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Monday, May 31, 2010
Biden praises world's 'finest military' at Arlington
Biden praises world's 'finest military' at ArlingtonOriginally from: http://www.nursinglink.monster.com/news/articles/13163-biden-praises-worlds-finest-military-at-arlington
children who smoke.
children who smoke.Originally from: http://www.nursinglink.monster.com/news/articles/13164-children-who-smoke
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Several Medical Careers You May Want To Consider
If you're searching for a job in the medical field, and also you wish to know what medical careers are the greatest, then appear no further. Three excellent work in this area that you might not be aware of are: cardiology jobs, hemodialysis work and hospitalist work. No matter what your interests are, one of these jobs might be exactly the opportunity you've been looking for.
1. Cardiology work
This line of function is accessible not only in hospitals, but in clinics and doctors' offices as well. You may choose to pursue a career as a cardiologist, a registered nurse, or a technician. In case you select to turn out to be a doctor, be prepared for a five year residency and possibly longer. Registered nurses might decide to work in either an office setting or a hospital. If daytime hours are what you choose, you might wish to function in the cardiac catheterization lab as they frequently don't provide nighttime hours for sufferers. Technician jobs need less training and may work in an emergency room, a cardiac catheterization lab or within the surgery area. Numerous interact with patients via their travels and this may be the most enjoyable part of any of these work.
2. Hemodialysis jobs
Working in this healthcare field is really a favorite of numerous practitioners. Fixed and traveling positions are both available and you may choose whichever works much better for you and fits with your personality. With either kind of job, you will meet with a patient and, after completing a basic workup, determine how much fluid requirements to become removed from the patient. You will then hook them up to machines that will complete this function. This area gives you a feeling of helping someone until other treatments or a new kidney turn out to be accessible and numerous find this very rewarding.
3. Hospitalist jobs
Many hospitals have found that it's very beneficial to employ hospitalists who don't maintain their own practice. A hospitalist only cares for sufferers when they're admitted for in-patient treatment. This allows for continuity of care as you don't have different doctors entering and leaving the hospital to treatment for their practice. You are in charge and only require to consult using the patient's regular care practitioners to coordinate treatment. Many find this to become very fulfilling and select this line of function over traditional medicine. Hospitals feel this offers the highest high quality of care and sufferers frequently agree.
Whichever career you select (numerous aren't even familiar using the term hospitalist jobs), you will have the satisfaction of knowing you have helped somebody throughout a hard time. Few other points can match this feeling. A career within the medical area is some thing to be proud of.
categories: careers,jobs,employment,medicine,nursing,hospital,doctor,health care,health,college,school
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8 Most Often Missed Medical Problems in Kids
8 Most Often Missed Medical Problems in KidsOriginally from: http://www.nursinglink.monster.com/news/articles/13157-8-most-often-missed-medical-problems-in-kids
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8 Most Often Missed Medical Problems in Kids
8 Most Often Missed Medical Problems in KidsOriginally from: http://www.nursinglink.monster.com/news/articles/13157-8-most-often-missed-medical-problems-in-kids
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Nursing Poetry How To Write It?
So, can discovering Nursing Poetry help create future nurses? Yes. For, there is no shortage of great praise and honor like that of having a poem written in your honor. Whereas, with nurses, the messages and poems of praise are endless.
Such praise and worship is often well deserved as nurses spend a great many hours both at work and at home healing the sick along taking care of other chores. However, although schedules at the local clinic or hospital may fluctuate in relation to working hours, often hours at home do not. School still starts and lets out at the same time as do other events if one has children with extracurricular activities. Therefore, nurses can often be some of the most loving, generous and nicest people on the planet. For, in most cases, one would have to be to put up with what most put up with over time from doctors, staff and patients.
As such, today one can find a number of poems from their patients, poems from other staff, poems from doctors, poems about nurses and nursing and other related writings. One good place to find older poems in such regard is through a used bookstore. Although, there is also a great number of earlier poetry in relation to nursing available online. So, the best thing to do is generally look in as many places as possible for such poetry in order to find the best and the brightest poets possible.
When looking online, simply type Nursing Poems Or Nursing Poetry into any search engine and browse through the displayed results to find the poem or collection of poems related to nursing in which one has the most interest. After which, one can decide which websites to investigate on a deeper level in the future and which ones to avoid. For, in doing so, one can save a great deal of time and possibly money in the process.
When looking at online websites, it is a good idea to review the comments, suggestions and thoughts such a website evokes. This is true whether through the cause and mission statement or the poetry presented on such a sight. For, while most such websites are complimentary of the nursing profession, there are a few anti-medical websites which one may wish to avoid in the process. Therefore, by reading through these comments and reviews, often one can avoid reaching such a website in the process.
If searching online for such poetry, one may want to look at the more upbeat websites which promote nursing in a positive favor. For, while most do, there are certainly others which exist to downgrade the healing profession in general. Therefore, it is good to know the principles of any website one is working on as well as their mission statement, especially if one is going to be contributing money to same.
Therefore, one is not only going locate poetry websites with nursing poetry but poetry websites with the best poetry in such regard. Of course, if one is not careful one runs the risk of getting scammed by websites who charge a fee to contribute and read such poetry. Therefore, one may want to be cautious of such websites who charge a fee for such activities.
To this end, one can find a great deal of nursing poetry online. Often one can use such poetry to honor nurses in a public forum, enjoy reading same after interactions with a nurse or a potential nursing student may be reading poetry related to a possible career choice. If so, then this is how Nursing poetry creates future nurses. Beyond that, it is still some of the most beautiful poetry in the world, written about amazing people who deserve to be honored for all time to come.
Find some fantastic Nursing Poetry by searching online. There you will discover many Nursing poems to read. Go online now and get your fill of poetry!
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Vassar Brothers Operates Perinatal Simulation Program
Vassar Brothers Operates Perinatal Simulation ProgramOriginally from: http://news.nurse.com/article/20100531/NJ02/105310017
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End-of-Life Planning Helps Families Make Decisions
End-of-Life Planning Helps Families Make DecisionsOriginally from: http://news.nurse.com/article/20100531/NATIONAL01/105310030
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Training To Be A Certified Nursing Assistant
Certified nursing assistants, while not having the fanciest job title in the facility, certainly have a very important job; requiring compassion and skills in patient care tantamount to the comfort and peace of mind of their patients. CNAs are also referred to as nurses aides, orderlies, patient care technicians, as well as home health aides, and work under the supervision of a qualified nurse, providing assistance for patients in basic tasks not requiring qualifications in medical skills.
Beyond taking certified nursing assistant training and passing the state CNA exam, they can then go on to find employment in hospitals and nursing homes, facilities for mental health or assisted living, as well as private homes. Due to increased long-term nursing requirements of today's aging population, job prospects are increasingly good for CNAs.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics forcasts a 28% growth in nursing assistant jobs by 2016, with the fastest job growth expected among home health aides. This demand means there are an abundance of facilities offering certified nurse assistant training, which involves a 6 to 12 week course before sitting your final CNA exam. Some health care facilities like nursing homes will provide free classes or pay-as-you-learn projects, and sometimes will also pay for your exams, although they will expect you to stay there to work for a certain period of time in exchange for these helping hands.
Other training courses are available through local community colleges or even through your Red Cross, though these will cost you anything from $300-$600 for a course lasting up to 6 months; offering more extensive training. Wherever the training course is taken, you are required to sit the state exam in order to become certified; these exams are usually done on a prearranged date and time. The exams include written and clinical portions: the written portion is based on commonsense principles and notes taken in class, while the clinical part may be found to be more difficult and nerve wracking. Look for practice written tests online to give you an idea what to prepare for.
Bear in mind that if you want to be hired at any health care facility, you must be open to background checks and drug testing, as required by law. Beyond that, once you have completed your certified nursing training and taken the CNA exam, all you will need is patience, a good bedside manner and the ability to show compassion and care for your patients.
If you're interested in learning more about becoming a nursing assistant and nursing assistant training follow these links for additional information on this rewarding career
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What Can Information On Type 2 Diabetes Tell You
There are many sources of information on type 2 diabetes everywhere. If you think you have the condition or are at risk of developing it, you can easily get good information on type 2 diabetes online. Not all pieces of information however have been accurately written. It is therefore important to set the facts straight about commonly misunderstood pieces of information on type 2 diabetes.
Fact #1: Diabetes has no treatment.
Reliable information on type 2 diabetes should tell you that at present there is no known 100% effective diabetes cure. You can manage or even prevent it from worsening but you cannot cure it completely. You should therefore be cautious with information on type 2 diabetes that will offer to provide you with a cure.
Fact #2: It is still being currently studied and understood.
Several studies conducted by scientific organizations are presently trying to help us in finding out more information and in understanding the type 2 diabetes. However, it is undeniable that more researches need to be done thoroughly if we are to fully understand, and consequently, develop the best possible medical prevention for type 2 diabetes as, even its definite causes cannot be fully identified. Common possible sources for this disease may be genetic heritage which makes some people insulin resistant compared to others. This hereditary trait, combined with bad diet and unhealthy lifestyle habits may worsen or increase the risk of diabetes.
Fact #3: Eating too much sugar does not cause diabetes.
Consuming too much sweets, by itself, does not really cause diabetes. However, diabetics prohibited from eating too much sweet food because of their body's inability to process glucose. Facts about type 2 diabetes will tell you that type 2 diabetics' body do not react to insulin. It is this insulin in our body which tells us to open up and take in glucose for energy production.
Sugar is also not the only food item that diabetics should watch out against. Carbohydrate intake in general should be the first thing that should be managed. The information on type 2 diabetes from your doctor should include instructions on how to count carbohydrates so you can limit your intake. Eating too much carbohydrate rich foods can produce as much glucose as sweet foods.
Fact #4: Not all fruits are good for diabetes.
Some people think that a healthy diet of fruits and vegetables is all that is needed to manage diabetes. It is not about eating as many fruits and vegetables as you can. It is about making sure that you eat only your recommended share of sugars and carbohydrates in one day. Fruits still contain a form of sugar and you should avoid those that are high in the glycemic index as shown and provided by your doctor in your information on type 2 diabetes.
Fact #5: Some diabetics don't show symptoms.
It doesn't mean that just because you do not have the typical symptoms that you do not have or will never develop diabetes. It is enough to have risk factors such as advanced age, being overweight and genetic family history to convince you to undergo regular check ups. Some people discover the disease only when they are already suffering from a complication.
