healtyblog: August 2012

Friday, August 31, 2012

Diabetes and Diet: What's the Connection?

Information on a Polar Heart Rate Monitor Battery

Tips for Buying and Installing a Replacement Polar Heart Rate Monitor BatteryBoth professional athletes and fitness enthusiasts alike have discovered the many benefits of using a Polar heart monitor. Easy to wear, these convenient devices provide crucial knowledge that puts you a step ahead of your competition. Polar heart rate monitors track your cardio-respiratory endurance over time to observe your progress; furthermore, the latest models from Polar are equipped with built-in programs to help you set the ideal workout speed that remains within your target heart rate zone.The Polar heart monitor is ready to use right out of the box, complete with one preinstalled three volt battery. The device requires such a minimal power supply that you will find each battery has a very long life. Whenever your Polar transmitter or receiver eventually runs out of power, you can find new replacement batteries readily available from Amazon or the Polar USA company. Place your battery order quickly and easily online to conveniently receive new batteries right at home.Choosing the best quality Polar heart rate monitor batteries for your device is one of the easiest ways to ensure it has a long life of high quality performance. Those who own any of the following Polar heart monitor models can easily find genuine replacement batteries: Wearlink+ Connector, CS600, CS400, CS500, s3+, s3, FT7, FT40, FT4, FT60, FT80, RCX3, RCX5, FA20, RS400, and the RS800. You can quickly identify genuine batteries by their authentic sealing rings and professional battery covers, neither of which come with generic batteries. Cheaper, substandard batteries not only reduce the performance ability of your heart rate monitor, but they can also lead to critical mechanical damage if chemical leaks occur.Once it's time to replace your Polar heart rate monitor battery with a new one, follow this helpful guide to learn how.1) Begin by removing the main receiver unit from the larger casing around it. When you turn the unit around, you will find the actual internal component is protected with a strap. Simply give the strap a gentle pull to remove the internal unit from its casing.2) A standard battery hatch covers the battery, and it's held in place by an internal lock. You will need to press a small tab near the battery hatch to release the lock. Either a toothpick or small screwdriver can be used to press the tab more easily, then carefully use the point of your tool to pry the battery out. Use caution because too much force can damage the surrounding plastic of the Polar heart monitor.3) Now you are ready to place your new battery into the empty cavity and press firmly on the battery hatch lock until you feel the tab click into place. The internal receiver unit can then be slid back into its original, protective casing.4) Finally, test the Polar heart monitor to make sure that it's operating properly. The default screen should be the first image to appear right after a new battery is installed. When the display does not light up at all, it's a clear sign that the battery hasn't been inserted correctly. In that case, try re-installing the new battery. You will need to remove it once more and turn it over before re-inserting it.

Medical Record Review Companies Win Cases for Lawyers

Once a lawyer takes up a Medico-Legal case, the challenge is to organize the medical records.A normal set of Medical records could be anywhere from 500 to 2000 pages or even more. Once they are organized, they have to be reviewed in a format that suits the working methodology adopted by the lawyer.Normally the structure would be a chronological listing of all related events, but the data recorded in this would be customized to the need of a particular lawyer.Based on the sensitive nature of the case, he may need a basic or a highly detailed review or a review highlighting a particular treatment.A good medical review would follow a clear logical pattern in healthcare. It would begin- With an event that led to a medical complication that is under study
- followed by a chief complaint
- Physician's list of tests to find out the root of the issue
- results of tests / lab reports
- Diagnosis
- Treatment Plan / or referral to a specialist
- Work status (ability to work normally / modified work/ cannot work)This is where an experienced Medical record review company could be of tremendous assistance to the Lawyer. They would be well versed with HIPAA regulations necessary to handle sensitive patient information.Legal firms can benefit in sourcing the Medical review from companies rather than hiring a fulltime professional as cases handled could vary from month to month. When you decide to source a company to service your requirement, your financial commitment is only for the actual service rendered.A detailed telephonic chat with the process owner in a Medical Record Review company will reveal the expertise they have and definitely helps in making a decision. The next step would be to ask them complete a free pilot review for you. Sharing all necessary information with them on the type of review you would need would go a long way in their understanding of your requirement.Other benefits is flexible Turn-Around-Time for getting your reports, identification of missing records, pricing to fit your budget etc... Do what you do best and leave the rest to us is a cliché that fits very well for record review companies.A major factor while choosing a Medical Review company is to have support via phone / chat / email during your normal working hours. This adds comfort to the law firm creating a seamless office atmosphere.Hiring professional companies goes a long way to ensure creation of a platform where the lawyer is better positioned to get a favorable verdict.

