Herbal medicine has been successful in treating illnesses in animals and people throughout the years and can be compared to folk medicine in many cultures. Wild animals are though to instinctively know the proper herbs when sick. A program called the Hoxsey Program was originated by a man who observed which herbs were eaten by animals under the conditions of certain diseases.
The scientific research on using herbs is about where vitamins were 10 years ago. Many companies don't want to invest in expensive research because most herbs lack the ability to be patented, nor are they under a FDA regulation as drugs and medications typically are.
Many modern pharmaceutical drugs are compounds considered to be active ingredients in herbs. Herbalists defend that the pharmaceutical ingredients and the whole plant are not the same due to unique and complex properties of the original substances.
It can be difficult to find fresh herbs that are pleasant tasting to dogs. Herb combinations have been developed for certain syndromes and made into pills or capsules. They can be obtained from many herbal companies and are generally classified as Western Herbs or Chinese Herbs. Chinese combinations have been around for centuries and have a long record.
As with any change in your dog's regimen, keep your vet informed regarding the medications, herbs, and supplements your pet may be taking. Some of these can interfere with the absorption or action of another. And remember if herbs are natural doesn't mean they can't cause adverse effects if used inappropriately.
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
New Strain of H.I.V.
European scientists have discovered a new strain of the virus that causes AIDS and linked it to gorillas, creating a mystery about when and how the first patient found to have the strain became infected.
It is thought to be likely that this is the first time scientists have documented the jump of a simian immunodeficiency virus to humans from a gorilla. All three other known strains of the human immunodeficiency virus, H.I.V.-1, have been linked to chimpanzees. But genetic tests showed that the new virus was closely related to a recently recognized gorilla virus.
The most likely explanation for the new virus’s emergence is gorilla-to-human transmission, probably a result of humans slaughtering apes or handling or eating their meat.
But the scientists said they could not dismiss the possibility that the chimpanzee virus linked to H.I.V.-1 was transmitted to gorillas and then to humans, or was directly transmitted to humans and then to gorillas.
The new virus strain was isolated in 2004 from a 62-year-old woman upon her arrival in Paris from Cameroon in West Africa. She has not been treated for AIDS and has no signs of the syndrome, the scientists said.
The woman had lost weight in 2003 and had been ill with a fever a number of times, the scientists said in reporting the discovery, in the Aug. 2 issue of the journal Nature Medicine.
Her husband died in 1984 from complications of a stroke. It is not known if he was infected with H.I.V. The woman had six children, all born before 1980, a year before doctors first recognized AIDS; two of the children died of noninfectious causes, and none of the surviving children have H.I.V.
The authors of the report said they presumed that she had been infected through sex. The woman told her doctors that she had sexual partners in Cameroon after her husband’s death, but there was no information about whether any were infected — or, if they were, how they had contracted the virus.
The new virus may escape detection by standard blood and laboratory tests for H.I.V.-1. New testing methods developed in recent years have allowed scientists to detect subtypes of H.I.V.-1. The three others are known as H.I.V.-1 Groups M, N and O. Dr. Plantier’s team calls the new one H.I.V.-1 Group P.
It is thought to be likely that this is the first time scientists have documented the jump of a simian immunodeficiency virus to humans from a gorilla. All three other known strains of the human immunodeficiency virus, H.I.V.-1, have been linked to chimpanzees. But genetic tests showed that the new virus was closely related to a recently recognized gorilla virus.
The most likely explanation for the new virus’s emergence is gorilla-to-human transmission, probably a result of humans slaughtering apes or handling or eating their meat.
But the scientists said they could not dismiss the possibility that the chimpanzee virus linked to H.I.V.-1 was transmitted to gorillas and then to humans, or was directly transmitted to humans and then to gorillas.
The new virus strain was isolated in 2004 from a 62-year-old woman upon her arrival in Paris from Cameroon in West Africa. She has not been treated for AIDS and has no signs of the syndrome, the scientists said.
The woman had lost weight in 2003 and had been ill with a fever a number of times, the scientists said in reporting the discovery, in the Aug. 2 issue of the journal Nature Medicine.
Her husband died in 1984 from complications of a stroke. It is not known if he was infected with H.I.V. The woman had six children, all born before 1980, a year before doctors first recognized AIDS; two of the children died of noninfectious causes, and none of the surviving children have H.I.V.
The authors of the report said they presumed that she had been infected through sex. The woman told her doctors that she had sexual partners in Cameroon after her husband’s death, but there was no information about whether any were infected — or, if they were, how they had contracted the virus.
The new virus may escape detection by standard blood and laboratory tests for H.I.V.-1. New testing methods developed in recent years have allowed scientists to detect subtypes of H.I.V.-1. The three others are known as H.I.V.-1 Groups M, N and O. Dr. Plantier’s team calls the new one H.I.V.-1 Group P.