Fact #6: You may die from complications.
In most cases, it is not the diabetes itself that kills. To put it more correctly, diabetics die because of the complications brought about by being diabetic. Some of these complications include heart ailments as well as kidney failure.
Could you be at risk of Diabetes Type 2? Find out now from Andy Rowde's information on type 2 diabetes or visit his FAQs page on diabetes care FAQs.
categories: information on type two diabetes,information on type 2 diabetes,health,fitness,diseases and conditions,medicine,science,wellness,news,diet
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Sunday, May 30, 2010
Hepatitis C
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Definition
Hepatitis C is a viral disease that leads to swelling (inflammation) of the liver.
Symptoms
Many people who are infected with hepatitis C do not have symptoms.
If the infection has been present for many years, the liver may be permanently scarred, a condition called cirrhosis. In many cases, there may be no symptoms of the disease until cirrhosis has developed.
The following symptoms could occur with hepatitis C infection:
Abdominal pain (right upper abdomen)
Ascites
Bleeding varices (dilated veins in the esophagus)
Dark urine
Fatigue
Generalized itching
Jaundice
Loss of appetite
Low-grade fever
Nausea
Pale or clay-colored stools
Vomiting
Causes & Risks
Hepatitis C infection is caused by the hepatitis C virus (HCV). People who may be at risk for hepatitis C are those who:
Have been on long-term kidney dialysis
Have regular contact with blood at work (for instance, as a health care worker)
Have unprotected sexual contact with a person who has hepatitis C (this is less common, but the risk increases for those who have multiple sex partners, already have a sexually transmitted disease, or are infected with HIV)
Inject street drugs or share a needle with someone who has hepatitis C
Received a blood transfusion before July 1992
Received a tattoo or acupuncture with contaminated instruments (the risk is very low with licensed, commercial tattoo facilities)
Received blood, blood products, or solid organs from a donor who has hepatitis C
Share personal items such as toothbrushes and razors with someone who has hepatitis C (less common)
Were born to a hepatitis C-infected mother (this is less common than with hepatitis B)
Hepatitis C has an acute and chronic form. Most people who are infected with the virus develop chronic hepatitis C.
Other hepatitis virus infections include hepatitis A and hepatitis B. Each viral hepatitis infection is caused by a different virus.
Tests & Diagnostics
The following tests are done to help diagnose hepatitis C:
ELISA assay to detect hepatitis C antibody
Hepatitis C genotype. Six genotypes exist. Most Americans have genotype 1 infection, which is the most difficult to treat.
Hepatitis C RNA assays to determine virus levels (called viral load)
The following tests are done to identify and monitor liver damage from hepatitis C:
Liver function tests
Albumin level
Prothrombin time
Liver biopsy can show how much damage has been done to the liver.
Treatments
There is no cure for hepatitis C, but medications in some cases can suppress the virus for a long period of time.
Some patients with hepatitis C benefit from treatment with medications. The most common medications are a combination of interferon alpha and ribavirin, an antiviral medication.
Most patients receive weekly injections just under the skin with a form called pegylated interferon alpha.
Ribavirin is a capsule taken twice daily. The major side effect is low red blood cells (anemia). Ribavirin also causes birth defects. Women should avoid getting pregnant during, and for 6 months after, treatment.
Treatment is given for 24 - 48 weeks.
These medications have a number of side effects, including:
Depression
Fatigue
Fever
Flu-like symptoms
Headache
Irritability
Loss of appetite
Low white blood cell counts and platelets
Nausea
Thinning of hair
Vomiting
See: Cirrhosis for information about treating more severe liver damage caused by hepatitis C.
Patients who develop cirrhosis or liver cancer may be candidates for a liver transplant.
People with hepatitis C should also:
Be careful not to take vitamins, nutritional supplements, or new over-the-counter medications without first discussing it with their health care provider.
Avoid any substances that are toxic to the liver (hepatotoxic), including alcohol. Even moderate amounts of alcohol speed up the progression of hepatitis C, and alcohol reduces the effectiveness of treatment.
Get vaccinated against hepatitis A and B.
Alternative Therapies
You can often ease the stress of illness by joining a support group of people who share common experiences and problems. See liver disease - resources.
Prevention
Avoid contact with blood or blood products whenever possible. Health care workers should follow precautions when handling blood and bodily fluids.
Do not inject illicit drugs, and especially do not share needles with anyone. Be careful when getting tattoos and body piercings.
Sexual transmission is low among stable, monogamous couples. A partner should be screened for hepatitis C. If the partner is negative, the current recommendations are to make no changes in sexual practices.
People who have sex outside of a monogamous relationship should practice safer sex behaviors to avoid hepatitis C as well as sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV and hepatitis B.
Currently there is no vaccine for hepatitis C.
To
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?Hepatitis COriginally from: http://www.nursinglink.monster.com/news/articles/13137-hepatitis-c
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Hepatitis E part 2
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The hepatitis E virus (HEV) is a common cause of hepatitis that is transmitted via the intestinal tract, and is not caused by the hepatitis A virus. Spread most often by contaminated drinking water, HEV infection occurs mainly in developing countries.
Symptoms
There are at least two strains of HEV, one found in Asia and another in Mexico. The virus may start dividing in the gastrointestinal tract, but it grows mostly in the liver. After an incubation period (the time from when a person is first infected by a virus until the appearance of the earliest symptoms) of two to eight weeks, infected persons develop fever, may feel nauseous, lose their appetite, and often have discomfort or actual pain in the right upper part of the abdomen where the liver is located. Some develop yellowing of the skin and the whites of the eyes (jaundice). Most often the illness is mild and disappears within a few weeks with no lasting effects. Children younger than 14 years and persons over age 50 seldom have jaundice or show other clinical signs of hepatitis.
Hepatitis E never becomes a chronic (long-lasting) illness, but on rare occasions the acute illness damages and destroys so many liver cells that the liver can no longer function. This is called fulminant liver failure, and may cause death. Pregnant women are at much higher risk of dying from fulminant liver failure; this increased risk is not true of any other type of viral hepatitis. The great majority of patients who recover from acute infection do not continue to carry HEV and cannot pass on the infection to others.
Causes & Risks
There are at least two strains of HEV, one found in Asia and another in Mexico. The virus may start dividing in the gastrointestinal tract, but it grows mostly in the liver. After an incubation period (the time from when a person is first infected by a virus until the appearance of the earliest symptoms) of two to eight weeks, infected persons develop fever, may feel nauseous, lose their appetite, and often have discomfort or actual pain in the right upper part of the abdomen where the liver is located. Some develop yellowing of the skin and the whites of the eyes (jaundice). Most often the illness is mild and disappears within a few weeks with no lasting effects. Children younger than 14 years and persons over age 50 seldom have jaundice or show other clinical signs of hepatitis.
Hepatitis E never becomes a chronic (long-lasting) illness, but on rare occasions the acute illness damages and destroys so many liver cells that the liver can no longer function. This is called fulminant liver failure, and may cause death. Pregnant women are at much higher risk of dying from fulminant liver failure; this increased risk is not true of any other type of viral hepatitis. The great majority of patients who recover from acute infection do not continue to carry HEV and cannot pass on the infection to others.
Tests & Diagnostics
HEV can be found by microscopically examining a stool sample, but this is not a reliable test, as the virus often dies when stored for a short time. Like other hepatitis viruses, HEV stimulates the body's immune system to produce a substance called an antibody, which can swallow up and destroy the virus. Blood tests can determine elevated antibody levels, which indicate the presence of HEV virus in the body. Unfortunately, such antibody blood tests are not widely available.
Treatments
There is no way of effectively treating the symptoms of any acute hepatitis, including hepatitis E. During acute infection, a patient should take a balanced diet and rest in bed as needed.
Complications
In the United States hepatitis E is not a fatal illness, but elsewhere about 1–2% of those infected die of advanced liver failure. In pregnant women the death rate is as high as 20%. It is not clear whether having hepatitis E once guarantees against future HEV infection.
Prevention
Most attempts to use blood serum containing HEV antibody to prevent hepatitis in those exposed to HEV have failed. Hopefully, this approach can be made to work so that pregnant women living in endemic areas can be protected. No vaccine is available, though several are being tested. It also is possible that effective anti-viral drugs will be found. The best ways to prevent hepatitis E are to provide safe drinking water and take precautions to use sterilized water and beverages when traveling.
TopHepatitis E part 2Originally from: http://www.nursinglink.monster.com/news/articles/13139-hepatitis-e-part-2
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The Achievement Of Wellness Now Marketed By Doctors
Doctors working for a family medicine clinic in a central state have recently revealed their discovery that good health is a marketable commodity. In their aim to alleviate wrong health habits among their patients, doctors founded a wellness program a few years back which has not reached five more cities and according to one of the clinical founders, it may soon reach other far-flung cities and states.
The one who manages marketing for the program averred that its essence is extremely easy to understand. It is designed to teach individuals of utilizing exercise and correct nutrition in order to avoided diseases that are related to a lifestyle that lacks exercise and good diet habits. Getting involved with such a health program is quite hard for the physicians who fall short in dietary education and training. A founding physician noted that he shares that frustration of fellow doctors when it came to asking his patients to drink their medicine. He claims that he is able to dictate on what the patients had to do but still lacked the propensity to make sure they apply it regularly.
A doctor states that they are the worst nutritionists in the world but quips that this is quickly changing as doctors are realizing that their patients definitely know more about dietary practices than them. He states that the best marketing proposition of the project is that it offers something to patients that their own doctors do not have the time or expertise to perform by themselves. The physicians were quick to add that a strong awareness of potentially hazardous ailments such as high cholesterol has helped in the success of selling the program.
Health groups or professionals who will partake in the program as affiliates will have to pay a reasonable affiliate fee which will entitled them to comprehensive printed resources for teaching weight loss and heart health which serve as the groundwork of the program. A dietician, exercise physiologist, and a psychologist guiding the clients are also part of their program for effective weight loss. Students participating in the healthy heart educational sessions are taught how to reduce the risk of heart ailments and one way is by knowing how to lower cholesterol levels.
Training books, marketing guides and tools, as well as the cost of training on how to sell the program in their vicinity is already incorporated in the fee. The investors and affiliates are easily able to take back their investments by charging service fees to clients. The director of the program along with the psychological consultant have stated that the program will be close to being a turnkey system and be in full scale operation in a few months' time.
