Medicine Health

The National Library of Medicine (NLM) helps you find answers to all your health care questions. The NLM's medical library collection has more than 8 million books, photographs, microfilms, journals and other items. It's a resource for health care, biomedicine, and the humanities, technology and science as it they relate to biomedicine. NLM offers a website call MedlinePlus that is one service of the NLM to direct you to the information to help answer health questions. This website also has extensive information about drugs, an illustrated medical encyclopedia, interactive patient tutorials, and latest health news. NLM is located on the campus of the national institutes of health in Bethesda in Maryland and it's the largest medical library in the world. There are the rarest medical works and the oldest medical history collections inside this library. The library offers a reading room for convenience or items can be requested through the interlibrary loan system. The National Library of Medicine once published a monthly guide to the articles in five thousand journals. The guide called Index Medicus was begun in 1879. The final issue was published in December 2004. The information is now offered at its website call PubMed.

In February 2003, the NLM launched a virtual customer service representative named Cosmo. Cosmo is a navigation tool used to guide customers to information on the NLM web site. Users can get help finding information on consumer health, drug facts, medical databases, grant information and the online catalog access. The National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) is run by NLM. The NCBI houses the biological databases accessible through the internet's Entrez search engine.

The Lister Hill National Center for Biomedical Communications (LHNCBC) along with NCBI carries out the research and development for NLM. They explore the use of computers, communications and audiovisual technologies to improve biomedical information. NLM is a valuable resource for the publics health information needs.

Another interesting institute in United States is the Institute of Medicine (IOM). It's one of the United States national academies that chartered in 1970. It's also a non profit making and non government organization. The objective of this institute is to give advice on medicine, biomedicine issues and health. The members of this IOM are selected based on their background like professional ability and achievements. IOM works in a several categories such as mental health, aging, women's health, children's health. It also includes other fields such as medicine, nutrition education and diseases. This institute mostly works on committee studies and reports of above categories.

Moreover, there is also some medicine college like Baylor College of Medicine that is one of the leading centers for biomedical research. This center is located in Houston Texas of United States with area 1,000 acre with 46 member institutions. There are 14 types of PhD programs offered such as neuroscience, molecular and biochemistry biology, immunology and cardiovascular sciences. It also includes graduate program of nurse anesthesia, residency training and physician assistant program. So it's one of famous medicine library because there are lots of research and studies of medicines in there.

I do a lot of speaking and writing on the subject of natural health and medicine. Why? Because I care about humanity; and I'm appalled at the way my fellow-humans are treated like herd-animals by the medical establishment. Yet, my message often seems to fall on deaf ears. I believe there are two-reasons for this. First, when anyone starts speaking about medicine, or health care, most people think they aren't smart enough to listen and benefit; and, second, those who do think they're smart enough to listen to such information already think they know what is and what isn't true, correct, real, possible, or accurate. In other words, the people I most want to help don't think they're smart enough to take responsibility for their own health; and the doctors who could easily grasp what I'm saying have no reason to try - because their businesses would in no way benefit from a comprehensive, public understanding of how the body actually works. There is a big difference in being in the public health care business and caring about public health. But what if someone told you that modern medicine has inherent, fatal flaws - and most of what your doctor "knows" about how the human body operates is simply wrong?

Modern medicine is primarily based on a reductionist view of biology - which has long been known to be a woefully inaccurate way of looking at life - and on the "germ theory of disease," as put forth by Louis Pasteur (who later admitted that he was mostly wrong about his conclusions). In other words, your doctor's office is built on a foundation of shifting sand; and it is only shored-up by the bags of money - and dead bodies - this dangerous system of health care was designed to generate. This may sound like a harsh indictment; but murder is murder. And, you can only claim ignorance for so long - especially when your entire business is supposed to be based on what and how much you know about human life. There are two simple examples I often share that highlight the need for deeper thought in the area of human health; and every doctor knows about these - whether they think about them, or not.

The first example is in the story of Louis Pasteur, a man we all know because of his work with vaccinations, sterilization, and "Pasteurization" of milk and other food products - along with his germ theory. There's no doubt that Louis Pasteur was a good man who cared about people; and there's no doubt that his contributions to the world are valuable. But, Louis Pasteur had a colleague named Claude Bernard, who didn't completely agree with Pasteur's findings about germs. Bernard's opinion - which is held and supported by the most modern sciences on the planet - was that "terrain is everything." In other words, germs cannot make a person sick unless the person's body (terrain) supports illness. To prove this, Bernard drank a glass of water infected with cholera - and did not get sick! Bernard knew he didn't get sick because he was healthy, had a strong immune system, and didn't believe he had a reason to get sick. Pasteur said that his colleague was simply, "Lucky." What the heck kind of science is that?! Luck? Luck is how Pasteur explained away Prima Facie evidence that germs alone wouldn't make a person sick?

If you've ever been to the doctor's office, or a hospital, you've seen additional evidence of Claude Bernard's demonstration. Doctors walk around - all day every day - surrounded by, interacting with, touching and breathing the germs of, sick people; and they do it without getting sick. Seriously, who would want to be a doctor if germs could really make you sick? You need to think about this on your own if you have a religious trust of the medical/pharmaceutical establishment. And, while you're at it, think about placebos, as well.

