagnosis and the physicians negative prognosis for the future development of the disease.

Dr Hamer does not offer solutions how these conflicts are to be resolved, but stresses resolution has to be gentle. Rough analytical abreactive therapies are to be discouraged because they might trigger another cancer causing Significant Emotional Event. However, many gentle therapies such as EFT abound today; they might just play a big part in resolving these cancer producing conflicts in what must be a milestone in Mind-Body Medicine.

The Renewal of Generosity: Illness, Medicine, and How to Live

2007-11-21T13:56:00.000-08:00

The Renewal of Generosity: Illness, Medicine, and How to Live.

By Arthur W. Frank. University of Chicago Press, 166 pp., $27.50.

BOTH DOCTORS and patients are demoralized these days, says Arthur Frank, though neither group is aware of what the other is experiencing. Doctors are suffering discouragement and alienation instead of enjoying the hope and human connection that lured them to the profession. Patients feel like specimens and objects instead of human beings. It's a familiar problem, to be sure, and it is also a paradigm for all of the transactions that occur between persons. We are all in need, and we all have something to give. Generosity, says Frank, is the missing currency.

As I read this book, I became increasingly aware that I occupy both positions in Frank's dialectic on generosity. As a board-certified chaplain I stand among the ranks of health-care providers. In the larger society, however, my cerebral palsy places me with those who are systemically designated as receivers of care. Frank is right that the value of care is thought to flow from the top down. Frank's notion that giving and receiving both require a honing of skills resonates with me.

Frank writes about his own illness, and he refuses to assume a position superior to that of his reader. Frank shares generously with the reader, and the natural response to generosity is more generosity.

The Renewal of Generosity reads like a cross between Plato's Symposium and Jesus' wedding feast for the poor and lame. There are dozens of voices at this motley dinner party, and although some of those present are designated as hosts and some as guests (Frank's terms), everyone has something to say.

Frank harmonizes the work of Marcus Aurelius, Emmanuel Levinas and Mikhail Bakhtin. And he names this composite character the Dialogical Stoic. The primary term is stoic, which he wrests from its association with the puritanical asceticism of the West. Here the stoic is someone aware of life's limitations and able to retain choice and personal power in the face of adversity.

Herbal Medicine for Cold and Flu Information

2007-11-19T21:55:00.000-08:00

The common cold or flu is one of medicine’s greatest mysteries. While there are plenty of pharmaceutical products offered to help ease the symptoms of these illnesses, our local drug stores still offer us no opportunities to rid ourselves of the ailment itself. The pharmaceutical market offers such products as Vicks and Theraflu, but these products are only designed to make you feel better for the duration of your cold. While you may lose the coughing or running nose symptoms, there is still a sickness tugging at your body.

Herbal medicines for cold and flu ailments do not directly attack the viruses. They exist to help boost your immune system since only your own body can help you fight off these problems. Your immune system is the key to fending off viruses, and keeping it in working order can be key to keeping yourself healthy and well.

In traditional Chinese medicine, astragalus root is often used to help the immune system kick out the invaders. A renowned immune system enhancer, this root is also a building tonic. Mainly used for long-term disease prevention, astragalus root also helps in alleviating colds. Another Chinese remedy for the cold is a combination of herbs. Honeysuckle flower, forsythia fruit, platycodon root, peppermint, bamboo leaf, licorice root, schizonepeta, burdock root, and black soybean are used together in a substance referred to as “Yin Chao”. This combination fights off the symptoms of the cold while providing boosted immune system defense.

Elder flower and gentian root are also a classic herbal medicine for cold problems. In a university study, the effects of these herbs were measured against the effects of a leading antibiotic towards helping a cold. The herbs provided faster response, greater effects, and less side effects than their pharmaceutical opponent.

Clearly, using herbal medicine for cold and flu problems can be a great way to clear up your sickness. As an alternative to the modern medicine offered in drug stores today, these substances usually have a greater effect on the problem while resulting in less side effects.

How Dangerous are Painkillers?

2007-11-17T15:54:00.000-08:00

Let’s first learn how painkillers work inside the body.

When you pop a pill to stop that pain, what it does primarily is to deaden the nerves so that they cannot transmit pain signals to the brain. Therefore you do not feel the pain after you swallow a painkiller. The minimum time it takes to work is at least 30-40 minutes after you’ve taken it.

While almost every painkiller has some kind of proven side effect, Paracetamol is voted by experts as being the safest and the only one that can be taken without medical supervision. This painkiller can be given even to a new born baby without the danger of any side effects. And that is the only one that you should pop when you are in pain.

While a Disprin (containing aspirin) can lead to blood thinning, peptic ulcers and even Reyes Syndrome (multi organ seizure) in children alone with precipitating asthma in patients, a Voveran (containing diclosenac) can cause liver and kidney damage and even bleeding in the stomach.

Some like Nimesulide are the most dangerous because they can cause toxic liver failure among others. Most developed countries have banned them but in some countries it’s a different story.

Another common painkiller like Ibuprofen is to be avoided during pregnancy because it can cause gastro intestinal bleeding, skin reactions and also peptic ulcers. Pain is a day to day problem and it’s a good thing because it’s a kind of warning mechanism that the body uses to tell you that all is not well inside you. That’s when you should see a doctor to find out the reason for the pain.

And from what sales of OTC drugs show, you are clearly not alone in trying to play doctor. It’s a fallacy that only the uneducated misuse painkillers.

So if you don’t want to land up in a sick bed, think before popping that easy to reach painkiller.

Possible Side effects of painkillers

Aspirin: Intestinal hemorrhage, peptic ulcer, precipitates asthma.

Ibuprofen: Stomach ulcer, vomiting, skin reactions

Novalgin: Blood disorder

Voveran: Liver and kidney damage, water retention leading to high BP

Nimesulide: Toxic liver failure, kidney damage, blood in urine

Paracetamol: None

Fighting A Virus With Antibiotics

2007-11-15T21:54:00.000-08:00

Have you ever taken your child to the doctor and been told he has a cold or the flu and the doctor prescribes antibiotics? We often think the doctor knows best so we dash out of the doctor's office to the nearest drug store and purchase the medication hoping our child will improve swiftly. There's only one problem. Antibiotics are ineffective against viruses and doctors know this. So, why do they prescribe them?

As a former health care worker, I've seen countless parents bring their children in with complaints of runny noses, fever, congestion. They insist on the doctor giving them an antibiotic because this is the only defense we generally think will "make us well". Doctors are human too. So, to appease their clients, they often write the prescription and give the kid a sucker and a super hero sticker and send them on their way. When in actuality the only thing that's super about it is the bugs we are assisting in mutating to one day be the super-bacteria of them all- resistant to everything we have to combat them. Yes, there are bacteria around today that are resistant to almost every form of antibiotic we have. In other words, there are some bacterial infections that there's no cure for.

Even as consumers, we purchase antibacterial soaps, lotions and other products that claim to be mega germ fighters. Why? Are the germs we encounter on a daily basis deadly enough to illicit this type of constant safeguard? Or is this another way of exposing relatively harmless bacteria to a product so many times until it is forced to mutate into something bigger, stronger and way more powerful.

Word to the wise - stop abusing antibiotics. If your child has a cold or any type of viral infection, treat the symptoms. There is no cure for the common cold, flu or other viral infections. Treating the symptoms includes: medications to reduce fever, decongestants, antihistamines for runny noses and Grandma's homemade chicken soup. A virus has to pretty much run it's course. Alleviating some of the symptoms so that the child feels better during the course of the virus is the only true remedy.

As far as the antibacterial products that are saturating our market today, the regular products work just as well unless you have some sort of bacterial skin infection or other reason to utilize topical antibacterial products.

Remember, always take antibiotics exactly as directed. Misuse can be just as bad as not using at all. These are powerful drugs that have saved countless lives. Let's continue to keep our family's healthy by making good choices. Here's to your health.

ADHD Medications - Do They Carry Risks for the Heart?

2007-11-14T14:53:00.000-08:00

The cardiac risk of the drugs for ADHD have attracted interest recently following the recommendation by the Drug Safety and Risk Management Advisory Committee of the FDA to include a black-box warning describing the cardiovascular risks of stimulant drugs used to treat this condition. However, this recommendation has subsequently been toned down by the Pediatric Advisory Committee of the FDA.

ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) is a disorder mainly diagnosed in school age children. It is characterized by increased activity, an inability to concentrate and poor school performance. Stimulant drugs have been the mainstay of treatment of ADHD. These include amphetamine and related drugs like methamphetamine and methylphenidate (Ritalin).

It is estimated that 2.5 million children now take stimulants for ADHD in the USA. A growing number of adults also take the drug, with a diagnosis of "adult ADHD", which has recently come into vogue. However, the numbers are quite small in Europe and elsewhere.

Now let us come to the crux of the matter. Why are these drugs supposed to cause heart problems?

These stimulant drugs belong to the class of sympathomimetic amines. Cardiovascular effects of these compounds have been well studied. They act by stimulating the sympathetic nervous system and increase heart rate and blood pressure significantly. One study with a commercially marketed formulation showed an increase in systolic BP by about 5 mm Hg in treated adults. Such a rise of BP, argues the Drug Safety and Risk Management Advisory committee, can cause definite adverse effects on long term therapy.

The induced increase in heart rate also has well-described adverse effects on the heart. Persistent increase in heart rate may induce chronic heart failure as demonstrated in animal models of dilated cardiomyopathy.

The Committee also cites the examples of Ephedra (ma huang), marketed as a dietary supplement and phenylpropanolamine, an over the counter nasal decongestant, which belong to the same class. They have been known to have caused several well publicized adverse effects. Studies have reported that ephedra containing supplements accounted for 64% of the serious adverse reactions to supplements reported to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, although their sales represented less than 1% of all dietary-supplement sales. A 16-fold increase in the risk of stroke has been reported among women taking phenylpropanolamine as a weight loss drug.

Drug Safety and Risk Management Advisory committee studied cases of myocardial infarction, stroke and sudden death in children and adults taking ADHD stimulants which have been reported to the FDA's Adverse Event Reporting System (AERS). This could represent only a tip of the iceberg as only 1 to 10 percent of serious adverse events are actually reported. Some had evidence of undiagnosed heart disease on autopsy and the documentation was frequently incomplete.

Despite these difficulties, the advisory committee decided to recommend strong preemptive action. Factors which the committee cited as the reason for the action included the tendency of these drugs to raise blood pressure and heart rate, the history of serious adverse effects associated with two drugs of the class (ephedra and phenylpropanolamine) and the rapid increase in exposure,particularly among adults. Though the committee noted important potential benefits of these drugs for certain highly affected children, they felt that the administration of these potent sympathomimetic agents to millions of Americans is inappropriate. The recommendations emphasize more selective and restricted use of these drugs while increasing the awareness of potential hazards.

However, FDA's Pediatric Advisory Committee was of the opinion that adding strong black-box warnings could cause more harm than good and may frighten patients. They, on the other hand, called for new information about health risks on the labels of attention deficit drugs. This would benefit doctors, patients and parents. They said that patients and parents should know about the reports even though it is unclear if the drugs contributed to the problems.

Now, the FDA has to decide on the difficult problem of how to communicate the potential risks associated with ADHD drugs. The FDA will consider both panels' recommendations before making a final labeling decision.

Low Medical Costs - Why People Are Looking At India and Saving Up To 90 Percent

2007-11-13T15:52:00.000-08:00

India offers you the opportunity to receive world class healthcare and low medical costs in comparison with those in the US and Europe, get a free holiday into the bargin and still have money left over!

Sounds good? Then read on …

If you want major heart surgery or to get the look of your dreams via cosmetic surgery, or a smile to get you noticed, then India can provide low medical costs and worldclass treatments

The growth of medical tourism

This form of treatment where patients seek care outside of their country of residence is reffered to as medical tourism and is now a multi billion pound industry and growing fast.

Lower medical costs by up to 90%!

Medical tourism is defined as provision of 'cost effective' private medical care in collaboration with the tourism industry for patients needing treatments, where lower medical costs made on treatments fund the cost of a relaxing vacation and in many instances still leave money left over!

Medical tourism has become a growth industry and covers a broad spectrum of medical services. It mixes leisure, fun and relaxation and recuperation with wellness and healthcare.

All healthcare

India covers all medical treatments at lower cost. Many tourists from the developed world go to India for rejuvenation via yoga and other alternative health treatments, but few people consider it a destination for hip replacement, cosmetic or heart bypass surgery.

World class treatment, lower medical costs and the holiday of a lifetime

A combination of world-class medical centres unrivalled expertise at low prices is helping a growing number of Indian corporate hospitals tempt foreign patients

– 500,000 alone in 2005 and this number is growing rapidly!

India is now seen as the major destination for medical tourists seeking lower medical costs and provides an unbeatable combination of world class facilites, world renowned medical expertise and a beautiful country to explore.

Sample lower medical costs

Check out the savings below and you can see why more people than ever are taking advantage of lower medical costs in India.

Treatment US Cost Treatment India

Heart Surgery $30,000 $6,000

Liver Transplant $300,000 $69,000

Orthopedic Surgery $20,000 $6,000

Smile designing $8,000 $1,000

Now the good bit!

Medical tourism offers huge savings and these can provide a holiday for free.

If you have never considered cosmetic surgery in association with seeing elephants and the Taj Mahal then you can now!

India offers something for everyone and is one of the most beautiful and diverse countries on earth.

Think about the above:

You get the treatment you need, take advantage of world class facilities and get a holiday free and maybe have some cash left over.

If it sounds good it is!

Medical tourism is here to stay and India is now the world’s major medical tourism destination for lower medical costs and a whole lot more!

Clinical Trials: Experimentation in Medicine?

2007-11-12T17:52:00.000-08:00

I recently saw a patient who was interested in participating in a blood pressure clinical trial. Her main apprehension was that her daughter did not want her to be experimented on.

I proceeded to explain to her the typical sequence of events that would have occurred if she consulted me for her blood pressure problem in my medical office:

1. I check my watch before entering the exam room.

2. I calculate 8 minutes to solve the problem; since I am already an hour behind schedule and have 20 unanswered phone calls waiting for me.

3. I check the blood pressure that the nurse took, then listen to her heart and lungs.

4. I run to the drug sample cabinet, select a sample antihypertensive medication, and return to the exam room.

5. I tell her to try the medication, call if she has any problems, and schedule a return visit in one month.

I then explained the sequence of events that would occur in the clinical trial she was interested in :

1. She first reads an informed consent that explains the entire clinical trial, including any risks or potential side effects.

2. After reading the consent, I sit down with her to make sure she understands everything and to answer any questions.

3. She then undergoes a complete medical history, complete physical exam, electrocardiogram, and blood work.

4. After the results of her studies come back, I review them with her and check all the results against the inclusion and exclusion criteria for the clinical trial to make sure it is safe for her to participate.

5. If everything checks out, she is given the clinical trial medication and a follow-up visit is scheduled for one week.

6. She is told to call with any concerns or problems in the interim.

The decision making process in the first scenario takes about 5 minutes. In the second scenario, the patient is evaluated by me and the nursing staff for approximately 2 hours before the decision to administer the blood pressure medication is made.

I left my medical practice years ago to do full-time research so that I could stop experimenting with patients and spend the proper amount of time with them, like I did before managed care changed medicine.

Free Clinics Medical Treatment

2007-11-11T15:51:00.000-08:00

Many individuals work full-time with no benefits, cannot afford medical insurance on their own or simply are unable to find a job that offers medical care. For many, free clinics are their only chance for medical treatment. Available to both children and adults, free clinics are located throughout the United States and commonly found in largely populated cities. Smaller, local free clinics are found in virtually every area and are the only forms of medical treatment for some children and their families.

The lack of medical insurance is a problem that affects many workers. When an unfortunate event arises, such as a sudden illness or injury, it can wipe out a family’s savings instantly. While free clinics primarily offer general care and not surgical procedures, they are essential in helping the patient to determine if more extensive medical treatment may be required. In addition to testing, free clinics may also provide check-ups, immunizations and other common medical procedures.

The best way to locate free clinics is to inquire with the local health department as to the nearest facility. As patients can expect, free clinics are very busy. As such, appointments are typically recommended if at all possible. In the case of an emergency, free clinics may be able to assist a patient or may direct them to the nearest emergency care facility. Early appointments are preferred with patients calling ahead at least one week in advance in order to confirm treatment. In the case of a sudden cold or flu onset, some free clinics have the ability to accept patients on a walk-in basis. This is completely dependant upon the schedule and the number of patients with appointments, but there is always the possibility of receiving treatment as a walk-in patient.

The treatments provided at free clinics are often those conducted by qualified medical students, who are under close supervision by a licensed medical doctor. In exchange for the educational experience to students, a number of medical schools provide free clinics to patients without medical insurance or the income to afford paid medical care.

The information in this article is to be used for informational purposes only. It is not intended to be used in conjunction with, or in place of, professional medical advice. Patients who feel that they require ongoing care, which free clinics may not be able to provide, should consult their nearest hospital or medical center for proper diagnosis and treatments of their ailment.

A Guide to Testosterone Prescriptions and Side Effects

2007-11-10T15:51:00.000-08:00

Testosterone prescriptions are most commonly written by doctors for men with testosterone deficiencies caused by andropause or other conditions. Testosterone is a hormone produced by the body and deficiencies cause symptoms such as decreased sex drive, fatigue and moodiness.

These symptoms can be caused by other conditions and even when testing shows that testosterone levels are lower than normal, testosterone supplementation does not always alleviate the symptoms and may inhibit the body’s natural ability to produce testosterone. This is just one known side effect.

Testosterone produced by the body causes muscles to grow and strength to increase.

At one time, testosterone prescriptions were written commonly for many conditions. It was praised as a miracle drug. Weight lifters, body-builders and other professional athletes used testosterone and other anabolic steroids for years to enhance their ability and performance.

When testosterone side effects became known doctors stopped prescribing it except in cases where the body’s ability to produce testosterone had been damaged by injury or disease and athletes could only obtain it illegally.

Now, once again, a growing number of testosterone prescriptions are being written. Drug companies seeking FDA approval, use test groups to study the effectiveness and common side effects of drugs. In 19% of the patients in the original group for one of the testosterone gels, a prostrate disorder was reported and one developed prostrate cancer.

Other testosterone side effects reported include acne, hair loss, depression, moodiness, swelling in the arms and legs, gynecomastia (breast growth in males), breast pain, high blood pressure, decreased libido and nervousness. Gynecomastia is said to occur frequently.

The companies who make prescription testosterone warn that prolonged use can cause liver damage and cancer. They advise that some patients may develop sleep apnea. Sleep apnea is when a person stops breathing during sleep.

They further advise doctors to continuously monitor patient’s testosterone levels, prostrate size and perform other follow-up tests. They advise patients to inform their doctors if they experience any of the listed testosterone side effects.

Testosterone prescriptions and testosterone side effects is the subject of some debate among health care professionals and scientists, with the supporters maintaining that the positive effects outweigh the risks and the critics saying that there are other less hazardous options.

Plant Sterols a Solution for Lowering LDL Cholesterol

2007-11-09T14:50:00.000-08:00

Plant sterols or stanols are synthesized only by the plants and they very similar in structure to human cholesterol. Stanols differ structurally from cholesterol by a methyl or ethyl group in their side chains that are not produced in the human body. These structural differences make them minimally absorbable by intestine. On the other hand, plant sterols generate an inhibition of cholesterol absorption.

Because many specialist claim that stanols can help reduce LDL cholesterol, manufacturers now begin fortify certain foods with these substances found in plants. The necessary amount of daily plant sterols for getting results is at least 2 grams. Fortified foods such as margarines and orange juices don't appear to affect levels of triglycerides or of "good" high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol. Nor do they interfere with the absorption of the fat-soluble vitamins (vitamins A, D, E and K) At the same time, studies concluded that the addition of plant sterols in foods helped further lower total cholesterol. Clinicians evaluated a nearly 10 percent reduction in low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol (LDL is called "bad" cholesterol).

Until then, long-term studies conformed absence of adverse effects in all individuals ingesting plant sterol esters. Therefore these products should be used for adult conditions requiring lowering of total and LDL cholesterol levels. However their use as a dietary addition in moderate to severely hypercholesterolemic children can be considered if the fat-soluble vitamin status is close monitored.

Recently, scientists at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis made a pill containing plant sterols. They suggests that this pill might be effective. and more safety.

Should You Take Prescription Medication For Anxiety Attacks?

2007-11-08T20:49:00.000-08:00

Are you considering taking prescription medication to help “cure” the symptoms of your anxiety attacks? Let’s face it, we’ve all the seen the commercials from the various drug companies promising a simple “cure” for your anxiety attacks by taking prescription medication.

Here’s what they don’t tell you:

1. Prescription medications mask the root problem of your anxiety attacks. Yes, you may have temporary relief of your symptoms but your anxiety attacks started for a reason. You need to discover the root problem in order to find the solution as to why your body is reacting with an anxiety attack instead of covering it up with medication.

2. Prescription medications are addictive, which can mean a long, agonizing withdrawal period when you want to get off them. You have to wean yourself off gradually and this process can cause your anxiety attack symptoms to worsen or other side affects to occur before you are completely off the prescription medication.

3. After long-term use of the prescription medication, you may find that you need higher doses in order to keep the medication functioning. You may end up returning to your doctor repeatedly, only to have him increase your dosage, or worse, prescribe a stronger medication for you.

The remarkable part about these drug prescription commercials is the disclaimer they ramble off quickly near the end listing the side affects that some of these prescription drugs can produce. Are you truly prepared to risk your long-term health by taking these prescription medications?

The commercials make the “cure” sound so wonderful: take a pill and all your anxiety attack symptoms will be gone. It’s very tempting to be seduced into a quick-fix. However, you should take a pro-active approach and do further research before you buy into these so-called “cures”. There is massive information available on the internet about anxiety disorders as well as on specific prescription drugs and their side-effects.

You should know that natural remedies do exist such as Chamomile tea or St. John’s Wort for relief of some anxiety attack symptoms. Moreover, you may find that an appointment with a Naturopathic doctor or a Hypno-Therapist to be a more natural solution than a visit to your family physician and his trusty prescription pad.

Be an informed anxiety attack patient. Do your research and find the natural cure that will work for you over the long term without the harmful side-effects. Anxiety attacks are 100% curable; you only need to find the natural solution that is right for you.

Seven Toxic Effects of Drug Companies

2007-11-07T14:47:00.000-08:00

I'm the first to admire the strengths and virtues of the free-enterprise model as it applies to drug development and sales. This model encourages drug companies to employ talented people and to take risks in developing new drugs for serious medical problems. But let's face it, current practices also produce undesirable effects.

1. When their drug that was wonderful last month is suddenly no good.

It's been entertaining to watch the drug companies suddenly come up with new, patentable variations of their drugs just when their old patents are expiring. For example, since the 1970s, the Abbott company has been doing a dance with different formulations of valproic acid (used for seizures, migraines and bipolar disorder). At first, the brand name was Depakene, but when that patent ran out, Depakene was suddenly no good any more, and Depakote (just barely different enough to be patentable) was the only drug one should think of. Then when Depakote's patent ran out, suddenly it wasn't any good, either. Now Depakote ER (extended release) is the only way to fly.

