Getting the Help of a Malpractice Attorney Wednesday, June 10, 2009 Medical malpractice is a term used to describe the negligence or carelessness of a health care professional such as a doctor, nurse, laboratory technician, or other specialist in the medical field. This can particularly occur through incorrect diagnosis or prescribing the wrong dose or type of medication. We all appreciate the knowledge and expertise that a health professional offers, but we also are very aware of the level of trust we put into these professionals with our health and our lives. However, accidents can happen in which a patient acquires injuries or even dies due to the lack or inferior quality of treatment given at the hospital or medical clinic, in which case a San Diego malpractice case can be formed.When medical malpractice occurs, the law has specific legal measures in place to protect the rights of the victim. A San Diego malpractice lawyer can help to enforce the measures and even help you acquire any compensation that you may be entitled to. The following list contains examples of what a victim might want to file a lawsuit over:* The misdiagnosis of a disease or other medical condition* The failure to treat a person's illness or injury as quickly as necessary and possible* Performing "experimental" surgery, or performing any surgery or operation without consent* Failure to perform necessary acts or procedures during labor and deliveryAnd many more including lab mistakes and mistakes during surgeries and operations.A skilled and experienced medical lawyer uses his resources all over the country to represent his client properly; he can set the victim as a number one priority, preserving and protecting his rights to justice.The right San Diego lawyer won't be afraid to take on a doctor or hospital in order to make sure that you are compensated from the damages that have resulted from a professional's negligence or mistake. The amount of compensation depends on the specific circumstance of your case, particularly the extent of the injury and the losses you suffered as a result. For instance, many people are compensated for past and future medical bills and treatments, wages lost from not being able to attend work, as well as mental and emotional harm that may have been sustained. In most cases, a lump sum can be calculated based on several or all of the items mentioned.Not all malpractice cases go to trial though. Usually these cases are subject of settlement between the two parties; therefore you need a skilled lawyer who can negotiate a fair and decent settlement.San Diego malpractice occurs not only with health care professionals, but also in other areas of work such as architecture and legal representation. If you believe you may be suffering from malpractice, please contact an attorney right away.Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Bella_Holly

Medical malpractice is a term used to describe the negligence or carelessness of a health care professional such as a doctor, nurse, laboratory technician, or other specialist in the medical field. This can particularly occur through incorrect diagnosis or prescribing the wrong dose or type of medication. We all appreciate the knowledge and expertise that a health professional offers, but we also are very aware of the level of trust we put into these professionals with our health and our lives. However, accidents can happen in which a patient acquires injuries or even dies due to the lack or inferior quality of treatment given at the hospital or medical clinic, in which case a San Diego malpractice case can be formed.

When medical malpractice occurs, the law has specific legal measures in place to protect the rights of the victim. A San Diego malpractice lawyer can help to enforce the measures and even help you acquire any compensation that you may be entitled to. The following list contains examples of what a victim might want to file a lawsuit over:

* The misdiagnosis of a disease or other medical condition

* The failure to treat a person's illness or injury as quickly as necessary and possible

* Performing "experimental" surgery, or performing any surgery or operation without consent

* Failure to perform necessary acts or procedures during labor and delivery

And many more including lab mistakes and mistakes during surgeries and operations.

A skilled and experienced medical lawyer uses his resources all over the country to represent his client properly; he can set the victim as a number one priority, preserving and protecting his rights to justice.

The right San Diego lawyer won't be afraid to take on a doctor or hospital in order to make sure that you are compensated from the damages that have resulted from a professional's negligence or mistake. The amount of compensation depends on the specific circumstance of your case, particularly the extent of the injury and the losses you suffered as a result. For instance, many people are compensated for past and future medical bills and treatments, wages lost from not being able to attend work, as well as mental and emotional harm that may have been sustained. In most cases, a lump sum can be calculated based on several or all of the items mentioned.

Not all malpractice cases go to trial though. Usually these cases are subject of settlement between the two parties; therefore you need a skilled lawyer who can negotiate a fair and decent settlement.

San Diego malpractice occurs not only with health care professionals, but also in other areas of work such as architecture and legal representation. If you believe you may be suffering from malpractice, please contact an attorney right away.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Bella_Holly

Filing a Medical Malpractice Claim If you're in Southern California and need to find an attorney to help you file a claim against a health care professional, you need to look for a San Diego malpractice attorney. A medical malpractice attorney specializes in handling cases against doctors, nurses, hospitals, and other professionals in the medical field who have failed to provide necessary and quality care in a speedy manner. Whether the carelessness has resulted as an accident or sheer negligence, an attorney could help you see to it that you are compensated and that no one else is harmed by the professional's recklessness.Once you secure a San Diego attorney, they will diligently begin to gather information, compile all of the documents and pertinent facts for evidence to start with building a case.Gathering evidence can be a very tricky part of the case. Usually evidence will be in the form of medical records and testimonies of other professionals. Luckily, your attorney should have quite a bit of experience obtaining both types of evidence and will be able to do so much easier than if you were to try to obtain them yourself.There are countless reasons of how a medical professional can neglect a patient's well being. Some of the most common reasons for a medical malpractice lawsuit are: failure or misdiagnosis of an illness or condition, leaving instruments inside a patient after surgery, failing to perform necessary tests or treatment for a condition, prescribing the wrong type or dosage of medication, and giving incorrect lab results.Before you begin your San Diego medical malpractice claim, you should be prepared to tell an attorney exactly when the incident took place. If you can't recall the exact date, tell the attorney so, but try to have a close idea about the date. Injury cases actually have a precise rule for how much time can pass between the occurrence and filing a claim. If you have waited too long to claim, you might not be able to file your lawsuit.Many of the San Diego attorneys offer free consultations and will begin on your case immediately. You won't have to worry about fees as they will work on a contingency fee. With this type of an arrangement you won't have to pay until your case is won.Any case of San Diego medical malpractice can easily become complicated, especially if there is a difficulty in obtaining evidence. Just know that a medical malpractice attorney is the best chance you have!Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kim_Hillam

If you're in Southern California and need to find an attorney to help you file a claim against a health care professional, you need to look for a San Diego malpractice attorney. A medical malpractice attorney specializes in handling cases against doctors, nurses, hospitals, and other professionals in the medical field who have failed to provide necessary and quality care in a speedy manner. Whether the carelessness has resulted as an accident or sheer negligence, an attorney could help you see to it that you are compensated and that no one else is harmed by the professional's recklessness.

Once you secure a San Diego attorney, they will diligently begin to gather information, compile all of the documents and pertinent facts for evidence to start with building a case.

Gathering evidence can be a very tricky part of the case. Usually evidence will be in the form of medical records and testimonies of other professionals. Luckily, your attorney should have quite a bit of experience obtaining both types of evidence and will be able to do so much easier than if you were to try to obtain them yourself.

There are countless reasons of how a medical professional can neglect a patient's well being. Some of the most common reasons for a medical malpractice lawsuit are: failure or misdiagnosis of an illness or condition, leaving instruments inside a patient after surgery, failing to perform necessary tests or treatment for a condition, prescribing the wrong type or dosage of medication, and giving incorrect lab results.

Before you begin your San Diego medical malpractice claim, you should be prepared to tell an attorney exactly when the incident took place. If you can't recall the exact date, tell the attorney so, but try to have a close idea about the date. Injury cases actually have a precise rule for how much time can pass between the occurrence and filing a claim. If you have waited too long to claim, you might not be able to file your lawsuit.

Many of the San Diego attorneys offer free consultations and will begin on your case immediately. You won't have to worry about fees as they will work on a contingency fee. With this type of an arrangement you won't have to pay until your case is won.

Any case of San Diego medical malpractice can easily become complicated, especially if there is a difficulty in obtaining evidence. Just know that a medical malpractice attorney is the best chance you have!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kim_Hillam

Saving Money on Blood Pressure Medication Thursday, August 07, 2008 For years, people who have been troubled by both high blood pressure and diabetic kidney problems have believed that the more expensive blood pressure medications gave them an added benefit in the form of protection for their kidneys. So, they tended to spend extra dollars on expensive blood pressure medications even though cheaper generic equivalents were available. The less expensive generics, they were being told by their doctors, did less to help keep their kidneys healthy.But a recent study on medications and their relationship to kidney health has cast doubt on conventional wisdom.The study, conducted in the United Kingdom, suggests that the more expensive medications offer no more benefit to the kidneys than the less expensive generics. The real key, the study seems to say, is finding a medication that brings blood pressure down.Dr. Raymond MacAllister at the Centre for Clinical Pharmacology at University College in London was quoted by HealthDay Reporter as saying, "In patients with high blood pressure who are at risk of progressive kidney disease -- particularly diabetics -- it doesn't matter which drug you use, provided you get good control of the blood pressure."The current guidelines for treating blood pressure in patients with kidney disease, especially diabetics, calls for the use of two types of drugs -- angiotensin-converting-enzyme (ACE) inhibitors and angiotensin-II receptor blockers (ARB). These are considered to be first-line medications to help lower blood pressure in those who have diabetic kidney disease. For several years, medical professionals have assumed that these drugs have specific protective effects for the kidneys, beyond their ability to lower blood pressure.But the study done my MacAllister's group and published in the December 10, 2005 issue of The Lancet questions such assumptions.The British team looked at evidence supporting the use of ACE inhibitors and ARBs as first-line treatment for patients with kidney disease. They reviewed and examined results from 127 trials that investigated blood pressure-lowering drugs on the progression of kidney disease.They found that ACE inhibitors and ARBs fared no better than other blood pressure-lowering drugs in preventing diabetic kidney disease. It was also unclear if these two drug classes were more effective in patients with non diabetic kidney disease.McAllister also noted that the study would not come as welcome news to some pharmaceutical companies.But it will certainly please consumers who are already strapped and struggling with the high cost of blood pressure and kidney disease medications.George McKenzie is a retired TV anchor and radio talk show host who has created two websites where more information can be found on kidney health and blood pressure topics: The Blood Pressure Site and Kidney HealthArticle Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=George_McKenzie

For years, people who have been troubled by both high blood pressure and diabetic kidney problems have believed that the more expensive blood pressure medications gave them an added benefit in the form of protection for their kidneys. So, they tended to spend extra dollars on expensive blood pressure medications even though cheaper generic equivalents were available. The less expensive generics, they were being told by their doctors, did less to help keep their kidneys healthy.

But a recent study on medications and their relationship to kidney health has cast doubt on conventional wisdom.

The study, conducted in the United Kingdom, suggests that the more expensive medications offer no more benefit to the kidneys than the less expensive generics. The real key, the study seems to say, is finding a medication that brings blood pressure down.

Dr. Raymond MacAllister at the Centre for Clinical Pharmacology at University College in London was quoted by HealthDay Reporter as saying, "In patients with high blood pressure who are at risk of progressive kidney disease -- particularly diabetics -- it doesn't matter which drug you use, provided you get good control of the blood pressure."

The current guidelines for treating blood pressure in patients with kidney disease, especially diabetics, calls for the use of two types of drugs -- angiotensin-converting-enzyme (ACE) inhibitors and angiotensin-II receptor blockers (ARB). These are considered to be first-line medications to help lower blood pressure in those who have diabetic kidney disease. For several years, medical professionals have assumed that these drugs have specific protective effects for the kidneys, beyond their ability to lower blood pressure.

But the study done my MacAllister's group and published in the December 10, 2005 issue of The Lancet questions such assumptions.