That's right; placebos are yet another example of how medical science is about as "un-scientific" as you can get. A placebo is essentially a remedy that has no known curative properties or medical value - other than as a control. Placebos - usually a sugar-pill or an injection of sterile water - are often used in double-blind drug trials where a new drug is tested against a placebo, or "fake drug," to demonstrate a cure-rate above that which would be experienced if nothing at all were done for the patient. Unfortunately for the pharmaceutical companies, just the idea that you have to pretend you're doing something for the patient reveals the underlying awareness that what the patient thinks matters. The only way to test the cure-rate of people not receiving treatment is to offer them NO treatment at all. Doctors running these drug trials realize that people who receive no treatment at all are aware of this fact and don't expect to get better; yet they must have something to compare their data to. So they simulate every part of the treatment - with the only difference being what is actually inside the pill they dispense to the control group. And guess what... That's right; people taking the sugar-pills consistently get better at about the same rate as those taking the "real" drug. The only difference being the "side-effects" caused by the chemicals passed-off as medicine by the pharmaceutical companies. Drugs are dangerous, placebos aren't; and they both work on the same things - drug trials have proven this over and over again. And there's no way to prove that the "real" drugs aren't working for the same reason placebos do -- even though they cause additional physiological changes. It is just more convenient -- and profitable -- to assume and claim that something more is happening.

Certainly, modern medicine has saved lives. But at what cost? The faithful masses are quick to shout out, "But I know drugs work! They helped me!" But these folks don't read the studies that reveal modern, pharmaceutical-based medicine as the third-leading killer of Americans - even though only an estimated 2% of all Adverse Drug Reactions (ADR's) are ever reported to the FDA. If all ADR's were recognized and reported, Western Medicine could conceivably be the most deadly threat humans have ever faced - by far. But our economy is based on the medical establishment, drug companies, insurance companies, and the jobs, profits, and kick-backs these things provide; so, let's keep ignoring the facts and keep looking elsewhere for answers, shall we?

The average person is getting smarter and smarter. The Internet is making new information - and old information - more and more available to the consuming public. Could this be why over 51% of a nation conditioned to run to the doctor's office and drug store when they feel the slightest discomfort have turned to Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM), and why the National Institutes of Health (NIH) has dedicated an entire branch to the study of CAM? I'm sure things got the way they are due to good intentions; but for them to stay this way is the result of ignorance, greed, or the perceived need for population control. In any event, if you want to become a statistic or a herd-animal, just go on about your daily routine without thinking about the things that are truly important to you. Otherwise, wake-up, stay awake, and learn to think for yourself. Your health - and your life - depends on it.

The only reason you use medicines is to cure some or the other diseases. So, what are medicines? Medicines are some form of chemicals that is inserted in side our body to treat some bad functioning or diseases related to your health. They are specifically researched to know whether they work on any condition for, which they are being developed. There are many kinds of medicines that are being developed. These days you even see many herbal medicines being developed. These herbal products have one major advantage that they are surely not going to have any kind of side effect on your body. This is the reason many people prefer to go with herbal remedies.

These medicines are available in various forms like liquid, gels, cream, pills, injections and also inhalers. All these form of medicines depends on type of condition and disease that is to be cured. Accordingly, you are given those particular medicines. Sometimes, your body is not fit for giving injections and inhalers, and then you are given oral pills. While you may have some problem in taking up the pills orally, you are given up injections or inhalers. So, there are good options being carved up according to situation and the patient itself. There is an awareness program that needs to be taken care of. You should know about all the major medicines. There may be some issue with some specific medicines and hence this is the reason, you should take medicines only after consulting the doctor.

All medicines that are being created serve specific ailments and some of the medicines are very common. Suppose, say that if you are suffering from diabetes then you should go for taking insulin. This helps in maintaining sugar level. On the other hand, if you are suffering from viral fever then you should be going for paracetamol. This paracetamol relieves you from your fever and if you are having some headache. This is the reason why paracetamol has become so normal that even if you take it normally you would not have bad effects. This is the first thing that doctors prescribe when you have severe headache or fever. Health is one of the major aspects that you should take care for. You must know about your health problems and try to make yourself knowledgeable with all sorts of medical terms.

Alternative medicine is a far ranging term that encompasses many different therapies. It is best when it is used at the same time as conventional medicine and can offer the patient some great remedies for what ails them. When you are being treated for a serious illness it is best that you keep your doctor informed on the alternative remedies that you are considering.

Your doctor's involvement is necessary to help you to make the right decisions about your health. When you are taking prescription medications for an illness, the herbal treatments that you try could cause an adverse reaction. It is also possible that herbal medicine could cause your prescription medication to stop working. This is the type of consultation that you will have to have with your doctor to ensure that you are not jeopardizing your health.

Do some research on the alternative medicine approaches that you are considering. It is important that you read and understand conflicting information so that you can make a good decision on the treatments that you are going to try. When you begin to read the facts about alternative medicine, you may decide that the evidence does or does not support the benefits that you are seeking.

Alternative medicine is a great source of preventative medicine as well. If you are looking for a way to improve your overall health and remain in good physical condition, the information that you can receive about alternative medicine will help you to make some good decisions about your daily routine. Look for information on diet and exercise and how it relates to your health for a good alternative medicine approach to keeping illness at bay.

Herbal medicine is a great alternative approach that you can add to your daily health regimen with good results. Enhancing your diet with herbs is one of the ways that you can improve your health without too much upheaval. Herbal supplements can also help you to gain some benefit to your health.

There is a great deal of information available on how you can improve your health with alternative medicine. Look online for some great resources, but be sure that you check with your doctor before starting any new treatment plan. If you are suffering from an illness, make sure that the alternative approaches that you try do not hinder the ability of your traditional medicine to work. If you make sure to do your homework, you will find that alternative medicine is a great complement to the traditional approaches that you are already using.