Three Things To Realize About Weight Loss Systems And Supplements

Wanting to change how much you weigh is no special thing - and is certainly nothing that sets you apart from others; after all, plenty of people have a desire (even a strong desire) to change the way their body looks, and to do what will be necessary in order to bring these changes about; at the same time, however, a huge majority of those who have these goals never end up reaching them, and the reason for this is quite simple: these people are failing to realize a few important things about the programs and supplements designed to help people reach the weight they desire.The first thing you need to realize - if you are in a position where you are hoping to shed a few pounds and reach your desired weight - is that not all programs and supplements that claim to help in these areas actually work! Quite frankly, in fact, there are a lot of programs and supplements that do not work at all - and this is because these programs and supplements are marketed by businesses looking to make a quick buck off products that are in high demand; in order to avoid this mistake yourself, you will want to make sure you read reviews first on any supplements of programs you plan to try!The next thing you are going to need to realize is that different products work for different people; because of this, you may read reviews of a product that rave about how well it worked, only to find the product does not work for you; if this is the case, it may not be that the product is faulty, but may instead simply be that it is not a great product for you. If you find this to be the case, don't despair; just move on and find something new that will work for you!And lastly, you need to understand that every single person has the ability to lose weight, and to look the way they want to look - and this includes you! Even though it may not feel like it at times, you can get your body down to the weight where you want to be - as long as you are taking the right approach to health, are actively searching for the supplements and the program that will help you, and are having the patience to keep going until you find your solution!No matter what you may have found or felt in the past, realize that you absolutely have the ability to look the way you want to look, and to feel the way you want to feel; keep pushing forward and looking for the perfect approach for you, and you will soon be celebrating the success you have achieved at last!

How Does A Kidney Stent Interfere With Your Lifestyle?

If you are using a kidney stent you can still move on with your normal activities without making any drastic changes to your lifestyle. You can still go to work and carry out your physical activities like exercising and playing sports. However, due to the placement of a foreign object in your body you might experience certain side effects periodically which can influence your daily activities once in a while.If you are undergoing or are already using a kidney stent, you must remember that it is a temporary change and the stent will be removed in a few days, weeks or months time. Although a general feeling of tiredness and discomfort might cause a decrease in your normal performance level, it is a wise decision to take things a bit easy during the duration of the kidney stent placement. Here are some of the changes that can occur in your normal lifestyle after using a kidney stent.Work - The kind of impact on your job mainly depends upon the nature of your work and the amount of physical activity it involves. If you have a desk job then using a kidney stent might not affect your work in any way at all. On the other hand if your work requires you to be out on field jobs or uses a lot of manual and intense labour it is better is make your employers aware of your medical situation so that your profile can be altered or toned down for a short time period.Well Being - Side effects like a feeling of discomfort and periodic pain in the lower abdominal area can cause a slump in your feelings of well being. It is important to take good care of your body and mind when you are using a stent. Staying positive and asking for the support of your family and friends can really help you in dealing with your condition in an optimistic way.Physical Activity - Having a ureteral stent does not make you immobile in any way. It is completely fine to carry on with physical activities and sports as long as they are moderate in intensity. Your sexual life will also not get affected due to this placement but you might experience some amount of discomfort.Travel - It is completely safe to travel but you might need the care of a doctor if a complication arises so it is best to be prepared beforehand. Also, due to the increased frequency of urination make sure that you have access to restrooms while you are travelling.Social Life - Your social life will also not be greatly affected by the use of a kidney stent. You can continue to go out with your family and friends and attend social events as long as the activities are not too physically strenuous. You might not be able to enjoy your social interactions as much as you usually do due to the feelings of discomfort or pain but continuing with your normal social life will help you cope with your condition in a much better way.Making a few adjustments to your lifestyle will not only help you to lead a more comfortable life, but also hasten the healing process and help remove the renal disorder from your body for which you are using the kidney stent in the first place!

Thrush Symptoms

Thrush is an infection caused by an overgrowth of candida, a yeast type of fungus found on the mucous membranes (the moist, pink part of the skin usually found inside your cheek, vagina and anus). Once the mucous membrane is infected with candida, the membrane will look speckled with small white spots standing on a dark background. This is one of the obvious common thrush symptoms that you will notice. Like most healthy people do, we probably carry a small amount of Candida in our mouth, digestive tract, vagina and even on some parts of our skin. We are usually unaware of its existence in our body because it didn't normally do us harm. Only when it is out of control that it causes problems.Some other most common thrush symptoms on women are:-bull; Discharge - Vaginal discharge that most women described it as white, thick, cheesy and sticky. It has a strong smell of yeast.-bull; Itching and burning - most common thrush symptoms that one can feel are itchiness and burning sensation.-bull; Redness, soreness and pain - tissues around the genital part are extremely delicate and sensitive, having a fungal infection in this area makes it reddish, swollen and noticeably sore causing discomfort during sexual intercourse, pain and/or discomfort during urination as well as discomfort in sitting and walking.-bull; Vaginal Fissuring - cracks are visible and noticeable that cause severe inflammation-bull; Satellite Lesions - it may rarely occur; these are the sores in and around the genital area.There are two types of conditions the doctor may refer on his diagnostic:1. The uncomplicated - this is the mild, first-time occurrence of thrush where you had it very often.2. The complicated - this is the severe thrush, and it keeps coming back four or more times a year.WHO GETS THRUSH?Women have the highest recorded thrush infection, commonly on their thirties and forties. Pregnant women are also a prone victim of thrush, and those who suffer from medical conditions that cause the imbalance of the body's immune system increase the likelihood of occurring thrush problems. The following is some of the causes of thrush on women:-bull; Wearing close-fitting clothing - women are likely fond of wearing this kind of clothing prevents natural ventilation-bull; Taking antibiotics - this kind of medicine kills not just bad bacteria but also some of the good bacteria of the body which causes imbalance.-bull; Using products that irritate the vagina such as douches or bubble bath-bull; ChemotherapyKnowing some of the thrush symptoms doesn't mean that you can diagnose yourself already. It is better to seek your doctor's advice and conduct an ordinary test to confirm the diagnosis. It is just a very simple painless procedure, done in the surgery, and involves using a cotton swab to take a sample of cells from the genitals. However, there are natural alternative remedies that you can opt to choose.Being aware of the most common thrush symptoms could somehow eliminate some of the occurring problems that may persist in the future and by educating ourselves, we can easily prevent it to happen to us and our loved ones.