The British team looked at evidence supporting the use of ACE inhibitors and ARBs as first-line treatment for patients with kidney disease. They reviewed and examined results from 127 trials that investigated blood pressure-lowering drugs on the progression of kidney disease.

They found that ACE inhibitors and ARBs fared no better than other blood pressure-lowering drugs in preventing diabetic kidney disease. It was also unclear if these two drug classes were more effective in patients with non diabetic kidney disease.

McAllister also noted that the study would not come as welcome news to some pharmaceutical companies.

But it will certainly please consumers who are already strapped and struggling with the high cost of blood pressure and kidney disease medications.

George McKenzie is a retired TV anchor and radio talk show host who has created two websites where more information can be found on kidney health and blood pressure topics: The Blood Pressure Site and Kidney Health

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=George_McKenzie

3 Typical Toe Nail Fungus Remedies Toe nail fungus remedies can be found in many different solutions, textures, and shapes. In general though there are three different types of toe nail fungus remedies that are commonly used in the marketplace today.Topical RemediesThese are by far the most commonly used types of toe nail fungus remedies. They are often either applied on top of the foot or in the form of foot soaks. You will find a nice selection of home made remedies for the treatment of unsightly toe nail fungus as well as quite a nice assortment of over the counter and prescription topical treatments.It is important to note that there is no one size fits all remedy that cures toenail fungus for everyone that finds themselves a victim. Some treatments work beautifully for one person and not at all for the next. The same holds true when it comes to timetables. Some toe nail fungus remedies work much more quickly than others (and more quickly for some people than others). The trick always seems to be finding the right treatment at the right time to treat your toe nail fungus problems quickly.Oral RemediesThese are most often found in prescription form and can work quite quickly when the do work. The problem with many of the prescription oral toe nail fungus remedies is that they are quite harsh and take a toll on the internal organs. You should be wary before even approaching your doctor for oral remedies as the treatment, in this instance, may very well be worse than the disease.For this reason oral treatments are typically reserved for more severe and persistent cases. You can avoid the need by treating symptoms of toe nail fungus as soon as they appear, avoiding areas where you are likely to have been exposed to the fungus, and avoid making the problem worse by attempting to cover it up with nail polish or artificial nails.There is one homeopathic oral remedy for toe nail fungus that can either be consumed as a tea or used as a foot soak. It isn't strictly an oral remedy but it can be used as one and so bears mentioning - it is Pau d'Arco.Surgical RemediesSurgery is generally viewed as a last resort as there is no such thing as a safe surgery. When it comes to toe nail fungus remedies, surgery is set aside for those cases that prove particularly virulent and ward against all other treatment options or those cases where help wasn't sought until the problem became too serious to be repaired through traditional toe nail fungus remedies.Prevention is the best cure for for toe nail fungus and you should always take steps to guard against the possibility of infection. This will include things like avoiding tight shoes, wearing socks that wick moisture, avoiding walking in moist warm areas, and pay meticulous attention to hygiene in and around your feet. You will learn that avoiding contamination is better than any toe nail fungus remedies on the market.Suzanne Whitaker is an expert in the area of toenail fungus prevention and removal. Why? Because she suffered for several years with this embarrassing and disfiguring toenail fungus disease before finding a unique product that actually worked for her. See Suzanne's personal account and how she overcame toenail fungus here: http://mytoenailcure.xeviews.comArticle Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Suzanne_Whitaker

Toe nail fungus remedies can be found in many different solutions, textures, and shapes. In general though there are three different types of toe nail fungus remedies that are commonly used in the marketplace today.

Topical Remedies

These are by far the most commonly used types of toe nail fungus remedies. They are often either applied on top of the foot or in the form of foot soaks. You will find a nice selection of home made remedies for the treatment of unsightly toe nail fungus as well as quite a nice assortment of over the counter and prescription topical treatments.

It is important to note that there is no one size fits all remedy that cures toenail fungus for everyone that finds themselves a victim. Some treatments work beautifully for one person and not at all for the next. The same holds true when it comes to timetables. Some toe nail fungus remedies work much more quickly than others (and more quickly for some people than others). The trick always seems to be finding the right treatment at the right time to treat your toe nail fungus problems quickly.

Oral Remedies

These are most often found in prescription form and can work quite quickly when the do work. The problem with many of the prescription oral toe nail fungus remedies is that they are quite harsh and take a toll on the internal organs. You should be wary before even approaching your doctor for oral remedies as the treatment, in this instance, may very well be worse than the disease.

For this reason oral treatments are typically reserved for more severe and persistent cases. You can avoid the need by treating symptoms of toe nail fungus as soon as they appear, avoiding areas where you are likely to have been exposed to the fungus, and avoid making the problem worse by attempting to cover it up with nail polish or artificial nails.

There is one homeopathic oral remedy for toe nail fungus that can either be consumed as a tea or used as a foot soak. It isn't strictly an oral remedy but it can be used as one and so bears mentioning - it is Pau d'Arco.

Surgical Remedies

Surgery is generally viewed as a last resort as there is no such thing as a safe surgery. When it comes to toe nail fungus remedies, surgery is set aside for those cases that prove particularly virulent and ward against all other treatment options or those cases where help wasn't sought until the problem became too serious to be repaired through traditional toe nail fungus remedies.

Prevention is the best cure for for toe nail fungus and you should always take steps to guard against the possibility of infection. This will include things like avoiding tight shoes, wearing socks that wick moisture, avoiding walking in moist warm areas, and pay meticulous attention to hygiene in and around your feet. You will learn that avoiding contamination is better than any toe nail fungus remedies on the market.

Suzanne Whitaker is an expert in the area of toenail fungus prevention and removal. Why? Because she suffered for several years with this embarrassing and disfiguring toenail fungus disease before finding a unique product that actually worked for her. See Suzanne's personal account and how she overcame toenail fungus here: http://mytoenailcure.xeviews.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Suzanne_Whitaker

Medicine is Your Cure, Medicine is Your Enemy It is an art that involves the application of both the preservation and safe guard of the health of a living being through the numerous researches, diagnostics and healing techniques. It can be safely said that its fundamental purpose is to ward of the particular individuals health for as long as possible. The doctors who practice it are known as the physicians.In short it is chiefly related to the numerous ailments and infections that affect the humans internally or to any kind of physical ailments that are non-related to operation, OB and psychotherapy. In the ancient times natural assets were used as a medication for different ailments. At that time the spiritual medication and medication made from the natural assets was heavily dominant in all cultures, inclusive of the western market.The education that is required to become a practitioner in the respective field is known as the medical education. It involves not only theoretical study but also necessary guidance and later practice. There are several methods of imparting knowledge regarding this subject and they vary across the globe. The teaching usually starts at the college and the university level, which is followed by a specific time period as an intern in the professional environment.Its modern usage is not always the perfect solution for every disease and its inability of effective treatment is succeeded by substitute medication. At times both of them are unified by a medical practitioner for an affirmative outcome.This field has received its share of criticisms with the main one being their over dosage and related blunders. For this purpose increased checks on the treatment areas and their resultant effects is becoming increasingly frequent for the recognition of the root causes of the mistakes and the steps that are taken for its rectification.Sarfaraz was born and raised in Karachi, Pakistan, surrounded by traffic and technology. He writes mostly about diseases, the storybooks, futuristic columns, mysteries, as he likes to call it. He enjoys writing for web.He wrote his first book (The Black Bodyguard of Stone-Pyramid) in 2003 and since then has provided the picture for 1 more title. His book was honored as a BEST SELLER.Sarfaraz currently lives with his wife in Karachi near Seashore, about fifteen miles from the house where he was born.Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Sarfaraz_Ali

It is an art that involves the application of both the preservation and safe guard of the health of a living being through the numerous researches, diagnostics and healing techniques. It can be safely said that its fundamental purpose is to ward of the particular individuals health for as long as possible. The doctors who practice it are known as the physicians.

In short it is chiefly related to the numerous ailments and infections that affect the humans internally or to any kind of physical ailments that are non-related to operation, OB and psychotherapy. In the ancient times natural assets were used as a medication for different ailments. At that time the spiritual medication and medication made from the natural assets was heavily dominant in all cultures, inclusive of the western market.

The education that is required to become a practitioner in the respective field is known as the medical education. It involves not only theoretical study but also necessary guidance and later practice. There are several methods of imparting knowledge regarding this subject and they vary across the globe. The teaching usually starts at the college and the university level, which is followed by a specific time period as an intern in the professional environment.

Its modern usage is not always the perfect solution for every disease and its inability of effective treatment is succeeded by substitute medication. At times both of them are unified by a medical practitioner for an affirmative outcome.

This field has received its share of criticisms with the main one being their over dosage and related blunders. For this purpose increased checks on the treatment areas and their resultant effects is becoming increasingly frequent for the recognition of the root causes of the mistakes and the steps that are taken for its rectification.

Sarfaraz was born and raised in Karachi, Pakistan, surrounded by traffic and technology. He writes mostly about diseases, the storybooks, futuristic columns, mysteries, as he likes to call it. He enjoys writing for web.

He wrote his first book (The Black Bodyguard of Stone-Pyramid) in 2003 and since then has provided the picture for 1 more title. His book was honored as a BEST SELLER.

Sarfaraz currently lives with his wife in Karachi near Seashore, about fifteen miles from the house where he was born.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Sarfaraz_Ali

