MEDICAL-REFERENCE

10 Steps To Run An Effective Medical Fundraising Campaign

2013-05-21T22:27:00.000+06:00

Medical fundraising is the same as other fundraising campaigns – only the objective is to benefit all, and not just a specific group. Here are 10 effective ways to building a medical campaign that funds your needs.

1. Create Sympathetic Awareness

Whether you’re raising funds for cancer research, or to build a new wing to a children’s hospital, your campaign must generate a great deal of sympathy for your cause. Through Ads, banners, social media inserts, blogs and other media, make sure people see pictures of the patients who will benefit.

2. Know Your Donor Base

What draws donors to your program? Where do their sympathies lie? Which demographic is more likely to support your cause? Collect these statistics by studying the responses you get. Then target these groups specifically to get more mileage for your campaign.

3. Be Specific

List exactly what kind of equipment you want for your research, along with costs. If it’s a hospital building you’re constructing, share plans with details of wings, number of beds, what kind of treatment rooms are planned and so on. The more details you share, the more support you’ll get.

4. Determine Goals

Meet up with your hospital or research board and determine both long and short term goals. Then plan your fundraising campaign, setting all expectations beforehand. Stagger your goals – you may not be able to achieve them all in one single campaign.

5. Identify Key Players

Identify who’ll present the public face, and who’ll manage the backend and daily campaign tasks. Assign roles and responsibilities early on so that everyone’s in synch. Identify people for media handling, mailing, social media updates, planning committee, and volunteer rallying and so on.

6. Create A Blog

Write articles on how you’ll use the funds to benefit the public. Refer to the medical benefits that other campaigns have brought to society. Summarize technical details in a reader-friendly format; people need to know that you know what you’re talking about.

7. Stick To The Same Messaging

The general public may not understand a great deal of medical jargon. It’s important therefore, to stick to clear messaging, and ensuring that everyone on your team speaks on the same terms. It won’t do for one person to talk about X while another talks about Y.

8. Brainstorm Ideas

Ask everyone on your team to come up with ideas. Consider everything from silent auctions, merchandizing campaigns, and benefit concerts, videos, television Ads, print Ads, online banner Ads and so on. Always check each idea for feasibility, expense and possible outcomes.

9. Look For Endorsements

A celebrity endorsement can give your campaign a great deal of mileage. Look at Angelina Jolie standing for cancer research and Bono standing for AIDS research. Talk to celebrities who have personally experienced medical tragedies, and seek endorsement.

10. See What Other Organizations Are Doing

If other hospitals or medical charities are raising funds at the same time in your area, make sure the dates don’t clash. For example, if organization X is holding a marathon race to save children, choose another day to hold your event. In this way, you’ll get sole media attention.

Gagan works for Causewish.com , a medical fundraising website that helps you to easily raise money for your medical expenses.

Some Real Facts about Raw Food Diet

2013-03-12T20:30:00.000+06:00

In these days of unhealthy or junk foods, many people believe a diet with raw foods is an ultimate path to healthier lifestyle. They also believe a raw food diet can decrease the risk many diseases and lead a bulky dieter to a leaner figure with full of energy and smoother skin.

However, the scientific studies suggested that in some points, the raw food devotees are right about this diet, but long-term continuation could be a path to serious nutritional deficiencies.
So, is raw food diet healthy for our body? Are those beneficial facts about raw diet true? What are the nutritional deficiencies results from continuing a raw diet? Read on to find out some real answers based on the scientific study outcomes.

What is Raw Food Diet?

A diet consists of unprocessed or uncooked foods, mainly plant-based foods that are not heated above 115 degree Fahrenheit, is known as raw diet. In other words, a raw food diet is a specific type of diet in which a dieter needs to consume around 75% foods in a totally raw or natural state. Devotees believe this food style is the most wholesome for our health and it helps to retain the essential enzymes as well as nutrients of the foods.

Advantage of Raw Diet Based on Scientific Study Outcomes

Actually, there are not enough scientific studies done to evaluate the healthy benefits of consuming raw foods. In fact, only a few studies have attributed some positive points. Accordingly, in this post, I have discussed some of the most appreciated studies related to raw food diet.

A recent study on consumption of raw cruciferous vegetables, published by the American Association for Cancer Research, suggested that cruciferous vegetables might decrease the risk of bladder cancer, if consumed raw. According to the study findings, high temperature diminishes a potential bladder cancer preventive agent “isothiocyanates” from cooked cruciferous vegetables. Oppositely, raw cruciferous vegetables retain the potential compound isothiocyanates and based on the study outcome, consumption of cruciferous vegetables in raw state might be helpful in reducing bladder cancer risk.

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How To Strengthen Your Body To Prevent Injuries

2013-03-12T12:23:00.000+06:00

Top Reasons to Improve Body Strength and Prevent Injuries

Twisting an ankle, pulling a muscle or falling over can all seem like niggling problems at first, but over time they can develop into more serious problems and prevent you from partaking in exercise or your usual routine. Likewise 'stress' injuries such as stress fractures and problems like shin splints and runners' knee can also end up developing into chronic issues that never go away.

In other words, in many cases it's not the 'big' injuries that take us out of the game, but rather the smaller problems and the general wear and tear that take their toll on our body over time. The good news though is that there are many ways you can avoid these kinds of injuries, and by using the right exercises and habits it's possible to make your body more resilient to regular stress. Here we will look at how to do just that.

Stretching | The Art of Flexiblity

Image via Flickr

Stretching regularly helps you to increase your flexibility over time and this can immediately make you less likely to pull a muscle or over extend. This is simply because you increase the range of movement you're capable of without hurting yourself meaning that it takes more of a slip to hurt yourself. Stretching right before exercise or physical activity will help you to avoid hurting yourself during that exertion, but generally stretching on a regular basis will increase your general flexibility so that you're less likely to hurt yourself even if you slip in the street with no warm up.

Muscle Strength | The Armour to Prevent Injuries

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Your muscles can help to increase your physical strength when it comes to lifting, pulling and pushing of course, but they can also help you to avoid injury from falls and twists and this works in a number of ways. For one, muscle provides you with an extra layer between your skin and your bones. This means that if you fall over you will have an extra layer of 'armour' to protect you.

Another benefit of muscle strength is that it will give you more stability meaning that you can prevent a fall or a twist. In particular this means thinking about your supporting muscles in your legs and your mid-section which are designed specifically for stabilizing your body and helping you to maintain your balance. To train these supporting muscles you need to use 'compound movements' which are movements like bench presses, squats ad clean and jerks that are designed to use multiple muscle groups at once.

Muscle Balance | The Vital Component to Injury Prevention

As well as muscle strength, what's also important is muscle balance. This means making sure that all your different muscle groups are developed to a similar level - and overdeveloping any single group can lead to injury on its own. For instance if you have very strong hamstrings and weaker quadriceps, this can actually cause knee problems by exerting uneven pressure on your knee cap. At the same time an uneven balance can of course make you more likely to fall over or injure yourself as you won't be able to balance so evenly.
When training it's very important to make sure that you train each and every muscle group, and that you don't neglect any area. Speak to the personal trainers in your gym and get them to help you devise a workout that addresses every separate part of your body.

Balanced Diet | A Lifestyle Choice to Prevent Injuries

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Your diet doesn't just affect the quality of your skin and your weight, it also affects your strength and resilience. A deficiency in magnesium or calcium for instance can lead to weak bones, while not getting enough protein will make it hard for you to build strong muscle. If you engage in any regular exercise, or you have proven prone to injury in the past, then maintaining a healthy and balanced diet is highly important.

Technique and Stance

If you engage in sport then using the wrong technique will make you more likely to injure yourself so it's important to perfect it and to check now and again that you aren't slipping into bad habits. Even every day activities have technique though, whether that means walking correctly to having the correct posture when sitting or standing. Make sure that you practice any regular movements and develop your muscle memory to make sure you're doing everything in an optimally stable fashion.

Author Bio: Linda Watson is a Physiotherapist in Perth. She is an enthusiatic person and believes in keeping herself fit at all times. She isn't a great believer in the trend of body building and feels that improving core strength and muscle strength is extremely importantin order to avoid injuries. She also gives quality advice about fitness on her blog.

Antibiotic Resistance – The Real Threat for Next Generation

2013-03-02T18:39:00.000+06:00

Have you ever thought what antibiotic resistance is?
Do you know what could be the effect of taking antibiotics for a long time?

After reading the above two questions, a question may also arise in your mind – why you need to be concerned about antibiotic resistance? You need to know that antibiotic resistance is now considered as the real threat for our next generations. Improper administration and lack of proper knowledge about the fatal threat of antibiotics are now forwarding our next generations to the upcoming threat. As a result, it is an immense need that you must keep yourself concerned about the possible effects of resistance to antibiotics.

However, if you never heard the term antibiotic resistance or have less knowledge about the drug resistance fact, pay your full attention and carefully read this post to understand what antibiotic resistance is and the possible threat of antibiotic resistance.

What are Antibiotics?

Antibiotics are potential drugs that are frequently prescribed by physicians to kill or stop the growth of bacteria or microorganisms. It is usually prescribed, if your immune system is exposed to harmful microorganisms.

What is Antibiotic Resistance?

As I have mentioned above, antibiotics possess potential killing and inhibitory properties over bacteria and other microorganisms. When these microorganisms grow the ability to survive with the lethal doses of an antibiotic drug, it is called antibiotic resistance. More precisely, it is the loss of antibacterial properties of an antibiotic.

How Bacteria Grows the Ability of Resistance?

Image via Wikipedia

If you are not a medical professional or quite unfamiliar with the biological terms, it may be difficult for you to understand this mechanism properly. That’s why, I am writing this part in a non-academic style to make you understand the mechanism in an easier way.

The understanding of bacterial resistance to antibiotics will first require you to understand how antibiotics work. Usually, antibiotics kill or inhibit bacteria by inactivating or neutralizing an essential cell protein in bacteria. When bacteria become resistant to antibiotics, this essential protein is either removed or altered. Eventually, this changing in the essential protein of bacteria discourages antibiotics from attaching to the target site.

Over dosing of antibiotics and frequent consumption of antibiotics in diseases, where these drugs are not greatly required, are the major reasons for the bacterial resistance to antibiotics. You may know that from the beginning to the far end, every being in this world – either plant or animal – is going through and will go through continuous changing in genetic coding. The genetic material of bacteria is also going through spontaneous changing or mutation. As a result, these bacteria are not only upgrading with new genetic material but also improving their resistance to antibiotics. You need to know that these genetically altered bacteria are now preventing antibiotics from inactivating the specific protein. Many potential antibiotics have already lost their effectiveness over different gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. Tetracycline and drugs of the first-generation and second-generation penicillin are the greatest example of drugs that have already lost effectiveness over several gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria.

What are the Real Threats for Next Generation?

In fact, the bacterial resistance to antibiotics is due to random changing or spontaneous mutation in the genetic coding of the bacteria. In other words, it is an environmental or biological pressure for the bacteria to keep their existence from extinct. More frankly, if a bacterium fails to find out the survival techniques now, the next generation will obviously discover the techniques with improved genetic model. Consequently, the drugs that we are using now to kill or inhibit bacterial growth may not work in future.

As the bacteria are growing resistance to antibiotics, we need upgraded and more improved drugs to stop the bacterial growth in our body. Although, the scientific studies and researches are running in full throttle to discover new and improved antibiotics, but the antibiotic resistance is underlying a significant risk and danger to our next generation. As the potential drugs are losing effectiveness, misuse of these potential drugs may lead us to a day when we will not find any alternative to stop these bacteria.

Five Steps to Proper Foot Care

2013-02-27T19:50:00.000+06:00

Not many people realize how easy it is to come into contact with toenail fungus. You could easily get these funguses from someone else, if you have shared shoes or even walked barefoot where an affected person has walked. For this reason, it is important for you to take care of your feet on a regular basis. Accordingly, in this post, I have discussed five simple steps to proper foot care. Following these steps, you could easily keep your feet out of reach of funguses.

Washing your feet is necessary to proper foot care

Washing your feet properly will reduce your chances of getting toenail fungus and will help you keep your feet feeling fresh. You should wash your feet thoroughly every time you are in the shower. In addition, if you feel you have ever come in contact with someone who may have had a foot fungus, you should wash your feet right away. A little trick people use is when they wash their feet; they use epsom salts in the bath water or even in a foot spa. The epsom salt will help fight any pathogen lurking around. This is because pathogens can't live in an environment that has salt.

Avoid pedicures

Many people think that when they go to a salon to get a pedicure, that the salon's supplies are sanitized. The salon may claim they provide proper foot care. However, you are still taking the chance of microorganisms getting onto your feet. It's essential that if you really want a pedicure, you can either do it yourself, or make sure the salon will use your tools. If the salon refuses to use your tools, you should refrain from that particular place and find a salon that accepts your tools.

Avoiding gym lockers with bare-feet

Think twice before you go walking around a gym locker room floor without any socks and shoes. Because, these floors are filled with so many bacteria, funguses and other microorganisms and they could easily pass onto your feet. You may also get athlete's foot disease, if you walk on these floors with your bare-feet. Athlete's foot is very common, so you will want to do everything in your power to ensure you will not get this type of fungus.

Image via Wikipedia

Living with someone who has a foot fungus

If someone in your household recently has foot fungus, you may be freaking out thinking you will be doomed to get this fungus now. However, if you know the steps of proper foot care and apply them on a regular basis, you could keep yourself out of reach of these funguses. What you should do is use your own blanket, sheets, and towels for the time being. Also, make sure you are not walking around barefoot and they aren't either. Make sure they are doing something to get rid of this fungus. Every Time you take a bath or if you have a foot spa, make sure you apply some lemon or epsom salt to the water, it will work wonders to fight off the potential fungus if you have it on your feet.

How may you get rid of toenail fungus?

If you have toenail fungus, you may feel destined to have this fungus forever as it may seem like it will never go away. Many people have trouble getting rid of this fungus and keeping it away. However, there are many products available in market to proper foot care. You can buy these products over-the-counter. In addition, you can just use natural remedies such as previously mentions, lemon and epsom salt.

For Toenail Fungus Removal visit the clinic as soon as possible.

Natural Remedies Against The Motion Sickness

2013-02-14T22:02:00.000+06:00

Everyone hates motion sickness. Most of the times, it comes unexpectedly and stays for a while. Motion sickness can even come when you take any short trip on a car or by boat. That’s why you need to be prepared for the unexpected dizziness and fatigue symptoms. Small children are especially vulnerable to travel sickness. The symptoms would normally go away with age. If you’re tired or nervous you will be even more prone to getting the motion sickness.

