According to the National Alliance for Caregiving, there are over 33 million people in the U.S. who care for an aging relative or friend. Caregivers need to be aware that drug errors can happen and may be serious, but often are preventable.
The problem stems largely from the multiple drugs seniors are prescribed and the complex network of physicians and pharmacists caring for them. According to Medco Health Solutions, Inc., the average senior takes nine prescription medications a year. One in four seniors sees four or more different physicians and uses three or more different pharmacies.
To help prevent errors:
• Make and take a medication list including prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) medications, any vitamins or herbal supplements and present it to the doctor and pharmacist.
• Understand how medications should be administered, possible side effects and how to recognize if they occur. Changes such as poor eyesight, hearing trouble or decreased endurance may indicate an adverse reaction to a medication.
• Ask any specialist the patient sees to send a full medical report, including drugs prescribed, to the patient’s primary care doctor.
Seniors now also have to decide about the new Medicare Part D prescription drug program. It provides much-needed relief for many seniors with little or no drug coverage but may require research to determine which plan is best.
Consider the following:
• Weighing Medication Costs: Seniors currently on medications should determine if the plan covers their drugs and at what cost. They should also consider the cost of generics since they may be substantially lower. In addition, under some plans the deductible is waived for generic drugs.
• Access to Pharmacies: Each plan has its own pharmacy network. If several months of the year are spent in another state, a national plan may be best. Some plans include a mail-order prescription service.
• Patient Safety: A plan that includes a drug utilization review (DUR) program that identifies potential errors provides an important safety net.
What is gentian violet?
Gentian violet sounds like something that is very sophisticated but actually it is not. It certainly is not a color but rather gentian violet is just a quite popular treatment for thrush. Thrush occurs because of infections on the skin or mucous membranes inside the mouth and may infect both infants and adults.
People at special risk for developing thrush are the following: newborn babies, denture users, adults with diabetes or other metabolic disturbance, people undergoing antibiotic or chemotherapy treatment, drug users, people with poor nutrition and people with an immune deficiency. These people or the people around them, whichever is applicable, should be extra observant so that any signs or symptoms of thrush can be detected and then treated right away otherwise the condition has a chance of worsening.
It is a belief of many that gentian violet is the most effective treatment of nipple soreness for breastfeeding mothers. The mothers who have used gentian violet can attest that relief is rapid so meaning it usually works right when you need it meaning as soon as possible but make sure that the dosage is right. To be discussed in the paragraphs to follow are some of the suggestions to people who use and about to use gentian violet for thrush. These next items will indeed be very useful to gentian violet users.
Gentian violet can be messy so timing, though not everything in this case, of the application of this treatment is essential. Most mothers prefer to doing the treatment just before they get a good nights sleep because during those house they can keep their nipples exposed thus no need to worry about staining their clothes while the application is in progress.
The effect of the gentian violet for thrush is sort of immediate and in most cases thrush is one hundred percent gone by the third day if not then consider applying affected areas for a few more days. If problem persists then it is time to consult your doctor.
If baby is irritable while being nurse by a mother who uses gentian violet for thrush then the mother should stop using the gentian violet immediately and then go see a doctor instead for other possible suggestions for the treatment of the thrush.
There are other ways to cure thrush but gentian violet is still the one thing that people readily look for when thrush occurs. In this case there is a need to make sure that it is the genuine gentian violet for thrush and not some rip off medicine that you have in hand. This is so because some people are questioning the credibility of gentian violet and some attribute the failed times of gentian violet to fake products that do not have same ingredients as the real gentian violet.
These are just some of the things that users of gentian violet for thrush should be aware of. The notes are just easy to remember. It is now possible for you to recall how and why gentian violet should be used for thrush. If unfortunately one day you wake up and discover that you have thrush then you can use the information in this article for your own good. Otherwise you can always provide the information you have read to a very worried mother whose kid has thrush but who knows nothing about gentian violet.
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Invasive Treatments – Do They Really Work For Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
If you have been diagnosed with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS), you may be wondering what next? Below you will find information regarding the most common (not the best) treatment options currently in use in the medical industry and their success and failure rates.
If you have received a positive carpal tunnel diagnosis, most doctors will push for cortisone injections and/or surgery, procedures that have poor success rates and ones that should only be performed as a last resort, after all other conservative treatment methods have been utilized.