This approach of reworking the old drug into longer-acting formats has worked for other drug companies, too. For example, GlaxoSmithKline has gone through the same dance with their formulations of bupropion for depression, evolving from Wellbutrin to Wellbutrin SR (sustained release) to Wellbutrin XL (extended release). Wyeth, seeing a good thing, followed the same path with venlafaxine antidepressant, going from Effexor to Effexor XR (extended release). It's just an amazing coincidence how these new, suddenly-better drugs emerge just when the old drugs expire and face generic competition.

2. When they make us forget that the older drugs work just fine.

Since 1954 we've had effective anti-psychotic drugs to treat schizophrenia, but beginning in the 1990s a series of new anti-psychotics emerged, now called the "atypical" or "novel" anti-psychotics. Suddenly, the older drugs -- all generic and therefore reasonably priced -- were no good. Only the new, patented anti-psychotics were any good and one might even be guilty of malpractice if one prescribed an older drug (or continued prescribing one to a patient who seemed to be doing fine). Indeed, a generation of new psychiatrists cycled through training programs with this concept in mind, rarely writing a prescription for an older drug.

The alleged superiority of the newer drugs was tested in the recently completed CATIE (Clinical Antipsychotic Trials in Intervention Effectiveness) study and found to be absent. The study compared four newer drugs to an older drug, perphenazine, and the differences in outcome were minimal to none.

3. When they draw attention away from non-medication treatments.

Drug companies sell drugs. Therefore, when it comes to marketing their products, they have no interest in promoting -- or even mentioning -- non-drug treatments. There are no salespeople making the rounds of doctors' offices to remind physicians of the rigorously proved benefits of stress management training for migraine and tension-type headaches, or of cognitive-behavioral counseling for depression.

4. When they hook us on samples.

Doctors' offices receive samples of patented (high mark-up) drugs and not of unpatented (low mark-up) drugs. Therefore, patients are steered toward the expensive drugs by means of these "loss-leaders."

5. When they shape medical practice.

Drug companies aggressively court the thought-leaders, like faculty members at medical schools, with financial perks such as impressive fees for speaking engagements. They also subsidize medical publications. The effects of these marketing activities on medical practice are not necessarily beneficial to patients.

For example, tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) is an expensive clot-dissolving drug approved for use in stroke patients. Its benefits are modest and its risks are real (brain hemorrhage and death). Thoughtful clinicians might reasonably conclude that the benefits of administering tPA do not outweigh the risks. But this is not the message that comes from many thought-leaders and publications. Instead, the implication is that administering this drug is a standard of care, and omitting it constitutes malpractice.

6. When the sales reps push unapproved uses.

Recently, a Pfizer sales rep told me that his company's drug, pregabalin, is effective in preventing migraine. He shouldn't have said that. Pregabalin is FDA-approved for treatment of epilepsy and nerve-pain, but not migraine. Although physicians in the U.S. are allowed to prescribe drugs for "off-label" uses, drug companies are prohibited from advertising their drugs for non-approved uses. In fact, Pfizer got in trouble for pushing another drug, gabapentin, for unapproved uses.

7. When doctors don't think critically about what they're doing.

This, strictly speaking, isn't a deficiency of the drug companies. But because the only salespeople that doctors see are for expensive, branded drugs, the names of less expensive (or more effective) alternatives may not come to mind when prescriptions are written.

Botox: A Promising Therapy Against Neuromuscular Disorders

2007-11-06T20:47:00.000-08:00

Botox is widely known therapy for treatment of strabismus, blepharospasm, cervical dystonia, severe primary axillary hyperhidrosis and glabellar lines.

Botox® is in fact, a popular brand name owned by Irvine, California based American company Allergan, Inc. Allergan is a globally known and esteemed pharmaceutical company that produces eye care, skin care and neuromuscular treatment products. The pharma actually sells the potent neurotoxin, Botulinum toxin type A, under the brand name Botox.

Botox and Botrox Cosmetic got the U.S. FDA’s nod for treatment of strabismus, blepharospasm, cervical dystonia, severe primary axillary hyperhidrosis and glabellar lines respectively in 1989.

Botrox Cosmetic has shown brilliant success against moderate to severe glabellar lines associated with corrugators and/or procures muscle activity in adult patients. Glabellar lines are the frown lines between the eyebrows appeared to soften following treatment for eye muscle disorders.

Botox has had a great success as an effective treatment for Cervical Dystonia, Strabismus, Blepharospasm and Severe Axillary Hyperhidrosis.

Cervical Dystonia (CD) is the neuromuscular disorder that belongs to disorders known as focal dystonias. The CD in its severe form can cause abnormal head position and severe neck pain. It’s also known as spasmodic torticollis.

Strabismus is the disorder of crossed eyes. It is a neuromuscular disorder that causes a deviation in alignment of one eye from the other. It can occur gradually or rapidly in adults. Esotropia and Exotropia are two forms of Strabismus. The Esotropia (convergent strabismus) causes the eyes to turn towards the nose and Exotropia (divergent strabismus) causes the eyes to turn away from the nose. The eyes may also turn up and down.

Blepharospasm in simple words is an uncontrollable blinking. It is a neuromuscular disorder related to dystonia including essential blepharospasm or VII nerve disorder in patients 12 years of age and above. It affects the muscles that control eyelid movement and causes uncontrollable blinking. Its severe form can cause functional blindness.

Severe Axillary Hyperhidrosis in simple words is the severe underarm sweating. The condition involves hyperactive sweat glands that cause over-sweating.

In the beginning the botox therapy was used in the treatment of certain ophthalmic movement disorders, but presently it’s been used quite commonly against many therapeutic neuromuscular disorders, pain related to cosmetic facial aesthetics. Its use in the treatment of migraine headaches (chronic headache and chronic musculoskeletal pain) has considerably increased.

The researchers reckon that ‘botulinum toxin type A', can potentially be used to treat urinary incontinence, anal fissure, spastic disorders associated with injury or disease of the central nervous system including trauma, stroke, multiple sclerosis, or cerebral palsy and focal dystonias affecting the limbs, face, jaw, or vocal cords. There’re also evidences that botrox can help in weight loss by increasing the gastric emptying time, but the FDA hasn’t given green signal yet.

Forget The Cure For Cancer, Heart Disease, Alzheimer, Or Diabetes. Unless...

2007-11-04T13:46:00.000-08:00

If you want a cure for cancer, heart disease, Alzheimer, or diabetes, don't count on the academia, the National Institute of Health (NIH), or the biotech/pharmaceutical industry. With all the money they have spent on researching these diseases, they have very little to show for it.

In 1971, during the State of the Union address, President Nixon declared the war on cancer proposing "an intensive campaign to find a cure for cancer." Since 1971, Americans spent, through taxes, donations, and private R&D, about $200 billion in inflation-adjusted dollars. This money produced 1.56 million papers on cancer. Yet, today we are no closer to a cure than we were in 1971. Why?

Consider what Dr. Almog said in his paper: Drug Industry in "depression" (Almog, D. Drug industry in "depression". Med Sci Monit. 2005 Jan;11(1):SR1-4, I would urge you to read his paper, it's an eye opener on relationship between academic research and commercial drug discovery): "When the basic science/biology of disease is not available, no new drugs come to market." With the billion of dollars spent by the NIH on basic science, and the millions of papers published on the topic, the question is, "Why isn’t the basic science/biology of disease available? Individual discoveries in the biology of human disease are cornerstone in new treatments. However, in drug discovery, these basic science/biology discoveries are seemingly unrelated dots. To connect the dots you need a theory. The Blind Men and the Elephant is a famous story about six blind men encountering an elephant for the first time. Each man, seizing on the single feature of the animal, which he appeared to have touched first, and being incapable of seeing it whole, loudly maintained his limited opinion on the nature of the beast. The elephant was considered a wall, a spear, a snake, a tree, a fan or a rope, depending on whether the blind men had first grasped the creature’s side, tusk, trunk, knee, ear or tail. The story epitomizes the problem of the reductionist approach in biology. A recent book Microcompetition with Foreign DNA and the Origin of Chronic Disease, by Hanan Polansky [11], presents an alternative. The book identifies the disruption that causes atherosclerosis, cancer, obesity, osteoarthritis, type II diabetes, alopecia, type I diabetes, multiple sclerosis, asthma, lupus, thyroiditis, inflammatory bowel disease, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, graft versus host disease, and other chronic diseases, and describes the sequence of events that leads from the disruption to the molecular, cellular, and clinical effects."

What are the implications of the NIH failure? A decline in the number of new drugs introduced by pharmaceutical companies. Consider what professor Taylor says in his paper: Fewer new drugs from the pharmaceutical industry (Taylor D. Fewer new drugs from the pharmaceutical industry. BMJ. 2003 Feb 22;326(7386):408-9): "In 2002 spending on medicines exceeded $400bn (£248bn; 377bn) worldwide. Optimists in the pharmaceutical industry believe that the global market for their products will go on expanding by around 10% a year, with the United States continuing to lead towards higher per capita outlays. Expenditure on research by the pharmaceutical industry is also increasing worldwide. It is now over $45bn a year---twice the sum recorded at the start of the 1990s---and projected to rise to $55bn by 2005-6. Concerns are growing, however, about the productivity of research being funded by the major pharmaceutical companies. ... Empirical evidence indicates a crisis in productivity in pharmaceutical research. The number of medicines introduced worldwide that contain new active ingredients dropped from an average of over 60 a year in the late 1980s to 52 in 1991 and only 31 in 2001. The overall number of new active substances undergoing regulatory review is still falling."

On the one hand, the expenditure on research is increasing. On the other, the number of new drugs is decreasing. The professionals call this situation the productivity crisis in drug discovery.

Phentermine Diet Pills Save You From Obesity

2007-11-03T14:45:00.000-07:00

Overweight and Obesity some times become life threatening. In spite of this one half of American population is overweight. Even children and teenagers are not spared.

Actually, tendency to be overweight and obese begins during childhood. These over weight children start to gain more weight during their teenage as they grow up and become unbearably overweight when they become young. Being overweight, when they reach their middle age, they become disease prone. Lot of studies has been carried out regarding the tendency to be overweight for American children.

Uncontrolled food habit and tremendous dependence on fast food along with cola drinks found to be one of the major causes for these maladies.

Doctors are regularly warning us against becoming overweight. But who cares?

However, Pharmaceutical units are nor sitting idle. They are spending millions of dollars in search for effective and sustainable medicine against overweight and obesity with minimum side effects. As a result, a number of very much effective Weight Loss Drugs have come out for rescue of the overweight persons.

Thanks to the continuous advertisements of these Diet Pills, people are becoming conscious and at present there is a craze to be slim with these Diet Pills.

Why is this craze for weight loss drugs? The other weight loss means are not that attractive generally to common persons as they include either or all of rigorous exercise, very much controlled diet and leaving all bad habits like smoking, uncontrolled drinking etc. But every one knows, that a habit once adopted is very difficult to abandon. Similarly if we are habituated to excess eating, it is difficult to avoid, as the systems in the body has adopted to it and urge for food is more for these overeating persons.

So what is the way out? If some how we were satisfied with low eating, our body weight might have reduced due to less eating! There are miracle oral drugs, which are doing the same thing and are called Appetite Suppressant.

Phentermine Diet Pills are very much popular Appetite Suppressant Diet Pills, which has proven itself to be very much effective for one’s weight loss programs.

Adipex is one of the popular brand weight loss drugs of Phentermine group Didrex and Ionamine are also Phentermine group of diet pills. Remember, all Phentermine Diet Pills are prescription drugs and a doctor should always be consulted before going for Phentermine Diet Pills. You should avoid hazardous and complicated work like driving, operating machinery etc. when you are under treatment for weight loss with any of the Phentermine Diet Pills.

Also, there are some side effects of taking Phentermine Diet Pills like dizziness, blurred vision etc.

In my opinion, if the obesity level reaches a danger level but the body is suitable in other way to adopt Phentermine Diet Pills, it can be taken as short-term use in order to get some immediate relief from the danger of overweight and / or obesity. The weight loss drug, if taken under advice of a doctor, will be really a savior when the obesity and over weight are at a danger level.

However, in order to continue the weight loss program for weight loss, one should follow an extensive weight loss program which will consist of controlled and balanced diet along with regular required exercise supplemented by Phentermine Diet Pills like Adipex or Didrex, Ionamine etc.

Tourette's Syndrome Helped by Video Dialogue

2007-11-02T15:44:00.000-07:00

Tourette’s syndrome is a neurological movement disorder named after Georges Gilles de la Tourette, the French physician that first described it. Gilles de la Tourette’s first interest was in the hyperstartle syndrome that was reported in some patients who would startle excessively in reaction to a surprising stimulus. If they were given a verbal command at the same time they would automatically obey the command, often repeating it simultaneously (echolalia). He did not find patients with hyperstartle but did collect a group of patients with tics and abnormal vocalizations.

He described a genetic syndrome of tics and echolalia (the repetition of words or phrases uttered by others) that began in childhood and affected males more often than females. The simple motor tics consist of movements such as eye blinking, mouth twitching, eye turning, head jerking, shoulder shrugging, hand jerking, sudden tightening of stomach muscles, and kicking movements. Many complex motor tics such as squatting, hopping backward, or spinning around while walking give the appearance of having a purpose

Some complex vocal tics seem to express a mind of their own devoted to humiliating the person. Coprolalia, the utterance of obscene or objectionable words and phrases and copropraxia, making involuntary obscene gestures, often appear to be deliberate self-abasement. Complex motor tics may appear self-abusive or self-mutilating.

The seemingly intentional behavior of complex tics may represent a variant of dissociation that is entirely due to a physical pathology. Dissociative symptoms usually express mental disorders and one such condition, dissociative identity disorder (DID), shows alterations of identity that often generate deliberate self-abasement and self-mutilation. Self-abusing behavior in DID patients can be addressed by a method of dialogue between parts of the person. These individuals often spontaneously experience inner dialogue with their parts. If this dialogue is externalized the self-abusing behavior can be discussed and negotiated toward resolution. This can be done by written dialogue with each participant taking turns and not interrupting. Video dialogue in which the messages are recorded and replayed in turn is not as easy but can be more effective.

Even though the dissociation of Tourette’s arises from a physical disorder the unwanted behavior can be discussed and subjected to negotiation between the person and the brain’s self-abusing agent. The following case example used video dialogue.

Case Example: This 28-year-old woman had suffered from symptoms of Tourette’s syndrome since early childhood but it was not diagnosed until age 24 because her tic symptoms were attributed to epilepsy. She had serious convulsions (grand mal and petit mal) that were not controlled until she was finally put on anti-convulsant medication at age 19. Her Tourette’s syndrome was manifested as compulsive blinking of her eyes, gritting of her teeth, nasal sniffing and snorting, episodes of throwing objects (dinner plates) and since age 13 or 14 episodes of explosive anger. In recent years she had symptoms of head bobbing and hitting her head with her right hand.

She denied hearing voices but she readily agreed to a video dialogue with the part of herself that could control the tics. In the video dialogue she heard a male voice. When she spoke for the voice it sounded very reasonable and benign and agreed to help her limit the tics to evening hours when she was home. She reported a 50% reduction in tics following the first video dialogue. She was unable to come to the clinic regularly due to distance and transportation problems but she came in every few weeks or months whenever her symptoms worsened for refresher dialogues.

Medical Health Care Information - Preventing Hospital Infections

2007-11-01T14:44:00.000-07:00

Hospital spread infections are on the rise. There are many reasons for this ever increasing epidemic, and it is going to be up to each one of us to protect ourselves.

Let's face it, many hospitals are under staffed, making it harder for the nurses and doctors to perform all of their duties in a safe and practical manner.

Sure, you will always have those that do not perform their duties to the fullest making neglect another reason it is imperative that you take charge of your healthcare. You need to have some say so in how your treatments are managed, especially when mistakes could cripple or even kill you or your loved one.

The Centers For Disease Control reports that 2,000,000 patients will be affected by hospital spread infections. The sad part is that over 90,000 will die. You go to the hospital to get well not to get sick.

Awareness of the problem is the key to defending yourself. Once you are aware, then you need to act. Act by gaining knowledge on how to protect yourself or your loved ones.

You must know the basic methods for maintaining the proper care of your I.V. It all starts with proper hygiene. Proper handwashing is mandatory if we are to fight these infections. Do not, let any one at all come into your hospital room without first washing their hands. This must be done with an alcohol based cleanser or one approved by the hospital, and hands need to be washed for at least 30 seconds. This may sound like unnecessary precautions, but if it will keep you from extra days in the hospital or crippling side effects, it is worth it.

Did I mention that you must take charge? Do not go to the hospital and feel intimidated. Who pays if you get an infection that makes you miss work, keeps you away from your family, keeps you from getting on with your life? You do, your employer does, your family suffers, insurance companies will raise rates to make up for the extra expenses, which means we all pay in the long run.

Make your I.V. your lifeline not your deathline. Sterile technique must be used before and I.V. is installed and anytime it is accessed. Have your doctors and nurses write in your chart to use sterile techniques. Hang signs on your door telling all who enter to wash their hands first. These are very simple measures to insure that you get in, get out, get on with your life.

Take charge now before it is too late. Your actions may reduce pain and suffering, and most of all may save a life.

Arm yourself with the necessary weapons needed to fight infections. Discover how to help your child through the traumatic experience of getting an I.V. Learn how to take charge and have some say so in your health treatment. You have been made aware of a serious problem, how will you react? React now to avoid becoming a victim.

Fight back do not lay down. Stand your ground, do not let infections ruin your life.

Fear Of The Dentist – Conquer Your Fear

2007-10-30T15:43:00.000-07:00

For many of us, a visit to the dentist can be a stressful and traumatic experience.

Granted, today’s dentistry is relatively painless, but nevertheless the fear of a needle (the anesthetic injection) and a drill whizzing at nearly the speed of sound in your mouth could un-nerve even a gladiator.

There are some pre-visit preparations that you can engage in, and also some calming herbal teas to bring you closer to a quiet state.

We all worry, as Mark Twain said, “about many things that never come to be”. Here we shall tell you how to prepare, and behave at the dentist. Age, sex, and strength have nothing to do with it. The mighty elephant fears the lowly mouse.

First of all, its best to book your dentist appointment in the morning. Your nerves will be the calmest after a night’s sleep, and the stress of the day will not yet be upon you.

During the breakfast the morning of the appointment, avoid coffee, and tea. Instead, make an infusion (soaked herbs in hot water for about 20 minutes) of fresh mint leaves.

This will have the effect to lower your blood pressure, and calm the nerves. It acts almost as a tranquilizer.

Eat also sparingly, something like dry toast and some fruit. Leave your stomach half empty. Set out for the dentist, but repeat to yourself that you are in command of your nerves and not your nerves in command of you! Be resolute.

Arriving at the dentist, while waiting for your appointment, continue with your affirmation, close your eyes and try and relax your body by deep breathing; inhaling from the nose and exhaling from the mouth. Practice until you are called.

Arriving to the dentist, express your anxiety, and the steps you have taken to alleviate it. If allowed, ask the dentist if you can listen to an MP3 player (yours or the dentists), during the procedure.

Most dentists will permit this, as they know that the music will divert your attention away from the mouth and teeth, thus reducing pent-up fear. If the dentist is in agreement, fit the player’s earphones to your ears and lay back.

The dentist may need to speak a bit with you before this happens, but when the dentist begins, its best his or her attention is on your teeth and not your fears or problems.

At this point, turn your palms up on the dentist’s chair armrests. This is very important, as it will prevent also your muscles from tensing. You are forcing your body to relax, even if you mind would keep it tense. All though the procedure, remember to keep you palms facing upwards.

If you need anesthesia, keep your eyes closed. The syringe is by necessity very large, and the needle long. Your dentist will usually put a pre-anesthesia gel on your gums so the injection itself is not painful either. Its best to keep your eyes closed.

As the anesthesia starts working, concentrate on your music, and not the dentist. He or she knows what they are doing and you should be confident of them, or you should not be at that dentist.

Make sure your MP3 tracks will cover the whole of the session. Dentists don’t like to work more than two hours without a break, and for good reason. They become fatigued themselves, as well as their patient.

If you are still stressful into the procedure, ask to practice once again your breathing and relaxation technique.

Go back to the chair with resolve that you are in command of your nerves and not your nerves in command of you.

Believe it, and it will be true. This break will refresh you and the dentist as well, and know it will quickly be over.

Keep in mind a special treat for yourself at the end of the day; as a reward for conquering your fear and anxiety.

Have this in mind as the dentist is in the last phase of your appointment. You will feel relieved only at the thought only.

Stick a Needle in My Eye

2007-10-28T15:41:00.000-07:00

I’ve got a leaky right eye. It doesn't hurt, but it’s a nuisance so I made an appointment with the ophthalmologist. The receptionist told me that I'd need a driver because I'd be blinded to some nebulous degree; my Aunt Pat and Uncle Don graciously offered to taxi me and watch my 10-month old son, Jonah, while I was in with the doc.

Early one snow-squally morning, we all arrive at the giant, megaplex office. Thank God they have a children’s playroom, because Jonah has been walking since he was 8 months old and can be quite the handful if left to his own devices.

When they call my name, I hand Pat the stocked diaper bag and breathe a prayer that Jonah avoids pitching a Class-A fit. Jonah, thankfully, doesn’t see me leave the room because he’s too busy trying to stuff a germ-ridden playroom toy into his mouth. So far, so good.

First I’m led into a room containing what looks like a dentist’s chair. There the nurse sits me down and performs the standard eye chart test. (Is there any sighted person who can’t read that big-ass “E”?) Then she tells me the doctor will be right in. I sit there waiting: calm, ready to be examined, and altogether ignorant of my fate.

Shortly thereafter, the doc himself appears: Ophthalmologist Extraordinaire, maybe 30 years old, looking slightly bored. He takes an obligatory glance at my chart and then asks why I’m there.

“My right eye is leaking,” I tell him. “Actually, it’s watering right now,” I add helpfully.

He nods, turns, and writes something on the chart. I can tell right away that this doctor was not head of the Bedside Manner 101 class at the University of Ophthalmology.

After a few more questions, he repeats the eye chart test and tells me that he's going to put numbing drops in my eyes. The word ‘numbing’ is a bright, clanging alarm bell. I don’t think my eyes have ever been numb before, and I really don't want to participate in any activity that’s going to require loss of feeling in my ocular region.

"Are you going to do that test where there's a loud noise and a puff of air blasts into your eye?" I ask hopefully. I’ve had that test before, and the puff of air scared me but it didn’t hurt at all.

"No.”

No explanation or alternative answer. Just no.

Quickly, as if guarding against any possibility of my escape, he guides my head into the metal torture-chamber-looking contraption. A machine comes whirring toward me and I valiantly attempt to stay calm. Hold my breath. Trust. Suddenly I can tell that something is touching my eyes, but I can't really feel it so it's not that bad.

I sit back in the chair and he again writes something in the folder.

Out of nowhere, slowly but with ever-increasing speed, I become Juliet after drinking her poison. I'm shaking...my vision is clouded with angry, furry, marching black clouds. My hands join my eyes in the heavy slump of the numb.

"I don't feel so well," I manage to whisper, whimpering like a 4 year old. "I'm very dizzy."

I break into a sweat and begin to swoon. I ask for the garbage can and lean over it quickly, ropes of my instantly saturated hair hanging limp against its blessed coolness.

The fight begins: Puke vs. Pass Out. I can feel the darkness take me but my stomach wants to heave first. Puke and Pass Out battle, locked in combat. With a mighty effort, Puke is abruptly victorious and I vomit.

Eventually I lift my head, a string of drool stretching from the can to my trembling lip. “What’s happening?” I gasp, convinced I am dying.