Natural herbal remedies can help you in alleviating all these symptoms. Unlike the herbal remedies, a lot of motion sickness drugs may cause some side effects on your body. Ginger, liquorice, cayenne, catnip and black horehound are known for their medical qualities. So why not use the natural medicine for your advantage? All you need to do is to prepare a bag of natural medicine before the trip.

Valerian root

Valerian root is known for its soothing effect. It gently sedates your nervous system when you’re anxious. It can also alleviate travel anxiety that causes motion sickness. Root tincture is more effective than a dried root infusion. It would also help you fall asleep when on the plane.

Peppermint

Peppermint oils help in soothing your stomach. Have a cup of refreshing peppermint tea before the journey. You can also add a few drops of peppermint oil on your scarf or a handkerchief for the long road. The smell of the peppermint would calm you down.

Ginger

Just like peppermint, ginger has a soothing effect on your stomach. Chewing on a ginger root would definitely prevent any motion sickness symptoms. If you don’t like the taste of fresh ginger, then make some ginger tea and take it with you on a journey.

Chamomile

Chamomile will not only help you with a hangover, but also would ease your motion sickness pain. If you don’t like the bitter taste of the chamomile tea, choose a German brand of the tea – it has a milder taste.

Catnip

Catnip has a milder taste than peppermint. Your children would particularly like it. Volatile oil and tannins are the active elements of catnip. Its infusion would calm your nervous system down and reduce the travel sickness symptoms.

Liquorice root

Its anti-inflammatory qualities would deal with your motion sickness and fatigues symptoms. You can either take a liquorice tincture or a decoction before the trip. However, you should avoid taking it if you’re pregnant, or suffer from hypertension or diabetes.

Black horehound

Nice purple flowers of this herb would calm down your nervous system and help you in combating travel nausea and fatigue symptoms. The herbal infusion or a tincture of black horehound would make miracles when on a journey.

These simple herbal remedies would help you remain healthy when on a journey. A simple herbal tea or an infusion would soothe your stomach and alleviate the nausea. You can sweeten your herbal tea with a bit of honey, put it in the travel mug and enjoy the great taste when on the road. You can also put a bioband on your wrist to prevent any nausea. The combination of herbal remedies and bio bands would guarantee you a motion sickness-free trip.

Natural remedies against the motion sickness - This is a guest post by Ste Tasker.

Climbing the Pain Ladder: Understanding Pain Medications

2013-02-03T12:22:00.001+06:00

Managing chronic pain can be a confusing proposition for patient and physician alike. So many medications are now available to treat chronic pain that it can be a bewildering prospect to sort through which are helpful and which are not. Some patients believe that jumping right to opioid medications is the best way to treat pain, and some would not ever take opioids no matter how intense their pain became. For doctors, a system was needed to fully wring the most pain relief from available analgesics.

To address this need, the World Health Organization developed the pain ladder. This is a systematic approach to pain medications, their administration, and pain relief. It involves slowly increasing the amount of medications used, and it ends with the strongest opioids available. By working a patient up the pain ladder, doctors and patients can find the best cocktail that controls pain with the least amount of opioids used.

Learn more about Analgesics.

Non-Opioid Analgesics

Non-opioid analgesics are generally the medications found over the counter. For instance, the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as Advil and Aleve, should be used first when attempting to address a patient’s pain. Prescription strength alternatives to these over the counter NSAIDs, such as high dose ibuprofen, are also an important first step in the pain ladder. Some patients have great pain relief with these medications, but some experience no effect.

Learn more about Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).

Strong NSAIDs are also available by prescription, such as Celebrex and Voltaren, and are also part of this rung of the ladder. They can sometimes treat pain when others do not. Aspirin and acetaminophen should not be ignored, either, as they can help some patients with mild pain.

Adjuvant Analgesics

Adjuvant analgesics are the newest members of the pain ladder family. These are medications that are traditionally used for other conditions, specifically depression and seizures. Although the usage of these medications for pain is a new concept, researchers have been testing their efficacy as analgesics for a long time. For instance, the tricyclic antidepressants, such as amitriptyline, have been researched for decades for their usage against chronic pain.

Newer depression medications are also used for pain relief. In fact, Cymbalta is the first drug approved by the FDA for the treatment of chronic pain. Anti-seizure medications are helpful, particularly for nerve related pain. Gabapentin’s ability to treat peripheral neuropathy has been well documented, but recent drugs in this category, such as Lyrica, are even more effective as treatments. When these drugs are combined with a non-opioid analgesic, it can often control the manifestation of chronic pain.

Weak Opioids

Weak opioids are medications that have a small amount of narcotic medication in them, but they are usually combined pharmacologically with a non-opioid analgesic. Medications in this subset include codeine, Darvocet, dihydrocodeine, and Tramadol. These medications are generally prescribed for mild pain, but when they are combined with the non-opioid and adjuvant analgesics, they often completely relieve pain.

The weaker opioids have less risk of side effects, such as nausea, constipation, and sedation. They also have less risk of dependency, and this makes them attractive as treatment for chronic conditions. It is the combined effect of this medication with the previous two categories that forms a cocktail that is quite effective against moderate to severe pain.

Strong Opioids

Strong opioids are used when the previous medications fail to control pain. These medications include morphine, hydrocodone, oxycodone, and fentanyl, among many others. When prescribing these medications, the weaker opioid is replaced with the stronger one, and the non-opioid and adjuvant remain in place. This allows for the prescriber to use the least amount of the strong opioid as possible.

Of course, the usage of strong opioids has side effects. Many patients report feeling nausea, and the sedation is often severe. In addition, constipation is an important concern, because high dose opioids can slow down the gastrointestinal tract. This usually is addressed with stool softeners and laxatives. The possibility of dependency is greater with these medications, although it is less likely when they are taken as prescribed.

Climbing the Ladder

The pain ladder is used in a systematic fashion to achieve the best possible pain relief with the least powerful drugs. All pain patients are initially started with non-opioids. In fact, they may be self-medicating with them over the counter, but prescription strength NSAIDs should still be attempted for efficacy. If they do not work, then an adjuvant is added. Many adjuvants are specific to nerve pain, and they may not be helpful for other conditions. In addition, some adjuvants carry serious side effects, so they must be used with caution.

The next step is to add a weak opiate to the current cocktail. Some researchers question the usefulness of this step because many weak opiates are ineffective and carry the risk of certain toxicities. However, their low risk of dependency makes them a viable alternative before stronger opiates are used. The final step is to use strong opiates, starting out with very small doses. The dosage is then increased until the pain is controlled or the side effects are intolerable. This medication is generally used alongside the adjuvant and non-opioid to attack the pain from as many angles as possible.

This article was created by BASIC Spine which is a California based chronic pain management and surgical institute Founded by Dr. Ty. We specialize in helping people from all over the world with their pain and can provide answers to complex pain that other doctors are unable to diagnose.

FDA Warned Five Lasik Providers for Misleading Advertising and Promotions

2013-01-29T14:21:00.001+06:00

Last month (December 18, 2012), the U.S. Food and Drug Administration issued a new press release, warning five LASIK (Laser-Assisted in Situ Keratomieusis) providers to discontinue the misleading advertising and promotion.

According to FDA warning, the agency found that the following five provides were not providing sufficient information about the associated risks of Lasik surgery in their promotional tools and advertisements.

Furthermore, the agency reported that the above five providers were also lacking proper information about adverse events and warnings. According to the press release, the agency also warned these eye care providers about legal proceedings. The FDA might take legal actions like injunction, seizure and civil money penalties, if these providers do not make required changes in their advertisement and promotions.

You need to know that:

Lasik surgery can provide some serious effects to your eyes including dry eye syndrome, temporary loss of vision and symptoms of debilitating visual like starbursts, double vision, glare and halo.
Lasik surgery is irreversible and the outcome of this surgery may not always achieve the optimum results.
The agency also recommends that patients who want take the Lasik surgery must consult with a proficient eye care specialist about their expectations, associated risks and possible side effects of the surgery.

Disclosure: Sponsored

Boston laser is a pioneer Laser Eye Surgery Center based in Boston, USA. They also have braches in UK and Middle East. Over the past few years, the Boston laser Group has maintained an excellent reputation among their clients. The specialists of this eye care group have extensive clinical experience and sophisticated training in Lasik surgery. They have the best renowned eye surgeons to perform the surgery.

Dr Samir Melki MD PhD of this group is one of renowned eye surgeons in USA and UK. He is currently working at Harvard Medical School as a clinical faculty. In addition, he has a professional experience of conducting thousands of procedures on laser eye surgery. Lasik Boston (the Boston Eye Group) and Dr. Samir Melki is among the first eye care providers in New England to offer Femtosecond laser-Assisted Cataract Surgery.

Allergy Medications That Actually Work

2013-01-28T23:13:00.000+06:00

If you suffer from allergies, you know that you have a wide array of medications to choose from in order to prevent your allergies from starting and to cure any symptoms that you may have. Medications are available over the counter and in prescription form, and you can also choose from shots, oral medications and inhalers.

The effectiveness of allergy medications depends on the user. Some people believe that immunotherapy (allergy shots) are the only cure for allergies while others swear by the over-the-counter options. The reality is that almost all allergy medications are effective, but each has their own purpose. For example, some allergy medications will only cure certain symptoms, and other allergy medications may only be effective as a prevention and not to cure symptoms. So if you’re looking for allergy medications that actually work, the following are your best options.

Immunotherapy

The best option for allergy sufferers is the use of immunotherapy (allergy shots). Immunotherapy can only be performed by an allergist, and 90% of patients who receive immunotherapy have cured and prevented their symptoms. Immunotherapy is best for allergy sufferers that experience some type of rhinitis symptoms, including congestion, stuffiness and sneezing.

Nasal Sprays

Nasal sprays and inhalers are a great way to control most allergy symptoms, including sneezing, post nasal drip and congestion. Nasal sprays that contain steroids are best to cure symptoms that you already have to provide you with some relief. If you’re looking to prevent your symptoms from starting, the use of a nasal spray with antihistamine is your best option, but you should start taking it about two weeks before your symptoms tend to start.

Allergy Eye Drops

If your allergy symptoms include itchy or red eyes, the use of allergy eye drops can be a great way to treat this symptom. They contain different ingredients that can help you contain the itch and/or the red, but it’s important to note that they will only work to cure symptoms you already have.

Decongestants

If you suffer from nasal congestion or stuffiness, the use of decongestants can help to alleviate these symptoms. Decongestants will only work to cure the symptoms you already have, and they will not prevent any congestion or stuffiness from occurring in the future.

Antihistamines

Antihistamines are a great way to prevent symptoms of allergies. They’re one of the most popular medications for allergies, but they will only work to prevent symptoms from appearing. If you are already experiencing allergy symptoms, taking an antihistamine will not provide you with any relief. Instead, make sure to start taking your antihistamine a few weeks before allergy season starts in order to prevent your symptoms from starting.

Each one of these medications has been used to help cure or prevent allergy symptoms, but it’s important that you understand the purpose of each one if you want them to be effective. If you need to prevent symptoms, for example, you’ll want to use an antihistamine instead of a decongestant.

It’s important to remember that the best way to prevent your allergies is to take the necessary steps to prevent coming into contact with your allergen.

Travis Lee is a freelance writer and dog lover who often writes about how other pet owners can cope with dog or cat allergies with allergy medications.

What Vaccines You will need Before Visiting China?

2013-01-17T21:53:00.000+06:00

China is a large country with several climatic variations. If you want to visit China, it is necessary for you to update your routine vaccinations. The CDC (Center for Disease Control & prevention) recommends that you should visit a doctor who is a specialist in travel medicine. According to the CDC recommendations, it is best to visit a doctor at least four to six weeks before you leave your country. For the reason that if you are in need of taking vaccines or any other medicines, early appointment with your doctor will not only provide the time for vaccines to take effect but also it will allow time to start taking medicines to prevent any other infectious disease.

Vaccines needed for China

According to CDC, the recommendations for vaccine usually depend on the best available information on risk level. It is necessary for you to know that at any time, the risk level for vaccine-preventable diseases can alter. Although, China is not risk zone for Yellow Fever, but the Chinese government requires a proof of vaccination for Yellow Fever. However, this proof of vaccination requires only when you are transiting through a country that is in the high-risk area for yellow fever.

Routine Vaccinations

If you are up-to-date with your routine vaccines, it is not recommended. However, if you are not, a trip to China will require you to update your routine vaccinations. The routine immunizations include the vaccine of MMR (measles/ mumps/ rubella), the vaccine of DPT (diphtheria/ pertussis/ tetanus), Chickenpox (varicella) vaccine, Pneumonia vaccine, Influenza vaccine, etc.

Hepatitis A

The Hepatitis A vaccine is highly recommended for all itinerants who are over one year of age. You need to know that Hepatitis A is a viral infection and it might attack you through the food or water you intake, if you move to a high or intermediate risk area.

Hepatitis B

The Hepatitis B vaccine is also recommended for all itinerants moving to China. It is necessary for you to know that Hepatitis B is endemic in China and it usually spread through blood or body fluids such as vaginal fluid and semen. It might also affect you, if you are exposed to local medical treatment for blood transfusion. The CDC recommends that you should take extra protection (e.g. condoms), whenever you want to build a sexual relationship with a local people.

Typhoid

According to CDC, the recommendation for Typhoid vaccine may be optional, if you are on a short trip to China and maintain a healthy diet. This vaccine is especially recommended, if you have to visit rural areas or need to take food or water from outside a reputed restaurant or reputed hotels.

Polio

The Polio vaccine is recommended for those adults who have only taken a primary series in their lifetime with either OPV (oral polio vaccine) or IPV (inactivated polio vaccine). If you are one of them, you will need one single booster dose with IPV for the lifetime.

Japanese Encephalitis

As like typhoid vaccine, this vaccine is recommended for all itinerants who will move to the rural areas. It is especially recommended for children and adults who need to stay in China for more than three months.

Rabies

This vaccine is usually recommended only when you need to stay in China for a long-term and in rural areas, along with activities like camping, hiking or bicycling. You need to know that rabies usually spread through animal bites. For this reason, rabies vaccine is also recommended for those travelers who will be in contact with animals, especially cats, dogs or bats.

