Archive for November, 2009

Strange but true

Over the years, we all grow used to headlines that capture the imagination like, “Sticky Buns kill 31 in China” or “Two British ships collide, one dies”. Somehow the English language is capable of creating dramatic images in just a few words, converting a simple story of food poisoning into an epic movie where killer buns rampage through a crowded mall until brought down by Chinese kung fu warriors. But, every now and then, the story is both extraordinary and literally true. “College girl avoids loss of all her limbs”. Medicine is still a fairly inexact science. We all know the names of the big diseases and that there are treatments for many of them. But whether patients get the right diagnosis in time for the treatment to work. Well, that is a different story. Take meningitis as an example. The bacteria responsible live happily in the throats for weeks and months and nothing happens. Then, without warning, something as yet unknown, can trigger them into activity.

The first signs are what seem to be a cold or flu, sometimes with a headache, then developing with fever, vomiting and a rash. But there is no guarantee that these symptoms will appear or in this order. It is often the case that treatment is too late if the rash appears. This is a sign of meningococcemia, a bacterial infection of the blood stream. In some cases, there can be a loss of blood circulation to the hands and feet. At the beginning, they feel cold and, if treatment is delayed, gangrene can set in and there is no choice but to amputate. It is a little like a horror movie. First, surgeons remove the fingers of the affected hand. If that does not stop the spread of the rot, the hand follows, then the arm below the elbow, continuing until there is no arm left. That just leaves the other arm and two legs to go. Amputations occur in between 10 and 20% of cases.

This brings us to Jamie Schanbaum who is a student at the University of Texas in Austin. Early in February, 2009, she felt ill and quickly realised it was something serious. But, instead of going to hospital, she went to bed hoping to sleep it off. This was a crucial loss of time. When she awoke, the bacteria had spread throughout her body. But she has benefited from a new approach to treatment. Patients are placed in an oxygen chamber and given high doses of viagra. Although this drug is most usually associated with the treatment of erectile dysfunction, it works by dilating arteries in certain key areas through out the body. So it has a general effect in improving blood circulation. Changing the air pressure also improves flow. With these two working together, circulation to the affected areas of the arms and legs can be improved and amputations avoided. Years ago, Jamie would have lost all her limbs. Today, comparatively little needs to be removed. Although this is an extreme example of the effectiveness of viagra, it should remind us that it also represents a dramatic way of restoring circulation to the penis and creating hard erections. Different needs are equally well served by this amazing drug.

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What’s the value of research?

In some cultures, the best guess was that the world was flat and that the sun was a kind of torch or fire put there by gods to light the sky and keep us warm. Today, even though scientists have not always had the best of reputations, we have at least managed to prove the world to be roundish and that the Earth orbits the sun. Although this kind of science is interesting in an abstract kind of way, it does not touch individual lives in the same way as, say, medical research. Here concerned scientists may work to understand different diseases or disorders so that more effective treatments can be devised. The work of one team may save the lives of millions over the next decades. It is therefore faintly curious that, for the most part, astronomy is funded by the state and the development of medications is funded by private companies for profit. Common sense should have this the other way round. There is no immediate social benefit from knowing more about the cosmos so what justification is there for spending public money on this research? Equally, there is every benefit for the community at large if more safer and effective treatments are made available. Lives will be saved. The quality of life for those who are injured can be improved. This would seem to be worthy of support out of public funds.

But the current system is to leave it to private interests to decide what to research. If there are only a few people who have this problem or the many are too poor to pay a high retail price, there is no profit to be earned. So no research and development to help them. As a result, millions die from diseases that could be treated. Even when a “good” social purpose is served, the basic research is only done to get the drug or device approved. Once the FDA has given its nod, the spotlight passes on to the next drug in the pipeline. Little is done to follow up on how the drug actually performs once it is let loose into the world. The reason, of course, is that this research could be inconvenient and damage the profitability of the drug. Suppose the research found the drug was killing patients. It would have to be withdrawn and profits would dry up.

It is therefore interesting to see that viagra is probably the most continuously researched drug on the planet. For example, in 2002, there was a piece of meta-research done on 27 sets of clinical trials. This is research which picks the best conducted individual trials and puts all the results together to see if there are any general trends. There have been more than one hundred more trials since then. The conclusion is that viagra is not only safe but also effective in men who suffer erectile dysfunction because of depression, diabetes, heart disease, prostate cancer and spinal cord injuries. It is a shame the same level of interest is not shown in proving other drugs such as Vioxx to be as safe.

