medication
Smarter Aging Rats May Mean Hope for Mental Decline in the Elderly
The declining mental capacity of many elderly individuals is something that occurs on a daily basis. There are a large number of people suffering from dementia and from Alzheimer’s Disease. However, scientists have found a type of compound that could change all of that in the future.
Through careful experimentation, they have found that lab rats improved in their rate of mental capacity after receiving this compound. It is believed that this allows for healthy neurons to be created in the brain. This is very exciting information as it could be the link that they have been looking for to really help those suffering from Alzheimer’s Disease and other forms of mental decline.
This particular compound is known as P7C3, and based on the results from the lab rats, the potential for it being very useful is extremely high. The effects on the rats have been long lasting as well. The fact that these rodents were able to continue taking it with results gives the indication that there was not any type of resistance that would build up to it over time.
This compound can be taken orally and that would make it very simple for humans to use. It is believed that this discovery could be a break through in the prevention of mental decline for older individuals. It could also be a way to help those that have suffered from it recover.
These efforts may be able to help the elderly patients, and their loved ones. It can be extremely hard to have someone you care about losing their memory. It can be hard to take care of them both financially and medically. Being able to offer a viable solution that can offer older people a better quality of life is important. It can also help people to be able to enjoy their time with their elderly loved ones in a new manner.
The National Institute of Mental Health continues to explore the options that may be possible for humans through the use of the P7C3 compound. However, getting through the legal aspects of bringing this medication to market can be very time consuming. The safety of all the participants is very important. Still, many people that find their mental capacity slipping away may be more than willing to take a chance and to be part of a study group to explore how this compound would help humans.
http://www.nih.gov/news/health/jul2010/nimh-08.htm
There is Plenty of Evidence that Internet “Miracle” Drugs May be Dangerous
Before you go online and buy any type of medication, you really need to know the facts. Studies show that many of the “miracle” drugs offered on the Internet can be very dangerous for your body. There are many different products out there that people have become sick by taking. The FDA has continued to try to follow up on them but these products can often be out of reach.
There is a common myth that if a product says it is all natural, then there is nothing to worry about. However, many products online that purport to be “miracle” drugs say that they contain natural products – but they don’t say 100% all natural ingredients. This is a huge difference, even though the average consumer will view those two things as the same thing.
Some of the Internet “miracle” drugs out there have been known to contain a substance very similar to bleach. As a result, these products are going to make a person sick. They can also interfere with various other types of medication that a person is taking. As a result, they can suffer from life-threatening health problems with the underlying culprit well hidden.
If you have had any such problems with Internet “miracle” drugs, you should see a doctor right away. Track the side effects you have, including dehydration. A full report should also be made to the FDA. They will take that information and do their best to investigate. Their goal is to make sure consumers have the facts and that they are well informed about Internet “miracle” drugs.
A healthy body is important and it is important that people use drugs to feel better. They often are looking for products to stop pain, to help clear up acne, and to lose weight. Those may be things that you don’t want to go to your doctor about. The convenience of buying items online and having them shipped directly to you is also part of the benefits.
You always need to be well aware of any substance you put into your body. Don’t assume that just because it is being sold online that it is something safe for you to take. You definitely don’t want to create more problems for your health. You also want to keep all of those types of products out of the hands of children. Many teens are able to order such products online, so make sure they know the dangers as well.
Consumers should never use any Internet “miracle” drugs. It doesn’t matter what the website offers or even if they offer your money back. The damage to your body can be severe and may not be able to be repaired. These companies also hide behind the mask of the Internet. As a result, it is hard to pinpoint who is responsible, so getting them to pay for medical bills and damages is very unlikely to happen.
http://www.fda.gov/ForConsumers/ConsumerUpdates/ucm228052.htm
Finding What Can be Done About Senior Citizens’ Memory Loss
Memory loss for senior citizens is no laughing matter. It is often chalked up to just being something that occurs when a person ages. However, there are things that can be done to help an older person remain able to remember things – both short term and for the long term. Exercising the brain is a great way to keep it sharp and developing. Learning new skills or taking on a hobby can be very helpful, as well.
To prevent memory loss, games can help, too; for example, crossword puzzles and word finds. Many older people like to play bingo, Scrabble, or Suduko. These games can be played online which is a fun addition to something they already have a good time doing. Plus, it helps to reduce the need for them to have someone to play the game with.
