Tips Guides Resources

Tamiflu, whose common scientific name is oseltamivir, is part of a family of flu fighting medicines called neuraminidase inhibitors. Tamilflu is used in the treatment of infections caused by both the influenza A and influenza B viruses. Tamiflu, which requires a prescription, can be used both to treat the flu if taken soon after symptoms appear, or to prevent the flu. The difference between Tamiflu and a vaccine is that Tamiflu helps your immune system be in a position to fight off the advance of the viral infection, whereas a vaccine is just a straight injection of dead influenza that causes your immune system to produce antibodies to fight off the virus itself.

Tamiflu demand has skyrocketed over the past year for several reasons. There was a shortage of available flu vaccine during flu season 2005, with in some cases only enough for senior citizens or those with more vulnerable immune conditions being able to get vaccinated. Also, the U.S. government was concerned that an outbreak of bird flu in the United States could leave the U.S. short on flu vaccines, causing them to hold back supplies just in case of an outbreak. However, the bird flu is different form human influenza.

Bird Flu is much harder to transmit than human influenza, requiring very close physical contact to spread the disease. Bird flu has been observed in countries where humans and animals are in close contact. There have been roughly 70 deaths worldwide and approximately 130 infections since 2005. The primary concern of health officials around the world is that bird flu will infect a person already carrying the human influenza strain, and that the two viruses will somehow swap genetic material, causing the bird flu to mutate into a virus that spreads much faster through the air, like human influenza, only this virus would be more deadly. A highly virulent straight of mutated bird flu could create a pandemic for the world, as did the Spanish Flu virus of the early 1900’s that killed 20 to 50 million people worldwide.

The bird flu is associated with the influenza A strain H5N1 flu virus. Although not the same as the Spanish flu virus, the current avian flu strain does share many similarities with the Spanish flu strain. Initial studies have shown that Tamiflu may be effective in helping to fight the effects of this flu virus if the medication is taken very early after flu symptoms appear. As a result, the demand for Tamiflu has skyrocketed as consumers have rushed to their doctors to obtain prescriptions and gone online to buy the drug from internet pharmacies.

A Swiss drug maker, F. Hoffman La-Roche Ltd., currently has a tight hold on the manufacturing of Tamiflu. Biolyse Pharma Corp., when turned down in its bid to try to enter the Tamiflu marketplace, had decided as of December of 2005 to attempt to mass produce several tons of shikimic acid, which is the main ingredient in Tamiflu, from the needles of discarded Christmas trees, as well as other pine, fir, and spruce trees. Such trees are the main source of shikimic acid.

Oseltamivir, sold under the brand name Tamiflu, is one of several medications approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for the treatment and prevention of influenza. Flu shots are still the best way to prevent someone from developing the flu, but as of right now there is no known vaccine for the bird flu. The CDC has announced that development of a vaccine has begun.

Jim Pretin is the proprietor of http://www.consumersavingsrx.com, a licensed online pharmacy that sells various FDA regulated prescription drugs, including Tamiflu.

Medical science has seen so much of advancement in the last decade or more that these days there are probably only a few things that cannot be corrected by surgery. Laser eye treatment is one such technological wonder and it has turned out to be a well established and successful procedure and a number of people are using this as a way to sort out their vision problems. As with all surgery here too, there are some risks involved in having a serious complication like your vision being threatened or severe eye injury although they are small. But since it has been established that the surgery is not without risks we can explore some of the common risks involved.

We start with the occurrence of under correction and overcorrection. Eyes are special and unique in nature and each person’s eye will respond differently to laser eye treatment so it is possible that you may continue needing corrective lenses even after surgery for clarity in your vision and another procedure may be required to correct this deficiency. Regression occurs when patients find that the effects of the procedure are diminishing as in under correction and another surgery may be required.

Excessive corneal haze occurs as part of the healing process and generally it has a miniscule effect on the final result and clarity of vision obtained, though any excesses can interfere with normal vision which may require further laser treatment. There is a 1-in-a-1000 chance of infection and delayed healing of the cornea after having undergone laser eye treatment but lasting effects don’t appear till within four years of the procedure.