The following information provides details about what each current procedure entails as well as statistics that reveal why conservative therapy should be implemented over the following invasive treatment methods.
CORTISONE INJECTIONS FOR CARPAL TUNNEL SYNDROME:
Cortisone is medication that treats inflammation only. Often the carpal tunnel pain will subside because the inflammation of the median nerve is reduced from the use of the cortisone, but this is only a temporary effect.
The one main problem with cortisone is that for 21 days following the injection, the tendons have the consistency of rubber and can be seriously overstretched and damaged. This is a common side effect that most doctors fail to tell their patients. If the patient continues overusing and/or stressing their hands and wrists, the tendons can overstretch and cause the structural integrity of the joint to diminish greatly, causing the joint to become loose and sloppy, resulting in an even greater possibility of further injury and damage.
Cortisone can be used wisely as a part of a carpal tunnel treatment program along with the implementation of proper stretches add exercises, the most important tool that can be used to recover from carpal tunnel. If cortisone is utilized, it is good for the patient to take this time, when the carpal tunnel is not inflamed, to be on a conservative therapy program to correct the existing muscle imbalance in the wrist joint and eliminate the carpal tunnel symptoms for good. The problem is that most doctors give the cortisone shot and the patient goes home and either does nothing, or does too much, causing greater trauma to the median nerve within the carpal tunnel and exacerbating the symptoms.
Steroid (Cortisone) Injection Statistic:
*Failure rate (Including “partial success” as failure) is 72.6% after 1-year follow up. Source: Irwin, et al. J Hand Surgery.
SURGERY FOR CARPAL TUNNEL SYNDROME:
Carpal tunnel surgery consists of releasing (severing) the transverse carpal ligament that forms the roof of the carpal tunnel. Surgery is utilized to open and widen the carpal tunnel in order to allow more room for the median nerve, artery and nine flexor tendons to move around. There are several surgical procedures that are utilized to achieve this:
Open Release Surgery: A local anesthetic is injected into the wrist and/or hand and a 2-3-inch incision is made in the palm and cuts the carpal ligament free from the underlying median nerve. This operation takes about 20-25 minutes.
Mini Open Release Surgery: The mini-open release technique involves an incision that is about 1.5 inches long and can be performed in the doctor’s office with only a local anesthetic. The operation takes only about 12 minutes.
Endoscopic Release Surgery: The Endoscopic technique is less invasive and uses involves one or two .5 inch long incisions in the wrist and or palm, and one or two endoscope (pencil-thin) tubes are inserted. A tiny camera and a knife are inserted through these lighted tubes. While observing the carpal ligament on a television monitor, the surgeon cuts the ligament to free the compressed median nerve.
Carpal Tunnel Surgery Statistics:
*Only 23% of all Carpal Tunnel Syndrome patients were able to return to their previous professions following surgery. Source: NIOSH
*Carpal tunnel surgery has about a 57% failure rate following patients from 1-day to 6-years. At least one of the following symptoms re-occurred during this time: Pain, Numbness, Tingling sensations. Source: Nancollas, et al, 1995. J. Hand Surgery.
CONSERVATIVE TREATMENT FOR CARPAL TUNNEL SYNDROME:
Conservative therapy is really the only key to preventing carpal tunnel syndrome as well as for the successful recovery and long-term relief of existing carpal tunnel symptoms, even for post-surgery patients that have experienced little relief. Always try conservative therapy first and eliminate future injections and surgical procedures Try the “Conservative Alternative”.
Ayurveda is perhaps the oldest system of health care in the world and originates from the Indian subcontinent.
Ayurveda is based on scientific principles of diagnosis and treatment. It differs from conventional medicine in the basic principles of investigation and assigning causes to processes rather than specific areas of physiology.
Ayurveda has been a vogue since 5000 years ago. Our Vedas have been repeated references to the efficacy of Ayurveda as a science of healthy life. The western world is now realizing the value of Ayurveda in treating Chronic diseases like Arthritis, Paralysis, Stroke, Neurological disorders etc. Even WHO has given high rating for Ayurveda system.
