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Thursday, September 4, 2008

Medicines and Drugs Used in Parkinson Disease Treatment

By Ricky Hussey

You only have to see a patient of Parkinson's disease once to be able to make an instantaneous diagnosis of this disease in another. The symptoms are distinct. James Parkinson after whom the disease is named, was the first to give a complete account of this disease in 1817: He described it thus:

'Involuntary tremulous motion, with lessened muscular power, in part, not in action, and even when supported; with a propensity to bend the trunk forward and to pass from a walking to running pace, the senses and intellects being uninjured.'

Parkinson's disease, or Parkinsonism, is a chronic malady of the central nervous system, more common amongst the elderly, and characterized by muscle rigidity, rhythmic tremor, akinesia or immobility, loss of associated movements, and postural instability. The presence of these signs impairs the ability of the patient to make proper voluntary movements and to maintain posture through reflexes. The patient presents a characteristic feature of an expressionless or a 'mask-life' face, and has tremors of the hands. It is called 'shaking palsy'.

Causes: The real cause of this disease is not known. It is a disease of old age, but may also occur in middle age, It has a sporadic onset which is very gradual and prolonged. It is not considered a hereditary disease, although in about 6% cases, it has been found to run in families. The disease effects. 1 in 250 persons after the age of 40 years. It is degenerative disease in which the centers of brain which normally maintain stance and movements lose functional nerve cells. Parkinsonism can sometimes be due to a known cause such as a late complication of viral encephalitis, injury to brain or arteriosclerosis but such cases are not common. Certain anti-psychotic drugs like reserpine, chlopromazine, and haloperidol may cause symptoms similar to Parkinson's disease, but not the actual disease

itself.

Although we do not know the cause of this disease, recent biochemical researches suggest that it may be due to a deficiency of a neurohormone (dopamine) and/or abundance of another neurohormone (acetylcholine) in the brain.

Treatment and Drugs

Some drugs facilitate dopaminergic transmission and reduce the symptoms. These are amantadine and l-deprenyl (Selegiline). With this knowledge, it has now become possible to at least control the symptomes by using specific drugs to correct the neurochemical imbalance, if not to provide a complete cure. Besides drug therapy, it is very important for a patient to undertake suitable physical exercises regularly, to avoid permanent stiffness of the joints. The drugs used in the treatment of Parkinson's disease can be divided into those which correct: 1) the deficiency of dopamine; and 2) the effects caused by excessive

acetylcholine.

AdvCare is one of the Canada leading pharmacy website. First established in January 2000, its mission is to become the number one site for prescription drug and drug store searches.

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Wednesday, September 3, 2008

Home Remedy for Coronary Heart Disease

By Rick Hutch

Coronary Heart Disease Information

When the coronary arteries fail to supply adequate blood to the heart, it tends to cause a condition referred to as coronary heart disease. It is also known as coronary artery disease (CAD) and atherosclerotic heart disease.

Coronary Heart Disease home remedy treatment is quite effective. Following are some Coronary Heart Disease cure home remedies. Read on for home remedy for Coronary Heart Disease:

Grapes are considered valuable in treating coronary heart disease. You can either eat raw grapes or else go in for grape juice.

Consume loads of fresh apples, as they possess heart-stimulating properties.

Take 1 tsp of raw onion juice empty stomach in the morning, as it is very beneficial in controlling the level of blood cholesterol.

First off men could only try drugs such as Viagra, Levitra and Cialis. Boy, do a search online and you'll hear the stories about the side effects -- you'll even hear stories of the law suits -- and the millions of men wishing they didn't have to put their health at risk just to get and maintain an erection!

In the past reliable herbal remedies and meds for impotence were hard to find. However, I've been doing some research this week and discovered a vast array of erectile dysfunction medications that are completely natural and don't come with the side effects associated with the popular prescription drugs.

Calcium channel blockers such as verapamil, diltiazem, or nifedipine may be prescribed to reduce the heart’s oxygen demands and to increase coronary blood flow.

Anticoagulants such as heparin or warfarin will be administered to reduce the risk of blood clots in patients with unstable angina.

Vasodilators such as captopril, enalapril, or hydralazine may be prescribed to expand blood vessels, thus reducing blood pressure and facilitating blood flow.

Other more controversial, alternative therapies include garlic, which may be consumed as deodorized pills, and fish oil (omega-3 fatty acid) supplements. Ongoing studies indicate that large amounts of garlic may have a modest cholesterol-lowering effect. Any benefits of fish oil supplements are offset by the increased calorie and fat intake. Thus, experts recommend eating one or two servings of salmon, cod, or other cold-water fish a week rather than taking fish oil pills.

Still other alternative therapies provide no benefit and should be avoided. These include chelation therapy, a technique used to remove heavy metals such as lead from the blood.

Apples have heart-stimulating properties. Apple juice and apple jam can be taken in liberal amounts.

A prolonged immersion bath at room temperature taken at bedtime on alternative days is also beneficial for the heart patients.

Regular exercise is most important for healthy heart. Brisk walking and any aerobic exercise are the best.

Grapes are effective in heart pain and palpitation of the heart and the disease can be rapidly controlled if the patient adopts an exclusive grapes diet for a few days. Grape juice, especially will be valuable when one is actually suffering from a heart attack. Indian gooseberry is considered an effective home remedy for heart disease. It tones up the functions of all the organs of the body, builds up health by destroying the heterogenous elements and renewing lost energy.

Another excellent home remedy for heart disease is garlic. Its regular use can even reverse the damage to arteries and help heal them. This conclusion has been reached by an Indian doctor, Arun Bordia of Tagore Medical College. He tested garlic on a group of 432 heart disease patients, recovering from heart attacks.

Read About Pregnancy Symptoms, First Pregnancy Symptoms Also read about Stop Hair Loss, Hair Loss Treatment and Stress Relief, Anxiety Relief

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Saturday, June 21, 2008

Other Signs Of Breast Cancer And General Symptoms Of Cancer

By Suzanne Early

Other Signs Of Breast Cancer And General Symptoms Of Cancer

I know about breast lumps, nipple discharge and swollen lymph nodes, but there's more? Yes, I'm afraid so. Being proactive in breast cancer detection.I wanted to be aware of other general symptoms of cancer. This means I am more prepared. Are you?

Signs of breast cancer can be a red flag in your life. They are like an alarm bell ringing, meaning you must take notice. These bells can encourage you to seek help sooner rather than later. Some symptoms of cancer do not make themselves known until quite advanced, so it is important to tune in to your body and be aware. Increase your chances not only with breast cancer detection, but with all cancers. Early detection is key.

So What Are Some More General Symptoms Of Cancer To Be Aware Of?

Hot flushes, fever, sweating at nights, hot sweats, hot flashes and night sweats. Whatever you call them, they produce heat and wetness, causing discomfort and embarrassment.

Poor appetite, no appetite, or sensation of fullness. Struggling to eat your normal food portions? Reduced appetite? Lost interest?

Unexplained weight loss or unintentional weight loss. Weight comes off without trying.

Unexplained pain or discomfort. General aches and pains that you can't put down to anything in particular or that have developed and become worse.

Fatigue and tired with low energy. Hard to get the energy to do what you have always done effortlessly, or need more rest than usual.

No sleep, can't sleep, insomnia and not sleeping well. Lie awake at night with sleep insomnia? Different skin sensations or colour changes. Rashes, eczema, itchy skin and sensitivity, or changing of shape or size. Discolouration of moles, sores, or legions. You may have some bowel or bladder changes. Going more often, less often, changes to consistency, colour and frequency.

Found any lumps anywhere? Swelling, tenderness, or thickening. May or may not be painful.

Noticed unusual bleeding? Blood in urine or bowel movements.

Have any discharge? Weeping sores, wounds that will not heal, areas that ooze.

Developed any throat problems? Discomfort and difficulty swallowing or talking.

Have a cough? A tickle or dryness. May or may not be associated with throat issues, difficulty swallowing or talking.

Swollen lymph nodes, tenderness and discomfort in lymph node locations with lymph node pain.

Nipple discharge, a breast lump or swollen lymph nodes need not mean you have signs of breast cancer, or any other sort of cancer. Symptoms need to be considered before ruling out any routine or minor health issue. Have a chat to your medical professional about signs and symptoms you are concerned about. Seeking medical advice, asking questions and doing some research helps me to feel informed and in control. It is very empowering!

Wishing you the best of health.

Suzie is a passionate Adult Educator, encouraging women to be proactive in their breast health. She helps to educate women on the importance of being breast aware, so that they understand the signs of breast cancer and about breast self exam. Early detection is key. www.early-detection-for-breast-cancer.com/self-breast-exam.html , www.early-detection-for-breast-exam.com/breast-examination.html

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Friday, June 20, 2008

Cervical Arthritis Attacks Upper Spine

By Rex Magnum

Cervical arthritis first develops in the upper spine and neck. As time passes, the condition may progress by spreading down the arms. The tendency to get this type of arthritis is influenced by age, spinal injuries, and poor posture. The cervical spine is made up of seven distinct vertebral bodies separated by intervertebral discs. These discs are responsible for support the neck and giving it flexibility.

When the Cervical Vertebrae Deteriorate

Over the years, the cartilage in your neck starts to deteriorate. This deteriorated cartilage, which acts as a shock absorber in your neck, allows the space between the vertebrae to begin gradually constricting. As the spine constricts, the person develops neck pain. This is very common in people over age 50, although everyone who has cartilage deterioration will not necessarily get cervical arthritis.