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Can anything be done to prevent it?

If you believe all the people who write advertising copy, curing acne could not be easier. All you have to do is to use this cleanser, rub in this topical cream and stick your finger in your ear. As if by magic, the spots will be gone overnight. Never since snakes were first turned into oil have so many promises been made by so many manufacturers to so many people. This is not to say that all the products on the market are useless. But it is to warn you that you have to see through the sales hype designed to part you from your money. There are a few simple things you can do. This does involve you buying “stuff”. But buy with your eyes open. The first step is to understand the reality of your “problem”. The fact that one batch of acne clears up does not mean there will be no more acne. You may have to continue taking some action over a period of a year and more. This will particularly apply if the trigger to your problem is the use of an oral contraceptive. You should liaise with your doctor to change the dosage and, if necessary, the brand of contraceptive you use until the right balance of hormones is achieved.

The good thing about self-help is that it is the cheapest kind of help on the market. Wherever possible, prefer it to any over-the-counter products or prescription medications. So what should you do?

  • Wash the areas most affected only twice a day. What does washing do? It removes the dead skin and any excess of sebum oil that has reached the surface. It is best to use a non-perfumed, simple soap and wash gently. If you wash too often or you rub at the skin too violently, you can cause more damage than you prevent.
  • There are some reasonably effective gels and creams for removing excess sebum oil. The best use benzoyl peroxide as the active ingredient, but those with salicylic acid are also worth trying.
  • Once the skin is clean, avoid touching it. It is easy to transfer natural grease or oil from the fingers. The transfer is worse if you have been eating or using any product that will affect the skin on your face or neck. When the spots come, do not pick at them. Not only do you transfer contamination on to your face, you may also break the surface of the skin and allow more bacteria to enter the lesions. This means you should not “pop” the zits. Let them cycle through and drop off naturally.
  • Avoid using any heavy foundation makeup. There is a temptation to try to cover up skin problems. This is counterproductive. Choose a light powder rather than cream-based products. Keep your brushes and applicators clean. Always make sure you completely remove all makeup before you go to bed.

If all self-help and OTC remedies have failed, you can fall back on accutane which is the final line of defense. Make sure you consult with your doctor. There are problems in the use of accutane. Always take the necessary precautions.

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What is erectile dysfunction?

Erectile dysfunction (ED) or male impotence as it is usually referred to is a health condition when a man is unable to produce or maintain an erection suitable for successful sexual intercourse. It is not commonly discussed as compared to other health issues, but it is quite common, affecting about 10% of men regardless of age and race.

Common causes of erectile dysfunction

Erectile dysfunction can be caused by a large variety of factors, which may be divided into three main groups:psychological, physical, and pharmaceutical.

1. Psychological factors are the primary cause for ED, and include such conditions as stress, depression, anxiety relationship issues, insomnia, etc. 2. Physical factors causing impotence are connected to the four major health issues:

  • Blood flow influencing conditions such as various heart diseases, blood pressure issues, diabetes, arteriosclerosis, etc. (this factor can be significantly reduced by medications like Cialis)
  • Nervous system issues, such as spinal diseases, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, tumors, etc.
  • Hormonal balance disorders, including hypogonadism, thyroid issues, and Cushing’s syndrome
  • Structural deformations in the penile area, such as Peyronie’s disease, and hypospadias

3. Some medications can cause erectile dysfunction as a side-effect. Usually the effect wears off after you stop taking the drug, so don’t rush taking Cialis or other ED medications if that’s the cause. Here are some of the most common medications know to cause male impotence:

  • Diuretics – these medications are used to induce urination, and are usually prescribed for treating hear failure, high blood pressure, and kidney disease
  • Beta-blockers – these drugs act as anti-hypertension drugs, lowering the blood pressure.
  • Fibrates – medications for reducing cholesterol levels
  • Antipsychotics – these medications are used to treat severe psychiatric disorders
  • Antidepressants – drugs used for treating depression symptoms
  • Steroids – an entire class of medications used to treat a variety of health issues such steroid hormone deficiency, Aids and other conditions causing the decrease in muscle mass
  • Immunosuppressants – drugs used to reduce the activity of the immune system
  • H2-antagonists – medications prescribed for a variety of stomach acid related diseases.
  • Anticonvulsants – drugs used in cases of epilepsy and bipolar disorders

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Men and ED pills. The love story

Different men have a different attitude towards erectile dysfunction tablets. Some are lucky enough to not need them, others are lucky enough to have them. Thanks to erectile dysfunction pills many men all over the world have experienced the joy from sex with their partners. It was back in 1998, when the first erectile dysfunction fill was introduced to the world. Over since that moment the oral tablets that men call “sexy pills” took over the world. The pills were FDA approved. They have a special power. Some says that the power of thought helps, that the pills by themselves are not that strong. Some on the contrary say that erectile dysfunction pills are the “6th element” of the world.

