Battling For Health

Know Your Medications

This is a topic that bothers me quite a bit. Here of late I discovered that my mother, who I have talked about as being diabetic, was receiving medication she did not need. When she moved here from North Carolina, I took her to a doctor’s office I trusted, as the one she had been using for years had just struck me as very unprofessional. She would be in and out of the hospital for things that made no sense. Her doctor did not seem to have a good grip on what a diabetic needed. This has been bothering my husband and I for years.

On her very first visit to the new doctor, we found out she was receiving two medications that were not for the ailments she had complained of. One medicine she had been prescribed for acid reflux, it turns out it was only normally prescribed for nausea. Another medication she had been given that was not recommended for diabetics as it can cause very high glucose levels. The medication actually warns that diabetics can suffer from this on the packaging.

Her new doctor discontinued the medications, thankfully. As a diabetic, you should research your medications and know what side effects can be caused, discuss them with your doctor if you have doubts.

Do Not Rely On Your Doctor Alone.

A few days ago I was speaking with a friend who thought she had no recourse if a doctor chose a specific treatment for her. I was shocked that some people still feel this way. While doctors do go through years of medical school, they are not infallible. Doctors are human and make mistakes like the rest of us. If you have any doubts about your treatments, you should express your concerns to your doctor. He or she should consider your feelings in any treatment.

You are not stuck with the opinion of one doctor. When you have a doctor, please remember that they are employed by you to care for your body. Your body is the most valuable item you own, so of course you need to have the best care possible. Choose wisely, but never feel as if you have to keep the same doctor for eternity. You have the right to change doctors on any basis. Even if you just do not like the particular doctor’s hairstyle! That sounds a little fruity, I know, but everyone needs to know that they have a choice, no matter what.

You can have second, third, and fourth opinions on any treatment. Your doctor is not the only authority on your condition, in fact, you may find another who is more specialized and can help you further.

Your Doctor Is Human, Too.

I mentioned earlier that your doctor is human, just like you and makes mistakes. When you have a conversation with him or her, try to remember this. Just like the rest of us, your doctor has good days and bad days. At one meeting they might seem put off by your questions. No one likes to be questioned about things they know well. No one likes to have mistakes shoved under their noses in a confrontational manner. Be open and understanding in your conversations. Asking to have something explained, then offering your opinion is one thing, yelling at your doctor and refusing to try any approach is quite another.

If you and your doctor fail to reach any agreements, it is probably time to search for a new practitioner. Both for your sake and for your doctor’s.

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Glenmark Pharmaceutical’s molecule for rheumatoid arthritis (RA), dubbed as GRC 4039 has entered Phase I trials.

The said clinical trial has been approved by the U.K.’s Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA).

Glenmark Pharmaceuticals plans on developing GRC 4039 (a PDE 4 inhibitor) in rheumatoid arthritis – its primary indication. Completion of the Phase 1 trials is expected by Glenmark by October 2008, while the initiation of Phase II by January 2009.

GRC 4039, a selective PDE4 inhibitor is intended for rheumatoid arthritis [RA] and inflammatory disorders. After the withdrawal/setback of COX-2 Inhibitors and the void that exists in RA therapy for orally available potent small molecules, this is a potential block-buster opportunity in the global market.

According to Mr. Glenn Saldanha, MD & CEO, Glenmark Pharmaceuticals Ltd.:

“We are happy to take GRC 4039 forward into Phase I trials. This is Glenmark’s fourth molecule to enter the clinics from our pipeline of eight NCEs and NBEs, and demonstrates our steady progress in the drug discovery space.

RA has been selected as the primary indication for its commercial attractiveness, the unmet medical need for potent and convenient oral therapies and the sound biological rationale for PDE-4 inhibitor–based treatment in RA.”

During pre-clinical testing, GRC 4039 demonstrated over 3700 fold selectivity to PDE4, indicating the potential for a once-daily regimen.

Additionally, there was no emesis in the pre-clinical models. The molecule demonstrated favourable results in early toxicology studies, a good safety margin and also exhibited good efficacy in in-vivo RA and TNF- ? inhibition models.