Irregular removal of tissue and or existence of corneal haze may interfere with the best obtainable vision for patients who use lenses and the result may not be as good as before. It leads to a decrease in the best-corrected vision. The irregular healing of the corneal tissue flap or a distorted flap may cause some distortion in the cornea, and this could also mean a decrease in vision.

Severe dry eye syndrome occurs when the eye is not able to produce enough tears post surgery to keep the eyes wet and comfortable. While this does not cause discomfort it does affect the quality of vision to a slight extent because of intermittent blurring and then there is a possibility that this might be permanent and require further surgery or at the very least, an intensive course of treatment with eye drops.

The halo effect is best defined as an optical effect experienced when there are low lights. When the pupil opens, the patient will find another image slightly faded that is in the peripheral part of the cornea that was not treated and this can cause trouble while driving at night. Flap damage or loss happens when the tissue flap hinged to the central cornea comes unhinged. While the flap can be replaced there is a chance that this bit of tissue may get damaged or lost.

All in all, there are risks involved with laser eye surgery. So one will have to take an informed decision to go ahead with it, weighing all the pros and cons and knowing what to expect and how best to deal with it.

More information on the risks of laser eye surgery

risks of laser eye surgery

http://www.lasiksurgeryhelp.com

There is a little-known natural solution to curing oneself of arthritis pain, which I discovered many years ago. Getting rid of arthritis pain, without drugs, was one big relief for me.

Arthritis pain can be experienced whenever a stiff or swollen joint is used. There are more than 100 different types of medical conditions that can affect your joints; it’ll be difficult to treat your condition effectively unless you know exactly what your diagnosis is; get diagnosed. Sometimes arthritis occurs in the wrist, elbows, shoulders, and jaw but you generally don’t find it there.

The ability to make repairs to cartilage becomes limited as cartilage cells age. Joints are designed for normal and painless movement and are primarily supplied by the synovium and cartilage. Collagen is the main protein found in all connective tissues in the body, including the muscles, ligaments, and tendons.

Aging cells may be a factor in the development of arthritis. One possible cause of arthritis is the inflammatory response due to the over-reaction of the immune system to an injury or other assault in the body, like an infection. It’s generally thought that inflammation plays a minor role in osteoarthritis and is more likely to be a result, not a cause, of arthritis.

With natural treatments there will be fewer, if any, side effects or adverse reactions. Many have told me that going off dairy products and gluten containing foods relieved their arthritis pain entirely. Not a food, but many, including one well-known professional golfer, still wear copper bracelets and swear by them.

Watch your diet closely - load-bearing joints are affected by excessive weight; they are the hips, knees, feet and spine. For natural treatment for arthritis make an appointment with a naturopathic doctor, called a naturopath; ask around for referrals. A study in Great Britain touted the beneficial effects of cod liver oil on osteoarthritis; relieving pain and stiffness, and reversing the destruction of joint cartilage within 24 hours.

For snacks, choose raw nuts without salt instead of lifeless roasted nuts. And avoid all inflammatory foods, if you can.

Try massaging your fingers or other affected joints with coconut oil twice a day. If you really want to get rid of your arthritis pain forever it may take a radical change in your diet and ongoing commitment.

Important exercises for arthritis are range-of-motion exercises, isometrics, and some weight bearing exercises. For arthritic fingers, a good exercise is to put your finger tips together and press hard and release, then repeat several times. Even if you don’t think you can exercise, you can do some movements. At bedtime try putting on a pair of stretch gloves to help reduce the pain and swelling in your fingers for those of you who have arthritic fingers.

Whatever you do, keep moving; don’t sit when you can stand, don’t stand when you can walk. Try to keep painful joint areas in motion, even in a limited manner. A good exercise routine is the key to beating arthritis and arthritis pain - keep moving.

Conventional doctors may suggest the standard protocol for your joint pain; they tell you to take over-the-counter NSAIDS or prescribe COX-2 inhibitors, of which all have side effects.

If you’re planning to take any of the non-prescription NSAIDS for arthritis, make sure you understand what bad effects they can have on the stomach, liver and/or kidneys and discuss this with your doctor. For conventional treatment of arthritis - if you do choose to take drugs or medications, be very careful and read the labels thoroughly.

One should not only search for relief of arthritis pain but work on preventing it. Knowing more about arthritis and how it works will ultimately help contribute to the relief of your arthritis pain. More and more conventional doctors are investigating the benefits of diet and alternative therapies.