For most men sex means more than anything in life. It is a very load statement but it seems to be correct. Sexual satisfaction brings people happiness and happiness is a good motivation for anything. Relationships are about love but sex plays a big part in a relationship, as sex and love are related.

Psychologists say that people that have profound issues who lose self-esteem and become depressed sometimes are not satisfied in bed. In all has a very clear explanation. Your sex life is supposed to be about pleasure and relaxation but when you are stressed at work and stressed in bed , the result it – depression. You can use erectile dysfunction pills to have your orgasms more intense and enjoyable.

People are as one in bed. For men sex is like self-expression. They feel like they are who they are in bed. And when that doesn’t work- they face a problem. It is necessary for a man to satisfy a woman. Only that way he feels he can show her what he is capable of. So dysfunction can really damage and hurt once personality.

So what drug is there to help men satisfy their beloved partner and get an orgasm for themselves? The answer is Viagra.

Viagra is the brand name you heard like a million times. The reason why Viagra is so popular is simple – it works. Lots of people may make fun of those who have an urge to take this pill but there is absolutely nothing shameful about the consumption of an erectile dysfunction drug.

This pill will help you establish a new level of intimate relationship with your woman. No sexual difficulties will have an impact on your life. You will practically start to forget this was ever a problem ending up being totally satisfied in bed. Putting it in other words, when Viagra has made its work and helped with impotency, there still may be some problems between the man and his partner, which are also common with couples who do not experience erectile dysfunction issues.

Please remember that erectile dysfunction is a problem that begins in your head. Everything is always controlled by the head. Those who think they will lose sexual potency- will lose it, those who are confident will be able to cope with anything. Erectile dysfunction has a solution or shall we say – salvation – it comes in pills and is usually prescribed by the doctor. Don’t hesitate to get it now for your night is not that far away …

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Baldness and your hopes to prevent it

Men are considered the strongest sex. If we mean force and physical power – yes, but if we take a look at men from psychosocial point of view – they are often weaker than women. They have lots of insecurities but they always hide them to seem strong. Should they really do it or should they let the world know it is human not to be steel-like persons.

When we say the word “baldness” the thing that comes to mind is “60 year old man”. It isn’t clear why we always put this parallel between age and no hair on the head. Men get bald usually after 50 but who would have thought it would be a problem? Women always think that men are pretty comfortable with bald head. Surprisingly it is not true.

There are men usually at young age that shave heads because they feel like doing it. It doesn’t always mean they go bald. Of course, there are situations in which men shave heads because bald of their hair is gone so the solutions remains to get rid of all what is left on the head. It is one of the most common types of baldness. Doctors call it pattern baldness. It can have a genetic background that comes with such symptoms as patches on the head and receding hairline.

Baldness can have various reasons behind itself. It can be of a psychological background as well physical. People that have hair issues always feel insure. It hurts their self-esteem and causes depression. The self-image is ruined and confidence is damage up to the point that some men prefer to stay indoors or put a baseball hat on when they go out.

This is a nice way to cover your problem but this definitely isn’t a solution. The solution will include treatment that requires dedication and time.

When you make an appointment with the doctor you usually think his advices and prescriptions will lead to an immediate result. Unfortunately, you can’t grow your hair back in one night. There are medications that take time to show results but one should not drop the idea before he have it enough time to prove itself working.

Propecia is the name of the drug that deals with the baldness problems. It usually comes with a prescription and it is brilliant and effective against pattern baldness. The original manufacturers of Propecia are Merck & Co. What the drug usually does it stop the baldness and works towards the hair growth. Usually men are not allergic to Propecia but everybody is individual. If you feel like the medication affects your body or your hair somehow – consider it your possible side-effect.