Medications that an older person is taking for various health problems can also cause memory loss. It is important that they are able to feel in control over their thoughts and movements. If medications are making them feel groggy, then they may need to have the dose changed or the medication changed. This type of problem should be reported to the doctor immediately so that the situation can be further evaluated.
Memory loss can be a sign of a tumor in the brain. It can be scary to think about this type of situation but that is something to consider. An MRI is a type of test that can allow the doctor to see the inside of the brain. If there are any tumors there, then it is possible for them to be reduced in size through radiation. Sometimes surgery can also be considered in order to remove the tumor. It depends on where it is located and the overall health of the individual.
There are different types of tests that you can take online that can give you an indictor if memory loss is something you need to be concerned about. Getting enough sleep and eating right are great ways to help senior citizens remember more. Too much stress can make it hard to remember certain things. The doctor can also do a full assessment to see what is going on in terms of memory loss.
Even if something more serious in terms of memory loss has been determined, such as dementia or Alzheimer’s disease, there are ways to slow down the progress on these problems. Getting a full assessment will help to determine what the best course of action to take is going to be.
http://www.wrongdiagnosis.com/sym/forgetfulness.htm
http://www.nih.gov/news/health/jul2010/nimh-08.htm
What is the Cure for Ocular Rosacea?
Ocular Rosacea occurs around the eyes due to inflammation. This is a type of chronic problem that affects the entire face including the nose and forehead areas. As a result, a person can become very self conscious about their appearance. The inflammation can also be painful.
However, the connection with the eyes as a result of the Ocular Rosacea may not be something you have taken into consideration when seeking treatment for this disorder. In fact, many people are bothered by dry eyes and think that it has to do with their environment or allergies. Vision can become blurred and a person may become very sensitive to the light around them. Chronic development of sties that can be very painful can occur as well as a symptom of Ocular Rosacea.
The problem will continue to get worse if it goes untreated. To be sure, you should have your eyes looked at by a professional. There is no cure for Ocular Rosacea but it can be treated. If you have skin Rosacea, there is a very good chance that this could be the cause of your eye problems. Your regular doctor may not be able to make that diagnosis.
However, many people that don’t wear glasses never go get their eyes checked so the problem goes unresolved. The sooner the diagnosis is made, though, the easier it will be to successfully get the problem under control. Without adequate treatment, Ocular Rosacea is a problem that will continue to get worse and worse.
Once a diagnosis has been made, medication may be prescribed to help reduce and control the inflammation. This medication will also help with reducing the redness and the irritation due to the eyes being dry. Oral antibiotics can be applied several times a day to the area. Keep your face and the area around your eyes clean. You may have to limit or stop using eye make up in order for this type of medication to work well for you.
There are other things you can do too in order to reduce the problems caused by Ocular Rosacea. Dry weather can make the symptoms more severe. Wearing glasses or sunglasses can help. Use artificial tears in the form of eye drops to keep your eyes moist. Avoid touching your eyes as much as possible as well so that you don’t get debris or bacteria around them.
Keep your eyelids clean with water and a clean cloth. You may find that you experience less pain and inflammation if you stop wearing contact lenses. You may find that eyeglasses are more comfortable. Today there are many attractive styles of frames offered too so if you have to switch to glasses, you can still look great. Keep an eye on certain triggers to such as foods that increase your Ocular Rosacea problems in general.
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/ocular-rosacea/DS01177/METHOD=print
http://www.skincarephysicians.com/rosaceanet/classification.html
http://www.skincarephysicians.com/rosaceanet/laser_treatment.html
Taking a Patient Approach to Treating Ear Infections in Children May be the Smart Approach
Ear infections are a common problem for young children. Three out of four children suffer from an ear infection at some point before their third birthday. A child’s immune system is still developing, making him or her more prone to illness. As a parent, if you are alarmed to find your child is suffering from an ear infection, it may not be as serious as you think.
Viral infections are the most common cause of a child’s ear infections, affecting the middle ear. Antibiotics do not treat a virus, and overuse worsens the infection. The bacteria will mutate and build up resistance to antibiotics if they are used too frequently. Because of this, most doctors do not immediately prescribe medication for a child with an ear infection.
Studies show that most children recover from viral ear infections within a few days of the diagnosis. Your child’s doctor may ask you to wait 48 to 72 hours to see if your child recovers. Most children get better quickly with or without the use of antibiotics. However, if the infection persists, you should ask your doctor to prescribe medication.