In recent years, holistic medicine has attracted more and more practitioners and adherents. But, what is holistic medicine? How does it differ from conventional medicine? In many ways, the answers to such questions are straightforward. Unlike conventional medicine, holistic medicine is an approach to health and healing that takes into account the whole person. Consistent with a broader, more general holistic perspective, this approach views the person as a dynamic interaction between body, mind, and spirit. Disease is seen as arising from an imbalance among these factors in conjunction with lifestyle and environmental circumstances.

Practitioners of holistic medicine are trained first in the art and science of conventional medicine. They understand and appreciate the fact that conventional, Western-style medicine is highly effective in treating acute, life threatening illnesses and injuries. But, they argue that conventional medicine may not be the best choice for many of the chronic conditions commonly encountered in their practices.

For practitioners of holistic medicine, it is not enough to treat the symptoms of a disease. A patient must be seen as an individual with unique healing needs -- needs that may not be met adequately by a simple application of conventional medicine. Thus, practitioners of holistic medicine are likely to spend a great deal of time identifying the particular combination of physical, psychological, spiritual, and lifestyle factors that contribute to illness in the individual patient. In an effort to bring these factors into balance and to promote natural healing processes, holistic physicians are open to the use of safe, effective treatment alternatives derived from a variety of healing traditions. It is not unusual for holistic physicians to complete additional training in such disciplines as herbalism, naturopathy, meditation, and biofeedback, to name a few. At the same time, practitioners of holistic medicine are likely to have a broader perspective on the prevention of health-related problems than do traditional physicians.

Of course, physicians of every stripe are dedicated to disease prevention. Practitioners of conventional medicine tend to emphasize the development and use of vaccines along with environmental actions designed to prevent the spread of infectious disease agents. Physicians who practice holistic medicine go beyond these traditional preventative measures. Holistic physicians emphasize the importance of health maintenance in the individual person. They realize that factors such as poor nutrition, lack of exercise, and mental and physical stress can reduce general level of health. Furthermore, they argue that when an individual's overall level of health is reduced, natural healing processes cannot function adequately and the person is at greater risk for developing various chronic diseases and disorders. Hence, the holistic physician is likely to encourage a range of patient behaviors designed to reduce stress and strengthen the immune system.

From the perspective of holistic medicine, responsibility for health rests ultimately with the individual patient. For this reason, it is important for physician and patient to work together in real partnership. To do so, the holistic physician must share more information and insights than may be typical among non-holistic practitioners. It is this sharing of information that allows the physician and patient to work cooperatively to design a program of treatment that is effective and with which the patient is comfortable. As might be expected, such a partnership between physician and patient is most likely to succeed when the physician actively models a healthy lifestyle and shows unconditional regard for the patient.

Giovanni Casanova (1725-1798) was an Italian adventurer, writer, soldier, musician, spy, and diplomat. Those accomplishments, however, have been historically overshadowed by Casanova's reputation as a freewheeling sensualist. The term "Casanova" has come to represent a person of great sexual ability and indulgence.

The feeling that he wasn't a "Casanova" and the thought that he should be, was what motivated Paul to seek my help. He was worried that he was letting his partner down sexually. Paul's problem was not unique and it had an understandably common effect on his self-esteem and self-worth. Humans are sexual creatures, by nature, and the inability to enjoy healthy, appropriate sexual activity and/or sexual desire weighs heavily upon our holistic health and well-being.

When you are unable to enjoy appropriate sexual activity, your mind, body, and spirit feel off kilter because of your inherent sexual nature. You were born to have fun - and sex plays a large role in that. You deserve to have a regular, healthy expression of your sexual nature. It is fun and doesn't need to harm or impose on anyone else.

Concerns regarding a lack of sexual activity, as well as a lack of sexual desire, are becoming more frequent each year. Consequently prescriptions for erectile dysfunction and low libido are growing at an astonishing rate. Perhaps part of that growth can be explained by a lessening of the stigma of reporting sexual problems, but we certainly know that the typical causes of sexual dysfunction are more common today than ever before. Putting aside diet and physical health, which can play a vital role in a healthy sexual lifestyle, the number one cause of sexual dissatisfaction is stress.

Stress-related illness is at an all-time high (and still growing), so it comes as absolutely no surprise that symptoms of stress are also prevalent. The good news for you is that we know what causes most of the debilitating stress you experience. Your stress is a direct byproduct of seriousness - taking yourself too seriously. As we move into adulthood, we unfortunately buy into the notion that responsible and productive people must be "serious." As we make the biggest mistake of our lives and relegate our humor nature and fun to recreational activities (if we experience fun at all), we doom ourselves to all the symptoms of the corresponding seriousness that fills the void - declining health, rising stress, increased pain, lessened energy, impaired creativity, and more.

Even better news for you, however, is that we also know how to shrink your deadly seriousness to practically nothing and reduce almost completely the sway it holds over your health, vitality, wellness, and zest. The natural medicine of humor is an incredibly powerful resource that you already possess; you've only forgotten how to use it to maximum effectiveness. You will soon discover that, while not a panacea, the natural medicine of humor is a tremendous remedy for a variety of health concerns and will also supercharge other treatments because it is an amazing adjunctive medicine too!