While there are many ways of changing patients' lifestyles for the better, doctors still are not able to monitor them regularly. Clinics that have health programs include aerobics in their weight loss regimen. To lure in more people to get into the program, they use aerobics classes. One of the ways to publicize their services is by getting the people from the local high school to participate in their aerobics classes.
As the school distinct was unable to implement a physician education program in elementary school, the clinic saw the opportunity to teach aerobics to the students as well as teach them proper nutrition and exercise techniques. Young people espouse preventive more that corrective medical efforts. The founding doctors who created the wellness medical program for their community were motivated to utilize this to lower the cases of costly surgeries and curative procedures.
For resources on medical recruitment check out this site. Comprehensive information on jobs medical is found on there.
categories: medical Career,Medical Recruitment,Doctors jobs,medical employment,Physicians
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5 Reasons a Very Common Hospital Problem Is Often Overlooked
5 Reasons a Very Common Hospital Problem Is Often OverlookedOriginally from: http://www.nursinglink.monster.com/news/articles/13155-5-reasons-a-very-common-hospital-problem-is-often-overlooked
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If You're Considering Giving Dansko Shoes A Try, These 3 Reasons May Convince You
Many people are very fastidious when it comes to sandals They need their footwear to be both comfortable and stylish. The number of footwear brands to choose from is great. However, one that makes really good shoes is Dansko. Here are a number of reasons why give Dansko womens clogs a test.
Firstly, Dansko shoes are truly comfortable. They're made with the purpose of providing actually comfortable and supportive shoes. They are such great shoes that they have the APMA mark of quality, so you know they are good for your feet. Snug shoes can keep your feet more healthy, and the remainder of you too. Shoes that do not fit well or that put stress on the most unlikely places of your feet can end up in knee and back pain.
Second, Dansko shoes come in all kinds of lovable styles. They're best known for their clogs, but they also have dressier shoes, sandals, Mary Janes, and plenty of other styles to select from also. They even make a number of styles for nurses and other pros that need to stand for long periods. These styles are slip resistant and extra supported.
Third, Dansko shoes are well made and of really high quality. These shoes are not just going to fall apart on you within a little while. You'll be able to wear them for a long while. They are made of leather and warranted against manufacturer's defects as long as you get them from an authorized dealer like on this site.
Although these are not the least expensive shoes you can find, they are not particularly expensive either, particularly if you are trying to find well made snug shoes. If you want to find them at a cheaper price you can check out those available thru the Dansko outlet, or you can wait till the styles you like go up for sale. The shoes available thru the outlet store have some small defects that are sometimes hardly noticeable, and that don't affect the comfort of the shoes.
These are high-quality shoes and should wear well. They also are totally comfortable and come in a lot of trendy options. What else can you look out for in a shoe? Visit this site and see why Danskos so popular.
categories: shoes,clogs,footwear,sandals,boots,heels,shopping,style,fashion,clothing,pregnancy,back pain,nursing,hospital
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Liver Cancer part 3
Causes & Risks
Risk factors
The exact cause of primary liver cancer is still unknown. In adults, however, certain factors are known to place some individuals at higher risk of developing liver cancer. These factors include:
Risk factors
The exact cause of primary liver cancer is still unknown. In adults, however, certain factors are known to place some individuals at higher risk of developing liver cancer. These factors include:
Male sex.
Age over 60 years.
Exposure to substances in the environment that tend to cause cancer (carcinogens). These include: a substance produced by a mold that grows on rice and peanuts (aflatoxin); thorium dioxide, which was once used as a contrast dye for x rays of the liver; vinyl chloride, used in manufacturing plastics; and cigarette smoking.
Use of oral estrogens for birth control.
Hereditary hemochromatosis. This is a disorder characterized by abnormally high levels of iron storage in the body. It often develops into cirrhosis.
Cirrhosis. Hepatomas appear to be a frequent complication of cirrhosis of the liver. Between 30% and 70% of hepatoma patients also have cirrhosis. It is estimated that a patient with cirrhosis has 40 times the chance of developing a hepatoma than a person with a healthy liver.
Exposure to hepatitis viruses: Hepatitis B (HBV), Hepatitis C (HCV), Hepatitis D (HDV), or Hepatitis G (HGV). It is estimated that 80% of worldwide HCC is associated with chronic HBV infection. In Africa and most of Asia, exposure to hepatitis B is an important factor; in Japan and some Western countries, exposure to hepatitis C is connected with a higher risk of developing liver cancer. In the United States, nearly 25% of patients with liver cancer show evidence of HBV infection. Hepatitis is commonly found among intravenous drug abusers. The increase in HCC incidence in the United States is thought to be due to increasing rates of HBV and HCV infections due to increased sexual promiscuity and illicit drug needle sharing. The association between HDV and HGV and HCC is unclear at this time.
Symptoms of liver cancer
The early symptoms of primary, as well as metastatic, liver cancer are often vague and not unique to liver disorders. The long period between the beginning of the tumor's growth and the first signs of illness is the major reason why the disease has a high mortality rate. At the time of diagnosis, patients are often fatigued, with fever, abdominal pain, and loss of appetite (anorexia). They may look emaciated and generally ill. As the tumor enlarges, it stretches the membrane surrounding the liver (the capsule), causing pain in the upper abdomen on the right side. The pain may extend into the back and shoulder. Some patients develop a collection of fluid, known as ascites, in the abdominal cavity. Others may show signs of bleeding into the digestive tract. In addition, the tumor may block the ducts of the liver or the gall bladder, leading to jaundice. In patients with jaundice, the whites of the eyes and the skin may turn yellow, and the urine becomes dark-colored.
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Tests & Diagnostics
Physical examination
If the doctor suspects a diagnosis of liver cancer, he or she will check the patient's history for risk factors and pay close attention to the condition of the patient's abdomen during the physical examination. Masses or lumps in the liver and ascites can often be felt while the patient is lying flat on the examination table. The liver is usually swollen and hard in patients with liver cancer; it may be sore when the doctor presses on it. In some cases, the patient's spleen is also enlarged. The doctor may be able to hear an abnormal sound (bruit) or rubbing noise (friction rub) if he or she uses a stethoscope to listen to the blood vessels that lie near the liver. The noises are caused by the pressure of the tumor on the blood vessels.
Laboratory tests
Blood tests may be used to test liver function or to evaluate risk factors in the patient's history. Between 50% and 75% of primary liver cancer patients have abnormally high blood serum levels of a particular protein (alpha-fetoprotein or AFP). The AFP test, however, cannot be used by itself to confirm a diagnosis of liver cancer, because cirrhosis or chronic hepatitis can also produce high alpha-fetoprotein levels. Tests for alkaline phosphatase, bilirubin, lactic dehydrogenase, and other chemicals indicate that the liver is not functioning normally. About 75% of patients with liver cancer show evidence of hepatitis infection. Again, however, abnormal liver function test results are not specific for liver cancer.
Imaging studies
Imaging studies are useful in locating specific areas of abnormal tissue in the liver. Liver tumors as small as an inch across can now be detected by ultrasound or computed tomography scan (CT scan). Imaging studies, however, cannot tell the difference between a hepatoma and other abnormal masses or lumps of tissue (nodules) in the liver. A sample of liver tissue for biopsy is needed to make the definitive diagnosis of a primary liver cancer. CT or ultrasound can be used to guide the doctor in selecting the best location for obtaining the biopsy sample.
Chest x rays may be used to see whether the liver tumor is primary or has metastasized from a primary tumor in the lungs.
Liver Cancer part 3Originally from: http://www.nursinglink.monster.com/news/articles/13143-liver-cancer-part-3
View this post on my blog: http://travelnursesuccess.com/liver-cancer-part-3
Liver Cancer part 4
Causes & Risks
Risk factors
The exact cause of primary liver cancer is still unknown. In adults, however, certain factors are known to place some individuals at higher risk of developing liver cancer. These factors include:
Risk factors
The exact cause of primary liver cancer is still unknown. In adults, however, certain factors are known to place some individuals at higher risk of developing liver cancer. These factors include:
Male sex.
Age over 60 years.
Exposure to substances in the environment that tend to cause cancer (carcinogens). These include: a substance produced by a mold that grows on rice and peanuts (aflatoxin); thorium dioxide, which was once used as a contrast dye for x rays of the liver; vinyl chloride, used in manufacturing plastics; and cigarette smoking.
Use of oral estrogens for birth control.
Hereditary hemochromatosis. This is a disorder characterized by abnormally high levels of iron storage in the body. It often develops into cirrhosis.
Cirrhosis. Hepatomas appear to be a frequent complication of cirrhosis of the liver. Between 30% and 70% of hepatoma patients also have cirrhosis. It is estimated that a patient with cirrhosis has 40 times the chance of developing a hepatoma than a person with a healthy liver.
Exposure to hepatitis viruses: Hepatitis B (HBV), Hepatitis C (HCV), Hepatitis D (HDV), or Hepatitis G (HGV). It is estimated that 80% of worldwide HCC is associated with chronic HBV infection. In Africa and most of Asia, exposure to hepatitis B is an important factor; in Japan and some Western countries, exposure to hepatitis C is connected with a higher risk of developing liver cancer. In the United States, nearly 25% of patients with liver cancer show evidence of HBV infection. Hepatitis is commonly found among intravenous drug abusers. The increase in HCC incidence in the United States is thought to be due to increasing rates of HBV and HCV infections due to increased sexual promiscuity and illicit drug needle sharing. The association between HDV and HGV and HCC is unclear at this time.
Symptoms of liver cancer
The early symptoms of primary, as well as metastatic, liver cancer are often vague and not unique to liver disorders. The long period between the beginning of the tumor's growth and the first signs of illness is the major reason why the disease has a high mortality rate. At the time of diagnosis, patients are often fatigued, with fever, abdominal pain, and loss of appetite (anorexia). They may look emaciated and generally ill. As the tumor enlarges, it stretches the membrane surrounding the liver (the capsule), causing pain in the upper abdomen on the right side. The pain may extend into the back and shoulder. Some patients develop a collection of fluid, known as ascites, in the abdominal cavity. Others may show signs of bleeding into the digestive tract. In addition, the tumor may block the ducts of the liver or the gall bladder, leading to jaundice. In patients with jaundice, the whites of the eyes and the skin may turn yellow, and the urine becomes dark-colored.