Just like any other strong medication the pill gas precautions. The baldness remedy is not safe for anyone but men that suffer from baldness. Women and especially pregnant women are forbidden to consume this drug. You should keep your kids away from the pill.

Before the doctor prescribes this medication, you need to go through a good examination. If the specialist decides that this drug is exactly what you need – you will get a prescription that you will be eligible to use in any pharmacy near you. If for some reason your doctor decided that you are better off with another type of treatment – you have to trust his decision. But remember not to take Propecia without doctor’s permission.

You are being granted another chance with your hair… will you take it?

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Are you sure your genes affect your weight?

As people have become more aware of genetics, a number of myths have been born. The most common is that the genes you inherit from your parents fix your body type and you have absolutely no chance to change it. This makes genetics a very convenient excuse when people are looking to explain why their latest diet is a failure. The reality is rather different. Genetics is science looking at the process that enables each new generation to inherit characteristics from the parental generation. People are deceived into believing that this science is very precise when researchers announce they have identified a particular gene responsible for an inherited disease.

Science fiction stories have popularized the idea that parents will soon be able to order designer babies. Now the authors who are looking to sell their latest diet books have begun to push the idea that one size does not fit all genetic types. Rather, every individual has to assess their “genetic type” and then choose the most effective diet. The myth is being spread that basic human chemistry does not work in the same way across all human beings. “Experts” claim that people absorb carbohydrates, fat and protein in different ways. This difference can be measured by blood type, fingerprints and inside leg measurement, among other factors. Diets and exercise programs can be designed for individuals based on these factors.

Except, as in all cases, the myths are completely false. This is the old nature/nurture debate redesigned to fit into a newly recognized science. At present, there’s absolutely no evidence to show that the presence or absence of particular genes has any effect on obesity levels. No matter what the advertizers try to tell you, there’s no DNA/gene test to tell you anything useful about how to diet. The only evidence currently available that is relevant and of potential interest is that some genes do affect behavior including how quickly people feel full after eating. Obviously, if some people are slower to recognize their stomachs are full, they are more likely to overeat.

So how should people aim to lose weight? There’s one truth amongst all the myths. One-size does not fit all. The foods I like to eat may be the food you dislike the most. To keep up motivation for the diet, you do not just eat the same 1300 calories as everyone else. You should tailor the diet to your own likes and dislikes. If you put together a net-loss calorie menu including varieties of foods you like, you are far more likely to keep to the diet without getting bored. Now add in phentermine to keep your appetite in check, and you have made a good start to losing weight. Phentermine will overcome any genetic barrier to recognizing a full stomach. It’s the tried-and-tested drug that safely and effectively gives you control over the quantity you eat. With some exercise to burn additional calories, you will slowly see the pounds fall away.

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The use of painkillers in the US has reached its peak

A recent analysis of the data provided by the US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has shown that the US citizens today are taking more painkillers like tramadol than ever before throughout the history. The study comprised a ten year period, and since 1997 the was a 90 per cent increase in painkiller medication consumption as reported by hospitals, pharmacies, and individual doctors.

The figures show that in the last year of the study the US population has consumed over 200,000 pounds of such painkillers as codeine, hydrocodone, meperidine, morphine, and oxycodone. If put in per capita perspective that means that every American consumed about 300 milligrams of analgesics.

One of the most used painkillers from that number were those containing oxycodone, which is the active element in the painkiller OxyContin. There was an astronomical increase of 600 per cent in sales in only 8 years of the study. Previously oxycodone was called “hillbilly heroin” because it was primarily traded over the counter in the Appalachia region and used for recreational purposes. However, today it is widely sold in big metropolitan areas from East to West.

Specialists suggest that there is a set of reasons behind such a skyrocketing use of analgesics among US citizens:

  • The nation becomes older in age group proportions.
  • Drugs have become much wider and more aggressively marketed with almost a triple increase in advertising spendings during the last ten years.
  • Painkillers have become the cornerstone of the way the pain is treated and managed nowadays.

The last reason draws up more concerns from the part of professionals. It seems like it’s easier for an individual to take Tramadol pill for example and forget about the pain, rather than address a doctor to see whether there’s a health issue to be concerned with. Not speaking of exercises and improvements in lifestyle. Painkiller pills have become the fast solution for any trouble, but can they stand up with the array of public health issues that may arise in the future due to such tendencies. We’ll see.

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Are appetite suppressants your friends or enemies?