I have distilled the natural medicine of humor, through my years of medical practice, into an amazing prescription I call The Fun Factor. Based on what I learned over twenty years ago from a terminally ill fifteen-year-old patient, I created a unique set of principles I call the Fun Commandments, then forged these Commandments into my Fun Factor prescription and have been prescribing The Fun Factor with great success for years. This report will show you how to use just three of my Fun Commandments to turn your sexual health and performance around, and gain new joy, pleasure, and appreciation from your sexual activity!

My first Fun Commandment has a profound effect on your sexual health because it is a fabulous introduction to the natural medicine of humor, in general: Go the Extra Smile. Smiling, as simple as it sounds, is a key to improved sexual appreciation because of its simplicity and almost constant appropriateness. A smile almost never offends and it is completely controllable, regardless of your circumstances; smiling is the easiest way to infuse yourself with the natural medicine of humor!

Smiling enhances your sexuality because it immediately decreases stress and fills you with energy and creativity. The best news about the positive effects of smiling is that these benefits are measurable even if you are wearing a "fake" smile. If you are thinking that lowering your stress level, while simultaneously snowballing your energy level and creativity, will add rocket fuel to your sexuality...you are absolutely correct!

Smiling has multiple benefits for your sexual health and wellness because it turbo-charges both your mood and your physiology. But smiling does another thing that accelerates your sexual satisfaction. It attracts reciprocal attention from your mate because a smile is an open invitation. Think of a smile as a happiness virus and you'll soon realize that your improved sexual health, your reduced stress, and increased energy can be easily shared with your partner.

Another of my Fun Commandments that allows the natural medicine of humor to soup-up your sexuality is: Laugh with Yourself. Laughing with yourself is the epitome of self-acceptance, not self-denigration as you might've been led to believe. You cannot take yourself too seriously when you're willing to laugh with yourself because you're embodying the philosophy of taking yourself lightly.

Let's face it, we are funny creatures and that's how we're supposed to be! Looked at objectively, our bodies are both fun and funny; the physical act of sex forces us to conjoin in some awkward and, almost, impractical ways. Giving ourselves permission to see the humor in our funny bodies and their functions eases the pressure we place on ourselves to perform sexually and our humor adds further fuel to our commitment to take ourselves less seriously.

Why wouldn't we laugh out of sincere appreciation for our perfect imperfections and the funny physicality of sex? To not see the gentle, and sometimes obvious, humor in these things means we are taking ourselves, and our sexuality, way too seriously. It's really all quite hilarious, in my opinion...we spend so much time, energy, and resources focusing on an act that takes less than 1% of our waking time. If we're not careful this teeny, tiny portion of our day can dominate our culture and our personal thoughts! Not that you don't have some good reasons to think about sex, but give yourself permission to gently laugh at your obsession and you'll find some additional stress released.

The last Fun Commandment we'll apply to your sexual health today is: Let Go Frequently. I always say that in life, as in juggling, success depends on how quickly you are able to let go. Also in life, as in juggling, we all have a tendency to hang on to things too long, even when they are no longer working for us. In this case, hanging on to our harsh expectations creates stress that deflates our sexuality because we are unable to measure up.

Society deluges us with images of youthful sexuality; it's easy to imagine that everyone except us is engaged in passionate, daily sexual activity and we begin to feel that there is something wrong with us when our sex lives don't match the Madison Avenue fantasies. Let go of those images today, because no one except you has the authority or knowledge to decide what your optimal sexual habits and practices should be. Your sexual expectations regarding frequency, sensation, and/or duration are only placing unneeded pressure on yourself and that pressure only creates more stress.

Let go of your expectations of performance too. Many of my patients and clients imagine they must achieve a certain level of sexual performance for their mates to be pleased. Nothing could be further from the truth. When you set expectations regarding outcomes, you set yourself up for failure because you are putting even more pressure on yourself. Let go of the end results; concentrate on the fun, joy, and love inherent in sex because that is where the true pleasure is found.

Let go of sexual frequency and performance expectations, smile, laugh with yourself, and go along with whatever unfolds as a result of your footwork today. If you can do these things you will be a very sexual, passionate creature and sexy in the most important eyes of all - yours! Remember that you are already perfect (perfectly imperfect) and you don't need fixing. Instead of fixing yourself, use the natural medicine of humor to relax, smile, and enjoy the ride.

My patient, Paul, committed himself not only to these three Fun Commandments, but also to my entire Fun Factor prescription. He and his partner did not morph into Casanova's...but they didn't care because they formed their own definition of sexuality based on fun, joy, and love. Over time Paul and his partner arrived at an open, honest, and fun expression of sexual passion, based on my Fun Commandments, with a frequency and zest that satisfied both.

By the way, what you don't know about Casanova was that his true value to humankind was not as a red-hot lover, but as one of the most gifted and authoritative social historians of his age. He spent his last years as a librarian, before dying of syphilis. Still want to be just like him? I suggest using the natural medicine of humor to find your own sexual identity and enjoy a healthy satisfying sex life of your own creation.

There have been tremendous advances in medicine and healthcare over the last twenty years, affecting everything from our understanding and treatment of certain diseases to the best timing to screen for certain conditions in both men, women and children. Breast cancer, HIV, prostate cancer, Alzheimer's...our ability to identify risk factors and provide early treatment is continually progressing and evolving.

That's why it has become important to discuss what tests an individual should have done - and when - with their primary care physician. Routine checkups and screenings are the key to good preventative medicine.

Health screening schedules are very specific to each person, and are based on their specific general health, age, gender, hereditary factors and pre-existing conditions. A doctor may recommend more frequent screenings, or screenings at a younger age due to any of these factors.