PDE4 (phosphodiesterase) inhibitor is a drug that can block the major cAMP-metabolizing enzyme found in inflammatory and immune cells — thus have the potential as anti-inflammatory drugs that can fight against an inflammatory condition such as rheumatoid arthritis.

Find more details from the Glenmark Pharma PR (a pdf file).

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I shouldn’t be surprised by this: according to Alzheimer’s and Dementia, cognitive impairment (such as dementia) is affecting a smaller percentage of elderly Americans today that it did fifteen years ago. HealthCentral quotes the study as saying that these problem affected from 12.2 percent in 1993 and 8.7 percent in 2002.

Now, that doesn’t mean that the number of people with Alzheimer’s disease isn’t increasing. We’re still facing a coming Alzheimer’s epidemic as more people live long enough to show the symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease. But of those who live long, fewer of them are having problems with their memory.

The most important reason? Fewer strokes, fewer mini-strokes, and less vascular dementia (from poor blood flow to the brain), thanks to healthier diets and medications. The discovery that aspirin can prevent cardiovascular disease has probably helped millions. My grandmother took an aspirin pill every day.

The study suggests that using your brain can build up reserves that can withstand troubles such as strokes, head injuries, plaques and tangles. But don’t wait until you turn 80 to take up video games and crossword puzzles. You should build up those reserves as soon as possible, as young as possible. The American Psychological Association finds benefits in short mental workouts. They say,

“Memory devices such as mnemonics, routines, visualization, linking new learning to something personally meaningful, and other strategies can boost memory. The greatest gains come from combining memory skill training with cognitive restructuring – in other words, accepting normal age-related changes and actively compensating for them.”

Why is working out so hard for people, even mental workouts? I think that we associate work with drudgery. There aren’t many sweatshops in the West, where people are expected to do the same thing hour after hour, over and over, all day long, for years. Or are there? It seems to me that that idea of division of labor, where some people do one thing and never do anything else, makes people want to do nothing at all when they get a chance. They long for retirement, and when it comes, they often die.

If we all did different things all day long, we could do them longer. We could do them happier. If writing poetry or researching plants was considered something that anybody could do, then everybody might try it. Brains would get more exercise.

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Birthday goodness denied

A friend of mine once lamented that she would be unable to make a traditional birthday cake for her diabetic daughter. This really made her feel down, because parents love giving their children the best that they can for their birthday. She was positive her daughter could not have a birthday cake at all.

Never fear, Julie is here! Ok, so I did not say that exactly, but close enough. I did a search for Angel Food Cake, grabbed a recipe and designed a cake any little girl would love. Do you all remember ‘doll’ cakes? A cake was the skirt for a Barbie or other Barbie-type doll? It takes a lot of icing, but even for a diabetic child, this can be managed with an Angel food or chiffon cake, and a little creativity.

The Recipe

*3/4 c. sifted flour
*1/2 c. sugar
*1/4 tsp. salt
*1/2 c. sugar
*1 1/2 tbsp. liquid sugar substitute(or ¼ cup powder sugar sub.)
*2 tblsp cocoa powder
*10 egg whites
*1 tsp. cream of tartar
*1/2 tsp. vanilla extract

Beat egg whites, salt, and cream of tartar until the mixture begins to form peaks. Beat in ½ of the sugar. Beat until stiff peaks form. Beat in vanilla, remaining sugar, sugar substitute. Very gently, fold in the flour a small amount at a time. When it is completely incorporated, spoon batter into an ungreased angel food cake pan.

Sprinkle the cocoa powder over the top of the batter, then swirl in with a butter knife. This will make very pretty chocolate swirls throughout the cake.

Frosting

2 pkgs. low-calorie whipped topping mix
1 pkg. instant pudding
Sugar substitute to equal 1/4 c. sugar
1 1/2 c. cold water
1 tsp. vanilla extract
Pinch of salt
Food coloring

Mix all of the ingredients together in a bowl, If you want to make several different colors, separate into small bowls. Add in drops of food coloring until your frosting is the desired color. Add the water slowly during the mixing to help you decide when the frosting the right consistency for your preference.