Most people develop cervical arthritis because of repeated trauma placed on the neck by job duties or recreational stress or possibly an old injury. You may hardly remember that neck injury you experienced back during your high school football days, but years later it may come back to haunt you. At the time in your life when your cervical vertebrae and discs start to degenerate, that old injury may pop back up and be serious enough to provoke cervical arthritis.

People who are experiencing any of the following symptoms should have themselves checked for cervical arthritis:

Chronic neck pains
Bony ridges across the vertebrae
Limited neck movement
Weak muscles
Tender neck muscles
Stiffness in the neck
Headaches
Problems with balance

Your doctor will want to take some tests to determine if you have cervical arthritis and, if you do, how severe it is. He will order x-rays so that he can see any degeneration going on in your vertebrae. A myelogram will display the bone structure in your spine. An MRI will take clear pictures of the soft tissue in your spine. After all the tests are done, you may want to request that your results be looked at by an orthopedic surgeon, especially if you are having severe symptoms.

Cervical arthritis usually responds well to a combined treatment of drug therapy, rest, and exercise. Your doctor will recommend that you learn some new techniques in order to better rest your neck. You may also want to buy new pillows that give you more of the support you need. You will also probably benefit from a few sessions of physical therapy where you will learn gentle neck exercises and ways to improve your posture.

If your cervical arthritis becomes so severe that the treatments mentioned above are no longer helping, make an appointment with an orthopedic surgeon. He will know the best way to resolve your problem which at this point will most likely be through surgery.

If you enjoyed this informative article about Cervical Arthritis, then you may also want to learn more about Arthritis. If interested, just surf over to MYARTHRITISRELIEFCENTER.COM where some great articles are being presented.

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Thursday, June 19, 2008

Therapeutic Benefit of Manuka Honey in Wound Care

By Frank Buonanotte

Researchers have conducted extensive studies in order to take a closer look at how and why Manuka Honey is effective in healing wounds. The results are very interesting.

In comparing the use of Manuka Honey dressings with topical antiseptics on wound infections, it has been found that Manuka Honey dressings significantly reduce the amount of fluid exuding from the wound. This, in part, is a result of the anti-inflammatory properties present in Manuka Honey. In addition, the anti-inflammatory properties in Manuka Honey also help to reduce pain and minimize scaring.

It has also been established that Manuka Honey dressings create a moist wound environment which facilitates the healing process. Manuka Honey draws lymph out of the deeper tissues of the wound by osmosis and continuously cleanses the wound bed. Lymph fluid contains enzymes that degrade protein molecules. The constant reduction of wound fluids remove foreign body contamination, such as dirt or grit.

The most likely explanation for Manuka Honey’s debriding activity involves the conversion of blood to plasmin, which is an enzyme that breaks down the protein in blood coagulation. This conversion minimizes dead tissue and scab formation on the wound. The osmotic action of Manuka honey draws moisture into the skin.

It has also been found that Manuka Honey has the ability to reduce malodor in wounds. Malodorous substances such as ammonia and sulphur compounds are produced when bacteria feeds on the protein in a wound. Because Manuka Honey provides bacteria an alternative source of energy (sugar), these noxious compounds are no longer produced and wound malodor is eliminated.

In clinical observations, Manuka Honey has also been proven to have the ability to manage wound infection in circumstances where antibiotics and other conventional treatments have failed. More specifically, Manuka Honey has been found to be effective against antibiotic-resistant strains of bacteria such as Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), vancomycin-resistant Enterococci (VRE) and other multi-resistant microorganisms. These mutated types of bacteria protect themselves from antimicrobial elements by forming a biofilm. Manuka Honey breaks down these clumpy biofilms as well as preventing the formation of biofilms. These findings are particularly encouraging, considering the growing number of cases involving Staph infections that don't respond to antibiotics. So far there has been no evidence of any bacterial resistance to Manuka Honey. It is highly unlikely that bacteria will ever be able to develop a resistance to Manuka Honey because bacteria rely on sugar as a source of food.

Manuka Honey's antibacterial properties are a result of the following:

1. The high sugar content and low water activity provides an osmotic action;

2. Acidic pH inhibits bacterial growth;

3. Glucose oxidase enzyme produces hydrogen peroxide;

4. Plant-derived factors such as UMF and Methylglyoxal.

Manuka Honey's antibacterial properties have the ability to penetrate below the surface of the skin, making it possible to clear deep-seated infections and boils with unbroken skin. In other words, Manuka Honey diffuses through the skin, getting to deeper tissues.

"The use of Manuka Honey dressings help prevent cross contamination," says Frank Buonanotte, CEO of Honeymark International which is a manufacturer of advanced wound and skin care products containing Active Manuka Honey as a healing agent. "The sticky nature of Manuka Honey provides a protective barrier that prevents cross contamination."

For more information or to purchase Manuka Honey-based wound care dressings, call 1-866-427-7329 or visit www.HoneymarkProducts.com .

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Wednesday, June 18, 2008

A Bleeding Ulcer Natural Cure - No Drugs Required

By Dr. James Chappell

Recently, I consulted with a gentleman in his late 50’s who had a bleeding ulcer. He had back pain and a lot on his mind. He saw the ads on television and decided to try ibuprofen, which he found relaxed him, so he took it every day for months. The bleeding ulcer was his wake-up call to the dangers of medication. Fortunately, we were able to help him with a natural cure that gave him a whole new level of vitality and well being.

Since back pain was one reason why my patient took ibuprofen, it was important to address this cause directly. He’d had back trouble for some time and had even had surgery to reduce a bulging disc and re-size one of the foramina in his lower back. As helpful as this surgery may appear in the short term, eventually, severe pain and disability return. Surgery does not get to the cause, it merely treats the effects of structural problems.

In this case, I suggested we examine the angle of his ankles relative to his pelvis as difficulties there can cause spinal problems - which is exactly what we found in this case. It was easy to adjust the ankle deviation using orthodics. In addition, I suggested he use an inversion device to relieve his entire spine of gravitational stress. These two measures caused his back pain to go away completely.

My patient also harbored a lot of anger, and was withdrawn and resentful. Instead of dealing with these issues, he was taking ibuprofen and putting his life in jeopardy. I taught him a simple process to release these toxic emotions so that he could recover his health. This will serve him and his loved ones for the rest of his life -- and it is free.

There is an important lesson here.

Bleeding ulcers are a serious health concern and yet they are actually a sign and signal pointing to deeper, long standing issues. Doctors who view bleeding ulcers as being caused by bacteria prescribe drugs to kill them. But in this case, the ulcer was caused by medication for a condition that originated in my patient’s ankles and mind - it had nothing to do with bacteria. In fact, from a natural cures perspective, the bacteria are never the cause. They are opportunistic pathogens that show up when the body is already out of balance.. They don’t fundamentally cause trouble -- they are part of the trouble’s effect.

Ulcers are found in about 15% of people who use drugs like Advil, Aleve, aspirin, and other non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs, or "NSAIDs", for 3 months or more. A majority of individuals with ulcers do not even know they have them because they do not experience any pain. According to hospital statistics, every time someone is admitted with a bleeding ulcer, they have a 10% chance of dying. Actually, my grandmother died from peritonitis originally caused by ulcers.

Fortunately, my patient decided to take a natural cure approach to his bleeding ulcer. He corrected a core structural issue with his body, and is addressing long-standing emotional attitudes that caused him to suffer. The result is an overall improvement in his vitality and health, including better relationships with his loved ones and a greater capacity to enjoy life.

This all-round elevation of a person’s well being is a hallmark of a natural cure. The side effects of natural cures are joy and fulfillment. This is in stark contrast to the results derived from misguided drug treatment.


Dr. James Chappell is known for his work with chronic, severe and supposedly terminally-ill people. His website is dedicated to providing clear self-help tools to enable people to take care of their health using natural means, no matter how sick they are. You can see it by clicking here: http://www.drjims-natural-cures.com His research into natural blood sugar regulators, and information about the product he formulated using them is here: http://www.drjims-natural-cures.com/diabetes-natural-cure.html

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Tuesday, June 10, 2008

Lasik Eye Surgery - Finding The Right Surgeon

By John Carew

Improving your eyesight has become very popular in recent years, and following that, Orange County Lasik eye surgery is quickly turning into many residents’ choice of medical procedure they are going for in priorities. Eyesight problems like astigmatism and myopia have been increasingly common among individuals with the increase in usage of televisions and computers. With the advent of Lasik, these medical problems can quickly become a thing of the past.

However, one factor that has limited the take on rate of Lasik eye surgery in Orange County has been the cost of such a procedure. Having Lasik performed on your eyes does not come cheap in general for most people, as it could set a person back an amount from $500 to $2000 per eye. To improve your chances of having Lasik surgery without spending a fortune, choosing a good eye surgeon is critical to achieving that aim. There are certain things anyone should look out for in selecting a Lasik surgeon while trying to reduce the cost of the operation. It does not mean having to go for a less qualified doctor if you wish to save some money.

When you need cheap Lasik surgery but with a success rate that justifies the risk, selecting the right surgeon with the right requirements is the key. As with all medical procedures that you wish to undertake, always make sure that you have done your due diligence in researching on the subject and the various surgeons and eye centers available in your region. There are many laser eye surgery centers in Orange County, and they offer different qualities of service at different rates. Find the eye centers and Lasik surgeons that provide the specific Lasik procedure you require and make a comparison among them.