A Special Kind of Medicine Almost a decade ago, I had a negative experience with cosmetic facial surgery. I was left with serious functional disorders which have progressed to a frightening degree. I will not go into the clinical details, for that is not the purpose of this article. However, to clarify what follows, it is fair to say that I was blacklisted as a patient by the most competent surgeons here in the US after going public with my story. There were a few truly compassionate doctors who tried their best to help me, but not being plastic surgeons themselves, their hands were tied to a great extent.One of these doctors is my primary care physician. She is from India, and I could not hope for a more highly skilled, kind and compassionate doctor. I had the good fortune to become her patient when she first arrived on Cape Cod, as patients gravitated to her practice like bees to blossoms. As her patients became numerous, she was forced to refer newcomers to her colleagues. As my primary care physician, my situation has been deeply frustrating to us both, as she does everything within her realm of specialty to see that I receive every possible diagnostic that might help a surgeon work out a method of corrective surgery that may improve breathing, swallowing, and jaw closure which were impaired by my face-lift operation. However, in today's medical system, particularly in the realm of cosmetic plastic surgery where surgeons' egos tend to expand to phenomenal proportions and practitioners remain behind the 'White Wall of Silence', those with iatrogenic injuries often become the untouchables of the patient population, and are left unable to find a surgeon willing to treat them.As my condition essentially disabled me to the point where surviving every 24 hours has become a toss of fate and I struggle to accomplish the most basic tasks to maintain independence, I literally begged a highly skillful, good hearted surgeon to see me. This required months of e-mail communication, and I am certain he agreed to help me against the judgment of his colleagues, who warned him against any involvement with my case.After an appointment date was set, I was scheduled to see my primary care physician. I felt very hopeful on this day. My heart felt lighter than it had for years, and I looked forward to telling my doctor about this long awaited breakthrough. This was the first glimmer of hope in years of an otherwise gloomy state of existence. I am rarely able to leave my flat these days, and my monthly visit to my doctor is understandably frustrating for us both as my condition worsens with no available help in sight. I am acutely aware that my situation has made my doctor feel helpless, and my heart aches for her because she is so sensitively attuned to her patients' needs.On this day, however, I knew our visit would be brighter than she could know. I decided to mark the occasion by wearing a lovely muted gray-green sari in honor of her homeland, India, a country I have always longed to see. I usually dress very simply and plainly these days, as adornment is low on the list of priorities when managing to do needful things requires all the energy I can muster. But this was a day worthy of a special effort. As I draped my sari that morning, I worried, just for a moment, that it would not be done properly to her eyes! However, I am used to wearing a sari, which I believe is the perfect garment for every woman, versatile as well as beautiful and suitable for every occasion. My doctor's eyes lit up when I walked into her examining room in my sari. When I told her about the appointment with the surgeon, the room filled with hope.. my hope of possibly being restored to live a normal life, and her hope for my well being.She then began the practical part of her exemplary doctoring and gently but firmly reminded me of the risks of surgery and the possibility that things might get worse. She wanted me to think about this decision very carefully. We discussed the status of my health, and she again expressed her happiness about my upcoming appointment with the surgeon.Then she said something that will stay with me forever. My heart fills with great emotion and my eyes fill with tears as I recall this moment. She pressed her hands together in Namaste and said "I will pray for you". I do not know if this beautiful expression of faith and hope is often spoken by Indian doctors to their patients, but this is the first time a doctor ever said these words to me. I was overwhelmed with her heartfelt expression. Her words and compassion went straight from her heart to mine and will remain with me always. I have had the good fortune to be a patient of doctors who expressed true compassion and a deep desire for my well being, but never has a doctor said they would pray for me, though I believe some of them have done so. Hearing these words spoken with such openness and sincerity is truly a very special kind of medicine. Prayer...A treatment to last a lifetime.On my way out of her office she turned to me and said "Thank you for wearing the sari". I left there with my heart so full! I said my own prayer then, for my exceptional doctor's life to be filled with blessings always.Lucille Iacovelli, featured in HBO's documentary 'Plastic Disasters', was forced to retire as a professional gardener after debilitating injury from cosmetic face lift surgery.A Master Gardener, naturalist and environmentalist, her interests include biodiversity, medical ethics, birdwatching, foraging wild edible plants, and cooking. She blogs about the dangers of cosmetic surgery at http://cosmeticsurgeryuglyside.blogspot.com/ and about her life on Cape Cod at http://lucilleiacovelli.blogspot.com/ where she lives with her rescued cocker spaniel, Sierra.Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Lucille_Iacovelli

Almost a decade ago, I had a negative experience with cosmetic facial surgery. I was left with serious functional disorders which have progressed to a frightening degree. I will not go into the clinical details, for that is not the purpose of this article. However, to clarify what follows, it is fair to say that I was blacklisted as a patient by the most competent surgeons here in the US after going public with my story. There were a few truly compassionate doctors who tried their best to help me, but not being plastic surgeons themselves, their hands were tied to a great extent.

One of these doctors is my primary care physician. She is from India, and I could not hope for a more highly skilled, kind and compassionate doctor. I had the good fortune to become her patient when she first arrived on Cape Cod, as patients gravitated to her practice like bees to blossoms. As her patients became numerous, she was forced to refer newcomers to her colleagues. As my primary care physician, my situation has been deeply frustrating to us both, as she does everything within her realm of specialty to see that I receive every possible diagnostic that might help a surgeon work out a method of corrective surgery that may improve breathing, swallowing, and jaw closure which were impaired by my face-lift operation. However, in today's medical system, particularly in the realm of cosmetic plastic surgery where surgeons' egos tend to expand to phenomenal proportions and practitioners remain behind the 'White Wall of Silence', those with iatrogenic injuries often become the untouchables of the patient population, and are left unable to find a surgeon willing to treat them.

As my condition essentially disabled me to the point where surviving every 24 hours has become a toss of fate and I struggle to accomplish the most basic tasks to maintain independence, I literally begged a highly skillful, good hearted surgeon to see me. This required months of e-mail communication, and I am certain he agreed to help me against the judgment of his colleagues, who warned him against any involvement with my case.

After an appointment date was set, I was scheduled to see my primary care physician. I felt very hopeful on this day. My heart felt lighter than it had for years, and I looked forward to telling my doctor about this long awaited breakthrough. This was the first glimmer of hope in years of an otherwise gloomy state of existence. I am rarely able to leave my flat these days, and my monthly visit to my doctor is understandably frustrating for us both as my condition worsens with no available help in sight. I am acutely aware that my situation has made my doctor feel helpless, and my heart aches for her because she is so sensitively attuned to her patients' needs.

On this day, however, I knew our visit would be brighter than she could know. I decided to mark the occasion by wearing a lovely muted gray-green sari in honor of her homeland, India, a country I have always longed to see. I usually dress very simply and plainly these days, as adornment is low on the list of priorities when managing to do needful things requires all the energy I can muster. But this was a day worthy of a special effort. As I draped my sari that morning, I worried, just for a moment, that it would not be done properly to her eyes! However, I am used to wearing a sari, which I believe is the perfect garment for every woman, versatile as well as beautiful and suitable for every occasion. My doctor's eyes lit up when I walked into her examining room in my sari. When I told her about the appointment with the surgeon, the room filled with hope.. my hope of possibly being restored to live a normal life, and her hope for my well being.

She then began the practical part of her exemplary doctoring and gently but firmly reminded me of the risks of surgery and the possibility that things might get worse. She wanted me to think about this decision very carefully. We discussed the status of my health, and she again expressed her happiness about my upcoming appointment with the surgeon.

Then she said something that will stay with me forever. My heart fills with great emotion and my eyes fill with tears as I recall this moment. She pressed her hands together in Namaste and said "I will pray for you". I do not know if this beautiful expression of faith and hope is often spoken by Indian doctors to their patients, but this is the first time a doctor ever said these words to me. I was overwhelmed with her heartfelt expression. Her words and compassion went straight from her heart to mine and will remain with me always. I have had the good fortune to be a patient of doctors who expressed true compassion and a deep desire for my well being, but never has a doctor said they would pray for me, though I believe some of them have done so. Hearing these words spoken with such openness and sincerity is truly a very special kind of medicine. Prayer...A treatment to last a lifetime.

On my way out of her office she turned to me and said "Thank you for wearing the sari". I left there with my heart so full! I said my own prayer then, for my exceptional doctor's life to be filled with blessings always.

Lucille Iacovelli, featured in HBO's documentary 'Plastic Disasters', was forced to retire as a professional gardener after debilitating injury from cosmetic face lift surgery.

A Master Gardener, naturalist and environmentalist, her interests include biodiversity, medical ethics, birdwatching, foraging wild edible plants, and cooking. She blogs about the dangers of cosmetic surgery at http://cosmeticsurgeryuglyside.blogspot.com/ and about her life on Cape Cod at http://lucilleiacovelli.blogspot.com/ where she lives with her rescued cocker spaniel, Sierra.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Lucille_Iacovelli

Are Shea Butter Skin Care Acne Treatments Really Effective? Monday, April 14, 2008 There are a few acne products that claim that shea butter is one of the ingredients that they use to effectively help eliminate acne. What exactly is shea butter, and what does it do for a person's skin? Do shea butter skin care acne products really work to remove acne?Shea butter is actually a substance that is derived from a nut that comes from the Savannah Region of Africa, and it is said to be a substance that can be used in many different ways. There have been claims that shea butter is good for the treatment of many different skin ailments like psoriasis, eczema and acne, and this has led to the production of many shea butter skin care acne products.The question you might be asking about these shea butter skin care acne products may be whether or not these products with shea butter in them are good for acne prone skin, considering the fact that the term "butter" itself connotes an oily or greasy substance. Since acne is usually the result of excess oil and the presence of dirt and bacteria on a person's skin, the question about the effectiveness of shea butter skin care acne products is truly legitimate.How shea butter is used as an ingredient in shea butter skin care acne products can be ascertained with a little scrutiny of the effects that this substance has on a person's skin. Shea butter is known to help treat scars and burns, and it is also known to help prevent skin rashes. This may be the reason why shea butter is considered an ideal substance for use in acne treatment programs despite the rather 'greasy' name it has. This substance which is included in a lot of beauty products aimed at not only treating acne, but other skin and scalp problems like blemishes, dandruff, dry skin and rashes, is widely used due to the versatile way it can be applied for many different purposes.The shea butter skin care acne products that you can purchase for yourself and use for your acne problems include soaps, ointments, creams and oils. Since oil is not advisable for those who are suffering from acne, you may need to ask your dermatologist about this before you use oils or creams made with shea butter. While shea butter skin care acne products may claim that the substance itself is beneficial to people with acne, the form it comes in may not be. You might find yourself having more skin problems that need more solutions if you experiment with a shea butter skin care acne product that your doctor does not know about or does not recommend.Milos Pesic is an expert in the field of Skin Care and has helped thousands of acne sufferers cure their condition. He runs a highly popular and comprehensive Acne Treatment web site. For more articles and resources on Skin Care related topics, Acne Treatments, Natural Skin Care Products and much more visit his site at:

There are a few acne products that claim that shea butter is one of the ingredients that they use to effectively help eliminate acne. What exactly is shea butter, and what does it do for a person's skin? Do shea butter skin care acne products really work to remove acne?

Shea butter is actually a substance that is derived from a nut that comes from the Savannah Region of Africa, and it is said to be a substance that can be used in many different ways. There have been claims that shea butter is good for the treatment of many different skin ailments like psoriasis, eczema and acne, and this has led to the production of many shea butter skin care acne products.

The question you might be asking about these shea butter skin care acne products may be whether or not these products with shea butter in them are good for acne prone skin, considering the fact that the term "butter" itself connotes an oily or greasy substance. Since acne is usually the result of excess oil and the presence of dirt and bacteria on a person's skin, the question about the effectiveness of shea butter skin care acne products is truly legitimate.

How shea butter is used as an ingredient in shea butter skin care acne products can be ascertained with a little scrutiny of the effects that this substance has on a person's skin. Shea butter is known to help treat scars and burns, and it is also known to help prevent skin rashes. This may be the reason why shea butter is considered an ideal substance for use in acne treatment programs despite the rather 'greasy' name it has. This substance which is included in a lot of beauty products aimed at not only treating acne, but other skin and scalp problems like blemishes, dandruff, dry skin and rashes, is widely used due to the versatile way it can be applied for many different purposes.

The shea butter skin care acne products that you can purchase for yourself and use for your acne problems include soaps, ointments, creams and oils. Since oil is not advisable for those who are suffering from acne, you may need to ask your dermatologist about this before you use oils or creams made with shea butter. While shea butter skin care acne products may claim that the substance itself is beneficial to people with acne, the form it comes in may not be. You might find yourself having more skin problems that need more solutions if you experiment with a shea butter skin care acne product that your doctor does not know about or does not recommend.