The How-To

After your cake is baked, you might have a perfect sized hole in the middle for the doll. If not, here is a simple tip to get her to fit just right. Take a thread and hold each end tight in your fingers, then ‘saw’ off portions of cake that rose over the top of the pan. This will allow the cake to sit level and give you extra cake to fill in the middle hole, giving the doll some stability. Put the doll right into this hole, then stuff some of that extra cake into the hole, just around her waist.

Trim the blunt edges of the cake to give the top a more rounded look. If you need, you can put this into the doll section, as well. If not, just snack on it. I won’t tell. If you used a mold that did not have a flat top, you’re ahead of us right now. Go sit in the corner until called. Thank you.

Ok, you can come back now. Begin frosting the cake at the doll’s waist. A piping bag can come in handy here, pipe the frosting into the hole and up the doll’s waist a bit. Then, radiate out from the doll in rings. You can use a spatula or continue piping. I have seen doll cakes with dresses made entirely with the star tip! Use your imagination. Perfection does not count nearly as much as the look on your little girl’s face when she see’s a doll cake made by mommy (or aunt, or sis, or grandma!).

If you are using several colors, don’t forget to add in little garnishes here and there. You can even ‘dress’ the doll with frosting. And with this low-sugar frosting, you won’t feel guilty one bit.

Remember!

Even though this cake and frosting is low sugar, the recipe does contain sugar. You should check your child’s blood glucose levels before and after eating to ensure their birthday fun is, well, fun. Serve low/no sugar drinks, main course, and snacks to go with the cake. I found a great sugar free home-made ice cream recipe that would go great with a little girl’s party. It’s pink! (strawberry)

Home Made No Sugar Strawberry Icecream

*3 cups nonfat dry milk powder
*6 tablespoons butter, melted
*1 cup boiling water
*24 packages Sweet ‘n Low sweetener, or Equal
*1 small pkg sugar free vanilla pudding mix
*4 cans sugar-free strawberry soft drink
*16 ounces frozen strawberries, sliced*
*3 cups skim milk, (or 4 cups)

Mix all ingredients in a bowl, pour slowly into your ice cream maker to the ‘fill’ line. Follow manufacturer’s directions to freeze the ice cream.

Other Guests

If your other guests are coming to your child’s party, then they are probably already aware that your child is diabetic. The above recipes may not taste the same as traditional, but they should be pretty enough to satisfy any little girl. If you take a moment to register for the contest for the copy of The Big Book of Diabetic Desserts we’re giving away, you can find a lot of other cakes and treats you can offer your little one. No one, not even you, will belive that the desserts you make are low in sugar and diabetic safe. So safe, the book is endorsed by the American Diabetes Association!
Pretty cool, huh? A whole book full of super tasty treats you can bake for your child and not have to feel a bit guilty over.

Ok, Where Is The Boy Cake?

Hey, I’m working on it! I have a little boy, only 18 months old, so I am still learning about all the stuff little boys love. We have a construction cake for him, so I’m thinking of offering a Dirty Boy Birthday. No, don’t look at your husband, I am not offering AXE Bodywash or anything like that.

I think dirt cups are great, but they’re packed with sugar. So how about I experiment with some low-sugar dirt cups just for your little boy? Coming up soon!

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About 1 in 12 women will contract breast cancer some time during their life, with the odds increasing as they age. But with modern medicine, treatment can be relatively simple and effective. Key to that success, though, is early detection. A regular mammogram is one traditional and still highly useful tool to do so.

A mammogram is a simple x-ray photograph of the breast area. The plates are then examined by a radiologist, who is trained to look at the subtle differences in the picture for indications of tumors. It is an important part of the regime to distinguish between benign cysts and cancerous growths.

When getting a mammogram you will partly disrobe and lie against a flat surface that is, unfortunately often cold. Be prepared for some mild discomfort. That discomfort will continue as the procedure progresses.

As the technician prepares you for the x-ray photograph, they’ll typically place a device called a compressor over your breast. That’s needed in order to flatten the tissue, in order to get the clearest possible x-ray photograph. The discomfort isn’t pleasant, but the procedure often takes only a few minutes so it’s well worth it for the information gleaned.