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Tests & Diagnostics
Physical examination
If the doctor suspects a diagnosis of liver cancer, he or she will check the patient's history for risk factors and pay close attention to the condition of the patient's abdomen during the physical examination. Masses or lumps in the liver and ascites can often be felt while the patient is lying flat on the examination table. The liver is usually swollen and hard in patients with liver cancer; it may be sore when the doctor presses on it. In some cases, the patient's spleen is also enlarged. The doctor may be able to hear an abnormal sound (bruit) or rubbing noise (friction rub) if he or she uses a stethoscope to listen to the blood vessels that lie near the liver. The noises are caused by the pressure of the tumor on the blood vessels.
Laboratory tests
Blood tests may be used to test liver function or to evaluate risk factors in the patient's history. Between 50% and 75% of primary liver cancer patients have abnormally high blood serum levels of a particular protein (alpha-fetoprotein or AFP). The AFP test, however, cannot be used by itself to confirm a diagnosis of liver cancer, because cirrhosis or chronic hepatitis can also produce high alpha-fetoprotein levels. Tests for alkaline phosphatase, bilirubin, lactic dehydrogenase, and other chemicals indicate that the liver is not functioning normally. About 75% of patients with liver cancer show evidence of hepatitis infection. Again, however, abnormal liver function test results are not specific for liver cancer.
Imaging studies
Imaging studies are useful in locating specific areas of abnormal tissue in the liver. Liver tumors as small as an inch across can now be detected by ultrasound or computed tomography scan (CT scan). Imaging studies, however, cannot tell the difference between a hepatoma and other abnormal masses or lumps of tissue (nodules) in the liver. A sample of liver tissue for biopsy is needed to make the definitive diagnosis of a primary liver cancer. CT or ultrasound can be used to guide the doctor in selecting the best location for obtaining the biopsy sample.
Chest x rays may be used to see whether the liver tumor is primary or has metastasized from a primary tumor in the lungs.
Liver Cancer part 4Originally from: http://www.nursinglink.monster.com/news/articles/13144-liver-cancer-part-4
View this post on my blog: http://travelnursesuccess.com/liver-cancer-part-4
Jaundica
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Definition
Jaundice is a yellow color in the skin, the mucous membranes, or the eyes. The yellow pigment is from bilirubin, a byproduct of old red blood cells.
Symptoms
Certain chemicals in bile may cause itching in jaundiced patients. Fatigue is a very common symptom in people with liver disease. In more severe illness, nausea may occur. Poor appetite and weight loss can be a problem for some patients, usually those with acute infection or advanced scarring of the liver (cirrhosis). Depending on the cause of jaundice, patients may or may not have pain over the liver (upper right quadrant). Liver pain is common if there are gallstones, and may also occur in acute hepatitis. Patients whose bile does not drain into the small intestine adequately will have clay-colored stools. The conjugated form of bilirubin may be excreted by the kidneys and result in dark urine. Long-standing jaundice may upset the balance of chemicals in the bile and cause stones to form in the gallbladder or in the ducts.
In newborns, the concern about jaundice is that insoluble or unconjugated bilirubin may get into the brain and do permanent damage to the central nervous system. This serious condition is called kernicterus. It becomes a concern as bilirubin levels approach 20 mg/dL. Newborns are more likely to have problems with jaundice if they are premature, Asian or Native American, or bruised significantly during the birth process. Jaundice is also more common if a newborn was born after an induced labor, has lost too much weight during the first few days of life, was born at high altitude, or was born to a diabetic mother.
Causes & Risks
Causes in children include:
Autoimmune hepatitis
Biliary atresia
Breastfeeding jaundice
Breast milk jaundice
Disorders present since birth that cause problems processing bilirubin (Gilbert syndrome, Dubin-Johnson syndrome, Rotor syndrome, or Crigler-Najjar syndrome)
Hemolytic anemia
Malaria
Newborn jaundice (physiologic jaundice)
Viral hepatitis (hepatitis A, hepatitis B, hepatitis C, hepatitis D, and hepatitis E)
Breastfeeding jaundice may occur in the first week of life in more than 1 in 10 breastfed infants. The cause is thought to be inadequate milk intake, leading to dehydration or low caloric intake. It is a type of physiologic or exaggerated physiologic jaundice.
Breast milk jaundice is far less common and occurs in about 1 in 200 babies. Here the jaundice isn’t usually visible until the baby is a week old. It often reaches its peak during the second or third week. Breast milk jaundice can be caused by substances in mom's milk that decrease the infant’s liver’s ability to deal with bilirubin. Breast milk jaundice rarely causes any problems, whether it is treated or not. It is usually not a reason to stop nursing.
Causes in adults include:
Alcoholic liver disease (alcoholic cirrhosis)
Autoimmune hepatitis
Biliary stricture
Blocked bile ducts (by infection, tumor or gallstones)
Cancer of the pancreas
Chronic active hepatitis
Disorders present since birth that cause problems processing bilirubin (Gilbert syndrome, Dubin-Johnson syndrome, Rotor syndrome, or Crigler-Najjar syndrome)
Drug-induced cholestasis
Drug-induced hepatitis
Hemolytic anemia
Ischemic hepatocellular jaundice (jaundice caused by not enough oxygen or blood to the liver)
Intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (bile pools in the gallbladder because of the pressure in the abdomen with pregnancy)
Malaria
Primary biliary cirrhosis
Viral hepatitis (hepatitis A, hepatitis B, hepatitis C, hepatitis D, and hepatitis E)
JaundicaOriginally from: http://www.nursinglink.monster.com/news/articles/13147-jaundica
View this post on my blog: http://travelnursesuccess.com/jaundica
Jaundica
?
Definition
Jaundice is a yellow color in the skin, the mucous membranes, or the eyes. The yellow pigment is from bilirubin, a byproduct of old red blood cells.
Symptoms
Certain chemicals in bile may cause itching in jaundiced patients. Fatigue is a very common symptom in people with liver disease. In more severe illness, nausea may occur. Poor appetite and weight loss can be a problem for some patients, usually those with acute infection or advanced scarring of the liver (cirrhosis). Depending on the cause of jaundice, patients may or may not have pain over the liver (upper right quadrant). Liver pain is common if there are gallstones, and may also occur in acute hepatitis. Patients whose bile does not drain into the small intestine adequately will have clay-colored stools. The conjugated form of bilirubin may be excreted by the kidneys and result in dark urine. Long-standing jaundice may upset the balance of chemicals in the bile and cause stones to form in the gallbladder or in the ducts.
In newborns, the concern about jaundice is that insoluble or unconjugated bilirubin may get into the brain and do permanent damage to the central nervous system. This serious condition is called kernicterus. It becomes a concern as bilirubin levels approach 20 mg/dL. Newborns are more likely to have problems with jaundice if they are premature, Asian or Native American, or bruised significantly during the birth process. Jaundice is also more common if a newborn was born after an induced labor, has lost too much weight during the first few days of life, was born at high altitude, or was born to a diabetic mother.
Causes & Risks
Causes in children include:
Autoimmune hepatitis
Biliary atresia
Breastfeeding jaundice
Breast milk jaundice
Disorders present since birth that cause problems processing bilirubin (Gilbert syndrome, Dubin-Johnson syndrome, Rotor syndrome, or Crigler-Najjar syndrome)
Hemolytic anemia
Malaria
Newborn jaundice (physiologic jaundice)
Viral hepatitis (hepatitis A, hepatitis B, hepatitis C, hepatitis D, and hepatitis E)
Breastfeeding jaundice may occur in the first week of life in more than 1 in 10 breastfed infants. The cause is thought to be inadequate milk intake, leading to dehydration or low caloric intake. It is a type of physiologic or exaggerated physiologic jaundice.
Breast milk jaundice is far less common and occurs in about 1 in 200 babies. Here the jaundice isn’t usually visible until the baby is a week old. It often reaches its peak during the second or third week. Breast milk jaundice can be caused by substances in mom's milk that decrease the infant’s liver’s ability to deal with bilirubin. Breast milk jaundice rarely causes any problems, whether it is treated or not. It is usually not a reason to stop nursing.
Causes in adults include:
Alcoholic liver disease (alcoholic cirrhosis)
Autoimmune hepatitis
Biliary stricture
Blocked bile ducts (by infection, tumor or gallstones)
Cancer of the pancreas
Chronic active hepatitis
Disorders present since birth that cause problems processing bilirubin (Gilbert syndrome, Dubin-Johnson syndrome, Rotor syndrome, or Crigler-Najjar syndrome)
Drug-induced cholestasis
Drug-induced hepatitis
Hemolytic anemia
Ischemic hepatocellular jaundice (jaundice caused by not enough oxygen or blood to the liver)
Intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (bile pools in the gallbladder because of the pressure in the abdomen with pregnancy)
Malaria
Primary biliary cirrhosis
Viral hepatitis (hepatitis A, hepatitis B, hepatitis C, hepatitis D, and hepatitis E)
JaundicaOriginally from: http://www.nursinglink.monster.com/news/articles/13147-jaundica
View this post on my blog: http://travelnursesuccess.com/jaundica
Saturday, May 29, 2010
Alcoholism
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Definition
Alcoholism is drinking alcoholic beverages at a level that interferes with physical health, mental health, and social, family, or job responsibilities.
Symptoms
Alcohol affects the central nervous system as a depressant. This leads to a decrease in:
Activity
Anxiety
Inhibitions
Tension
Even a few drinks can change behavior, slow motor skills, and decrease the ability to think clearly. Alcohol can impair concentration and judgment. Drinking a lot of alcohol can cause drunkenness (intoxication).
Some of the symptoms of alcoholism include:
Abdominal pain
Confusion
Drinking alone
Episodes of violence with drinking
Hostility when confronted about drinking
Lack of control over drinking -- being unable to stop or reduce alcohol intake
Making excuses to drink
Nausea and vomiting
Need for daily or regular alcohol use to function
Neglecting to eat
Not caring for physical appearance
Numbness and tingling
Secretive behavior to hide alcohol use
Shaking in the morning
Alcohol withdrawal develops because the brain adapts to the alcohol and cannot function well without the drug. Symptoms of withdrawal may include:
Anxiety
Confusion or seeing and hearing things that aren't there (hallucinations)
Death (rarely)
Increased blood pressure
Loss of appetite, nausea, or vomiting
Psychosis
Raised temperature
Rapid heart rate
Restlessness or nervousness
Seizures
Tremors
Causes & Risks
Alcoholism is a type of drug addiction. There is both physical and mental dependence on alcohol.