Milos Pesic is an expert in the field of Skin Care and has helped thousands of acne sufferers cure their condition. He runs a highly popular and comprehensive Acne Treatment web site. For more articles and resources on Skin Care related topics, Acne Treatments, Natural Skin Care Products and much more visit his site at:

Anti-Ulcer Drugs Information and Benefits Wednesday, April 09, 2008 How The Drug WorksSucralfate helps ulcers heal by forming a protective layer on the ulcer to serve as a barrier against acid, bile salts and enzymes present in the stomach and duodenum.UsesFor short-term treatment (up to 8 weeks) of duodenal ulcers.For maintenance therapy for duodenal ulcer patients at reduced dosage after healing of acute ulcers.Other User: Occasionally doctors may prescribe sucralfate for or a and esophageal ulcers caused by chemotherapy or radiation, drug ­ induced digestive tract irritation, prevention of stress ulcers, long-term treatment of gastric (stomach) ulcers or inflammation of the esophagus. Sucralfate has also been shown to speed the healing of gastric ulcers.Pregnancy: Adequate studies have not been done in pregnant women. Use only if clearly needed and potential benefits outweigh the possible hazards to the fetus.Breastfeeding: It is not known if sucralfate appears in breast milk. Consult your doctor before you begin breastfeeding.Children: Safety and effectiveness in children have not been established.Drug InteractionsTell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking or if you are planning to take any over-the-counter or prescription medications or dietary supplements with sucralfate. Doses of one or both drugs may need to be modified or a different drug may need to be prescribed. The following drugs and drug classes interact with sucralfate.1. Antacids (aluminum-containing)2. Penicillamine (eg, Cuprimine)3. Cimetidine (eg, Tagamet)4. Phenytoin (eg, Dilantin)5. Ciprofloxacin (eg, Cipro)6. Rantidine (eg, Zantac)Side EffectsEvery drug is capable of producing side effects. Many sucralfate users experience no, or minor, side effects. The frequency and severity of side effects depend on many factors including dose, duration of therapy and individual susceptibility. Possible side effects include:Other: Red or black stools; coughing up or vomiting bright red or "coffee ground-like" material.Digestive Tract: Constipation; diarrhea; nausea; stomach discomfort; indigestion.Skin: Rash; itching; hives.Other: Dry mouth; back pain; dizziness; sleepiness; facial swelling; difficulty breathing.Guidelines for Use* Take on an empty stomach at least 1 hour before meals and at bed time.* Do not take antacids 30 minutes before or after taking sucralfate.* If a dose is missed, take it as soon as possible. If several hours have passed or if it is nearing time for the next dose, do not double the dose in order to "catch up" (unless advised to do so by your doctor). If more than one dose is missed, or it is necessary to establish a new dosage schedule, contact your doctor or pharmacist. Use exactly as prescribed.* If red or black stools, coughing up or vomiting bright red or "coffee ground-like" material occur, contact your doctor.* Duodenal ulcer is a chronic recurrent disease. While a single course of therapy of 4 to 8 weeks may completely heal the ulcer, ulcers may occur again and may be more severe.* Suspension-Shake well before using.* If you have any questions, consult your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.

How The Drug Works

Sucralfate helps ulcers heal by forming a protective layer on the ulcer to serve as a barrier against acid, bile salts and enzymes present in the stomach and duodenum.

Uses

For short-term treatment (up to 8 weeks) of duodenal ulcers.

For maintenance therapy for duodenal ulcer patients at reduced dosage after healing of acute ulcers.

Other User: Occasionally doctors may prescribe sucralfate for or a and esophageal ulcers caused by chemotherapy or radiation, drug ­ induced digestive tract irritation, prevention of stress ulcers, long-term treatment of gastric (stomach) ulcers or inflammation of the esophagus. Sucralfate has also been shown to speed the healing of gastric ulcers.

Pregnancy: Adequate studies have not been done in pregnant women. Use only if clearly needed and potential benefits outweigh the possible hazards to the fetus.

Breastfeeding: It is not known if sucralfate appears in breast milk. Consult your doctor before you begin breastfeeding.

Children: Safety and effectiveness in children have not been established.

Drug Interactions

Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking or if you are planning to take any over-the-counter or prescription medications or dietary supplements with sucralfate. Doses of one or both drugs may need to be modified or a different drug may need to be prescribed. The following drugs and drug classes interact with sucralfate.

1. Antacids (aluminum-containing)

2. Penicillamine (eg, Cuprimine)

3. Cimetidine (eg, Tagamet)

4. Phenytoin (eg, Dilantin)

5. Ciprofloxacin (eg, Cipro)

6. Rantidine (eg, Zantac)

Side Effects

Every drug is capable of producing side effects. Many sucralfate users experience no, or minor, side effects. The frequency and severity of side effects depend on many factors including dose, duration of therapy and individual susceptibility. Possible side effects include:

Other: Red or black stools; coughing up or vomiting bright red or "coffee ground-like" material.

Digestive Tract: Constipation; diarrhea; nausea; stomach discomfort; indigestion.

Skin: Rash; itching; hives.

Other: Dry mouth; back pain; dizziness; sleepiness; facial swelling; difficulty breathing.

Guidelines for Use

* Take on an empty stomach at least 1 hour before meals and at bed time.

* Do not take antacids 30 minutes before or after taking sucralfate.

* If a dose is missed, take it as soon as possible. If several hours have passed or if it is nearing time for the next dose, do not double the dose in order to "catch up" (unless advised to do so by your doctor). If more than one dose is missed, or it is necessary to establish a new dosage schedule, contact your doctor or pharmacist. Use exactly as prescribed.

* If red or black stools, coughing up or vomiting bright red or "coffee ground-like" material occur, contact your doctor.

* Duodenal ulcer is a chronic recurrent disease. While a single course of therapy of 4 to 8 weeks may completely heal the ulcer, ulcers may occur again and may be more severe.

* Suspension-Shake well before using.

* If you have any questions, consult your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.

Natural Health Products - General Information Nowadays lots of people are opting for natural health care products. The popularity of natural products is increasing day by day. Natural products do not have any harmful side effects. Natural products do not give immediate relief but they treat the cause of disease. Many people have reported better skin and hair texture after using herbal supplements. According to some studies natural drugs do not disturb body functions. They can regulate nearly all body systems. Herbal supplements are used not only for treatment of diseases but also as prophylaxis. They not only treat the disease but increase the level of immunity. Strong immune system can prevent many diseases.Many scientists are trying to prove the effectiveness of herbal products. Not everyone believes in the effectiveness of herbal supplements. Although they have good results but they can not used in emergency situations like accidents or shock. Herbal medicine can be consumed without the prescription of a doctor. Herbal products contain natural herbs. A product can contain one herb or many herbs. Before buying a product you should understand the function of specific herb present in that medicine. You don`t have to worry about chemical and preservatives while consuming natural herbs. There are many diseases which can be treated by these types of medicines. Nowadays people are using herbs for treating various diseases like obesity, hyperthyroidism, skin eczema, acne and virility. Natural herbal supplements are also used to treat diabetes, hypertension, stress, arthritis and migraine. Today in the market you can find natural vitamins and anti oxidants. Natural vitamins can increase the level of energy and give the feeling of refreshment. These vitamins and anti oxidants does not cause any side effects and can reverse the harmful effects of ageing.Before buying anything you should read all the ingredients listed on the label of the product. It is a good idea to consult a professional before buying any type of herbal product as every person has it`s own body structure and specific needs. Many natural supplements claim to be natural but not all of them are effective. There are many online stores which are selling herbal supplements but you should look for a reputed online store. Many online shops offer handsome discounts on bulk orders.For many years natural supplements are being used as alternative medicine. But now they have became first choice for the treatment of many diseases as these supplements had worked miracles in the life of many people. Some countries like India and China are using natural therapies from ages. Even today Chinese and Indian medicine is used world wide. It is a good idea to find all the available information available about natural products. You can find a lot of information on the internet and in the books.You can increase the effectiveness of natural therapy by taking proper diet and following regular exercise program. Your daily diet should contain lot of green vegetables and fruits. Green vegetables and fruits can give you lot vitamins minerals and fiber. You should also drink plenty of water everyday. Water not only washes out harmful toxins but also helps in better absorption of herbs.

Nowadays lots of people are opting for natural health care products. The popularity of natural products is increasing day by day. Natural products do not have any harmful side effects. Natural products do not give immediate relief but they treat the cause of disease. Many people have reported better skin and hair texture after using herbal supplements. According to some studies natural drugs do not disturb body functions. They can regulate nearly all body systems. Herbal supplements are used not only for treatment of diseases but also as prophylaxis. They not only treat the disease but increase the level of immunity. Strong immune system can prevent many diseases.

Many scientists are trying to prove the effectiveness of herbal products. Not everyone believes in the effectiveness of herbal supplements. Although they have good results but they can not used in emergency situations like accidents or shock. Herbal medicine can be consumed without the prescription of a doctor. Herbal products contain natural herbs. A product can contain one herb or many herbs. Before buying a product you should understand the function of specific herb present in that medicine. You don`t have to worry about chemical and preservatives while consuming natural herbs. There are many diseases which can be treated by these types of medicines. Nowadays people are using herbs for treating various diseases like obesity, hyperthyroidism, skin eczema, acne and virility. Natural herbal supplements are also used to treat diabetes, hypertension, stress, arthritis and migraine. Today in the market you can find natural vitamins and anti oxidants. Natural vitamins can increase the level of energy and give the feeling of refreshment. These vitamins and anti oxidants does not cause any side effects and can reverse the harmful effects of ageing.

Before buying anything you should read all the ingredients listed on the label of the product. It is a good idea to consult a professional before buying any type of herbal product as every person has it`s own body structure and specific needs. Many natural supplements claim to be natural but not all of them are effective. There are many online stores which are selling herbal supplements but you should look for a reputed online store. Many online shops offer handsome discounts on bulk orders.

For many years natural supplements are being used as alternative medicine. But now they have became first choice for the treatment of many diseases as these supplements had worked miracles in the life of many people. Some countries like India and China are using natural therapies from ages. Even today Chinese and Indian medicine is used world wide. It is a good idea to find all the available information available about natural products. You can find a lot of information on the internet and in the books.

You can increase the effectiveness of natural therapy by taking proper diet and following regular exercise program. Your daily diet should contain lot of green vegetables and fruits. Green vegetables and fruits can give you lot vitamins minerals and fiber. You should also drink plenty of water everyday. Water not only washes out harmful toxins but also helps in better absorption of herbs.