Below are some of the more common health screenings and doctor's exams a patient should undergo - arranged by gender and age - as recommended by the National institutes of Health as well as various health advocacy groups.

Health Screening Schedule

Men*:

18-40 years old: general physical exam, every 1-2 years

21-40 years old: prostate exam, every 2-3 years

40+ years old, prostate exam, every year

40+ years old: general physical exam, every year

50+ years old: colon cancer screening, every 5-10 years

50+ years old, osteoporosis screening, as indicated by your physician

Women*:

18-40 years old: general physical exam, every 1-2 yrs

40+ years old: general physical exam, every year

All women: Tetanus/Diphtheria: every ten yrs

All women: pap smear, every 1-3 yrs

All women: breast exam, every 1-3 yrs

40+ years old: mammogram, every year

50+ years old: colon cancer screening, every 5-10 yrs

60+ years old: osteoporosis screening, every 2-5 yrs

Children*:

Regular checkups and immunizations are critical for children. Within two weeks of birth, the first two checkups will typically occur. Additional checkups occur at 2, 4, 6, 9, 12, 15, 18 and 24 months of age. Children over the age of two typically go for a checkup once a year, with other visits happening throughout the year when the child is injured, ill, or exhibiting signs or symptoms the parent may be concerned about. The child's pediatrician will determine an accurate schedule for immunizations and visits based on your child's health condition and history.

*Always follow a doctor's guidance regarding the timing and frequency of medical visits, tests, screenings and treatments. Note: the above list is not comprehensive.

As most of you know I was diagnosed with lupus. This diagnosis changed my life completely, no sun, extreme fatigue, and inability to exercise due to exhaustion. The worst was that I was finishing up my doctoral program in physical therapy, and it was my last year. I was in an out of the hospital with mysterious symptoms that were threatening my life, extreme fever, fatigue, tremors, severe pain to my back, projectile vomiting, etc. While in the hospital, I was diagnosed with meningitis, bacterial/viral infection, unknown diagnosis, over the course of a year and given every kind of medication to ease the "symptoms", not knowing the real cause of my malaise. I was given high dosages of prednisone, went from dermatologist, rheumotologist, neurologist, to primary physician. No one knew what was wrong with me. I started to lose so much hair and I had a malar (butterfly) rash on my face that now it became a cosmetic problem. I told my doctors, I can die tomorrow but just give me back my hair...

After being on prednisone for so long (9 months) and knowing what it was doing to my body, I decided to take charge. I sought a TCM (Traditional Chines Medicine) doctor, chiropractors, studied functional nutrition and herbals. I decided to give the herbal medicine a try and went on a regimen of drinking black herbal extract pouches three times a day for 6 months, mainly because it was 6 months till my wedding and wanted to be functional. I did not tell my rheumotologist at the time because I knew what he would say. I became well, my labs slowly returned to normal. I will never forget what my acupuncture doctor told me, he said that he can cure Lupus, that it may be a hard disease to conquer for western medicine but not for eastern medicine because he knows that my organs, specifically my kidneys are malfunctioning due to stress triggering a cascade of reactions to throw my yin-yang balance out the door. As a doctoral student well versed in Western thoughts, this was far fetched but also knew that the medical care I was receiving was not mounting too much. I just wanted my health and most importantly, my hair back. It was my last hope at recovery and I took it.

Since then, I've relapsed back and forth due to pregnancy, which worsens the condition. Recently, I found a acupuncture doctor who took over the office space that I was occupying and told me that he wanted to try to heal me. At this time, I was recuperating from an abdominal surgery (umbilical hernia repair) and was taking time off to unwind as I was running a health/wellness business for the last 4 years and was rather running on empty and I knew I really needed to take care of my poor health. I decided to give him a try and is currently under his care. He is a passionate doctor and after a couple of sessions, I noticed some positive changes like increased energy and better digestion. I asked if he would mentor me in my path to understanding this wise method of treatment and he's agreed to take me on as a student learning all I can about this discipline. I will share more progress with my health as well as the insights that I gather. In the mean time, if you ever wanted to try acupuncture, its a natural healing method that is beneficial to many different illnesses. Make sure that your provider has appropriate knowledge and education backing the claim and as a lot of questions to ensure that you are confident under his/her care.

Health care is the major concern of the masses and the scope of nature cure in the medical field is growing with the balancing act. A career in traditional naturopathy is achieving great heights among the students and aspiring. Courses in the field provide the students an education on the natural forms of medicines for the betterment of health and overall wellness.

The growing popularity among people is an effective reason that attracts the students from all around the world to natural health schools to pursue their careers in this field. These schools provide the best internationally recognized natural health courses on the natural forms of supplements and natural remedies to facilitate a power of great health among the masses.

The natural health colleges educate students with the pioneering health making techniques so that they can initiate their own guideline natural health programs for the less informed masses and treat the diseases more effectively and efficiently. The most tender techniques and practices enabled in naturopathic medical schools are gaining a highly stabilized momentum worldwide.

The significant and fundamental academic programs in the curriculum of natural health colleges involve the study of philosophies and theories of Traditional Chinese Medicine, acupuncture, cupping, Tuina, moxibustion, holistic nutrition, homeopathy and Chinese herbal medicine.

The aspiring students who are inclined towards the natural form of treatments can join the alternative medicine schools and enroll themselves in the short term courses or the certificate courses which include the training of varied hand techniques, massage points, bodywork therapies and other interrelated studies.