Diabetes and Diet: What's the Connection?

Information on a Polar Heart Rate Monitor Battery

Get Your Own Polar Heart Rate Monitor Straps

Get Your Own Polar Heart Rate Monitor Straps for Superior Performance and ComfortIf you are working on your physical fitness you will appreciate the importance of a good heart rate monitor. The most popular and the best heart rate monitor in the market is the Polar Heart Rate Monitor and it will not be surprising if you own one.The PHRM (Polar Heart Rate Monitor) owes its popularity to the thoughtful design of its models which makes them efficient and easy to use. Newer models have been designed to help their users get the maximum results from their workouts.The best part of using a PHRM is the ease with which it can be worn and used. It can be worn so unnoticeably on the body that you should not be surprised if you forget that you are wearing one. This is made possible by the special heart rate monitor straps that are available on sites like Amazon and Polar USA.One example of a high quality strap that is made from soft, but durable material and is also very comfortable to wear is the Wearlink + strap. Users of PHRM's know the difference a comfortable strap can make to the quality of their workout.You can imagine the discomfort of using straps made from poor quality materials which result in rashes on your skin. These rashes are caused due to the constant rubbing of the material against your skin which makes it red and itchy. Wearing your heart rate monitor with poor quality straps can cause a lot of discomfort.Heart rate monitors require that you wear them close to your skin whenever you are exercising and this makes it very important that you use quality straps to get the maximum out of the product. Genuine Polar straps are the best companions for high quality PHRM and will make your workout an enjoyable experience.The Wearlink+ strap which is made of high quality materials and is comfortable to wear is the most popular type of strap for different models of PHRM. It is kind to your skin and can be used easily by anyone.The Wearlink+ will not cause you frustration because it can be hooked and unhooked in a moment and this allows you to wear or remove your heart rate monitor easily.Simply hook it and start your workout without the fear of your heart rate monitor coming off irrespective of how vigorous your movements are going to be. Just unhook it once you are finished and it comes off quickly without any struggle. There are different size options for Genuine Wearlink+ straps, so make sure you know what the required size is before you order it online.The size options are extra small to small, medium to double XL and triple XL. The correct size for you depends upon your body mass. The largest size of the Polar Wearlink+ strap can support a body mass of about 240 pounds (120 kgs).The smallest size (XS) is meant for individuals weighing about 90 pounds (45kgs). You can go for the Polar soft strap if you want something even softer and more comfortable than the Wearlink+.Irrespective of the model of PHRM that you own, you can go for the Wearlink+ strap. It is compatible with all Polar Heart Rate Monitor models, so it does not matter whether you have a basic or a high end model.In addition, if you use a Polar GPS device, you will also need the Polar GPS strap. It is made from the same high quality materials that the Wearlink+ strap and the elastic strap is made from and will give you similar high quality performance.

Hip Replacement Operation - The Treatment Method After The Surgery

The hip is structurally an essential part on the human body since the joint allows you provide the body form, shape, structure and supports the weight of your human body. Sometimes, the Hip Joint might be plagued by damage bringing about de-generative joint illnesses such as Osteoarthritis. In this condition it might become difficult for the person to move or perhaps walk. Therefore, a Hip replacement is usually necessary.The surgery is done in extreme circumstances if the patient suffers excessive ache and suffering. The impaired surface of the joint is operatively substituted with a synthetic implant or the full hip area may be replaced. A total substitution can be a major operation which may call for appropriate healing approaches for recouping.Initial therapy will include interaction with physical and occupational experienced therapists. The first priority would be to help you to perform basic routines such as leg lifts, heel slides as well as ankle pumps. Physical exercise will help improve flexibility and walking as the occupational therapy will help is good for more detailed activities like scrubbing and dressing up. However, painkillers and other medicines could be administered to combat discomfort that the patient may face. Recuperation in this surgery additionally relies on the person's threshold and possibility to resist serious pain.When the individual is in a position to execute regular routinely tasks such as going to the restroom and move short distances, the patient may be released. Normally this can take about 3 - 5 days post surgery. If the progress is small, a provision of 24-hour health care support could be provided.In the beginning, a walker or crutches are utilized to assist the process of walking. The doctor happen to be in the perfect position to judge which of the two you should make use of; based upon the body balance, upper body framework and body weight. Generally, it's recommended to not exert the entire weight to the hip right after the surgery.Within 2 to 4 weeks you have to be able to walk using walking canes and for four to six weeks you have to be competent to move around with no supports. The main precaution that needs to be taken would be to make sure that you do not dislocate your hip in most of the activities you carry out. You can find just about any health-related video clips that focus on therapy, treatment method and rehabilitation after a hip replacement. Therefore you should be calm and combat your illnesses and you'll efficiently conquer your medical problem.