The Hippocratic Oath Upheld PHI, Your Personal Health Information Kept Private "I will respect the privacy of my patients, for their problems are not disclosed to me that the world may know." (1) This excerpt from the modern Hippocratic Oath to which every doctor swears by; it was set to ensure that each patient’s information and condition is kept private.The communal spaces of a clinic pharmacy or hospital often don't mirror the tenet for medical privacy. For example, standing in line waiting to ask the pharmacist a personal question can be an embarrassing and even traumatizing ordeal as complete strangers stand within earshot. For many patients, simply having to divulge personal health information (PHI) can be an uncomfortable occurrence in itself. Couple this fear with the security and privacy risks inherent to anything of a personal nature, particularly one’s own medical information. Being sick today or even going in for an annual exam or wellness visit connotes a hesitancy on patients who are all to wary of things like identity theft.Having access to a healthcare provider online is less stressful and more practical for many patients. "People are often more comfortable talking to a computer than they are to a doctor," said Dr. Delbanco, a professor of medicine at the Harvard Medical School and the lead author of an article on doctors and e-mail in the current New England Journal of Medicine(2). However, the convenience of emailing your doctor or clinic to ask your provider questions brings up risks.As the digital and healthcare worlds advance their symbiotic relationship into the 21st. Century new threats to personal health information have also emerged in recent years.Did you email your question to the correct person at your clinic? Did they reply to the email directly or use contact information in their electronic medical record database? In a 2005 study 70% of Americans are concerned that personal health information could be disclosed as a result of weak data security(3). With each technological advance, both the medical field and patients must be aware of the severity of improper use of public health information (PHI). According to the Heath Privacy Project, a patient's rights information site, one in five patients are victims of improper disclosure (4).In spite of all these risks, patients continue to utilize email and the internet in order to seek out answers to various health queries. Some visit sites such as WebMD's Symptom Checker to find why they’re left leg is swollen, while others simply spend time at sites such as the American Diabetes Association that are strictly devoted to specific health issues. Patients often research and want to ask questions about their conditions after clinics are closed."It's a matter of both convenience and comfort level," Dr. Delbanco, an advocate for the continued relationship of email, the internet and medicine says. "In the office, a doctor sits there in a white coat exuding authority, which can be scary. There's evidence that people tend to be more open in front of a computer, especially with tricky stuff like alcohol or sexual behaviors." (5)Online behavior shows that not only patients but many within the medical field want to take accessing medical information a step further. Both medical providers and patients wish to use the internet as a tool in their personal healthcare communications. "The internet will increasingly change patients' expectations of the clinicians, so that physicians will routinely need to offer services like e-messaging, instant messaging, video conferencing and other online services," according to Dr. Daniel Z. Sands, a primary care internist and Assistant Professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School (6).Trends in patient internet use show that now is the opportune time for both patient and doctor to achieve a cooperative symbiosis within the digital ether. The digital medical office is a true possibility, but measures need to be put into place to protect patients' private health information and a clinic’s electronic medical records.The internet has changed where and how patients seek the help of doctors and medical providers. The e-medical caregiver can converse with his or her patients in a wide array of online communications tools, continuing the symbiotic relationship between doctor and patient. The Hippocratic Oath's tenets of treatment, respect and privacy can be upheld as long as electronic security is also a priority to clinicians.- - - - - - - - - -End Notes: 1.) Louis Lasagna, "Hippocratic Oath, Modern Version," Academic Dean of the School of Medicine at Tufts University, 1964. reprinted on "Nova Online, Survivor MD," http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/doctors/oath_modern.html2.) Anahad O'Connor, "Take Two Aspirin, E-Mail Me Tomorrow," The New York Times, Section F; Column 5; Health & Fitness; Pg. 7. LexisNexis 30 September 2005.3.) "Majority of Americans Have Privacy Concerns about Electronic Medical Record System," Health Privacy Project (www.heathprivacy.org): http://www.healthprivacy.org/info-url_nocat2303/info-url_nocat_show.htm?doc_id=2630854.) Health Privacy Project "Homepage Animation" http://www.healthprivacy.org. 29 September 2005.5.) Anahad O'Connor, "Take Two Aspirin, E-Mail Me Tomorrow," The New York Times, Section F; Column 5; Health & Fitness; Pg. 7. LexisNexis 30 September 2005.6.) Dr. Daniel Z. Sands quoted in: Susannah Fox, Janna Quinney, Lee Rainie, "The Future of the Internet," Pew Internet and American Life Project, Published 4 January, 2005. 4.- - - - - - - - - -

"I will respect the privacy of my patients, for their problems are not disclosed to me that the world may know." (1) This excerpt from the modern Hippocratic Oath to which every doctor swears by; it was set to ensure that each patient’s information and condition is kept private.

The communal spaces of a clinic pharmacy or hospital often don't mirror the tenet for medical privacy. For example, standing in line waiting to ask the pharmacist a personal question can be an embarrassing and even traumatizing ordeal as complete strangers stand within earshot. For many patients, simply having to divulge personal health information (PHI) can be an uncomfortable occurrence in itself. Couple this fear with the security and privacy risks inherent to anything of a personal nature, particularly one’s own medical information. Being sick today or even going in for an annual exam or wellness visit connotes a hesitancy on patients who are all to wary of things like identity theft.

Having access to a healthcare provider online is less stressful and more practical for many patients. "People are often more comfortable talking to a computer than they are to a doctor," said Dr. Delbanco, a professor of medicine at the Harvard Medical School and the lead author of an article on doctors and e-mail in the current New England Journal of Medicine(2). However, the convenience of emailing your doctor or clinic to ask your provider questions brings up risks.As the digital and healthcare worlds advance their symbiotic relationship into the 21st. Century new threats to personal health information have also emerged in recent years.

Did you email your question to the correct person at your clinic? Did they reply to the email directly or use contact information in their electronic medical record database? In a 2005 study 70% of Americans are concerned that personal health information could be disclosed as a result of weak data security(3). With each technological advance, both the medical field and patients must be aware of the severity of improper use of public health information (PHI). According to the Heath Privacy Project, a patient's rights information site, one in five patients are victims of improper disclosure (4).

In spite of all these risks, patients continue to utilize email and the internet in order to seek out answers to various health queries. Some visit sites such as WebMD's Symptom Checker to find why they’re left leg is swollen, while others simply spend time at sites such as the American Diabetes Association that are strictly devoted to specific health issues. Patients often research and want to ask questions about their conditions after clinics are closed.

"It's a matter of both convenience and comfort level," Dr. Delbanco, an advocate for the continued relationship of email, the internet and medicine says. "In the office, a doctor sits there in a white coat exuding authority, which can be scary. There's evidence that people tend to be more open in front of a computer, especially with tricky stuff like alcohol or sexual behaviors." (5)

Online behavior shows that not only patients but many within the medical field want to take accessing medical information a step further. Both medical providers and patients wish to use the internet as a tool in their personal healthcare communications. "The internet will increasingly change patients' expectations of the clinicians, so that physicians will routinely need to offer services like e-messaging, instant messaging, video conferencing and other online services," according to Dr. Daniel Z. Sands, a primary care internist and Assistant Professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School (6).

Trends in patient internet use show that now is the opportune time for both patient and doctor to achieve a cooperative symbiosis within the digital ether. The digital medical office is a true possibility, but measures need to be put into place to protect patients' private health information and a clinic’s electronic medical records.

The internet has changed where and how patients seek the help of doctors and medical providers. The e-medical caregiver can converse with his or her patients in a wide array of online communications tools, continuing the symbiotic relationship between doctor and patient. The Hippocratic Oath's tenets of treatment, respect and privacy can be upheld as long as electronic security is also a priority to clinicians.

- - - - - - - - - -

End Notes: 1.) Louis Lasagna, "Hippocratic Oath, Modern Version," Academic Dean of the School of Medicine at Tufts University, 1964. reprinted on "Nova Online, Survivor MD," http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/doctors/oath_modern.html

2.) Anahad O'Connor, "Take Two Aspirin, E-Mail Me Tomorrow," The New York Times, Section F; Column 5; Health & Fitness; Pg. 7. LexisNexis 30 September 2005.

3.) "Majority of Americans Have Privacy Concerns about Electronic Medical Record System," Health Privacy Project (www.heathprivacy.org): http://www.healthprivacy.org/info-url_nocat2303/info-url_nocat_show.htm?doc_id=263085

4.) Health Privacy Project "Homepage Animation" http://www.healthprivacy.org. 29 September 2005.

5.) Anahad O'Connor, "Take Two Aspirin, E-Mail Me Tomorrow," The New York Times, Section F; Column 5; Health & Fitness; Pg. 7. LexisNexis 30 September 2005.

6.) Dr. Daniel Z. Sands quoted in: Susannah Fox, Janna Quinney, Lee Rainie, "The Future of the Internet," Pew Internet and American Life Project, Published 4 January, 2005. 4.

- - - - - - - - - -

Pharmacy Search Engine: Ultimate Resource For Buying Medicines Online In today's fast paced world, people often neglect their health. Modern technology has taken a huge toll on human body. Lifestyle got totally changed and has become very fast. The old saying of 'Health is Wealth' hardly left any mark in people mind. No one can foreknow when he or she will get sick and how much it will cost on visiting a doctor. Price is one of the most important considerations that influence the decision to buy drugs from a specific pharmacy. With the increasing number of diseases and increasing demand of medicines, the Internet pharmacy has grown rapidly. And so are the medicine search engines. With the growing demand and its usefulness, it has a significant role to play in the near future.Medicine search engines are such authority resources that offer such a wide range of choices to customers on the lookout for quality online pharmacies. A unique medicine search engine understands medical concept. Medical search engines help you locate web site dealing with medicine and medical issues. One always seeks for online pharmacies that offer cheap prescription medications. A consumer can never feel cheated while ordering medicine online, if he or she is aware of global medication pricing. The growing demand of drugs coupled with good services has led to a rapid growth of the online pharmacy industry.With the increasing number of online pharmacies, buying prescription medications online is not an easy job. One can now easily find global medication pricing and pharmacies to fill your prescriptions through a medicine search engine. It will display the list of online pharmacies as well as medications available at an affordable cost. One can now very easily choose the best online pharmacies and the best prices at ease. Medical search engines provide users with a vast network of licensed pharmacies that assists them to buy medicine online.Medicine search engines are solely dedicated to finding medical information online, and it offers medically filtered results developed by trained medical personnel. Patients are becoming more educated about their treatments and conditions as a result of the availability of information on the Internet. It is therefore beseeching that the health professional is familiar with information resources on the Internet, and is in a position to help patients in the interpretation and assessment of this information. People prefer to order their drugs from online pharmacies by choosing it with the help of a pharmacy search engine. With a little discretion on their part, people will always have a reason to smile while availing the services of a quality Internet pharmacy.It is apparent that we are watching a "communications revolution". Internet is the most important development in communications. Health information is the second most reason for people accessing the Internet. More and more people are leaning towards websites offering medicine related information. Right from choosing online pharmacy, buying medicines and knowing details about the medicine has become a common trend for people. As we come to know more about medicine search engine, it will offer more exciting opportunities and will certainly change the way it works in the near future.

In today's fast paced world, people often neglect their health. Modern technology has taken a huge toll on human body. Lifestyle got totally changed and has become very fast. The old saying of 'Health is Wealth' hardly left any mark in people mind. No one can foreknow when he or she will get sick and how much it will cost on visiting a doctor. Price is one of the most important considerations that influence the decision to buy drugs from a specific pharmacy. With the increasing number of diseases and increasing demand of medicines, the Internet pharmacy has grown rapidly. And so are the medicine search engines. With the growing demand and its usefulness, it has a significant role to play in the near future.

Medicine search engines are such authority resources that offer such a wide range of choices to customers on the lookout for quality online pharmacies. A unique medicine search engine understands medical concept. Medical search engines help you locate web site dealing with medicine and medical issues. One always seeks for online pharmacies that offer cheap prescription medications. A consumer can never feel cheated while ordering medicine online, if he or she is aware of global medication pricing. The growing demand of drugs coupled with good services has led to a rapid growth of the online pharmacy industry.

With the increasing number of online pharmacies, buying prescription medications online is not an easy job. One can now easily find global medication pricing and pharmacies to fill your prescriptions through a medicine search engine. It will display the list of online pharmacies as well as medications available at an affordable cost. One can now very easily choose the best online pharmacies and the best prices at ease. Medical search engines provide users with a vast network of licensed pharmacies that assists them to buy medicine online.

Medicine search engines are solely dedicated to finding medical information online, and it offers medically filtered results developed by trained medical personnel. Patients are becoming more educated about their treatments and conditions as a result of the availability of information on the Internet. It is therefore beseeching that the health professional is familiar with information resources on the Internet, and is in a position to help patients in the interpretation and assessment of this information. People prefer to order their drugs from online pharmacies by choosing it with the help of a pharmacy search engine. With a little discretion on their part, people will always have a reason to smile while availing the services of a quality Internet pharmacy.