Ensure you know the risks that await you with Lasik surgery, and look for Lasik surgeons that have good track records and success rates. A good point to look out for when choosing the right surgeon to perform your procedure is to consider the kind of precautions and checks that he or she will ask that you go through before considering if Lasik surgery is right for you. While the medical solution can bring relief for many who suffer from various eye conditions, it is not suitable for everyone. If you carry certain conditions such as being pregnant, you should not have laser eye surgery. Surgeons who are considerate about their patients’ well being and medical history should be prioritized in your selection.

Everyone would prefer not to have to wear glasses or contact lenses, as it not only bring more convenience in one’s life, but also a fresher and better quality of life. Getting a qualified Lasik surgeon with a proven track record is therefore an important step in you enjoying a successful Lasik eye surgery and reaping the benefits. The process of selecting one might be tedious, but anything that concerns your health should be done with some caution and care. In doing so, the chances of you having better eyesight would be much higher at the end of the whole process.

John Carew is a medical journalist who covers Orange County Lasik eye surgery and is well versed in Lasik eye surgery Orange County.

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Monday, June 9, 2008

What Causes High Blood Pressure?

By Peter Hutch

Hypertension is referred to as essential (primary) when the doctor is unable to identify a specific cause. It is by far the most common type of high blood pressure. The causes of this type are unknown but are likely to be a complex combination of genetic, environmental, and other factors.

High blood pressure is a 'risk factor' for developing a cardiovascular disease (such as a heart attack or stroke), and kidney damage, sometime in the future. If you have high blood pressure, over the years it may have a damaging effect to arteries and put a strain on your heart. In general, the higher your blood pressure, the greater the health risks. But, high blood pressure is just one of several possible risk factors for developing a cardiovascular disease.

If those temporary episodes occur frequently, they can cause just as much damage to your blood vessels, heart and kidneys as can chronic high blood pressure. In addition, when you have anxiety, you're more likely to resort to other unhealthy habits, such as smoking, drinking or overeating — which, in turn, can increase your risk of high blood pressure.

Even if high blood pressure does cause symptoms, the symptoms are usually mild and nonspecific (vague, or suggesting many different disorders).

Malignant hypertension may be associated with headache, light-headedness, or nausea.

Certain nerve impulses cause your arteries to dilate (become larger) or contract (become smaller). If these vessels are wide open, blood can flow through easily. If they're narrow, it's harder for the blood to flow through them, and the pressure inside them increases. Then high blood pressure may occur. When this happens, your heart becomes strained and blood vessels may become damaged. Changes in the vessels that supply blood to your kidneys and brain may cause these organs to be affected.

In 90–95 percent of cases, scientists don't know what causes high blood pressure. This is essential hypertension. Fortunately, although scientists don't fully understand the causes of this disease, they've developed both non-drug and drug treatments that treat it effectively. They've also identified some factors that contribute to higher blood pressure. These are arteriosclerosis (or hardening of the arteries), thickening or hypertrophy of the artery wall, and excess contraction of the arterioles (small arteries).

Essential hypertension affects approximately 75 million Americans, yet its basic causes or underlying defects are not always known. Nevertheless, certain associations have been recognized in people with essential hypertension. For example, essential hypertension develops only in groups or societies that have a fairly high intake of salt, exceeding 5.8 grams daily. In fact, salt intake may be a particularly important factor in relation to essential hypertension in several situations.

Hypertension is referred to as essential (primary) when the doctor is unable to identify a specific cause. It is by far the most common type of high blood pressure. The causes of this type are unknown but are likely to be a complex combination of genetic, environmental, and other factors.

The cause of high blood pressure often cannot be found in many teens with hypertension. When the cause is unknown, a person has what's called essential or primary hypertension. In cases where the cause of high blood pressure is known (called secondary hypertension), it is usually the result of kidney problems, hormonal disorders, abnormalities of the aorta (the main artery that carries oxygenated blood to the body), or a narrowing of certain smaller arteries. Most teens that are diagnosed with hypertension have essential hypertension.

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Sunday, June 8, 2008

Medical Tourism Statistics

By Mathew George

Medical Tourism Statistics:

Factors that have led to the increasing popularity of medical travel include the high cost of health care, long wait times for certain procedures, the ease and affordability of international travel, and improvements in both technology and standards of care in many countries.

Medical tourists can come from anywhere in the world, including Europe, the UK, Middle East, Japan, the United States, and Canada. This is because of their large populations, comparatively high wealth, the high expense of health care or lack of health care options locally, and increasingly high expectations of their populations with respect to health care.

A large draw to medical travel is convenience and speed. Countries that operate public health-care systems are often so taxed that it can take considerable time to get non-urgent medical care. The time spent waiting for a procedure such as a hip replacement can be a year or more in Britain and Canada; however, in Costa Rica, Singapore, Hong Kong, Thailand, Cuba, Colombia, Philippines or India, a patient could feasibly have an operation the day after their arrival. In Canada, the number of procedures in 2005 for which people were waiting was 782,936.

Additionally, patients are finding that insurance either does not cover orthopedic surgery (such as knee/hip replacement) or imposes unreasonable restrictions on the choice of the facility, surgeon, or prosthetics to be used. Medical tourism for knee/hip replacements has emerged as one of the more widely accepted procedures because of the lower cost and minimal difficulties associated with the traveling to/from the surgery. Colombia provides a knee replacement for about $5,000 USD, including all associated fees, such as FDA- approved prosthetics and hospital stay-over expenses. However, many clinics quote prices that are not all inclusive and include only the surgeon fees associated with the procedure.

According to an article by the University of Delaware publication, UDaily:

The cost of surgery in India, Thailand or South Africa can be one-tenth of what it is in the United States or Western Europe, and sometimes even less. A heart-valve replacement that would cost $200,000 or more in the US, for example, goes for $10,000 in India--and that includes round-trip airfare and a brief vacation package. Similarly, a metal-free dental bridge worth $5,500 in the US costs $500 in India, a knee replacement in Thailand with six days of physical therapy costs about one-fifth of what it would in the States, and Lasik eye surgery worth $3,700 in the US is available in many other countries for only $730. Cosmetic surgery savings are even greater: A full facelift that would cost $20,000 in the US runs about $1,250 in South Africa.

Medical Tourism Statistics:

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Saturday, June 7, 2008

Drugs to Be Avoided During Pregnancy and Breast Feeding

By Ricky Hussey

Pregnancy is a normal physiological phenomenon in women. It is accompanied by changes in the body giving rise to certain abnormal symptoms like nausea, vomiting, and discomfort. These symptoms are collectively called 'morning sickness' because of their greater frequency during morning hours. In pregnancy, except for certain vitamins (which are adequate in a good nutritious diet), no other drugs should be ordinarily given. However, if symptoms of morning sickness become unbearable, or there is some associated disease, drugs may become necessary. In recent years, information about possible adverse effects of drugs on pregnant women and her unborn baby (embryo or foetus) have been causing serious concern.

Till the early 1970s, there were no such problems in India because firstly, only very few drugs were available, and secondly, the pregnant woman enjoyed great emotional stability under the loving care of elders. In present times, the problem has become acute with the introduction of innumerable drugs and the woman's dual responsibility of working in and outside the home. She suffers from a lack of the much-needed physical and mental rest, and for every complaint, takes a pill or two to keep herself going.

Concern about the use of drugs during pregnancy started in 1961 in West Germany when an apparently innocent sedative, thalidomide, became popular among pregnant women. It caused Congenital deformities of the long bones of the limbs (arms and legs) in thousands of babies and had to be withdrawn. Concern about safe drugs for pregnant women was the only logical solution to the thalidomide disaster.

Since most of the drugs taken by a pregnant woman reach the unborn baby through the circulating blood, and our knowledge is based primarily on animal studies, it is best to minimize the use of drugs during pregnancy. If symptoms like vomiting due to pregnancy, or due to an associated disease become unbearable, and it becomes necessary to take medication, then at east the drugs listed at the end of this chapter should be avoided.

Drugs to Be Avoided During Pregnancy

Aspirin (Disprin): It is commonly used for headache, fever, and pain. Large doses, if taken during the first trimester, may cause physical defects in the developing foetus, while large doses, during the latter part of the pregnancy, may lead to a bleeding tendency in the newborn baby, prolong pregnancy and labour.

ACE-inhibitors (Captopril): Use of these drugs may cause underdevelopment of lungs, kidneys and other organs.

Bishydroxy­coumarin: This drug is an oral anticoagulant. lf taken during the last three weeks of pregnancy, it may cause a bleeding tendency in the newborn child, which may prove fatal.

Busulphan: It causes physical defects in the developing foetus during early pregnancy.

Carbimazole (& methimazole) : This is used in a hyper-functioning thyroid. It is best to stop this drug four weeks before the expected date of delivery as it may alter the activity of the thyroid in the newborn baby.

Chloramphenicol: It is used in typhoid. If taken during the last few weeks of pregnancy, foetus may die due to circulatory collapse or bone marrow depression.

Chloroquine: It is used in malaria. It may be responsible for permanent deafness and defects in vision in the newborn baby.

Clomiphene: This drug is used in cases of sterility to induce ovulation. It may cause multiple pregnancies and foetal malformations.

AdvCare is one of the leading Canada drugs websites. First established in January 2000, its mission is to become the number one site for ontario drug and prescription medication searches.