It differs from conventional medicine in the basic principles of investigation and assigning causes to processes rather than specific areas of physiology. The increasing awareness of herbal medicines in Western markets such as USA, UK, Canada and Japan and the technological advancements in biotech industry were two major reasons which compelled us to offer a platform like this.
The key to the success of AyurvedicCure Inc is the quality of the ingredients they use, the way in which formulae are based on ancient Ayurvedic traditions, a careful manufacturing process and an ongoing research program for testing and evaluating new and old products.
Here are some Important Herbs and their Uses:
Ashwagandha ( Withania Somnifera), ( Winter Cherry): Traditionally, Ashwagandha has been used in many ways–as a sedative, a diuretic, a rejuvenating tonic, an anti-inflammatory agent, and as an “adaptogen” (endurance enhancer). Many Western herbalists refer to this herb as “Ayurvedic ginseng” because of its reputation for increasing energy, strength, and stamina, and for its ability to relieve stress. It is especially beneficial in stress related disorders such as arthritis, hypertension, diabetes, general debility, etc. It has also shown impressive results when used as stimulants for the immune system.
Amla ( Emblica officinalis), ( Indian Goosebery): Amla contains the highest amount of Vitamin C (Ascorbic acid), Phyllembin, Phyllemblic acid, Gallic acid, Ellagic acid in natural form and Cytokin like substance identified as Zeatin, Zriboside, Z nucleotide, Tannins 30%. It is one of the strongest rejuvenatives in Indian pharmacopoeia. It contains 30 times the amount of Vitamin C found in oranges. Its antibacterial, carminative, hypoglycemic, stomachic, Hypotensive and astringent action prevents infection, helps in healing of ulcers, treatment of jaundice, dyspepsia and cough and controls hyperacidity. Alma is a good Cardio Tonic and its mild stimulant action on heart helps to control blood pressure. The use of Indian Gooseberry enhances the antidiabetic action of Karela. Phyllanthus Emblica is a very good hair tonic.
Brahmi (Bacopa Monniera): Aside from increasing intellectual and cognitive function, Brahmi induces a sense of calm and peace in its users. It is unique in its ability to invigorate mental processes whilst reducing the effects of stress and nervous anxiety. This makes Brahmi extremely applicable in highly stressful work or study environments where clarity of thought is as important as being able to work under pressure. Many people have the intelligence to perform to strict standards, but lack the composure and self-confidence to reach them. Additionally, Brahmi helps soothe the restlessness and distraction that nervousness causes. Brahmi is ideal for students and workers faced with this problem.
Shallaki ( Boswellia Serrata): Today its major use is as an anti-inflammatory agent for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, low back pain, myositis, fibrositis, and osteoarthritis. Experimental and clinical usage of boswella indicates it has none of the side effects on blood pressure, heart rate of the gastric irritation and ulcers associated with many anti-inflammatory and antiarthritic drugs. It is now an approved herbal medicine in India for use against osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, soft tissue rheumatism, low back pain, myositis and fibrositis. In the United States,physicians are giving boswella high marks for effectiveness. Dr. E. W. McDonagh, a Kansas City physician, has reported success among some 350 patients suffering from a variety of advanced muscular and skeletal conditions for which other treatments had failed to help.
Karela ( Bitter Gourd), ( Bitter Melon), ( Momordica charantia) : Bitter Melon, also known as Karela, Momordica Charantia or Bitter Gourd is a herb that helps regulate blood sugar levels and keeps body functions operating normally. It contains Gurmarin, a polypeptide considered to be similar to bovine insulin, which has been shown in experimental studies to achieve a positive sugar regulating effect by suppressing the neural response to sweet taste stimuli. Karela’s principle constituents are lectins, charantin and momordicine. The fruits have long been used in India as a folk remedy for diabetes mellitus. Lectins from the bitter gourd have shown significant antilipolytic and lipogenic activities.
Shilajit (Asphaltum) : This is Shilajit, one of Ayurvedas most potent and unique rejuvenatives. The ancient medical literature attributes many health benefits to Shilajit known as “conqueror of mountains and destroyer of weakness.” It has been said that there is hardly any curable disease which cannot be assisted with the aid of Shilajit. Shilajit has been used historically for general physical strengthening, anti-aging, blood sugar stabilization, libido, injury healing, urinary tract rejuvenation, enhanced brain functioning potency, bone healing, kidney rejuvenation, immune system Strengthening, arthritis, hypertension, obesity and many other application for numerous conditions.