It is apparent that we are watching a "communications revolution". Internet is the most important development in communications. Health information is the second most reason for people accessing the Internet. More and more people are leaning towards websites offering medicine related information. Right from choosing online pharmacy, buying medicines and knowing details about the medicine has become a common trend for people. As we come to know more about medicine search engine, it will offer more exciting opportunities and will certainly change the way it works in the near future.

Living Life to the Fullest Saturday, March 01, 2008 There are many stages included in our life from birth to death. They have even been documented and have names, from childhood to senior adulthood or something very similar. Childhood is the stage when we are all completely dependent on another for our very life. As a baby we couldn't live without someone there to care for us. With the state of healthcare and the many luxuries we take for granted in this world, we can now live long enough to go full circle. We no longer have to worry about survival of the fittest; we all get a shot at living a long life. Some have shortened childhoods due to circumstances beyond their control and some have incredible childhoods that seem to last forever. Some have to grow up fast and miss out on some of the self-identifying nature of adolescents and others seem to be adolescents well into their twenties. Most people still go through all the stages whether they accelerate them or draw them out for as long as possible.When it comes to the senior adulthood stage, it's just the same, everyone has a different perspective. Some seem to think it's time to get those last few years of living in and cram the days full of activity from sky diving to touring the countryside in their mobile home. Others find that it's time to curl up with a good book and play with the grandchildren when they come over. Still others live their life as they always have, taking care of their families, going to work, writing books and giving back to their communities and countries. One thing that is true for all is that your mind and your body are on different timelines. The mind says "no problem, I can do that" and the body replies "are you crazy, it's been twenty years since you could do that"... A few have gone so far with this denial that they end up visiting the orthopedic doctors in Chicago south suburbs before they give up on the sports of their younger days.Your health is not as good as it once was due to a number of factors, some self inflicted, many caused by nature. No matter what your philosophical beliefs at this stage, there are some practical ones to consider. One is where to live. If you've had kids and they've all moved on with their lives, you won't need to have a big house with multiple rooms and lots of things to care for. You may want to continue living there but the practical side may not be as much fun as the sentimental side. Some seniors will not have any trouble moving on to a more practical place like an independent retirement living community like the ones offered by Riverside Senior Living. They offer everything from senior communities for active independent living to full 24/7 care and everything in between including some of the finest accommodations with assisted living in Illinois. No matter how you view the last stage of life, make good choices and check out all of your options. There are many places, find one that exceeds your expectations and live life to the fullest, no matter what your definition of that is.

There are many stages included in our life from birth to death. They have even been documented and have names, from childhood to senior adulthood or something very similar. Childhood is the stage when we are all completely dependent on another for our very life. As a baby we couldn't live without someone there to care for us. With the state of healthcare and the many luxuries we take for granted in this world, we can now live long enough to go full circle. We no longer have to worry about survival of the fittest; we all get a shot at living a long life. Some have shortened childhoods due to circumstances beyond their control and some have incredible childhoods that seem to last forever. Some have to grow up fast and miss out on some of the self-identifying nature of adolescents and others seem to be adolescents well into their twenties. Most people still go through all the stages whether they accelerate them or draw them out for as long as possible.

When it comes to the senior adulthood stage, it's just the same, everyone has a different perspective. Some seem to think it's time to get those last few years of living in and cram the days full of activity from sky diving to touring the countryside in their mobile home. Others find that it's time to curl up with a good book and play with the grandchildren when they come over. Still others live their life as they always have, taking care of their families, going to work, writing books and giving back to their communities and countries. One thing that is true for all is that your mind and your body are on different timelines. The mind says "no problem, I can do that" and the body replies "are you crazy, it's been twenty years since you could do that"... A few have gone so far with this denial that they end up visiting the orthopedic doctors in Chicago south suburbs before they give up on the sports of their younger days.

Your health is not as good as it once was due to a number of factors, some self inflicted, many caused by nature. No matter what your philosophical beliefs at this stage, there are some practical ones to consider. One is where to live. If you've had kids and they've all moved on with their lives, you won't need to have a big house with multiple rooms and lots of things to care for. You may want to continue living there but the practical side may not be as much fun as the sentimental side. Some seniors will not have any trouble moving on to a more practical place like an independent retirement living community like the ones offered by Riverside Senior Living. They offer everything from senior communities for active independent living to full 24/7 care and everything in between including some of the finest accommodations with assisted living in Illinois. No matter how you view the last stage of life, make good choices and check out all of your options. There are many places, find one that exceeds your expectations and live life to the fullest, no matter what your definition of that is.

Should I Get a Flu Shot This Year? The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) says that everyone under the age of 6 and over the age of 50, in addition to other groups of people with specific medical conditions, should get the influenza (flu) vaccine. And in general pretty much everyone is encouraged to get a flu shot. But is there any evidence that it will actually be helpful for you? The answer is probably not.The often quoted figure is that 36,000 people die from the flu every year. However about half of those are deaths relate to 'flu like illness'. Amongst the half that is due to the flu, there are several different strains of influenza virus, and the flu vaccine is going to target only a selected number of them. Add to that that the vaccine is made before the flu season starts, and they don't know which strains will be showing up that year, that means that a lot of people are not going to get a flu shot that actually protects them against the flu. In addition many of the deaths are in the elderly who may have compromised immune systems, so the flu shot won't work for them anyway. In fact the only group for which there is evidence that flu shots might save lives is with people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) which is caused by smoking.But I can't afford to lose time from work with the flu, you say. Actually no studies have shown that flu shots reduce time lost from work either.The experts in the literature are actually saying not to use flu vaccines, although noone seems to listen to them. Quoting epidemiologist Tom Jefferson below: from an article in BMJ. "The optimistic and confident tone of some predictions of viral circulation and of the impact of inactivated vaccines, which are at odds with the evidence, is striking. The reasons are probably complex and may involve a 'messy blend of truth conflicts and conflicts of interest making it difficult to separate factual disputes from value disputes' or a manifestation of optimism bias (an unwarranted belief in the efficacy of interventions)."Translation: Politicians think that flu vaccines work (but they don't).

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) says that everyone under the age of 6 and over the age of 50, in addition to other groups of people with specific medical conditions, should get the influenza (flu) vaccine. And in general pretty much everyone is encouraged to get a flu shot. But is there any evidence that it will actually be helpful for you? The answer is probably not.

The often quoted figure is that 36,000 people die from the flu every year. However about half of those are deaths relate to 'flu like illness'. Amongst the half that is due to the flu, there are several different strains of influenza virus, and the flu vaccine is going to target only a selected number of them. Add to that that the vaccine is made before the flu season starts, and they don't know which strains will be showing up that year, that means that a lot of people are not going to get a flu shot that actually protects them against the flu. In addition many of the deaths are in the elderly who may have compromised immune systems, so the flu shot won't work for them anyway. In fact the only group for which there is evidence that flu shots might save lives is with people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) which is caused by smoking.

But I can't afford to lose time from work with the flu, you say. Actually no studies have shown that flu shots reduce time lost from work either.

The experts in the literature are actually saying not to use flu vaccines, although noone seems to listen to them. Quoting epidemiologist Tom Jefferson below: from an article in BMJ. "The optimistic and confident tone of some predictions of viral circulation and of the impact of inactivated vaccines, which are at odds with the evidence, is striking. The reasons are probably complex and may involve a 'messy blend of truth conflicts and conflicts of interest making it difficult to separate factual disputes from value disputes' or a manifestation of optimism bias (an unwarranted belief in the efficacy of interventions)."

Translation: Politicians think that flu vaccines work (but they don't).

Secrets of Online Drugstore Tuesday, February 26, 2008 Internet is in the pulse of today's world. Whether it is information, product or service, we look it on internet first. Searching online is easy and comfortable; moreover it saves us time. Internet, coupled with e-commerce, is the perfect concoction for shoppers who wish to go webby. And an online drugstore is exactly what online shoppers need when it comes to buy pharmaceuticals, prescription medicines, and facial skin care or hair care products.If you are not living in a desert or in an isolated island devoid of the common facilities of civilization, hopefully you can get all these things in your community store. Then why should you visit online drug store? Does it offer anything extra that you cannot get in your local shop? Of course it does. Let's see how internet drug stores help us.Most attractive offer online drugstore presents is the price reduction! As they do not need to maintain a physical shop and office, they save money on maintenance, tax, rental and overheads. This enables them sell the products at a discount rate. And who does not like concessions?You may think that the product you get at discount is either of low quality or not manufactured by a popular brand. But this is not true. You can always get branded products at reduced rate from your online drugstore. Moreover, you can purchase your facial skin care products from anywhere and at anytime. You can finish your shopping sitting right at your apartment, and carry on browsing showcases for as long as you want. What else a dedicated shopper can dream of?Some more Benefits of Online Drugstore:The whole store comes at your fingertip as soon as you enter the website. For those who are yet not familiar with the concept of online shopping and internet, online drug store has sufficient help documents for them. The help section ensure a pleasant experience for online shoppers of all ages.The products are showcased in a friendly way so that you can easily pick up what you need. Products are often accompanied by proper literature about ingredients, how to use, doses, how to store and all other important information.Shoppers can surf the store by name of the products, category of the products or by brand names they love to use. If you desire to buy facial products, then you should directly hit the Skin Care department. Once you are in, you get to see various skin care products there. Related products are grouped together so that buyers find it useful. A good online drugstore also offers skin care accessories like Beauty Tools and Brushes that all skin conscious individuals would be fond of.Internet drug store generally presents wide range of product apart from conventional pharmaceuticals. Fragrances for men and women, sports stuffs, electronic goods are also available there. So you should not miss the opportunity to take a look at the latest products in electronic superstore while purchasing your facial products!Moreover, safe and secured payment process makes the whole thing good for shoppers. Different modes of payments like credit cards, paypal etc. make it simple for you to purchase things online.

Internet is in the pulse of today's world. Whether it is information, product or service, we look it on internet first. Searching online is easy and comfortable; moreover it saves us time. Internet, coupled with e-commerce, is the perfect concoction for shoppers who wish to go webby. And an online drugstore is exactly what online shoppers need when it comes to buy pharmaceuticals, prescription medicines, and facial skin care or hair care products.

If you are not living in a desert or in an isolated island devoid of the common facilities of civilization, hopefully you can get all these things in your community store. Then why should you visit online drug store? Does it offer anything extra that you cannot get in your local shop? Of course it does. Let's see how internet drug stores help us.

Most attractive offer online drugstore presents is the price reduction! As they do not need to maintain a physical shop and office, they save money on maintenance, tax, rental and overheads. This enables them sell the products at a discount rate. And who does not like concessions?

You may think that the product you get at discount is either of low quality or not manufactured by a popular brand. But this is not true. You can always get branded products at reduced rate from your online drugstore. Moreover, you can purchase your facial skin care products from anywhere and at anytime. You can finish your shopping sitting right at your apartment, and carry on browsing showcases for as long as you want. What else a dedicated shopper can dream of?

Some more Benefits of Online Drugstore:

The whole store comes at your fingertip as soon as you enter the website. For those who are yet not familiar with the concept of online shopping and internet, online drug store has sufficient help documents for them. The help section ensure a pleasant experience for online shoppers of all ages.

The products are showcased in a friendly way so that you can easily pick up what you need. Products are often accompanied by proper literature about ingredients, how to use, doses, how to store and all other important information.