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Friday, June 6, 2008

Know the Benefits of Plastic Surgery

By Peter Hutch

The benefits of cosmetic surgery don't stop at childhood, however, but are felt throughout any age group. “All the spirit is back in me again" (Stallings 97). Older or aging people have found an outlet in cosmetic surgery that psychologically makes them feel younger and more vibrant as they start to look better. “Improving their appearance may allow them to be accepted by a younger group or may vault them into a more meaningful life" Especially in the case of the elderly, a healthy appearance is sometimes the determining factor in whether they feel or are healthy.

The physical result of plastic surgery produces a healthier look and the ramifications are immense, as this healthy look will often permeate to the patient's entire lifestyle. People who have surgeries like liposuction and breast reduction usually feel more comfortable in their clothes, that their new bodies allow them to participate in physical activities that they wouldn't have considered before surgery. Plastic surgery can open new doors to people who have previously lived their lives sheltered. They find themselves participating in activities they never would have in the past such as swimming or aerobics, due to their renewed confidence.

Plastic surgery does not slow down the aging of the skin but may actually accelerate it. Therefore, plastic surgery is not a substitute for skin rejuvenation measures discussed in various articles at Smart Skin Care Site. Actually, after a plastic surgery you should be even more diligent in preserving your skin's youth.

“Plastic surgery patients are taking a proactive approach in making themselves happier by improving something that has truly bothered them,” said Bruce Freedman, MD, ASPS Member Surgeon and study author. “While we are not saying that cosmetic plastic surgery alone is responsible for the drop in patients needing antidepressants, it surely is an important factor.”

Everyone is different. Some people do much better than others, even when treated by the same plastic surgeon. It may take several weeks or months before your face fully recovers from plastic surgery. Plastic surgery might adversely affect the physiology of your skin and underlying tissues, speeding up the aging process.

The great thing about plastic surgery is that the benefits can be both physical and emotional, both external and internal. But the prevailing opinion is that plastic surgery and operations for instance to reduce breast size have little real health benefit and demand for them is based on vanity.

Whether a person chooses to undergo plastic surgery to improve their lifestyle or to improve their look there will always be emotional benefits when a person is finally able to feel comfortable in their body. Many people find that they are more outgoing, personable and confident when they become accustomed to their transformation and this heightened sense of self-esteem can be a benefit that lasts a lifetime.

Laser resurfacing is a non-invasive form of cosmetic surgery that does not require a hospital stay and can be preformed in a short amount of time. Basically the laser treats damaged areas on the skin by vaporizing superficial layers. This can help to soften wrinkles and lines, lessen the look of scars, smooth out skin pigmentation differences, remove pre-cancerous and benign growths and remove spider veins.

Article Source: http://www.articles-hub.com/Article/216530.html

Thursday, June 5, 2008

Safe and Natural Cures for Headache

By Peter Hutch

Headache is almost never located in the brain. There is actually not much ability at all to sense pain in the mass of the brain - surgeons do for instance not use anesthetics on the brain when they perform brain surgery. Headache is almost always located in the muscles of the head - caused by tension built up during long time in these muscles. You can perform a simple self-test by pressing with your fingers on certain locations on the head.

Check your posture - If you have poor posture while you are working you could have what are called 'tension headaches.' Being in the same positions for long periods of time can cause muscles to tighten up and become tense. Take short breaks and stretch your muscles. Stretching and relaxing can help to stop many headaches.

Kill the pain with pain killers. There are many over-the counter analgesics that are known to work for many forms of headaches. However, it is still best to consult a doctor first before choosing a pain reliever to get rid of your headache most especially if the problem persists for a very long time. It is best to work out with your doctor first what is truly causing the pain.

Another option is to get a bottle of magnesium citrate at the grocery store. It is in the pharmacy section and comes in a little green bottle. Take 5 ounces of the magnesium on an empty stomach and the headache will go away. The magnesium citrate is sold as a laxative however 5 ounces will not have this effect. Magnesium citrate hydrates the gut - it is not a true cathartic laxative. If you suffer from migrane headaches, try taking HTP6 and Iodine tabs daily. They help increase blood flow in the brain, relieving headaches. Always check with your family doctor before trying any home remedies.

Get a massage. Tension headaches, especially ones that come with pain that radiates through the neck and shoulders are extremely uncomfortable. A way to get of this headache is by getting some massage, especially on the scalp, neck and shoulder areas to release all the tension that have build up there.

Another thing that you can do is to get a bottle of magnesium citrate at the grocery store. It is in the pharmacy section and comes in a little green bottle. Cost is $1. Take 5 ounces of the magnesium on an empty stomach and the headache will go away. The magnesium citrate is sold as a laxative however 5 ounces will not have this effect. Magnesium citrate hydrates the gut - it is not a true cathartic laxative. If you suffer from migraine headaches, try taking HTP6 and Iodine tabs daily. They help increase blood flow in the brain, relieving headaches.

Anti-nausea medications. Since migraine attacks are often accompanied by nausea with or without vomiting, medication for treatment of these symptoms is appropriate and is usually combined with other medications. Frequently prescribed medications are metoclopramide (oral) or prochlorperazine (oral or rectal suppository).

Article Source: http://www.articles-hub.com/Article/216535.html

Wednesday, June 4, 2008

Dealing With Adult Dyslexia

By lescar8

In the US, dyslexia afflicts about 40 million adults and children. In some cases, the condition is not easily detected until screening is conducted. Surprisingly, adults at work aren't aware they have dyslexia, and if they do, they keep it a well-guarded secret.

It is hard to figure out if the employee who's behind his job in the workplace has dyslexia. No assistance can be forthcoming until the individual undergoes screening for dyslexia. Online screening and support offered by service providers can assist dyslexic adults cope at work.

Management should provide programs to help potential dyslexics with their jobs and reach their full potential. Helping dyslexics promote positive attitude towards work reduces stress, improves work efficiency, and fosters loyalty.

How To Explain Dyslexia

The neurological difference that affects a person's word processing ability is known as dyslexia. It's not an intellectual disability as it happens to people in various intelligence levels, including the very gifted such as Albert Einstein.

To help individuals become aware of their disorder, dyslexia screening is needed. Difficulty in spelling and reading, dismal concentration, restlessness, time management challenges, and dismal memory are a few symptoms of dyslexia.

Dyslexia have been defeated by a lot of individuals who now lead successful careers. A few examples are Thomas Edison, Pablo Picasso, Leonardo DaVinci, Tom Cruise, Whoopi Goldberg, and Jay Leno. This disability shouldn't hold back children and adults who have them.

Dyslexia's Diverse Kinds

There are various methods that are specially designed to help people overcome adult dyslexia. Adult dyslexics can conveniently and discreetly undergo online screening to determine the kind of method they require.

Dyslexia comes in two forms - developmental or acquired. Developmental dyslexia is described by a genetic abnormality in the brain area. Caused by injuries and brain trauma in birth is acquired dyslexia.

The level of dyslexia is also categorized according to the visuospatial difficulties, speech sound challenges, and correlating difficulties. Dyslexic adults can quickly figure out if they have any of these types with the presence of dyslexia screening on the Internet.

Dyslexia Treatment

Dyslexia has a cure. If a dyslexic starts to read, he is utilizing his brain differently. The fact that he has beated reading challenges shows that dyslexia can be treated. The dyslexic brain begins to work similar to those of non-dyslexics. Overcoming one problem and addressing the next have helped plenty of adult dyslexics function at work, even if it's a lengthy process.

Source: Free Articles

About the Author: Do you have a loved one with dyslexia? Have him or her undergo adult dyslexia screening. There are many an online adult dyslexia test that can help your loved one. Get a dyslexia test now from the experts. For more information, visit The-Dyslexia-Center.com.

Know the Causes of Kidney Stones

By Peter Hutch

Kidney stones (renal Lithia sis) are small, hard deposits of mineral and acid salts on the inner surfaces of your kidneys. Normally, the substances that make up kidney stones are diluted in the urine

Kidney stones (renal Lithia sis) are small, hard deposits of mineral and acid salts on the inner surfaces of your kidneys. Normally, the substances that make up kidney stones are diluted in the urine. When urine is concentrated, though, minerals may crystallize, stick together and solidify. The result is a kidney stone. Most kidney stones contain calcium.

Struvite stones (infection stones) are usually large and have a horn-like shape. They develop when there is too much ammonia in the urine. This can happen if you have a urinary tract infection (UTI), because the bacteria that cause these infections can generate ammonia. This kind of kidney stone is most often found in women.

Cystine stones are yellow and crystalline. They develop if you have high levels of cystine in your urine, which happens if you have a hereditary disorder called cystinuria. Only one in a hundred kidney stones are caused by this condition. Cystine stones tend to develop earlier in life than other kidney stones, usually between the ages of 10 and 30 years.

Medical conditions. Many medical conditions can affect the normal balance and cause stones to form. Gout is one example. Also, people who have inflammatory bowel disease or who have had surgery on their intestines may not absorb fat from their intestines in a normal way. This changes the way the intestines process calcium and other minerals, and it may lead to kidney stones.

Problems in the way your system absorbs and eliminates calcium and other substances create the conditions for kidney stones to form. Sometimes, the underlying cause is an inherited metabolic disorder or kidney disease. Gout promotes specific types of kidney stones, as does inflammatory bowel disease. So do some drugs, including furosemide (Lasix), used in treating heart failure and high blood pressure; topiramate (Topamax), an anti-seizure drug; and indinavir (Crixivan), which is used to treat human immunodeficiency virus, the cause of AIDS.