Vaccines Recommended for China (A Quick Chart)

Source: http://www.netdoctor.co.uk/travel/asia/china.shtml

Disclosure: Advertisement

I hope the above post will be helpful, if you are on a trip to China. In case, if you are new to China, you must use a map to navigate your position. I used to believe that it’s a good habit to carry a map whenever you are in a new place. Because, no matter how often you visit China, you cannot locate every place as like a local.

Chinamaps.org is a site with exclusive maps of China cities and provinces. This site provides the most comprehensive collections of China map with cities. You can easily navigate the site within half a minute. You will find maps of all major cities and provinces form the home menu. The maps are available in different sizes and you can easily download the most updated maps of China from here. You can also directly shop books of China maps from here.

Easy-Essay.org – An Alternative in Your Medical Essay Writing

2013-01-15T13:45:00.000+06:00

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What are the Functions of Neurons?

2012-12-20T13:18:00.002+06:00

If you are a medical student or studying subjects related to anatomy or physiology, you should know that neurons are the structural and functional unit of our nervous system. They are the essential part of the communication system in our brain. Neurons perform all the tasks (sending, receiving and processing) to maintain the communicative action in the nervous system. You need to know that our nervous system is surrounded by more than 100 million neurons and each neuron can receive information from thousands of different cells.

Learn more about Neurons

Basic Functions of Neurons

The basic function of a neuron is to process and transmit nerve impulses from and to the nervous system. Neurons can simultaneously receive and integrate stimuli (impulses) either from the body or other sources. They can interpret stimuli into a change in membrane potential. Using the conduction process, neurons can rapidly transmit this change in membrane potential over long distances. They can convert the action potentials (the electrical messages) into particular neurotransmitters (the chemical messages), and following the neurotransmission (or synaptic transmission) process, they also can deliver the chemical messages to target cells.

Functions of Different Types of Neurons

The sensory (afferent) neurons work as the receptionists for incoming stimuli towards the nervous system. They receive and integrate stimuli not only from the body but also from the environment. Using the conduction process, these neurons can simultaneously transmit the impulses to the central nervous system (CNS) for processing.
The interneurons or the internuntial (association) neurons are termed as the communication neurons. They work to establish connections not only between sensory and motor neurons but also between themselves. In addition, one of the major functions of these neurons is to transmit the processed impulses from the CNS to the motor neurons.
The motor (efferent) neurons transmit the nerve impulses to the effector organs (e.g. muscle tissues or glands). They control (both directly and indirectly) the movement of muscles in the body, including the movement of heart, kidney, liver, diaphragm, sexual organs and glands

Functions of Different Parts in a Neuron

If you have read my previous post (What is the Structure of Neurons), you might already know that most neurons have three distinct parts -- a cell body, an axon and multiple dendrites. Each part of a neuron performs specific roles to keep the communicative action of the nervous system active. The dendrites receive incoming impulses or electrical signals from other neurons. They also carry these signals to the processing area (the cell body) of the neuron. The cell body can simultaneously receive and integrate these signals. By interpreting these signals, the cell body generates action potential (i.e. a change in membrane potential) near the axon hillock. This action potential is then propagated along the axon as outgoing signal. When the action potential reaches axon terminals, the neurotransmission (a process by which signals send from one neuron to other neurons) begins.

What is the Structure of Neurons?

2012-12-19T14:09:00.000+06:00

The size and shape of a typical neuron is distinctly different than any other cell in the human body. The diameter of a neuron is between 5 and 150 µm.

As like most of the cells, most neurons composed of a cell body. The cell body is the core component of the nerve cell. It contains nucleus, cytoplasm and other organelles. The cell body of most neurons containing a euchromatic nucleus have found with a prominent nucleolus. This nucleolus contains finely dispersed chromatin. The cytoplasm of the cell body is composed of nissl bodies, golgi complex, neurofibrils, mitochondria, lysosomes and centriole. Unlike most of the cells, neurons also consist of two major parts, an axon and multiple dendrites.

Learn more about Neurons

Basic Structure of a Neuron

Typically, each neuron has multiple dendrites. They usually arise from the cell body and appear as the branches of a tree. Dendrites also contain cytoplasm. The composition of the dendrite cytoplasm is quite similar to the cell body. However, nucleus and golgi complex are absent in the dendrite cytoplasm.

Usually, neurons have only one axon. This is a branched process with a single, long or tail like structure. As like dendrites, this single structure also arises from the cell body. Usually, axon arises at the axon hillock, a short pyramid shaped region, of the cell body and terminates in twig-like branching called telodendria. Most axons are covered by a sheath of lipoprotein complex, called myelin sheath. The bulbous enlargement or the end of axon terminal called as terminal buttons.

You might also like:

What are Neurons?
What are the Functions of Neurons?
How does the Nervous System Work?

What are Neurons?

2012-12-16T23:06:00.000+06:00

The human body is consists of more than hundred billion cells. Among these cells, different types of cells are found to perform specialized tasks in the body system. In the human nervous system, the cells specialized for receiving, transmitting and processing of nerve impulses to and from the brain are known as neurons. They are the basic structural and functional units of nerve tissues.

Each neuron processes and transmits information in both chemical and electrical forms. Actually, neurons are the core component of the communication system in the human body. They receive electric signals from all parts of the body. Neurons translate these signals into specific neurotransmitters and deliver these neurotransmitters to target cells.

Structurally, as like other cells of the human body, a neuron is also consists of a nucleus, mitochondria, Golgi bodies, cytoplasm and cell membrane. Usually, most neurons have three distinct parts:

1. A cell body

2. An axon

3. Multiple dendrites

Learn more about Structure of Neurons.

You might also like:
What is the Structure of Neurons?
What are the Functions of Neurons?
How does the Nervous System Work?

What is the Treatment of Tuberculosis?

2012-11-22T02:40:00.000+06:00

Tuberculosis (TB) is a potentially severe infectious disease of our lungs, which is caused by a bacterium called as Mycobacterium tuberculosis or tubercle bacillus. Typically, in human body, this bacterium targets the lungs to attack. However, these bacteria can affect any part of your body too. The tuberculosis bacteria can easily spread from any individual with TB to a normal person.
For the reason that when a TB affected patient coughs, sneezes or talks, the bacteria travels through air in tiny droplets and infects any individual with weak immune system.

Treatment of Tuberculosis

The purpose of tuberculosis treatment is not only to cure the infected patient but also to reduce the transmission of the bacteria to normal persons. Except the latent TB, the treatment of tuberculosis requires a combination therapy to cure a patient. Usually, physicians use four different antibiotics to treat tuberculosis. The duration of this treatment usually lasts form six months to one year.

Isoniazid, rifampin, ethambutol and pyrazinamide are the most commonly used antibiotics in this treatment. These drugs are also known as first line tuberculosis drugs. According to WHO (World Health Organization), the standard regimens for TB patients should be continued for six months.

Isoniazid and rifampin should be continued on a daily basis for six months.
Ethambutol and pyrazinamide should be continued on a daily basis for the first two months.

This standard treatment regimen can be followed for both Pulmonary and Extrapulmonary tuberculosis. However, sometimes patient may need to follow a 12 months course for Extrapulmonary TB.

Drugs Used in the Treatment of Tuberculosis

First Line Drugs

According to WHO, five antibiotics (Isoniazid, Rifampin, Ethambutol, Pyrazinamide and Streptomycin) are considered as the first line treatment for tuberculosis. Previously, Thioacetazone was also considered as a first line drug. However, according to WHO's update in the 4th edition of "Treatment of Tuberculosis", this drug is no longer included among the first-line drugs.

According to the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine (published in 2003), the ATS/CDC/IDSA (American Thoracic Society/Centers for Disease Control and Prevention/Infectious Diseases Society of America) considered two new drugs (Rifabutin and Rifapentine) as first line drugs for special situations. The journal provided a new list of six drugs as first line drugs. Except streptomycin, the new list considered all the first line drugs by WHO. Streptomycin is excluded from the list due to high rates of bacterial resistance.

Internationally, a standard three-letter and a single-letter abbreviation have been used for naming all first-line anti-tuberculosis drugs.

Ethambutol is abbreviated as EMB or E, Rifampicin as RMP or R, Pyrazinamide as PZA or Z, Isoniazid as INH or H and Streptomycin as STM or S.

However, the regulatory authority of United States often uses different names and abbreviations for naming drugs. For example, rifampicin is named as rifampin and abbreviated as RIF and streptomycin is abbreviated as SM.

Second Line Drugs

Most often TB patients completely cure using the first line drugs. The second line drugs are considered as the reserved therapy for tuberculosis treatment. These drugs are often used in special conditions. When situations like resistance to first-line therapy, extensively drug-resistant tuberculosis (XDR-TB) or multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) arise, the second-line drugs are implemented for the treatment of tuberculosis. Currently, six classes of second-line drugs are using for the treatment of tuberculosis.

A standard three-letter, two-letter or a single-letter and in some cases, only two or three-letter abbreviation have been used for naming second-line anti-tuberculosis drugs.

For example, Kanamycin is only abbreviated as KM, Ciprofloxacin as CIP, Amikacin as AMK, Para Aminosalicylic Acid as PAS or P.

What to Expect from Chemotherapy?

2012-10-17T19:00:00.000+06:00

Chemotherapy is a treatment offered to cancer patients, which involves cancerous cells being attacked and killed. Chemotherapy is available in various dosage forms. It can be administered as a tablet or as an injection or infusion. A malignant tumour refers to the rapid growth of cancerous cells. When a malignant tumour forms in our body, the cancerous cells spread from the original tumour. As a result, new tumours are formed. In the past, any treatment offered to treat cancer labelled as chemotherapy. However, as alternative treatments have come to the surface, the chemotherapy concept has changed. In today's world, when people refer to chemotherapy they generally recognise as the treatment, which aims to kill cancerous cells. Among available cancer therapies, chemotherapy is completely opposite to targeted therapies (treatments that treat cancer in a different way than chemotherapy).

What you can expect from Chemotherapy?

Chemotherapy can be used in a variety of ways. Curative chemotherapy aims to cure cancer completely; whilst in other instances, the therapy can be used to make other treatments more successful, for instance, when used in conjunction with radiotherapy. Chemotherapy also helps to make conditions bearable, if the cancer has reached in an incurable, advanced stage. This is part of what is known as palliative care within chemotherapy and aims to slow the cancer's progression down whilst alleviating the patient's pain. In the treatment of cancer, sometimes a patient will undergo additional chemotherapy. This additional therapy is needed just to reduce the chances of the cancer relapse.

Whilst chemotherapy has helped scores of patients across the world to recover from cancer, the treatment itself can come with some setbacks. For the reason that the medications used in therapy could not differentiate between cancerous and good cells, meaning that cells that aren’t need to be attacked are destroyed. This can lead to adverse side effects, such as bacterial or viral infections, excessive tiredness and other sickness. Cancer patients also lose their hair due to adverse reactions by chemotherapeutic drugs, as the drugs potentially attack the fast-growing cells responsible for hair growth.

The side effects of chemotherapy can vary, and whilst some may find them to be mild, others may have more difficulty when undergoing them, with some finding the pain involved being extremely testing and severe. This explains why some patients opt out of the treatment, even though they knew that their lives are shortened as a result. However, once the treatment is finished, the majority of the side effects also conclude.

In terms of the future, doctors and scientists have continued to develop strategies to reduce the side effects of chemotherapy. One potential cancer treatment that has been worked on is a 'smart bomb', which involves only cancerous cells being attacked and healthy cells being left alone. Meanwhile, scientists in London recently unveiled a technique involving the blockage of oxygen-sensitive enzymes and combining PHD2 inhibitors with chemotherapy to make the chemotherapy more effective whilst keeping side effects to a minimum. It is said that leaking blood vessels can be responsible for inefficiency of chemotherapy, as they prevent such medications from reaching the cancerous cells.

Written by Kat Kraetzer
Author Kat Kraetzer is an experienced blogger and he has been working in the health-care industry for many years.

What are the Causes of Gynaecomastia?

2012-09-26T08:21:00.001+06:00

What is Gynaecomastia?

Gynaecomastia is a condition that can occur in men of any age. It results in the development of mammary glands and extra tissue forming around the nipples. Gynaecomastia can occur at any stage of a male’s life, although it is most commonly found in new-borns, during puberty, and in the elderly.

Possible Causes of Gynaecomastia

There is no single cause for gynaecomastia. While the symptoms are largely the same, the causes can vary, which is why it is important to see your GP if you are worried about any extra growth. Hormone imbalances, drug use (prescription or otherwise) and other conditions that affect the production of testosterone are among the many causes. While Gynaecomastia is treatable, it is not always obvious what the cause is.

In Infants

New-borns may have a certain amount of breast tissue due to oestrogen transference between mother and child. This may last a couple of weeks before the breast tissue reduces.

During Puberty

Hormone imbalances during puberty may cause some males to develop breast tissue. This is because of fluctuating hormone levels. All men produce a certain amount of oestrogen; however, their testosterone is usually high enough to prevent breasts from forming. If testosterone levels drop during puberty, breasts may become visible, though they will usually return to normal between the ages 16-18.

In the Elderly

As men grow older the body's production of testosterone begins to slow. With many older men not able to do strenuous exercise, body fat may begin to form, which in turn, increases oestrogen levels within the body and therefore causes breast growth.

Drugs (adverse effects)

Some prescription drugs used as diuretics or drugs for heart conditions can inhibit breast growth in men. Spironolactone (Aldactone), Digoxin and Furosemide (Lasix) are among the drugs that may cause gynaecomastia. Anabolic steroid use in body building can lead to pure glandular gynaecomastia.

Underlying Conditions

The development of breasts in males may be due to an underlying cause such as testicular cancer, which affects the testosterone levels. It is important to check for lumps regularly, especially if you develop breast tissue. If in doubt, visit your G.P.

Weight

Though not technically gynaecomastia, overweight males can gain extra fatty tissue in the breast area. Unlike gynaecomastia, this extra tissue can be burnt off by maintaining a healthy diet and getting plenty of exercise.

Treatment

As stated above, there are many cases in which the extra tissue will eventually disappear. For many people this area of men’s health may be relatively unknown, and the development of breast tissue can be distressing. Thus, it is important for you to visit a general physician just to discuss about the available options.

Breast reduction surgery is a procedure that involves the removal of any extra tissue in the chest area. The treatment is quick, but may result in scarring, uneven appearance or loss of sensation in the nipples. Reduction surgery is not available on the NHS unless there is a clear need for it, for example, if you have had gynaecomastia for a long time, or it is causing severe levels of distress.