The enthusiastic students who aspire to pursue oriental medicine as a career can choose from the variety of options in naturopathic medicines and increase the level of their horizons in the field. These natural medicine courses available in natural health colleges involve the complexity of Chinese medicine application, evidence-based medicine, Chinese medicine language, clinical studies, family medicine and other associated subjects.

With the advancement of job opportunities in the field of natural medicine, the certified naturopathic schools are the alluring yardstick for the students to get the accredited education in the field. The student can acquire the valuable knowledge and can make sure to impart the education the appropriate way.

The per annum income of a medical degree beginner and the practitioner, who is a graduate from an accredited natural health college ranges from $30, 000 - $50, 000 and is sure to increase with the rising opportunities in the future.

If you are a practitioner who incline towards the natural ways of treating the diseases and want to serve patients with your obsession with natural technique then go ahead and grab the success as it comes the more natural way!

Healthcare costs on the rise, but there are a number of ways to lower your medical expenses.

An ounce of prevention.

One of the most effective ways to lower medical expenses, especially over the long haul, is to maintain a healthy lifestyle by:

* Taking advantage of wellness programs

* Maintaining a healthy weight

* Exercising regularly

* Kicking unhealthy habits (e.g., smoking)

* Getting regular checkups.

Look for the freebies.

If your health insurance provides little to no coverage in certain areas, or if you lack health insurance coverage, look into free health screenings. Local clinics and hospitals often offer a variety of screenings, such as blood pressure, cholesterol, and mammograms. If it’s free, don’t hesitate to take advantage of it!

Prescriptions on the cheap.

If you take prescription drugs regularly, they can cost you plenty. But it's not hard to find ways to save money. For example, order your prescriptions through the mail, through a traditional or online pharmacy. If you belong to a prescription drug plan through your health insurance, you can probably get a three-month supply through the mail for the same price as a one-month supply at the local pharmacy. And if possible, ask your pharmacist or doctor to prescribe a less-expensive generic drug.

Keep an eye on your bills.

Medical bills can be confusing, but taking some time to review the charges may save you money. Make sure your bill accurately reflects the procedures you underwent and applies the proper insurance coverage you may have. It’s not too uncommon to have wrong computer codes where you’re billed for healthcare you never received. Contact the company’s billing office immediately if you find a mistake.

Togetherness can save money.

A number of married couples keep separate health insurance coverage even though it may cost them more to do so. Take a look at both your and your spouse's coverage and see if it makes sense for either of you to join the other's plan. Be aware that most plans allow the addition of a spouse within a certain time period after getting married–for example, 30 days. If that’s the case, you may have to wait for the plan’s annual open enrollment period.

Keep track of it.

With tax time right around the corner, you may be able to deduct certain medical expenses if you itemize. In order to itemize, your total medical expenses need to exceed (more)

7.5 percent of your adjusted gross income. The allowable medical expenses include everything from health-care services to medical aids, which include eyeglasses, hearing aids, etc. Keep records of these expenses if you think you'll be able to deduct them for the tax year.

It doesn’t hurt to haggle.

Many people don't realize that they can sometimes negotiate to lower their medical bills. It may not always work, but it doesn't hurt to ask your doctor, hospital, or pharmacy if they're willing bargain with you. Before you start negotiations, do some research on what other health-care providers in your area are charging. In addition, your health-care provider may lower their price if you pay in cash up front.

Save a little for a rainy day.

If your employer offers a flexible spending plan that allows you to put pretax dollars in an account, jump on it. With a flexible spending plan, you’ll be reimbursed for out-of-pocket medical expenses, such as prescription drugs, dental care, and co-payments. And because flexible spending contributions are taken out of your pay before taxes are calculated, you use pretax dollars to pay your medical bills.

Know who’s covering you.

These days, insurance companies often provide benefits designed to help you stay safe and healthy. One example — you may be able to receive discounts on vitamins, alternative medicines, health club memberships, or bike helmets. Also examine the range of coverage your health plan offers. It may cover dental care for young children, chiropractic care, and acupuncture. Read all materials provided by your insurer thoroughly to find out what products and services are available before you pay them out of pocket.

It’s your money, shop around.

If your employer doesn’t provide health insurance, you may have to obtain your own coverage. In order to get good coverage at an affordable price, you’ll need to shop around. Premiums vary widely, so you can save some cash if you get quotes from several companies. Examine each plan's coverage and features, and take into account all exclusions, limitations, and the freedom to choose health-care providers. It’s also important to find out how much your out-of-pocket expenses will be as far as co-payments, coinsurance, and deductibles are considered. Be careful. With some plans, small amounts of money can add up quickly with frequent visits to your doctor.

If you’re interested in high-quality individual health insurance at affordable rates, specifically created for young, healthy individuals, you should take a look at Precedent. Visit our website, [http://www.precedent.com], for more information. We offer a unique and innovative suite of individual health insurance solutions, including highly competitive HSA-eligible plans, and an unparalleled “real time” application and acceptance experience.

Many years ago, my mentor, Mr Jaffrey, said; 'East is east and west is west and never the twain shall meet.'

In this excerpt from Kipling's popular ballad, Mr. Jaffrey was reinforcing the idea that in matters of health, medicine and natural health do not co-exist.

The medical philosophy of disease looks at germs as antagonistic and with this viewpoint attempts to destroy them.

Natural Health looks at the same germs, recognizes their relationship to all life and attempts to provide an environment in which mutual existence can be attained.

Very simply, these are the only two ways of looking at health/disease.