Garlic ( Lasuna), ( Allium sativum): The platelet and hypolipidemic activities of Lasuna ensures smooth coronary function. Garlic is regarded as one of the most effective remedies to lower blood pressure. The pressure and tension are reduced because it has the power to ease the spasm of the small arteries. It also slows the pulse and modifies the heart rhythm, besides relieving the symptoms of dizziness, shortness of breath and the formation of gas within the digestive track. It has an antiseptic effect and is an excellent remedy for infectious diseases and inflammations of the stomach and intestine. Human population studies show that eating garlic regularly reduces the risk of esophageal, stomach, and colon cancer. This is partly due to garlic’s ability to reduce the formation of carcinogenic compounds.
Triphala: Triphala, a cornerstone of ayurvedic medicine, is a composite herbal preparation containing equal proportions of the fruits of three myrobalans, Emblica officinalis, Terminalia chebula and Terminalia bellirica. When consumed for a long period, it helps reduce excess weight. It promotes good colon health and acts as a laxative without causing cramps or irritation. It gently stimulates the intestinal walls and restores tone to the colon, thus helping in the elimination process, providing a colon cleansing effect. When consumed for a long period, it helps reduce excess weight. It promotes good colon health and acts as a laxative without causing cramps or irritation. It gently stimulates the intestinal walls and restores tone to the colon, thus helping in the elimination process, providing a colon cleansing effect.
Guggulu: ( Bedellium), ( COMMIPHORA MUKUL): Studies show that a 14-27% of LDL cholesterol and 22-30% of triglycerides levels were reduced when guggul was given to men and women with high cholesterol for 12 weeks with no change in diet or exercise. Research with laboratory animals suggests guggul may help enhance thyroid function. Since the thyroid gland produces hormones that are needed to regulate metabolism, it can help in weight loss. Studies show guggul may change thyroid hormone metabolism, increase levels of circulating T3, or triiodothyroxine, a thyroxine metabolite known to raise overall metabolism, which in turn increases fat burning. Since guggul supports atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries), which may impede blood flow to and from the penis, guggul may possibly be the treatment for impotence many men are looking for.
Tulsi ( Holy Basil), ( Tulasi): Tulsi has antioxidant properties, and helps boost the body’s ability to fight off damaging free radicals, which have been linked to disease and aging. It is an adaptogen that helps the body fight the effects of ongoing stress and also balances the mind, nerves and emotions. Tulsi maintains the health of the throat chest and lungs. In fact, it helps protect the entire respiratory tract. It is an anti-inflammatory. A herb that promotes optimum respiratory support. Tulasi has antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, expectorant properties and is useful in respiratory tract infections. It helps during respiratory stress.
Neem (AZADIRACHTA INDICA): Neem effectively kills the bacteria that cause Acne and studies prove that Neem will reduce inflammation, even the inflammation produced by Acne. In the case of eczema clinical studies demonstrate that even the application of weaker Neem leaf extracts effectively cured acute conditions of eczema, what to speak of the fresh cold pressed oil with its high concentration of active ingredients.Modern clinical studies have identified a number of compounds in the Neem tree that effectively regulate immune system functions. Whether drinking a simple cup of tea out of the leaves or taking extracts of the Neem leaf, Neem significantly and consistently reduced insulin requirements for nonkeytonic, insulin fast, and insulin sensitive forms of Diabetes.The pain, inflammation, and swelling of the joints in arthritis can be greatly reduced by different compounds in Neem
Arjuna (TERMINALIA ARJUNA): Arjun improves cardiac muscle function and pumpingactions of the heart. Scientific studies have shown Arjun to be very effectivewhen used regularly over a period of time for the treatment of angina, coronary artery disease, heart failure, edema, and possibly hypercholesterolemia. Studies have also shown Arjun to have positive effects in the treatment of gonorrhea. Externally, this herb has been used to treat acne, blemishes, wounds, dysentery, and diarrhea.
Before getting into the merits of the case, it is necessary to find out a little about generic drugs. When a pharmaceutical company brings out a drug, that company is the only one that may produce the drug in the same country for a fixed number of years.