While you are waiting, you can still give your child over-the-counter pain medication such as Ibuprofen or Tylenol. Ask your doctor what he or she recommends. Pay close attention to how often your child can use the pain medication. The dosage and frequency of use will vary based on the child’s age. It also helps reduce pain to put a warm cloth on the infected ear.
Another option is to use prescription numbing drops. These drops can be inserted into the infected ear while your child is lying on a flat surface facing up. Put the bottle of drops into warm water before use, and then gently insert them into the infected ear.
In some cases your child should receive antibiotics to treat his or her ear infection. If the child has had two or three recent ear infections, then using medication is the best solution. If your child’s infection is in a different area than the middle ear, this is more serious than a viral infection and requires prescribed medication. Also, if your child is younger than six months, the best treatment is antibiotics. Ask your doctor about the seriousness of your child’s ear infection to determine if prescription medication is needed.
A final option to treat a child’s ear infection is drainage tubes. This involves surgery to put tubes into the child’s ear drum to help drain fluid and relieve the pressure caused by the infection. If your child has had several ear infections and is not responding to antibiotics, or if their hearing is impaired by fluids in the ear, your doctor may recommend drainage tubes.
Once the surgery is complete, your child should show immediate signs of improvement. You should have the child wear earplugs while in water in order to protect the healing ear. After about a year, the tubes will fall out, and the ear will return to normal functioning.
In rare cases, the problems return, and your doctor may suggest taking out the child’s adenoids. This step will help the immune system function. Because of their location at the back of the throat, the adenoids are prone to inflammation and could potentially cause an ear infection.
If your child experiences multiple ear infections or has surgery for drainage tube placement, you should be sure to monitor her health over the next few months. To make sure your child recovers fully, be sure to schedule follow-up appointments with your doctor.
While most parents are alarmed if their child has an ear infection, it may not be as serious as they believe. Children’s immune systems are capable of fighting off viral infections with or without antibiotic use. Therefore, before immediately turning to prescribed medication, ask your doctor to identify the type of ear infection in order to determine the best course of action for your child.
http://www.healthychildren.org/English/health-issues/conditions/ear-nose-throat/pages/Ear-Infection-Today-Gone-Tomorrow.aspx?nfstatus=401&nftoken=00000000-0000-0000-0000-000000000000&nfstatusdescription=ERROR%3a+No+local+token
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/ear-infections/DS00303/DSECTION=treatments-and-drugs
What Antibiotics Will and Will Not Do
Antibiotics are a type of medication that are commonly prescribed for various health issues, yet they aren’t a cure all for everything under the sun. Too often people misuse antibiotics. Understanding what they can and can’t do will help you to avoid that occurring.
What many people don’t understand is that the body can build up a resistance to antibiotics, so they should only be used when they are absolutely necessary. The problem is that you may really need to use antibiotics later on, but your body won’t respond to them positively like they should. As a result, your health problem could continue to get much worse. You may have to be hospitalized, which isn’t any fun at all. The very young and the very old tend to need antibiotics more than other age groups, so this is a huge concern where they are involved.
Antibiotics don’t help at all when someone has a type of virus, which is what many people get sick from. These include the common cold and the flu. They have to run their course as taking antibiotics does absolutely nothing at all to make them go away. In fact, taking such medication during that period of time may slow down your body’s natural defenses. As a result, the flu or cold may linger for several days longer that it would have without the antibiotics.
If you have a type of bacteria, such as those that cause strep throat or an ear infection, then it may warrant the need for antibiotics. Your doctor can find out if you need such medication through testing. A look in the ears with a special tool or doing a throat culture can easily show them if you have any type of bacteria present.
Never use any form of antibiotics that aren’t prescribed specifically for you. Don’t share them among your children, either. The strength and type of antibiotic that may be needed can be very different.
Should one person in your household become ill with any bacteria, do your best to kill it. Wash sinks, doorknobs, and other areas down with hot water that contains some bleach. Make sure that everyone in the household is washing their hands often. You also want to make sure that you clean all bedding. It can be helpful to wash toys as well so that younger children don’t continue to get sick from the bacteria on them. Keep them away from social gatherings and daycare, too, so that they don’t spread those germs to other people.
When you are prescribed antibiotics, you will typically start to feel much better in a day or so. However, it is absolutely imperative that you take the full course of them. If you fail to do so you leave the body open to the health concern developing again.
http://www.cdc.gov/GetSmart/antibiotic-use/know-and-do.html
Prescription Drug Abuse Among Teenagers is a Continuing Concern for Everybody
The epidemic of prescription drug abuse among teenagers is alarming. Most adults have some type of prescription medication in their home, yet they fail to realize that their teenagers may be taking it. In fact, studies show that 1 in 5 teens regularly take prescription medication that isn’t for them.