Shoppers can surf the store by name of the products, category of the products or by brand names they love to use. If you desire to buy facial products, then you should directly hit the Skin Care department. Once you are in, you get to see various skin care products there. Related products are grouped together so that buyers find it useful. A good online drugstore also offers skin care accessories like Beauty Tools and Brushes that all skin conscious individuals would be fond of.

Internet drug store generally presents wide range of product apart from conventional pharmaceuticals. Fragrances for men and women, sports stuffs, electronic goods are also available there. So you should not miss the opportunity to take a look at the latest products in electronic superstore while purchasing your facial products!

Moreover, safe and secured payment process makes the whole thing good for shoppers. Different modes of payments like credit cards, paypal etc. make it simple for you to purchase things online.

H. Pylori Agents Drugs Information Monday, February 25, 2008 Type of DrugA combination of drugs used to reduce the risk of duodenal (stomach intestinal) ulcer recurrence caused by infection with H. pylori.How The Drug WorksLansoprazole reduces gastric (stomach) acid secretion by blocking the final step of gastric acid production. Amoxicillin kills bacteria by preventing the production of the bacterial cell wall. Clarithromycin suppresses the formation of vital proteins by bacteria, slowing bacterial growth.UsesFor the treatment of H. pylori infection and duodenal (stomach/intestina ulcers (active or 1-year history of a duodenal ulcer) to eradicate H. pylor and prevent ulcer recurrence.Diarrhea: If diarrhea develops during lansoprazole/amoxicillin/clarithromycin use, pseudomembranous colitis must be considered. This inflammatory condition of the colon is due to overgrowth of bacteria that are not killed by lansoprazole/amoxicillin/clarithromycin. The primary cause is a toxin produced by a bacteria known as Clostridia difficile. Colitis symptoms may range in severity from mild to life-threatening. Mild cases usually respond by stopping the antibiotic. In more severe cases other antibiotics may need to be used.Pregnancy: Adequate studies have not been done in pregnant women. Use only if clearly needed and potential benefits outweigh the possible hazards to the fetus.Breastfeeding: Amoxicillin appears in breast milk. Because of the potential for serious adverse effects, decide whether to discontinue nursing or discontinue the drug. Consult your doctor.Children: Safety and effectiveness in children have not been establishedDrug InteractionsTell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking or if you are planning to take any over-the-counter or prescription medications or dietary supplements while taking this medicine. Doses of one or both drugs may need to be modified or a different drug may need to be prescribed. The following drugs and drug classes interact with this medicine.Amoxicillin only ­ Allopurinol (eg, Zyloprim)Contraceptives, Oral (eg, Ortho-Novum, Ovral) Probenecid (Benemid)Tetracyclines (eg, tetracycline HCI)Clarithromycin only ­ Anticoagulants, Oral (eg, warfarin)Astemizole (Hismana/)Benzodiazepines (eg, alprazolam, diazepam, midazolam, triazolam)Buspirone (Buspar)Cisapride (Propulsid)Cyclosporine (eg, Neoral, Sandimmune)Dihydroergotamine or ergotamine (eg, Ergomar)Disopyramide (Norpace)Fluconazole (Diflucan)Side EffectsEvery drug is capable of producing side effects. Many patients experience no, or minor, side effects. The frequency and severity of side effects depend on many factors including dose, duration of therapy, and individual susceptibility. Possible side effects include:Digestive Tract: Diarrhea; taste changes; nausea; dark stools; sore tongue; mouth sores; tongue discoloration; dry mouth; thirst; indigestion; stomach pain or irritation; vomiting; rectal itching.Urinary and Reproductive Tract: Vaginal inflammation; vaginal infection.Nervous System: Headache; confusion; dizziness.Other: Muscle pain; itching; rash; hives.Guidelines for UseTake exactly as prescribed.Each medication packet contains enough medication for 2 doses.Usual adult dose is 30 mg lansoprazole (1 pink and black capsule), 1 g amoxicillin (2 maroon and light pink capsules), and 500 mg clarithromycin (1 yellow tablet) taken together twice daily before eating (morning and evening) for 14 days. Swallow each pill whole.Failure to complete full course of therapy may allow the infection to return.If a dose is missed, take it as soon as possible. If several hours have passed or if it is nearing time for the next dose, do not double the dose in order to catch up unless advised to do so by your doctor. If more than 1 dose is missed, or if it is necessary to establish a new dosage I schedule, contact your doctor or pharmacist.Discontinue therapy immediately and contact your doctor if any of the following occurs: Rash; hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of the eye-lids, face, tongue, or lips.Notify your doctor if diarrhea develops while taking this medicine or shortly after completing therapy.This product contains a penicillin. Tell your doctor if you have a penicillin allergy .Decreased dosage or dosing intervals of clarithromycin may be necessary for patients with severe kidney impairment and will be determined by your doctor.Store at controlled room temperature (59 0 to 86°F). Protect from light and moisture.

Type of Drug

A combination of drugs used to reduce the risk of duodenal (stomach intestinal) ulcer recurrence caused by infection with H. pylori.

How The Drug Works

Lansoprazole reduces gastric (stomach) acid secretion by blocking the final step of gastric acid production. Amoxicillin kills bacteria by preventing the production of the bacterial cell wall. Clarithromycin suppresses the formation of vital proteins by bacteria, slowing bacterial growth.

Uses

For the treatment of H. pylori infection and duodenal (stomach/intestina ulcers (active or 1-year history of a duodenal ulcer) to eradicate H. pylor and prevent ulcer recurrence.

Diarrhea: If diarrhea develops during lansoprazole/amoxicillin/clarithromycin use, pseudomembranous colitis must be considered. This inflammatory condition of the colon is due to overgrowth of bacteria that are not killed by lansoprazole/amoxicillin/clarithromycin. The primary cause is a toxin produced by a bacteria known as Clostridia difficile. Colitis symptoms may range in severity from mild to life-threatening. Mild cases usually respond by stopping the antibiotic. In more severe cases other antibiotics may need to be used.

Pregnancy: Adequate studies have not been done in pregnant women. Use only if clearly needed and potential benefits outweigh the possible hazards to the fetus.

Breastfeeding: Amoxicillin appears in breast milk. Because of the potential for serious adverse effects, decide whether to discontinue nursing or discontinue the drug. Consult your doctor.

Children: Safety and effectiveness in children have not been established

Drug Interactions

Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking or if you are planning to take any over-the-counter or prescription medications or dietary supplements while taking this medicine. Doses of one or both drugs may need to be modified or a different drug may need to be prescribed. The following drugs and drug classes interact with this medicine.

Amoxicillin only ­ Allopurinol (eg, Zyloprim)

Contraceptives, Oral (eg, Ortho-Novum, Ovral) Probenecid (Benemid)

Tetracyclines (eg, tetracycline HCI)

Clarithromycin only ­ Anticoagulants, Oral (eg, warfarin)

Astemizole (Hismana/)

Benzodiazepines (eg, alprazolam, diazepam, midazolam, triazolam)

Buspirone (Buspar)

Cisapride (Propulsid)

Cyclosporine (eg, Neoral, Sandimmune)

Dihydroergotamine or ergotamine (eg, Ergomar)

Disopyramide (Norpace)

Fluconazole (Diflucan)

Side Effects

Every drug is capable of producing side effects. Many patients experience no, or minor, side effects. The frequency and severity of side effects depend on many factors including dose, duration of therapy, and individual susceptibility. Possible side effects include:

Digestive Tract: Diarrhea; taste changes; nausea; dark stools; sore tongue; mouth sores; tongue discoloration; dry mouth; thirst; indigestion; stomach pain or irritation; vomiting; rectal itching.

Urinary and Reproductive Tract: Vaginal inflammation; vaginal infection.

Nervous System: Headache; confusion; dizziness.

Other: Muscle pain; itching; rash; hives.

Guidelines for Use

Take exactly as prescribed.

Each medication packet contains enough medication for 2 doses.

Usual adult dose is 30 mg lansoprazole (1 pink and black capsule), 1 g amoxicillin (2 maroon and light pink capsules), and 500 mg clarithromycin (1 yellow tablet) taken together twice daily before eating (morning and evening) for 14 days. Swallow each pill whole.

Failure to complete full course of therapy may allow the infection to return.

If a dose is missed, take it as soon as possible. If several hours have passed or if it is nearing time for the next dose, do not double the dose in order to catch up unless advised to do so by your doctor. If more than 1 dose is missed, or if it is necessary to establish a new dosage I schedule, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

Discontinue therapy immediately and contact your doctor if any of the following occurs: Rash; hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of the eye-lids, face, tongue, or lips.

Notify your doctor if diarrhea develops while taking this medicine or shortly after completing therapy.

This product contains a penicillin. Tell your doctor if you have a penicillin allergy .

Decreased dosage or dosing intervals of clarithromycin may be necessary for patients with severe kidney impairment and will be determined by your doctor.

Store at controlled room temperature (59 0 to 86°F). Protect from light and moisture.