When this time passes, other pharmaceutical companies can make the same drug and this is how we receive generic drugs. The original drugs are called brand-name drugs. The truth is that generic drugs are copies of brand-name drugs and have the same features: strength, dosage, effects, side effects. Its pharmacological effects are precisely the same as effects of brand-name medicines. Sildenafil citrate, commonly known as a brand-name medicine Viagra, is an excellent example of generic drug.
The feature of generic drugs that cause confusion in the poeple is their cost. Such drugs are usually definitely cheaper than brand-name originals. And it immediately rises the suspicion if they really are of the same effectiveness, quality and safety.
Price Factor
Generic medicine can be legally manufactured under the following circumstances
- where the patent of the company that produced original drug has expired,
- where the company that wants to produce generic drug proves that the patent of brand company will not be infringed or is invalid or unenforceable,
- if the brand-name drug is not patented, or
- in countries where the patent is not in force.
The main reason for the lower cost of generic medicine is that they are produced by smaller pharmaceutical companies which are not able to invest in research and development of own new drugs. The large pharmaceutical companies bringing a new medicine to the market invest huge money in the significant research and development. And this is often regarded to be a reason for the high cost of new medicine – the companies want to recover their costs before the patent expires. Manufacturers of generic drugs do not incur such high costs so they are able to charge considerably less than the brand company.
Effectiveness and safety
The US FDA standards require that generic drugs have to be as effective and safe as brand-name originals. The FDA has the same standards for all drug producing facilities, and many companies produce brand-name drugs as well as generic drugs. So the conclusion is that there is no truth in the reports that generic medicine are produced in poor-quality facilities or are of worse quality than brand-name originals. In fact, the FDA calculates that 50% of generic drug production belongs to brand-name companies.
Next common misbelief is that generic medicine need more time to work. The requirements of FDA guidelines are the same for both brand-name drugs and generic drugs: they have to work in the same way as well as in the same amount of time.
Physical Features
The US trademark laws do not permit generic drugs to look exactly like their brand-name originals. However, a generic drug must contain the same active ingredients to assure the same efficacy. There may be differences in flavors, colors, and certain other inactive ingredients as the generic drug has to respect the trademark laws.
Hairloss has always existed and people have always suffered from it. More than that, People have started inventing hairloss treatments thousands of years ago and they still do The FDA has announced in a recent report that over the last nine years more than 300,000 new hairloss treatments that claim to stop hair loss and regrow hair have been examined.
Before we will go over the leading ancient hairloss treatments that still work today, we want to introduce you to two hairloss treatments legendary treatments:
The first legend is about the ancient Egyptians who believed that they will avoid or treat hairloss by putting fat of lions like lions and crocodiles over their head.
The second legend is about Julius Caesar and Napoleon who also suffered from hair loss and tried to hide it by combing their back hair forward.
It seems that natural hairloss treatments have always been popular, most of them include herbs. Those herbal hairloss treatments are proven to stop hairloss and regrow hair. The most popular are:
Saw palmetto (Seranoa repens) This is the most common herbal hairloss treatment it slows hairloss, stimulates hair growth and protect the prostate. It is made out of the berry extract. Other popular herbal hairloss remedies are green tea and Ginkyo biloba.
Another popular hairloss treatment which has been used for centuries is hair extension or hair replacement this is actually a method of hiding hairloss and not stopping it.
This hairloss treatment includes wigs made of synthetic fibers or human hair and hair additions such as hair weaves and toupees.
Yet, if you suffer form hair loss we suggest that you try using also modern hairloss treatments. There are effective and safe hairloss products which are proven to stop hairloss like Propecia, the all natural Revivogen and Minoxidil. Dont get frustrated of hair loss. Like any medical problem, it can be cured. It is all up to you. Good luck.
There are two types of people when it comes to drug detox, including those who voluntarily admit themselves because they are tired of the heartbreaking effect that drugs have on their life and there are those who are ordered by a court to attend. Drug detox is sometimes ordered by the court as the result of a conviction related to charges stemming from possession or use of an illegal substance.