Hip Replacement Operation - The Treatment Method After The Surgery

A Guide to Shoulder Surgery Treatments

More people are taking a proactive role in getting in shape and improving their health by becoming more active. Because of the increase in physical activity, more people are ending up with shoulder injuries. A good amount of orthopedic patients are being treated because they have experienced some sort of pain or injury in this joint. Even though there are treatments that can successfully resolve many shoulder injuries, in some cases the only solution is to have shoulder surgery. Even if you decide not to see a specialist, if the pain you experience is too great or your movement suddenly becomes very limited, you need to see an orthopedic specialist for therapy.The only time shoulder surgery is truly needed is when your physical condition does not improve using other treatment options such as physical therapy or medication. There are several surgical methods that can be performed to improve your medical condition. The least invasive form of shoulder surgery is arthroscopic and the most invasive is total shoulder replacement.In the arthroscopic procedure, the surgeon has to make several small cuts to be able to feed a special camera into the affected area and use telescopic instruments are used to surgically repair the tears, excise any bone deformities and make more room for the inflamed and swollen tendons and ligaments so they can heal properly. In conditions where there is severe inflammation that is causing the joint to remain in a fixed position, arthroscopic shoulder surgery can be done to cut through the compressed portion of the joint to unlock the joint from position, thus restoring the range of motion and function. This is a good treatment option for patients who have been diagnosed with a torn rotator cuff. This is one condition that cannot heal by itself and when the condition becomes too unbearable, the only way to get relief is to have an operation.Fractures are another condition where an operation may be the only way to get some relief from the pain and discomfort of the condition. Usually fractures can occur from a severe case of osteoarthritis that results in a deformity. Any portion of the joint, bone and cartilage that are damaged is removed and a prosthetic replacement that is made from special plastic and metal is put in. This makes it much easier to move the arm and with proper therapy, strength and function can also be restored. Of course recovery for any type of operation can take a few months for complete relief and functionality to return.In order to have the best recovery after shoulder surgery, it is important that you are under the care of a physical therapist. The exercises that your therapists prescribe you with will help you to strengthen your joint and regain your lost range of motion and provide additional pain management. They will monitor you while you perform the exercises and make sure that you are not over extending yourself or causing any damage while you are learning how to use your limb properly. Follow your treatment plan as ordered so you can regain the full use of your shoulder without any pain.

Finding the Best Doctor in Sports Medicine

Since the medical field is so diverse and finding the right professional for treatment seems like a challenging task, it is important for you to take the time to make sure that you are putting your care in the hands of the best doctor in sports medicine. It is easy for any professional to call themselves the best specialist, so you need to do your homework to validate their claims before you let them treat you. Keep in mind that the field of sports medicine includes trainers, therapists, and other medical professionals that can improve the quality of their patients' lives by providing them with exceptional care that helps them cope with their injuries while being treated.In the past, the best doctor in sports medicine was the orthopedic surgeon. Now the best medical professional is dependent on what type of treatment you need to undergo. Since surgery is only recommended where no other form of treatment is effective, many patients may never have to see a surgeon. In this case, the best doctor is the one that is charge of monitoring the condition and implementing a good care plan. Some injuries can lead to other medical ailments such as gastrointestinal problems that require you to see a physical therapist or another kind of specialist.Your doctor doesn't have to be a specialist from the orthopedic field initially. In fact, many of the best originally specialized in pediatrics, internal medicine, and even psychiatry. Keep in mind that many care providers can provide some of the basic treatments for many muscular and skeletal problems. But it may require the special care of a doctor in sports medicine to get to the heart of the matter and provide the right treatment to help alleviate the discomfort, limitations, and pain you may feel.Instead of waiting until you are injured to seek out the best doctor in sports medicine, you should find the right professional before you become injured. If you start searching before an injury, you have more time and can focus more on finding the right medical professional. You can weed through more professionals and find out who the most recommended are in the field. If you are not sure how to find a great medical professional, ask your trainer or nutritionist. Get referrals and ask other patients about who they would see if they are ever in need of a specialist.The reason why seeing a doctor in sports medicine is so important is that they have a better understanding of sports and the health conditions that can arise out of training, exercising and playing different athletics. They can identify what ails you much faster any concerns that may not have been taken seriously anywhere else will be handled properly. Improve your chances for recovery, especially if you make your living using your body. Learn how to work with your body and not against it. Increase your flexibility and reduce your risks for injury.