Alcoholism is divided into 2 categories: dependence and abuse. People who are dependent on alcohol spend a great deal of time drinking alcohol, and getting it.
Physical dependence involves:
A need for increasing amounts of alcohol to get drunk or achieve the desired effect (tolerance)
Alcohol-related illnesses
Memory lapses (blackouts) after drinking episodes
Withdrawal symptoms when alcohol use is stopped
The most severe drinking behavior includes long drinking binges that lead to mental or physical problems. Some people are able to gain control over their dependence in earlier phases before they totally lose control. But no one knows which heavy drinkers will be able to regain control and which will not.
There is no known common cause of alcoholism. However, several factors may play a role in its development. A person who has an alcoholic parent is more likely to become an alcoholic than a person without alcoholism in the immediate family.
Research suggests that certain genes may increase the risk of alcoholism, but which genes or how they work is not known.
Psychological factors may include:
A need for anxiety relief
Conflict in relationships
Depression
Low self-esteem
Social factors include:
Ease of getting alcohol
Peer pressure
Social acceptance of alcohol use
Stressful lifestyle
The incidence of alcohol intake and related problems is rising. Data indicate that about 15% of people in the United States are problem drinkers, and about 5% to 10% of male drinkers and 3% to 5% of female drinkers could be diagnosed as alcohol dependent.
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AlcoholismOriginally from: http://www.nursinglink.monster.com/news/articles/13150-alcoholism
View this post on my blog: http://travelnursesuccess.com/alcoholism-2
Alcoholism
?
Definition
Alcoholism is drinking alcoholic beverages at a level that interferes with physical health, mental health, and social, family, or job responsibilities.
Symptoms
Alcohol affects the central nervous system as a depressant. This leads to a decrease in:
Activity
Anxiety
Inhibitions
Tension
Even a few drinks can change behavior, slow motor skills, and decrease the ability to think clearly. Alcohol can impair concentration and judgment. Drinking a lot of alcohol can cause drunkenness (intoxication).
Some of the symptoms of alcoholism include:
Abdominal pain
Confusion
Drinking alone
Episodes of violence with drinking
Hostility when confronted about drinking
Lack of control over drinking -- being unable to stop or reduce alcohol intake
Making excuses to drink
Nausea and vomiting
Need for daily or regular alcohol use to function
Neglecting to eat
Not caring for physical appearance
Numbness and tingling
Secretive behavior to hide alcohol use
Shaking in the morning
Alcohol withdrawal develops because the brain adapts to the alcohol and cannot function well without the drug. Symptoms of withdrawal may include:
Anxiety
Confusion or seeing and hearing things that aren't there (hallucinations)
Death (rarely)
Increased blood pressure
Loss of appetite, nausea, or vomiting
Psychosis
Raised temperature
Rapid heart rate
Restlessness or nervousness
Seizures
Tremors
Causes & Risks
Alcoholism is a type of drug addiction. There is both physical and mental dependence on alcohol.
Alcoholism is divided into 2 categories: dependence and abuse. People who are dependent on alcohol spend a great deal of time drinking alcohol, and getting it.
Physical dependence involves:
A need for increasing amounts of alcohol to get drunk or achieve the desired effect (tolerance)
Alcohol-related illnesses
Memory lapses (blackouts) after drinking episodes
Withdrawal symptoms when alcohol use is stopped
The most severe drinking behavior includes long drinking binges that lead to mental or physical problems. Some people are able to gain control over their dependence in earlier phases before they totally lose control. But no one knows which heavy drinkers will be able to regain control and which will not.
There is no known common cause of alcoholism. However, several factors may play a role in its development. A person who has an alcoholic parent is more likely to become an alcoholic than a person without alcoholism in the immediate family.
Research suggests that certain genes may increase the risk of alcoholism, but which genes or how they work is not known.
Psychological factors may include:
A need for anxiety relief
Conflict in relationships
Depression
Low self-esteem
Social factors include:
Ease of getting alcohol
Peer pressure
Social acceptance of alcohol use
Stressful lifestyle
The incidence of alcohol intake and related problems is rising. Data indicate that about 15% of people in the United States are problem drinkers, and about 5% to 10% of male drinkers and 3% to 5% of female drinkers could be diagnosed as alcohol dependent.
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AlcoholismOriginally from: http://www.nursinglink.monster.com/news/articles/13150-alcoholism
View this post on my blog: http://travelnursesuccess.com/alcoholism
Alcholism part 3
Treatments
Those who are dependent need to stop drinking alcohol (abstinence). Those who are problem drinkers may be successful with moderation. Because many people refuse to believe that their drinking is out of control, trying moderation can often be an effective way to deal with the problem. If it succeeds, the problem is solved. If not, the person is usually ready to try abstinence.
Three general steps are involved in treatment once the disorder has been diagnosed:
Those who are dependent need to stop drinking alcohol (abstinence). Those who are problem drinkers may be successful with moderation. Because many people refuse to believe that their drinking is out of control, trying moderation can often be an effective way to deal with the problem. If it succeeds, the problem is solved. If not, the person is usually ready to try abstinence.
Three general steps are involved in treatment once the disorder has been diagnosed:
Intervention
Detoxification
Rehabilitation
INTERVENTION
Many people with alcohol problems don't recognize when their drinking gets out of hand. In the past, treatment providers believed that alcoholics should be confronted about their drinking problems, but now research has shown that compassion and empathy are more effective.
The ideal approach is to help people realize the negative impact alcohol abuse is having on their life, and on the lives of those around them. They can aim for a personal goal of leading a more fulfilling and sober life.
Studies find that more people enter treatment if their family members or employers are honest with them about their concerns, and try to help them see that drinking is preventing them from reaching their goals.
DETOXIFICATION
Withdrawal from alcohol is done in a controlled, supervised setting in which medications relieve symptoms. Detoxification usually takes 4 to 7 days.
Examination for other medical problems is necessary. For example, liver and blood clotting problems are common.
Eating a balanced diet with vitamin supplements is important. Complications can occur with alcohol withdrawal, such as delirium tremens (DT's), which could be fatal. Depression or other mood disorders should be evaluated and treated. Often, alcohol abuse develops from efforts to self-treat an illness.
REHABILITATION
After detoxification, alcohol recovery or rehabilitation programs can help people stay off alcohol. These programs usually offer counseling, psychological support, nursing, and medical care. Therapy involves education about alcoholism and its effects.
Many of the staff members at rehabilitation centers are recovering alcoholics who serve as role models. Programs can be inpatient, where patients live in the facility during the treatment. Or they can be outpatient, where patients attend the program while they live at home.
Medications are sometimes prescribed to prevent relapses.
Acamprosate is a new drug that has been shown to lower relapse rates in those who are alcohol dependent.
Disulfiram (Antabuse) produces very unpleasant side effects if you drink even a small amount of alcohol within 2 weeks after taking the drug.
Naltrexone (Vivitrol) decreases alcohol cravings. It is available in an injected form.
You cannot take these medications if you are pregnant or have certain medical conditions. Long-term treatment with counseling or support groups is often necessary. The effectiveness of medication and counseling varies.
Alcholism part 3Originally from: http://www.nursinglink.monster.com/news/articles/13152-alcholism-part-3
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opiod Dependence part 2
OPIOID ABUSE.The DSM-IV-TRspecifies that one or more of the following symptoms must occur at any time during a 12-month period (and cause significant impairment or distress) in order to meet diagnostic criteria for opioid abuse:
Interference with role fulfillment: The individual's use of opioids repeatedly interferes with the ability to fulfill obligations at work, home, or school.
Danger to self: The individual repeatedly uses opioids in situations in which it may be physically hazardous (while driving a car, for example).
Legal problems: The individual has recurrent opioidrelated legal problems (such as arrests for possession of narcotics).
Social problems: The individual continues to use opioids despite repeated interpersonal or relationship problems caused by or made worse by the use of opioids.
OPIOID INTOXICATION.The DSM-IV-TRspecifies that the following symptoms must be present in order to meet diagnostic criteria for opioid intoxication:
Use: The individual recently used an opioid.
Changes: The individual experiences significant behavioral or psychological changes during, or shortly after, use of an opioid. These changes may include euphoria initially, followed by slowed movements or agitation, impaired judgment, apathy("don't care attitude"), dysphoric mood (depression, for example), or impaired functioning socially or at work.
Opioid-specific intoxication syndrome: The pupils in the eyes get smaller. In addition, drowsiness or coma, slurred speech, and/or impaired memory or attention during, or shortly after, opioid use occur.
OPIOID WITHDRAWAL.The DSM-IV-TRspecifies that the following symptoms must be present in order to meet diagnostic criteria for opioid withdrawal:
Abstinence: Either the individual has stopped using (or has reduced the amount of) opioids, or an opioid antagonist (i.e., a drug, such as naloxone, that blocks the action of opioids) has been administered.
Opioid-specific withdrawal syndrome: Three or more symptoms develop after abstinence. These symptoms include dysphoric (negative) mood, nausea or vomiting, muscle aches, runny nose or watery eyes, dilated pupils, goosebumps, or sweating, diarrhea, yawning, fever, and insomnia.
Impairment or distress: The withdrawal symptoms must cause significant distress to the individual or impairment in functioning (socially, at work, or any other important area).
Not due to other disorder: The withdrawal symptoms cannot be due to a medical condition or other mental disorder.
Causes & Risks
There are no clear-cut causes of drug use other than the initial choice to use the drug. This decision to use may be highly influenced by peer group. Typically, the age of first use of heroin is about 16 years old, but this age has been dropping in recent years.
Certain social and behavioral characteristics, however, are more commonly seen among individuals who become dependent on opioids than those who do not. For instance, many heroin users come from families in which one or more family members use alcohol or drugs excessively or have mental disorders (such as antisocial personality disorder). Often heroin users have had health problems early in life, behavioral problems beginning in childhood, low self-confidence, and anti-authoritarian views.
Among opioid-dependent adolescents, a "heroin behavior syndrome" has sometimes been described. This syndrome consists of depression (often with anxiety symptoms), impulsiveness, fear of failure, low self-esteem, low frustration tolerance, limited coping skills, and relationships based primarily on mutual drug use.
Tests & Diagnostics
Diagnosisof opioid-related disorders are based on patient interview and observations of symptoms, including signs of withdrawal such as dilated pupils, watery eyes, frequent yawning, and anxiety, among others.