There are also several drugs available to treat hormone imbalances, though this should be discussed with your GP.

Written by Kat Kraetzer
Author Kat Kraetzer is an experienced blogger and he has been working in the health-care industry for many years.

Disease of Male Reproductive System - Erectile Dysfunction Explained

2012-08-29T22:52:00.000+06:00

At some point during the course of their sexual lives, many men can experience problems with arousal or their libidos. For most, these are short-term complaints that rectify themselves naturally and without the need for medical consultation or treatment of any kind. However, for some, a problem such as erectile dysfunction can be a distressing, long-term issue that requires input from a qualified medical practitioner who can advise on the best course of action to take. Here are all the necessary facts on this condition.

What Exactly is Erectile Dysfunction?

Image via Wikipedia

Put simply, erectile dysfunction is a condition whereby it becomes difficult to get or maintain an erection within the bounds of normal sexual activity. It can be caused by periods of stress, psychological trauma or emotional upset, by physical ailments or illnesses that have recently occurred, or that are long-term issues for the patient.

This problem, while tending to be the reserve of the older man, can actually occur in much younger men too, particularly those who lead very stressful or busy lives with little time for rest and relaxation.

Diagnosing the Symptoms

An appointment with a qualified health practitioner or GP will include asking the patient what illnesses or conditions he may already been suffering from, or be being treated for.

Common complaints that contribute towards erectile dysfunction include cardiovascular diseases, stroke, hypertension, obesity and diabetes. In some cases, this condition may arise due to other physical conditions too. However, according to recent researches, this condition usually arises due to improper use of tonic medications.

Other factors to be considered should be whether the patient consumes excessive amounts of alcohol, is a regular or heavy smoker and if illegal drugs are taken on either an infrequent or frequent basis.

Matters pertaining to past and present relationships whether heterosexual or homosexual are also important to discuss. Emotional as well as sexual matters can play an enormous part in the matter of erectile dysfunction and talking about these can help in deciding the best form of treatment to take.

Tests and Routine Questions

Sometimes, erectile dysfunction can be sign of other underlying health problems, so a series of tests may be prescribed first to rule out conditions such as hypertension, heart problems or issues with being over or underweight. Blood sugars may be measured to check for symptoms of diabetes and questions may be asked about general lifestyle and dietary habits. As with many health issues, a diet that is high in processed, fatty, sugary or salty foods may contribute to a variety of illnesses and conditions which will need to also be ruled out.

An examination of the male sexual organs will also be carried out. This should be done to eliminate the possibility of any anomalies or abnormalities with the penis or testicles, which may be causing problems. One further check that may be required is for something called a “Digital Rectal Examination”, in which the GP will examine the patient’s rectum. This is a useful test to carry out if concerns are prevalent about the condition of the prostate gland, as it can detect whether the said organ is enlarged or not.

Treatment of Erectile Dysfunction

Once the causes and symptoms have been discussed, treatment can begin. There are a few different branded drugs that can be taken to help with this condition, namely Cialis, Levitra and Viagra (which also goes by the generic name of Sildenafil). A tablet like this can be taken around fifteen minutes before sexual intercourse and can provide relief from the symptoms of erectile dysfunction. If one of these medicines does not work for any reason, another one can be prescribed and tried.

Other treatments that do not involve drugs include penile implant surgery, in which a small pair of malleable rods is placed into the penis via surgical implantation. This offers a permanent solution to the problem by keeping the penis semi-rigid at all times.

A product such as an Erectile Dysfunction Vacuum can also be prescribed, which uses an acrylic pump and constraining band, which allows the blood to flow to the penis and for it to maintain an erection.

Finally, there are herbal remedies that can be purchased such as Ginseng, Ginkgo Biloba or Yohimbe Bark Extract which can all help with such issues. These are worthwhile to experiment with, but must be discussed with a GP fully before being taken, in order that contra-indications with other medications or drugs for erectile dysfunction can be ruled out fully.

It is always better that a patient discusses these matters with a GP and gets an appropriate prescription, rather than attempting to buy Sildenafil Citrate or any of the other main popular drug treatments online, unless the supplier is well known and reputable in every aspect.

How Asthma Affects the Body?

2012-08-29T06:15:00.000+06:00

What is Asthma?

Asthma is a reversible airway disease, suggestive to cause by a number of genetic and environmental factors. It can be defined as the common chronic inflammatory disease of the airways that creates shortness of breath and results in breathing difficulties for an asthmatic. The two major factors that causes tightening and swelling of the bronchial passages are:
1. Constriction - the contraction of the nasal muscles adjacent to the airways, and
2. Inflammation - the tenderness or redness, irritation and swelling of the bronchial pathways.

During an Asthma attack, breathing becomes more difficult for an asthmatic. This can sometimes lead to hospitalization, and in extreme cases, death may occur.

How Asthma Affects the Body System?

Normally, during respiration, the inner lining of our air tubes (airways) stays very thin, and the muscles surrounding these air tubes persist in relaxed and free mood. This helps the airways to open up widely and thus results in stress-free inhalation and exhalation from our body. However, when Asthma attacks, the respiration process does not perform in a normal way. The inner lining of the air tubes thickens due to inflammation, and the muscles surrounding these bronchial tubes tighten for constriction. This leads to the production of excessive sticky mucus and clogging in the bronchial passageways. As a result, when an asthmatic breath, the airways open up narrowly than usual and less air passes through the airways, which eventually results in stressful respiration process.

See Also
What are the Causes of Asthma?
Causes of Asthma in Children

Increased Risk of Bladder Cancer linked to Diabetes Drug Actos

2012-08-24T23:34:00.001+06:00

Taking medication often involves a balance between the benefits and the drawbacks. Most diabetes medication options do not come with a lot of serious side effects, but others turn out to have potential side effects or complications that need to be seriously considered. One example of this is the diabetes drug Actos. Although Actos has been used successfully for many years by patients with diabetes, it has recently come to light that this diabetes medication causes an increase in the risk of bladder cancer.

Actos is the brand name for pioglitazone, a medication intended for type 2 diabetes. This thiazolidinedione medication is designed to increase the body's sensitivity to insulin in order to maintain healthy blood glucose levels. Recently, a generic version of this diabetes medication became available. The drug is still under close scrutiny, as the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) awaits further study results on the link between Actos and bladder cancer.

Patients who have type 2 diabetes need to consider the following when it comes to Actos:

a) Any patient who has a history of bladder cancer or increased risk factors associated with bladder cancer should not take Actos, or should speak to a physician prior to taking Actos to make sure that it is safe to take.
b) The increased risk factors for bladder cancer development when taking Actos seem to appear after the drug has been taken for longer than one year. While some patients are able to continue using Actos for longer than one year, this is not advisable.
c) Patients who are taking this diabetes medication should be vigilant about watching for symptoms that are associated with bladder cancer. Watching for these symptoms is essential so that the patient can talk to their doctor about any symptoms they see. Some of the symptoms associated with bladder cancer include painful urination, increased urgency to urinate, red coloration in the urine or blood in the urine. If a patient experiences any of these symptoms while taking Actos, he or she should consult a physician as soon as possible to rule out bladder cancer.

It is essential that patients explore both the benefits and the risks when taking a diabetes medication such as Actos. While Actos can help to regulate blood sugar by making it easier for the body to process insulin, the long-term potential side effects must also be considered. Thousands of people affected by these complications have sought the help of an Actos lawyer to get justice against the drug manufacturer. There might be a better medication that can be taken to deliver similar results as Actos, especially in situations where a patient is already susceptible to bladder cancer or similar diseases. Make sure to keep an open dialog with an endocrinologist or a general physician when taking diabetes drugs to ensure that none is causing harmful or undesirable reactions over time.

Written By: Elizabeth Carrollton
Elizabeth Carrollton writes to inform the general public about defective medical devices and dangerous drugs for Drugwatch.com. For more information on the diabetes drug Actos, please visit http://www.drugwatch.com/actos/.

Affordable Care Act Has Immediate Impact on Physicians' Medical Practices

2012-08-24T10:08:00.001+06:00

Most physicians, if they had a choice, would prefer to clean up a soiled bedpan than spend any amount of their valuable time digging through medical codes in order to bill insurance for procedures they’ve performed or recommended.

Private practice doctors on average spend 8-10 years, prior to getting licensed, learning human anatomy, pathology, medications, and a host of other health-and-life saving information. However, their first exposures to the nitty-gritty details of running an actual business are usually unlike anything for which medical school could have prepared them: residents and interns are rarely handed business books during shifts in ER. It’s especially true when it comes to getting health insurance plan reimbursement, and that’s why most doctors employ administrative professionals to transcribe their medical charts, and still others to transform those transcripts into codes for insurance (including Medicare and Medicaid) billing.

In the United States, the 2010 Affordable Care Act legislation has introduced an urgent business necessity for private physicians to adjust to, in the billing and coding space. October 1, 2013 is the deadline for all health care providers in the USA to begin using the new “ICD-10” protocol for coding, which includes among other things:

1. Inpatient hospital procedures
2. Diagnosis coding, and
3. Procedure coding systems.

There are 155,000 codes in the ICD-10 series (which is well over 5 times as many as in the previous version, ICD-9), and most of these new codes cover widely performed procedures in greater detail/specificity than ever. Office managers, medical billers, and coding professionals are spending an average of 5 hours a week studying these new coding protocols, preparing for the quickly approaching deadline.

With that in mind, almost nothing within the new Affordable Care Act legislation has more immediate, short term impact on private medical practices than the new coding and billing compliance requirements. Of course, one could make the case that the availability of insurance to formerly uninsured patients, the changes in beneficiary aspects within Medicare, insurability rules, etc., will have an enormous effect on the health care industry as a whole, but in discrete practice, these aspects wouldn’t directly affect most physicians’ offices-- other than an increase in qualified patients. Most of those changes are still more than a couple of years away, as well. The ICD-10 coding changes, however, are currently increasing man-hours, costs, and directly affect state and federal business and licensing compliance regulations. In addition, it’s something the average patient/consumer is unaware of.

Doctors are in a rush to meet the deadline, and that directly affects the availability of medical services in most localities. If you know anyone uncertain about their future career, tell them to consider Medical Billing and Coding (and medical transcription), which are rapidly growing fields. There’s a definite shortage of qualified professionals. These are administratively necessary professions, people who get to be an integral part of the health care field… but they don’t have to clean any bedpans.

Written By: Brian Crouch
Brian Crouch is a writer and marketing manager at AllAlliedHealthSchools.com, living in Seattle, WA.

Hypertension | Definition, Classification and Treatment

2012-08-24T01:13:00.002+06:00

Hypertension

Definition of Hypertension

Hypertension may be defined as sustained increase of arterial blood pressure (BP) to different age and sex, where systolic blood pressure is more than 130-140 mm Hg and diastolic pressure is more than 85-90 mm Hg. It is the most common cardiovascular disease in humans.

Sustained increase in arterial blood pressure may decrease the blood vessels in kidney, brain and heart and increase the incidence of-
· renal failure
· coronary heart disease
· cardiac failure
· stroke

Classification of Hypertension

Based on the BP level, hypertension can be classified into four classes. They are:

1. Borderline Hypertension

Diastolic: 90-95 mm Hg
Systolic: 140 mm Hg

2. Mild Hypertension

Diastolic: 95-104 mm Hg
Systolic: 140-160 mm Hg

3. Moderate Hypertension

Diastolic: 105-120 mm Hg
Systolic: >140 mm Hg

4. Severe Hypertension

Diastolic: >120 mm Hg
Systolic: >140 mm Hg

Treatment of Hypertension

All anti-hypertensive agents act at anatomic BP control sites.

List of Frequently Used Anti-hypertensive Agents

1) Diuretics
• Decrease Na+ and leads to decrease in blood volume
• Thiazide, loop, K+ sparking

2) Peripherally acting agents
• Ganglion blocker, e.g. trimethophane
• Adrenargic neuron blocker, e.g. guanthidine

3)Vasodialators
Alpha1 blocks acting vasodilators Hydrolezire, Na-nitropruside.

4) Beta2 Adrenoceptor blocker
• e.g. Metoprolol, Atenolol

5) Centrally acting agents
• alpha2-agonist e.g. Clomidire

6) Angiotensive converting enzyme inhibitor
• e.g. coptopril, Lisinopil

7) Angiotensive receptor blocker
• E.g. Lasortar,Valsartar.

8) Ca++ Channel blocker
• E.g. Diltagem,verapamil.

Pharmacology of Anti-hypertensive Agents

(1) Diuretics

Diuretics are the drugs acts on nephron and lower the blood pressure by inhibiting reabsorption of electrolytes.
• decrease BP by depleting body Na+
• mild or moderate hypertension: diuretics alone are sufficient (e.g. thiazides)
• severe hypertension: more powerful diuretics used in combination with vasodilators (prevent volume retention and edema)
• diuretics enhance efficacy of ACE inhibitors

(2)Peripherally acting agents

a) Ganglion blocker
They block the autonomic ganglion and reduce BP by vasodilation, decrease nervous return and decrease cardiac output. Hence, sympathetically mediated vasomotor reflexes are inhibited.

b) Adrenergic Neuron-blocking Agents
• Decrease BP by blocking release of norepinephrine (NE) from postganglionic sympathetic neurons.
• Uniquely target to peripheral adrenergic neurone and inhibit the sympathetic function.
• Depletes NE concentrations leading to decrease in NE release.
• Used for patients with severe refractory hypertension.
• Side-effect is orthostatic hypotension.

(3) Vasodilators

• All vasodilators used in hypertension, relax smooth muscle of arterioles and lead to decreased peripheral vascular resistance, which leads to decrease in BP.
• Compensatory responses from baroreceptors and renin angiotensin system oppose the antihypertensive effect. Therefore, vasodilators work best in combination with other antihypertensive drugs (e.g. beta blockers and diuretics) that oppose the compensatory responses.
For Example:
Hydralozine– direct acting vasodilators, they cause arterial smooth muscle relaxation.
Na-nitropruside--- it causes arterial and various smooth muscle relaxations.

(4) Adrenoceptor Antagonists (alpha and beta-blockers)

They block adrenoceptor. They decrease myocardial contractility and cardiac output also decrease the level of renin.
a) Alpha blocker: e.g. Parazosine
b) Beta blocker: e.g. Propranolol, Metoprolol

(5)Centrally Acting Sympatholytic Drugs

• Decrease sympathetic outflow from vasopressor centers in brain. Stimulate alpha2 adrenergic receptor in the brain stem cells and results a reduction sympathetic out flow from the CNS.