A History Of AMEDD

Goal of AMEDDThe aim of Army Medicine is to be an excellent healthcare provider, giving the best care to those who are working together with the armed forces. AMEDD (Army Medical Department) is a proud organization and it can look back on a history of saving lives.Start of AMEDDThe beginning of AMEDD can be traced back to 1775 when the Continental Congress thought an Army hospital would be a good idea to treat the current 20,000 soldiers. Medical books were in short supply, and the only text on hand was by Dr. John Jones, a book on how to deal with wounds and broken bones. The first assignment for AMEDD came from the president himself; they were to provide immunization for smallpox to the US army.After the United States gained independence, the military was reduced, including the medical units. This left the military with just a single surgeon and four helpers. The war of 1812 made Congress realize they needed an organization they could always rely on, and they passed a reorganization act a few years later that called AMEDD into permanent service.AMEDD was more prepared with staff and supplies, but the brutality, size, and suddenness of the Civil War caught everybody off guard. New weapons, including the Gatlin gun, meant soldiers were dying faster, requiring quicker treatment. Hospitals were overcrowded, leading to unsanitary conditions. Not everybody knew the importance of bacteriology, and hygiene was bad as well.In 1862, the Surgeon General of the army became an official rank. More effort was put into keeping track of medical records. John Letterman, medical director, introduced innovative changes. He redid how field supplies were distributed, making them get delivered more efficiently. He also developed an ambulance corps, made to respond to more seriously injured soldiers.One man may have been more influential than any other in the history of AMEDD. John Shaw Billings spoke and wrote about how crucial hospital hygiene was. He also designed several well known care facilities, including Johns Hopkins hospital.Congress introduced the Hospital Corp in 1887, which made AMEDD a possible career path for those enlisting. This was supplemented by a division for nurses, and later dentists in the early 1900s. AMEDD was expanding, and also saw a veterinary and sanitary Corp.By WWI, medical technology had increased, and it showed. Soldiers died often the battlefield, but a person suffering from wounds or diseases had a decent chance of surviving. By WW2 the ranks of AMEDD were 600,000 strong, which later included a residency program and specialist medical and surgical teams. In 1973, Texas became the home for AMEDD, at Fort Sam Houston.AMEDD has existed for over 200 years, but the goal has always been the same; save lives and provide the best care for soldiers.If you are going to be working with AMEDD, be sure to contact some of the resources that are available to see how you can make your move to Fort Sam Houston as comfortable as possible. Those resources are there to make the transition easy for both you and your family.

Cold Sore Myths - Debugging the Myths Surround Cold Sores

With all the information on the internet about cold sores there are bound to be some cold sore myths floating around it. The worst thing is just like Chinese whispers as the change happens it is passed onto person to person and they will believe because it was passed on from someone else. This means that there will be a lot of bad information around meaning that you not only waste your time but also your money if you've used any on cold sore myths.So here are a few myths which are completely bogus and should be avoided at all costs.You Can't Spread Cold Sores To OthersThis is the most important to understand, you can spread cold sores to others, even if they don't appear right away you have given them the virus which can stay dormant for an elongated period of time.All the virus needs is for their immune system to take a shock due to a cold or stress and then it takes that opportunity to attack so you need to avoid touching the area and others (you need to avoid touching the area full stop as this can be very bad for the area).It Is Only Spreadable To Your MouthUnfortunately this isn't true, the virus can be spread to other parts of your body not just the lips and the mouth.If you move the virus from your mouth to other areas (via touching) you are enabling it to spread. For example rubbing your eyes could cause the virus to infect this area, other areas that can be affected are the cheeks, nose and also the genital area.For these reason you NEED to avoid touching your cold sore no matter how irritating it is for you.They Are Only Present When You Have A ColdYes it is in the name and do appear when you have a cold but the reason for this is that your immune system is low. This is when they appear not only when you're ill.There are other factors such as stress, fatigue, illness, fever and trauma which are all times when your immune system can be lowered and then the virus can attack.Obviously you can't control being ill or not but you can take zinc lozenges which you can use to help boost your immune system when you're ill so that your body has a chance to fight back and that is not a cold sore myth.

An Alternative To The GP And A Business For You

Why is it that many people are fed up with their GP and the 'service' provided at their surgery?Once when you went to the doctor you could explain your complaint and the doctor would listen carefully, make reassuring noises and then tell you what was thought to be the matter. You'd leave with a prescription and even before you started taking any medication, you'd feel better.The overwhelming feeling that many people now have is that the patient/doctor relationship has changed, but not in a good way for the patient.Now the doctor rarely looks you in the eye because he/she is looking at a computer screen. Your details and what you say is wrong with you are typed into the computer and out pops a prescription. You may as well have a robot at home and save yourself the bother and inconvenience of going to the surgery. Any pretence at friendliness and giving the patient a bit of comfort, which used to be one of the most important features of visiting the doctor, have now been relegated to the distant past!Add this to the 'advice' given to patients that they should only mention one or two symptoms per visit. If patients have more symptoms that they 'think might be important' then they should make another appointment to discuss these! After in some cases waiting a week for an appointment and then at least 30 minutes waiting in the surgery, this becomes very frustrating.Now, of course, it has to be said that the above scenario is not typical of every surgery throughout the land, but unfortunately it is the experience of a growing number of people.Research undertaken at a Northern teaching hospital found that doctors make an accurate diagnosis just 50% of the time. In other words they can actually just as easily get it wrong as right. The research also used a comparison group of ordinary people giving their diagnosis. You've guessed it, the results were exactly the same, a 50% accuracy rate.Yes, doctors do undergo a lot of training, but it seems that all that education does not improve their ability to make an accurate diagnosis any better than the person with no training at all! It simply provides the right to prescribe drugs and order tests.A growing number of people are turning to the internet or alternative medicine because primary, so-called, 'care' is so poor! Rude receptionists, noisy, crowded and definitely unhealthy waiting areas and long waiting times for just a few minutes of rushed time with the doctor are not what ill patients really need.Now this is where you can come to people's aid.It is now possible to go online and fill in a simple questionnaire about your symptoms and background, all in the privacy of your own home. It can be done whenever you decide to and a real doctor will review your case and recommend a course of action. You can take it or not, it's up to you.If you decide that you would like to take the doctor's advice and purchase the medicine, a prescription is filled out, sent to a Genuine Pharmacy and the medicine is sent to you, post free and in a plain envelope.Any and all embarrassment about the details of the person's complaint is eliminated. The whole process is quick, easy and confidential, with no time-wasting or the possibility of any cross-infection by other people's complaints.So where do you fit in?Promote this online process and work with some of the best Pharmacies worldwide, while building an excellent full or part-time business.