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
Athletic Training and Sports Medicine
The K-State Athletic Department places a top priority on helping its student-athletes to reach and maintain their best health and achieve their conditioning goals. Because of this, K-State has developed excellent training and conditioning programs to help prevent injuries and insure safe practice and competition habits. However, if injuries do occur, the department is prepared to implement a comprehensive rehabilitation program.
At Kansas State, the Certified Athletic Trainers are highly educated and skilled professionals specializing in athletic health care. In cooperation with physicians and other allied health personnel, the athletic trainers function as integral members of the athletic health care team.
Education
Certified athletic trainers have, at minimum, a bachelor's degree, usually in athletic training, health, physical education or exercise science. In addition, athletic trainers study human anatomy, human physiology, biomechanics, exercise physiology, athletic training, nutrition and psychology/counseling. Certified athletic trainers also participate in extensive clinical affiliations with athletic teams under appropriate supervision.
In addition, Certified Athletic Trainers are required to obtain 75 hours worth of Continuing Education Units (CEUs) within a three year period to remain in good standing. These CEUs, which are obtained from attending conferences, lectures, presentations, etc..., assist Certified Athletic Trainers in expanding their knowledge and training in the ever-changing world of medicine and rehabilitative therapy.
Certification
Certified athletic trainers have fulfilled the requirements for certification established by the National Athletic Trainers' Association Board of Certification, Inc. (NATABOC). The certification examination administered by NATABOC consists of a written portion with multiple choice questions; a practical section that evaluates the skill components of the domains within athletic training; and a written simulation test, consisting of athletic training related situations designed to approximate real-life decision making. This last portion of the test evaluates athletic trainers' ability to resolve cases similar to those they might encounter in actual practice.
The examination covers a variety of topics within the six practice domains of athletic training: Prevention Recognition, Evaluation and Assessment Immediate Care Treatment, Rehabilitation and Reconditioning Organization and Administration Professional Development and Responsibility. Once athletic trainers pass the certification examination proving skills and knowledge within each of the six domains, they use the designation "ATC" or "CAT."
Female Athletic Trainers
Although athletic training was once considered a male-dominated profession, more than 50% of all members of the National Athletic Trainers' Association are women. As of January 1990, more than half of the athletic trainers certified by the NATABOC have been women.
National Athletic Trainers' Association
The National Athletic Trainers' Association (NATA) is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to improving the health and well-being of athletes worldwide. The Association is committed to the advancement, encouragement and improvement of the athletic training profession. Founded in 1950 with a membership of 200 athletic trainers, the NATA today has more than 30,000 members worldwide. Approximately 92 percent of all certified athletic trainers in the country belong to the Association. In 1990, the American Medical Association recognized athletic training as an allied health profession. The Association sets the standards for athletic trainers through its education programs. Almost 100 universities and colleges offer NATA-approved curricula. Based in Dallas, Texas, the organization provides a variety of services to its membership including continuing education, governmental affairs, certification and public relations. The NATA also publishes the Journal of Athletic Training, a quarterly scientific journal; and NATA News, a monthly news magazine.
At Kansas State, the Certified Athletic Trainers are highly educated and skilled professionals specializing in athletic health care. In cooperation with physicians and other allied health personnel, the athletic trainers function as integral members of the athletic health care team.
Education
Certified athletic trainers have, at minimum, a bachelor's degree, usually in athletic training, health, physical education or exercise science. In addition, athletic trainers study human anatomy, human physiology, biomechanics, exercise physiology, athletic training, nutrition and psychology/counseling. Certified athletic trainers also participate in extensive clinical affiliations with athletic teams under appropriate supervision.
In addition, Certified Athletic Trainers are required to obtain 75 hours worth of Continuing Education Units (CEUs) within a three year period to remain in good standing. These CEUs, which are obtained from attending conferences, lectures, presentations, etc..., assist Certified Athletic Trainers in expanding their knowledge and training in the ever-changing world of medicine and rehabilitative therapy.
Certification
Certified athletic trainers have fulfilled the requirements for certification established by the National Athletic Trainers' Association Board of Certification, Inc. (NATABOC). The certification examination administered by NATABOC consists of a written portion with multiple choice questions; a practical section that evaluates the skill components of the domains within athletic training; and a written simulation test, consisting of athletic training related situations designed to approximate real-life decision making. This last portion of the test evaluates athletic trainers' ability to resolve cases similar to those they might encounter in actual practice.
The examination covers a variety of topics within the six practice domains of athletic training: Prevention Recognition, Evaluation and Assessment Immediate Care Treatment, Rehabilitation and Reconditioning Organization and Administration Professional Development and Responsibility. Once athletic trainers pass the certification examination proving skills and knowledge within each of the six domains, they use the designation "ATC" or "CAT."
Female Athletic Trainers
Although athletic training was once considered a male-dominated profession, more than 50% of all members of the National Athletic Trainers' Association are women. As of January 1990, more than half of the athletic trainers certified by the NATABOC have been women.