Both males and females are known to be involved with prescription drug abuse. It is easier to get their hands on such forms of medication than it is to buy illegal drugs on the street. Many of them have parents or grandparents that take a large array of medications on a daily basis. Therefore, they have free access to these items. They can skim a few pills here and there and no one will typically notice.
This type of behavior is risky and it is also something that many teenagers are taking part in for a thrill. They may be looking for products that give them more energy, that reduce anxiety, that help them sleep, or that suppress their appetite. Some teenagers are even taking painkillers to help them trainer harder for sports in spite of an injury.
While many schools and parents do talk to their children about the use of illegal drugs, they fail to put this issue in the mix. Teenagers that take part in prescription drug abuse may find themselves in dangerous situations. For example, it may not be safe for them to operate a vehicle.
Certain medications can cause their heart to beat faster than it should. If they are mixing drugs then there can be very serious problems due to that. Sometimes the liver or the kidneys can be adversely affected by prescription drug abuse. When vital organs are damaged, it can cause problems for the youth for the rest of their life.
If your teenager is currently taking medication for a health concern, the mixture of additional medications may render that medicine useless. As a result, your teenager may be suffering from serious health issues that you aren’t even aware of. Keep in mind that your teenager can get such prescription medications from the homes of friends and family members too – it isn’t just something to watch in your own home.
Death can also be something that occurs in some of these scenarios. No parent wants to come home and find that their teenager has died due to overdosing or having an allergic reaction to prescription medications they keep in the home. It is always best to be well prepared and err on the side of caution than to take such a risk.
All prescription drugs should be kept where children of any age can’t access them. Keep a close eye on how many pills you have, too. Prescription drug abuse isn’t something that most parents are aware of, yet the reality of the situation is that it is taking place everywhere. Talk to your children about the dangers of taking any form of medication that the doctor hasn’t specifically prescribed for them to take.
http://abcnews.go.com/Health/Wellness/teens-high-off-prescription-drugs/story?id=10818592
New Findings in the Origin of Cholesterol has Implications for High Cholesterol Treatment
If you are involved with any high cholesterol treatment, it is important that you are able to find out the right information. Due to so many people suffering from high cholesterol, it is necessary for research to continue in this area. Some of the newest information shows that the brain plays a vital role in regulating the level of cholesterol in the body.
For the longest time, high cholesterol treatment has focused on the diet of the individual. The goal was to consume foods that are lower in certain types of fat so that the overall level of cholesterol will be reduced. The other factor is that many people take medications to help reduce the level of cholesterol in their body. However, those medications can be expensive and they can also be associated with an array of side effects.
Learning that the brain also affects high cholesterol takes the focus off of those areas. It means that even those forms of high cholesterol treatment may not be enough to make the changes you are seeking. There is a certain type of hormone found in the brain and it is believed to be responsible for what your cholesterol level is.
The brain signals to the body regarding how much cholesterol to store in the liver. The brain is also responsible for how much energy is used and how food that you consume is used up. Studies show that by blocking this particular receptor in mice, levels of cholesterol were reduced.
This is very exciting news, as it could mean that by offering the same type of medication to humans, the same results would occur. Of course, there is lots of testing to be done before this can be approved for humans to use. The long-term effects have to be carefully evaluated in clinical trials.
Many experts believe that the brain works as a type of remote control for the central nervous system. As a result, there is hope that individuals with cholesterol problems, heart problems, and even circulation problems could soon have new forms of treatment to consider. For those that haven’t had the best results with their current high cholesterol treatment, this could be the incentive that they have been looking for.
High cholesterol treatment is going to be taking a new spin based on this information. However, before we can adequately use that data, we have to find out more about how the brain is able to regulate cholesterol. By doing so, everyone can take a step in the right direction to get their cholesterol level where it needs to be.
It is important to take adequate steps to lower cholesterol. When the level is too high, it results in the arteries getting harder and it also can increase the risk of a heart attack. Do all you can to work with your doctor to get your cholesterol at a reasonable level. Keep your eyes open, too, for new information developing about the link between the brain and high cholesterol.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/10241715.stm
Can Glucosamine Eliminate Lower Back Pain?