6 Important Points About First Aid Certification Courses

There are a number of institutions and companies offering first aid training today, so you have plenty of options to choose from, but need to choose wisely. If you have never attended this type of training before and you do not know what it really is about and what to expect, read below to gain some insight into first aid certification courses.-bull; When looking for a first aid certification course, make sure you pay attention that the specific course adheres to the Red Cross, American Heart Association, Health and Human Services, and Occupational Safety and Health Administration guidelines. Only these types of classes are recognized nationally and are accepted by healthcare facilities and the credentialing service. Vendors should be especially careful regarding this aspect, as the first aid certification course is part of their required credentialing courses.-bull; Following the successful completion of a first aid certification course, that is passing the final exam, you will receive two certificates: a first aid diploma you can display on your wall and a wallet card which states that the owner is trained in the field of basic life support.-bull; All people interested in attending first aid training courses should be aware of the fact that these types of certificates have an expiration date, usually of 2 years. This happens because first aid protocols are modified quite often and applicants are required to adhere to the new changes. Some companies offer free access to all updates, but in most cases you will still have to take a requalification course in order to meet the new standards and receive a new certificate.-bull; Some healthcare training companies offer special packages that include both the first aid course and the cardio-pulmonary resuscitation (CPR) certification course bundled up together, at a discounted price. If you have a busy schedule, you will be happy to hear that you can even complete both courses in a little over an hour because nowadays, most companies offer these courses online.-bull; Another benefit of online first aid classes is that you can sign up anytime you want, anyplace you are, as long as you have a device with an internet connection. This gives you the freedom to train yourself in the field of basic life support according to your own personal schedule. Additionally, you have the option of instantly printing both certificates the moment you pass the final exam.-bull; First aid training courses are not usually expensive, but you can obtain certain deductions, such as University, non-profit organization, or group discounts. Additionally, if you are not pleased with how the training was conducted, you can even ask for your money back, within a certain time frame.These are some of the most important things one should know about first aid certification courses and what they really entail. Whether you work in the healthcare system or not, obtaining a first aid certificate can only be a good thing that will benefit you in the long run, so why not join a class today?

7 Things to Know About FDA Reporting for Safer Medical Products

The FDA reporting for safer medical products training is a course offered by various healthcare training companies meant to help medical professionals understand more about the new safety standards the Food and Drug Administration has issued. Read on for more information on what you can learn during a FDA reporting for safer medical products training course.1. The course is part of today's credentialing training for healthcare professionals and it is usually presented in a text or flash format, with an audio narration, for those who prefer just listening. The training course can be access via laptop, tablets, or smartphones, for the convenience of the users and is available 24/7.2. The FDA reporting on safer medical products training course usually contains an introduction or background portion where the user can learn more about the FDA and its mission to improve medical products as well as the measures the Administration has taken for this purpose. Some courses will also present some information on the current safety standards the FDA implements for medical devices and human drugs.3. Next, the course will usually present some insight into the Medical Device Reporting (MDR) course which was created as a means to receive information regarding adverse events on medical devices from manufacturers, importers, or users in order to rapidly recognize and correct the issues.4. Healthcare professionals will also get the chance to learn about MedSun, the medical product safety network, which was launched by the FDA with the intention to improve collaboration between the FDA and users of medical devices. The goal of the MedSun course is to identify, understand, and solve any issues that arise with the use of various medical devices.5. The course contains a portion about the Manufacturer and User Facility Device Experience (MAUDE) database which is where reports on adverse events regarding medical devices are recorded. The database can be easily researched by an interested party, by simply introducing a few details, such as product problem, product class, brand name, and manufacturer. The data presented in MAUDE consists of voluntary reports since 1993.6. Additionally, users will also get the chance to learn about the Adverse Event Reporting System (AERS), which is another database that contains reports submitted to the FDA regarding adverse events of medical devices and medication errors. The data contained in AERS is also a result of voluntary reports, from either healthcare professionals (doctors, nurses, pharmacists or others) or from consumers (patients or families of patients and even lawyers).7. Following all of the lessons contained within the FDA reporting for safer medical products training course, users will be required to pass a multiple questions test, before they can receive and print their certificate.These are some of the most important things healthcare professionals should know about the FDA reporting for safer medical products training courses. Some courses may differ a bit, from one training company to another, but the information presented above represents the most basic things contained in such a training course.