During a drug detox treatment program, individuals can expect to receive an immediate detoxification at the facility. This process usually lasts 3 to 4 days and immediately removes the availability of drugs. During this period, the body is cleansed and the individuals immediate craving for their addiction is treated. These few days are often some of the most physically and emotionally draining to the patient, but are often the only way to effectively rid the dependency and desire for the use of drugs. After the drug detox is complete, patients may be required to undergo a series of treatments consisting of both psychological and social therapy. In addition, regular group meetings are often required, at which the patient may attend and speak freely with other drug detox patients about their situation. In most cases, the entire drug detox treatment program will last for up to one month, but may be longer in special cases or depending on the patients need for continued treatment.
An inpatient drug detox treatment program is designed for those who are either ordered by the court to receive inpatient care or for anyone who believes that they are unable to function in everyday life without the use of drugs. If their level of dependency has grown to a dangerous level, an inpatient drug treatment would be ideal in that it consists of 24 hour supervision by a qualified individual who is trained to deal with recovering drug addicts.
Any type of drug treatment program, whether it be inpatient or outpatient, is designed to help individuals recover from the grasp that these dangerous substances have on their lives. Not only created to detoxify an individual immediately, a drug treatment program is primarily designed to instill the importance of avoiding drug use in the future. The best outcome is one that results in an individual with a new outlook on life and one that no longer needs drugs to be a part of that life.
This article is to be used for informational purposes only. The information contained herein is not intended to be used in place of, or in conjunction with, professional medical advice or recommendations regarding any form of drug detox treatment. Before deciding on the most effective method of treatment, the patient must consult a licensed medical doctor for advice and/or to determine the best course of action for his/her individual situation.
I have been a sufferer from the condition alopecia for many years. Like all sufferers of alopecia we search for how to treat alopecia and its cures in the hope that soon we can return back to a full head of hair.
Only recently i won the battle so i decided here to write about how i treat alopecia and the cures that actually work for me for other people with alopecia.
Thinning hair had dramatic effects on me personally. The feelings of anxiety are common when alopecia starts. As a previous sufferer of alopecia all i did was worry about my thinning hair when all i wanted to do was just live a normal life.
The pressures of society to look beautiful projected in glossy magazines and media advertising only go to make matters worse for the sufferer with sometimes feelings of isolation taking effect. The pschological factors of anyone losing their hair at any age can be catastrophic.
It has been estimated that 50% of men aged up to 50 years old suffer from alopecia and 40% of woman suffer from alopecia by menopause age.
1.7% of the population overall, including more than 4.7 million people in the USA alone suffer from alopecia and most don’t know how to treat alopecia. A figure of close to a million people has recently been suggested for the United Kingdom population alone and as we can see its a lot more common than we think.
Over 25% of people around the world who are affected by alopecia usually have someone within their family who have or had to treat alopecia at some stage of their lives.
Some studies have shown a link with between alopecia and stress or trauma of some kind.
In male and female pattern baldness, the culprit is something called dihydrotestosterone, or DHT, which is derived from androgen which is a male hormone. Circulating through the bloodstream, androgen is converted to DHT.
Those with greater enzyme activity have more DHT binding to their hair-follicle receptors. If flooded by DHT, the follicles sprout thinner hairs during the the normal recycle period until eventually nothing regrows.
How to treat alopecia is something that you have to wait for im afraid for maximum results,to treat alopecia can take months if not years. If you start now and incorporate a routine into your daily lifestyle, before you know it the alopecia will be gone.
Hair Loss Treatment: Do Not Fret Little Fella, There’s Hope!
So you are getting to the middle age when your body starts falling apart, or off as the case may be. Because of this you aren’t as good at sports as you used to be, the opposite sex doesn’t find you nearly as attractive as you used to be, and your family ask you if you are ok whenever they look at you because they think that you look ill. Well there’s hope lads, not for the sports, but at least for the hair! That’s right, there is good hair loss treatment options that will halt hair loss right in its tracks so that you can at least look like you are still the man (or at least not sick).
So why do you lose your hair in the first place? Well a great question with a complicated answer. Maybe I can dumb it down for you though. The first thing is that there is not a lot that can do on your own to change your genes (though there are hair loss treatment options that can disrupt the work of these genes). Yeah that’s right this is another one of those pesky familial things, and no it’s not that you wore your hat too much or picked the wrong hair gel.