Alpha2 agonist: Methyldopa and Clonidine

(6) Angiotensin-converting Enzyme (ACE) Inhibitors

They target renin angiotensive enzyme and inhibit the renin angiotensive enzyme followed by inhibition of angiotensive I and II. Studies have shown ACE inhibitors to be useful first line agents in all subsets of CHF patients i.e. a symptomatic to severe chronic failure.

(7) Calcium channel blockers (e.g. verapamil, nefidipine)

• Used in both long term and emergency treatment.
• Target block Ca++ channel in the cardiac and vascular smooth muscles.
• Inhibition of Ca++ influx into arterial smooth muscle cells leading to dilation of peripheral arterioles.

Causes of Asthma in Children

2012-07-27T00:37:00.001+06:00

If you have read my previous post (What are the Causes of Asthma?), you must notice from my post that the underlying causes of asthma are still not fully understood. However, recent researches have shown that environmental and genetic factors and several triggers are associated for developing asthma.

You need to know that this chronic airway disease can begin at any age, but most often starts in childhood. In most cases, symptoms of childhood asthma arise around the age five. Although, the causes of asthma in children aren’t dissimilar as compared with adults, but children face unique challenges.

Possible Causes for Increasing Asthma in Children

Today, more than 10% -12% of children in the U.S. are developing childhood asthma and this percentage is gradually increasing for unknown reasons. Though, it is not evident, but the “Hygiene Hypothesis Theory” provides some explanations for the dramatic increase of the percentage. According to the theory, over the past 20 years, the western lifestyle has changed rapidly, and the living condition has become more hygienic and sanitized. The use of antibiotics, vaccines and cleanlier lifestyle has created a germ free environment, which eventually preventing the spreading of disease and infections. As a result, most of the young children are not exposed to the disease and infections as children exposed in the past. So, the immune systems of these children are not getting the early “Kick Start” to fight against bacteria or viral infections. Accordingly, the theory suggesting increased sensitivity and overreaction of the immune system when facing allergens or airborne irritants. Thought, the theory is not proved yet, but many researchers believe that this can be one of the major reasons for increasing atopic conditions or asthma.

Factors and Triggers

Nowadays, researchers have identified several key factors and triggers for developing childhood asthma. A family history of asthma or other atopic conditions, low birth weight, premature birth, exposure to tobacco smoke, respiratory distress syndrome at birth, and frequent respiratory infections are all considered as the key factors for developing childhood asthma.

More details about the causes of asthma are described in my previous posts. Please read the following posts, if you want to know more about asthma affects, factors and triggers.

You might also like:
What is Asthma?
What are the Causes of Asthma?
How Asthma Affects the Body?

What are the Causes of Asthma?

2012-07-26T04:33:00.000+06:00

The chronic inflammatory disease of our airways is commonly known as Asthma. Although, the exact causes of Asthma are still unknown, but evidences can support that many factors are playing a part. However, a recent study done by Dr. Richard Locksley and his team suspected that asthma might be caused a compound named ‘Chitin’ (pronounced KI-tin), a common compound found in most of the highly allergenic organisms. Yet, the team is still researching on the compound to find out the root causes of asthma.

Factors and Possible Causes of Asthma

Genetic Factor

Many scientists believe that patient who has a parental history of asthma or other allergic conditions is more likely to inherit the disease. This inherited tendency to grow allergic conditions is known as atopic conditions. Patients with a family history of atopic conditions or asthma are more reactive to allergens as compared to normal persons. You need to know that almost all asthmatics develop allergic conditions, and these conditions often lead an asthmatic to develop airway inflammation (a major cause that triggers an asthma attack).

Environmental Factor

Our household environment plays an important role for developing asthma or asthma symptoms. Indoor pollutants like molds, cigarette smoke, noxious fumes, house dust mite and gas from stove can trigger an asthma attack.
Changes in weather are also a key environmental factor for arising asthma attacks and conditions. A sudden fall of temperature, cold air and windy cold air can lead to bronchial constriction, respiratory congestion and reduced mucociliary clearance. On the other hand, a sudden rise in temperature, hot and humid condition can also trigger asthma attacks.

Although, there are no exact causes of asthma, but several triggers like Infections, allergens and airborne irritants can stimulate an asthma attack.

Infections: Chronic infections, caused by cold and flu viruses, in our respiratory system (mainly, upper respiratory tract infections) are thought to be a vital factor for developing asthma or asthma condition.

Allergens: Molds, pollen, dust mites, cockroaches and animal dander (as an example, fur from cat or dog) can stimulate an asthma attack.

Airborne irritants: Exposure to atmospheric pollution, perfume, cigarette or wood smoke and chemical fumes can also trigger asthma conditions.

Read also to know about:
Causes of Asthma in Children
How Asthma Affects the Body?

How does the Digestive System Work?

2012-07-13T20:38:00.000+06:00

The Digestive System

The Digestive system is the main functional system in the human body. It helps to provide essential energy and nutrients in our body by performing ADME (Absorption, Distribution, Metabolism and Excretion) of the foods, drinks or anything we ingest. In other words, the digestive system is a series of responsible organs that help to produce energy and digest foods in a human body.

Organs of the Human Digestive System

Several functional and auxiliary organs are involved in the digestion of foods. Organs of the upper and lower gastrointestinal tract are directly involved in the digestion process.

Upper Gastrointestinal Tract: Mouth, Teeth, Tongue, Pharynx, Esophagus and Stomach.
Lower Gastrointestinal Tract: Small Intestine, Large intestine and Anus.

Liver, pancreas and gall bladder are called as the auxiliary organ of the Digestive System.

How the Digestive System Works?

When food enters into the mouth, it mixes with saliva. As the teeth break down the food into small particles, the saliva starts to dissolve the particles to form a watery mixture. The tongue then forces back these particles into the throat (pharynx). Particles in the pharynx stimulate the swallowing reflex. As a result, larynx is called upward to connect with the epiglottis and block off the trachea.
After that, the crushed food drives from the larynx to the esophagus, and travels down the esophagus by the peristalsis. As the peristaltic wave touches the esophageal sphincter, these particles enter into the stomach. The hydrochloric acid and other digestive enzymes break down the food into smaller pieces and releases nutrient. These smaller pieces are called chyme. From the stomach, they (chyme) pass through the pyloric sphincter, and enter into the small intestine (duodenum). In a digestive system, most of the tasks of absorption, distribution and metabolism are done in the small intestine.

The small intestine consists of three parts:

Duodenum
Jejunum
Ileum

Bile from liver and digested enzymes from the pancreas enters into the duodenum to aid in digestion. Absorbed nutrients pass from the lumen of the small intestine into the blood and lymph. Finally, the undigested particle from the small intestine goes to the ileo-cecal valve and moves into the colon or large intestine. The undigested residue passes through Cecum, Ascending colon, transverse colon, descending colon and sigmoid colon. The colon of our digestive system absorbs water, produces vitamins and mucous, forms stool and defecates feces. The rectum stores feces until nervous stimulation initiates defecation reflex resulting in elimination through anal canal.

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How does the Lymphatic System Work?
How does the Nervous System Work?

How does the Nervous System Work?

2012-03-15T17:24:00.008+06:00

The nervous system is the most complex system in the human body, which is surrounded by a network of more than hundred million neurons, assisted by many glial cells. This system is also called as the communication system of the human body.

Functions of the Nervous System

This system functions as an autonomous entity in the body. The main purpose of this system is to receive information from the outside world and the body itself to make appropriate responses.

How the Nervous System Works?

This system works by sending signals to other parts of the body. In fact, this communication system of the body permits fast and specific communication between broadly spaced parts of the body. These functions of the nervous system are done by the action of millions of dedicated nerve cells. These cells are called neurons, and they are the basic functioning cells of the nervous system. These cells not only gather and process information but also generate proper response signals to the every part of the body.

Learn more about Functions of Neurons

Each single neuron generating many specialized connections, called synapses, with other neurons and other cells in the body.
In actual fact, neurons are unable to run directly from the outer region to the brain. Synapses act as junctions for neuron cells, and they allow nerve impulses to be merged into one or divided up for neurons. They assist neuron cells by passing nerve impulses to targeted destination. Low frequency nerve impulses are also filtered out by synapses.

Learn more about Structure of Neurons.

Divisions of the Nervous System

Anatomically, the nervous system has two subdivisions –

1. Central Nervous System (CNS)
2. Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)

Functionally, the nervous system is divided into two systems –

1. Somatic Nervous System
2. Autonomic (Visceral) Nervous System

You might also like:
What are Neurons?
What is the Structure of Neurons?
What are the Functions of Neurons?

Resource and Further Reading:
Dr. Selim Reza (2001). Nervous Tissue and Nervous System. The Essential of Gross Anatomy and Histology, 10th Edition (pp 129-170). Dhaka: Essence Publications.

FDA Issued Warning on Several Proton Pump Inhibitors

2012-02-09T11:40:00.006+06:00

On 8th February 2012, the US-FDA issued a new warning on several popular proton pump inhibitors (PPI). The agency warned that the use of certain heartburn and acid reflux drugs might increase the risk of Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea (CDAD). In addition, the agency also suggested diagnosis of CDAD for patients who are taking PPIs and developed diarrhea that does not improve.

The FDA issued this safety announcement just after the review of reports from the AERS (Adverse Event Reporting System) and the medical literature suggested such a link with PPIs.

According to FDA's website, the warning applies to the following both prescription and over-the-counter PPIs:

1. Omeprazole
2. Omeprazole and sodium bicarbonate
3. Esomeprazole magnesium
4. Pantoprazole sodium
5. Rabeprazole sodium
6. Lansoprazole
7. Dexlansoprazole

Furthermore, you need to know that PPIs have already linked with several other adverse events, including arrhythmias, seizures, clopidogrel resistance, osteoporotic fractures, cardiac birth defects, and decrease in magnesium levels resulting in an increased risk of leg spasms.

The FDA safety announcement also reported that the agency has already started working with these drug manufacturers for modifying the labels to include the warning regarding increased risk of Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea.

Additionally, you need to know that Clostridium difficile (C. difficile) is a bacterium, which causes a serious diarrhea that rarely improve.

Symptoms Include:

a) Water like stool
b) Serious intestinal discomforts
c) Pain in abdomen and fever

What are Herbal Remedies?

2012-02-01T13:53:00.004+06:00

Herbal remedies can be described as the medicinal substances that are directly prepared from medicinal plants or plant extracts for healing purposes. This medical practice also illustrates the ancient medical knowledge practices that were developed over thousands of year ago under a variety of cultures before the age of modern-day Allopathic or Homeopathic medicine begins.

From ancient times to today, these remedies have been used for various therapeutic purposes. In addition, herbal remedies are very popular in non-industrialized societies and they usually uses these remedies in treating sexual problems, acne, pain, gout, migraines, hair loss problems, mental disorders, overweight problems, diabetes and high blood pressure.

Presently, as like pharmaceuticals, they are available in various dosage forms (mainly, tablet, capsule and syrup) in the market. They are also sold as powders, extracts and fresh or dried plants. However, they are not available as injectable and ophthalmic preparations. In addition, according to health regulatory agencies, herbal remedies are mainly regulated as dietary supplements.

Myths and Facts about Herbal Medicines

2012-01-25T20:09:00.012+06:00

Today, many of us believe that herbal medicines are safe and effective for health. In addition, many of us also believe in several myths about herbs. However, according to recent studies, several issues are associated with safety and effectiveness of these medicines. Accordingly, I want to discuss in this post about the myths and facts of herbal medicines.

Herbal Medicine

Herbal medicine can be described as the medical knowledge practice that uses herb or herb extracts for therapeutic purposes. In addition, these medicines include herbs, herbal preparations, herbal materials and finished products containing parts of plants or other plant parts as main constituents. This medical practice is also known as "natural medicine", "phytomedicine", "botanical medicine" and "traditional medicine".

Myths and Facts Related to the Common Misconceptions

Several myths and facts are related to the common misconceptions about herbal medicines. Among these misconceptions, some are summarized below.

1. Many of us still believe that herbs are not drugs, it's natural. In addition, many people also believe that medicines, which are prepared from herbs or herbal extracts, must possess magical therapeutic properties with no side effects.
2. Most of the herbal companies advertise that herbal products are organic, for this reason they possess superior therapeutic benefits than laboratory-produced medicines. In addition, they also advertise their products as natural with no undesirable side effects.
3. These medicines are OTC (over the counter) products in most of the countries, and there are no strict guidelines for the preparation and administration of these products.
4. Still limited scientific studies have done to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of these medicinal products.

As a result, many consumers are not concerned about the adverse effects of herbal medicines. Consequently, they still have misconceptions about herbal products and still prefer these medicines rather than modern allopathic medicines.

You might also like these posts:
Are Herbal Medicines Safe for Health?
Role of Traditional Medicine in Human Society
What are Herbal Remedies?

Why Vitamin and Mineral Supplements Are Essential to Your Body?

2012-01-10T23:31:00.008+06:00

Vitamin and mineral plays an essential role to the human body. Although, you can easily get these minimum required substances from your daily food intakes with a balanced diet, but for some reasons you may need vitamin and mineral supplements. Accordingly, in this post, I want to discuss who needs these supplements and why these substances are essential for you.

Who Needs Dietary Supplements?

If you are normally healthy and consume a variety of nutritional foods, including vegetables, whole grains, fruits, lean meats, fish and fiber containing products, you do not need to take nutritional supplements. However, if you are unable to fulfill your daily necessities of vitamins and minerals from your daily calorie intakes, vitamin and mineral supplements may be beneficial for you to get proper nutrients.

In addition, according to mayoclinic, if you consume less than 1,600 calories per day or you are a vegetarian and only consume meals with limited variations, you may need those extra supplements. Alternatively, age also plays another significant role for creating these requirements of supplements. If you are older than fifty years, your body may lose the ability to absorb the vitamins like B12 from your daily meals. As a result, you may need to take dietary supplements containing vitamin B complex to fulfill the nutritional requirements of your body.

On the other hand, these supplements are necessary in several other health or medical conditions. As an example, iron supplements help to overcome heavy bleeding during the menstrual period of women.

Why Vitamins and Minerals Are Essential to Your Body?