One treats symptoms and the other removes causes.

Medicines treat symptoms - all medicines - be they chemical, mineral, botanical, animal or whatever - treat symptoms.

The proponents of said philosophies say - 'Take this - may it serve thee well' and again, it matters not a whit what the practitioner offers.

The health educator shows that lifestyle determines health - If a disease symptom arises it is due to a faulty lifestyle.

To this end, the health educator instructs in the learning of health causes by the examination of one's lifestyle, applying said causes and if and when symptoms arise - rest and allow the body to go through its cycle of healing.

I don't know of any other philosophies - you must pick one of these two.

It's very simple and only takes a modicum of intelligence and discipline.

All the best in finding your direction - either east or west.

Kevin

In the past, people used to think that fitness and exercise were for the youngsters. Older people can't benefit from building strength and muscle mass. Of course, such belief is a myth. Studies upon studies have proved that strength training and exercise can greatly benefit those who are over 50 years old.

There are many changes in our body as we get older. Metabolism slows, body fat accumulates, narrowing artery passageways, blocked arteries, higher blood pressure, thinning of or porous bones that can lead to osteoporosis, depreciating muscle and skin tones.

Many studies have proven that fitness and exercise can help slow down the aging process and many of its problems mentioned above. The American College of Sports Medicine - a major resource for exercise science, sports medicine, health, and fitness information - suggests that 15-60 minutes of aerobic (oxygen-enhancing) exercise a few days per week can help slow down your biological clock. Therefore, fitness and exercise for older folks are definitely healthy.

One of the goals of fitness and exercise for older people is to raise the heart rate to a safe level. For example, 30 minutes of slow jogging, brisk walking, mild jumping jacks, swimming or dancing are all great cardiovascular workouts. These exercises can help keep the heart and blood vessels healthy.

For older folks (over 40s), strength-building exercises are very useful in helping to keep the muscles toned and blood sugar levels at appropriate levels. It also helps to build muscle mass and maintain an optimal weight. Fitness and exercise also help build good leg muscles, leading to better support for joints and less likelihood of a fall. This is important in helping reduce the number of home injuries for older folks. The National Institutes of Health report more than 300,000 hospital admissions yearly for old people due to broken hips, many of them from falling at home.

Gentle static and dynamic stretching exercises such as yoga also very useful in keeping the muscles flexible and joints lubricated. It helps blood flows, regain of energy, improve coordination, body balance and maximize range of movement. You will also have less pain in your muscles and joints during both exercise and daily activities.

Fitness and exercises not only help old people to be healthy physically but psychologically as well. It helps to heighten moods, reduce stress and depression. This is very important as older people often feel being isolated when loved ones and friends are no longer around.

However, older people should consult with teir doctors first before starting any exercise program. Start slowly especially if you have been sedentary for a while. Build up your strength, flexibility and endurance gradually. Stop when you feel pain. Take good care.

The word "alternative medicine" is an extensive practice that illustrates various health and healing methods. The practitioner jobs of this therapy have been around for hundreds of years, but last few years have brought a career boom in the field of alternative medicine. Around 30% population in the world is using various types of natural or alternative therapy today and the alternative health practitioner jobs are now being known as feasible forms of the cure of the diseases because people maintain the search of alternative or natural health care to live a healthy and happy life.

The use of alternative healing therapy and medicine is an unusual way to refurbish and preserve your health. The conviction behind alternative practitioner jobs is that there is a secure and more natural way to identify and cure different diseases, and that the complete mental, emotional, spiritual and physical facets of a person's wellbeing must be addressed. The healthy way of thinking has made the alternative health care much more popular in recent decades and convinced many individuals to opt for various alternative practitioner jobs in herbology, acupressure, nutritional counseling, reflexology, yoga, traditional Chinese medicine and various other fields.

In order to become an Alternative Therapy Practitioner, one must have the enthusiasm and passion to serve the needy and to explore various facets of alternative therapy because being an Practitioner in alternative therapy isn't just a job, instead it changes complete lifestyle and focuses on better health and well-being. Taking alternative healing therapy as a career can be the most rewarding step for any practitioner. Various alternative medicine schools focus on alternative health care and can make you a professional biofeedback therapist, acupuncturist, energy healer, massage therapist, meditation leader, kinesiologist and yoga instructor.

Professional alternative health courses prepare a student in a manner so that he becomes capable of providing cure to the patients by balancing modality of program. Institute educates the practitioners in diverse natural techniques and principles to encourage the sacred health through alternate healing programs. You may practice a variety of alternative healing methods to promote the insight of the various modalities and culture of health care.

For the awareness of this impressive healing technique globally, a large number of Institutes offer alternative healing courses. These courses give proper understanding on diverse fields of alternative therapy and focus on various disciplines to make you a qualified professional. By opting for these alternative healing courses, students can practice diverse proportions of the alternative healing therapy that facilitate an individual suffering from bad health and offer absolute emotional, mental and physical strength. Select a well known alternative medicine school to become an alternative healing practitioner and enjoy better life!

Description

As anyone who has been bedridden for any period of time can tell you, bedsores are one of the unfortunate parts of the experience. Also known as pressure sores or decubits ulcers, they begin as sensitive, red patches of skin that eventually become sores or ulcers. Bedsores develop on weight-bearing parts of the body-commonly on the hips, shoulder blades, elbows, base of the spine, knees, ankles, and heels-where the bones are near the skin.