Prevention
The best single thing an individual can do to prevent opioid-related disorders is never to use illicit opioids such as heroin. Opioids are powerfully addicting, especially if used intravenously. The risk of becoming dependent on appropriately prescribed opioids, however, is generally low except for individuals who already have a substance use disorder.
On a larger scale, comprehensive prevention programs that utilize family, schools, communities, and the media can be effective in reducing substance abuse. The recurring theme in these programs is not to use drugs in the first place.
?opiod Dependence part 2Originally from: http://www.nursinglink.monster.com/news/articles/13154-opiod-dependence-part-2
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Considering A Pharmacy Jobs Career
If any one is considering a pharmacy jobs career, the answer to this first question is very important. Many people believe that in general, pharmacists spend their days behind a counter in a pharmacy, counting tablets and capsules and giving advice to their customers. He may be surprised to learn that today and over the past few years, the practice of pharmacy has shifted its focus dramatically to activities which have everything to do with the patient. It is all about identifying, resolving and preventing medication-related problems.
Today's pharmacists strive to work with their patients to determine what the patient's needs are and what care should be provided in order to best meet these needs. Graduates have a wide range of pharmacy jobs career opportunities. The majority enter community pharmacy practice. Hospital & Clinical pharmacy also provides an interesting challenge for pharmacists. Pharmacists who work in hospitals or in clinics are effective members of the health care team and are actively involved in upgrading their education and knowledge base.
Many pharmacy jobs candidates specialise in fields such as infectious disease, pediatrics, psychiatry, intensive care, oncology, cardiology, etc. The pharmaceutical industry provides opportunities for pharmacists in the fields of sales and marketing, production, research and quality control. Pharmacists have a professional commitment to their continuing professional growth and to the growth of the pharmacy profession. Education doesn't stop once you've left university - being a pharmacist means making a life-long commitment to continuing your education and contributing to your existing knowledge base.
There are some points you should keep in mind while writing your pharmacy jobs resume. The first is objective tailoring. Being a former president of the American Association of Pharmacy Technicians (AAPT), Susan Jeffrey knows what it takes. She says that while writing the objective of a resume, you should put in your desire to learn. She says, "Pharmacy technicians should add a sentence to their professional objectives that lets the hiring manager know they are interested in opportunities for further specialisation or professional growth."
To further enhance your pharmacy jobs career, you would be wise to network, network, network. Knowing the right people, both within and outside the organization (especially experts, authors, and industry leaders) can do wonders for your career. If you don't have a mentor, consider having one. The right mentor can make a significant difference in your career. Finally, become a better leader. The corporate world values leadership skills like no other. Irrespective of your profession or position title, leadership skills are always desirable. Be proactive and develop your leadership skills.
Today is the perfect time to find out more about pharmacy recruiting. Join us pharmacy recruitment.
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Marketing Wellness Now In The Hands Of Physicians
Physicians that practice family medicine at a central state have realized that good health and wellness is a very saleable commodity. In the goal to eliminate habits dangerous to their patients' health, family doctors from the clinic started a wellness program that has already reached five other states and according to one of the founders, has the likelihood of reaching other destinations beyond their state.
According to the program's marketing specialist, the idea behind this program is simple. It aims to teach patients the benefits of exercise and proper nutrition so they can avoid catastrophic illness associated with a sedentary lifestyle and poor diet. For the physicians that are short in nutritional training and education, executing the wellness program is not as simple. One of the founding physicians stated that when it was time to tell their ward to consume medicine, he shared the frustration of colleagues. He further adds that he can command people what to do but lacked the capability to tell them how to espouse it in their daily routines.
A physician jests that they they had been the worst when it came to nutrition but this is starting to change because many of their patients know more about nutrition than experts like them. One strong selling aspect he stated was that this was something that physicians cannot offer as many of them simply cannot offer this service due to their lack of time and experience. Raising awareness about health problems like cholesterol according to doctors has enabled them to market their programs effectively.
A rational amount of an affiliate fee covers all the essential tools and materials needed by hospitals or health groups in teaching and implementing heart health and weight loss which are the pillars of the entire wellness project. To maximize the weight loss program, a dietician, exercise physiologist and psychologist also come with the unique package. Knowing the ways to lower cholesterol and more importantly, avoid risk of heart ailments is what healthy heart program students are taught.
The fee covers the marketing tools and paraphernalia, actual training sessions as well as support on how to sell the program properly in their specific area. The board of trustees who gave financial start up means for the project recoup their investment by charging their clients for their services. The director of the program and the clinic psychologist envision the program operations to begin in a few months time as soon as the right personnel are on board.
Doctors can only give advice to patients on how to better their health but their schedules don't allow them to monitor each and every patient. Aerobics sessions are part of the weight loss programs of some clinics. They utilize the aerobics feature to entice people into the program. The clinic encourages the individuals from the high school in their community to partake in the aerobics class in order to publicize their messages.
Because the school district was unable to implement a physical education program in the elementary school level, the clinic stepped in to provide aerobics classes as well as teach students proper diet and exercise tips. Younger individuals value preventive efforts more than the remedial measures. The founding doctors who created the wellness medical program for their community were motivated to utilize this to lower the cases of costly surgeries and curative procedures.
If you want more comprehensive info on medical recruitment that site will help you. If you need more details on medical job search visit there.
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Costs Of Smoking Cigarettes
Many people think that smoking is not that bad an idea and that they can just keep doing it without consequences. This kind of attitude is a total mystery. If you know someone like this, then here is a list of all the reasons why smoking is a bad idea and which will hopefully help you convince them how wrong they are.
The most obvious and putrid of these effects that are common amongst all smokers is their smell. It doesn't matter how much perfume or deodorant a smoker sprays on themselves, it won't cover the strong smell up that's clinging all over their clothes.
As smoke goes through your mouth, this will be the first bit of you to show the damage. All you need to do is look as a smoker's gums and you will notice how dark they look.
This little difference is actually quite a big deal. It means gums are not at all healthy, and are more susceptible to gingivitis and other problems in the mouth area. Teeth can also discolor, turning a hideous yellow tone.
Once you breathe that smoke in, it acts like an invading army, getting into all your most important organs. It will go straight into your lungs and can cause asthma and, even worse, is the primary cause of lung cancer.
Smoking also is dangerous to your heart and many smokers die from heart attacks. Just these issues alone should be enough to put you off.
Furthermore, many studies have shown that your chance of catching any kind of cancer increases when you smoke. If you think it is only lung cancer then you are totally deluded, unfortunately. Every type of cancer is exacerbated by the smoke that you breathe in, as it has thousands of chemicals in it.
Before you become a victim of any of these, better get your act straight and quit smoking. Or else, you might only stop when you are already in your deathbed.
The writer has been blogging with respect to health topics for the previous four years. Additionally, the writer loves blogging about other topics, like useful information on a mp3 player recorder along with a touch screen cell phone.
categories: Health,Smoking,Home,Disease,Illness,Family,Career,Social Issues,Relationships,Self-Improvement,Parenting,Advice,Teens,Psychology
View this post on my blog: http://travelnursesuccess.com/the-effects-of-smoking-cigarettes-on-a-regular-basis
Health Tip: Getting Cancer Support
It may help you feel more in control
?
?
(HealthDay News) -- People struggling with a cancer diagnosis and treatment may need a lot of extra help and support.
The American Cancer Society offers these support suggestions for people with cancer, and their loved ones:
Find a support group that meets a local hospital, by telephone or online.
Enlist a nursing service that offers support, and if needed, home health care.
Find a nutritional service that provides help and advice from professional dietitians.
Use a rehabilitation service that provides physical and occupational therapy.
Seek spiritual support from a local church or synagogue.
Obtain social services, which may include counseling or financial aid.
-- Diana Kohnle
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?
Health Tip: Getting Cancer SupportOriginally from: http://www.nursinglink.monster.com/news/articles/13105-health-tip-getting-cancer-support
View this post on my blog: http://travelnursesuccess.com/health-tip-getting-cancer-support
Many Women Avoid Follow-Up Eye Care: CDC
?
Women are more likely to have vision loss than men, but many women fail to schedule recommended visits with eye doctors, according to the May 20 issue of Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The CDC assessed the use of professional eye care among women over 40 years old who reported they had been diagnosed with a major eye disease, such as glaucoma. The researchers used data for 19 states from the 2006-2008 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System.
They found that 21 percent of women with diabetic retinopathy, 12 percent of the glaucoma patients, and 8 percent of those with age-related macular degeneration did not see an eye-care professional during the recommended follow-up period. Close to half said they were deterred by the costMany Women Avoid Follow-Up Eye Care: CDCOriginally from: http://www.nursinglink.monster.com/news/articles/13107-many-women-avoid-follow-up-eye-care-cdc
Women are more likely to have vision loss than men, but many women fail to schedule recommended visits with eye doctors, according to the May 20 issue of Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The CDC assessed the use of professional eye care among women over 40 years old who reported they had been diagnosed with a major eye disease, such as glaucoma. The researchers used data for 19 states from the 2006-2008 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System.
They found that 21 percent of women with diabetic retinopathy, 12 percent of the glaucoma patients, and 8 percent of those with age-related macular degeneration did not see an eye-care professional during the recommended follow-up period. Close to half said they were deterred by the costMany Women Avoid Follow-Up Eye Care: CDCOriginally from: http://www.nursinglink.monster.com/news/articles/13107-many-women-avoid-follow-up-eye-care-cdc
View this post on my blog: http://travelnursesuccess.com/many-women-avoid-follow-up-eye-care-cdc
Drop-Side Crib Ban Goes Before Congress
?
Drop-side baby cribs could no longer be manufactured, sold or resold in the United States under congressional legislation being proposed this week.
Since 2000, 32 infants and toddlers have suffocated or been strangled in drop-side cribs, which have sides that move up and down to make lifting children in and out easier. Another 14 deaths are suspected, the Associated Press reported.
"There still are thousands and thousands of children who are sleeping every night in drop-side cribs and we need to protect them," said Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, D-N.Y., sponsor of the proposal that would also ban the cribs from day-care centers and hotels.
Seven million of the cribs have been recalled in the past five years and many stores stopped selling them because of safety concerns. Safety pegs, screws or tracking for the side rail can loosen or break, causing the side to drop and trap a child's head between the rail and the mattress, safety experts say.