Common sense has long held that consumption of too much calcium could promote the development of calcium kidney stones. However, current evidence suggests that the consumption of low-calcium diets is actually associated with a higher overall risk for the development of kidney stones. This is perhaps related to the role of calcium in binding ingested oxalate in the gastrointestinal tract. As the amount of calcium intake decreases, the amount of oxalate available for absorption into the bloodstream increases; this oxalate is then excreted in greater amounts into the urine by the kidneys. In the urine, oxalate is a very strong promoter of calcium oxalate precipitation, about 15 times stronger than calcium.

Kidney stones are mostly composed of calcium. However, a smaller number consist of uric acid or something called struvite. Kidney stones form due to an imbalance of water, calcium oxylate, uric acid, and phosphate that are usually present in the urine. Stones are also known to form when the pH of the urine is not normal or when normal mechanisms that protect the kidney's are inundated.

It is usually located in the flank or the side of the mid back and radiates to the groin. Those affected cannot find a comfortable position, and many writhe in pain.

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Source: http://www.articles-hub.com/Article/216533.html

Thursday, May 29, 2008

Drugs Used in Diabetes - Choice of Insulin

By Ricky Hussey

The choice of an insulin depends upon the condition of the patient. In emergencies such as diabetic coma, crystalline insulin (only soluble insulin) is preferred because of its quick onset of action. It is repeated at 6-hour intervals given intravenously usually, until the situation is under control. Crystalline insulin is also employed in combination with intermediate-acting insulin preparations for quick action. However, a dose of intermediate-acting insulins taken before breakfast is effective in controlling most cases of diabetes, other than some cases of juvenile diabetes, in which there is a marked rise in blood sugar during the night and in which, an additional evening dose may be needed. The use of long-acting preparations, with the hope of a single injection for controlling diabetes, has been disappointing and is not advocated. Premixed mixture of crystalline and lente insulin (Biphasic insulin) are convenient for tighter control of fasting and post meal blood glucose elevation. A large number of such preparations are available in the market. A convenient device is insulin pen (Nayolet) which has premixed insulin mixture and can be put into packet by executives or others who are on the move. It is, however, expensive, although the price may come down in the future.

Dosage: The dose varies with the severity of the condition and the response of the patient. Repeated estimation of blood sugar during the treatment is helpful in adjusting the doses. In general, the treatment is started with an intermediate-acting preparation and a dose of 10 to 15 units is given; 2/3 dose is given before breakfast and 1/3 dose before dinner. This is increased by 5 units per day with a constant monitoring of glucose levels of blood and urine till satisfactory control is achieved.

All the preparations of insulin are ineffective orally and have to be injected under the skin. Recently, computer-assisted, battery-driven implantable devices have become available, which inject insulin appropriate to the requirements (insulin pumps). Usually highly purified insulins are used in these devices. It will be a major breakthrough in this field if someone discovers a drug as effective as insulin that can be given orally.

Newer Insulins

Newer insulins are now available. They are 3 to 5 times more expensive. They have the advantage that insulin allergy, fat loss at the site of injection, and sometimes, fat accumulation, occur less frequently. The possibility of the formation of anti-insulin antibodies is also less.

Adverse Effects: The most common adverse effect is hypoglycaemia. Hypoglycaemia may be caused by the delay or omission of meals or by unexpected exertion. The symptoms of hypoglycaemia include intense hunger, sweating, palpitation of the heart, tremors, weakness, and irritability. These symptoms can be recognized early and can be relieved by sugar, glucose or sweets in 10 to 20 minutes. If you are taking acarbose with insulin injection then use only glucose and not household sugar. It is to be noted that long standing diabetics may not notice all of these symptoms of low blood sugar.

Insulin may cause allergic reaction at the site of the injection, characterized by stinging and itching sensations associated with reddening and swelling of the skin. Generalized allergic reactions are rare. Human insulin does not cause allergic reactions. Repeated injections of insulin at the same site may cause depression or elevation at the injection site (Lipodystrophy). In rare cases patients may not respond to insulin (due to insulin resistance). These problems are uncommon with human insulins.PrecautionsUse disposable insulin syringes only for insulin by self-infection.Reduce the dose of insulin if a meal is likely to be missed or physical exertion is likely.Take sugar or glucose if any symptoms of hypoglycaemia appear.Consult the doctor immediately if any allergic reaction occurs.Rotate the site of insulin injection i.e start from one thigh, then rotate to abdominal wall then forearm then upper arm after one side rotate to the next side.

AdvCare is one of the leading Canada drugs websites. First established in January 2000, its mission is to become the number one site for ontario drug and prescription medication searches.

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Generic Drugs: Are They Safe Actually?

By Dorothy Health

A generic drug is very much safe as it is bioequivalent of a branded drug in every respect such as dosage form, strength, method of administration, characteristics and intended use. It should not be mistaken as cheap quality, unsafe drug because they are sold at substantially lower prices than the branded counterparts. It is estimated that consumers save $8 to $10 billion a year at retail pharmacies.

Usually patients get concerned about generic drugs as they are sold substantially cheaper than their branded versions. If you are contemplating to use them, let me assure you that the cost is no cause of worry, USFDA requires that generic drugs be as effective and safe as branded drugs and assures that that their quality hasn’t been compromised for the sake of reducing the cost.

Take an example of a generic drug used for the treatment of diabetes. The drug is metformin. Glucophage is a branded product of the same metformin. As you can see, brand names are more often than not capitalized while generic names are not. Getting back to the basics, active ingredients (in the above case, metformin) are what make drugs work. In addition, there are inactive materials known as excipients like binders, colors or flavors which do not have any role in the functioning of drugs on the body. If you are seeing different colors and/or shapes between generics and branded drugs, it is because physical characteristics are patented by branded drug producers and also USFDA requires them to be different.

Alright, how safe are the excipients, then? All excipients used in generic drugs must be approved by the FDA before they go to production. Secondly, generics producers often source both their active and inactive ingredients from the same vendors as the patented companies so as to ensure quality and conformation with FDA requirements.

There is a reason for physicians insisting upon using prescribed branded drugs; branded manufacturers endeavor to put a stop to cheaper, bioequivalent generics with direct-to-physician advertising insinuating pharmacist substitution is superseding physician's authority making sure that pharmacists dispense a Valium prescription for brand Valium and not equivalent generic diazepam in its place. (Have you heard of DAW which is an unwritten rule with physicians and an acronym for Dispense as Written?)

Actually there is hardly any truth in the stories that generic drugs are inferior in manufacturing methodology and quality to branded drugs. FDA makes no differentiation when it comes to approving manufacturing facilities and products; it has one yardstick for all drug manufacturers. It may surprise you to hear that many drug makers manufacture both branded and generic drugs simultaneously. According to FDA estimates, about half of all generic drugs produced in the USA is by brand-name companies.

It makes sense to go for generics, if they are available. If your insurer pays only for generics or demands a larger co-payment from you for a patented drug, tell your doctor if she or he prescribes branded drugs. If there is a noticeable difference in how the generic drug performs, you may have to petition the insurer to continue the branded products.

Amateur article writer on different topics who likes surfing on the internet. This time told about: Generic drugs: Are they safe? Also paid attention on the site: www.drugs-med.com.

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Heart Health: Noise Affects Blood Pressure

By Dr. Christopher Lyden

One of the major risk factors for heart disease has always been hypertension (having high blood pressure). It affects millions of people over fifty. A recent study brought up a surprising fact -- chronic exposure to noise can significantly raise your blood pressure and increase your risk of cardiovascular disease.

What’s that you say? "I can’t hear you over the traffic, or that airplane overhead! Maybe it’s the ambient noise in the factory, or the loud music blaring from my earphones hour after hour!"

It appears that it doesn’t matter what the source of the noise is, or even if you’re awake or asleep at the time. It can even be the loud snoring of a spouse beside you all night. Continuous exposure to loud sounds of any variety eventually leads to chronic elevations of BP, making you more prone to suffering a heart attack or stroke. We never get used to loud sounds and our bodies silently react every time.

Younger people (25-44 years old) are affected by noise exposure even more than older folks. Their BP is raised a few points by louder sounds, but their heart rates are elevated an average of 27 beats per minute at higher noise levels. This has both an acute and a long lasting negative affect on cardiovascular function.

What can you do?

Seek out peace and quiet whenever possible. Don’t live at the end of an airport runway. Use noise-canceling headphones at work if necessary. Wear earplugs during the night if your spouse is a loud snorer. And turn down the loud music!

In addition to seeking quiet you can also take other steps to offset the effects of elevated BP:

• Weight management. Excess weight causes stress on your heart. Every pound lost helps to lower your BP.

• Exercise. Doing some type of activity that increases heart rate to the point that breathing is labored will strengthen your cardiovascular system.

• Vitamins and supplements. Improving your diet is good, but specific nutrients can help your heart and blood vessels stay healthier. Taking fish oils for their omega-3 fats is a good start. Supplementing with vitamin E (400-600 IU), vitamin C (>1,000 mg), folate (400-800 mg) and Pycnogenol (derived from pine bark) may also help decrease hypertension.

We are each responsible for our own health and wellness. No one can do it for us. Keeping our weight under control, moving daily and taking supplements go hand in hand with living in a peaceful, calm and quiet environment to maintain our heart health.

Dr. Christopher Lyden contributes articles on heart health for Feelgoodforlife.com. More information on heart health and other topics can be found at http://www.feelgoodforlife.com.