X-rays will be taken from several angles in order to provide the radiologist with several views. Since tumors begin small, and can reside deep under tissue, the more visual information the doctors get, the better chance they have of spotting anything that exists. Likewise, the better look they get, the more confidently they can rule out the possibility of any tumor being present.

Some contemporary hygiene products can lessen the clarity of that view. Deodorant with aluminum oxide (a common ingredient), sunscreen, skin ointments and other substances may obscure the view by absorbing some of the x-ray energy. Take a good shower the day of the test, but otherwise leave off any powders, creams, lotions, sprays or other product.

As part of the test, physicians will sometimes perform a manual exam similar to a breast self-exam. They’ll be looking for much the same thing as you would. Though they can’t know your body history as intimately as you, they are skilled at detecting subtle thickening, lumps and other indicators.

In the mammogram and the exam they’ll be looking for hardened cell clumps, which are often immobile and irregular in shape. Soft, mobile lumps may be nothing more than a benign, fluid-filled cyst.

When the patient desires it, usually when the insurance company is willing to cover the expense or there is good reason for extra tests, other procedures can supplement the mammogram. Ultrasound, for example, is becoming more common. They are limited in their ability to detect very early cancer development, but so is a mammogram.

More sophisticated tests have been developed, such as the QM-MSP (quantitative multiplex methylation-specific PCR), that can detect cancer growths as small as a clump of 50 cells with high reliability. As time progresses, such accurate tests will move into the mainstream. In the interim, a mammogram continues to be a good tool for providing peace of mind to the overwhelming majority of women.

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By Michael Russell

Before you had Multiple Sclerosis, getting into and out of the bed or a chair was a piece of cake, but that was before you had Multiple Sclerosis. Now some days you can barely lift even one of your legs without some help and you never know when you’re going to have one of those days. Life is rarely ever that convenient. You can, however, plan ahead instead of letting those days catch you by surprise. You can take control and be prepared for those occasional set backs that will eventually come.

Become familiar with and take advantage of handy and easy to use products like Leg Lifters and other similar lifter straps and other aids that make life easier for those living with Multiple Sclerosis. Keep them nearby and accessible as your back up plan for those lazy or weak leg days. Most of the leg lifters on the market today are lightweight, are from 32 to 42 inches in length and are made of some type of durable heavy-duty woven fabric. They feature two loops, one for your wrist and the other for your foot. Most also have a bendable metal rod that keeps the strap or lifter rigid but also allowing you to shape it for your own individual needs. Some companies also carry additional models for pediatrics or shorter individuals.

These wonder aids that give many increased freedom of mobility, often times are designed by the disabled and can assist you in moving your legs around in the bed while lying down or sitting down. They can help you reposition your legs in chairs, wheelchairs and scooters and are invaluable in transferring from chair to wheelchair to scooter or bed and back again.

The prices of these little miracle workers range from $10.95 to $16.99. Be sure to do your own comparative shopping for the lifter aid that might work best for you. Below is a list of companies that carry a leg lifter or some sort of lifter strap. This list isn’t exhaustive though. There are many more companies out there that also carry some type of leg lifter. This will at least get you started. Make sure you carefully check out the shipping policies, discounts and sales any company might have. Sometimes any one of these factors could drive up the price of your purchase.

If you’re not one who likes to try new things, consider looking for a lending closet nearby. Most lending closets carry living aids that makes moving around easier. Sometimes as a courtesy, they will even send someone out to show you how to use the items. If that fails give MSAA (Multiple Sclerosis Association of America) a call at 1-800-532-7667. Ask them about the availability of a leg lifter and a list of other available items. Be sure to ask to talk to someone who could encourage you to try new things to make your life easier. Here’s a toast to your freedom.