For more information on arthritis pain relief and arthritis treatments go to http://www.FastArthritisPainRelief.com Helen Hecker R.N.’s website specializing in arthritis pain relief with tips, advice and resources, including information on arthritis diets and natural arthritis treatments

Do you know that many people who are suffering chronic asthmatic condition need to rely on some medication, whether oral or through inhalation. These can cause some adverse side effects and stress on the body on the long-time.

Being mentioned of conventional medication, almost all asthmatics require the use of asthma inhalers even if they are taking some kind of oral medication. There are several different types of inhalers:

3 Basic Types Of Inhalers:

1)Aerosol from a canister (better known as a metered dose) is probably the most popular type
2)An inhaler device that delivers a powder that is inhaled into the lungs
3)A nebulizer that delivers the asthma medication as a mist

When using asthma inhalers with the metered dose it is extremely important that the proper technique is used.

8 Simple Techniques for Metered Dose Asthma Inhalers

1. Shake well. Be sure to shake the inhaler several times before each use

2. Do not lie down; stand with your head up straight

3. Exhale as much as possible until you feel you have no more air inside your lungs then insert the asthma inhalers mouthpiece into your mouth sealing it with your lips

4. After you have sealed the mouthpiece start to breathe in and simultaneously press down one time and only one time on the canister to release a single dose

5. Pull the device out of your mouth and continue to try and breathe through your open mouth for four to five seconds until your lungs are full of air

6. After your lungs are full of air hold your breath for at least ten seconds

7. Of course, exhale out!

8. If after step seven you still aren’t breathing properly repeat steps one-seven
Incorrect asthma inhalers technique can cause poor delivery of your medication to the lungs. This most likely will occur if your delivery is late when inhaling and pressing once on the canister, a released puff half way through the process will be lost.

What are Spacers?

A spacer is a device that has a chamber that receives the aerosol before it is inhaled. These spacers serve two functions for in asthma inhalers:

The first is to compensate the difficulties in timing of the actual inhalation and the actuation of the canister. The second function is to slow down the speed at which the aerosol impacts the back of the throat.

It should be noted that spacers are not foolproof, there is still some timing required on the part of the user. If the asthma inhaler is activated on the exhausting of the breath instead of the inhalation then you will loose at least half of your medication.

So by undertanding the basic types of inhalers, 8 simple techniques on how to use inhalers, and what are spacers, you may be free yourself the agony of having asthma again. You should never add to, or alter any component of your current asthma treatment without first consulting your physician.

However, many asthmatics sometimes tend to forget that although they are aware the various types of inhalers and how to use them properly in order to manage asthma well. Without a proper asthma recovery system, there will not be much asthma free lifestyle to hope no matter how much knowledge you have with regards to inhalers.

Apply this knowledge in choosing a good inhalers together with an effective asthma recovery system - enjoy your life once again.

Eddy Kong is the author of a 7-day Asthma Recovery System, “How to Quickly & Effectively Treat Your Asthma Condition”. Drop by at Asthma Recovery Center for your free copy.

Aside from the usual side effects of back pain, like the disturbance of your sleeping habits and the difficulty in sitting still during extended periods of time, the real concern should be addressed to the cause for back pain. Because if the occurring back pain is persistent (e.g. chronic back pain) that spans over a period of time (such as 3 months) then there should be a considerable cause behind it. Unfortunately since back muscles are the hardest working muscle group in the body, back pains are a frequent occurrence which indirectly effects it being the hardest to identify condition. So its is a good investment to learn all about back pain, the causes and the side effects of back pain, and how it is prevented or if the condition is occurring, how best to relieve the effect. Because being equipped with the proper knowledge is the best preventive measure for any ailment anytime.

If you find these conditions accompanying your back pain, then it is strongly suggested that you seek professional help.

Fever and chills: back pain with fever especially if accompanied by chills (indication of severe body heat loss) is often a symptom of a viral infection. The back pain is usually where the affected gland is. One such example is Hepatitis, where a blunt pain is experienced in the lower back and accompanied by fever and chills. Appendicitis also shows these symptoms.

History of cancer with recent weight loss (or unexplained weight loss) it is not uncommon for cancer to be the actual cause for the back pain.