An Ounce of Prevention, A Pound of Primary Health Care

Health care. Very few phrases envelope so many different aspects of an area of discipline. It can be confusing to know where to go to and when, and this issue has led to a cascade of health problems for our population and our population's health care system. Emergency room or primary care? And where does preventative care fit in? Here's an overview of a few facets of the system, and how they differ from each other.Why Not Just Visit Emergency?Most emergency departments offer a wide range of services available at all hours, without the requirement of an appointment. However, many ER visits are avoidable as patients are seeking non-urgent care or care that could have been treated and even prevented by primary health care. These avoidable visits result in higher costs, longer emergency department waits, and fewer resources available to the patients who actually require emergency services. Interestingly enough, misuse of the emergency department is equally committed across all ages, regardless of whether or not they are insured. This population-spanning issue has even spurred an "Urgency or Emergency" ad campaign in New Mexico coordinated by the Albuquerque Coalition for Healthcare Quality and funded by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation.It is essential to provide and spread education about appropriate times to facilitate emergency services, walk-in to an urgent care clinic, or wait to make an appointment with your general practitioner.So when do you visit the emergency room?Examples are incidences of:- Difficulty breathing- Uncontrolled bleeding- Loss of consciousness- Severe burns- Chest pains- Broken bonesWhen do you visit urgent care?Any time that you experience a change in your health status which needs attention, but will not be an immediate threat to your health.Examples of these incidents are:- Migraines- Back pain- Earaches- Sprains- Rising fever- Minor lacerationsPrimary Health Care / Primary Care: The Same But Not!Primary health care is an extensive and broad model designed to cater not only to the individual and their family but to their community as well. Primary health care is meant to be an accessible community based system, responding to the to social issues of the population it is serving.Primary health care works to:- Prevent illness and be promotive of health (as opposed to working solely in a curative manner as seen in primary care)- Focus on maximizing individual and community involvement in the planning and operation of services as well as in the integration of health development with social and economic development- Integrate rehabilitative and therapeutic care into patient's daily livesThe presence of primary health care is essential to building healthy public policy and strengthening community action. This also allows for an equal distribution of care available to the local public. Individual and community involvement can also be seen through their participation through building beneficial public policy, creating supportive environments (such as in programs at community centers), and strengthening community action. It is the action of the local individuals as a group, which encourages increased community participation and support for each other, furthering positive health habits at the local level. Not only can primary health care's focus on health promotion be seen on an external level through community action and public policy, this can also be seen on an internal level via the promotion of personal skills through education by medical professionals.Primary care emphasizes the curative focus of medicine and mostly occurs in the clinical setting (i.e. your GP's office, the local walk-in urgent care clinic, or the emergency department).Primary care:- Often is the initial point of contact between individual and medical personnel when the individual experiences a change in health status.- Is not as comprehensive as primary care due to the acute nature of clinical visits- Refers individuals to the services available through primary care as well as to home health careThe Take-Home, Part 1There is a time and a place for preventative care, just as there is a time and a place for emergency medicine. The bottom line is that health statuses will always change. And when they do, stop and think. Is this something which requires long term care in my home? Can I wait until tomorrow to make an appointment at my doctor's office? Can I drive to a walk-in urgent care clinic? Or should I call 911 and go straight to emergency? Your decision impacts not only you, but your community as well.The next article will continue this discussion on the different varieties of health care in a review of preventative and home health care. In the meantime, stay healthy -amp; hearty!

6 Important Points About First Aid Certification Courses

7 Things to Know About FDA Reporting for Safer Medical Products

Thursday, August 30, 2012

Are You Out of Options? Consider Orthopedic Surgery

Sometimes when a medical condition or an ailment just doesn't respond to other forms of treatment it may be necessary to have a more invasive form of treatment to tackle the problem at the root. Anyone who has to live mobility issues and are at their wits end because of the disruptions it has caused to their life and because of the limitations they find themselves faced with on a daily basis, should seek out several opinions for treatment. If you haven't tried any other treatments yet, you should see how they can help improve your condition and increase your comfort. If you have already tried other treatments such as physical therapy with little to no improvement, it is time for you to see a specialist for orthopedic surgery.Many people tend to have a fear of anything that requires some form of medical operation. Keep in mind that some of the ailments that can afflict a person often need to be operated upon. Not all medical conditions are going to be responsive to lesser forms of treatment and in cases where doing nothing can make matters worse, orthopedic surgery provides a more immediate cure and relief.No matter what your specialist recommends for treatment, it is in your best interest to get a second and even third opinion. The more professionals you have that recommend a particular form of treatment like orthopedic surgery, will make it much easier to accept that it might be the only way for you to beat your condition and regain control of your life. You should also use this time as an opportunity to screen any surgeons if you haven't done so previously. You need to make sure that you are in the care of the best professional so your chances of a successful operation are increased.As it gets closer to your operation date, it so very important for you to learn about what is going to happen during your procedure and what you should expect immediately afterwards. Depending on your personal situation, you may need to arrange for some assistance with your care during your recovery period. Ask your friends and family if they can help out while you are recovering. Since your body will still be swollen and a bit sore from your procedure, you should make sure that your home is stocked with water, and healthy foods that don't require much preparation. Avoid doing household chores like laundry, vacuuming and lifting.Many surgeons also recommend physical therapy after orthopedic surgery. Even if you have tried therapy before, keep in mind that when it is performed after a surgical procedure, your chances for a complete recovery are much higher than they were previously. Physical therapy is necessary to recondition the joints and muscles so they can become stronger, have increased flexibility and function. If you are ready to gain a new outlook on life and live without pain and decreased mobility, contact an orthopedic specialist and learn how surgery can help you achieve that goal.