Ophthalmologist Extraordinaire hands me a lukewarm, wet towel for my forehead and pauses. He mutters a Greek-sounding medical phrase and settles himself more comfortably on the stool. I am not looking at him but I can clearly envision him frowning. Sighing. Checking his watch.

He repeats the strange medical term and adds blandly, “You’ve had a very rare reaction to the stress test. Usually it happens to males, not females.”

Females? Am I a laboratory rat?

Mr. Pass Out comes knocking again. I concentrate on breathing deep and begin to feel a little better. Meanwhile, the doc has snuck up alongside of me and is adjusting my chair. Without warning I am guided backward until I am practically lying down. The black clouds regroup for another storm, so I resist this new position and try to sit up.

“I’d rather sit forward,” I protest weakly. I remember feeling faint in elementary school, the school nurse telling me to drink some water and put my head between my legs. “May I have a glass of water?” I add pitifully.

He starts, as if from a reverie, and nods. “Sure.” He returns about seven minutes later with a very full, heavy glass of almost-hot water.

Then he tells me he’s going to leave me alone for a little while to relax with my hot water cocktail and my garbage can, because he has a few more things he needs to do but wants me to rest first.

As he exits the room it occurs to me that I have no idea whether ten minutes or one hour has passed. I perk up my ears for the telltale sound of Jonah’s wail, but hear instead a blessed silence.

When the doc returns, he smiles vaguely as though nothing has happened. I survive the eye dilation drops easily enough because this time I suggest that he kindly explain to me what he is going to do before he does it.

After this, he flatly states that next on the agenda of fun-things-to-do-in-the-doctor's-office is a procedure they like to call STICKING A NEEDLE IN YOUR EYE. "I'll inject saline into your tear duct opening,” he explains, “and if you can't taste the saline, I'll know the duct is blocked." In the distance, I hear Jonah’s distinct cry and wonder if he can somehow sense his hapless mother’s distress.

Gulping, I ask what happens if the tear duct IS blocked.

"At a later date, I’ll perform surgery and make an incision through the bone in your nose to open up the duct."

I feel a sudden rush of empowerment.

There is no way this man is going to stick a needle in my eye, let alone perform surgery on me.

I ask if people ever just live with this leaky-eye thing. The doc shrugs. "Sure they do," he says. Without any hesitation whatsoever I tell him that I am going to be one of those people. I have taken control of my situation, and it is good.

We end the appointment after the doc mentions that I need to come back in a year for a check-up. I nod and rise from my chair to answer Jonah’s crescendoing cry of distress.

Inside, though, I am laughing - albeit weakly - for I am certain that I will never again willingly encounter him in any kind of patient/doctor capacity.

Help! My Tooth is Killing Me

2007-10-27T14:40:00.000-07:00

In the past eight years, I have talked to thousands of people with tooth pain. With my job with an Endodontist or root canal specialist, I had opportunities every day to soothe nerves, answer questions and give comfort to those in pain and fear of root canals.

To ‘outsiders’ my job seemed somewhat morbid. I’d get comments like, “you work at a root canal office? Yuk, that can’t be much fun”. Actually, it was very rewarding. It was my experience that people are at their best when in pain and need your help.

Take note, though. If you are in pain and need help right away, it will not help to be demanding of your dentist or others. If you call your dentist and they cannot see you right away, explain that you are in misery ask to be put on their emergency call list. If you do not hear back from them in a few hours, call back and nicely explain, again, that you desperately need help. If they are unable or unwilling to help you or are uncooperative, ask for a referral (name and number) to an Endodontist.

Call the Endodontist and explain that you are in pain and your dentist cannot fit you into their schedule. Ask to be put on the Endodontist emergency call list and keep in touch with them once or twice a day at the most, until they can work you in. This works most of the time if you currently have no dentist. It depends on how full their schedule is.

Do not ask for special favors concerning the payment if you want to be seen right away. Do discuss payment policy and make sure you understand what is required of you because most Endodontist have a different financial policy than general dentists.

So what can you do in the mean time for toothache relief?

First, try taking an anti-inflammatory like Ibuprofen (such as Advil(tm) unless you've been advised not to by your medical doctor. Follow the maximum dosage stated on the bottle. If this does not alleviate the pain, try adding acetaminophen (Tylenol(tm) in between the doses of Ibuprofen. In other words, take Ibuprofen, and then 4 hours later take acetaminophen, and continue alternating these medications every 4 hours.

These medications work differently and work well together to help with pain and are readily available over the counter at any drug store or supermarket. Ask your pharmacist how much you can safely take and discuss any interactions it may have with your current medications before taking them.

Do not apply aspirin or any pain medication in pill form directly to the tooth or gum as it may contain ingredients that will burn the area.

Over the counter oral numbing products, like AmbesolÒ or Orajel(tm), can help temporarily, as does Oil of Cloves. Ask your pharmacist for his advice, if you can get to a pharmacy that is open.

A cold pack pressed to the cheek outside the painful area can be helpful. You can make one with a towel and ice cubes.

Rubbing a cold ice cube over your cheek has been recommended, also. Pain follows a ‘cycle’ of nerves. The cold sensation formed when rubbing ice on the cheek diverts the pain from your tooth to your cheek area. Yes, it may burn somewhat, but has been known to work.

Sometimes it helps to rinse your mouth with lukewarm salt water, one-teaspoon of salt in one cup of water.

The main thing is to try to stay calm. Getting your blood pressure up will only make the pain worse. Sit in an upright position as opposed to lying down to keep pressure from your head area.

IMPORTANT: These are emergency stopgap methods successfully tried by many. If you are allergic to any medications, or are taking other medications these might interfere with, seek proper medical advice and ask your doctor or pharmacist. These instructions are for those people that know they can take over-the-counter medication with no problems or side effects and in no way claims to take the place of professional or medical advice.

Dog Food Scandal: What About the Children?

2007-10-26T14:39:00.000-07:00

The blogs are full of two cent comments regarding Christine Drummond’s attempt to send food from New Zealand to starving children in Kenya. The story was highlighted by a reporter who needed to stress that Christine was the owner of a dog food company. Kenyan politicians trumpeted the suggestion that the children were to receive donated dog food as a most grievous and racially insensitive cultural insult.

Newspaper sales went up and the politicians bolstered their self-righteous dignity. But what about the children, are they not still starving? Institutions should be judged on how well they are helping others, not how lucrative or secure they are by spinning a story to meet their own needs.

A similar situation exists with healthcare. Therapies based on simply providing added cellular energy to children in developing countries is effective in alleviating diarrhea, a killer of at least 5,000 children a day. The same energy based products can restore health to children with pneumonia and possibly represents mankind’s best defense against bird flu.

These natural products have been called “enerceuticals,” as opposed to pharmaceuticals. Herein is the problem because unlike patented drugs that are designed to address specific diseases, these inexpensive natural products can potentially help correct many illnesses of both the developing and the developed world. Regulatory agencies are slow to consider such products lest they bite into profits of the future employers of many of their senior staff.

It is time to forego profiting from the misery of others and to begin to seriously address the malnutrition and illnesses befalling those with whom we share this earth.

Dr. W. John Martin is considered by many of his peers to be the worlds foremost leading Pathologist, and research scientist in his field. He's coined the new term, "Enerceuticals," referencing the energy enhancing solutions for living cells.

Subscribe to the FREE "Rhino Charger" Newsletter to learn the latest scientific research regarding alternative energy medicine, new medical breakthroughs, health and medical solutions. The Rhino Charger is the FREE support Newsletter, for the "Progressive University, and the "Applied BioPhysics Foundation."

Antidepressants and Weight Gain

2007-10-20T21:35:00.000-07:00

If you are overweight and have been prescribed an antidepressant to provide you with the lift that you need to get your body and life back in order then you may be doing yourself more harm than good. The irony is that almost all antidepressants and anti-psychotic medications have weight gain as a side effect. The few antidepressants that do boast extreme weight loss as a side effect also usually have "or extreme weight gain" on the same label.

There are several ways that antidepressants can cause weight gain.

Antidepressants can slow down your metabolism and reducing your caloric intake or exercising will not jump-start it again.

Antidepressants can cause hormonal changes that increase the appetite. Some antidepressants can sedate and individual and make them more sedentary; they are cheery but less motivated to do anything.

Antidepressants can cause mood swings that make it difficult for an individual to stick to a disciplined schedule.

Some antidepressants (especially Celexa and Amytripyline) seem to cause unexplained food cravings.

Side effects such as dizziness and low blood pressure can have a person living "minute too minute" and make it difficult to plan a disciplined exercise schedule.

Unexpected weight gain can increase the difficulties associated with psychiatric and seizure disorders by further aggravating mood instability and low self-esteem.

Perhaps the most commonly prescribed antidepressants in the world are the SSRIS - the Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) This includes Celaxa, Prozac, Luvox, Paxil and Zoloft. Initially these drugs were marketed as weight loss aids until it was realized that after a week or so of initial weight loss that the body would start steadily gaining weight. The average weight gain that is expected after taking these drugs is fifteen to twenty pounds. Of them all, Paxil is thought to cause the most unexplained weight gain.

However the weight gain caused by SSRIs is peanuts considered to the pounds you can acquire by taking a tricyclic antidepressant. These include drugs such as Elavil, Asendin, Anofril, Petrofrane, Aventyl, Vivactil and Sinequan. If you take any of these drugs, which are prescribed for pain and sleep disorders as well as depression your physician will usually warn you that you can expect to gain at least twenty pounds during a course of treatment.

Another antidepressant that can cause weight gain but is not classified in either group is Mitrazapine. This drug has also been associated with significant weight gain. Wellbutrin, Nova Trazadone and Effexor which are not classified as SSRIs are among the antidepressants that can cause either extreme weight loss or weight gain. So if you take any of these you take your chances as to which direction your metabolism is going to swing - faster or slower.

To avoid the weight gain, lack of motivation to exercise and food cravings that both these types of antidepressants can cause your best course of action is to avoid taking them altogether. If this is not possible then you might find the entire weight loss process to be a very frustrating and uphill climb. However, never stop taking any medication that your health care practitioner has prescribed for you. If you feel that you are gaining too much weight, discuss this with your doctor and he/she may find an alternative for you.

How Much Will Your Prescriptions Cost You?

2007-10-19T17:33:00.000-07:00

I remember as a child watching a wonderful movie called “Animals are Beautiful People.” The movie is about the different animals living in Africa and how much they are like human beings. In one scene, a native shows the technique for catching monkeys. They would catch monkeys, not for food, but for water. The monkeys knew where the water was so the African would give the monkey salt. After getting very thirsty from licking the block of salt, it would lead the native to the water source. The interesting part is how the monkeys are caught.

First, the native would make sure a curious monkey is watching him. He then would but some nuts, berries, or other food into a hollowed out log or rock. After a while, curiosity gets the best of the little monkey and he just has to know what is in that hole. The opening is just large enough for the monkey to put his hand in. When the monkey grabs what is inside, his fist is too big to pull it out of the hole. He’s just too stubborn to let go of his prize and pull his hand out. The native can simply walk over and tie the monkey to a tree.

The reason I relay this story to you is to demonstrate how these big drug companies capture you. They lure you in with slick direct to consumer advertising. I’m sure you’ve seen the commercials on television. Everyone seems to be so happy after taking this little pill. They can suddenly ride bicycles, climb mountains, fish, hike, laugh, play, and have a beautiful relationship with their spouse. So now your curiosity is aroused and you want to see what this medication is all about. In a recent study, 75% of patients who asked their doctor for a particular name brand drug, regardless of their condition, got it. Drug companies advertise to you because it works.

Once you think that this pill is going to be the answer to your dreams, they have you. You just can’t wait to try this pill that is going to make your life wonderful. They know that you cannot just open your hand and let go, just like the monkey.

Remember when Claritin first came out several years ago? The manufacturer spent millions of dollars advertising the new drug. It was the first non-sedating anti-histamine. Suddenly, people without allergies were asking their doctor for Claritin. Not because they needed it, but because they saw the commercial. When Prilosec was introduced to the market, it took the subject of heartburn to the front page. For years, the old standby drugs worked just fine (and they still do). Then this new medication became available and everyone wanted it. Next time you see one of these commercials, pay attention to the people in the advertisement. For Paxil, a woman can’t face the social gathering outside until she popped her pill, then she is the life of the party. After taking Levitra, a man can suddenly throw a football through a tire. Hidden meaning? Maybe. (You can get Claritin free at www.claritin.com, free Prilosec OTC at www.prilosecotc.com, and free Levitra at www.levitra.com)

According to Forbes magazine, the most expensive diseases are:
• Heart Conditions at $68 billion
• Cancer at $48 billion
• Mental Illness at $48 billion
• Respiratory ailments at $45 billion
• Hypertension at $32.5 billion
• Arthritis and joint disorders at $32 billion
• Diabetes at $28 billion
• Back problems at $23 billion

The average out of pocket expense for prescriptions is now over $250 a month. This is how much money the average person has to pay, with or without insurance, every month at the pharmacy. That comes to over $3000 a year spent on prescription drugs for the average person. I don’t want to be average; and I am definitely not average.

Recent history tells us that prescription prices are going up anywhere from 8% to 15% per year. What if we used 10%? So next year, the average will be $3300; two years from now, $3630. At this rate, in ten years, you will be spending over $6400 a year, $533 per month. In twenty years, at this rate, $17,000 a year. In thirty years, almost $48,000 a year, $4000 per month! This is average. Add all this up and it comes to almost $550,000 spent on your prescription. This is IF the increase stays at 10%. Remember, the range has been from 8% to 15%. Changing the rate to 15% increases the amount spent to $1.47 million! WOW!

What if you could save just 10% of the cost of your prescriptions? Can you think of something else to do with roughly $100,000? I know I could.

Now is the time to be one of the few people who educate themselves about their medication. This will allow you to talk with your doctor about less expensive alternates. Using generics can save you 90%. Cutting your tablets will save you up to 50%. Using certain “hidden” rebated have the potential to save you hundreds per year, they are right there for the asking.

It is said that knowledge is power. In this case, lack of knowledge is expensive.

Deciding the Medical Necessity of Insulin Pumps

2007-10-18T15:33:00.000-07:00

The Pump. An insulin pump is a medical device continuously delivering insulin under the skin through a catheter. It’s usually connects somewhere in the waist area. There’s a new generation of insulin pumps, called a patch pump. Currently patch pumps are only available from OmniPod. Patch pumps adhere directly to the skin with no catheter tubing showing. It then infuses insulin directly under the skin.

Either pump delivers insulin at an hourly rate. For instance, the rate might be 1.1 units an hour. However, the pump delivers different rates at different times of day depending on the patient’s insulin infusion (or basal) rates that are programmed into the pump.

The amount of insulin delivered depends on two things. First by the amount of carbohydrate a patient eats using an insulin to carbohydrate ratio, and then by the correction factor, or the ratio of the number of milligrams per deciliter (mg/dl) a patient’s blood sugar will be lowered by one insulin unit.

If a patient eats 60 grams carbohydrate at meals and has an insulin-carbohydrate ratio of one insulin unit to 15 grams carbohydrate, the patient’s insulin injection at that meal would 4 units. However, if a patient has a correction factor of one unit to 50 points of blood sugar, the pump should give an additional injection of 2.5 units to lower his blood sugar from 245 mg/dl to a needed level of 120 mg/dl.

Pump Candidates’ Skills. To use an insulin pump a patient must be able to manage it. This involves knowledge at several levels. First, patients must understand how to insert the catheter when using the pump, or how to attach the newer patch pump to their abdomen. They must also be able to push the right buttons on the pump to deliver proper insulin doses and adjust the basal rates. Then the patient needs to be skilled in carbohydrate counting so they are able to deliver correct insulin doses at mealtimes. And they should be willing to check their blood glucose levels at least four to six times a day. This assures that they detect a pump failure and prevent hyperglycemia and diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA, in type 1 patients). Patient attention is important because no long-acting insulin is used in type 1 patients who use pumps and they need to correct high- or low-blood sugars before they are clinically observable and symptomatic.

Medical Necessity. Insulin pump therapy is almost never needed to maintain life because insulin can be easily injected under the skin. Most insurers will cover insulin pump therapy in situations where insulin pump therapy will significantly improve the level of diabetes care and control over and above multidose insulin (MDI) therapy. This includes cases where:

The glucose control in multidose insulin therapy is not optimal with glycated hemoglobin (Hba1c>) than the ADA (American Diabetes Association) recommended goal of 7%. An endocrinologist, who will be able to help the patient learn how to use and the pump and adjust basal and correction doses, prescribes the pump.

The patient has type 1 diabetes. However, in many situations patients with type 2 diabetes will benefit from the pump as well. (See Diabetes Care, Sept. 2003, pp. 2598-2603.) Presence of hypoglycemia despite adjustments in insulin doses and utilizing carbohydrate counting to help decide pre-meal insulin doses in patients who are using MDI therapy.

• Presence of hyperglycemia-especially as revealed by high morning readings (Dawn phenomenon) where increasing basal rates of insulin in the early morning hours would help to better control blood sugar levels.

Insurers require medical charts from the prescribing doctor as well as blood sugar logs from the patient to prove that there is real medical necessity.

Tamiflu Side Effects

2007-10-17T15:31:00.000-07:00

Introduction:

To talk to you about the side effects of Tamiflu, I should be telling you what Tamiflu is. Tamiflu is an anti viral drug. This drug is taken to reduce the chances of symptoms appearing in human beings. The next question comes as to what is this anti viral drug used against. This anti viral drug is used to fight off the effects of bird flu attack in human beings.

Flu, as you know is a common problem faced by human beings when they are exposed to extreme conditions or when the antibody is fighting a viral infection within the body. The result is a flu which is displayed as a raise in temperature of the body. The symptom starts off with a sore throat more often than not. One may experience cough, with aching of the muscles, headache and a loss of appetite.

Any flu when left untreated, without proper rest and medication will lead to pneumonia. If the affected person is treated with proper care and given proper rest, then the flu may disappear. If not, this will lead to pneumonia. Pneumonia will result in death in a short time span of two days or so if again left untreated. Proper dosages of the drug are to be given to the patient suffering from flu and if it is bird flu then serious attention is to be given.

Side effects:

The drug Tamiflu is to be given in proper dosages as prescribed by your doctor. Exceeding the dosage limits for any drug will lead to serious side effects. As with any drug, Tamiflu will affect you in any of the following ways. You may experience a serious allergic reaction. The allergic reaction may be a difficulty in breathing. This will be caused by either a swelling of your tongue, lips or you may experience a construction of the throat. You may also have a swelling of your face. In any of these allergic reactions you should discontinue your medication and consult your doctor about it. In the case of the allergic reaction do not wait for the swelling to subside but go to the nearest emergency room.

Other than this you may experience less serious side effects. They may range from, you having a feeling of dizziness, nausea, vomiting. You may have a serious case of diarrhea, experience abdominal pains, or abdominal cramps. Some of you may experience a feeling of sleeplessness (insomnia). Fatigue, cough and other respiratory symptoms are also some side effects the one may experience. In these cases, you should not discontinue taking the medication, but the same time you should talk to your doctor about it.

The side effects of Tamiflu, when you are taking other medication are almost none. Though so far no clinical tests have proved that Tamiflu reacts with other medication it would be a good idea to tell your doctor that you are taking other medication when you are being prescribed Tamiflu.

If you are studying into the side effects of Tamiflu then you should know that Tamiflu is only a brand name. The main ingredient of Tamiflu is Oseltamivir. It (Tamiflu) when taken with medication to treat problem relating to the kidneys may throw up a different side effect. This may be dizziness or over drowsiness. Side effects of Tamiflu may be prominent if you are in the habit of consuming alcoholic beverages. Let not Tamiflu stop you from taking your regular influenza vaccination, as no side effects of Tamiflu have been observed along with it. For a complete list of side effects it would be better to have a discussion with your health care provider.

So far no one has reported experiencing any side effects which can be considered as of a serious nature.

HIPAA And How It Will Affect Your Office

2007-10-16T15:30:00.000-07:00

This information is designed to help you better understand HIPAA and to assist your office in becoming HIPAA compliant. The information was obtained from a variety of sources and is not intended to be legal advice. If you are having difficulty understanding any portion of the HIPAA regulations you should consult your legal counsel. First, there are no HIPAA police. No one is going to come into your office to inspect you to see if you are HIPAA compliant. A complaint must be filed in order for any action to be taken.

What is HIPAA?

HIPAA stands for The Health Insurance Portability And Accountability Act. It was enacted by the federal government in 1996 as part of a healthcare reform effort. HIPAA is intended to ensure confidentiality of all patient related health care information. It also intends to simplify the administrative processes of health care, thereby reducing the costs and administrative burdens of health care.

One thing to remember is that the HIPAA Act uses the word “reasonable” several times. You and your office staff must do whatever reasonable to protect your patient’s privacy. For instance, smaller medical offices do not have to take the same privacy measures as large hospitals do. That would not be reasonable.

Also, there are no “privacy police.” No one is going to come in and inspect your office randomly. Someone must file a complaint first. The complaints will be handled by the Office of Civil Rights. If someone puts in a complaint, then it will be investigated. The fines are very high, so you will want to be sure that your office has good privacy practices and that they are followed all of the time.

Another thing to keep in mind is that the type of your practice may determine the level of privacy that you need to acquire. For example, patient’s in an optometrist’s office may not be as concerned about people knowing they are there, as opposed to patient’s in a mental health office. There are several different components of HIPAA, each one having its own implementation date.

Section 2: The Privacy Component : implementation date: April 2002

1. You must do everything within reason to protect your patient's privacy.

2. Patient's files and information should be kept in a secure section of your office, a section that is not accessible by other patients.

3. Charts should not be left lying around, open where someone can read it.

4. If you are making a phone call about a patient or to a patient, you need to do it from an area where you cannot be overheard if you will be giving out personal information. For example, if you are calling their insurance company, and you will be saying the patient's first and last name, date of birth, ID#, and/or a diagnosis, then you do not want to do it where others, perhaps in a waiting room, can hear you.

5. If patient's charts are ever removed from the office you need to have a policy in place. For example, you should have a sign out sheet which states the patient's name, date taken, by whom, and then signed back in when the chart is returned.

6. If charts are removed , they should be carried in a case that is marked “confidential - medical records.” If you were ever involved in an accident, or separated from the bag for any reason, either authorities or medical personel would secure the information for you. Or you would have at least done whatever reasonable to protect that information.

7. If computer screens are in a position that patients can view them, you may want to move them, or get a screen cover. A screen cover makes it so that the computer screen can only be read when directly in front of it. The above are just some things that you will need to consider when becoming HIPAA compliant. Each office will have it’s own areas that need to be reviewed. The above are many of the common areas.

Section 3: Administrative Simplification: compliance date: October 2002

This component requires the standardization of data transmissions, or EDI, and procedure/diagnosis codes.

As for the standardization of procedure/diagnosis codes, this just means that you must use CPT-4 codes for procedure codes and ICD-9 codes for diagnosis codes.

As for the standardization of EDI, that refers to your electronic billing. In order to submit your claims electronically, you must do so in a HIPAA compliant format.

Section 4: Security Component: no implementation date set yet

This component requires that health care professionals, Billing Services, and clearing houses take appropriate security measures to assure that health information pertaining to an individual remains secure and is not accessible by others.