Essentially, vitamins and minerals accelerate our usual growth and development, enhance the immune system, and help our organs and cells to work appropriately. In fact, vitamins and minerals aid to keep your body healthy and stronger. According to most recent Dietary Guidelines, you need to have vitamins and minerals in your regular diet, because the deficiencies of vitamin and mineral can lead you to several nutritional disorders like osteomalacia, kwashiorkor, marasmus, mental retardation, growth retardation, keshan disease, pellagra, goiter, anemia, rickets, tetany etc.As an example, you may know that potent antioxidant Vitamin E is one of the essentially required antioxidants for our body. According to Dietary Guidelines, the average required dose of vitamin E in adults is only 15 IU (International Unit) per day. However, you need to know that the Vitamin E deficiency can cause you skeletal muscle, pigmental retinopathy, and hemolytic anaemia like diseases. In addition, according to recent studies, the deficiency of Vitamin E also plays a key role for baldness (androgenic alopecia).

Role of Traditional Medicine in Human Society

2012-01-05T20:49:00.008+06:00

The Traditional medicines are playing an important role in human society from the past centuries. Traditional medical practice illustrates the medical knowledge practices, which improved more than centuries ago within a variety of societies before the era of modern Allopathic or Homeopathic medication begins. Ayurvedic medicine, traditional Chinese medicine, Unani, herbal, African Yoruba Ifa, Muti as well as many other ancient medical practices from all over the world included in these medicines.

Historically, at the end of the twentieth century, a number of traditions came to dominate the practice of traditional medicine. Among all, the herbal medicine system of Ancient Greek and Ancient Roman sources, the Ayurvedic medicine system from India, traditional Chinese medicine, Unani-Tibb medicine and Shamanic Herbalism were the most dominant at the end of the twentieth century.

Key Contributions to Modern Medicines

The fundamental concepts of Modern allopathic medicine have developed from traditional (Unani and Ayurvedic) medicines.
About fifty-five percent of present Allopathic or Homeopathic medications, which are using in the world, derived from plant or herb sources.
Roughly 40% of plants provide active ingredients for modern drugs or medicines, and because of their use in traditional medicines, they came to the interest of researchers.
More than 120 active ingredients presently isolated from the medicinal herbs.
More than 8,000 active ingredients in the present pharmacopoeias extracted from plant sources.

Who Uses Traditional Medicine?

Among non-industrialized societies, the use of herbs to heal disease is almost universal. Peoples from countries in Latin America, Asia, and Africa are still using herbal products to fulfill their regular health related necessities. As an example, nearly 75-80 percent of the population in Africa uses traditional medicine to fulfill their basic health related necessities. Another attention-grabbing thing is that presently, in United States, up to 158 million peoples use complementary medicines in their primary health related necessities.

Which Discipline Studies Traditional Medicines?

Ethnobotany, ethnomedicine, and medical anthropology have included as the basic disciplines, which study these medicines.

Present Status of Traditional Medicines

In recent years, the use of drugs or medications as well as search for new drugs and dietary supplements derived from traditionally used plant sources have accelerated much. As a result, many researchers are studying and investigating on herbal remedies to find out the proper remedial uses along with pharmacological effects.

Safety Issues

Moreover, according to WHO (World Health Organization),Over hundreds of countries have regulatory systems for herbal medicinal products. However, WHO also warns that the scientific data from experiments done to analyze the safety and efficiency of traditional or herbal medicinal products and practices is insufficient. As a result, WHO recommends consulting with physicians before taking these medicines.

Read my article Are Herbal Medicines Safe for Health? to know more about the safety issues.

Are herbal medicines safe for health?

2012-01-01T21:24:00.005+06:00

Many people have a common misperception that herbal medicines or herbs are not only safe for health, but also herbal side effects are nil. However, is that so? In reality, after researching on these medicines, I just found that the real fact is something else. Although, in many cases, it seems that herbs are beneficial for health, but most of these cases don't ensure the safety and effectiveness of herbs. Accordingly, I want to discuss in this article concerning the real facts of herbal medicines.

What is herbal Medicine?

Herbal or botanical medicine is a type of medicinal practice that is based on the exercise of herbs and herb extracts. This medicinal practice is the oldest but most widely used in all cultures and societies. In addition, herbal medicine is also known as “traditional medicine”, “botanical medicine”, “phyto medicine” and “natural medicine”.

Why People Have Misperceptions About Herbal Medicines?

In fact, after reviewing several forums on this medical practice, I found that there are several interesting reasons for having misperception.
Firstly, many still people believe that herbs are safe for heath and if a remedy came from herbs or herb extracts, it must be harmless and safe.
Secondly, most of the manufacturer of these medicines advertises their products as natural substances and they also advertise that herbal possess no side effects.
Thirdly, in many countries, most of these medicines are available as OTC (over the counter) product, and there are no strict guidelines for the preparation and administration of these products.
Finally, the safety and effectiveness of these medicinal products are not ensured to common people.

Why Use of Herbal Medicine Could Be Harmful to You?

If you are thinking of taking herbal medicines, it is necessary for you to know that these products can cause risky and serious side effects to the user's body. According to a published article of World Health Organization (WHO), herbal side effects are often caused if:

the herbal remedy is administered inappropriately
administered in combination with other medicines
the therapy or product lacks desired quality.

In addition, according to several studies, many of these medicinal products can cause dangerous drug-drug interactions with modern allopathic medicines as well as with other herbal remedies. Further, these herb-drug interactions could alter the efficacy and bioavailability of the prescribed medications.
Moreover, you need to know that, with only a few exceptions, most of these medicines are not experimented for safety and effectiveness through clinical trials or studies. As a result, many researchers said that herbal medicines could cause serious side effects. In addition, according to the scientific and medical community, these medicines may danger the life or well-being of the consumer when administered instead of allopathic medicines.
In conclusion, you need to know that WHO recommends consulting with physicians before taking herbal remedies. Because, you need to make sure that the medicine or herb you are taking into consideration is safe for use, or will not cause any side effects and safe to use in combination with other allopathic drugs.

The First Actos Lawsuit over Bladder Cancer Filed

2012-01-01T02:22:00.005+06:00

Thousands of Actos lawsuits over bladder cancer are likely to be filed in the federal courts by patients who were used to with the diabetes medication, and hundreds of Actos lawsuits are already following leading anti-diabetic drug manufacturer Takeda Pharmaceuticals, according to Associated Press.

This impending flood of filing Actos lawsuits in several states of America began, when the US-FDA issued a warning about Actos and bladder cancer in June 15, 2011. This FDA safety announcement informed public and healthcare professionals that use of Actos for more than a year might lead patients to greater risk of developing bladder cancer. For this announcement, FDA reviewed data from a five-year analysis of an ongoing ten-year epidemiological study. In addition, this review showed that patients who were taking Actos for longer than 12 months developed the risk of bladder cancer up to 40% compared to patients who never being exposed to Actos.

After this safety announcement from FDA, in August 2011, the first Actos lawsuit over bladder cancer was filed against the manufacturer (Takeda Pharmaceuticals) and co-marketer (Eli Lilly Pharmaceuticals) on behalf of a woman named Nancy Rios, 54, and she filed her Actos lawsuit due to recurrent bladder cancer. She stated that she was using this drug to aid in type II diabetes mellitus for more than a decade, and first diagnosed with cancer in 2009. In her lawsuit, she also stated that she had her second operation to remove bladder tumors in June, and she was anxious that she might lose her bladder.

She alleged that both the manufacturer and co-marketer are legally responsible for improperly warning patients and doctors about the possible risk of developing bladder cancer with Actos.

However, this suspected drug of Takeda pharmaceuticals got approval from the US-FDA in July 15, 1999, and soon after approval, Actos became one of the highly recommended drugs by physicians due to its cardiovascular safety profile as compared with its class member Rosiglitazone (Avandia).

According to Associated Press, when another popular drug of type II diabetes mellitus (Avandia) was restricted in U.S. market and withdrawn from Europe for developing the increased risk of heart attacks, Actos became the no. one diabetes pills in terms of diabetes medication sales. Despite, On August 14, 2007, the US-FDA informed that all the Pioglitazone containing products (Actos, ACTOplus met, ACTOplus met XR, and duetact) of Takeda Pharmaceuticals might cause or exacerbate congestive heart failure, but it didn’t affect on sales of Actos. In addition, the sales of Actos mounted from roughly $2.9 billion in 2006 to over $4.3 billion previous year.

Nevertheless, the huge sales of Actos jump down this year when the two European country France and Germany suspended sales of the drug in their market. This decision was based on the results of an epidemiological study. The epidemiological study followed approximately 155,000 Actos users over a three-year period between 2006 and 2009, and the study found an increased risk of bladder cancer with the long-term use of the medication.

These articles might also interest you:

Story about this post:

This particular post on actos bladder cancer was written while I was in a contractual project with PH Law Firm. Based in Seattle, Washington, this law firm is specialized in handling personal injury and wrongful death cases.

France and Germany Suspended Use of Actos for Bladder Cancer Risk

2012-01-01T02:19:00.004+06:00

In June 2011, Actos (Pioglitazone HCl), the most widely prescribed diabetes medication in the world was suspended by the drug regulators of both France and Germany due to the increased risk of bladder cancer with the medication.

This suspension was based on the results of an epidemiological study conducted by the French National Health Insurance. According to the results of the epidemiological study, the French agency found that patients, who were taking Actos for a long time to aid in type 2 diabetes mellitus, significantly increased risk of bladder cancer compared with patients who were taking other diabetes medications.

The regulators of both two European countries also suggested that patients who were prescribed Actos should continue taking the drug until their physicians recommends other alternative drug, because sudden stop of treatment could be dangerous for their health.

On the other hand, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the European Medicines Agency (EMA) still permitted the manufacturer to continue sales of the medication until further review of data about Actos bladder cancer risk completed. However, the FDA informed healthcare professionals to stop prescribing Actos in patients who already have active bladder cancer, and exercise caution in patients with previous record of bladder cancer.

The French epidemiological study followed approximately 1.5 million patients around a period of three years between 2006 and 2009, and they found an adjusted hazard ratio of 1.22 for bladder cancer risk. The results of this study also illustrated hazard ratio for cumulative dose and longest exposure with the drug. An adjusted hazard ratio of 1.75 was found in patients with the cumulative dose greater than 28,000 mg, and patients with longest exposure (more than a year) of the drug showed a hazard ratio of 1.34. However, the study indicated a significantly increased bladder cancer risk in males (Hazard Ratio [HR] 1.28) compared with females.

Following the results of the study, the Agency for the Safety of Health Products of France first suspended sales of Actos in their market on June 9, 2011. After the announcement of AFSSAPS, on June 10, 2011, the Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices of Germany announced to follow suit with the results of the French study. The German federal agency recommended that physicians should not prescribe Actos to the new patients until further clarification about Actos bladder cancer risk released.

Shortly after the suspension from the two giant European country, on 15th June 2011, based on the data of a five-year short-term analysis from a planned ongoing ten-year epidemiological study, the US-FDA informed public and healthcare professionals that the use of Actos for longer than 12 months might increase the risk of bladder cancer in patients.

Although, the US-FDA didn’t ban Actos from the U.S. market, but the agency recommended addition of the Actos bladder cancer risk in the labeling and patient medication guide of Actos. Nevertheless, this information will warn patients about the possible risk of developing bladder cancer with the drug.

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Increased Risk of Bladder Cancer Puts Actos in Legal Challenges

2011-12-07T02:18:00.009+06:00

Actos (Pioglitazone), the most widely used diabetes medication in the world, is now facing multiple legal challenges due to the recent warning about the risk of developing bladder cancer with the drug. According to several recent reports, the litigation involving the type II diabetes medication is now heating up. Personal injury attorneys are anticipating hundreds of Actos bladder cancer lawsuits will likely be filed in the upcoming months on behalf of bladder cancer victims.

The filing of lawsuits in United States began just weeks after the FDA announcement issued in June 2011 concerning Actos bladder cancer risk. According to a recent report, more than 25 Actos bladder cancer lawsuits have already filed against the manufacturer (Takeda Pharmaceuticals) in different federal district courts so far this September. Moreover, according the requests from the Actos bladder cancer affected patients, personal injury lawyers are now predicting thousands of lawsuits may be filed before the end of the year.

The first Actos bladder cancer lawsuit was filed on behalf of a woman named Nancy Rios, a 54-year-old hospital secretary who filed her lawsuit due to her recurrent bladder cancer for Actos use. She was using the drug for nearly a decade. She was first diagnosed with bladder cancer in 2009, and had her second operation to remove bladder tumors in this June, according to a recent report of Associated Press. In addition, she was worried about her medical expenses and missing more work in future. She also stated that she could lose her bladder and perhaps need chemotherapy for her cancerous tumors.

Rios alleged in her lawsuit that the manufacturer (Takeda Pharmaceuticals Ltd.) failed to adequately research their medication, and liable for not properly warning patients and doctors about the possible risk of developing bladder cancer with the long-term use of the medication.

Furthermore, A petition was filed in late august for consolidation of Actos bladder cancer lawsuits in a multidistrict litigation. According to a recent report, Plaintiffs Glen and Nina Weant, who filed the petition on August 31, requested to consolidate all Actos bladder cancer lawsuits in different federal courts before Judge G. Patrick Murphy for coordinated managing during pretrial litigation. However, the plaintiffs particularly requested to transfer all the federal Actos lawsuits to United Sates district court for the district of Illinois (southern).

The FDA approved Actos in July 1999. It is usually prescribed as an adjunct to diet and exercise in individuals with diabetes mellitus type 2. According to the patient medication guide, Actos usually works by reducing insulin resistance in user’s body, and helps by increasing insulin sensitivity in user’s cells.

Actos became the no. 1 diabetes pills in recent years. According to Associated Press, Actos took the number one position when a rival medication, Avandia (Rosiglitazone) banned in Europe and restricted in U.S. market due to its serious cardiovascular complications. However, a big sales drop this year as suspicion grows about the risk of developing bladder cancer with Actos.

Reportedly, market researchers now started to believe that this bladder cancer risk could spell the ending for a once very promising Type II diabetes medication.

Story about this post:

Actos Lawsuit -- Actos bladder cancer Litigation

2011-12-07T02:15:00.011+06:00

Recent studies have shown that Actos is associated with an increased risk of bladder cancer. According to US-FDA, patients taking Actos for more than a year may develop an increased risk of bladder cancer. In addition, FDA’s review of five-year interim evaluation data showed that patients who took Actos for more than a year were shown to develop an increased risk of bladder cancer up to 40% compared with diabetes patients who never took Actos. Moreover, the regulators of France and Germany have already banned Actos in their market.