Inez Tenenbaum, chairman of the Consumer Product Safety Commission, has said the agency intends to make fixed-side cribs mandatory by the end of the year. But it could be well into 2011 before the ruling becomes effective, which is why Gillibrand is involved, the AP said.
Gillibrand described her bill Sunday at a news conference in New York. Two N.Y. counties -- Nassau and Suffolk, on Long Island -- already ban the sale of drop-side cribs, the news service said.
-----Drop-Side Crib Ban Goes Before CongressOriginally from: http://www.nursinglink.monster.com/news/articles/13110-drop-side-crib-ban-goes-before-congress
Drop-side baby cribs could no longer be manufactured, sold or resold in the United States under congressional legislation being proposed this week.
Since 2000, 32 infants and toddlers have suffocated or been strangled in drop-side cribs, which have sides that move up and down to make lifting children in and out easier. Another 14 deaths are suspected, the Associated Press reported.
"There still are thousands and thousands of children who are sleeping every night in drop-side cribs and we need to protect them," said Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, D-N.Y., sponsor of the proposal that would also ban the cribs from day-care centers and hotels.
Seven million of the cribs have been recalled in the past five years and many stores stopped selling them because of safety concerns. Safety pegs, screws or tracking for the side rail can loosen or break, causing the side to drop and trap a child's head between the rail and the mattress, safety experts say.
Inez Tenenbaum, chairman of the Consumer Product Safety Commission, has said the agency intends to make fixed-side cribs mandatory by the end of the year. But it could be well into 2011 before the ruling becomes effective, which is why Gillibrand is involved, the AP said.
Gillibrand described her bill Sunday at a news conference in New York. Two N.Y. counties -- Nassau and Suffolk, on Long Island -- already ban the sale of drop-side cribs, the news service said.
-----Drop-Side Crib Ban Goes Before CongressOriginally from: http://www.nursinglink.monster.com/news/articles/13110-drop-side-crib-ban-goes-before-congress
View this post on my blog: http://travelnursesuccess.com/drop-side-crib-ban-goes-before-congress
Drop-Side Crib Ban Goes Before Congress
?
Drop-side baby cribs could no longer be manufactured, sold or resold in the United States under congressional legislation being proposed this week.
Since 2000, 32 infants and toddlers have suffocated or been strangled in drop-side cribs, which have sides that move up and down to make lifting children in and out easier. Another 14 deaths are suspected, the Associated Press reported.
"There still are thousands and thousands of children who are sleeping every night in drop-side cribs and we need to protect them," said Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, D-N.Y., sponsor of the proposal that would also ban the cribs from day-care centers and hotels.
Seven million of the cribs have been recalled in the past five years and many stores stopped selling them because of safety concerns. Safety pegs, screws or tracking for the side rail can loosen or break, causing the side to drop and trap a child's head between the rail and the mattress, safety experts say.
Inez Tenenbaum, chairman of the Consumer Product Safety Commission, has said the agency intends to make fixed-side cribs mandatory by the end of the year. But it could be well into 2011 before the ruling becomes effective, which is why Gillibrand is involved, the AP said.
Gillibrand described her bill Sunday at a news conference in New York. Two N.Y. counties -- Nassau and Suffolk, on Long Island -- already ban the sale of drop-side cribs, the news service said.
-----Drop-Side Crib Ban Goes Before CongressOriginally from: http://www.nursinglink.monster.com/news/articles/13110-drop-side-crib-ban-goes-before-congress
Drop-side baby cribs could no longer be manufactured, sold or resold in the United States under congressional legislation being proposed this week.
Since 2000, 32 infants and toddlers have suffocated or been strangled in drop-side cribs, which have sides that move up and down to make lifting children in and out easier. Another 14 deaths are suspected, the Associated Press reported.
"There still are thousands and thousands of children who are sleeping every night in drop-side cribs and we need to protect them," said Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, D-N.Y., sponsor of the proposal that would also ban the cribs from day-care centers and hotels.
Seven million of the cribs have been recalled in the past five years and many stores stopped selling them because of safety concerns. Safety pegs, screws or tracking for the side rail can loosen or break, causing the side to drop and trap a child's head between the rail and the mattress, safety experts say.
Inez Tenenbaum, chairman of the Consumer Product Safety Commission, has said the agency intends to make fixed-side cribs mandatory by the end of the year. But it could be well into 2011 before the ruling becomes effective, which is why Gillibrand is involved, the AP said.
Gillibrand described her bill Sunday at a news conference in New York. Two N.Y. counties -- Nassau and Suffolk, on Long Island -- already ban the sale of drop-side cribs, the news service said.
-----Drop-Side Crib Ban Goes Before CongressOriginally from: http://www.nursinglink.monster.com/news/articles/13110-drop-side-crib-ban-goes-before-congress
View this post on my blog: http://travelnursesuccess.com/drop-side-crib-ban-goes-before-congress
You May Think About The Following Medical Jobs
If you are looking for a job in the healthcare field, and you want to know what medical careers are the greatest, then appear no further. Three excellent work in this area that you might not be aware of are: cardiology jobs, hemodialysis jobs and hospitalist jobs. No matter what your interests are, one of these jobs might be exactly the opportunity you've been looking for.
1. Cardiology jobs
This line of work is accessible not only in hospitals, but in clinics and doctors' offices as well. You might select to pursue a career as a cardiologist, a registered nurse, or a technician. In case you select to become a doctor, be prepared for a five year residency and possibly longer. Registered nurses may decide to function in either an office setting or a hospital. If daytime hours are what you choose, you might wish to function in the cardiac catheterization lab as they often don't offer nighttime hours for patients. Technician jobs need less training and might work in an emergency room, a cardiac catheterization lab or in the surgery area. Numerous interact with sufferers via their travels and this is the most enjoyable part of any of these jobs.
2. Hemodialysis jobs
Working in this medical field is really a favorite of many practitioners. Fixed and traveling positions are both available and you might select whichever works much better for you and fits with your personality. With either type of job, you'll meet with a patient and, after completing a fundamental workup, figure out how much fluid requirements to become removed from the patient. You'll then hook them up to machines which will complete this function. This field gives you a feeling of helping somebody until other treatments or even a new kidney become accessible and numerous discover this very rewarding.
3. Hospitalist jobs
Numerous hospitals have found that it is really beneficial to employ hospitalists who don't maintain their own practice. A hospitalist only cares for patients when they're admitted for in-patient treatment. This enables for continuity of care as you don't have different doctors entering and leaving the hospital to treatment for their practice. You are in charge and only require to consult using the patient's regular care practitioners to coordinate treatment. Numerous discover this to be really fulfilling and select this line of work over conventional medicine. Hospitals feel this provides the highest high quality of treatment and patients frequently agree.
Whichever career you select (many are not even familiar using the term hospitalist jobs), you will have the satisfaction of knowing you've helped someone throughout a difficult time. Few other points can match this feeling. A career in the healthcare field is some thing to become proud of.
View this post on my blog: http://travelnursesuccess.com/you-may-think-about-the-following-medical-jobs
A Career As A Dietetic Technician
To remain in good health, your body needs to be fueled by the proper vitamins and nutrients. This is where a professional can assist you. The dietetic technician is one who generally works under the supervision of a registered dietician and often find their job entails planning diets and nutritional programs, as well as monitoring the daily operations of a food service.
Becoming a dietetic technician requires an associate's degree in a dietary program. You will, however, want to be sure that you do continue your education in a program that has been accredited by the American Dietetic Association. Your education should include both classroom work and hands-on experience. You must also understand that once you have completed your education, you must pass an examination to become certified.
As with any job, you are expected to be completely informed on what your duties are. The duties in this area of your career may include assisting with meal planning, daily preparation of meals, and even assistance in buying. The duties, of course, will be decided upon by the supervisor and you will be required to carry them out. Keep in mind, the duties will vary from one job to another.
While many people think that a career in this area does not offer a lot of money, truthfully, it depends on which state you live in and where you work. Many of those who are just starting out could find themselves making approximately $30,000 a year, while those who have at least 10 years behind them could expect to make as much as $40,000 a year or more.
A career as a dietetic technician could easily take you down many roads. From working in a nursing home setting to a community center, you will find there are many different institutions are currently hiring. If you find that nutrition and wellness are an important part of your life, you may just find that this is the career for you.
At Dietitians On Demand, LLC we match Registered Dietitians with hospitals, nursing homes, and other organizations who need their services. If you are a dietetic technician and are looking for a unique opportunity to enhance your practice of the profession www.DietitiansOnDemand.com!
View this post on my blog: http://travelnursesuccess.com/a-career-as-a-dietetic-technician
Friday, May 28, 2010
Tylenol recalls referred to FDA crime division
Tylenol recalls referred to FDA crime divisionOriginally from: http://www.nursinglink.monster.com/news/articles/13120-tylenol-recalls-referred-to-fda-crime-division
View this post on my blog: http://travelnursesuccess.com/tylenol-recalls-referred-to-fda-crime-division
Tylenol recalls referred to FDA crime division
Tylenol recalls referred to FDA crime divisionOriginally from: http://www.nursinglink.monster.com/news/articles/13120-tylenol-recalls-referred-to-fda-crime-division
View this post on my blog: http://travelnursesuccess.com/tylenol-recalls-referred-to-fda-crime-division-2
Experimental Drug Boosts Cure Rate for Hepatitis C
?
A new drug under development for hepatitis C greatly improved the cure rate for patients while cutting the time needed for treatment, according to the drug's maker, Vertex Pharmaceuticals.
As reported by The New York Times, about 75 percent of patients enrolled in the trial who took the drug, telaprevir, along with standard treatment, essentially rid themselves of the virus, which can lead to liver damage and even cancer. In comparison, just 44 percent of patients who took the standard therapy alone had the same results.
Telaprevir works by blocking a protease, an enzyme manufactured by the virus, similar to how powerful HIV medications attack that pathogen.
Typical treatments aimed at ridding the body of hepatitis C typically take up to a year, and many patients drop out before that time. However, in the Vertex trial, about 70 percent of the almost 1,100 patients enrolled were able to achieve that goal within six months, the company reported.
"If you can promise them six months with a reasonable chance of a cure, that's a meaningful advance," Dr. Scott L. Friedman, chief of the division of liver diseases at the Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York City, told the TimesExperimental Drug Boosts Cure Rate for Hepatitis COriginally from: http://www.nursinglink.monster.com/news/articles/13113-experimental-drug-boosts-cure-rate-for-hepatitis-c
A new drug under development for hepatitis C greatly improved the cure rate for patients while cutting the time needed for treatment, according to the drug's maker, Vertex Pharmaceuticals.