Things to consider:

Where is your fax machine? Is it in a place where only office staff can access incoming faxes? Is it on 24 hours a day? When you are not in the office (after office hours) can anyone else access your fax machine? Whenever you fax personal information about a patient you should use a fax cover sheet with a confidentiality statement. The statement should explain that the following fax contains personal medical information and that if the fax is received by anyone other than the intended party, that the fax should be destroyed and they should notify you that it was received in error.

Do you hire a cleaning person/crew? Are they in the office when you are not? Do they have access to the patient’s personal information? You may want to ask them to sign a confidentiality statement.

Do you rent office space? If yes, does your landlord have access to your office? Do they ever enter your office without you being present? If they do, you may want to ask them to sign a confidentiality statement.

By asking people who have access to your office to sign a confidentiality statement, you are making a reasonable attempt to protect your patient’s privacy. It is not always reasonable to never allow anyone access to areas that contain private information. If those people sign an agreement and then breech that agreement, you would not be held responsible.

If you do any business by email, you will need to use an encryption service. This will ensure that if anyone were to intercept your emails, they would not be able to read them.

Section 5: Privacy Officer

All offices must designate a mandated “privacy officer.” This person would be responsible for making sure all staff are HIPAA trained and that privacy policies are typed up and followed. They would also be the person that staff members or patients could go to with any concerns or questions about HIPAA compliance. Even if you are a very small practice, you MUST have someone designated as the privacy officer. It may even be the Doctor themself.

Section 6: Release of Patient Information/Consent

You need to have the patient’s written consent in order to release any of their records/information.

(Exception: If request is due to immediate/urgent care of patient.)

You should review your current consent and authorization forms to make sure they are HIPAA compliant. HIPAA requires you to obtain consent for the use and disclosure of information from each of your patients. You may refuse to treat patients who will not sign the consent form.

Section 7: Unique Identifiers: No implementation date set yet

HIPAA will mandate the use of unique identifiers. More to come on this component. Most likely you will have one national provider number, instead of a different provider number for each insurance company.

Section 8: Policies and Procedures Required by HIPAA

1. Identify people on your staff who require access to protected health information.

2. Prevent access to protected health information by unauthorized persons.

3. Ensure that the “minimum necessary” amount of information is released for routine disclosures (only release information pertaining to what is requested, not the patient’s entire file.)

4. Verify the identity of the requestor of information.

5. Provide patients access to their records, the opportunity to request corrections, and access to and accounting of disclosures.

6. Every office must have written policies regarding privacy practices.

Summary

Evaluate your physical office for potential privacy and security risks. One of the best things that you can do to become “ready” for HIPAA is to walk through (better yet - have someone else walk through) your office as if you are a patient. Look around at EVERYTHING. What do you see? Do you see any personal patient information, charts in full view? Start right from the front door, and go through every room in your office, especially the rooms that patients have access to. Then continue to do periodic checks to ensure ongoing compliance.

Make sure that you have written policies regarding any privacy practices, such as removing charts from the office, faxing patient information, reviewing any complaints from patients, etc. Also, make sure you designate a “privacy officer.”

Make sure all staff members are trained regarding HIPAA policies. Remember to train any/all new employees regarding HIPAA policies. You should also review your current HIPAA policies regularly.

Dental Treatment India – Get Huge 70%+ Savings and a Free Holiday

2007-10-15T21:30:00.000-07:00

Dentistry costs are expensive in the US and Europe, but dental treatments can be done at a fraction of the cost in India.

Dental treatment in India is therefore an attractive proposition. Patients can travel to India have their treatments done and then enjoy a free holiday and maybe even have funds left over.

Dental tourism

Dental tourism has emerged due to lower international travel costs than ever before and the fact that dental treatment is so expensive in many countries.

Unlike other medical tourism treatments such as heart surgery, recovery from the dentist is quick, which means patients can enjoy their holiday to the full.

Patients now having dental treatments carried out in India are increasing due to high quality service and low prices.

Lower costs

Dentists can charge up to $400 for a Dental Filling in USA & Europe. It costs only $20 in India. Root Canal treatment costs around $3,000 in the West but only $100 to $200 in India, here are some more sample approximate costs:

Ceramic Veneers (1) $160 Dental Bleaching (Both Arches) $200 Dental implants (1) $800 Bridge / crown porcelain $400

World class treatment

Dental treatment in India however does not mean lower quality and treatments compare with any in the world and are world class.

One reason why dental treatments in India have become so popular is the fact that many Indian dentists practice in the West.

This builds confidence for patients thinking of taking medical tourism packages to India, as they know the professionalism and expertise already, but also see the advantages of travelling to India for the substantial reductions in cost.

Western dentists simply cannot compete

The reason India is able to offer such competitive prices is due to the fact that infrastructure costs area a fraction of what they are in the West, as Indian dentists simply have a lower overhead which is passed on as a cost saving to patients.

All areas covered

Dental treatment in India can offer you all dental treatments you require. If you are looking for cosmetic dentistry or restorative dentistry India can provide for your needs at vast cost savings.

Free holiday

You also get the chance to spend time in one of the most beautiful countries in the world and can enjoy such sites as the mighty Himalayas and Taj Mahal, or Relax on the beaches of Goa. You can also enjoy world class fishing, trekking, white water rafting and much more. India has something for everyone.

Arranging your trip is easy

There are a number of specialist companies who will arrange all dental treatments travel and your holiday making it a simple and easy to arrange your treatment, travel and holiday all in one package, at fantastic savings.

Is Your Child's Beloved Pet the Cause of an Asthma Attack?

2007-10-14T15:29:00.000-07:00

Measures You Can Take to Prevent or Minimize Asthma Attacks Caused by Pets. That cute little kitten or lovable dog that your child (or partner) can't live without could be making them very sick. Sadly, as much as we love them, cats and dogs are often major asthma triggers for asthma sufferers and can send some to the emergency room.

Contrary to what many people believe, it is the dander (dry flakes of skin), not the hair of the animal that actually is the cause of the problem. Your pet's dander is shed continuously, but it is so small that it's difficult to see. The dander is easily airborne and sticks readily to fibers- therefore it goes everywhere and gets on just about everything. If you have rugs and your pet comes inside the house, they are certainly full of it, so is your furniture and beds if they are allowed on them. If you cuddle or play with your pet, it's all over your clothing too. However, this doesn't mean that you have to get rid of Fido or Garfield.

There are a number of alternatives that you can take. Steam cleaning rugs and furniture in your home will help to remove the dander. Using a HEPA vacuum cleaner is also good. If possible, getting rid of rugs is the best solution. Make sure your pet stays out of the asthma sufferer's bedroom. Wash all bedding, floors and walls to remove the dander. Then use a HEPA air purifier at night in the bedroom with the door closed.

Take your pet to the groomer for a shampoo once a week or have a family member wash your pet outside to ensure that the dander level is kept as low as possible. Long haired pets should get clipped shorter. If your pet loves to show their appreciation by licking, this should be discouraged since their saliva will contain dander as well as proteins, which are also an asthma trigger for many asthma sufferers.

If you don't have a pet but your friends or relatives do, even a short visit to their home can cause problems for an asthma sufferer, especially children who can't resist playing with them. When you get home, get your child to take a shower and wash their clothing too to remove the dander.

Living with your beloved pet can be comfortable and symptom free when taking all of these measures. However, if your situation is more serious and your pet still makes you sick, then you may want to try a natural asthma treatment.

Lead Poisoning, Hair Anaylsis and Beethoven: Solving a Medical Mystery

2007-10-12T15:28:00.000-07:00

In 1827, A 56 year-old man died with his belly, arms and legs swollen like balloons. At age 22, he had developed belly cramps and diarrhea, which continued to occur for the rest of his life. He drank alcohol regularly, and whenever he drank his belly pain worsened. Two years before he died, his legs stayed swollen all the time. He started to lose his hearing at age 28 and became totally deaf at age 44. This made him miserable because he was a musician. He was so upset by his loss of hearing that he became depressed and as he aged, he started to spend long periods alone and when he was with other people, he acted crazy. He let his hair grow to his shoulders and he stopped combing it. He wandered around Vienna wearing an huge top hat and a coat that touched the ground. He walked around humming off-key and carried a notebook on which he scribbled all the time. He complained constantly about pain in his joints and his big toe would swell up again and again.

After he died, his autopsy showed that his liver was extremely small, and that he had kidney stones that destroyed his kidneys, to cause him to retain fluid, and die of kidney failure. You are correct if you recognize that this is the true story of perhaps the greatest composer who ever lived: Ludwig von Beethoven.

He died of kidney failure, but what caused his kidney failure? Stones in his kidneys! But what caused his kidney stones and intermittent joint pains? Gout! But what causes gout, pain in joints, and damages the nerves to cause deafness and craziness? Lead poisoning. Somehow he was poisoned with lead.

Beethoven died in 1827 and no tests were available to prove or disapprove whether he was poisoned with lead. After Beethoven died, hair was removed from his head and kept by his admirers; it is still available today. In November 2000, a study from the Health Research Institute in Naperville, Illinois, showed the concentration of lead in Beethoven’s hair was more than 100 times the amount found in healthy human hair. The source of the lead contamination remains unknown. Researchers are certain that Beethoven’s exposure to lead came as an adult, because he did not have vomiting and brain damage as a child and his disease worsened progressively as he aged. Lead directly damaged his nerves to make him deaf and crazy. Lead raised blood levels of uric acid that formed crystals in his joints to make them hurt and stones in his kidneys to damage them, causing his arms and legs to swell and eventually kill him of kidney failure.

Simple Ways to Improve Your Clinic

2007-10-10T18:27:00.000-07:00

Customers' demands have grown in Trinidad and Tobago, thanks in large part to exposure brought about by more frequent travel, the Internet and to some extent cable television. Many local businesses don't however realise that they too can right now satisfy sophisticated demands by using technology already available here. Take for example private clinics. I recently had the pleasure of spending some time at a local private clinic and here are some simple ways I saw that they can improve their service drastically:

The fee schedule, terms and conditions, visiting hours, what to bring from home and all the Frequently Asked Questions could have been placed on a website. This would free up phone time for the nurses who could then concentrate on nursing. Pictures of the rooms on a website would reduce the time the nurses spent giving potential patients "the tour" and showing what the shared rooms look like and what the private rooms offer.

Now here's one that would really make a local private clinic stand out: a password-protected webcam section. If a single mother has to work during the day while her infant is in the clinic, wouldn't it be great if she could enter a password-protected area of the website to see what's going on with her loved one?

All of the above and more are possible right now at affordable prices. So if you know any private clinic owners, you might want to share this newsletter with them.

Now let's look at the marvels doctors can accomplish through the Internet. You may already know that it's happening right now in developed countries that doctors tap into each other's expertise over the Net through teleconferencing, webinars and more. You may have even heard about "distance surgery."

While those are great, here's one simple way the Internet can immediately help medical doctors, dentists and veterinarians to improve their practices. Apart from adding value to their practices, the following will increase the numbers of highly satisfied patients as well as generate additional income. You know what, it could even become a long-term retirement plan for doctors. So be sure to tell your doctor about this:

Typically a patient may have a small question after a doctor's visit that would not warrant a second visit. So how about if your doctor had a website where you could login and post your medical question anonymously. The doctor could then answer, and not only you but all patients could see the response. A sort of forum could be created for patients only and answers could be found to all sorts of doubts. Of course this would all be done in a secure online environment for which you would need a username and password and the questions can be posted anonymously by members. True, this may not work for all issues but it would definitely work for many of the trivial ones, and patients could be charged a small yearly retainer's fee to have their questions answered on this service. So the doc even gets paid extra for the "after sales support."

Seroquel Side Effects | Seroquel Lawyer & Seroquel Attorney Lawsuits

2007-10-09T18:26:00.000-07:00

The FDA approved the drug Seroquel in 1997 for the treatment of schizophrenia and bipolar mania. Schizophrenia is not a multiple personality disorder, as it is commonly portrayed by the media, but rather a mental disease that causes people to fail to perceive reality properly. Schizophrenia can cause hallucinations, delusions and disorganized thinking processes. Bipolar mania is a mood disorder that is characterized as having extreme emotions. Usually these extreme emotions involve hyperactivity, increased sexual desires, increased irritability and sometimes euphoria.

Recently this drug has been linked to potentially fatal conditions such as diabetes and pancreatitis. If these conditions are left unchecked, they can sometimes lead to catastrophic problems such as ketoacidosis, coma and potentially death.

Seroquel is also known to cause an increase in appetite which ultimately causes the patient to gain weight. Weight gain can be an early sign of diabetes, hyperglycemia or other dangerous conditions. Unfortunately, Seroquel users have found it difficult (if not impossible) to lose the weight after it’s been put on after using the drug.

If you or a loved one has been faced with the devastating side effects of the drug Seroquel, it’s very important that you have someone to turn to for help. Seroquel induced diabetes or pancreatitis victims DO have legal rights. A qualified defective drug attorney can help you receive compensation for your injuries and fight for your rights. It’s time drug makers like AstraZeneca are held accountable for their actions. Please contact an attorney as soon as possible.

Typhoid Mary Would Have Had Cancer

2007-10-08T15:25:00.000-07:00

One hundred years ago in New York City, at least 10 epidemics of typhoid fever were traced to a single cook who was later called Typhoid Mary. Recent medical reports tell us how the epidemics could have been prevented and what could have been done to help her.

Mary Mallon came to the United States from Switzerland to work as a domestic caretaker for a family in New York. Soon afterwards, the whole family developed horrible fever, diarrhea and were very sick. Her doctor diagnosed typhoid fever, but before he could find the source of the bacteria that causes this disease, Mary Mallon had disappeared.

Later, an epidemic of typhoid fever was traced to a specific restaurant in New York and by the time the investigators arrived, they learned that an employee named Mary Mallon had worked there but had recently disappeared. Several more epidemics of typhoid fever occurred in restaurants and families in New York and each time, authorities found that a person matching Mary Mallon’s description had recently disappeared.

Finally, authorities caught Mary Mallow and told her never to work in a restaurant or handle food prepared for others. The epidemics continued, but she would then disappear before she could be caught and reappear later in another restaurant under an assumed name. Before she was finally put in jail, she caused at least 10 proven epidemics of typhoid fever, at least three deaths and who knows how many other cases of typhoid fever.

After she was caught for causing her tenth known outbreak, she was incarcerated and spent the rest for her life there, dying 31 years after her first epidemic. Typhoid Mary carried the typhoid fever germ in her gall bladder for the rest of her life, even though she, herself, was not sick. If it happened today, she would not have been placed in jail, she would be cured by taking antibiotics or by having her gall bladder removed.

A study in the British Journal, Lancet (January 8, 1994 343:83-84), shows that people who carry typhoid fever germs in their gall bladders are at increased risk for developing cancers, even though they may have no symptoms whatever. So, all people who have had typhoid fever and appear to have recovered, should have cultures done to see if they still carry the typhoid fever germ. If they do, they may need to take antibiotics or have their gall bladders removed. What a difference a century makes. Today, the term Typhoid Mary refers to a person who spreads diseases to other people, even though she has no symptoms herself.

Overactive Thyroid

2007-10-07T20:24:00.000-07:00

In May 1991, 66 year old George Bush, the 41st President of the United States and father of the 43rd president, was jogging around the grounds of Camp David when he suddenly felt short of breath, a tightness in his chest, and horrible tiredness. His heart beat very fast. How could this happen? He was highly fit and jogged regularly. He was athletic. He was a combat pilot during World War II and captain of the best baseball team Yale ever had. With George Bush at first base, Yale went to the semifinals of the NCAA tournament, the only time they got that far.

The president of the United States had fainted while jogging. A White House doctor had diagnosed a heart problem and admitted the president to Bethesda Naval Hospital. The president admitted feeling increasingly tired during the two weeks preceding his hospitalization. He had lost nine pounds in the last two months, and his hands shook so rapidly that not even he could read his handwriting. Doctors diagnosed that his thyroid gland was putting out too much of its hormone, and called it Graves' disease.

Soon afterward, the Bush family dog developed lupus (another autoimmune disease). Eighteen months before the president fainted, his wife, Barbara, was also diagnosed with Graves' disease. How could the president, his wife and his dog all develop autoimmune diseases that are thought to be inherited from your parents? Certainly, President Bush, his wife and his dog did not have the same parents. Most doctors continue to think that Grave’s disease is caused a person’s immunity being so stupid that it destroys a person’s own thyroid, but recent research has shown that this condition may be caused by a virus such as HTLV-1.

Doctors gave the president radioactive iodine that he swallowed and went to his thyroid gland and killed it. He now takes thyroid pills every day and will continue to do so for the rest of his life. Most of you know that six years after his diagnosis, and taking thyroid replacement daily, former president Bush jumped out of an airplane at age 72. If you suffer irritability, shakiness, weight loss, headache, osteoporosis, strokes, clotting and inability to stay asleep at night, you may have an overactive thyroid gland that can be cured by swallowing radioactive iodine. Then you take thyroid replacement pills forever, but you can live a long active and healthful life.

Arthritis Medication and Side Effects

2007-10-06T20:23:00.000-07:00

"You have to take the good with the bad."

Whoever coined that phrase originally could have been referring to arthritis medications. While medications can make physical movement easier and less painful, they can also do some things you'd rather they didn't. Upset stomach, dry mouth, drowsiness, and increased risk of infection are some of the more benign of these side effects, but there are others that are decidedly worse.

Some side effects will disappear on their own as your body adjusts to the drug. For others, you can alleviate side effects by taking medications with food, supplementing nutrients the drug can affect, or using other medications to ease the first drug's effects (e.g. acetaminophen to ease injection pain, an artificial saliva product to ease dry mouth, or an antacid to ease stomach upset). For still others, you may have to learn to live with the side effects, especially if the benefits of taking the drug outweigh the consequences.

Sometimes, the bad exceeds the good and side effects can signal something life-threatening. Here are some side effects of the most commonly used arthritis medications that require immediate attention:

NSAIDs (Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs)
Rapid or irregular pulse, hives on the face or mouth, wheezing, or tightness in the chest may indicate an allergic reaction to the drug. Stop taking the NSAID and get medical attention immediately.

Symptoms such as dark, tarry stools, or vomiting blood or material that looks like coffee grounds could mean a bleeding ulcer. Unusual bleeding or bruising could mean the drugs are interfering with clotting. If you have one of these problems, call your doctor right away.

DMARDs (Disease Modifying Anti-Rheumatic Drugs)
DMARDs control arthritis by suppressing the immune system. Because this can also make it more difficult to fight infection, it's important that you call your doctor right away if you have symptoms of infection, including a fever, cough, hoarseness or sore throat. You should also consult with your doctor before getting any vaccinations while you are taking these drugs.

Corticosteroids
Though corticosteroids are potent anti-imflammatories, they also have the potential to do great harm. They have been shown to cause brittle bones, cataracts and elevated blood sugar, particularly if they are taken in high doses or for long periods of time. If you start to notice symptoms of diabetes (e.g. increased thirst, frequent urination and/or blurred vision), or neurological problems (e.g. hallucinations or rapid and wide mood swings), call your doctor as soon as possible.

These are some of the most common drugs used to combat the pain of arthritis, but there are many others used for all forms of arthritis and its related conditions. Any drug, for any condition, carries the risk of side effects. Before beginning any medication, read the drug's package insert. Ask your doctor if there are side effects you should watch for and what to do if you experience them. And, pay attention to what your body is telling you. If you're taking a medication, even one you've taken for a while, and you notice a problem, call your doctor.

As another familiar saying cautions us, "It’s better to be safe than sorry."

Viagra Can Cure ED Due To Antipsychotic Drug Use

2007-10-05T15:22:00.000-07:00

People with erectile dysfunction due to the use of antipsychotic drugs for the treatment of schizophrenia and similar other mental disorders have reasons to cheer, as Viagra is established to be an effective medicament to overcome the dysfunction. According to a press release in the American Journal of Psychiatry, the use of Viagra (sildenafil) can effectively improve the erection of an erectile dysfunction patient with history of antipsychotic drug use.

The study was conducted by a team of medical scientists led by Dr.Rajesh Gopalakrishnan in the renowned Christian Medical College, Vellore, India. Dr. Rajesh and his colleagues closely studied the effect of Viagra on 32 married men with erectile dysfunction caused due to the use of antipsychotic medicines, in a placebo-controlled situation. The study gave very interesting and encouraging results for the ED patients.

The study found that the patients who were given Viagra had an incredibly significant improvement in terms of their erection, as they were able to increase the frequency of their erection, and the duration too. And the patients could have a more satisfying sexual intercourse than before. Further clinical assessment and a deeper examination of the study revealed that Viagra (sildenafil) can triple the chances of a successful erection and a fulfilling sexual enjoyment in antipsychotic-induced erectile dysfunction patients.

Another startling fact that came of the research was the great tolerance level of Viagra in the patients. The report also said that there were no incidents of discontinuation during the course of the treatment. Other than the commonly occurring mild side effects like headaches and a stuffy nose, no serious side effects of Viagra use could be seen in the patients too.

The recent finding is quite akin to other published reports and studies on the use of Viagra in the treatment of patients with erectile dysfunction caused due to mixed reasons. Say, it is not very different from the study of Viagra use in a patient, who has spinal cord injuries and diabetes as the causes of ED.

Erectile dysfunction due to the use of antipsychotic medicaments can often lead to a number of problems because of its poor medical conformity. However, the path breaking research has given a new impetus to the treatment of erectile dysfunction patients with mental disorders like schizophrenia, giving a ray of hope to the patients.

Cialis Sojourn: A Journey through Cyberspace

2007-10-04T19:22:00.000-07:00

When push comes to shove:

It took one hell of an effort to come into terms with my underperformance or no-performance (the correct choice of word) in bed. It never was an issue when I was young, strong and healthy. Has age taken its toll on my virility? Well, I thought I was a goner, and was filled with trepidation and perturbation at having entered a stage of sexual vacuum. I surrendered to my fate, cos I knew even the heavens couldn’t help me. But a stubborn bull of a wife wouldn’t take it that way. I gave a deaf ear to her constant babbles and gabbles, day in and day out, to look for a solution. But push finally came to shove and I had to look for a way, when heaven had closed its doors on me.

Oh my god! I need Cialis.

Anyway, I couldn’t fault her. She is just forty and I am on the wrong side of fifty. We married in the fall of 2003, after a yearlong passionate romance of flowers and beaches. Our courtship days were full of exhilarating sexual escapades. The wonderful sexual chemistry we enjoyed was a binding force in our two years of married life. But things suddenly went out of hand, when our second anniversary was just round the corner. The invigorating sessions in bed showed a drastic slide. From a daily occurrence, it gradually became a once in a week affair. And one fine day, I was shell-shocked when I failed to get even an erection.

My wife, co-operative (especially when it came to sex) as she was, and I had a good chat. She passed it off as just a silly incident. But the next day the same thing happened again, my organ was dead as a dodo. From that day on, we tried titillating perfumes, stimulating ointments, sexy lingerie and what nots, but we always came up against a blank wall. I felt as if the ground was giving way under my feet. Then one day out of the blue, Meg popped up the million dollar question, “ Andy, you have a problem, I think you have erectile dysfunction. Why don’t we try Cialis?” “ No way! It’s just my age” I yelled and rushed out of the house. It was then the blabbers began.

Resigned to my helplessness, I fretted and fumed for a week. But my wife kept on planning her moves strategically that before I could say ‘checkmate’, I found myself wandering aimlessly in cyberspace witch-hunting for the ‘Le Weekender Pill’. But finding the right place to buy Cialis from the sea of sites selling Cialis was not exactly a chalk and cheese thing, though it is an altogether different story.