It is hard to give up on good food. And if you think about it – you should not really give up on it. It is wrong to keep yourself away from the things you like unless they harm you and your health. Since the beginning of the 20th century many obesity sufferers have known the other, more pleasant side of the story with food. It happens after most obese adults lost the gained weight, the extra weight that stopped them from living a healthy life. Nowadays, as we find ourselves in the 21st century, the market seems to have attracted more obesity release drugs that are highly popular with the population. They are advertised on TV and in the magazines. Medical practitioners trust them and prescribe them everyday therefore it is easy to believe and expect a good result.

We can on talking about the appetite suppressants for hours as they are working well but we do not have to forget that the consumption of the drug itself is not that great. Every drug consists of various chemical elements. We all know that the impact of chemical substances on our body is rather negative. So before you enter McDonalds for the third time in a row during the day think wisely. Is it really worth it to have a 5 minute pleasure food moment and pay for it with your health later? Think about your body before anything.

Most adults that consume weight loss drugs know that the consultation is inevitable. You might think you know what your doctor will tell you and you are probably right but it is better to check yourself again and know this or that drug is on your list of medication before you make up your mind on your own. Most people that are welcome to take weight loss free pill should have a body mass index above 30. In some particular cases the number can reach 27 but not below that. Usually these special cases include patients that suffer from type-2 diabetes and cardio-vascular diseases caused by high cholesterol. So you should know your body is at risk when you treat it without specialist’s permission.

Drugs like Phentermine target the weight loss problem salvation hitting the nervous system and pushing the brain to work together with the body. This is one of the most famous pills in the world and it is recommended by most users that achieved good results with their body. But just like every drug it had side-effects though it can really work magic if taken accurately and seriously by the patient that knows why exactly he is taking this medication.

You can buy Phentermine almost everywhere. It is available in all US states and in the world in general. Weight loss should not be a difficulty or an obstacle for no one. But this drug consumption should not become as obsession either. Everything is good in its right proportions. Your specialists need to examine you every now and then and see the progress. If it doesn’t happen, which is almost impossible, you should start a different medication process. If you skipped a dose do not try to male up for it. It is better to miss one than have an overdose that will make the situation worse than ever before. So be wise about anything you do as the drug is only a drug and you work miracle together with it not apart.

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Get over pain easily

God wants us to be happy. This is the first thought that should run through our head in the morning when we wake up. We were created to stay content and make others feel the same way if we able to make it happen. But life is difficult enough to always feel like that. For as long as we live we experience various emotions, we feel joy, we feel sadness, we feel bliss and we feel pain. Pain can take various forms. You can hurt your knee and experience pain, you can break-up with your soul mate and experience pain, your head can give you a headache and you might feel the pain in your back. Some of these traumas have a psychological background but the rest are related to health problems. Pain is always the reason to go and see a doctor, miss a day out of working schedule. We are so busy taking care of our life all the time that we forget that life is useless when it only brings you pain. Pain is something we are not able to control. Yes, we can go to see a doctor but this is a so-called “consequence”. Will we just go see a doctor on a daily basis just to check ourselves? Probably not.

Pain can take you to hell when it is chronic. Sometimes people wish they were dead or try to suicide as it becomes impossible to handle the pain they experience. That is why so many centuries were spent on developing pain-killers and antibiotics that would ease the pain. Pain can be managed differently – you can apply for herbs to help you, you can take pills prescribed by a doctor, you can use cognitive therapy – there is plenty of variation. But before you actually do something to stop the pain, sit down and analyze. You have to understand where this pain is coming from, what the real reason is and how long you’ve been involved in this pain-dependence story.

Pain doesn’t have to mean you are dying. It can be portrayed as a symptom, as an alarm to inform you something is wrong with your body. If you take the notice and visit the doctor before there are any complications, consider it an easy escape. If you take too much time with it, joking around, thinking it will disappear on its own, don’t complain about your severe condition later on. Once it turns into chronic pain, it is very difficult to cope with it on your own.

If you have chronic pain and you feel like the devil has taken the best of use, consider Tramadol. Tramadol is famous for coping with pain and making your body feel relieved. With the help of Tramadol you may feel like you were given a brand new body to wear as it will take your pain away from you step by step. Don’t you ever think pain is what we have to feel? Pain is something we don’t have to feel therefore we have to take a good care of ourselves. We deserve to be happy; just like God wants us to be.

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