As reported by The New York Times, about 75 percent of patients enrolled in the trial who took the drug, telaprevir, along with standard treatment, essentially rid themselves of the virus, which can lead to liver damage and even cancer. In comparison, just 44 percent of patients who took the standard therapy alone had the same results.
Telaprevir works by blocking a protease, an enzyme manufactured by the virus, similar to how powerful HIV medications attack that pathogen.
Typical treatments aimed at ridding the body of hepatitis C typically take up to a year, and many patients drop out before that time. However, in the Vertex trial, about 70 percent of the almost 1,100 patients enrolled were able to achieve that goal within six months, the company reported.
"If you can promise them six months with a reasonable chance of a cure, that's a meaningful advance," Dr. Scott L. Friedman, chief of the division of liver diseases at the Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York City, told the TimesExperimental Drug Boosts Cure Rate for Hepatitis COriginally from: http://www.nursinglink.monster.com/news/articles/13113-experimental-drug-boosts-cure-rate-for-hepatitis-c
View this post on my blog: http://travelnursesuccess.com/experimental-drug-boosts-cure-rate-for-hepatitis-c
Experimental Drug Boosts Cure Rate for Hepatitis C
?
A new drug under development for hepatitis C greatly improved the cure rate for patients while cutting the time needed for treatment, according to the drug's maker, Vertex Pharmaceuticals.
As reported by The New York Times, about 75 percent of patients enrolled in the trial who took the drug, telaprevir, along with standard treatment, essentially rid themselves of the virus, which can lead to liver damage and even cancer. In comparison, just 44 percent of patients who took the standard therapy alone had the same results.
Telaprevir works by blocking a protease, an enzyme manufactured by the virus, similar to how powerful HIV medications attack that pathogen.
Typical treatments aimed at ridding the body of hepatitis C typically take up to a year, and many patients drop out before that time. However, in the Vertex trial, about 70 percent of the almost 1,100 patients enrolled were able to achieve that goal within six months, the company reported.
"If you can promise them six months with a reasonable chance of a cure, that's a meaningful advance," Dr. Scott L. Friedman, chief of the division of liver diseases at the Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York City, told the TimesExperimental Drug Boosts Cure Rate for Hepatitis COriginally from: http://www.nursinglink.monster.com/news/articles/13113-experimental-drug-boosts-cure-rate-for-hepatitis-c
A new drug under development for hepatitis C greatly improved the cure rate for patients while cutting the time needed for treatment, according to the drug's maker, Vertex Pharmaceuticals.
As reported by The New York Times, about 75 percent of patients enrolled in the trial who took the drug, telaprevir, along with standard treatment, essentially rid themselves of the virus, which can lead to liver damage and even cancer. In comparison, just 44 percent of patients who took the standard therapy alone had the same results.
Telaprevir works by blocking a protease, an enzyme manufactured by the virus, similar to how powerful HIV medications attack that pathogen.
Typical treatments aimed at ridding the body of hepatitis C typically take up to a year, and many patients drop out before that time. However, in the Vertex trial, about 70 percent of the almost 1,100 patients enrolled were able to achieve that goal within six months, the company reported.
"If you can promise them six months with a reasonable chance of a cure, that's a meaningful advance," Dr. Scott L. Friedman, chief of the division of liver diseases at the Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York City, told the TimesExperimental Drug Boosts Cure Rate for Hepatitis COriginally from: http://www.nursinglink.monster.com/news/articles/13113-experimental-drug-boosts-cure-rate-for-hepatitis-c
View this post on my blog: http://travelnursesuccess.com/experimental-drug-boosts-cure-rate-for-hepatitis-c
Health Tip: Help Prevent Heat Rash
Health Tip: Help Prevent Heat Rash
Keep baby cool and comfy
?
Keep baby cool and comfy
?
(HealthDay News) -- Heat rash is a bumpy red rash that occurs during hot and humid weather when baby's sweat glands become blocked.
The U.S. National Library of Medicine offers these suggestions to help prevent heat rash:
Make sure baby wears cotton clothes that are light and cool.
If you don't have air conditioning, run a fan in baby's room. But don't aim the fan directly at baby.
Don't use baby powder for this purpose, since it does nothing to prevent heat rash.
Similarly, don't coat baby's skin in a cream or ointment.
-- Diana Kohnle
Health Tip: Help Prevent Heat RashOriginally from: http://www.nursinglink.monster.com/news/articles/13093-health-tip-help-prevent-heat-rash
View this post on my blog: http://travelnursesuccess.com/health-tip-help-prevent-heat-rash
Health Tip: Boost Your Body Image
Health Tip: Boost Your Body Image
And feel better about yourself
?
And feel better about yourself
?
(HealthDay News) -- A healthy body image -- the feeling one has about the body's size and shape -- is key to a person's physical and emotional well-being.
The National Women's Health Information Center suggests how people can improve their body image:
Eat healthy, nutritious foods to encourage healthy-looking hair, younger-looking skin and strong bones.
Exercise regularly to build your energy and self-esteem.
Keep stress under control and get sufficient rest each day.
-- Diana Kohnle
?
?
?
Health Tip: Boost Your Body ImageOriginally from: http://www.nursinglink.monster.com/news/articles/13095-health-tip-boost-your-body-image
View this post on my blog: http://travelnursesuccess.com/health-tip-boost-your-body-image
AORN Offers New Tools to Support OR Professionals’ Time Out for Every Patient, Every Time
AORN Offers New Tools to Support OR Professionals' Time Out for Every Patient, Every TimeOriginally from: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/NursezonecomNursingNews/~3/vbupgb6USL4/AORN-Offers-New-Tools-to-Support-OR-Professionals'-Time-Out-for-Every-Patient-Every-Time_34290.aspx
View this post on my blog: http://travelnursesuccess.com/aorn-offers-new-tools-to-support-or-professionals%e2%80%99-time-out-for-every-patient-every-time
AORN Offers New Tools to Support OR Professionals’ Time Out for Every Patient, Every Time
AORN Offers New Tools to Support OR Professionals' Time Out for Every Patient, Every TimeOriginally from: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/NursezonecomNursingNews/~3/vbupgb6USL4/AORN-Offers-New-Tools-to-Support-OR-Professionals'-Time-Out-for-Every-Patient-Every-Time_34290.aspx
View this post on my blog: http://travelnursesuccess.com/aorn-offers-new-tools-to-support-or-professionals%e2%80%99-time-out-for-every-patient-every-time
Navy Weighs in on Video Games to Whip Recruits into Shape
The Navy has frequently been seen in the headlines? for?advancements
made from using hardware technology to get its aircraft?and?fighting
vehicles into shape; it may now turn to software technology to
get its newest recruits in motion and out onto the playing
field.Navy officials are weighing in on using interactive
video games like the Nintendo Wii and Dance
Dance Revolution
to help new enlistees build up endurance and get past boot camp.??
There is a growing concern that those who are currently enlisting
require more work to get into shape than was needed with past
recruits.? Officials are attributing it to a more sedentary
lifestyle.Recent
studies indicate that the Wii has little effect on family fitness,
but that has not stopped the Navy from heavily considering the
possibility of using interactive games in the training of its
recruits.???According
to the Navy
Times,
Navy Surgeon General Vice Adm. Adam Robinson believes that most young
people prefer computers and video games to sports and other physical
activities.? Using interactive video games, in conjunction with
traditional training could help new recruits when it comes to
endurance, Robinson said.
"There
are lots of programs now that people can [use to] become very
physically active while they're using interactive computer games,"
said Robinson. "So, in other words, this isn't about [starting]
with computers and stopping [everything else] — because we're not
going to do that. This is about incorporating those types of
activities into something that people can use to become more
physically active."
Robinson added? that there has been an issue in terms of physical
fitness.? More new recruits are injured in basic training
because they are not used to the amount of standing and running that
is required and they have found that women in boot camp suffer more
bone injuries than in the past, Robinson said.
"There
have been more fractures and femur fractures and long-bone fractures
in some of our young female recruits, and that's related to the
amount of activity and a sedentary lifestyle that they've had
before they've entered the service and then the uptick in physical
activity after they're in the service."
The
plan is still in the early stages and there is no timeline set for
video game use in basic training.
made from using hardware technology to get its aircraft?and?fighting
vehicles into shape; it may now turn to software technology to
get its newest recruits in motion and out onto the playing
field.Navy officials are weighing in on using interactive
video games like the Nintendo Wii and Dance
Dance Revolution
to help new enlistees build up endurance and get past boot camp.??
There is a growing concern that those who are currently enlisting
require more work to get into shape than was needed with past
recruits.? Officials are attributing it to a more sedentary
lifestyle.Recent
studies indicate that the Wii has little effect on family fitness,
but that has not stopped the Navy from heavily considering the
possibility of using interactive games in the training of its
recruits.???According
to the Navy
Times,
Navy Surgeon General Vice Adm. Adam Robinson believes that most young
people prefer computers and video games to sports and other physical
activities.? Using interactive video games, in conjunction with
traditional training could help new recruits when it comes to
endurance, Robinson said.
"There
are lots of programs now that people can [use to] become very
physically active while they're using interactive computer games,"
said Robinson. "So, in other words, this isn't about [starting]
with computers and stopping [everything else] — because we're not
going to do that. This is about incorporating those types of
activities into something that people can use to become more
physically active."
Robinson added? that there has been an issue in terms of physical
fitness.? More new recruits are injured in basic training
because they are not used to the amount of standing and running that
is required and they have found that women in boot camp suffer more
bone injuries than in the past, Robinson said.
"There
have been more fractures and femur fractures and long-bone fractures
in some of our young female recruits, and that's related to the
amount of activity and a sedentary lifestyle that they've had
before they've entered the service and then the uptick in physical
activity after they're in the service."
The
plan is still in the early stages and there is no timeline set for
video game use in basic training.
_© 2009, DailyTech.Navy Weighs in on Video Games to Whip Recruits into ShapeOriginally from: http://www.nursinglink.monster.com/news/articles/13036-navy-weighs-in-on-video-games-to-whip-recruits-into-shape
View this post on my blog: http://travelnursesuccess.com/navy-weighs-in-on-video-games-to-whip-recruits-into-shape
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