Where art thou Cialis?

I am no novice when it comes to ordering things online. I knew I had a tough task ahead of me. Filtering out a genuine place to talk shop in the net would be risky business. But no way was I going let some crackpot of a sexual psychologist, a sneak preview of my bedroom woes (by paying him?). caught between the devil and the deep sea, I plunged headlong into the sea, fishing for Cialis.

I began hitting the keys on my monitor and there before my naked eyes endless lists of sites selling ‘cheap’, ‘branded’, ‘discounted’ and ‘genuine’ Cialis popped up on my screen. I was in a fix. How could a product be cheap, branded, discounted and genuine at the same time? They would soon be out of business, the way they were doing business. “Hey Meg, I can’t do this alone,” I shouted, “better give me a hand”. Two heads are better than one, I realized. Meg suggested we try randomly at different sites. So began a ‘hit and trial’ hitting on the keyboard.

A female of the species, she was attracted to sites with sweet sounding names like cialiswonder, and others of the category with a dream or magic thrown in. I quote the Bard, “What's in a name? That which we will call a rose. By any other word would smell as sweet." But stubborn as she was sweet, she went ahead. (My apologies to William) She finally zeroed in on two sites and we started out filling the order forms. ‘No prescriptions required, you just need to fill in a simple online form’. My foot! The whole procedure was nothing less cranky than facing a live physician for a prescription. But what the heck, better finish what I started out. So, I finally place the orders at two sites. Then the wait began.

Mixed doubles:

Two packages arrived, one after the other. Missing out on the nocturnal activities for quite a while, I was eager and anxious, as if I was readying for my first lay in the back of dad’s car way back in high school. So, I bushwhacked through the first package and immediately downed a pill. The consulting physician of the online pharmacy told me over phone that I would experience the sexual high in 30 minutes after taking the pill. But nothing happened in the first half-hour, in spite of the exciting ministrations of Meg. I gave her a knowing look, meaning we were hoodwinked. She told me to wait. 45 minutes, one hour, it didn’t come. Then by the 75th minute, I felt a tingling in my groin. Impatient, like a bitch on heat, I was all over my wife. Then, bang, it was all over, the way it started. But still happy with the result, I looked forward to the next 35 hours. Holy cow, my boner remained placid and flaccid, the entire 35 hours. I flushed the remaining pills down the john.

Anyway I still had the other package to further carry out my virility trial. Low on confidence, but high in spirit, I reluctantly took the other pill. Even my wife didn’t show the usual sign of interest in the exercise this time round. Then I got the surprise of surprises. Hardly 25 minutes had passed, when I saw the resurrection down under. I wanted to shout “Happy Easter” (with no offence to the gods). But first things first. Meg was surprised when she saw the sign of life in my poker so fast. Then everything came back to me. Let me cut out the events of the day, but tell you what, thereafter Meg never sighed in bed, she always cried out. (She still does)

How Can Magnetic Therapy Relieve Sciatica ?

2007-10-03T15:21:00.000-07:00

What is Sciatica?

The longest nerve in your body, the sciatic nerve runs from your pelvis through your hip area and buttocks and down each leg. It divides into the tibial and peroneal nerves at the level of your knees. The sciatic nerve controls many of the muscles in your lower legs and provides feeling to your thighs, legs and feet.

The term sciatica refers to pain that radiates along the path of this nerve, from your back into your buttock and leg. The discomfort can range from mild to incapacitating, and may be accompanied by tingling, numbness or muscle weakness. Rather than a disorder in and of itself sciatica is a symptom of another problem that puts pressure on the nerve.

What are the signs and symptoms of Sciatica?

Pain that radiates from your lower (lumbar) spine to your buttock and down the back of your leg is the hallmark of sciatica. You may feel the discomfort almost anywhere along the nerve pathway, but it's especially likely to follow one of these routes:
•From your lower back to your knee.
•From the mid buttock to the outside of your calf, the top of your foot and into the space between your last two toes.
•From the inside of your calf to your inner ankle and sole.

The pain can vary widely, from a mild ache to a sharp, burning sensation or excruciating discomfort. Sometimes it may feel like a jolt or electric shock. Sciatic pain often starts gradually and intensifies over time. It's likely to be worse when you sit, cough or sneeze. Usually only one lower extremity is affected.

In addition to pain, you may also experience:
•Numbness or muscle weakness along the nerve pathway in your leg or foot. In some cases, you may have pain in one part of your leg and numbness in another.
•Tingling or a pins-and-needles feeling. This occurs most commonly in your toes or part of your foot.
•A loss of bladder or bowel control. This is a sign of cauda equina syndrome, a rare but serious condition that requires emergency care. If you experience either of these symptoms, seek medical help immediately.

Magnetic therapy for sciatica.

Sciatica can resolve by itself but this can take many weeks or even months. You can however quite rapidly reduce the symptoms of sciatica with magnets. As with all magnetic therapy treatments, the magnets have to be placed as close to the area of pain as possible, this will be the lower (lumbar) region of the back. Even though you may have pain down your legs or in your buttocks the cause is still in the lower back. When you treat the back area and the sciatica resolves then the pain running down the leg and buttocks will also dissipate.

There are really only 2 magnetic therapy devices that are effective in treating sciatica:

1.A magnetic therapy back strap or support. The functional straps and supports can be placed directly over the area of pain. If the sciatica is very low in the back then a narrow strap will be more practical and altogether more comfortable than a wide support, as it fits snugly around the hip area and will stay over the compressed nerve. A wider support is effective if the sciatic pain is higher and nearer to the waist area. As with all magnets the straps/supports need to be worn for 24 hours and 7 days a week until the pain has gone.

2.A Magnetic therapy pillow pad. If for any reason what so ever you cannot wear a back belt or support the only alternative is to use a pad placed under your back in bed at night. It can also be used during the day when sitting or lying down (even in the car). You will not have 24 hours 7 day a week exposure to the magnets but if you cannot wear a strap this is an acceptable alternative as long as it is used every might when the body is at its most receptive to magnetic healing.

When magnetic therapy is used in-conjunction with deep penetrating massage and cold/ice therapy, the symptoms of sciatica can be resolved in just a few days. Massage will relax the muscles that have gone into spasm around the trapped nerve, the cold or ice will help reduce the inflammation and heat around the injury and both of these will prepare the tissues and muscles, so that the magnetic field can penetrate more quickly into the damaged area. Massage and ice therapy can be used 3-4 times a day for approximately 10 minutes at a time.

The Pill That Kill--Available at a Doctor Near You

2007-10-02T20:20:00.000-07:00

Imagine going to your doctor and being offered a pill—not because you were sick, or in any danger of becoming sick. No—you’re friendly physician is simply giving you drugs because you’re a woman.

If that sounds like a Hitchcock horror story to you—be prepared. Gynecologists around the country are embarking on a weird medical experiment that could have serious repercussions for women’s health.

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) has decided it won’t wait for the Food and Drug Administration to approve over-the-counter sales of the so-called morning after pill—a pill which is supposed to help women who are harboring regret over a sexual encounter the night before. Of course, it doesn’t matter that the FDA is hesitant to give the pills out like candy because it doesn’t want to promote promiscuity among young people. Also, some leading medical experts say that the morning after pill doesn’t just prevent pregnancy—it can also kill a child who has already been conceived in her mother’s womb.

No, ACOG won’t let the facts stand in the way of its misguided idea of scientific progress. In fact, the gynecologists’ group employs this fuzzy reasoning for promoting morning after pill prescriptions: women tend to have sex on weekends. Maybe women also tend to have beer on Saturday nights. Does that mean their family doctors should load them up with six packs every time they come in for flu shots?

The fact is, the pro-abortion contingent of ACOG is running scared. Pharmacists throughout the country have said they don’t want to dispense the morning after pill, also known as emergency “contraception,” because they have religious and moral objections to it. The abortionists know that, if they can get women hooked on the morning after pill, they’ll have more support for their agenda—which includes abortion any time for any reason, anywhere.

It’s interesting to note that some experts have come to the conclusion that there really isn’t a great demand for the morning after pill. In other words, pharmacies are not going to go out of business for refusing to stock it. So the only way for big drug companies to sell the morning after pill and other such concoctions is to market them directly to doctors.

Every time a woman comes into a gynecologist’s office, ACOG wants the doctor to offer her advance prescriptions of the morning after pill. But it is apparently not enough to simply make the offer—some women are reporting that their gynecologists are insisting that they take the prescription—even if they say repeatedly that they don’t want it. The doctors urge them, “it’s good for a year!” This kind of scenario makes a mockery out of the phrase “pro-choice.” In a situation like this, how can anyone not conclude that “pro-choice” is really “pro- abortion?”

Apparently, ACOG sees no reason for gynecologists to inform their patients that the morning after pill can cause abortions—even if some women have strong moral objections to abortion. For ACOG, the pill is a simple solution to the estimated 2.7 million unplanned pregnancies that occur each year.

But the fact of the matter is, a number of us were the result of unplanned pregnancies. You don’t have to be planned—or even wanted by your natural parents—in order to make a difference in this world. Every human life is precious from the moment of conception—and no dictate from ACOG can change that.

Doctors routinely tell pregnant women not to take any medication during their pregnancies for fear that it will harm their unborn children. If a pregnant woman can’t take an aspirin, how can doctors assume that it’s safe for her to take the morning after pill? What if the pill “fails” and the woman remains pregnant? Or what if the woman takes the pill when she’s already six weeks along? And what’s to prevent the pill from getting into the hands of the woman’s impressionable 13- year-old daughter, who sees the pill as a good excuse to “hook up” with a boy she barely knows? Will ACOG pay for the girl’s counseling when she discovers that the boy who took away her virginity is a stalker or 40 years old?

Any doctor who thinks nothing of dispensing a pill that can kill has no place in the healing arts. Whether an abortion is surgical or chemical, it is still a tragedy for both mother and child.

The Truth About Xanax (Frequently Asked Questions, Facts And Information)

2007-10-01T15:19:00.000-07:00

Fiction: Xanax stays in your body for weeks and months.

Fact: For a healthy adult, the average time taken for Xanax to leave the system is 11.2 hours. For a healthy adult aged over 65, Xanax will take an average of 16.3 hours to leave the body.

Fiction: You can get 'permanent brain damage' from using Xanax.

Fact: There is no evidence to show that Xanax causes any type of brain damage. However, research shows that there are some serious side effects, although they are quite rare. Here is a list of such:

* seizures (particularly if dosage is discontinued abruptly)
* allergic reactions, including rash and anaphylaxis (a sudden, severe, potentially fatal, systemic allergic reaction that can involve various areas of the body)
* blood disorders, including leucopenia and leucocytosis
* jaundice
* difficulty concentrating
* slurred or unusual speech
* double vision
* fear or anxiety
* altered sense of taste
* lack of inhibition
* muscle cramps or spasms
* urination problems
* tingling
* incontinence
* warmth
* weakness
* change in muscle tone
* yellow eyes and skin
* hyperexcitement or overstimulation
* hallucinations
* rage or other hostile behavior
* transient elevated liver function tests
* tremors
* insomnia or sleeping difficulties

Fiction: Once you get 'hooked' on Xanax it's really hard to stop.

Fact: Because Xanax has a fast elimination rate from the body (compared with other drugs of its type), rebound and withdrawal symptoms are more prominent after discontinuation.

The risk of dependence or addiction is increased when:

* You've been taking more than 4 mg a day;
* You've been taking Xanax for a long period of time;
* You have a history of drug or alcohol abuse

You will feel as though you are addicted if you try to discontinue taking Xanax abruptly. This is commonly why people get so worried and frustrated about using this drug.

The best way to discontinue use is to taper the dosage. This means reducing the dose by small amounts on a regular basis, to help the body adjust accordingly and to reduce intake to zero. Tapering is an extremely effective method; it is recommended that Xanax dosage be decreased by no more than 0.5 mg every three days.

Fiction: Xanax will make you fat / Xanax will make you skinny.

You will not become "fat" or "skinny" from using Xanax. However, research has shown that Xanax does indeed increase food intake in humans.

Fact: For women Xanax use significantly increases food intake premenstrually compared to postmenstrually (particularly fatty foods). The study demonstrated how normally restrained eaters consumed 26% more calories premenstrually, whereas unrestrained eaters consumed 9% more calories.

Fiction: You will have no sex life whilst using Xanax

Fact: Yes, it is true that Alprazolam can cause a loss of sexual desire and function. This does not mean however that you will have no sex life. It simply means that you will have to talk to your doctor about what strategies are available to compensate for the Alprazolam's effects. Some evidence suggests use of Viagra to counter the negative sexual side effects.

Uncommon but documented cases include: inhibited female orgasm (using 5 mg/day); impaired ejaculation (using 3.5 mg/day), decreased libido, impaired erection (using 4.5 mg/day); altered timing and pattern of menstruation (using 0.75 to 4 mg/day.)

Fiction: Xanax can be used as a 'party drug'.

Fact: You are putting yourself at great risk if you misuse this medication. It is well known that overdoses of Alprazolam can cause unconsciousness, coma and death.

Combine this with the fact that alcohol increases the drowsiness and dizziness associated with Xanax, and you will quickly realise that this is not a drug to be abused at parties or for recreation. People die needlessly because of accidents involving alcohol and Xanax overdose.

Preventing Adverse Drug Reactions

2007-09-29T15:18:00.000-07:00

In part 3 of the Healthy Aging Presentation, we are going to examine the very common but under-reported phenomenon of Adverse Drug Reactions.

In North America:

• There are over 2 million serious adverse drug reactions each year
• Over 100,000 deaths occur yearly due to adverse drug reactions
• According to the Journal of the American Medical association (JAMA); most serious (often fatal) adverse drug events are preventable.

To illustrate the problem of adverse drug reactions, we are going to use a case study of a patient named Jenny.

Jenny’s is a single 48 year old, working mother with 2 teen age boys. Jenny experienced a health crisis from an adverse drug reaction compounded by self medication.

Jenny presented to her physician with the following symptoms:

• Anxiety
• Headaches
• Fatigue
• Low back pain

The medical examination findings revealed:

• Increased Total Cholesterol
• She was 40 pounds overweight
• An increase in blood pressure (measured at 150/100)
• Extreme Tenderness of her low back and neck muscles

Therefore, Jenny was diagnosed with:

• Hypercholesterolemia
• Hypertension
• Tension headaches
• Anxiety

She was prescribed the following medications to treat her symptoms:

• Lipitor (to decrease cholesterol)
• Ativan (to decrease anxiety)
• Naproxen (an anti-inflammatory) to relieve symptoms of her back pain and headaches

Each and every medication has common side effects. The common side effects of Lipitor include:

• 1. Headaches
• 2. Constipation/diarrhea
• 3. Stomach pain
• 4. Muscle and Joint Pain
• 5. Rash
• 6. Muscle weakness and tenderness

After taking the medication exactly as prescribed for 2 weeks, Jenny experienced:

• 1. Increased intensity of headaches
• 2. Increased fatigue which prevented her from performing her regular job duties.
• 3. Severe Abdominal pain
• * These are all signs of an ADVERSE DRUG REACTION

Instead of reporting the symptoms to her doctor, Jenny decided to self medicate by taking Tylenol #3 and Percocet. Both these medications are very potent analgesics. It is no surprise that Jenny ended up in the hospital with a diagnosis of:

• 1. Adverse Drug Reaction
• 2. Adverse Drug Interaction from self medication

After being treated at the hospital, Jenny decided to visit her local chiropractor. She explained her problems to the chiropractor and asked him if there was anything that he could do. After taking a thorough history and performing a comprehensive physical examination, the chiropractor told Jenny that he agreed with the medical diagnosis. Jenny was somewhat perplexed and asked the chiropractor 2 questions:

• 1. Why do I have high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and ache all over?
• 2. Why can’t I lose weight Doc?

The chiropractor said that all her signs and symptoms pointed to one underlying cause. His diagnosis was that she suffered from Couch Potato Syndrome! Her symptoms were mainly due to inactivity and a sedentary lifestyle. She was looking for a quick fix with pills and potions.

After several minutes of a heated discussion, the chiropractor proposed the following treatment program.

• 1. Walk 30 minutes daily with Nordic walking poles
• 2. Yoga classes
• 3. Regular Chiropractic care
• 4. Take all old medications to her local pharmacy in a brown bag for proper disposal.
• 5. In future, report all side effects of medication to the physician.

Jenny agreed that the treatment plan made sense, but quickly retorted that she didn’t have time to exercise. The doctor replied, “What fits your busy schedule better? Exercising 1 hour a day or being dead 24 hours a day?”

Jenny finally agreed to the treatment program and has never looked back since.

After 2 months of following her treatment plan Jenny has:

• 1. Lost 15 pounds
• 2. Takes only 1 medication
• 3. Reduced frequency and intensity of her headaches
• 4. Has signed up for her first ever 5 kilometer fun run!

Remember the facts:

• In North America there are over 2 million serious adverse drug reactions each year from prescriptions taken as prescribed
• Over 100,000 deaths occur yearly due to adverse drug reactions
• Adverse drug reactions are the 4th leading cause of death ahead of AIDS, pneumonia, accidents and automobile deaths

Medications are necessary, may be life saving and may improve the quality of your life, but why not try safer conservative measures first?

When was the last time your doctor wrote you a prescription for exercise?

Today’s action steps are:

• 1. Put all old prescriptions in a brown paper bag and bring to your local pharmacy for proper disposal.
• 2. Make an Appointment for a Chiropractic Check up today.
• 3. Take a walk around the block with your family and friends. Instead of playing cards or drinking coffee, meet at the park every week to exercise!

Hypertension - What Exactly Causes High Blood Pressure?

2007-09-28T21:17:00.000-07:00

High blood pressure (hypertension) is often called the "Silent Killer" because of a distinct lack of symptoms. The first time someone finds out they may have hypertension is after a routine test at the doctor's office.

Your doctor can quickly and easily check your blood pressure, but do be warned, there is a very real syndrome called "White Coat Syndrome" where people's blood pressure actually increases as a direct response to visiting the doctor. Mine did just that, so every test the doctor did pointed to high blood pressure. My solution to this was to buy a home digital blood pressure monitor. They are relatively cheap, and are very accurate (although do get it checked by your doctor for accuracy). The results were amazing, as my blood pressure taken at home was usually normal.

Since hypertension is a major factor in strokes and coronary heart disease, it is vital that we all get checked frequently.

While some people are at more risk of developing high blood pressure, the sad truth is that 90% or more of cases have unknown causes. For this reason, it is not possible to fully answer the question of what causes high blood pressure, although we can highlight a number of factors thought to be involved.

Blood pressure is carefully controlled by the human body, keeping it within very strict limits. Simply put, if blood pressure drops, the body can contract the smooth muscles in arteries and arterioles, decreasing the size of the blood vessels, which in turn increases the resistance encountered by the blood trying to push its way through. Blood pressure increases. If blood pressure becomes too high, the body can reverse this process.

This obviously does not explain long-term hypertension, which places a huge strain on both arteries and the heart itself. The factors which have been linked to causing high blood pressure include the following:

Excessive alcohol
Smoking
Obesity
Salt in the diet
Stress
Caffeine
Genetic factors

Obviously most of these factors are within our own control (with the exception of genetics), so we do have the potential to lower our blood pressure by more natural means. Following a healthy diet with increased fruit and vegetables intake, while reducing those factors harmful to our health can help lower blood pressure. If you are over-weight, losing a few pounds can help a lot. Even walking for 30 minutes, 3 times a week can have beneficial effects on your blood pressure. There is a diet called the DASH diet that has been clinically proven to lower blood pressure. Its worth looking it up.

However, as with all things medical, consult your doctor before starting any exercise program or radically changing your diet.

Outbreak of Common Warts on The Body

2007-09-27T15:16:00.000-07:00

Common warts are the most seen warts on people.Dogs and cats can also get common warts. Some people believe that common warts are caused by frogs, this is not true. Common warts tend to be caused by an overgrowth of skin cells on the outside of the skin causing a lump to appear. Common warts however will not be seen on areas of the body like the soles of the feet or genitals. Like all warts, common warts are caused by the human papillomavirus. The strain which causes common warts to appear on the body remains dormant in millions of people and may only cause wart outbreaks on some people. Warts tend to be caused by an overgrowth of skin cells on the outside of the skin causing a lump to appear.

Warts are generally seen on parts of the body such as the hands fingers and finger nail regions sometimes causing an overgrowth of warts to occur on the nail. Warts found on the hands are different from those found elsewhere on the body. Warts also have different names depending on where they are on the body but typically can be treated the same way as the virus remains the same. Anyone can get warts although the HPV virus may not always be just random it can be hereditary. The good thing to know about regular warts on the hands is they cannot be spread to others. Normal warts are more of a common annoyance than anything else.

Warts may appear on the hands as large pink lumps; sometimes the warts have a rough texture. Warts may appear singly or appear in clusters appearing to be white and bubbling. There are many different ways to get rid of warts but many leave scars and are very painful.

The Truth About Xanax Side Effects

2007-09-26T15:07:00.000-07:00

You've probably heard all sorts of things about Xanax (brand name of the drug Alprazolam, used for anxiety and panic disorder treatment). No, Xanax doesn't give you brain damage. No, you aren't likely to become permanently addicted to it either. There's alot to learn.

This article outlines the Common, Uncommon, and Rare side effects of Xanax use and is the product of various personal and professional research

Common Side Effects. Side effects, if they occur, are generally observed at the beginning of therapy and usually disappear upon continued use. The most commonly reported side effects in clinical trials were drowsiness, fatigue, impaired coordination, irritability, light-headedness, memory impairment, insomnia, and headache. Here are some common side effects:

* drowsiness
* light-headedness
* tiredness
* dizziness
* irritability
* talkativeness
* dry mouth
* increased salivation
* changes in sex drive or ability
* changes in appetite
* weight changes
* difficulty urinatingnull

The most frequent side effects of alprazolam taken at lower doses are drowsiness or lightheadedness, which probably reflect the action of the drug. Side effects of higher dosages (those used for panic attacks) include fatigue, memory problems, speech problems, constipation, and changes in appetite with resultant changes in weight.

Feelings of being 'groggy'. Unintentional daytime sedation, hangover effect (residual drowsiness and impaired reaction time on awakening), and rebound insomnia may also occur.

Uncommon Side Effects

Sometimes there can be more serious side effects of Xanax. The treatment for serious side effects of xanax require physician's advice or emergency attention depending upon the seriousness of the effect.

The following symptoms are uncommon, but if you experience any of them, call your doctor immediately:

* seizures
* seeing things or hearing voices that do not exist (hallucinating)
* severe skin rashnull
* yellowing of the skin or eyes
* memory problems
* confusion
* problems with coordination

Less common Xanax side effects can also include:

* thrombophlebitis
* vertigo
* paradoxical excitation
* aggression and hostility
* respiratory depression
* respiratory arrest
* arrhythmias
* severe hypotension
* abdominal cramps
* anterograde amnesia
* constipation
* dry mouth
* hyperventilation
* blurred vision
* nausea
* chest
* pain
* decreased libido / change in sex drive
* confusion
* headache
* change in appetite
* insomnia
* unusual dreams
* change in salivation
* low blood
* pressure
* racing heartbeat
* fainting
* severe nasal congestion
* difficulty urinating
* sweating
* weight change
* skin irritation
* twitching or tremors
* nervous or anxious state
* sun sensitivity
* respiratory infection
* memory impairment
* loss of coordination

Rare Side Effects

As with all benzodiazepines, paradoxical reactions such as stimulation, increased muscle spasticity, sleep disturbances, hallucinations, and other adverse behavioral effects such as agitation, rage, irritability, and aggressive or hostile behavior have been reported rarely.