However, legal help is available for those people who have developed bladder cancer for consuming Actos. Because the manufacturer (Takeda Pharmaceuticals ltd) may be liable for improperly warn people about the risk of developing bladder cancer. For this reason, Actos users may be able to seek compensation for medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering through an Actos lawsuit. Furthermore, according to ABC news, a woman has already filed an Actos bladder cancer lawsuit, and more than hundreds are now under processing by Actos lawyers.

Who Can File an Actos Lawsuit?

If you want to file an Actos lawsuit, you need to know that most of the drug injury lawsuits are connected with complex legal processes, which requires an extensive legal understanding, a detailed inquiry of medical reports, acknowledgment by top scientists and physicians plus considerable resources to fight against giant pharmaceutical companies.

To seek compensation for your bladder cancer, you will be required to show definite conditions. As an example, you have to show verified medical reports, which must establish that Actos has potentially affected your body, and you have been regularly consuming this drug for two years or more. For this reason, at first you need to make sure that you are entitled for filing an Actos lawsuit, and for your eligibility, you must consult with an attorney who has extensive experiences in handling similar cases.

Actos Bladder Cancer Compensation for Injuries

According to Mayo Clinic, the recurrence rate of bladder cancer is very high, and some patients may need to undergo surgeries couple of times. For this reason, though most of the drug injury lawsuits are different, but you may be able to seek compensation for the following:
· Medical bills
· Future medical bills
· Lost wages
· Future lost wages
· Pain and suffering
· Future pain and suffering
· loss of consortium
· Retire early damages
· Lost earning capacity

Contact Us to Know about Your lawsuit’s Expiration Period

You need to know that every lawsuit has a time limit or Statute of Limitations (the effective date to expiration date in which you have to file your lawsuit), and it varies from state to state in United States. As an example, the statute of limitations rule in New York is strict three-year from the date of an individual’s injury. Therefore, do not waste your valuable time in thinking of filing an Actos lawsuit, because if you wait too long, you will definitely lose the chance to recover your damages. Contact us immediately for a free case evaluation, and also to know about lawsuit’s expiration period.

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Analgesics | What Are Analgesics and How They Are Classified?

2011-11-02T16:40:00.009+06:00

What Are Analgesics

Analgesics (also known as painkillers) are a class of drugs that are generally used to reduce or relieve pain (an unlikable emotional and sensory experience in a human body linked with potential or actual tissue damage, or expressed in terms of such damage.) from a human body. The term “Analgesic” is derived from two Greek words – (1) an ("without") and (2) algos ("pain").
In other words, an analgesic is a medicinal agent, which relieves or reduces pain by heightening the threshold level in a body, without hampering consciousness or varying other sensory modalities. In short, therapeutic substances that diminish or reduce pain are termed as analgesics.

Classification of Analgesics

Drugs that are included in analgesics work in diverse ways to diminish or relieve pain. They act mainly on the central and peripheral nervous system. Narcotic drugs such as pathedine, synthetic drugs such as ketorolac, the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as the salicylates (aspirin), and a variety of drugs are included in analgesics. However, there are a few exceptions too. For example, tri-cyclic antidepressants and anticonvulsants are frequently used to treat neuropathic pain syndromes, but these drugs are not considered in analgesics.

Based on the narcosis properties of the analgesic drugs, analgesics can be classified into the following groups.

Narcotic

The narcotic analgesics are the agents that cause sleep or loss of consciousness (narcosis) in conjunction with their analgesic effect. In other words, drugs that directly act on central nervous system (CNS) to relieve pain are termed as narcotic analgesics. In addition, the term narcotic becomes associated with the addictive properties of opioids and other CNS depressant agents. The opiates and the derivatives of opiates (i.e. opioids) are the most frequently used narcotic analgesics. For this reason, in United States, these analgesics are also known as opioid analgesics (e.g. morphine, codeine, pathedine, etc).

Learn more about Weak and Strong Opioids.

Non-narcotic analgesics

The non-narcotic analgesics act peripherally on the nervous system to reduce pain. Excluding the analgesic effect, the non-narcotic analgesics usually have two other properties (antipyretic and anti-inflammatory effects). Unlike narcotic analgesics, drugs of this class do not cause physical dependencies and narcosis. However, most of the drugs in this class are gastric irritant. For this reason, physicians generally recommend an antacid or anti-ulcerent when prescribing these drugs. Most often, these drugs are used in the management of mild to moderate pain. Usually, they are available as OTC (over the counter) drugs in most drug stores.

Learn more about How the Nervous System Works.

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID)

Another class of analgesic drug is the NSAIDs or the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Drugs of this class not only show chemical dissimilarities but also vary in their analgesic, antipyretic and anti-inflammatory properties. These drugs work principally by inhibiting the COX1 and COX2 enzymes. However, they do not act on the lipooxygenase enzymes. Aspirin, the most widely used analgesic, is a prototype of this class.

Published on: November 02, 2011
Last Updated: January 01, 2013

Chinese Tea for Weight Loss

2011-10-08T15:42:00.015+06:00

There are countless supplements on the market for weight loss, and most of these products are advertised as the best supplement to diet or weight loss. However, in reality, there are only a few have proven effective to lose weight. Among the few effective supplements, Chinese tea for weight loss has gained popularity all over the world. Because, this natural supplement will not only aid you to trim down your weight, but also it will provide you several other health benefits.

How Chinese tea works for weight loss?

Chinese teas are obtained from the fresh leaves and leaf buds of Camellia sinensis plant. These teas contain more than 500 chemical compounds. Chinese teas are enriched with antioxidants, vitamins and minerals. Polyphenols, these antioxidants are frequently found in Chinese tea, and one of the potent polyphenols is catechins that will particularly inhibit weight gain in your body by boosting your metabolism and promoting the thermogenesis effect. You need to know that antioxidants protect you from free radicals and decrease the threat of several diseases, including cardiac diseases, certain skin cancers, diabetes, high blood pressure and rheumatic arthritis.

Chinese tea contains several vitamins and minerals, including Vitamin E, Vitamin C, Vitamin B3, Beta-carotene, Niacin, Folic Acids, Iron, Calcium, magnesium, potassium, copper and many more. These potent vitamins and minerals are important in lowering your cholesterol levels, reducing blood sugar and strengthening your immune system.

Aside from containing antioxidants, vitamins and minerals, Chinese tea also contains caffeine, tannin and saponin. You need to know that caffeine is psychoactive stimulant and when you consume caffeine, it slightly increases the basal metabolic rate. Tannins are another important agent found in Chinese tea, because several recent studies suggested that tannins work as an anti-cancer agent in our body. Chinese tea also works as the antibiotic and anti-inflammatory agent due to the presence of saponins.

Types of Chinese tea

Chinese teas are classified in several different types. However, green tea, red/black tea, oolong tea, pu-reh or puer tea and scented tea are the most common types of Chinese tea for weight loss.

Green Tea

Green tea is one of the most popular Chinese teas for weight loss. This tea is made from dried tea leaves without fermentation. It contains only 4 calories per serving without sweeteners. Green tea contains anticancer agent tannin, caffeine and potent antioxidants like catechins, these ingredients can aid you for weight loss by boosting your metabolism.

Black/Red Tea

Black tea is enriched with caffeine, and it contains the highest caffeine content than any other Chinese teas. You need to know that caffeine is a central nervous system stimulant, and it will not only provide you a refreshed feeling but also it will aid you to lose weight. The calorie content of black tea per serving is as same as green tea. Several researches suggest that the ingredients in black tea improve our glucose metabolism. This means that black tea may aid in type 2 diabetes mellitus, and you may know that this disease can cause weight gain.

Oolong Tea

The leaves of Oolong tea are partially fermented, though it does not contain vitamin C, but is rich in calcium, iron and other minerals. Oolong tea is well known for its fat burning ability, and you need to know that this tea can burn 157% more fat than green tea. Long-term drinking of 2 cups of oolong tea a day could provide you several weight loss benefits, including fat metabolism, fat shedding, belly fat loss, and prevention and mitigation of obesity.

Pu-reh or Peur Tea

The preparation procedure of Pu-erh tea is distinctly different from other types of Chinese tea. This tea is traditionally made from wild tea leaves, and also known as large-leafed tea. The Pu-reh tea leaves are fermented for more than years, and for this reason, it has a pretty unusual earthy flavor. Several studies has shown that Pu-erh tea can lower cholesterol levels, decrease blood fat, thirst quencher, increase fat metabolism and helps digestion.

Six Guaranteed Weight Loss Tips
How to Strengthen Your Body to Prevent Injuries

Six Guaranteed Weight Loss Tips

2011-09-27T07:37:00.009+06:00

Weight loss may be the most difficult process that you ever deal with, but the selection of appropriate and suitable methods for you are far more difficult than that. Because, the success of your weight loss program totally depends on the appropriate and suitable methods that you choose.

However, if you have failed to attain your weight loss goals due to poor selection of methods, then here are six guaranteed weight loss tips that might help you to select the proper way.

1. Calculate how much weight you need to lose

Take a BMI (Body Mass Index) test, and calculate your preferred weight against your height. In this way, you can calculate your desired weight. After that, set some realistic weight loss goals, through which you can easily perform all the tasks from your level of interest and ability. Set a daily weight loss goal first, and then set some weekly goals.

2. Exercise regularly

Image via Wikimedia

Nothing is more guaranteed for weight loss than regular exercise. You need to know that the harder your body works, the faster you burn calories. Yet, irregularity is the major obstacle for regular exercise. For this reason, slow and steady step is the best policy for regular exercise. You can simply start your exercise with 20-40 minutes of fast walking or jogging, and it will help you to drop pounds quickly. However, you need to improve your exercise performance day by day, and you also need to add other exercises, like yoga, meditation and deep breathing exercises in your regular workout. In addition, you need to know that weight loss exercise mixed with cardio is the best way to lose weight fast.

Exercise induced stresses, pain or injuries are another big obstacle for continuing regular exercise. As a result, it is necessary for you to know about the proper ways of exercise to avoid injuries.
learn more about How to Strengthen your Body to Prevent Injuries.

3. Time management

Time management is a very crucial issue in your weight loss plan, because this is often ignored by most of the dieters. Decide the appropriate time for your exercise in which you will be relaxed from any other workloads. You must make sure that you are comfortable with your regular diet and exercise, and nothing is driving you back in your scheduled time. Before making a time schedule, you need to keep in mind that this time management may change your lifestyle as well as your relationship with others.

4. Drink sufficient amount of water

Image via Wikimedia

Drinking sufficient amount water per day could reduce your misinterpret hunger or cravings. Water helps you to stay hydrated, and hydrated state aids you to burn more calories than you consume. You need to know that a healthy body needs only 2 liters of water a day. Sufficient amount of water intake per day can also aid you to digest food properly, spread nutrient throughout your body, eliminate toxins, and clean internal waste.

5. Change your food habits

The food habit change is another important step for weight loss, and if you are successful in changing your food habits, then it’s guaranteed that you will lose weight. You need to change your food habits with nutritious foods like vegetables, fruits, lean proteins and low fat or nonfat grains, because these foods contain low calories with less fats. However, you must avoid all the junk foods and beverages, because those may be the reason for your excess weight. For adopting new food style, you can follow the following tips:

• Always keep your flat/house well stocked with vegetables, fruits, grains, healthy meats, cereals, and spices, because it will help you to avoid unhealthy foods.
• Enjoy healthy home cooked meals.
• Drink Chinese green tea or red tea on a daily basis.
• Divide your regular calorie intake into 5-6 meals.
• Alter your snacking habits with fruit blends or vegetable juices.

Read my post Chinese Tea for Weight Loss to know more about the connection between Chinese tea and weight loss.

6. Track your progress

Tracking your own progress is the guaranteed practice that will help you to stick with your weight loss goals. You need to keep a diary or journal for tracking your progress, in which you record your daily weight, foods you eat and any exercise you do, and with this journal, you can keep yourself motivated to your goals. You can also easily track your outcome goals from this journal.

How does the Lymphatic System Work?

2011-08-21T11:52:00.009+06:00

The lymphatic system can be described as the drainage system of a human body. It is an important part of the immune system. It consists of lymph organs, lymph nodes, lymph ducts, and lymph vessels. The lymphatic system functions as the active supporter of the blood and circulatory system, and the main function of lymphatic system is to defend the human body against microorganisms and other harmful foreign substances. It maintains fluid balance in the body and also absorbs fatty substances from the small intestine. Water, protein and other constituents of blood continuously exit the blood vessels and enter into the spaces between tissues. At that point, these constituents of blood are called as interstitial fluid or lymph. The lymph vessels collect the interstitial fluid (lymph) from the spaces between tissues and through the lymphatic system, the interstitial fluid passes through lymph nodes where it is filtered, and after that, the interstitial fluid returns to the blood again.

Alcohol Rehabs in Florida

2011-08-21T02:34:00.003+06:00

There are limitless alcohol rehabs in Florida with comprehensive rehabilitation programs. Consequently, it is crucial to find a remedial program efficient in treating the addiction issues. Alcohol rehabs in Florida may differ from other places, but superior alcohol rehabs in Florida with higher success rate than others offer better medical supervision during the first few hours or days.

When someone undergoes alcohol rehab program, it takes time for the alcohol to leave the body. Alcohol causes physical dependence; it means that when someone stops supplying alcohol to the body he/she will need to go through a period of physical withdrawal.

In order to admit in alcohol rehabs in Florida at first you may need to enter a detox program. Detox may refer to a medical program that will help an alcohol-addicted person to manage the physical symptoms and distress condition that occur when he suddenly stops using alcohol.

Detox is a challenging and sometimes dangerous process; it requires a firm commitment, determination and intensive rehab.

Choose Wisely Before You Go for an Alcohol Treatment Center

2011-08-18T11:36:00.005+06:00

A Story By Gord Wait

I just had gone through a very bad experience with an Alcohol treatment center, nine months ago and I don’t want to mention the name and the location of that nonsense Alcohol treatment center. I was looking for an Alcohol detox program for my only daughter “Flora”, because she was roughly trapped herself in Alcohol addiction. I contacted with that stupid Alcohol treatment center through their webpage. They promised me a lot of facilities, unique healing method and a crash program of only 15 days.
Actually, after admitting my child I found that they had the poorest infrastructure with no disciplines in their services and the unique method of healing was rubbish. After that incident, I quickly admitted my daughter in a well-known Alcohol treatment center by the help of one of my good friends. Four months later, she recovered from Alcohol addiction.