Glucosamine is a medication that offers many health benefits, including reducing joint pain. One of the reasons that many people take glucosamine, though, is for lower back pain. However, recent studies have shown glucosamine isn’t a very effective treatment for lower back pain at all. This news is frustrating for many individuals who are in a six-month program of taking this supplement for that specific purpose. Many medical professionals have been promoting such a program to help those that have chronic back pain due to arthritis. When you suffer from lower back pain, it can diminish your overall quality of life. It can be hard to sit, stand, sleep, and take part in many of the activities that you once loved.
The good news, though, is that glucosamine does help with arthritis pain in the joints. Most people that take it for lower back pain also have other areas of arthritis, so the use of the drug isn’t a complete loss. Glucosamine is very safe so even if you have been taking it for lower back pain, you haven’t done any type of damage to your body. In spite of this, many people are upset that it has been heavily promoted as a means of helping them cope with their lower back pain. They feel they have been misled rather than given accurate information.
Extensive studies over a six-month period of time show that the use of glucosamine does not do anything whatsoever to eliminate lower back pain. This same study was done with a double blind system so that participants didn’t know if they were given the drug or a placebo. At the end of the six-month period, there was no evidence to indicate that those taking glucosamine were experiencing less pain than those given the placebo.
Other studies have extended the time frame to one year. There were no indicators that lower back pain was eliminated in such instances, either. However, there are some patients who have been using this product that feel that these results are wrong. They do feel that the use of glucosamine has helped them with their lower back pain.
If you are among that group, there may be other variables in your life that are giving you those results and it is easy to be excited when you aren’t affected by the old level pain any longer. Due to such claims, there are going to be individuals who continue to promote the use of glucosamine for back pain, so it is important for you to have access to the right information so you can make informed decisions about your health.
If you suffer from lower back pain due to arthritis, do some research before turning to glucosamine for the problem. Instead, consider some other options that may give you the relief you seek. There is no reason for you to continue suffering from such pain. Talk to your doctor about medications and explore physical therapy because there are exercises you can start doing that can provide you with some relief without hurting your back in the meantime.
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/news/fullstory_100753.html
Better Screening Means Better Treatment for Children with High Cholesterol
Today, research shows an increased risk of high cholesterol in children. High cholesterol is damaging to the arteries by causing plaque build up. The more plaque, the slower the blood flow, and the slower the blood flow, the more damage the heart sustains. Therefore, it is necessary to realize the importance of screening in order to prevent the development of high cholesterol in your child.
The current guidelines for screening children are heredity and the child’s percentage of body fat. If your child has a high percentage of body fat, he or she qualifies for screening. Test them between the ages of two and ten. Do not test your child before the age of two and no later than the age of ten.
Though a higher percentage of children are now found with signs of high cholesterol, most children still do not meet the current guidelines for cholesterol screening. There are some medical professionals who feel universal screening is unnecessary for fear medication may be over-prescribed.
Proper treatment is key to prevent the risk of high cholesterol in children. A child has a greater risk of developing high cholesterol when his or her family has a history of high cholesterol and heart failure. Your child’s lifestyle is also a part of their potential for developing the problem. If your child has a high percentage of body fat or is overweight, he has a higher risk of developing high levels of cholesterol.
Your child can be screened every three to five years. If, after a few months of proper diet and exercise, your son or daughter still shows a risk of high cholesterol, the child should be screened again. Medication is the next step in order to slow the effects of high cholesterol in the child’s body.
If your son or daughter shows a higher percentage of bad cholesterol than good cholesterol, the best treatment for them is a change in lifestyle. If tests show that they already have high cholesterol, medication may be considered as treatment for children ages eight and above. However, some cholesterol medication, such as statins, carry the risk of side effects.
The most basic form of treatment for children is a change in diet. You may change your child’s diet by reducing simple carbs like sugar, fruit drinks, and sodas. Instead, choose diets high in fiber. Fruits, vegetables, and whole grains are the best for your children. For example, at breakfast serve the kids oatmeal with raisins, and instead of serving whole milk, serve skim milk.
Exercise is another essential component of a healthy lifestyle. Aerobic activities such as walking, running, cycling, and swimming increase the oxygen pumped into the arteries and promote a healthy heart. These lifestyle changes are important habits for children to form, and it is important for the family to join the children in making these changes.
Preventing high cholesterol is important for any person and even more important for children. Being aware of the risks and knowing the importance of proper screening and treatment will help you reduce the chances of heart failure and high cholesterol later on in your child’s life.
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/news/fullstory_100942.html
http://www.webmd.com/cholesterol-management/guide/high-cholesterol-children