Risk Factors for Heart Disease-Health The risk factors for cardiovascular disease have been categorized by the american heart association (AHA) as follows:Major risk factors that cannot be changed (increasing age, male gender, and heredity)Major risk factors that can be changed (elevated blood cholesterol levels, high blood pressure, cigarette smoking, and physical inactivityOther contributing factors (obesity, diabetes, and stress).Major Risk Factors That Cannot Be ChangedAgeApproximately 55% of all heart attacks occur in people who are 65 years of age or older. This age group accounts for more than 80% of the fatal heart attacks.Male GenderUntil recently, the incidence of coronary heart disease among women has been largely unexplored. Men have been the primary subjects in the coronary heart disease and risk factor studies because of the high incidence of both among men. However, coronary heart disease is also the leading cause of death and disability among women, accounting for almost 250,000 deaths annually. Women have less heart disease than men, particularly before menopause. The reasons for the difference include the following:The female hormone estrogen protects the coronary arteries from atherosclerosisWomen have higher circulating levels of high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, which also protects the arteries.After menopause, though, the heart attack rate among women increases significantly until the mid-60s, when women's risk is equal to that of men the same age. An alarming trend in recent years is the increased incidence of heart attacks in premenopausal women who have been smoking cigarettes long enough for it to affect their health, especially when combined with oral contraceptive use.HeredityAccording to the AHA, "A tendency toward heart disease or atherosclerosis appears to be hereditary, so children of parents with cardiovascular disease are more likely to develop it themselves." A history of first degree male relatives (father, grandfather, and brothers) who died of coronary heart disease before the age of 55 or first degree female relatives (mother, grandmother, and sisters) who died of coronary heart disease before the age of 65 indicates a strong familial tendency. If the family history is positive, the modifiable risk factors must be controlled.Major Risk Factors That Can Be ChangedCholesterolCholesterol is a steroid that is an essential structural component of neural tissue; it is used in the construction of cell walls and for the manufacture of hormones and bile (for the digestion and absorption of fats). A certain amount of cholesterol is required for good health, but high levels in the blood are associated with heart attacks and strokes.The AHA suggests that Americans reduce cholesterol consumption to less than 300 milligrams per day (300 mg/day), that fat intake be reduced to a maximum of 30% of the total calories consumed, and that saturated fat be reduced to no more than 10% of the total calories. Many authorities are convinced that limiting total fat and saturated fat is more important than being overly restrictive of cholesterol.Americans have made substantial progress in reducing cholesterol consumption. The average cholesterol consumed by men and women respectively in 1960 was 704 mg/day and 493 mg/day. By 1994,How LDL cholesterol contributes to coronary artery disease is not completely understood, but the "lipid oxidation theory" appears to have the support of the scientific community. According to this theory, LDLs do not latch on to the artery linings, depositing the cholesterol that eventually forms plaque. Instead, high circulating levels of LDL in the blood stimulate the cells beneath the artery lining to transport the LDLs into the artery wall. This process is facilitated when artery linings are damaged by any one or a combination of the following: cigarette smoking, high blood pressure, diabetes mellitus, viruses, and other toxic substances.After infiltrating the artery wall, LDLs are oxidized, or converted to harmful forms that are toxic to endothelial and smooth muscle cells, thus further damaging the artery lining. This process triggers the body's immune system, which responds by sending white blood cells, called monocytes, that also penetrate into the inner layer of the artery. The monocytes turn into macrophages, which engulf oxidized LDLs in an effort to protect the artery from further damage. The macrophages become bloated from gobbling up LDLs, and in this condition they eventually develop into foam cells. Foam cells in turn stimulate the smooth muscle cells in the affected arteries to grow in size and number. This adds to the thickness of the artery walls. Concurrently, blood platelets congregate at the sites of disease, further adding to the thickening process. The culmination of these events results in the development of fatty streaks in the arteries. This is an initial sign of coronary artery disease. Some of these streaks develop into atherosclerotic plaques, which are the lesions that define diseased coronary arteries.In some instances the cells lining the artery flake off or retract, exposing the foam cells lying beneath. Once again, the body attempts to repair the damage, but the restoration process causes the wounded artery to scar down as a fibrous plaque. This represents a later-stage lesion in the development of atherosclerotic plaque.Lesions grow over time by accumulating fibrous tissue, cholesterol, and other debris from the blood stream. Concomitantly, the channel narrows severely, diminishing blood flow to the myocardium. At this point the lesion has progressed to a mature plaque. Finally, further damage to the artery wall may cause either a blood clot to develop or bleeding to occur into the core of the plaque, or the artery may go into spasm. Any of these events can abruptly interrupt or block the flow of blood to a portion of the heart muscle, resulting in a heart attack.Heart attacks are rare when LDL values in the blood are below 100 mg/dl. A national panel of experts has developed guidelines for safe and unsafe levels of LDL. A high circulating level of LDL cholesterol is positively related to cardiovascular disease. Weight loss, a diet low in saturated fat and total fat, exercise, and medication (if needed) will lower LDL levels in the blood.HDLs are involved in reverse transport; that is, they accept cholesterol from the blood and tissues and transfer it to VLDLs and LDLs for transport to the liver, where it can be degraded, disposed of, or recycled. HDLs protect the arteries from atherosclerosis by clearing cholesterol from the blood. Cardiovascular health depends greatly on low levels of total cholesterol and LDLs and a high level of HDLs. Cigarette smoking, diabetes, elevated triglyceride levels, and anabolic steroids lower HDL, whereas physical exercise, weight loss, and moderate alcohol consumption raise it.Moderate alcohol consumption (two drinks or less per day) increases HDL cholesterol levels. An alcoholic drink is defined as a 5 ounce glass of wine, or a 12 ounce beer, or 11/2 ounces of 80 proof spirits. However, alcohol is a depressant that is responsible for nearly 50,000 traffic deaths annually and contributes to one third of all drownings and boating deaths. Alcohol impairs judgment and removes inhibitions so that people under its influence behave in ways they ordinarily would not while sober. Alcohol consumption is not an acceptable way to raise HDL cholesterol.The higher the HDL, the greater the protection from cardiovascular disease. The average value for men is 45 mg/dl, and for women it is 55 mg/dl. This biological difference in HDL levels between genders partly explains the lower incidence of heart disease in premenopausal women as compared with men. After menopause, HDL levels in women begin to decrease, as does their protection provided by this subfraction of cholesterol. The ratio between total cholesterol (TC) and HDL (TC/HDL) should also be considered when the risk is interpreted. This ratio is determined by dividing TC by HDL. Another blood fat, the serum triglycerides, is involved in the development and progression of atherosclerosis. Average serum triglycerides, depending on age and gender, range from 50 mg/dl to 200 mg/dl.Elevated triglycerides may not directly cause atherosclerosis, but they often accompany and add to the severity of other blood fat abnormalities. For example, high triglycerides tend to be accompanied by low HDLs, high LDLs, and high total cholesterol. This profile is predictive of the development of atherosclerosis and coronary heart disease.

The risk factors for cardiovascular disease have been categorized by the american heart association (AHA) as follows:

Major risk factors that cannot be changed (increasing age, male gender, and heredity)

Major risk factors that can be changed (elevated blood cholesterol levels, high blood pressure, cigarette smoking, and physical inactivity

Other contributing factors (obesity, diabetes, and stress).

Major Risk Factors That Cannot Be Changed

Age

Approximately 55% of all heart attacks occur in people who are 65 years of age or older. This age group accounts for more than 80% of the fatal heart attacks.

Male Gender

Until recently, the incidence of coronary heart disease among women has been largely unexplored. Men have been the primary subjects in the coronary heart disease and risk factor studies because of the high incidence of both among men. However, coronary heart disease is also the leading cause of death and disability among women, accounting for almost 250,000 deaths annually. Women have less heart disease than men, particularly before menopause. The reasons for the difference include the following:

The female hormone estrogen protects the coronary arteries from atherosclerosis

Women have higher circulating levels of high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, which also protects the arteries.

After menopause, though, the heart attack rate among women increases significantly until the mid-60s, when women's risk is equal to that of men the same age. An alarming trend in recent years is the increased incidence of heart attacks in premenopausal women who have been smoking cigarettes long enough for it to affect their health, especially when combined with oral contraceptive use.

Heredity

According to the AHA, "A tendency toward heart disease or atherosclerosis appears to be hereditary, so children of parents with cardiovascular disease are more likely to develop it themselves." A history of first degree male relatives (father, grandfather, and brothers) who died of coronary heart disease before the age of 55 or first degree female relatives (mother, grandmother, and sisters) who died of coronary heart disease before the age of 65 indicates a strong familial tendency. If the family history is positive, the modifiable risk factors must be controlled.

Major Risk Factors That Can Be Changed

Cholesterol

Cholesterol is a steroid that is an essential structural component of neural tissue; it is used in the construction of cell walls and for the manufacture of hormones and bile (for the digestion and absorption of fats). A certain amount of cholesterol is required for good health, but high levels in the blood are associated with heart attacks and strokes.

The AHA suggests that Americans reduce cholesterol consumption to less than 300 milligrams per day (300 mg/day), that fat intake be reduced to a maximum of 30% of the total calories consumed, and that saturated fat be reduced to no more than 10% of the total calories. Many authorities are convinced that limiting total fat and saturated fat is more important than being overly restrictive of cholesterol.

Americans have made substantial progress in reducing cholesterol consumption. The average cholesterol consumed by men and women respectively in 1960 was 704 mg/day and 493 mg/day. By 1994,

How LDL cholesterol contributes to coronary artery disease is not completely understood, but the "lipid oxidation theory" appears to have the support of the scientific community. According to this theory, LDLs do not latch on to the artery linings, depositing the cholesterol that eventually forms plaque. Instead, high circulating levels of LDL in the blood stimulate the cells beneath the artery lining to transport the LDLs into the artery wall. This process is facilitated when artery linings are damaged by any one or a combination of the following: cigarette smoking, high blood pressure, diabetes mellitus, viruses, and other toxic substances.

After infiltrating the artery wall, LDLs are oxidized, or converted to harmful forms that are toxic to endothelial and smooth muscle cells, thus further damaging the artery lining. This process triggers the body's immune system, which responds by sending white blood cells, called monocytes, that also penetrate into the inner layer of the artery. The monocytes turn into macrophages, which engulf oxidized LDLs in an effort to protect the artery from further damage. The macrophages become bloated from gobbling up LDLs, and in this condition they eventually develop into foam cells. Foam cells in turn stimulate the smooth muscle cells in the affected arteries to grow in size and number. This adds to the thickness of the artery walls. Concurrently, blood platelets congregate at the sites of disease, further adding to the thickening process. The culmination of these events results in the development of fatty streaks in the arteries. This is an initial sign of coronary artery disease. Some of these streaks develop into atherosclerotic plaques, which are the lesions that define diseased coronary arteries.

In some instances the cells lining the artery flake off or retract, exposing the foam cells lying beneath. Once again, the body attempts to repair the damage, but the restoration process causes the wounded artery to scar down as a fibrous plaque. This represents a later-stage lesion in the development of atherosclerotic plaque.

Lesions grow over time by accumulating fibrous tissue, cholesterol, and other debris from the blood stream. Concomitantly, the channel narrows severely, diminishing blood flow to the myocardium. At this point the lesion has progressed to a mature plaque. Finally, further damage to the artery wall may cause either a blood clot to develop or bleeding to occur into the core of the plaque, or the artery may go into spasm. Any of these events can abruptly interrupt or block the flow of blood to a portion of the heart muscle, resulting in a heart attack.

Heart attacks are rare when LDL values in the blood are below 100 mg/dl. A national panel of experts has developed guidelines for safe and unsafe levels of LDL. A high circulating level of LDL cholesterol is positively related to cardiovascular disease. Weight loss, a diet low in saturated fat and total fat, exercise, and medication (if needed) will lower LDL levels in the blood.

HDLs are involved in reverse transport; that is, they accept cholesterol from the blood and tissues and transfer it to VLDLs and LDLs for transport to the liver, where it can be degraded, disposed of, or recycled. HDLs protect the arteries from atherosclerosis by clearing cholesterol from the blood. Cardiovascular health depends greatly on low levels of total cholesterol and LDLs and a high level of HDLs. Cigarette smoking, diabetes, elevated triglyceride levels, and anabolic steroids lower HDL, whereas physical exercise, weight loss, and moderate alcohol consumption raise it.

Moderate alcohol consumption (two drinks or less per day) increases HDL cholesterol levels. An alcoholic drink is defined as a 5 ounce glass of wine, or a 12 ounce beer, or 11/2 ounces of 80 proof spirits. However, alcohol is a depressant that is responsible for nearly 50,000 traffic deaths annually and contributes to one third of all drownings and boating deaths. Alcohol impairs judgment and removes inhibitions so that people under its influence behave in ways they ordinarily would not while sober. Alcohol consumption is not an acceptable way to raise HDL cholesterol.

The higher the HDL, the greater the protection from cardiovascular disease. The average value for men is 45 mg/dl, and for women it is 55 mg/dl. This biological difference in HDL levels between genders partly explains the lower incidence of heart disease in premenopausal women as compared with men. After menopause, HDL levels in women begin to decrease, as does their protection provided by this subfraction of cholesterol. The ratio between total cholesterol (TC) and HDL (TC/HDL) should also be considered when the risk is interpreted. This ratio is determined by dividing TC by HDL. Another blood fat, the serum triglycerides, is involved in the development and progression of atherosclerosis. Average serum triglycerides, depending on age and gender, range from 50 mg/dl to 200 mg/dl.

Elevated triglycerides may not directly cause atherosclerosis, but they often accompany and add to the severity of other blood fat abnormalities. For example, high triglycerides tend to be accompanied by low HDLs, high LDLs, and high total cholesterol. This profile is predictive of the development of atherosclerosis and coronary heart disease.