The Unnecessary Presence of Phthalates in Daily Living Aids

With the daily living aids market hosting a large variety of products from different companies, it is no surprise people are coming up with better ways to make their daily living aids, whether it be to reduce costs, increase product efficiency, or more importantly, their safety.Many daily living aids are used in the kitchen and in clinical areas, were hygiene is paramount, so it comes as a surprise that some products do feature materials which have toxic chemicals in them, albeit, maybe, a small amount, it still doesn't detract from the fact that this shows blatant bad practice and a disregard for human health, even if there is possible doubts in to the validity of the claims, in some circles anyway.With a large portion of the worlds populace being very health conscious, you would think that with such a product as daily living aids, the message would be a clear and positive selling point that the products aren't toxic, but then some companies take advantage of the ignorance, nay, rather the lack of knowledge on the part of the general public.Phthalate plasticisers are a chemical used to soften plastics, and comes in many forms. What once would have been used for PVC windows, can now, with the addition of phthalates, be used as a soft rubber-type product. While this seems like an amazing technological advancement, and in some situations is fine, is in fact potentially harmful to peoples health.Phthalates, if exposed to enough of them, will interfere with the bodies hormone system, disrupting its natural function, which can cause reproductive abnormalities and cause the early onset of puberty, amongst other defects, such as destroying the ability to be reproduced.A bill in the US has banned content of more than 0.1% of plasticisers in childrens toys, with many calling for them to be banned completely, and believe they will once more scientific advancement comes in.The question is, if these chemicals are known to have an adverse effect on human health, why would anyone choose to use them in products that are going to be handled by people on a regular basis?! Especially in food and healthcare areas.Rubber could be a good alternative to using this, apart from the side that it is expensive and inconsistent to manufacture with.Silicone rubber has actually appeared as an excellent substitute for daily living aids, due to it being inexpensive, has no toxic compounds, and is an inert substance, meaning it will not react to many chemicals, and can benefit from the addition of sterile compounds to increase it's hygienic benefits.

Beauty, Health, and Lifestyle Choices

Beauty is something that everyone loves. We all love to look our best when it comes to either going out with your friends, your job, or even just simply because you want to look your best all of the time. Beauty is one of the most common things in the world because it's a language that many people can speak and share with one another. Most of the time we hate to say it, but it's women because they always come up with the latest and greatest styles on the market. There is absolutely nothing guys can do about it except envy them for it because they always look their best even when they aren't trying to. It's just their common nature. Now I'm here to discuss what types of cosmetics and hottest trends will make you the most beautiful in the way you want them to be.One question on everybody's minds is "How do you do this, but stay on an affordable budget and why do people do it?"I can tell you that people do it because they always want to stay hip and young and stay in the game with the younger generations. A huge thing people do is to be something that they're not and then when they try to act like it, they feel insecure and terrible on the inside that they're doing it in the first place. The other question is how do you stay on a affordable budget and still get the accessories, cosmetics, and fashion items that you want?I'll tell you that you should count the amount of money you have and divide it up evenly and make sure your not going over your budget at all. I always found that if I'm going to buy a product I should look how much it is and how much I have in my pocket.Another huge key element is if you feel comfortable with what your doing to yourself and if it makes you feel bad or not? When it comes to beauty, you always want to get what makes you feel comfortable and if you like the way you look then you need to just go with your first instinct. If you ever see celebrities on TV and like the ad and want the product that they are advertising and it is too much for you and out of your budget, than what you could do is find a similar product, but cheaper than the original that was on TV. If you do it that way you could possibly end up saving money and getting more things that you wanted and by following the same process. Well sure they won't be the same exact products as you wanted, but they will be very similar to each other.Another thing that a lot of people worry about is their age. As a matter of fact your age has nothing to do with it and no matter what age you are you can always turn yourself around and find the greatest fashions in your own age group. There are plenty of older people that look great and keep track of themselves very well. It doesn't matter how old or how young you are, but the biggest factor is your health and how well you take care of yourself. A lot of people think though that women are always the more stylish ones, but that's actually true, but believe me there are plenty of stylish guys out there as well, but women we have to hand it over to you because you guys always do look the best whenever we are around you, so are hats are off to you on this. Things though that can make a difference are like some exercise 3-4 times a week or even 60 minutes a day, and the biggest thing to improve your look are cosmetics and those can make you look so much better, but it also depends on the products that your putting on yourself. Basically in so many words what you want to do with the things you get are yours to mess around with. Another important factor is the way you take care of yourself. No matter what age you are, you should always take care of your body and make sure nothing bad happens to it.