The other thing that should at least make you feel better is that your going bald is not a result of you losing your manhood. In fact losing your hair is because you are a little to much of a man if you know what I am saying. Testosterone is what give you hair in all the places that you don’t want it and in a slightly different form makes you lose it from the one place that you want it the most–your head. Testosterone is actually reduced to dihydroxy testosterone (DHT) which acts on the hair progenitor cells to shut down DNA replication and bring hair growth to a screeching halt. This process is mediated by an enzyme called alpha-1-reductase. It is the action of this enzyme that is inhibited by certain forms of hair loss treatment. These drugs keep the testosterone in its original form thereby stopping the action of DHT on the cells responsible for hair growth. These drugs work great unless you are an Olympic athlete where they are banned because they have been used by cheaters as cover up for performance enhancing drugs. They say it takes sacrifice to be an elite athlete and they mean it!
The other main hair loss treatment category is the surgical implantation of hair (which of course has to be coupled with the above pharmaceuticals). This use to be the best way to get people to laugh at you and not with you as it left cornrows in a rather sad and unalterable way whether you like that look or not. Now however doctors have begun to be a bit more artistically random with their implants. Now you can get realistic looking hair replacement.
All drugs are dangerous. Before a person suffering with a migraine headache takes an over-the-counter medication they should be asking the question “Is the possible benefit worth the risk of taking that drug?” William Osler, M.D. once said “The person who takes medicine must recover twice; once from the disease and once from the medicine.” Sadly, this can be all too true.
Dr. William Bennett, head of nephrology at Oregon Health Sciences University, estimates that over-the-counter painkillers are responsible for as many as 20% of the 125,000 cases of end-stage kidney disease in the United States.
Some medications have side effects that can be more serious than the painful migraine headaches themselves. Aspirin can cause internal hemorrhaging, or bleeding in the stomach. According to the Dec. 1996 issue of Health News and Views taking Tylenol once every 4 days increases the chance of liver damage by more than 400%.
The main pain-relief ingredient in Tylenol is acetaminophen which has been shown to cause liver disease. “Tylenol,” as reported in the January 1998 issue of Forbes magazine, “can be very dangerous in doses not much greater” than the recommended dose. In 1989, Lacy Keele, a 5-year-old, took four extra strength tablets in one day, or twice what a child should receive. The overdose destroyed Lacy’s liver. Within a week she was dead. A jury found Tylenol to be a cause in her death.
There have been hundreds of fatalities and serious liver injuries attributed to acetaminophen, Tylenol’s active ingredient, since Lacy’s death. The biggest reason for these deaths is because people “tend to use Tylenol in a casual fashion.” Think about it: You have a migraine headache so you take a few pills. The migraine doesn’t go away so you take a few more. The difference between a proper dose and an overdose is so small that dangerous amounts can easily be ingested accidentally. “No other over-the-counter drug has a more narrow range between therapy and toxicity than acetaminophen,” says Dr. William Lee, a professor of internal medicine at the University of Texas’ Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas.
L.F. Kebler, M.D. once said “Why should a patient swallow a poison because he is ill, or take that which would make a well man sick?” And O.W. Holmes, M.D., Professor of Medicine at Harvard University said “If all the medicine in the world were thrown into the sea, it would be bad for the fish and good for humanity.”
In the September 29, 1996 issue of the Los Angeles Times Magazine it makes it known that Ibuprofen kills thousands every year. Ibuprofen, the active ingredient in many pain relievers, including Advil, Motrin IB, and Nuprin, is known as a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). People that take NSAIDs like ibuprofen regularly to ease their chronic migraine headaches are prone to gastric (stomach) disorders. Dr. James F. Fries, a leading arthritis expert and professor of medicine at Stanford University School of Medicine, says “there’s an epidemic of adverse drug reactions to NSAIDs. The FDA believes anywhere from 10,000 to 20,000 deaths each year are the result of severe bleeding caused by NSAIDs. It’s a big problem.”
When taking medication to relieve migraine headaches it’s always a good idea to read the label carefully. If you decide to take pain-killing medications for your migraine headaches be sure to follow the directions. Using common sense can reduce your chances of experiencing adverse reactions.