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Friday, April 25, 2008

10 Ways to Effective Communication With Your Doctor

By Linda Wilson

One of the most important things in taking care of yourself is understanding your doctor's advice well enough to carry it out. While that sounds simple enough, here in the United States studies have shown that approximately 90 million people don't understand their doctor's advice well enough to follow it at home. And that can be dangerous, especially for the diabetic. For the diabetic, caring for their illness is a big job. There are lots of things to remember and lots of things to do. And just about the time you think you have it all figured out, you go in for your routine check-up. And wouldn't you know it! When your tests results come back, you get a phone call from your doctor's office. You are told to change meds or take meds at different times, etc. It's no wonder we sometimes get confused.

However, not having a good understanding of your doctor's orders, whatever your illness, can be more than just confusing. Studies have shown that those who don't fully understand their doctor's orders are almost twice as likely to die within a five year period than those who do have a good understanding! So it is vitally important to leave your doctor's appointment with a clear understanding of what you should do. And remember this, doctors are used to medical terms and sometimes their advice becomes rote as they repeat it over and over to their patients. It is up to you to make sure you leave their office with all your questions answered and any confusion explained away. Here are some tips to help you as you work to increase your "health literacy":

1. Ask your doctor or health care professional to explain any medical terms you do not understand.

2. If you receive a diagnoses you never heard of, ask the doctor to explain exactly what it is and to spell it for you. When I was diagnosed with leukocytoclastic vasculitis, I had no idea what that was. I asked my doctor to explain it and write it down for me. He wrote the words down for me then told me it was a very rare disease. He then excused himself and came back into the room with a large medical book. He opened the book to my disease and read to me from his medical book. This wouldn't have happened if I hadn't asked. But he was glad to do it when he realized how important that was to me.

3. If they speak softly and you have trouble hearing, tell them so. Make sure you hear everything they say!

4.Many of our health care professionals are from foreign countries. If you have a problem understanding their accent, don't be embarrassed about it. Ask to have a nurse, etc in the room to explain anything you have trouble fully understanding.

5. Many times our doctors seem to be in a hurry. Remember that you are as important as the next patient. If they rush through your instructions, ask them to slow down. Don't be embarrassed to ask them to repeat something.

6. Ask questions. There is no such thing as a "dumb question" where your health is concerned.
7. Ask for information pamplets, etc. if you don't fully understand your illness. Or ask your doctor to write down information resources for you.

8. Take a family member or trusted friend with you and ask them to listen carefully and make notes for you if needed.

9. Ask your doctor for an explanation of tests results even if they are normal. What is "normal" and what does it mean in your case?

10. When your doctor gives you a prescription, have him/her explain to you what it is, why you need to take it, and clear directions for taking it. Then make sure the information on the prescription matches what your doctor told you. This is just an outline of ten ways to help you better understand what transpires when you visit your doctor or health care professional. You can probably add others. The main thing to remember is this. You are given one life. Make sure you take care of it. And that means making sure you and your doctor communicate effectively.

Copyright © 2007, Linda/diabeticenjoyingfood. All rights reserved.

For more of Linda's writings and recipes, go to http://diabeticenjoyingfood.squarespace.com
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Sunday, April 20, 2008

Generic Drugs means satisfaction guaranteed

By Mike Dean

Sex and satisfaction are presumed to be mutually conducive to each other. They are an important aspect of human aspirations, which along with being a stress buster is also the bond to a relationship between a man and woman. But there are millions of unfortunate couples in this world who fail in their endeavor for a passionate sexual life. This is because of the alarming increase in the ratio of sexual dysfunction in men. It happens when the male partner is unable to achieve or sustain an erection long enough for sexual satisfaction. This is called erectile dysfunction or male impotence.

There might be various reasons responsible for erectile dysfunction ranging from physical abnormalities to psychological stresses to lifestyle factors. Although psychological factors like stress, depression etc and lifestyle factors like smoking, alcoholism can be controlled; but physical causes like arteriosclerosis or hardening of the arteries, can cause E. D. Blood does not flow easily through hardened, narrower-than-normal arteries thus preventing erection. High blood pressure and high cholesterol can also lead to arteriosclerosis. An occasional failure in having an erection due to stress, performance anxiety, lack of sexual desire and problems with ejaculation or orgasm is not to be considered as impotence. It is considered to be a case of erectile dysfunction only if the condition persists for a consistent period of time and on a series of occasions.

Earlier men suffering from impotence had to live off their sexual fantasies or indulge in painful treatment procedures including surgery. But ever since oral ED drugs have been introduced, treatment of erectile dysfunction has been easier than ever. But these drugs are to be used only under medical recommendation. There are several drugs in this category to have entered the market, but the most popular and trusted ED drug is the pioneer drug Viagra. Viagra, taken an hour prior to sexual activity works by enhancing the effects of nitric oxide, a chemical present in its active component Sildenafil citrate. It helps in relaxing smooth muscles in the penis during sexual stimulation and allows increased blood flow thus facilitating erection.

Though the brand drug Viagra is a trusted companion of many impotent men, its generic variety has in its short tenure managed to win over the hearts of its users with its effective quality and cheap price.

Generic Viagra has all the FDA-approved chemistry, manufacturing steps, and quality control measures adopted by the brand drug but due to its cost saving in research and development, generic drugs could be provided to the consumers at one-third the price of the brand drug. Thereby, generic drugs like Generic Viagra offer guaranteed satisfaction and pleasure at convenient prices making them the most favorable companion in fighting impotence.

This article has been provided courtesy of Best Generic Pharmacy (http://www.bestgenericpharmacy.com), dedicated to bringing you the highest quality generic medications such as Generic Viagra, Generic Cialis, and Generic Levitra at the most competitive prices.

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Wednesday, April 9, 2008

What is Overactive Bladder Syndrome?

By Nate Damm

Overactive bladder is a relatively unexplored syndrome that can affect people of any age. While some possible causes are known for overactive bladder, there is still much speculation as to what really causes this condition and how it can be treated in the best way.

In recent years, the study of overactive bladder syndrome has become popular. The reason for this is because more and more people are coming forward saying that they are experiencing the symptoms. Overactive bladder syndrome can cause a lot of stress and problems in a person's life. The reason for these problems is because of the unpredictability of this condition. Traveling, work, and enjoying everyday activites becomes difficult.

There are three major symptoms of overactive bladder syndrome. This first of these is a very high frequency of urination. If someone is having to visit the bathroom so many times over the course of a day that it is being disruptive to their life, they may need to see a doctor and talk about it. Frequency is the most common and well known symptom of overactive bladder.

The next symptom is urgency. People that experience this condition also feel great urgency to urinate. This urgency can be very stressful. Those that experience this often are nervous that they will not make it to the bathroom on time. The symptom of urgency combined with frequency can be very tough to deal with.

The third major symptom of overactive bladder syndrome is a sudden leakage of urine. These leakages often come without warning. Of the three main symptoms of this condition, leakage is the one that scares people the most. Nobody wants to be embarrassed by a sudden leakage of urine.

These are just a few of the basic facts about overactive bladder syndrome. Must research is still being done as to what causes it.

Make sure to check out my Flotrol Review. I do a lot of research on overactive bladder medications and treatments.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Nate_Damm

Looking for Help with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Treatments?

By Cindy Teruya

Chronic fatigue syndrome treatments may be a viable option for you if you suffer from the condition. Chronic fatigue syndrome is a debilitating disorder that is often misunderstood. CFS affects about 4 in every 1000 adults, and seems more prevalent in women and adults in their 40s and 50s. Myalgia and arthralgia often accompany this condition, as well as difficulty in cognitive thinking, as well as extreme mental and physical exhaustion. Interestingly, there is no documented assay when it comes to diagnosing CFS-it is usually discovered through process of elimination.

There are both sudden onset cases and gradual onset cases of CFS. Some of the most telling symptoms of the syndrome include fatigue, malaise (which is described as an inappropriate loss of physical and mental stamina) and sleep dysfunction. What advancements have been made in chronic fatigue syndrome treatments? There are many schools of thought in CFS treatment and many patients will not fully recover from treatment. However, some strategies have proven to be effective at reducing the consequences of this condition. These might include behavioral interventions, cognitive behavioral therapy and medication, including antidepressants, nervous system stimulants and hormone therapy.

However, another option in providing chronic fatigue syndrome treatments lies in alternative medicine, using natural supplements and vitamins to help fight the condition. Before this therapy can be effective the system must first be cleansed out, with the assistance of a nutritional expert.
This is what Health-Truth.com offers, the official website of the Biamonte Center for Clinical Nutrition. The center offers professional treatments as well as education on chronic fatigue syndrome. The Biamonte Center was founded by Michael C. Biamonte, a certified clinical nutritionist who has devoted his life to health research.

Utilizing the very latest laboratory testing, the Biamonte Center for Clinical Nutrition is able to pinpoint all the factors that are responsible for poor health and energy. To learn more about chronic fatigue syndrome treatments, please visit our website http://health-truth.com/ or call us at (212) 587-2330.

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Saturday, March 22, 2008

Food To Avoid With Acid Reflux - What You Should Know

By Richal Peyton

Acid reflux isn't life threatening but can progress overtime until it is severe. This is why prevention is better than a cure. After treatment, simply know what food to avoid with acid reflux. Continue reading this article to also find out what foods you can enjoy and how to maintain your health for life.