If you notice your eyes or skin turning a yellow colour, stop taking Xanax and contact your doctor straight away.

Rarer side effects (that strongly suggest you should taper or discontinue treatment) include:

* allergic reactions, including rash and anaphylaxis
* blood disorders, including leucopenia and leucocytosis
* jaundice
* difficulty concentrating
* slurred or unusual speech
* double vision
* fear or anxiety
* altered sense of taste
* lack of inhibition
* muscle cramps or spasms
* urination problems
* tingling
* incontinence
* warmth
* weakness
* change in muscle tone
* yellow eyes and skin
* hyperexcitement or overstimulation
* hallucinations
* rage or other hostile behavior
* transient elevated liver function tests
* tremors
* insomnia or sleeping difficultiesnull

The less common side effects of xanax can also be manifested as the following:

* Neurological effects: Blurred vision, headache, seizures, slurred speech, difficulty in depth perception.
* Psychiatric effects: Mental confusion, depression, irritability, nervousness, sleep disturbances, euphoria, lethargy, stupor.
* Gastrointestinal effects: Dry mouth, nausea, non-specific gastrointestinal disturbances, vomiting.
* Muscular effects: Muscle spasm, muscle weakness.
* Cardiovascular effects: Hypotension, palpitations, tachycardia.
* Dermatological effects: Pruritus, rash.
* Genitourinary effects: Incontinence, change in libido.
* Hematological effects: Decreased hemoglobin and hematocrit, increased and decreased WBC.
* Hepatic effects: Elevations of alkaline phosphates, bilirubin, AST (SGOT), ALT (SGPT).
* Miscellaneous: Increased and decreased blood sugar levels.

The Truth About Xanax Side Effects

2007-09-25T15:06:00.000-07:00

Living With an Alien: Sjogrens Syndrome

2007-09-24T15:05:00.000-07:00

This is about me, a person who has lived with a disease. I am a person who had a dream of realizing self-potential yet, had to accept not physically being able to manifest this dream.

As I stated in an earlier article, Sjogrens is an autoimmune disease, a connective tissue disease. The medical community has not found a cure.

I had never heard of Sjogrens Syndrome until April of 2004 when death came to visit and tried to take me back with it.

Most of us are familiar with the high profile diseases -- MS, Rheumatoid Arthritis, and Lupus etc. Let me preface this story by saying I am not a doctor, I am not an expert I am a patient diagnosed with Sjogrens, I will call it SJS. Technicality is not my forte and this literary journey is in layman's miles, not always logical, never the less just as valuable for those who live and feel the effects of this alien that has invaded our bodies.

Are there any Trekkies out there? SJS, like any other disease is akin to the unrelenting nemesis the Borg of Star Trek. This autoimmune disease occupies our bodies threatening assimilation of different organs and body systems. At times, I think I can hear it whispering, "Resistance is futile".

SJS is different in each person that it tries to assimilate. In my case the symptoms are: aching muscles, debilitating fatigue, dry aching eyes, dry mouth, pancreantitus (which led to diabetes), painful legs and feet, neuropathy, and depression. Writing this is therapeutic, and hopefully, it will help those who suffer from the same alien, or any other alien for that matter, to not feel so alone.

Those of us who suffer from Sjogrens not only must live with the disease also must contend with friends and family who cannot comprehend what we are going through. We hear them say, "you don?t look sick" or "why are you always so tired" or "why are you always sick?" Why, why, why, I am sick to death of that question.

Earlier in my life I was a Susan Powter, groupie, I also tried Weight Watchers and Atkins as you can guess by those references I am over weight. My journey will begin in the early nineties, if your eyes get tired stop reading my story and go put some artificial tears in your eyes, close them and rest them. Come back and finish reading my story, if you do not, you will hurt my feelings and if by some chance you get bored, read the words any way!

In the summer of 1996, I decided it was time to do something about my weight. I bought a book by the newest lose weight guru of that time Susan Powter. If I remember correctly, she had a television exercise show, then again, my memory is not the best and I could be wrong. I do however remember following her diet and exercise advice. I got up faithfully every morning took James, that?s my son, to school came back home to get the dog, here name was Mandy, and went for a walk.

I remember Susan always marching to an invisible drummer, blowing in and out saying, "move people, breathe people" that was Susan?s greatest motto. I moved by walking and breathed deep, sucking breath until my stomach hugged my spine. The first week I began walking around the block, a week later two blocks eventually, I was walking 3 miles a day. I had reached the stage of power walking. I would walk hard and fast, swinging my hips left to right, like hooker-hips at a washing machine pace. I pumped my arms like a track star going for the gold.

After a while instead of getting stronger and having more energy, my body grew weak and more tired each day. I was loosing weight on a steady pace yet my life force seemed to be dropping along with the unwanted pounds.

All that breathing deep and heel to toe pavement work was literally killing me. I came down with infection after infection with 104-degree temperatures. Sleeping eight to ten hours, a night still left me feeling wrung out like an over used dish-rag. My doctor ran every test he could think of finding no results. The only reason he did not diagnose me as a hypochondriac was that my temperatures were consistently high along with other notable symptoms.

Sjogrens Syndrome is a symptomatic disease. Doctors will run test for years and not be able to find the root cause. Frustration then becomes second nature. It is difficult to stay upbeat when getting out of bed in the morning is a chore. When a person has to sit down while taking a shower or go lie down afterwards is not a normal circumstance.

My quality of life has suffered over these last twenty years. Being a single Mom with no emotional or financial support, I had a son to raise, therefore I had to work, oh yes work! I worked for the U.S. Postal service, which was no picnic even for a healthy person. Being sick all the time and calling off did not sit well with the job. In retrospect, these circumstances would not sit well with any employer.

Finally in 2004 Sjogrens tricked my body into attacking itself. I almost died. I spent 1 week in intensive care and 1 week in a regular hospital room. Still, doctors could not figure out why my body was shutting down.

Needless to say, I am alive sitting here writing this story. Sitting here wondering when and if there will be a break through. All I can say and believe is that we must continue to persevere.

Every day doctors are finding out more about this disease and are discovering medicines to improve the quality of our lives. One day, they may find a cure.

If anyone reading this knows of anyone who suffers from this disease or if you know someone who exhibits the symptoms, please be patient and understanding. The sufferer is truly suffering regardless of how they look.

For those of you who are suffering from this or any other disease please take gentle care of yourself.

Symptom recap:

· Dry eyes
· Dry mouth
· Dental cavities
· Fatigue
· Fever
· Enlarged parotid glands ? one particular set of your salivary glands, located behind your jaw and in front of your ears
· Difficulty swallowing or chewing
· Change in sense of taste
· Hoarseness
· Oral yeast infections, such as candidiasis
· Irritation and mild bleeding in your nose
· Skin rashes or dry skin
· Vaginal dryness
· Dry cough that doesn't produce sputum
· Joint pain, swelling and stiffness

Aromatherapy Through the Ages

2007-09-23T21:04:00.000-07:00

The term aromatherapy is one that has only been used since the 20th century but the practice of it has been around since almost the beginning of mankind. The extraction and use of essential oils we know has been around at least one thousand years, with the Chinese being at the forefront of using plants and its oils for medical purposes. Even further back than this, the ancient Egyptians used extracted oils from aromatic plants to treat ailments and more significantly they also used oils like of cedar wood, clove, cinnamon, nutmeg and myrrh for embalming the dead.

The ancient Greeks also practiced aromatherapy where the fumigation of oils was carried out both for physical and spiritual healing. It should be noted however that during this period the process of distilling essential oils was limited more to the extraction of floral water and not the oils themselves. It was not until around 1200 AD that the distillation of essential oils was possible due to the invention of coiled cooling pipes.

Thus in the centuries that followed essential oils started to become more popular and more types of plants started to have their oils extracted through the distillation process which were then sold in apocathery shops during the middle ages with more and more oils introduced as their popularity increased.

More recently essential oils of plants have been studied more closely for their medicinal qualities so much so that some components have been isolated to create medicines. However it is the synthetic man made chemical medicines produced in latter century and their sometime harmful side effects that have in recent times propelled aromatherapy and the use of essential oils as a more natural and preferable alternative health substitute which has stood the test of time.

Medication Overuse Headaches: The Vicious Cycle of Analgesic Rebound

2007-09-22T15:04:00.000-07:00

Victims of frequent headaches often take painkillers frequently. And when their headaches occur even more often, they respond by taking painkillers more often, too. After a while, they might notice (though often don't) that they're taking painkillers almost every day. In short, they're taking medicine more and more frequently and yet experiencing more and more days of headaches.

Although the typical victim of this scenario assumes that the headaches are occurring more frequently in spite of taking painkillers more frequently, the truth of the matter is that the increased headaches are probably occurring because of the increased use of painkillers. The headache victim has inadvertently entered a self-inflicted, vicious cycle in which the medications she takes are making her headaches worse and less treatable. This condition is known as "medication overuse headaches" (MOHs). Another name is "analgesic-rebound headaches." An analgesic is a painkiller and "rebound" means just what it sounds like -- a bounce-back. But in this case it's not a basketball that's bouncing. Instead, it's pain in the head that's bouncing back from the temporary relief afforded by the prior dose of painkilling medication.

The MOH phenomenon occurs not only with prescription-strength painkillers, but also with over-the-counter analgesics like aspirin, acetaminophen, ibuprofen and naproxen. And when caffeine is used as part of an analgesic combination, it can be a culprit, too. The MOH phenomenon cannot be avoided by periodically replacing one painkiller with another. As far as the MOH-generating system is concerned, one painkiller is about the same as another.

MOHs are not rare. In a recent survey of 64,560 people, researchers at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology in Trondheim found that 1.3% of women and 0.7% of men had this condition. The prevalence increased steadily from 20 years of age until about 50 years and then steadily declined.

In my community-based practice of general neurology, I find that patients have rarely heard of MOHs. They're just not being discussed on TV talk shows or in magazines. So how can a victim of frequent headaches defend herself from something she never heard of? It's tough. And another unfortunate fact is that MOHs are a mess to get out of. It's better not to even go there in the first place. It's easier to prevent a MOH syndrome than to get out of it once it is present.

Like other people with pain that is never-ending or occurs in frequent attacks, victims of frequent headaches live from moment to moment with their pain. It's easy to see how they get into a pattern of taking lots of painkillers. To them, yesterday and tomorrow are irrelevant. All they know is that they hurt right now and they want to do something about it. So they reach for their bottle of over-the-counter or prescription-strength painkiller and deal with that moment's pain. And the painkiller does afford temporary benefit (otherwise, they wouldn't keep taking it). But after another 4-24 hours, when the pain is bouncing back, they're in the same pickle they were in previously, and reach for yet another round of painkillers.

One might think that people with frequent, distressing and disabling pain could recount with great precision the frequency, duration and intensity of their attacks, or provide reliable estimates of how often they have severe, moderate or just mild pain. But, when I interview people who have this problem, I usually find just the opposite. What they want to tell me about is the pain they have right now even though I'm seeing them for the first time for a problem they have had for months or even years. They seem genuinely puzzled (or even angry) when I ask picayune questions like, "How many days per typical month does your head hurt?" or, "How many days per month do you go all day, 100% pain-free?"

Moreover, when patients try to come up with numbers to characterize their burden of symptoms, they are naturally drawn to their "headaches from hell" -- the worst of the worst -- and discount their non-severe "regular headaches" which they don't consider to be much of a problem, even though they take pills for them and they occur almost every day. In brief, it seems difficult for patients with MOH syndrome to see the big picture or adopt a long-term perspective.

In any case, the basic idea in MOH syndrome is that frequent use of as-needed painkillers transforms the original headache disorder from whatever it started as -- perhaps migraine, tension-type headaches or even a combination of the two -- into a condition that is worse. The painkillers swamp the original headache disorder and make it into a new problem with different characteristics. Specific treatments directed toward the original headache disorder are ineffectual until the MOH phenomenon washes out.

And the MOHs don't wash out until the headache victim stops taking the painkillers and does so on a sustained basis. It can take up to two months for MOHs to wash out. The definitive approach is to do without painkillers entirely. While one can prevent MOHs by not taking analgesics more than 10-12 days per month, once MOHs are present, decreasing the use of painkillers to just 10-12 days per month is probably not sufficient to make them go away. The cleanest approach is to avoid them entirely. And the goal of doing so is to get back to the original headache disorder. Once the analgesic-rebound headaches have subsided, then the original headache disorder can be treated with more targeted treatments (typically including preventive-type medication instead of relying on crisis-driven treatments as the mainstay) with improved prospects of meaningful improvement.

When I discuss MOHs with people who are unlucky enough to have them, they usually respond by nodding their heads. They've seen with their own eyes what I'm describing. They're usually glad to learn there's a name for what is affecting them and that studies have been done that provide guidance on what needs to be done to get them out of the pickle they're in. I insist on mentioning that if what they were doing already was good enough, then they wouldn't have needed to see me in the first place. Or alternatively, if what they were already doing was destined to be an effective strategy, then they should have seen the benefits by now. But because their headaches are worsening, in order to do better, a new strategy is called for.

The program we sketch out together has two necessary components -- stopping the painkillers and tracking each day's headache symptoms with a recording system. The recording system doesn't need to be fancy, and can be as simple as rating each day's pain as none, mild, moderate or severe. The important feature is that the patient records each day's pain experience before the day is done. This tool helps both the patient and the doctor to see the big picture and gain a long-term perspective. Also, each month's recordings can be converted to numbers and compared with any other month's results.

Everything else is secondary. Sometimes it is useful to prescribe a "preventive" medicine like amitriptyline, but only if the patient understands that it is not a replacement for the more important change of doing without painkillers. When prescribed, the main purpose of a preventive is to reduce the numbers of migraine and tension-type headaches once the analgesic-rebound syndrome has washed out. The preventive medication is a nice embellishment, but if it distracts the patient from stopping their analgesics (e.g. "That new pill you gave me didn't do any good") then it it's better to do without it until the analgesic-rebound effect has washed out.

Avian Flu - Can Tamiflu Cure The Deadly Bird Flu Virus?

2007-09-21T15:03:00.000-07:00

Discovery of Bird Flu

A question posed by most people: For going into this aspect of Tamiflu, I would like to open the doors to the discussion on avian flu or the bird flu. Starting with the discovery of Bird Flu, the discovery of bird flu can be traced back to as early as 1918. But the recorded facts are of quite recent years when a kind of respiratory disease was detected in poultry by farmers in the year 1983. This was rather discovered by the farmers of Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley. Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley is considered as the leading producer of the country’s (United States) poultry products. Quarantine was imposed on the valley which was not lifted for more than a year. This resulted in the culling of more than a million birds in terms of turkeys and chickens.

The estimated losses faced by the farmers of the valley were to a tune of about 40 million dollars. After this mass culling of the birds, the United States was able to contain the disease. This led the United States to pass some regulations on how poultry products should be handled and what should be done by poultry farmers. The United States was aware that the world was sitting on a ticking time bomb. With passage of time, the strains of the flu resurfaced in Hong Kong. A few people lost their lives to the flu. This later on surfaced in different countries in different forms of the viral strain, taking its toll wherever it goes.

Symptoms of Bird Flu

The symptoms of the flu are like any other flu. The reason it is called bird flu is that the flu spreads from the birds to the human beings. One used to suffer from a sore throat and then followed by body pains. This was followed by a feeling of nausea and dizziness. Now the flu has fully taken over. It is very important to recognize the symptoms of the flu at a very early stage. Once the symptoms have been recognized you should follow it up with medication. This being a viral infection, antibiotics cannot play a role. Antibiotics can only cure bacterial infections. Tamiflu is the only drug available in the market to fight viral infections. But as an advice do not take Tamiflu without a discussion with your doctor.

Advantages of Tamiflu

This medicine Tamiflu is advertised as a medicine to cure influenza. Tamiflu is the only medicine that attacks the source of the viral infection and prevents the flu from spreading throughout the body. It is advertised as a medication for adults, adults with flu like symptoms, which has shown up within the last couple of days. However the medication can be taken by children below the age of thirteen also.

Another advantage of Tamiflu is that you can take this medicine as a preventive measure. If you had been exposed to persons who have contacted the flu, you should also take the medicine. But the dosage will vary. Here as a preventive measure you will take only one pill a day. In the case of affected patients, they will go in for to pills a day.

Flu of the type influenza A and influenza B is the only flu that has shown to readily respond to the drug Tami flu. Bird flu is covered under the flu of influenza A. So this type of flu will respond to Tami flu.

In a case you do not respond to the medication Tamiflu contact your doctor or your health case practitioner and ask him as to what could be the problem.

Avian Flu - Steps To Protect Yourself From The Deadly Bird Flu Virus

2007-09-19T18:02:00.000-07:00

Avian Flu

The avian flu is a kind of flu that affects birds in general. Then you may ask why we as human beings should take precautions. The flu is able to transmit from birds to human beings and this is a dangerous thing. As of date there is no transmission of the bird flu from humans to humans. If such a day is to come, then god forbid, we are in for a disaster in the terms of a pandemic, so one must take few steps to prevent oneself from being effected by the avian flu.

With this I feel you should know a bit more about what avian flu / bird flu is.

More about Avian/Bird Flu

Avian flu leads to a respiratory disease found in birds. This is caused by the virus strain the H5N1. There are a number of virus strains that are responsible for flu; the most dangerous among them being the H5N1 strain. The affected birds fall prey to the flu and they die in a matter of a few days. Their saliva and droppings transmit the flu from one bird to another. Water ducks are considered the main transmitter of the virus and carrier of the virus. The infected ducks pollute whole body of water like the lake of stream that they pad in. The virus is found in the dead body of the bird. Any man or animal who consumes this flesh also get affected by the deadly virus. But the virus is not able to live in temperatures above 30 degree centigrade. When exposed to temperatures above 70 degree centigrade for more than a second the virus is no more.

There are different kinds of strains found in this flu as I have told you in the preceding paragraph. There are sixteen different avian flu viruses, which are classified as subtypes of the virus. The one I will be discussing about is the H5N1 type of virus. The H5N1 virus is considered to be highly pathogenic. Highly pathogenic means they can cause severe diseases in human beings and are considered to be highly infectious in nature. This strain of virus can be transmitted from the birds to the human beings either directly of by a carrier animal like pigs or cats.

Now that you have an idea as to what is the avian flu, I will be discussing the steps to be taken to prevent yourself from the infection.

Steps to prevent you from Infection

First and foremost “avoid”. In case there is a known case of influenza virus attack in a particular region the basics is to avoid contact with persons from that region. This is in itself a big tool. Take your annual flu shot. This reduces the chances of you being infected by the flu. Avoid contact with infected poultry and farm products. Handle the droppings of the infected birds with proper care and attention, so as not to come in contact directly with the droppings. Make use of masks, gloves and protective clothing in case of a flu outbreak. The recommended mask for handling bird flu infection is the N 95 type mask. This mask is recommended by the Center for diseases control. It passes all the stringent quality tests prescribed by this institution, which includes the porosity test and the pressure test.

When choosing the mask, make sure it fits smugly over your face and over the bridge of your nose. We would not want you getting infected even after wearing a mask. Other things that are to be worn with the mask are gloves, boots and full-sleeved coveralls. The mask should not be used for more than six hours continuously. Discard the mask and use a new mask if you have to work in an infected area for more than six hours. When you change your mask, wash your hands with a mild disinfectant follow it up with soap and water. For a disinfectant you may make use of rubbing alcohol. Now you may don your new mask.

To clear your house of the virus, clean your house with a good vacuum cleaner, paying attention to the corners and all places where dust is likely to collect. Then use bleach and rubbing alcohol for giving your house a rubbing down. Use alcohol on doorknobs and other places where one is likely to use as a hold for the hand.

In case you have livestock on your farm, follow the following precautions:

1. Do not let all the farm animals to water from a single water hole.

2. Keep animals apart, like do not let your poultry stray in your pigsty.

3. Observe your livestock for any change in behavioral patterns. Contact a good vet when you notice any abnormality.

4. Do not let all your animals feed from the same bowl.

5. Do not store your chicken pens one over the other.

Abatement and the Conquests of Bacteria and Virus Adaptations

2007-09-18T17:01:00.000-07:00

When breakouts occur in human populations teams are sent into find the culprit and sometimes what they find is a little unnerving and disheartening. Sometimes they find that a virus has adapted or a bacteria is out of control and spreading. How do these things spread?

They spread in various ways, some are water borne and spread thru the water. Others spread in the air and get into the lungs of humans. Some spread thru the blood making the Mosquito a potentially vary dangerous vector. Once we find how these things are spread and what they are; flu, disease, bacteria or virus then the vector needs to be looked at. Lets call that the supply chain. Is the supply chain a rat like the in the plague? Is the vector a bat, a mosquito, the water or other humans?

If the supply chain can be stopped through abatement or treatment of the local vectoring species by helping them to some vaccinated food then that is one way to stop them? This is similar in sports tactics, business competition, warring armies as much as it is in fighting outbreaks you see?

Sometimes it makes sense to consider a more philosophical combat plan when considering the abatement and the conquests of Bacteria and Virus Adaptations. Perhaps we need to consider a little more the abstract thoughts on these things. Think on this in 2006.

Doctor... What's the Best Treatment for Arthritis?

2007-09-16T15:00:00.000-07:00

Regardless of the type of arthritis, the goals of arthritis treatment are similar.

These include the following:

• Relieve pain/inflammation
• Minimize risks of therapy
• Retard disease progression
• Provide patient education
• Prevent work disability
• Enhance quality of life and functional independence

While the goals are similar they are achieved using different approaches depending on the diagnosis. The effective management includes a combination of conventional medicines, effective alternative treatments, changes in diet and food, rest, exercise, lifestyle changes (e.g., weight loss if needed), and joint protection.

Factors involved in decision making include the diagnosis, the severity of disease, and the patient’s response to previous therapies.

The decision making doesn’t end there either. As a patient is followed over time, things change. What initially was felt to be an effective arthritis treatment may no longer be effective...and side-effects may occur.

Additions and deletions of medications need to be considered. Drug interactions with other therapies are a concern.

Co-morbid conditions (other medical illnesses) enter into the equation. Newer therapies, when they arrive, may change the picture.

Patient preference, when it can be accommodated, should also be considered. And this dovetails with a patient’s lifestyle... The right therapy for a working man of 35 may not be the right therapy for a retired woman of 80. The correct arthritis treatment for a hard-driving executive may not be ideal for a laid back person who wants to use as many natural remedies as possible.

Finally, the ever-changing landscape of insurance issues plays a role... in my opinion, way too big a role in decision making. In fact, I feel patients should not- not ever- make a decision to see a rheumatologist based on whether the physician “participates in their insurance plan” or not. The reason is that insurance plans do not pay a good physician what they are worth. If you value your health enough to get better, to feel less pain, to avoid crippling, then you owe it to yourself to see the best specialist, not the cheapest, and not just the one who “participates in your insurance plan.”

All About Cialis

2007-09-14T15:58:00.000-07:00

Cialis is an effective drug approved for the treatment of impotence in men. Impotence or Erectile Dysfunction refers to difficulty in having and maintaining an erection.

Cialis relaxes muscles within the penis. It works by allowing an increase of blood flow into the penis. This increased blood flow into certain internal areas of the penis results in an erection.