Signs and Symptoms

Areas of red, sensitive skin (in early stages)

Open, ulcerated sores that don't seem to heal (in later stages)

Conventional Medical Treatment

For bedsores to heal, you must keep. weight off of them. Place cushioning at pressure points to help distribute body weight more evenly, thus keeping pressure from building in one spot. Air mattresses, foam pads and specially-designed pads for heels and elbows are available from medical supply stores. Clean ulcerated areas twice daily with an anti-microbial cleanser to keep sores germ-free and speed healing.

Complementary and Alternative Treatments

Nutrition and Supplementation

People who suffer from bedsores are usually deficient in a number of nutrients, especially zinc and vitamins A, E, ata balanced diet of which 70 percent is raw fruits and vegetables. Drink liquids (steam-distilled water, herbal teas, sugar-free Juices) around the clock to keep the colon clean. Eliminate animal fats, junk food, processed foods, fried food, and sugar. Get your fiber from oat bran Or ground flaxseeds. Fiber prevents constipation and absorbs dangerous toxins.

Supplementing your vitamin and mineral in take is very important. Try the following daily suggestions until healing is complete.

Most Important

vitamin E (400 IU)-improves circulation

zinc (30 mg, not to exceed a total of 100 mg from all supplements)-heals tissues

copper (3 mg)-balances zinc

Also Recommended

free-form amino acid complex (as directed on label)-supplies protein needed for healing

mixed carotenoid formula (15,000 IU)-improves skin tissue

vitamin B complex (100 mg twice daily with meals)-reduces stress and aids in healing

vitamin B12(2000 mcg twice daily)

vitamin C (3000 to 10,000 mg in divided doses)-aids in healing, improves circulation, and enhances immune function

vitamin D (400 to 1000 IU)-essential for healing

colloidal silver (apply topically as directed on label)-a natural antibiotic that destroys viruses, fungi, and bacteria; promotes healing

garlic (as directed on label)-a natural antibiotic

kelp (500 to 1000 mg daily)-provides a balance of minerals

vitamin A (25,000 IU for 1 month, then reduce to 5,000 IU; do not exceed 8000 IU daily if you are pregnant)-heals skin tissue

(For an acute condition, take supplements until your symptoms subside. If symptoms persist, seek the advice of your health care provider. For a chronic condition, consult your health care provider regarding the duration of treatment.)

Aromatherapy

To clean sores and promote healing, dab a solution of 4 drops of tea treeoil and 1 cup of water over the affected area.

Herbal Therapy

Herbal therapists recommend external application of the following therapeutic herbs, under appropnate supervision: echinacea, goldenseal, myrrh gum, pau d'arco, slippery elm.

Herbal products are available in health food stores and in some pharmacies and supermarkets. Follow package for specific directions.

Homeopathy

To help heal bedsores, apply Calendula ointment to the affected skin.

Traditional Chinese Medicine

Acupuncture Acupuncture can be used to improve blood and energy flow to the affected area-including the shoulder blades, buttocks, and hips-which may help bedsores heal faster. Acupuncture also can be used to relieve the pain associated with this condition.

Chinese Herbal Therapy There are many Chinese herbs that can speed healing and lessen the pain of bedsores, including Bletilla Striata, which can be mixed into an ointment with sesame oil and applied to the affected area 2 to 3 times a day. Some herbalists may add powdered amethyst to this preparation to enhance its curative properties.

Additionally, Lien Chiao Pai Th Pien is a skin-healing formula that can be found at health food or herb stores; follow package instructions (and do not use it during pregnancy).

There Is More to Massage Than Meets the Eye

When most people think of a massage, they think of relaxation and stress relief. The stereotype(s) for massage therapy can be pretty narrow minded, but by digging a little deeper, you'll begin to see how it can be a key component in improving your overall health and wellness. "Stress" can be broken down to reflect specialized treatments according to your current lifestyle, habits and amount/presence of inducers. This article is designed to provide expert advice and insight into the unexpected health benefits of massage therapy.

Chiropractic Massage Therapy

To achieve optimal results and improve your health, it's recommended to combine chiropractic care with clinical massage therapy. The combination of the two will provide patients lasting pain relief/management, better sleep, slow degeneration (aging process), stronger immune systems, enhanced athletic performance, increased energy and general good vibes. It's important to remember that whether through a cleaner or medicine, health "doesn't come in a bottle." It's a fact that your nerves have a major impact on your health and controlling nerve impulses will put you on the right path to wellness.

In short, nerve impulses tell your body what to do (heartbeat, breathing, sweating, itching etc) and the combination of chiropractic care allows a therapist to ease the pressure and choking of the nerves and free the flow of nerve impulses. Everything in your body will feel better as a result, especially your muscles. Included below is a broader explanation of several unexpected benefits.

Unexpected Benefits and Results

Boosting Your Immune System - Did you know 80-90% of stress is disease related? Cortisol (the hormone released when we're stressed) hurts your white blood cells which protect your immune system. Since massage decreases cortisol, it will boost and strengthen your immune system and help prevent sickness and disease. The central theme is that it is a natural and drug-free way to stay healthy.

Get Better Sleep - Increase delta waves (induces a deep sleep and stronger recovery). Regular massages make it easier to fall asleep (by releasing serotonin, dopamine, and increasing delta waves). More sound sleep means better interactions with friends and family, better performance at work, less sweating the small stuff (which means less cortisol released, which means better health, which means less stress, so on, so on, you get the idea).

Enhanced Athletic Performance - Massage reduces the likelihood of specific injuries and allows you to use your full-range of motion to compete at the highest level.