1800wheelchair.com carries the Leg Lifter for $11.95, order no. SKU: M159-2 Ameds.com carries two leg lifters: Rigid Leg Lifter (41 inches long) for $15.44, order no. AA8621 and Soft Flexible Leg Lifter (34 inches long) for $14.72, order no. AA8619 Jansenmedical.net carries the Leg Lifter (Navy Poly 42 inches long) for $12.82,order: Regular size #60 Devinemedical.us carries the same Leg Lifter (Navy Poly 42 inches long) for $13.25,order: Code: CM-10611. Check out the differences in shipping, discounts, etc. 4mymedicalsupplies.com carries the Leg Lifter (42 ½ inches long) for $10.95, order: Product# D29500 Amazon.com offers a Duro-Med Brand Leg Lifter Strap (32 inches long) for $13.99, order: Item model number: 640-8222-0000 Target.com carries the Leg Lifter (available online only-not in stores) for $16.99, Catalog # 10136461 Dynamic-living.com carries the Leg Lifter (39.75 inches long) for $10.99, order no. DL2450.

Michael Russell

Your Independent guide to Multiple Sclerosis

Article Source: EzineArticles.com/?expert=Michael_Russell

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You can’t always trust the headlines. Most journalists summarized the February 7 issue of Nature, quoted by HealthCentral, as a report that amyloid plaques, considered the main sign of Alzheimer’s disease, can form in one day in laboratory mice. That was interesting, That attracted the readers. That frightened many readers. It wasn’t the whole story.

According to Scientific American, the real story may be the opposite of what many readers expected. The real story revolves, in part, around the question, “Does amyloid plaque cause Alzheimer’s disease? Or does Alzheimer’s disease cause amyloid plaque?”

At least one doctor cautioned that, despite the headlines, the researchers weren’t saying that Alzheimer’s disease can form in one day. Alzheimer’s disease develops more slowly. The study found that soon after the plaque appeared, specialized cells called microglia appeared. Doctors wonder if microglia might actually fight the growth of plaque. Glial cells seemed to fill in spaces to stop further plaque formation.

As it turns out, says the study’s co-author Bradley Hyman, they didn’t see malformed neurons before the plaque appeared, but only after. Hyman is director of the Alzheimer’s Unit at Massachusetts General’s Institute for Neurodegenerative Disease, and his researchers decided that the plaque was causing the neurological damage, not the other way around. So this study seems to have answered one of the most important questions that Alzheimer’s disease researchers have been asking.

The real point of the research is not shock but hope. The story was not a warning that “you could get Alzheimer’s overnight!” but an inquiry into whether watching the formation of plaque can teach us what really causes the disease and how might it be prevented. And as the authors of The Myth of Alzheimer’s Disease have emphasized, not all dementia features the plaques and tangles of Alzheimer’s disease. Maybe dementia is the real monster.

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Just a reminder that there are only 9 days left until the winner of The Big Book Of Diabetics is drawn. Don’t forget to enter today!

Did I mention all of the great recipes in this book?

*Chocolate Chip Banana Bread
*Devil’s Food Snack Cake
*Cherry & Toasted Almond Pie
*Strawberry Cream Cheese Tart
*Chocolate Velvet Pudding
*Cappuccino Crème Brulee
*Raspberry Lemon Pudding Cake

That is not even the tip of the iceberg. You will forget you are eating a diabetic dessert, in fact these desserts are so decadent that no one would know. You will feel like you are cheating just by indulging in these truly wonderful creations.

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What Is Insulin Shock?

Insulin shock is characterized by a drop in blood glucose levels, often triggered by a diabetic trying to reach normal levels of blood glucose by using insulin. The glucose levels fall below 50 dl and can cause symptoms of shock.

The Symptoms

The Symptoms of Insulin shock can often be confused with symptoms of high blood glucose. Be sure to check the blood sugar levels before administering treatment.

*Pale or clammy skin.
*Cold sweats
*Irritability
*Shaky or weak movements
*Rapid heartbeat
*Strong hunger
*Clumsy

Treatment

First and foremost, give yourself or the diabetic a dose of sugar. It can be in pure table sugar form, candy, fruit juice, or soda. If you or the person you are helping is having trouble understanding to chew and swallow, try dissolving sugar in water and drinking it. (or giving them to drink). In some cases a diabetic you are treating may not be conscious and in that case you can put sugar under the tounge. While it dissolves, the sugar will be absorbed through the oral mucosa. Never just pour anything into the mouth of someone who is not awake, this can cause even bigger problems such as choking and drowning.