Differentiation from other ED treatment drugs

As compared to other ED treatment drugs, Cialis remains in the body for a very long period, thus enhancing its effectiveness. However, there are no statistics to prove its safety or side effects in comparison to other drugs.

Intake of Cialis

Cialis is available in the form of a tablet and can be easily taken orally before sexual activity. However, the dose and frequency may differ from individual to individual. One may need to check with a doctor to confirm dose.

The most common side effects observed includes headache, indigestion, back pain, muscle pain, flushing, and stuffy nose. Back pain and muscle aches are less severe effects and typically go away within 12 to 24 hours of intake of Cialis. A small number of patients consuming Cialis may also feel abnormal vision. However, this is very rare. In case it happens, call for a doctor immediately. Cialis may be dangerous for some patients taking nitrates (such as nitroglycerin tablets or patches) or any alpha blocker daily should be aware not to take Cialis under any situation. This may prove fatal for their lives. This is because the combination of these drugs with Cialis results in a significantly lower blood pressure, thus leading to fainting or even death. Anyone can buy Cialis from an online Cialis pharmacy. It is cheap and easily available.

The Facts You Need To Know About Long Term Care

2007-09-13T15:18:00.000-07:00

When most people think of long-term care, they think of someone in the golden years of their life, but an illness or accident can strike anyone of any age and make this a necessary part of their life. It isn't easy for many people to admit they need help with their every day living, but for some, the simple task of eating becomes a chore.

Another misconception is that long-term care means a stay in a nursing home or rehabilitation center, but this is not always the case. With the portability of medical equipment today, it is often preferred that patients remain in their own home if possible. Insurance companies prefer to pay for full-time home care instead of nursing home care, feeling that it is more cost effective and beneficial to the patient's well being.

Long-term care doesn't even need to mean that the patient cannot do for himself or herself. It can mean simply a patient who has an ongoing condition that requires the services of a health care professional on a routine basis for things the patient is no longer able to do for him or herself. This can mean preparing and planning meals, care of personal hygiene, dressing, household chores including shopping and paperwork, and any medical needs.

In addition to in-home and nursing home facilities, another type of long-term care facility is called assisted living. In this setting, the patient has his or her own apartment or quarters where the patient lives and tends to their needs as much as possible. However, the patient is close enough to the nursing home facility that someone is readily available to assist the patient whenever needed, thus the term, "assisted living." This allows the patient some type of independence while giving them the assistance they need as well. Many people who become dependent on others feel like they are a burden, but with assisted living, help is there if it's needed, and the patient is able to do the things for himself that he is able to do.

Fortunately, the term long-term care has lost the stigma it used to have for patients, and they are now more receptive to accepting help when it is needed. This is likely due to the introduction of both the assisted living and the in-home nursing care that allows a patient to remain in the comfort of his home as long as possible. Even twenty years ago this was a "baby" to the medical field, but with the insurance companies pushing for less hospital time, and the patients wanting to hurry home from the hospital to tend to other family members, it has become commonplace. As the generation of middle-aged citizens enters their senior years, this practice will likely become more common. Long-term care is changing its face every day.

About Eczema: Conventional versus Natural Treatment!

2007-09-13T14:59:00.000-07:00

Eczema is an inflammation of the skin frequently seen in association with allergic conditions such as asthma and hay fever. The parts affected by eczema, develop lesions which will often appear as patches, blisters and/or scratches. The vicinities affected by eczema are very itchy and uncomfortable. The affected areas may become abnormally thick. Thickening of the skin can be brought through trauma to the patches from scratching and rubbing. The affected spots will be typically dry in comparison to unaffected areas. The face, elbows, behind the knees, wrists are more likely to develop eczema than other body parts.

One of the major causes of eczema is the imbalance in a person’s immune function and is probably a form of response to the environmental substances such as dust, pollution, yeast, cosmetic products, chemicals such as: detergents, oils, greases, solvents at home or in the work place. In addition, stress can cause a depletion of certain body nutrients (vitamins and minerals), which ultimately leads to a sensitivity towards eczema.

Corticoid creams containing hydrocortisone are the most common conventional treatment for eczema. Hydrocortisone is similar to a natural hormone secreted by adrenal gland, which controls the inflammation process and actively participates in the ionic body balance. The hydrocortisone creams are effective for reducing inflammation, swelling, redness and itching thereby allowing the affected area to heal.

In spite of temporarily reducing the effects of eczema, these creams can lead to skin thinning and damaging. At high doses or at low doses for extended time the hydrocortisone can accumulate through the body and induce metabolic changes in salt and water balance, potassium and calcium balance and increases the blood sugar level. The reasons for accumulation are multiple. One important cause is the competition between the naturally secreted hormone and the topical hydrocortisone for the same receptors, which can raise the uncoupled hormone level. Another important cause is the steroid structure of the hormone, which makes elimination through the kidney difficult.

The corticosteroid creams have to be used with a low dose of hormone and for short period of time as sometimes indicated on the label. On the other hand, sudden discontinuation of the corticosteroid cream can lead to the worsening of the eczema.

Herbal therapy is a mild but long lasting alternative for eczema treatment. Many herbs are known for their beneficial qualities in the treatment of eczema such as: Burdock, Calendula, St. John Wort, Chamomile, Chickweed, Yarrow, Nettle, Licorice. They can be used as teas, tinctures or for topical treatment. Since eczema is a complex skin disease one single herb is not enough to relieve the symptoms of the eczema or eradicate the disease. A complex mixture of beneficial herbs is more likely to succeed in the treatment.

The antioxidant therapy has been successfully used in the prevention and treatment of different skin diseases, which usually are characterized by a high percentage of free radicals at the site of the affected areas. A good example of natural antioxidants is Sea Buckthorn and Grape seed oils. They contain a wide range of antioxidants such as vitamin E, A, C, selenium, beta carotene, anthocyanidins, which can be beneficial in the case of eczema and other skin disorders.

In conclusion: Natural alternative may be longer than the conventional solution for eczema treatment but much safer for the skin and health in general.

Prednizone Side Effects - Should I Be Worried if I Take this Drug?

2007-09-13T14:58:00.000-07:00

Prednizone- the correct spelling is “prednisone”- is a commonly used oral glucocorticoid medicine.

The adrenal glands manufacture a natural form of glucocorticoid. Glucocorticoids are responsible for many functions in the body including maintenance of blood pressure, proper use of sugar, protein, and fat metabolism, response to stress, and many other tasks.

Glucocorticoids manufactured by the body are referred to as endogenous steroids- meaning a person’s own body makes these steroids.

When steroids are taken in from the outside either by mouth, intramuscularly or intravenously, they are referred to as exogenous steroids. Taking glucocorticoids orally or intravenously can reduce the ability of the person’s own adrenal glands to continue to manufacture glucocorticoids.

Without the ability to increase steroid production in the face of stressors such as injury, infection, and surgery, a patient can go into shock.

The chances of the adrenal glands being suppressed increase as the dose of “outside” steroid exceeds the average daily equivalent output of the adrenal glands which is about 5.0-7.5 mg prednisone, therapy continues for more than a few weeks or months, doses are given late in the day or in split doses, or long-acting corticosteroid preparations are used.

Patients who require high doses of prednisone (more than 20 mgs a day) for extended periods of time often will develop side-effects.

Taking steroids on an alternate day (every other day) schedule lessens the chance of adrenal insufficiency but does not do away with it altogether.

Other side-effects include:

• Increased risk of bacterial or opportunistic infections such as fungi, tuberculosis, pneumocystis carinii
• Elevated blood sugar
• Fat distribution changes leading to moon face, buffalo hump
• Elevated blood lipids
• Aggravation of hypertension
• Electrolyte abnormalities such as low blood potassium
• Fluid retention leading to edema
• Easy bruisibility
• Increased body hair
• Increased sweating
• Purple stretch marks
• Impaired wound healing
• Glaucoma
• Cataracts
• Muscle wasting
• Stomach ulcers
• Pancreatitis
• Accelerated hardening of the arteries
• Osteonecrosis (bone death)
• Psychiatric disturbance
• Insomnia
• Bowel perforation
• Masking of infection

Celiac Disease Versus Gluten Sensitivity: New Role for Genetic Testing and Fecal Antibody Testing?

2007-09-12T21:57:00.000-07:00

Celiac disease (CD) has a prevalence of 1/100. Between 90-99% of Celiacs are HLA DQ2 and/or DQ8 positive. Every individual has two DQ serotypes. Because the molecular HLA nomenclature can be confusing DQ serotyping is a method for simplifying the results. There are four major types and 5 subtypes: HLA DQ1, DQ2, DQ3 and DQ4; DQ1 has two subtypes; DQ5 and DQ6 whereas DQ3 has three subtypes; DQ7, DQ8 and DQ9. Each individual has two copies of HLA DQ. One DQ type is inherited from each parent.

Though 35-45% of individuals of Northern European ancestry are DQ2 &/or DQ8 positive only 1% have classic CD as defined by abnormal blood tests and small intestine biopsies. Several autoimmune conditions also occur more frequently in DQ2 and DQ8 positive individuals.

There is accumulating scientific evidence that many individuals are gluten sensitive and respond to a gluten free diet though they have normal blood tests and/or normal intestinal biopsies (fail to meet strict criteria for CD). This is more commonly being referred to as non-Celiac gluten sensitivity (NCGS). Many individuals who have NCGS are relatives of confirmed Celiacs and were previously referred to as latent Celiacs. Electron microscopy and immunohistochemistry studies of individuals with normal biopsies but suspected of or at risk (1st degree relatives of Celiacs) have revealed ultrastructural abnormalities of the intestine and those who chose gluten free diet usually responded and many who did not ultimately developed abnormal biopsies on long term follow-up. Seronegative Celiac has also been recognized, that is blood tests are negative, but the biopsy reveals classic abnormalities of Celiac and the individual responds to gluten free diet.

Fecal antibody testing for gliadin (AG) and tissue transglutaminase (tTG) by Enterolab in Dallas has revealed elevations in 100% of Celiacs tested and up to 60% of symptomatic individuals without Celiac disease (NCGS) even if not DQ2 or DQ8 positive. (Fine, K unpublished data, www.enterolab.com). The only DQ pattern he found not associated with gluten sensitivity is DQ4/DQ4, a pattern typically found in non-Caucasians who are known to have a low prevalence of Celiac disease.

Testing for DQ2/DQ8 has been suggested as a way to exclude CD. That is, if you are negative for DQ2 and DQ8, then you are very unlikely to have CD. However, well documented cases of CD and Dermatitis Herpetiformis (DH) have been confirmed in DQ2 and DQ8 negative individuals. Moreover, we now have the clinical experience that other DQ patterns predispose to gluten sensitivity because these individuals frequently have elevated fecal antibodies to AG or tTG and respond to gluten free diet.

Why some people develop Celiac Disease or become sensitive gluten is not well understood. Risk factors include onset of puberty, pregnancy, stress, trauma or injury, surgery, viral or bacterial infections including those of the gut, medication induced gut injury or toxicity (e.g. NSAIDs), immune suppression or autoimmune diseases, and antibiotic use resulting in altered gut flora (dysbiosis). The severity of the sensitivity is related to the DQ type, pre-existing intestinal injury, degree of exposure to gluten (how frequent and large a gluten load an individual is exposed to), and immune status. Once initiated, gluten sensitivity tends to lifelong. True CD requires lifelong complete gluten avoidance to prevent serious complications, cancers, and early death.

Serotypes can be determined from blood or buccal mucosal cells obtained by oral swab from several commercial labsl including Prometheus, Labcorp, Quest, The Laboratories at Bonfils, and Enterolabs. Fecal IgA anti-gliadin and IgA tissue transglutaminase antibody testing is only available in the U.S. commerically through Enterolabs. The fecal AG and tTG testing may be helpful in those with normal blood tests for Celiac and/or a normal small bowel biopsy but suspected of being gluten sensitive. Though the fecal antibody results are not widely accepted by many "Celiac experts" numerous testimonials of individuals testing positive only on fecal tests who have responded to gluten free diet can be found in support groups, web postings, personal communication from Dr. Fine and this physician's clinical experience.

Stop Telling Your Children to Brush Their Teeth!

2007-09-10T21:56:00.000-07:00

The nightly conflict

We have all heard the routine. Maybe last night was the last time you heard or were involved. It time for bed and the parent/s are at the usual bedtime routine.

“Have you brushed your teeth, Billy?”, comes the irritated parental voice. A kind of pregnant silence follows. The question comes again but this time there is more irritation.

“Billy, did you hear me?? Have you brushed your teeth, yet??”

“No.., not yet, Mum” come the muffled, yet noticeably exasperated reply.

“Well, get to it, - straight away. I will be checking so don’t try to skive off”

“O...K Mum!”, Billy’s voice is resigned.

Ten minutes have passed and the voice from below stairs breaks the silence. “Have you got your teeth done, Billy?”

“Just doing it now, Mum”, calls back Billy's with a ‘sounding busy’ air, as he flicks the TV channel with the remote control.

“Well hurry up about it, I want you in bed in ten minutes, right?”

“Right, Mum...” Billy throws the remote on the bed and drags himself toward the bathroom. “Stupid bloody teeth... so boring...who cares anyway...” mutters Billy as he mindlessly goes through the motions with toothpaste and brush.

The shocked reaction

When I tell Mums and Dads to STOP telling their children to brush their teeth, they look at me as though I had just committed perjury. Some give me a quizzical look with a half smile waiting for me to admit that I was only joking. Others begin to laugh assuming that it is a joke. When I tell them that I could not be more serious, they are shocked and disbelieving that a dentist could speak these ‘crazy’ words.

“And whose going to tell them?” some ask mockingly.

“What kind of a parent would I be if I don’t do my duty?” one very caring mother asked me. “Don’t you think that that is a very irresponsible attitude for a dentist to have?”

These are all very understandable reactions because my advice seems to go against all understanding and reason. Surely it is the solemn duty of all parents to make sure that their children are looking after their teeth. Parents are responsible for the care of their children. Parents who do not take this responsibility seriously are not behaving as good parents.

The simple explanation

The explanation for all of this is very simple. What I have said seems to make no sense and indeed many would call it insane. Yet if we are prepared to look in simple honesty, we will see that it is society’s idea of how to teach and care for the children’s health that is actually ‘insane‘. Let me be very clear, I totally agree that it is a parents responsibility to teach their children to care for their teeth. It is on the question of how to achieve that noble goal that I differ from society. All methods are evaluated on how well they can achieve the stated goal. We ask then what it is we want to achieve and then whether or not we are achieving it. If we are not achieving what we set out to achieve, it makes sense that we then re-evaluate our methods.

When we examine the exchange between Billy and his Mum, we can gain enormous understanding of what goes wrong, why it goes wrong and how it goes wrong!

First of all, Billy doesn’t want to brush his teeth and ‘has’ to be forced by his Mum. Why is that? Why does he not want to do it? Most people assume that this behaviour is typical of a child. They believe that all children are just like that and that it something in the make up of the child. It is true to say that the behaviour is common and scenes like this one occur in most homes up and down the country. It is worthwhile noting that this applies not only to tooth-brushing but to many other things as well. How many could relate to similar problems at the table with food. Do conflicts begin at the table with a parent saying something like - “Come on now, Lucy, eat up all your dinner. How do you hope to be healthy unless you eat properly?”

Most people know these routines and are part of them in their lives one way or another. They believe that it’s just the way things are. Its one of the difficulties that parents just have to deal with. It’s not pleasant, it’s not easy but it must be done. Many of these conflicts then spill over into conflict between the parents with one parent saying to leave the child alone and the other insisting that the teeth have to be brushed, dinner has to be eaten. Now the conflict often deepens as each parent feels unsupported by the partner and begins to hold a grievance against the other.

The Gentle Light of Understanding

This is the term that I always use to describe the way in which conflict is resolved by a deep understanding of the nature of the problem. It is through this gentle light that we can release ourselves from difficulty and bring resolution and peace. So how do we solve the problem?

We need to firstly acknowledge that our assumptions about the situation may be wrong. Secondly, we might then acknowledge that it would be better if we were wrong. By this I simply mean that if we are correct in our assumptions then things cannot change and the conflict is inevitable, whereas if we are mistaken in our assumptions then change can happen and with it the possibility for the resolution of the conflict.

The solution is to realise that the problem is not caused by the child but by the method that is employed by the adult. Essentially, it is the use of pressure, criticism or force. By getting on to the children to do something in this way, you engender negativity in the child and a desire not to want to do it. In the simplest terms the human tendency is to resist being pushed. If someone pushes you, you will tend to react by pushing back This is true of adults as much as children. If a child feels put upon or pushed he/she will resist. Therefore if we want our children to brush their teeth, we must stop getting on (pushing) to them to do it.

What should we do?

Simply allow the child to see that you brush your teeth and comment on how nice it feels to have clean teeth. They will soon want to experience it themselves and if the experience is positive they will want to make a habit of it. By being gentle with them and with your own brushing, teach them to be gentle. When they try, always encourage them even if they do not do well at first (nobody gets it right first time). Never comment negatively on their effort or criticise them no matter what! Say how nice they look with their teeth sparkling and I promise that you will have difficulty stopping them from brushing.

Suggest, help and praise but please, no force, push or criticism Be gentle and fun but please not harsh or hard Find always ways to praise the good and completely overlook the error,

Remember

Children don’t do what you tell them, they do what you do!!

My name is Philip Christie. I qualified as a Dental Surgeon at Trinity College, Dublin (Ireland) in 1980 and completed a Master’s Programme in Dental Science, again at Trinity College Dublin, by research in 1995. I have been working full time in dental care either in general practice or specialist practice since qualification. My main interest is and always has been prevention.

Why Chiropractic Is A Good Idea

2007-09-09T14:55:00.000-07:00

You've probably heard about chiropractors, chiropractic therapy, or even chiropractic treatment while watching a sports news about your favorite athlete getting therapy because of an injury. It's not uncommon since chiropractic treatment is commonly associated with sports. If you're thinking that you don't need it since you don't do sports, think again. Chiropractic medicine are not isolated to the sports world; in fact, you might even have an injury that needs chiropractic attention.

Unknown to many, chiropractic practices are based on several key principles. The basic assumptions behind this form of therapy include the belief that the body can heal itself and that the brain controls body functions through the nervous system. The belief that spinal malfunction has direct effect on the nervous system as well as on the body's general health is also an underlying factor of chiropractic treatment. This is because chiropractic treatments are usually focused on neuromusculoskeletal disorders or NMS. NMS disorders are usually diagnosed at the back muscles and the spinal cord.

A founding principle of chiropractic is adjustment. Adjustment in this case is a distinct type of manipulation of joints by using controlled direction, leverage, force, velocity, and amplitude. Adjustments can be practiced on almost all joints in the body. This can be accompanied by cavitation usually characterized by a popping sound. The goal of adjustments is to affect nerves and nervous system to ease the body in returning to homeostasis by restoring the normal function and condition of the joints. These may sound to technical but chiropractors, chiropractic therapists, and chiropractic practitioners maintain that chiropractic treatment is also an art. Art in chiropractic medicine is viewed as the intuition, expertise, and skill that practitioners employ to accurately diagnose dysfunction and abnormality of the body's NMS system. Specific tests are administered to the patient to determine the injury, its extent, and the proper treatment or technique that must be used to correct it. Art is also seen in perspective as the finesse of the practitioner in applying techniques. Chiropractors insist that grace and fluidity of movement are necessary so as not to shock the NMS system and aggravate injury.

Though people with some sports injuries are still on top of the list, other injuries or ailments can also be treated by chiropractors, chiropractic, and chiropractic treatment. Reports indicate that there is an increasing number of people availing of chiropractic help to ease head aches, neck pain, arthritis, and other muscular pain. Patients also indicate that they function better and feel energetic after undergoing chiropractic treatment. Also, there is no need to worry as chiropractors have undergone rigorous training and study for as much as 4 to 6 years before they can get certified. As a plus, the practice is also less expensive than NMS surgery that you might need if continue to ignore your NMS problems.

Bird Flu (Avian Influenza) Pandemic, the Cytokine Storm: What Drugs Work and Don't Work

2007-09-08T14:55:00.000-07:00

What is a Cytokine Storm?

by Steven P. Petrosino, Ph.D. and Angela L. Petrosino, MPH

A cytokine storm, also called "systemic inflammatory response syndrome" (SIRS) is the systemic expression of a healthy and vigorous immune system resulting in the release of more than 150 inflammatory mediators (cytokines, oxygen free radicals, and coagulation factors). Both pro-inflammatory cytokines (such as Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha, InterLeukin-1, and InterLeukin-6) and anti-inflammatory cytokines (such as interleukin 10, and interleukin 1 receptor antagonist) are elevated in the serum, and the fierce and often lethal interplay of these cytokines is referred to as a "Cytokine Storm". The primary contributors to the cytokine storm are TNF-a (Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha) and IL-6 (Interleukin-6). The cytokine storm is an inappropriate (greatly exaggerated) immune response that is caused by rapidly proliferating and highly activated T-cells or natural killer (NK) cells. These cells are themselves activated by infected macrophages. The cytokine storm must be treated and suppressed or lethality can result.

Acute respiratory viral infection results in a cytokine storm effecting the lungs, and subsequent damage to alveoli and lung tissue results in the lethality seen in more severe flu viral infections, especially those fatalities among young healthy adults.

In the absence of prompt medical intervention to stop the "cytokine storm", the lung will suffer permanent damage. Many of these patients will develop acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), i.e. will present with pulmonary edema that is not caused by volume overload, or a depressed left ventricular function. Deaths will usually result from multisystem organ failure, and not from lung failure.

Sepsis, Viral Infections, and Cytokine Storm

Sepsis is a severe systemic inflammatory response and is one example of a pathologic condition associated with "cytokine storm". Sepsis is an often lethal hemodynamic collapse which is usually the result of a super infection by gram-negative bacterial endotoxins. Sepsis is also classified as septic shock syndrome (SSS).

Cytokine storm can also result from viral infections such as influenza, and an exaggerated systemic immune response to that particular viral infection (designated a type A, subtype "H1N1" virus) may have been the cause of high lethality seen in the influenza pandemic of 1918 to 1919. The great influenza pandemic was the most destructive pandemic in recorded world history, and killed more people (estimated between 20 to 50 million) than all casualties resulting from the first World War. Although the Spanish Flu pandemic affected an enormous percentage of the world wide population (up to 20% of the world population according to some sources), and killed between 20 and 50 million persons, no more than 5% of the people who contracted the Spanish Flu died (Brown et. al reported the highest death rate in India at 50 deaths per 1000 persons contracting the disease, or a five percent fatality rate). After 218 human cases of avian influenza (bird flu) have been confirmed world-wide (as of May, 2006), the lethality rate stands at 57%. Should this strain develop into a pandemic, and should it keep its current mortality rate, it has the potential to be 10 times more lethal than the 1918 pandemic.

Is the World Health Organization Adequately Defending against a Potential Pandemic of Avian Influenza

Avian Influenza (also called the "Bird flu") currently is 10 times more lethal than the strain of Spanish Flu that caused the great influenza pandemic of 1918 and killed up to 50 million people world-wide, and it could become the most lethal flu pandemic of all history if the virus mutates allowing it to be more easily passed from person to person. Bird Flu patients die from acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) caused by the "cytokine storm", and NOT directly from the virus. Neuraminidase inhibitors (i.e. Tamiflu, Relenza) are not proven effective for bird flu patients, although they have been recommended by the World Health Organization for this use, are currently used to treat almost all bird flu patients, and are being stockpiled by governments world-wide (including the United States) to treat a potential pandemic should the avian influenza virus undergo a final mutation which would allow it to be more easily passed from person to person. A treatment to prevent or reduce the autoimmune reaction (cytokine storm) associated with the bird flu is commercially available by prescription, but is not currently being recommended by the World Health Organization to treat these patients.