Severe trauma: fractured or cracked spinal is a deadly cause for back pain. If you have persistent back pain occurrence after a surgical operation, most probably there are still issues that are overlooked. Consult your surgeon. Likewise, if you experience a sharp pain moments after you had a sharp fall, then you should be on your way to the doctor.

Significant weakness on the legs accompanying a back pain signifies a major nerve disorder. Dysentry, Crohns disease, or ulcerative colitis are also a possibility.

Sudden bowel and/or bladder incontinence. Either difficulty passing urine or having a bowel movement, or loss of control of urination or bowel movement. Though in some cases, this is self treatable.

Severe, continuous abdominal pain and back pain signifies major problems in the organs.

Though in some cases, back pains do not cause major problems (cases where the above conditions are absent), the best you can do is start an exercise regimen that is supplemented with a healthy diet and good water consumption. If you experience a bad back, do not fret too much. Study your condition. If nothing is out of place, side effects of back pain will mostly interfere with your daily routine which can be annoying. At most, side effects of back pain include discomfort in sitting in extended periods, a disturbance in your sleep, and an irritating pain every time you try to bend over. Either case, it is nothing that a good living (with exercise) cannot cure.

Ron Goodpaster is a loving husband and father of six beautiful children. He has written many articles on health and nutrition. Please visit his website at
www.backpainhelpguide.com

Gastric bypass surgery is one of the bariatric surgical procedures for reduction of stomach volume. It is generally advised for people whose Body Mass Index is above 35, who don’t respond to conventional diet and exercise and now face life threatening health risks. But this method of weight loss comes with its own set of problems and about 10-20 percent people have to go in for follow-up surgery to correct the complications due to the original surgery. Some complications are enumerated below. One must discuss all possible options and side effects with the surgeon before taking on this procedure.

Post-surgery Pulmonary Embolism is a situation where there is a one percent chance of blood clots developing in the legs. But there are some techniques available that do prevent this problem like the use of surgical compression stockings that put pressure on the legs and ensure that blood flow is maintained after surgery. But in a situation where the clots have formed they may break off and get carried into the lungs, where they can get caught and then emergency surgery is required.

Post-surgery Peritonitis is a condition where a staple or suture used during surgery ruptures and stomach fluid leaks into the abdominal cavity. The ensuing infection is called peritonitis which is a serious condition. Emergency surgery to seal the leak and a course of antibiotics to kill the infection is called for in such a case.

Post-surgery Gallstones are caused by rapid weight loss. If gallstones exist before the operation then the surgeon will remove the gall bladder during the operation to prevent further complications. Generally medication is administered to avoid problems developing after this kind of surgery.

Post-surgery Chronic Vomiting happens because the connection between the stomach and the intestines narrow as a result of scar tissue forming. When food cannot pass easily, there tends to be vomiting after eating. During follow-up surgery, the doctor inserts a balloon into the opening and stretches it. It is an outpatient procedure and has a 90% success rate.

Post-surgical Dumping Syndrome occurs when food moves too fast through the small intestine and causes nausea, weakness, sweating, faintness, and possibly diarrhea soon after eating. Highly refined foods like sugar are known to cause this problem. Maintaining a proper diet can control and prevent this from happening. .

Post-surgery Nutritional Deficiencies like anemia, osteoporosis, and metabolic bone disorders are common occurrences. Dietary supplements and professional help from a dietician to ensure there is no nutritional deficiency generally helps.

Post-surgery Stomach Ulcers develop on top of the intestine when it is connected to the new stomach pouch. This is generally treated by traditional ulcer treatments.

Post-surgical Hernia develops in parts of the abdominal muscles at a weak point that allows a part of the stomach or intestines to push through. This can be corrected through surgery.

Pregnancy is something that women should avoid for at least two years after surgery to prevent serious post-surgical complications. A pregnant woman has to take the correct nutritional supplements to protect both her and the baby from developing nutritional deficiencies.

Post-surgical Bowel Obstruction results when the scar tissue develops at the place where the stomach was sewn or stapled to create a smaller pouch. Immediate emergency medical treatment that may include surgery is called for.

More information on gastric bypass surgery complications

gastric bypass surgery complications

http://www.gastricbypassguru.com