Aftercare

After blood glucose levels have been brought up enough to stabilize, feed your diabetic or yourself a meal packed with carbohydrates. This is important as often glucose levels will again drop not long after being raised. Check the glucose levels often after an insulin shock episode, it can fall again without warning even after sugar has been introduced into the body. Keep a stock of sugary items close at hand during such an episode.

Items to Have

A diabetic should always have an emergency insulin shock plan. The best plan of action is to know glucose levels before going on a long drive, hiking, or shopping for an extended period of time. Hyperglycemia is not nearly as dangerous as hypoglycemia, so while it is important to take your insulin, missing a dose will not cause a reaction in the same deadly areana as taking too much! But, just in case you do have too much insulin in your body have these items:

*Identifying jewelry or card for diabetes.
*Glucose gel or tablets
*Packets of sugar
*Hard candy
*Chocolate bar.
*Nutritional drink for after care (Ensure)
*Protein bar (for prevention)

Any of these items will help you in case of an insulin shock episode. If you find yourself feeling hungry, the best prevention for insulin shock is to eat. Having just a few of these items on hand in your purse or pockets can make a world of difference. Men can always carry a protein bar in their pocket and a few packs of sugar in a small ziptop bag, too. Not carrying a purse is not an excuse!
Always be on top of your glucose, before it is on top of you.

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By Steve Dempster

No-one likes to think they may ever develop a disease as serious in its implications as Multiple Sclerosis (MS). However, to be forewarned is indeed to be forearmed and early diagnosis can make a great difference to a patient’s progress. This article looks at some of the main early onset symptoms of the disease.

Due to the constraints placed on space within this article, only a brief overview of symptoms is possible. If you suspect you may be affected by any of the following symptoms of MS, consult your physician.

Visual symptoms include

* Optic Neuritis: This causes loss of colour vision, eye pain, blurred vision and (ultimately) blindness.

* Afferent Pupillary Defect: This gives rise to abnormal response of the pupil of the eye.

* Movement and sounds phosphenes: These can cause ‘flashing lights’ to be seen when moving the eyes or in response to a sudden noise.

* Nystagmus: this causes the eyes to move jerkily instead of smoothly.

* Diplopia: The medical term for ‘double vision’.

* Ocular Dysmetria: this causes constant under- or over-shooting of eye movements

Motor symptoms include

* Paresis; Monoparesis; Paraparesis; Hemiparesis and Quadraperesis: all names for muscle weakness, up to and including partial or mild paralysis.

* Spasticity: this causes stiffness, pain and restriction of free movement of limbs due to loss of muscle tone.

* Muscle atrophy: the wasting away of muscle tissue due to lack of use.

* Restless leg syndrome: these are involuntary leg movements, particularly bothersome at night.

* Hypotonia; Clonus: posture problems.

* Footdrop: this is when the foot drags along the floor when walking.

* Dysarthia: speech problems including slurring of speech.

Co-ordination and balance symptoms

* Dystonia: Slow feedback of limb position.

* Intention tremor: Shaking when fine movements are attempted.

* Ataxia: General loss of co-ordination.

* Speech ataxia: stuttering and general problems with speech co-ordination.

* Vestibular ataxia: abnormal functioning of the inner ear - can cause vertigo.

These are just some of the main symptoms of MS. There are many more in other areas but to list them all is well beyond the scope of this article. It is important, however, to realise that ignoring any of the above symptoms - particularly if they are tending to grow more severe or frequent - can lead to greater problems as the disease advances.

Although no cure is known for MS, there are many treatments available that do help control the condition to a greater or lesser extent and life expectancy - though perhaps not life quality - is roughly the same for those affected by Multiple Sclerosis as those who are not.

Again, if any of the above symptoms seem relevant to you, it is important to consult your doctor or physician. The symptoms you are having may be totally unrelated to Multiple Sclerosis but the old adage - better sure than sorry - certainly applies here.

If you’d like more information about aids to mobility or have mobility issues, pay us a visit at Electric Mobility World

Article Source: EzineArticles.com/?expert=Steve_Dempster

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