What To Avoid

Cases of acid reflux really vary from one person to the next. This article will tell you about every major food to avoid with acid reflux, however, it might be worthwhile keeping a diary so you know exactly what's best for your specific needs. Generally, you'll need to avoid high fat foods like fatty meats, high-fat dairy products, fried foods, and fast food. The problem here is the stomach has a hard time digesting fatty foods and so it secretes more acid. This results in the build-up of acid in your stomach, which eventually causes acid reflux.

Fruits and vegetables are extremely beneficial to everyone's health. But for those of us who suffer from acid reflux, things are a little different. We need to avoid citrus fruits like lemons and oranges, as they are considered acidic. Certain vegetables can also be acidic such as raw onions and tomatoes.

It is also good to use different kinds of spices while cooking, as these are known to have health benefits. Still, it is better to stay away from using chili peppers, as these can weaken the lower esophageal sphincter muscle. Pepper is actually used by some to treat acid reflux, but this is not good for those whose esophagus is already severely damaged by the condition.

Alcoholic beverages is another thing you should avoid if you have acid reflux. Alcoholic beverages like beer can double acidic production in your stomach within just an hour. Also try to stay away from sodas, caffeinated beverages and coffee.

What You Can Eat

It doesn't mean though that just because you have acid reflux, you can't enjoy food anymore. You may eat meat, but make sure it is not high in fat. For instance, you can eat skinless chicken breast, lean beef, and fish. Get enough protein and calcium from low-fat dairy products like soy cheese, sour cream, and fat-free cream cheese. Couple your food with grains like multi-grain bread, baked potato, broccoli, peas and brown rice. Enjoy some sweets every now and then with jellybeans, fat-free cookies and red licorice. Since eating smaller, more frequent meals is best for acid reflux sufferers, you may snack on bananas and fresh apples from time to time.

Doctors may recommend alkaline-rich food for people with acid reflux. These foods include blackberries, mushrooms, cabbage, cauliflower, celery, sprouted beans, and honey.

Extra Help

Be proactive and find other ways to improve treatment. Fiber is known to treat acid reflux symptoms and should therefore be part of your diet. You may get enough fiber from oatmeal or sprinkle a powdered fiber supplement over your food or drink.

It is true that there may be a lot of food to avoid with acid reflux, but your appetite doesn't have to suffer with the limited choices. There are thousands of recipes you can find online that are especially designed for those of us who have acid reflux. Before trying out any method though, consult your doctor first.

Know more about what food to avoid with acid reflux. Find your complete guide to natural cure for acid reflux online.

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How to Save Money On Prescription Drugs

By Jason B. Cox

Prescription drugs are necessary, but often expensive - too expensive for most without insurance. If you need to save money on your monthly prescription bills, keep reading to learn 7 hot tips on how to save money on all your prescription drug purchases.

1. Buy generic.

Always ask your doctor or at the pharmacy if a generic brand of your prescribed drug is available. You can save up to 75 percent just by opting for the generic brand instead of the commercial brand. Because all drugs need to pass FDA standards, you're getting the same medicine with the same efficacy no matter what you pay.

2. Shop around.

When you purchase a prescription, pick up the phone and call a few pharmacies. You'll be amazed at the variance in prices between different pharmacies in your area. Once you find a good price, snatch it up.

3. Ask for discounts.

Whether you're a veteran, senior, AAA member or frequent shopper, there may be a discount for you. Look for discounts that can help save you hundreds of dollars on your monthly prescription costs.

4. Let your doctor know your financial concerns.

Your doctor may be able to prescribe a generic medication, offer suggestions on herbal alternatives or even opt for another course of treatment that may be more affordable. Remember, you have the right to be informed and engaged in your own health and health-affecting decisions.

5. Split that tablet.

If your doctor prescribes 50mg dosages of a particular tablet, ask about purchasing the 100mg tablets and then split them in half at home. You can save a lot of money this way because the price difference between 50mg and 100mg is almost negligible, and you can cut your prescription costs in half.

Because the delivery system or efficacy of some drugs can be affected when you cut them in half, like with gel caps, always consult with your pharmacist before you try this method.

6. Go mail order.

Because they don't have the high overhead costs associated with a bricks and mortar store and labor, many online or mail-order pharmacies offer drugs at discounted prices. Remember, always shop from a certified and reputable seller based in your own country.

7. Ask for samples.

If you just need a small or limited dosage, don't be afraid to ask your doctor or pharmacist for samples. These are free samples given to them by the dug company, and they can save you some of the expense of having to purchase.

For information on practical money saving tips, please visit http://www.moneysavetips.com, a popular site providing great insights concerning savings ideas, such as student debt help, prepaid credit cards for teenagers, and many more!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jason_B._Cox

Thursday, March 20, 2008

Preventing Blood Clots

By Sharon Rowe

What is Lovenox? How does it work? How do I administer it and why am I taking it? These are just a few of the questions asked when a patient is first started on Lovenox.

What is Lovenox? - Lovenox is a subcutaneous (skin tissue) injection given primarily in the abdominal area to prevent clots from developing in the blood. It also has to be pointed out that Heparin and Lovenox are not the same. As we all know Heparin has been in the news quite a bit lately from fatal and near fatal doses being mistakenly administered in the hospital setting. Lovenox (Enoxaparin Sodium Injection) is a very low molecular weight Heparin fragment, so low that Lovenox treatments cannot be monitored in the same way as Heparin. So PT or PTT lab draws are not indicated during Lovenox therapy as they are for a patient taking Heparin.

How does Lovenox work? - Lovenox is an Anti -Thrombotic drug. It prevents blood clots from developing and traveling to the lungs that could possibly cause serious and sometimes fatal injuries. When the body sustains an injury it causes blood proteins or clotting factors to work together. Lovenox slows down the formation of blood clots in your body by reducing the clotting factor in your blood.

How do I administer Lovenox? - Lovenox is administered into the abdomen (tummy) to induce quick absorption into your system. The injection is given via a tiny subcutaneous needle. Never give Lovenox intramuscular (in the muscle) or directly in the naval it could reduce absorption.

Before injecting Lovenox choose your site. A good suggestion would be to start counter clockwise and work your way around starting from the inner abdomen (Be sure to clean the injection site with alcohol before you start). Once your injections have circled completely around your tummy (starting from the inside) come outside the previous injection area about one inch and start again. The tummy is a large area so think of your injection sites as a spiral outward. Once you have covered the entire tummy area it's safe to start over from the inner tummy. (Always document your injection site).

Why am I taking Lovenox? - Lovenox is given primarily to prevent blood clots. Conditions that make people more susceptible to clots include bed bound patients who are immobile because of a medical condition. People undergoing orthopedic surgery of the hip and knee. Also included are hereditary thrombophilia, pregnancy, inflammation and advanced age.

Lovenox Tips

Lovenox may be stored at room temperature. (15 to 25 degrees Celsius) Keep Lovenox away from heat.

Discard after thirty days.

Do not expel air bubble prior to injection unless a dosage adjustment is needed, in which case it would be necessary to dispel the air.

Never rub site after injection. Doing so could cause bruising.

Always document your injection sites.

For information on lovenox injection logs visit http://www.yourmedform.com/

Sharon Rowe has been a registered nurse for over ten years. She presently operates her own online health form business. She noticed during her years in nursing the growing need for a development of health forms to be used primarily for in home use. Visit her at http://www.yourmedform.com/

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Sharon_Rowe

Shedding Light on Lupus

By Sharon A Bell

Lupus is a disease that attacks thousands of Americans yearly. Most of its victims are women of childbearing age.

"Lupus occurs more frequently in women than it does in men, though it isn't clear why. Four types of lupus exist - systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), discoid lupus erythematosus, drug-induced lupus erythematosus and neonatal lupus. Of these, SLE is the most common and serious form of lupus," said the Mayo Clinic.

The cause of SLE is unknown. Some say lupus is triggered by medication or a virus that lies dormant in the body until it is activated by sunlight, physical or mental stress, streptococcal or viral infections, pregnancy or certain chemicals.

"Lupus is an autoimmune disease, which means that instead of just attacking foreign substances, such as bacteria and viruses, your immune system also turns against healthy tissue. This leads to inflammation and damage to various parts of the body, including the joints, skin, kidneys, heart, lungs, blood vessels and brain," explained the Mayo Clinic.

The symptoms of SLE vary and include the following: non-deforming arthritis (pain and stiffness in the joints, especially the hands and feet), facial erythema (a butterfly-shaped rash that spreads across the nose and cheeks), sensitivity to light, oral or nasopharyngeal ulcerations, Raynaud's phenomenon (fingers or toes that turn white or blue when exposed to cold or during stressful periods), shortness of breath, chest pain, anxiety, depression and memory loss.

"Drug-induced lupus results from the long-term use of certain prescription drugs. Although many medications can potentially trigger lupus, examples of drugs most clearly linked with the disease include the antipsychotic chlorpromazine, high blood pressure medications such as hydralazine, the tuberculosis drug isoniazid and the heart medication procainamide, among others. It usually takes several months or years of therapy with these drugs before symptoms appear, and even then, only a small percentage of people will ever develop lupus," revealed the Mayo Clinic.

Untreated, the inflammation caused by lupus can affect many parts of the body, damaging the blood vessels, kidneys, lungs, heart and bones.

About 50 percent of patients develop cardiopulmonary abnormalities like pericarditis and dyspnea (shortness of breath). Other complications are myocarditis (inflammation of the heart muscle), endocarditis (inflammation of the valves or lining membrane of the heart) and pneumonitis (inflammation of the lungs). Lupus can also affect the central nervous system and lead to emotional instability, psychoses, irritability and depression.