Influenza A, The most lethal influenza and the precursor of all Pandemic Viruses

Influenza viruses responsible for causing pandemics are influenza type A viruses which emerge as a result of a process called "antigenic shift”. Antigenic shift causes an abrupt or sudden, major change in certain proteins on the surface of the influenza A virus (specifically the hemagglutinin or “HA” protein and the neuraminidase or the “NA” protein).Certain antigenic shifts may allow the virus to become more easily transmissible, more "contagious". Once this type of shift occurs, wide-spread infection usually follows quickly. Antigenic shift is most dangerous when it occurs in a virus that has demonstrated high lethality, such as the H5N1 bird flu.

History has recorded 10 pandemics of influenza A in the past 300 years. The sudden appearance of new influenza A virus subtypes during the 20th century has caused three pandemics, all of which spread world-wide within 1 year of first being detected.

Influenza Pandemics of the 20th Century

* 1918-19, "Spanish flu," [Type A, subtype (H1N1)], caused the highest number of known influenza deaths: more than one-half million people died within the United States (nearly half of the deaths were young healthy adults aged 20-40), and between 50 and 100 million people may have died worldwide. Most deaths occurred within the first few days after infection, some deaths within hours of symptom onset, and other deaths occurred later as a result of complications. Influenza A (H1N1) viruses still circulate today after having been reintroduced in the 1970s. Although called the "Spanish Flu" because the first widely reported deaths were in Spain, it probably originated in China.
* 1957-58, "Asian flu," [Type A, subtype (H2N2)], caused about 70,000 deaths in the United States. The "asian flu" was initially identified in China in late February 1957. Three months later, it spread to the United States with early reports of infection as early as June 1957.
* 1968-69, " Hong Kong flu," [Type A subtype (H3N2)], was responsible for about 34,000 deaths in the United States. The "Hong Kong flu" virus was first detected in Hong Kong in early 1968 and spread to the United States within a few months. Influenza A (H3N2) viruses still circulate today.

Both the 1957-58 and 1968-69 pandemics were caused by viruses containing a combination of genes from a human influenza virus and an avian influenza virus. The origin of the 1918-19 pandemic virus is not clear, but if its origin was in China as suspected, it could have similarly been caused by a genetic recombination of human and avian influenza viruses. This can more easily occur if humans are in close proximity to both live birds and pigs, as can occur in public markets in Asia. Osterholm reports the last influenza pandemic (1968) occurred 37 years ago, emerging in China. At that time China's human population was 790 million, its pig population was 5.2 million, and its poultry population was 12.3 million. Today, these populations number 1.3 billion, 508 million, and 13 billion, respectively. The human and animal populations of other Asian countries have similarly increased exponentially, which has increased the chances for close contact between birds, pigs and humans in these countries, creating optimal conditions for the emergence of new viruses, such as the H5N1 subtype.

On August 12, 2004, the Vietnamese Ministry of Health reported three confirmed human deaths to the World Health Organization (WHO) from confirmed avian influenza H5 infection. If the virus is confirmed to belong to the same H5N1 strain that caused 22 cases (15 deaths) in Vietnam and 12 cases (8 deaths) in Thailand in 2005, and human-to-human contact versus human to bird or human-to-swine contact is suspected, this may indicate that H5N1 has adapted to the point that it is transmissible and has the potential to cause the next pandemic. In May 2006, it was reported that a family of 7 died of the bird flu after having no detectible contact with an infected bird. If this is the case, the virus may have undergone a final mutation giving it the potential to cause a pandemic.

What Are the Symptoms of the Bird Flu:

Initial Presentaion of Influenza A (H5N1) Avian Influenza:

o Pulmonary: Radiographically confirmed pneumonia, acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), or other severe respiratory illness for which an alternate diagnosis cannot be established
o One or more of the following: cough and/or sore throat and/or shortness of breath, AND a history of contact with poultry (e.g., visited a poultry farm, a household raising poultry, or a bird market) or contact with a known or suspected human case of influenza A (H5N1) in an H5N1-affected country within 10 days of symptom onset.
o Dyspnea
o Fever (temperature of >38°C or >100.4°F)
Symptoms Of The Cytokine Storm:

The end stage, or final result, of cytokine storm (SIRS) or sepsis is multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS). The end-stage symptoms of the bird flu, or other infection precipitating the cytokine storm may include:

o hypotension
o tachycardia
o dyspnea
o fever (temperature of >38°C or >100.4°F)
o Ischemia, or insufficient tissue perfusion (especially involving the major organs)
o uncontrollable hemorrhage
o and multisystem organ failure (caused primarily by hypoxia, tissue acidosis, and severe metabolism dysregulation

Oxygen free radicals, histamine, complement factor C5a, Beta-endorphin, thromboxane B2, and platelet activating factor are implicated in SSS. The major pro-inflammatory cytokines which are implicated in SSS are TNF-alpha, IL1, IL6 and IL8. Serum TNF alpha concentrations in excess of 1 ng/mL are frequently predictive of a lethal outcome, however serum concentrations of other inflammatory cytokines involved in the pathophysiology of Septic shock are usually not reliable predictors of the severity of the shock state or clinical outcome. These cytokines are released by macrophages following activation by bacterial endotoxins.

New Antidepressants

2007-09-07T20:54:00.000-07:00

The SSRIs act by inhibiting serotonin reuptake, and are considered the most popular, effective and safe prescription medications. The new prescription SSRIs used to treat depression include citalopram (Celexa), escitalopram oxalate (Lexapro), fluoxetine (Prozac, Prozac Weekly, Sarafem), paroxetine (Paxil, Paxil CR), and sertraline (Zoloft). Citalopram, a chiral compound, has its serotonin reuptake inhibitory activity in the S-enantiomer. Escitalopram, the S-enantiomer of citalopram has demonstrated Antidepressant activity in animal models. Prozac has shown significant success in the treatment of depression and prevention of suicide. It exhibits less potential side effects as compared to TCAs and MAOIs. Paroxetine exhibits anti-cholinergic effect and causes sedation. Zoloft has few drug interactions, but has the side effect of causing diarrhea and male sexual dysfunction.

The currently available SNRIs (desipramine, duloxetine, nefazodone, and venlafaxine) keep both serotonin and norepinephrine at the right level to alleviate depressive symptoms. Nefazodone alleviates anxiety, causes sedation and positively affects sleep. Venlafaxine (Effexor) has significant anticholinergic effects (dry mouth, blurred vision, urinary hesitancy, and constipation), induces sedation and has potential withdrawal effects.

The drug bupropion (Wellbutrin, Wellbutrin SR) is the most commonly used member of the novel Antidepressant class. It is quite unique in its efficiency to inhibit the reuptake of dopamine, serotonin and norepinephrine. Reuptake lowers reception of feel-good brain chemicals. Maprotiline (Ludiomil) and mirtazapine (Remeron) are the two main drugs from the group of tetracyclic Antidepressants. Mirtazapine acts by increasing the amount of noradrenaline and serotonin, and is of benefit in particular for the treatment of depression accompanied with anxiety, agitation and /or sleep disturbances.

Blood Pressure Medications

2007-09-06T14:53:00.000-07:00

There are many over-the-counter drugs available for controlling high or low blood pressure, but it’s best to consult a physician before taking any medication to avoid complications.

Angiotensin II is a hormone that causes blood vessels to constrict. Drugs such as angiotensin can block this hormone and cause blood vessels to relax.

Nerve impulses might also cause the flow of blood to slow and blood pressure to increase. These impulses can be slowed with alpha-blockers, alpha-beta-blockers, and beta-blockers. Beta-blockers also reduce the heartbeat and blood flow to control blood pressure. The nervous system inhibitors, Vasodilators are used when blood vessels are to be opened directly.

If calcium enters invades heart muscles or blood vessels, arteries constrict, calling for the use of calcium channel blockers or the drug Minoxidil.

Another reason for increased blood pressure is excess water and minerals such as sodium in the kidney. Diuretics or diuretic preparations like indapamide can control these.

Peripheral artery walls can be relaxed using hydralazine.

And some drugs such as methyldopa and moxonidine can be helpful in stimulating the alpha-receptors in the brain to relax blood vessels.

High blood pressure has a variety of causes and should be properly diagnosed and prescribed for by a physician. It is important to remember that high or low blood pressure is an indicator that the heart is working too hard, or that the heart is not experiencing enough resistance. The imbalance should be restored with a combination of proper diet, aerobic exercise, and, if necessary, blood pressure medications.

Cialis: Making Lives Evergreen

2007-09-04T14:53:00.000-07:00

Being eternal is unattainable but living the life to its apex is now in your control. If you ever thought that you can’t enjoy sex for more than 45-50 years you were really mistaken, believe me you can enjoy your sexual life as long as 100 years. Sex unarguably is one of the best gifts of nature, and to betray sex is equivalent to betraying nature itself. Sex has been and will remain an integral part of our life since the day Adam had the apple.

Man has been striving since long to achieve a better performance in order to satiate both his as well his partner’s urge to sex. Albeit, there have been a lot of factors that have been instrumental in being a barrier to the Sex like age, hormonal imbalances, society, money and many other things, but none of those have been powerful enough to sustain the Sex flow. Medicinal herbs, therapeutic fruits, meditation, yoga have helped him in one way or the other but there has always been a search for that extra punch to help men in his sexual disorders. Erectile dysfunction has been one of the most commonly occurring sexual disorders.

Erectile dysfunction has been an imperative factor in breaking many blooming affairs; it is defined as a condition wherein you can’t sustain your erection necessary for sexual activity fulfillment.

What exactly is erectile dysfunction?

Erectile dysfunction is a male sexual disorder wherein a person is not able to maintain penile erection required for the minimum time to have a successful intercourse or to attain sexual gratification or satiety. ED was formerly known as IMPOTENCY. Erectile dysfunction being the most commonly occurring sexual disorders in men; pharmacologists, doctors tried to discover some medication urgently. There are a good number of reasons that cause ED like psychological factors, hormonal factors, arterial or muscular factors. The diseases associated with it are Diabetes Mellitus, Major Depression, etc.

What is Cialis?

Flaunted as a “fountain of youth”, CIALIS is the best discovered cure for erectile dysfunction. The FDA approved medication CIALIS has achieved astonishing success in the treatment of impotence. CIALIS works by inhibiting the PDE5 enzyme, "That means that if we take a pill, then have sexual stimulation, the drug can amplify the natural erectile response”. It works like Viagra, acting by inhibiting an enzyme called phosphodiesterase which releases Nitric Oxide from nerve endings and endothelium causing relaxation of smooth muscle and hence penile erection. This is a product developed by Eli Lilly and ICOS and it was launched under the trade name of the product called Tadalafil launched in the market in 2003. It is unlikely that untreated ED contributes to decreased survival, even though it may contribute to emotional distress and strained relationships.

Who all can benefit?

Men with ED due to some arterial disorders will benefit the most. There is a wide spread myth that a person as soon as taking the drug will have erection but that is not the case. It starts taking action only when a person starts physical activity. Men with prostate cancer who have their prostate removed are usually free of cancer, but the procedure often comes with a cost -- impotence. A new study, however, shows that Viagra (Sildenafil), the popular medication for erectile dysfunction, can restore impotency lost in surgery. Whether men respond, however, depends on how much nerve damage occurred during surgery.

Drug Side Effects: Combivent Dangerous? You Bet It Is!

2007-09-03T16:52:00.000-07:00

Drugs have side effects. Period. So does Combivent, a drug that I use. Is Combivent dangerous? I think it is. First, I need to give a little history here, and then we can talk shop.

In 2000, I moved home with my mom to begin assisting her with her care because she had developed cancer. Her ordeal was terrible, and primarily it was because in addition to the effects of the cancer itself, the drugs therapies she was on were horrendously brutal on her health and constitution. One of the drugs she used to combat her lung cancer was something called Combivent.

I had been using Albuteral since the early 90's to help manage some of the symptoms that come with having Cystic Fibrosis. My doctor prescribed it as a quick fix for times when allergies made my chest tight, or when I felt particularly congested...

Well, when I moved in with my mom I eventually became curious about her inhaler. I asked my doctor if I might try the use of Combivent every so often, and when I tried it I liked it. It had a two-pronged benefit of both opening my lungs and reducing inflammation. For some reason, it helped me clear more congestion more easily. So, I began to use it as a replacement for Albuterol. It should be noted that Combivent (a play on the word "combine" perhaps?) is a combination of Albuterol and a steroid known as Ipratropium.

My problem with all drugs, and Combivent in particular, is that all drugs have side effects. Doctors play them down, but I am here to tell you that you CANNOT and MUST NOT minimize the importance of these side effects.

Read up on Combivent. You will see what I am talking about. Do your own research. Combivent can be fatal if you overdose on it! At the very least it can cause adverse reactions that you need to be aware of.

In fact, I believe that I have systematically been OD'ing on it since 2000. The way in which an overdose takes place is simple, especially when you consider the symptoms that Combivent can create.

If you do you research you will see that Combivent can cause increased congestion and shortness of breath as a side effect. So, with that as a side effect, and given the nature of CF itself, a vicious cycle can begin whereby a person can accidentally OD on Combivent.

Let's say you take two hits on the drug. Initially you get relief of your symptoms. It really helps open your airways, right? You feel better, right? But in a few minutes you notice you are coughing more. You think to yourself, "OK, I have CF, coughing is what I do. Maybe the Combivent just loosened up something."

Well, maybe. And maybe not. It could also be that you may be having a reaction to the drug.

In another hour, your chest feels tighter. So, you take another hit. You don't get the relief you got earlier, so you take one more just to be on the safe side. It helps some, but in 30 minutes you are coughing more, you fell poorly and your lungs begin to hurt. So, you take one more hit. Next thing you know, you have full blown symptoms that look like pneumonia for Pete's Sake! And if you are lucky, that's all that will happen, but it can get MUCH worse.

I have OD'ed on Combivent several times in my life without realizing what was happening. The most recent time was 3 days ago, Monday this past.

Since I had just gotten over what my doctor thought was pneumonia (and he could have been right, but who knows for sure, because I may have been having a reaction to too much Combivent), I assumed that the pneumonia was coming back, even though the Ciprofloxacin he had given me had taken care of it. My lungs were hurting as they had been before. I took another hit on my Combivent and the symptoms worsened and it was then that I began to think I was hurting myself with the drug. I had used it several times that morning, to deal with symptoms that got increasingly worse as time passed. So, even though I was unable to breath, I stopped the Combivent.

Within an hour, my lungs had returned to normal and I was feeling fine, but after an ordeal that lasted nearly 3 hours, I had had an epiphany of sorts. Combivent is not necessarily a good thing. It can even create the very symptoms it is formulated to alleviate.

Since then, I have made sure that at least 4-5 hours pass between doses, and I feel good. I am less congested and for the time being I am breathing better.

My who point is that drugs do not always help us. Few drugs, if any, come without a price in the form of side effects. Do your research on your drugs. Always consider the risks of using a drug vs. the risks of not using it. Pay close attention to your doses. Monitor how you feel. And discontinue the use of a drug if it makes you feel worse. Even something as seemingly harmless as an inhaler can be dangerous.

The Future Of Big Pharma – How New Challenges And Generic Competition Is Shaping The Future

2007-09-02T19:51:00.000-07:00

A way of analysing this shift in market share and the rise in generic competition is by looking at what “Big Pharma” is currently focusing on and where it may be failing. Many of the industry’s professionals would share the opinion that their activity and business strategies have remained the same for the past decade. Disappointingly, the focus for discussion and growth appear to be limited to corporate restructuring, redefining product portfolios, and looking out for the interests of the shareholder. As if that was the be-all and end-all.

Launching new blockbuster drugs has always drawn positive results for a company with regards to increasing market share and capitalizing on huge margins. Take Pfizer, for example: its new anti-smoking drug Chantix is the fourth drug to received FDA clearance this year. But the launch of a blockbuster drug (that which exceeds the $1 bn barrier, so as to cover the supposed costs of R&D, marketing and sales) is proving to be an almost impossible feat. The reality is that no more new and innovative drugs in the majority of the therapeutic categories are left to be discovered. This drawback has led the way to pharma companies developing existing medications and subsequently marketing them as a “improved and revolutionary” new products to the uninformed end user. (It comes as no surprise then that a recent study claims that the super drug Lipitor - with 2005 sales of $12.2 bn - cuts risk of repeat stroke by 16%, just when its patent is due to expire this year.) The brutal fact is that in the last decade almost 65% of all approved drugs are simply modified versions of medications that already exist on the market.

Moreover, further uncertainties are brought to light surrounding the business strategies adopted by Big Pharma in the face of changing trends within the market place. Greater emphasis has been directed at playing out competition, drawing big question marks over their competitive practice and the ever-present moral debate that arises over the production of cheaper drugs for developing countries. Not only is it creating an unnecessary delay for those patients who urgently need life-saving medications, but many would agree that the effects are simply devastating and irrational.

By and large, increasing market share and product portfolios through mergers and acquisitions is also proving insufficient in the long term, caused by patient medical programs, hospitals, health services, physicians and consumers who continue looking for cheaper alternatives. Additionally, the rise in law suits over patent disputes is only diverting attention away from the research and development of new drugs. And if these so-called competitive practices were not enough, the situation goes from the sublime to the ridiculous, evident through the practice of unethical pharmaceutical marketing. If it isn’t drug makers of sleeping pills paying doctors to publish bad press about competing drugs from generic manufacturers (numerous news articles recently came to light regarding this), it’s big drug companies coming under fire for paying off generic competition to delay market entry of their products. It appears that the common practice that had previously riddled the industry with of reaching key prescribing physicians with incentives is now just a thing of the past. Today, the only certainty is that more than 55% of all prescriptions made in the US are for generic medications, and this is expected to rise to 70% by 2010.

So what does the future hold for each side of the industry coin? Despite the clear changes within the market, the future is by no means lost for the big brand-name powerhouses of old, who only a decade ago would bad-mouth generic medicine as inferior. These days, they have joined the bandwagon including the giant brand-name manufacturer Novartis, who is now also striving to become a major player in the generics field. More so, Swiss-based Roche announced only last week that it has reached an agreement with the South African company Aspen for the production of a generic version of oseltamivir for Africa, as part of continued efforts to increase and speed up availability of the medicine for influenza pandemic planning world wide.

A very significant, but also much overlooked method of addressing the challenges of the pharmaceutical industry’s weakening pipelines is through the creation of partnerships and building effective collaborations across the industry with innovative pharmaceutical companies, generic players and healthcare communication providers.

On the other hand, what is also evident is that segmentation and targeting have taken on a new importance, which additionally does not require increasing sales & marketing forces.

But it’s not only Big Pharma that are seeing hard times ahead. Generic manufacturers are also being faced with strong market pressures caused by weak product pipelines, limited growth possibilities, and increasing numbers of generic competitors fighting over pricing. Avantis, Ranbaxy and Dr. Reddy are fine examples of companies that are directing huge capital on takeovers in the EU block, and further a field in the US, as a means of fighting for their survival and corporate growth.

Rheumatoid Arthritis Medication

2007-08-31T14:50:00.000-07:00

Rheumatoid arthritis is a disease that has no cure. This inflammatory disease leads to swollen, stiff, and painful joints. It will also reduce movements affecting the person mentally and physically. As such, the only way to cope with the situation is by educating people with rheumatoid arthritis about the disease. This education will help them to think positively and to cope with the chronic disease. Exercise, proper rest, and a balanced diet will ensure flexibility of joints and keep inflammation under control.

Rheumatoid arthritis has a symmetrical pattern. That is, two joints—for instance, the elbow of both the hands—develop pain, swell, and stiffen together. There is no specific cause for its occurrence or a specific cure. But once diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis, a person is treated with medicines.

Medication is administered for relieving pain and also to reduce the inflammation of the joints. It is recommended based on the severity of the disease. There are other types of drugs that also try to reduce the intensity of the disease. While analgesics such as paracetamol are taken as painkillers, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) help to reduce inflammation and relieve pain in the joints. The analgesics always come in combination with some of the recommended drugs, as do the non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs. There are also disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) that reduce or control the intensity of the disease, reducing pain and stiffness of the joints. These are found to be very effective in combating the illness. For instance, injecting gold intramuscularly is one such disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drug. All of these medications, whether controlling pain or intensity, have side effects. These may include constipation, skin irritation, bleeding in the stomach, kidney problems, and so on. As such, one must take the medicines as instructed by a medical practitioner.

The most recent set of medications, however, are biological therapies or biologic-response modifiers. These are considered more “body-friendly” drugs. Biologic-response modifiers stop or block the components, especially the proteins, which trigger inflammation normally as a defense mechanism. For instance the protein called interlukin 1 (IL-1) is blocked by anakinra drug. As a result, the deformity caused by damaged and destroyed bones and cartilages is reduced along with the inflammation. Often, the doctors recommend a combination of drugs. But the present sets of drugs are definitely more effective in controlling rheumatoid arthritis.

What are Lamisil Side Effects?

2007-08-28T14:49:00.000-07:00

Lamisil side effects are probably the biggest concern for people who are taking this drug, or considering taking it, for fungus nail infections. Fungal infections are difficult to treat, and antifungal drugs are infamous for their toxicity. The liver is the organ that removes toxins from the bloodstream: the liver recognizes many drugs, including Lamisil as toxins, so this is where the drug does its worst damage. No one wants liver damage in exchange for treatment to clear up a fungal nail infection.

The danger of Lamisil side effects is real, but probably not as severe as many people believe. Controlled studies of the drug, and years of experience, indicate that severe complications are rare. When side effects Lamisil may cause are usually mild and temporary. If you are thinking about taking it, learn to recognize the symptoms of liver toxicity: nausea, vomiting, appetite loss, stomach pains, a yellowish hue developing in your skin and eyes, dark urine, pale stools, tiredness. If any of these symptoms occur, you can always stop taking the drug and let your liver recover.

Other side effects Lamisil may cause include rash or itchy skin, diarrhea, and an altered sense of taste, and these symptoms are more common than those experienced with liver toxicity. Rarely, people experience Lamisil side effects such as blistering and peeling skin, fever, chills, aching joints, and sore throat.

The danger of Lamisil increases in certain circumstances. You should not take Lamisil without consulting your doctor if you are pregnant or breast-feeding. Do not use alcohol while taking it. Alcohol abuse, past or present, as well as liver disease or kidney disease don’t mix well with the drug: patients with these conditions should not take the medication. Finally, if you are taking other medications, be sure to remind your doctor and your pharmacist: some of the side effects Lamisil causes are made worse when the drug is mixed with other drugs in the body.

While it’s important to be careful, remember Lamisil side effects are rare and the danger of Lamisil doing you serious long-lasting harm is quite remote. In fact, the greatest danger of Lamisil could be the damage it will do to your budget if you have to pay for it yourself. Depending on where you buy it, the drug can cost more than eight dollars per pill! At one pill a day for 12 weeks, you would spend about $700.00 clearing up a nail infection, and some nail infections take much longer to resolve. It might be safe to say that, of all the side effects Lamisil can cause, financial stress is both the worst, and the most common.