Health Care At Home

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We are our first Health Insurance, without it we lose control of all others, with it we take control of our health.

Health care begins at home before the need to see a health professional. Health care will continue at home after seeing a health professional.

Self-care is health care at home. Self-care is Preventative.

Saturday, August 31, 2013

Clinical Trials Information

The National Library Of Medicine and Clinicaltrials.gov have made it possible for the general public to obtain data and to research clinical trials studies on most conditions.

Here are details of specific trials. They are up to date at time of reading this post. You may go directly to the website as well.


To access other diseases and conditions, go to their website and do a search.
Clinicaltrials.gov

Wednesday, July 31, 2013

Second Mastectomy- A Preventative Measure

More women are deciding to have their second breast removed to prevent cancer developing again.

According to a study, it could be a  preventative measure to protect their health and save their lives

Researchers studied 542 women with breast cancer and identified three factors which put them at risk of developing cancer in the second breast.
  • More than one tumor in the same breast at time of diagnosis
  • A high score in the Gail model
  • Cancer begins in the milk producing glands rather than the milk ducts, then invading surrounding tissue
The women in the study who had all three risk factors had both breasts removed between 2000 and 2007. Researchers believe that these women are good candidates for removal of the second breast to protect their health and save their lives. Read More

Sunday, July 14, 2013

Surgical Checklist Can Reduce Complications


A simple surgical checklist could make surgery safer than ever, the checklist mentioned by the World Health Organization(WHO)as a 'safe surgery' tool will decrease mortality and complications.

Researchers found that the simple surgical checklist can reduce complications and deaths after major surgery.



The study took place in the following cities:
  • Toronto, Canada
  • London, UK
  • Auckland, Newzealand
  • Seattle, USA
  • Jordan
  • India
  • Manilla, Philippines
  • Tanzania
Data was collected from 7688 patients: 3733 before the checklist was initiated and 3955 after completion of the checklist.  Hospitals in both high and low income settings  participated.
Result:
  1. The reductions in complications were of equal magnitude in both settings.
  2. Major complications rate fell from 11% to 7%
  3. Inpatient deaths fell by by more than 40%

The checklist in question, is a three-step process, initiated before anaesthesia, then prior to the skin incision and completed before the patient leaves the OR.
Read Report

Hospitals responded well to the results of the study, Many around the world are expected to implement its use making major surgery safer than ever.

Thursday, June 13, 2013

Elderly Not Affected By Intensity of Exercise

Researchers wanted to evaluate the different intensities of aerobic exercise on the elderly with mild cognitive impairment.

According to the result of study the intensity of aerobics had no effect on the participants.

The randomized study involved 48 patients in residential homes for the elderly.

They were placed in one of three groups:
1-Performed aerobics exercise at 40% heart rate reserve
2-Performed aerobic exercise at 60% heart rate reserve
3-Performed recreational activities.

Their functional ability and cognitive level were assessed:
1-Before the intervention
2-At the end the study (3 months)
3-Three months later

On completion of the study, all patients in the aerobic training improved marginally.

There were no differences regarding cognitive level and functional ability among those in the aerobic training program and those who performed recreational activites.

The study was published in the Clinical Rehabilitation in May, 2012

Wednesday, May 29, 2013

So You Want To Quit Smoking!

Nicotine is the killer drug in the cigarettes and cigars that people smoke.

When you smoke the nicotine affects the brain making you temporarily calm and more alert; you actually get a mood boost. When the effects wear off the cravings to be calm and alert return and you go for another cigarette for a boost.

These personal benefits make it difficult to quit. Smoking however is bad for health because it is a #1 cause of various cancers, cardiovascular disease, respiratory diseases and more. It suppresses your immune system; it is a leading cause of premature death.


Smoking is; however, a modifiable risk factor that can be stopped. There are many things one can do to quit and stay quit.

Benefits of Quitting Smoking
 The benefit of quitting is: 'good health' first and most important, but their are social and environmental benefits as well.

People who quit reduce their risk for non-communicable diseases(NCD's) and premature deaths. Within hours of quitting  their blood pressure drops. Quitting reduces your risk  for heart disease, strokes, lung disease, cancer and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease(COPD).

A woman's health is improved when she quits, quitting decreases her risk for infertility and complications during pregnancy.  Smoking during pregnancy can cause premature births and still births. Babies of mothers who smoke during pregnancy are at greater risk of being sick neonates.

The good thing about quitting is that there is a lot of free resources online and locally. There is support locally, nationally and internationally.When you decide to quit:
  • Set a date to do so
  • Get rid of all your cigarettes, ashtrays and lighters by this date
  • Tell your health professional of your decision and ask for support
  • Tell your spouse or friends
  • Join a no-smoking program online, most are free
  • Check out the resources available in your local community
  • Hang out with non-smoking colleagues or peers
  • Try nicotine replacement therapy
  • Cut down on the number you smoke

When you quit, it may not be easy, remember it is a lifestyle change that is taking place. The changes would affect may aspects of your life. The changes will help you succeed with quitting and the benefits are long-term. Nicotine is also very addictive.

Lifestyle Changes
Mood Boost-Try alternate natural ways to keep calm and alert. There are many self-help books and resources that can  help you. should you find an alternative, stick with it.

More sleep-Get sufficient sleep: instead of staying up with a cigarette, hit the pillow instead. More sleep is adding to even better health.

Physical activity-Have some free time? Go for physical activity such as walking, running and cycling. Don't remain inactive too long.  Purchase a good exercise/fitness equipment for home use.

Leisure- Cut out habits that seem to accompany your smoking routine, for example: a certain past time or hobby that triggers the urge to smoke, or a place you go regularly.   Hang out with people you know that don't smoke.


If quitting is still difficult there are behaviour change programs, counseling. hypnotherapy and mHealth:  they are approved methods that work.

Parents can be an example to  their children to help them develop non-smoking lifestyles and to protect them from second hand smoke.

Support World No Tobacco Day.

 Reading Material
The Benefits Of Quitting

Free Weight Loss Program

This is an online program that focuses on health management for those who want to lose weight and keep it off. If you are a smoker and concerned about gaining weight it is ideal. You would learn to lose weight and quit the smoking habit for your health. Click here to subscribe.

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