There is no way to prevent lupus but many drugs can relieve its symptoms. Treatment depends on the signs and symptoms. See a good doctor who will explain the advantages and risks of these drugs.

To strengthen your body, take Immunitril - your first line of defense in maintaining a healthy immune system. For details, visit http://www.bodestore.com/immunitril.html.

Sharon Bell is an avid health and fitness enthusiast and published author. Many of her insightful articles can be found at the premier online news magazine http://www.HealthLinesNews.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Sharon_A_Bell

Sunday, March 16, 2008

What To Look For In An Online Pharmacy

By Jennifer L Loganathan

There is an increase of people that cannot make it to a traditional brick and mortar pharmacy to get their medicine. Either they are bedridden or don't have reliable help to do it for them.

So what can you do if your faced with this dilemma?

The emergence of online pharmacies continues to grow. These places are trying to go where brick and mortar pharmacies cannot. Online pharmacies are striving to fill the medical needs of those who cannot get around.

Online pharmacies that lower prices and quick delivery as incentives to purchase medications from them. More and more people are looking to these venues as a way to get their medications. It is so easy for many to get online and order what they need.

Of course, these online ventures are not without their disadvantages. There are people setting up shop who are not licensed as pharmacists or doctors. The main purpose is to make a quick buck and get a piece of the pie. This can be dangerous because one might make the mistake of having the wrong medication delivered to someone.

The result of this can have someone seriously ill or worse, succumb from the effects of taking the incorrect medication. It's important that people who order medication from online pharmacies select their online location carefully and with scrutiny.

There are ways that people can find out whether an online pharmacy is legal or not. If you purchase medication without checking it out first, you put yourself in harm's way for receiving fake medication. The ethics for an online pharmacy involved in this are very low. All they want is the money.

When you buy medication from a real online pharmacy, you are assured of the best quality and service money can buy. You can also receive additional information on the medication you purchase if the online venue is legal. Legitimate online pharmacies have to abide by the rules set in place to maintain standards in the medical community.

Legitimate online pharmacies will be licensed and/or certified to operate as such. The license and/or certification will come from the persons in charge or verifying their legitimacy. If the online pharmacy is real, they will have documentation or narrative stating such on their website. They will also have a link to the people in charge of verifying them to do business online.

Customers should look for this prior to placing their order online. If they don't find it, they should ask questions and refrain from purchasing anything until you find out if they're legitimate or not.

The online pharmacy should also have contact information listed on their website. The contact information should include a physical address in the event someone wants to send them a letter via snail mail. In addition to that, there should also be a working phone number listed in case a customer or someone else wanted to call. If the online pharmacy is legitimate, they would not hesitate having this information listed on their website. If they want to stay in business, these online venues will be glad to take inquiries from customers.

Online pharmacies should have a valid prescription to go by to fill the order. The order should not be filled without one. Just like patients can't go up to a pharmacist and say, "I want to get this drug" but yet don't have a prescription, the same applies for online pharmacies. If you find any that engage in that kind of breach of ethics, steer clear and you should probably report them to the proper authorities.

Beware of those online pharmacies that promise quick results or magic cures from serious health issues. These are nothing more than a scam and should be avoided at all costs.

If after all of this, you're still in doubt about online pharmacies, consult with you physician before buying medication online.

Jennifer Loganathan is the President and CEO of Stradafee Limited. Stradafee is an electronic payments company as well as an eCommerce and Internet merchant account provider. Merchant accounts make it possible for businesses to provide online credit card processing For more information on credit card processing visit http://www.stradafee.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jennifer_L_Loganathan

Muscular Dystrophy - What is Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy?

By Hilary Basile

Muscular dystrophy is an inherited disease. Different muscular dystrophies follow various inheritance patterns.

The best-known type, Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), is inherited in an X-linked recessive pattern, meaning that the mutated gene that causes the disorder is located on the X chromosome, one of the two sex chromosomes, and is thus considered sex-linked. In males (who have only one X chromosome) one altered copy of the gene in each cell is sufficient to cause the condition. In females (who have two X chromosomes) a mutation must generally be present in both copies of the gene to cause the disorder. This condition is much more common in males than in females.

A characteristic of X-linked inheritance is that fathers cannot pass X-linked traits to their sons. In about two thirds of DMD cases, an affected male inherits the mutation from a mother who carries one altered copy of the DMD gene. The other one-third of cases probably results from new mutations in the gene. Females who carry one copy of a DMD mutation may have some signs and symptoms related to the condition (such as muscle weakness and cramping), but these are typically milder than the signs and symptoms seen in affected males.

Duchenne muscular dystrophy is the most severe form of dystrophinopathy. DMD is due to a genetic deficiency of the protein dystrophin. It is the most common form of muscular dystrophy that affects children. It is more common in young boys between the ages of 2 and 5. Signs and symptoms of Duchenne muscular dystrophy may include:

· Frequent falls

· Large calf muscles

· getting up from a lying or sitting position

· Weakness in lower leg muscles, resulting in difficulty running and jumping

· Waddling gait

· Mild mental retardation (in some cases)

Duchenne muscular dystrophy first affects the muscles of the pelvis, upper arms and upper legs. By late childhood, most children with DMD are unable to walk. Most die by their late teens or early 20s, often from pneumonia, respiratory muscle weakness or cardiac complications. Some people with DMD may exhibit curvature of their spine (scoliosis).

Hilary Basile is a writer for MyGuidesUSA.com http://www.myguidesusa.com, you will find valuable tips and resources for handling life's major events. Whether you're planning a wedding, buying your first home, anxiously awaiting the birth of a child, contending with a divorce, searching for a new job, or planning for your retirement, you'll find answers to your questions at MyGuidesUSA.com.

Find information on the causes and risk factors of muscular dystrophy, symptoms and types of muscular dystrophy, diagnosing muscular dystrophy, and treatment and care of muscular dystrophy at http://musculardystrophy.myguidesusa.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Hilary_Basile

Tuesday, March 11, 2008

LASIK and the Dry Eye Revisited

By Jay Stockman

The many benefits of LASIK are obvious, vision without glasses, however several side affects must always be considered prior to surgery. One of the most significant, and bothersome is Dry Eyes. Most individuals that undergo the procedure will experience at least some dryness, yet others will be greatly affected.

There has been a great deal of research, and clinical trials performed in an effort to determine the exact cause of the post operative dry eye, but the specific etiology has yet to be determined. One such theory is the Neural Feedback Loop Theory. This theory suggests that the disruption in the corneal nerve fibers; as a result of the flap creation and stoma layer ablation decreases corneal sensitivity. Consequently there is a decreased blink rate leading to an increase in tear film evaporation; thus the eyes become dryer. Clinical trials have shown that this anomaly corrects itself in most, but not all individuals.

The second theory is Goblet Cell Damage. Goblet cells manufacture the mucin layer in tears preventing tear film evaporation. Microkeratome pressure on the cornea during flap creation can damage conjunctiva Goblet cells resulting in an unstable tear mucin layer. An unstable tear mucin layer will cause the tears to evaporate quick and leave the exposed cornea dry.

Next theory is the Change in Corneal Curvature. Changing the corneal curvature is required to alter one’s prescription, but also affects how the tear film overlays the cornea. This change causes an iron stained epithelium, resulting in a very dry eye.

In all cases, osmolarity changes because of the decreased blink rate results in damage to the cornea called Keratopathy. These are the most widely accepted theories on why eyes become dry following LASIK. It should be noted that dryness rates are much lower for PRK because there is no flap creation and many of these factors do not exist with that procedure.

Extensive dry eye testing should be performed prior to LASIK to determine if there is an underlying dry eye condition. Some routine tests that must be done are Tear film evaluation, Schirmer test, Lissamine green staining, tear meniscus height measurement, Phenol red thread testing and Fluorescein staining. While all of these need not be done, some must be performed because the surgeon must know not only if there is a dry eye condition, but how bad it is.

In cases where there is an existing dry eye, preoperative treatment can be done. The use of artificial tears, and in more serious cases, Cyclosporin commonly known as Restasis can be prescribed prior to surgery. In addition, topical steroids can also be employed to help re-mediate the condition.

During the procedure the surgeon can also lessen the dry eye affect by creating the flap with a nasal hinge instead of a superior one. This appears to cause less dryness since only one side of the nerve is severed, while with the superior hinge both sides are cut; this affects corneal sensitivity. Some studies have not supported this theory while others do. The method of flap creation is a much greater factor. The microkeratome definitely creates more damage to the corneal nerves and thus dryer eyes. The better alternative is flap creation with the femtosecond laser commonly called Intralase. Corneal tissue disruption is much less and corneal sensation returns much faster.

Post operative dryness can be dealt with most commonly with artificial tears. The best of which is Celluvisc. Restasis is also often employed, but must be used for at least 3-6 months to be affective. Inserting a collagen plug in the area of the lid where tears drain is also used in extreme cases to retain tear volume in the eyes.

In summation, extreme dry eye patients should carefully consider, and discuss with their surgeon whether LASIK is appropriate, and all refractive surgery patients must be prepared to suffer from dry eyes post operatively for at least several months and perhaps even longer.


Dr. Jay B Stockman is a practicing doctor for http://newyorkvisionassociates.com, and a contributing expert for CleContactLenses.com.

Article Source: http://www.ArticleBiz.com