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Showing posts from October, 2016

Participatory Medicine

Participatory medicine is the emerging paradigm of health care. Dr. Zerhouni, Director of the National Institutes of Health, stated in an interview that the relationship between patient and doctor is changing rapidly. Previously, the patient assumed a passive role, receiving direction from an all-knowing doctor. The doctor is now expected to provide more explanation and communication with the patient and the patient is expected to become more literate and take a more active role in his or her own health. Internet Use Resulted in the Emergence of the e-patient The availability of the Internet allowed patients to access medical information that was previously unavailable. The medical establishment previously took the view that the lay person was generally unable to understand complex medical problems, so medical libraries and other sources of information were "off-limits." The Internet leveled the playing field, and the results were astounding. When individuals faced med

Ocular Albinism

The lack of pigment that defines albinism affects not only outward appearance, but ocular development, as well. Oculocutaneous albinism affects pigment in the skin, hair and eyes. Ocular albinism exclusively affects the development of the eye. In these patients, skin and hair pigmentation appears normal. People with both forms of albinism experience congenital visual problems associated with lack of pigment in the eye. Albinism is a genetic condition. Because of this, and because of the complexity of the eye, treatment options for vision problems associated with albinism are limited. However, there are existing treatments that can improve patients’ vision, and recent research in gene therapy may give new hope to sufferers. Vision Problems Associated with Albinism According to Richard and Laura Windsor of the Low Vision Centers of Indiana (2004), the defining characteristic of ocular albinism is poor development in the center of the retina. This area, called the foveal pit, co

Lyme Disease – Know the Signs and Symptoms

Lyme disease is an illness caused by bacteria from the species called Borrelia. This bacterium can live in the stomachs of deer and mice. When a tick feeds from an infected animal, they can become carriers of this bacterium. These ticks can spread the disease to a person by biting the skin thus allowing the bacterium to enter the human body. The disease cannot be spread from person to person. (Journals.uchicago.edu “Clinical Infectious Diseases,” accessed October 6, 2016). Symptoms of Lyme Disease Early symptoms of Lyme disease develop within days to weeks of the initial contact. The early symptoms include headaches, fever, weakness and fatigue. The area on the skin where the bacterium enter becomes inflamed with a red, circular, non-raised rash that eventually looks like a bull’s eye target. Not all patients develop this rash and the rash, swelling and redness can resolve on its own in about a month. Other early symptoms may include muscle and joint stiffness and swollen glan

Methadone - Uses, Side Effects, and Withdrawal

Methadone is an opiate narcotic analgesic. Methadone has two main functions. It is prescribed to relieve moderate to severe pain in patients when non-narcotic pain relievers do not achieve adequate results. It is also used to prevent withdrawal symptoms and dependence in patients who are addicted to opiate drugs, such as heroin or morphine. Methadone for Pain Relief When used to treat moderate to severe pain, methadone works by changing the way the nervous system and the brain respond to pain. Methadone is considered an opiate (narcotic) analgesic. Methadone is used every four to 12 hours to relieve pain. The prescribing physician will decided on the correct dosage based on the needs of the individual patient. Dosages may be increased or decreased depending on the level of pain relief achieved. Methadone should not be stopped without first discussing this with the prescribing doctor. Doctors generally decrease the dosage to avoid any withdrawal symptoms. Methadone for Treatme

How to Protect Others When Someone Has Flu

Someone in the house has been diagnosed with the flu. This places others in the household, especially close contacts (those within six feet of the sick person), at risk for developing an influenza infection as well. While providing basic care, home caregivers of a person with the flu can protect themselves and others from unnecessary exposure to the influenza virus, may benefit from anti-viral prophylactic treatment, and can use sanitary practices that may lessen the spread of flu germs. Are People in the Household High Risk for Flu Complications? People who are high risk for complications of the flu should contact their healthcare provider regarding whether or not to obtain anti-viral treatment if they are in close contact with someone diagnosed with the flu. High risk groups for serious complications from the flu include, but are not limited to, those who are: 65 years old and older Pregnant or are within two weeks of an ended pregnancy Diagnosed with a chronic illness s