Therefore, if you are searching on internet for an Alcohol treatment center, please stay away from that sort of garbage treatment centers.

Firstly, check the method of healing the treatment center proposes. Each treatment center has its own policy and method of treatment. A superior treatment program focuses to treat patient both physically and psychologically.

Secondly, high charges do not show that the center is superior. In the same way, you must not register in a low cost center for to save some bucks. You must look for a treatment center that is cost effective as well promises admirable treatment programs for alcoholics.

Finally, treatment of alcoholism took a long time for recovery. Therefore, you must excuse yourself from centers that promise hot programs of less than a week.

Some Key Things about Drug Addiction Treatment

2011-08-18T01:34:00.007+06:00

If you have a patient of drug addiction, then you need to know that the drug addiction treatment is not a quick-fix solution. For that reason, if you go for an immediate or instant drug treatment methods related with recovery without any doubt, I can confirm you that it will be only waste of your valuable time. Recovery of drug addiction or substance abuse requires a firm will power, commitment and cooperation from both the patient and addiction center to accomplish the recovery process.

I am requesting all of you to avoid all that treatment centers, who offers crash programs of less than 12 days. I had a very bitter experience with a treatment center, who offered me a crash program and it didn’t work on my son. Superior treatment centers never offer crash programs like all those garbage treatment centers, they only focus on to treat patients both physically and mentally.

Advantages of Alcohol Rehabilitation Center in Florida

2011-08-18T01:29:00.004+06:00

Alcohol rehabilitation center in Florida provides comprehensive healing to all alcoholics. Addiction of alcohol can be deadly if not controlled properly. For this reason, alcoholics and their families search for these alcohol rehabilitation centers for to aim absolute cure.

Alcohol rehabilitation center in Florida have certain advantages, one of the important of which is that apart from Detox programs and medical supervision these rehabilitation center provides exact healing both psychologically and physically to every alcoholic advancing them for cure. They also provide 24 hours medical supervision to the alcoholics admitted to them so that they can recover quickly.

Another important reason is that programs of alcohol rehabilitation center are designed to provide an alcoholic a homely environment. A homely environment is very necessary for an alcoholic because he/she may needs to spend a long time in a rehabilitation center. Usually alcoholics take 3-6 months to complete a full Detox program and treatment.

How leak tests are performed?

2011-08-13T01:14:00.011+06:00

If you want to build your career as a QC professional, then you must need to know about leak test of packaging materials. These tests are one of the most common tests that you will be needed to perform on a regular basis. In addition, you need to know that these tests are often performed prior to every primary packaging operation.

What is Leak Test?

Leak test is a particular test, which is routinely performed on regular basis to find out the crimps, pores or hole in a packed product. This test is usually performed to sort out the defective products due to leakage, and also to check the performance of packaging machine. This test ensures that the product is as per specification.

How leak tests are performed?

A typical leak test is generally done in a leak test machine or equipment. This equipment is usually consists of a large tank filled with water. Initially, the finished (packed) product or empty pack made of glass, aluminium or plastic packaging materials, is submerged into the water. If leakage is present, the packed product emerged into the water shows some bubbles in the water. As a result, this simple test indicates that, the packed product or empty pack has some crimps, pores, or hole.

Download this sample leak test report:

Link of leak test report

Why Size Reduction is an Important Step in Pharmaceutical Formulations?

2011-08-08T04:38:00.002+06:00

Size reduction can be illustrated as the process in which the particle size of a substance or chemical is reduced. This process converts the substance or chemical to smaller pieces, powders, coarse particles, or an advanced type of subdivision. The synonymous terms “comminution” and “grinding” are used for the process of size reduction. In addition, most often, the raw or active materials to be used in formulations do not exist in desired size. For that reason, most of the materials are reduced to an optimum size at different stages during processing of a preparation.

Processes of Size Reduction

During preparation of a pharmaceutical product, many processes are used for size reduction (e.g. grinding, cutting, crushing, micronizing, chopping, milling, and many more). However, the use of these processes mainly depends on the type of machine or equipment installed in the processing area. On the other hand, the preference of equipment or machine depends on several factors, such as the initial particle size of the material, properties of the material, and grade of size reduction needed.

Why Size Reduction is needed in Tablet Processing?

The surface area of drugs is increased by size reduction, and that eventually assists in fast solution formation for chemicals. The surface area extension also facilitates the extraction process from animal glands. For the reason that with increase in surface area, solvent can effortlessly go through into the tissues, and this result in rapid extraction.
The particle size reduction increases the rate of drying and the bulkiness of certain drugs. The reduction of particle size also enhances the therapeutic effectiveness of certain drugs (for example, with the help of size reduction, the usual dose of griseofulvin can be reduced to half).
The reduced uniform particle size of ingredients makes mixing of solid ingredients easier and more appropriate. For example, in case of developing the formulation of powdered dosage forms, the crystalline ingredients should be powdered prior to mixing them with other ingredients. For the reason that powdered granules not only helps to mix all the ingredients uniformly, but also to keep away patients from recognizing the crystalline ingredients.
Moreover, you need to know that using the direct compression method of tablet processing, only a few active ingredients can be compressed. For this reason, usually active ingredients are mixed with several excipients to increase the compressibility as well as to delay the release rate of tablets. Accordingly, only the use of reduced and suitable size granules can ensure better compressibility and optimum release rate.

Treatment of Respiratory Distress Syndrome in Neonates

2011-08-07T23:29:00.004+06:00

Respiratory Distress Syndrome (RDS)

Among neonates, the most common disorder is respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) also called “hyaline membrane diseases” (HMD). This acute lung disease often affects at the birth of a newborn, and it usually affects premature or preterm babies. In addition, infants that born prior to 28 weeks of pregnancy period may develop respiratory distress syndrome.

Treatment of Respiratory Distress Syndrome

A) Oxygen (02) Therapy

A relatively big baby born around 6 to 8 weeks premature may need no more than O2 therapy to treat the condition. The natural history is that it becomes worse over the first 2 days, reaches a plateau & than gradually improves.

B) Mechanical Ventilation

Smaller, more than premature and more severely affected babies commonly go into respiratory failure and require mechanical ventilation. Some babies require high conc. of O2 (up to 100%) In such pharmacological conc. the therapeutic index becomes an important issue. Fortunately, pulmonary O2 toxicity is not a problem to the neonate like adults. The chief concern is that, prolonged arterial hyperoxia can damage the retino-giving rise to retinopathy of prematurity.

C) Steroid Therapy

The incidence and severity of Respiratory distress syndrome caused by surfactant deficiency may be reduced by the antenatal administration of corticosteroid to the mother and this treatment reduces the mortality of infant by 40%. The main advantage of maternal of steroid therapy is to save those babies of less than 32 weeks gestation because they are at greatest risk of death and disability from Respiratory distress syndrome. It is ideal to give a 48 hour course of betamethasone or dexamethasone (six doses of 6 mg each, 8hr interval) & to repeat it after a week it delivery has not taken place but remain likely. Unfortunately, it is not possible to identify and treat all mothers whose babies could be benefited from this treatment.

D) Exogenous Surfactants

Recently various exogenous surfactants either artificial or derived from the pig or calf are introduced for the management of Respiratory distress syndrome.The natural surfactants are more effective than the artificial ones, but highly expensive. Natural surfactants have rapid onset of action (within a minute), while artificial ones are effective over some hours.

E) Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO)

Another method for the treatment of babies in respiratory failure is ECMO. ECMO effectively put a baby on heart lung by pass for a few days. It is useful treatment for some babies in respiratory failure of at least 2kg birth weight, when conventional mechanical ventilation is unsuccessful.

Classification of Penicillin

2011-08-07T22:39:00.011+06:00

Penicillin is derived from a fungi named Penicillium. They are a group of Beta-lactam antibiotics, which are used to treat bacterial infections originated by susceptible, particularly Gram-positive, organisms.

Classification of Penicillin

Based upon Penicillin’s ability to execute or destroy bacterium and effectiveness (ranging from limited to extensive), they can be classified into following four classes.

Natural Penicillins (Penicillin V, Penicillin G, Benzathine, Procaine Penicillin)

In the penicillin family, antibiotics of natural penicillin class were the first innovative agents, which were launched for clinical purpose. The original structure of penicillin-G is the basis of natural Penicillins. Antibiotics from this particular class of Penicillin are mainly useful against gram (+) strains of staphylococci, streptococci, and a few gram (-) bacteria (for example, meningococcus). Additionally, you need to know that Penicillin V is not only useful for anaerobic coverage in patients who are suffering infections of oral cavity, but also it is considered as the agent of choice for treating streptococcal pharyngitis.

Penicillinase-Resistant Penicillins (Oxacillin, Dicloxacillin, Cloxacillin, Methicillin, Nafcillin)

The first drug of this class was Methicillin. After that, one by one oxacillin, nafcillin, cloxacillin and dicloxacillin were added in this class. Penicillins of this class don't possess broad spectrum activity as compared to previous class of penicillin. Particularly, the antimicrobial efficacy of Penicillinase-Resistant Penicillins are aimed straightly against penicillinase-creating strains of gram (+) cocci, more specifically against staphylococcal species. For this reason, these penicillins are often called as anti-staphylococcal penicillins.

Aminopenicillins (Amoxicillin, Bacampicillin, Ampicillin)

The aminopenicillins were the first class of penicillins, which were discovered as active agents against several gram (-) bacteria (e.g. H. influenzae and E. coli). This class of penicillins have acid resistant properties, and for this reason they are available in oral dosage forms. Orally administered drugs (amoxicillin, Bacampicillin and ampicillin) of this class are usually used in several mild infections, including sinusitis, tonsillitis, otitis media, bronchitis, bacterial diarrhea and UTIs. In addition, you need to know that for the otitis media treatment, Amoxicillin is considered as the drug of choice.

Extended Spectrum Penicillins

Extended Spectrum Penicillins are also called as anti-pseudomonal penicillins. They include both acylaminopenicillins (mezlocillin, piperacillin, and azlocillin) and alpha-carboxypenicillins (ticarcillin and carbenicillin). The antibiotics of this class penicillin have similar spectrum of anti-bacterial activity as compared to aminopenicillins. However, these penicillins have an additional anti-bacterial activity against many organisms (gram-negative) of the Enterobacteriaceae family, including several strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The antibiotics of this class may be administered alone or in combination with Aminoglycosides. In addition, you need to know that like the aminopenicillins, drugs of this class are also vulnerable to inactivation by beta-lactamases.

Common Machineries Used in Pharmaceutical Tablet Manufacturing

2011-08-06T20:44:00.456+06:00

If you are a student of Pharmacy, then you must want to know about the common machineries that are frequently used in major Pharmaceuticals. Machineries could vary from company to company and also in most of the cases, theses machinaries varies both in origin and manufacturer. Moreover, you need to know that superior companies usually uses most of the updated machinaries to improve their productivity and also to maintain strict quality guidelines. As a result, if you want to build your career in relating to pharmaceutical technology, it is a very necessary for you to have a sound knowledge of different pharma machinaries.

These are list of common machineries used in a typical tablet section:

Mass mixer machine

Mass Mixer (From Inside)

Mass Mixer

Powder Mass Mixer

Oscillating granulator

Oscillating Granulator

Oscillating Granulator Machine91

Rapid mixer granulator or high speed mixer granulator

Rapid Mixer Granulator (From Author's Own Album)

Typical Rapid Mixer Granulator

Multi mill machine

Typical Multi Mill

Multi Mill (Close View)

Double cone blender

Double Cone Blender (From Author's Own Album)

Schematic Diagram of Double Cone Blender

Drum mixer

Drum Mixer (Front View)

Drum Mixer (Back View)

Fluid bed dryer

Fluid Bed Dryer (From Author's Own Album)

Tray dryer

Vacuum Tray Dryer

Typical Tray Dryer

Mechanical shifter

Mechanical Shifter

Another Model of Mechanical Shifter

Tablet compression machine

Tablet Compression Machine (From Author's Own Album)

Tablet Compression Machine (Close View)

Automatic Tablet Compression Machine

Film coating machine

High Efficiency Film Coating Machine

Film Coating Machine (Close View)

Typical Film Coating Machine

Blister packing machine

Blister Packing Machine (From Author's Own Album)

Small Blister Packing Machine

High Speed Blister Packaging Machine

Strip packing machine

High Speed Strip Packaging Machine

Automatic Strip Packaging Machine

Drugs that cause Nausea or Vomiting

2011-08-04T00:41:00.002+06:00

Are you sure that the drugs you are taking will not cause you nausea or vomiting? I believe you never thought about that. However, you need to know that nausea or vomiting is the most common side effect of many drugs, and improper administration of drugs can cause you to vomit. Repeated overdose of any drug can create vomiting tendency. For this reason, you need to consult with your health care provider or physician before taking any medications!

Scientific studies suggested that in our nervous system, the chemoreceptor trigger zone (CTZ) and vomiting center (VC) are potentially responsible for initiating drug-induced nausea and vomiting.
According to the article (Treatment of Emesis) by Timothy C. Hain, MD, potentially two types of Drugs are the reasons behind nausea or vomiting:

1. Drugs acting on CTZ

. Apomorphine
· Emetine (when given parenterally and only at large doses)
· L-DOPA
· Estrogens (morning sickness of pregnancy)
· Ergot alkaloids
· Cardiac glycosides
· Opiates
· Cancer chemotherapeutic agents
· Cardiac glycosides

NOTE: Morphine can either induce or block emesis; both actions can be blocked by naloxone. Emetic effect is mediated by delta or kappa receptors, whereas antiemetic effect by mu receptors.

2. Drugs acting locally on the G-I tract

They activate enterochromaffin cells in the mucosa of the G-I tract, causing the cells to secrete serotonin which acts on the 5-HT3 receptors at the nerve endings of the vagal sensory fibers. The afferent fibers transmit excitation to the N. tractus solitarius, which in turn activates the VC. These drugs are traditionally called "local irritants".

· Ipecac (the most useful household emetic is syrup of ipecac; emetine is one of its active ingredients)
· Zinc salts
· Copper sulfate
· Antimony salts ("tartar emetic" is antimony potassium tartrate)