National Athletic Trainers' Association
The National Athletic Trainers' Association (NATA) is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to improving the health and well-being of athletes worldwide. The Association is committed to the advancement, encouragement and improvement of the athletic training profession. Founded in 1950 with a membership of 200 athletic trainers, the NATA today has more than 30,000 members worldwide. Approximately 92 percent of all certified athletic trainers in the country belong to the Association. In 1990, the American Medical Association recognized athletic training as an allied health profession. The Association sets the standards for athletic trainers through its education programs. Almost 100 universities and colleges offer NATA-approved curricula. Based in Dallas, Texas, the organization provides a variety of services to its membership including continuing education, governmental affairs, certification and public relations. The NATA also publishes the Journal of Athletic Training, a quarterly scientific journal; and NATA News, a monthly news magazine.
Monday, August 3, 2009
Beware of socialized medicine
You baby boomers are too young to remember the problems the UK had with their socialized medicine. During World War II, I worked on a farm as an early teenager and then Winston Churchill, who brought England through the war, was tossed out of office like a broken piece of furniture. The Socialist Clement Atlee instituted socialized medicine.
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Britain gave up its empire and gave freedom to all of its former colonies to pay the huge bill for free medical care. The cost was so great that no new hospitals would be built for almost 20 years. People flocked to doctors' offices and then threw the prescriptions into a trash barrel outside the office if they didn't like what the doctor prescribed. Winston Churchill fell and broke his hip and had to wait six days before he could be taken to a bed in the hospital. Since the doctors were on a salary and worked only eight hours, they walked out of the operating room at the end of their shift and were replaced by the relief shift, much to the detriment of the patient. There was no choice of physicians and if you did not like the one you were assigned, it was against the law to pay another doctor to see you, if you were lucky enough to find one.
Other countries went the same direction in socialized medicine, and in Sweden, doctors were not allowed name tags on their coats because it discriminated against orderlies who demanded the same status. In other words, socialism put all participants on the same stage of importance. Having been awarded my medical degree in 1963, I have lived through the full spectrum of medical care and took care of welfare patients before Medicare and Medicaid were enacted in 1965 and put into action in 1966. From that point on, there has been a progressive erosion of the medical profession as government power brokers seek control of the healing arts.
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Britain gave up its empire and gave freedom to all of its former colonies to pay the huge bill for free medical care. The cost was so great that no new hospitals would be built for almost 20 years. People flocked to doctors' offices and then threw the prescriptions into a trash barrel outside the office if they didn't like what the doctor prescribed. Winston Churchill fell and broke his hip and had to wait six days before he could be taken to a bed in the hospital. Since the doctors were on a salary and worked only eight hours, they walked out of the operating room at the end of their shift and were replaced by the relief shift, much to the detriment of the patient. There was no choice of physicians and if you did not like the one you were assigned, it was against the law to pay another doctor to see you, if you were lucky enough to find one.
Other countries went the same direction in socialized medicine, and in Sweden, doctors were not allowed name tags on their coats because it discriminated against orderlies who demanded the same status. In other words, socialism put all participants on the same stage of importance. Having been awarded my medical degree in 1963, I have lived through the full spectrum of medical care and took care of welfare patients before Medicare and Medicaid were enacted in 1965 and put into action in 1966. From that point on, there has been a progressive erosion of the medical profession as government power brokers seek control of the healing arts.
All New Natural Medicine
A Cure for the "Sorry State of American Health!" Radhia Gleis, CCN, President of Advanced Health Institute, Has Just Launched a Newly Redesigned and Re-Branded Interactive website for This Austin Based Company www.advancedhealthinstitute.com
AUSTIN, Texas, Aug. 3, 2009 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The title quoted above, from the cover story of the December 1, 2008 issue of Time, says it all, says Radhia: our nation's health care system is not meeting the needs of its citizens. Despite the trillion-dollar level of expenditures on conventional health care over the last century, the primary metrics which gauge U.S. health care system effectiveness show no progress in eliminating diet and lifestyle-related illnesses over the last century. While we have been somewhat successful in combating communicable diseases, it is clear that we have been singularly unsuccessful in effectively combating the rapid rise, persistence and proliferation of diet and lifestyle-related diseases as the leading causes of death over the same period. The phrase "health care system" is a misnomer. This is actually a "disease management system" and until we address the underlining causes of disease we will never find the cure to what ails us, no matter how much money we throw at it.
"We have to go back to the basics," says Radhia, "and our new website can assist the natural health care seeker in finding the answers to their individual wellness challenges."
"We are excited to be launching our new website and new brand. Our new look is amazing and designed to make your natural health care education and services easy to navigate, and interact. The rebrand is our launching pad into a new era of innovation, with many new education features and direct interaction with the nutritionist." The website design features short video formats, and online assessment tools which allow you to target your specific needs and interact with Radhia personally. Continual updates and ongoing educational videos and articles keep you informed as to the latest cutting edge technology in the field of natural health.
AUSTIN, Texas, Aug. 3, 2009 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The title quoted above, from the cover story of the December 1, 2008 issue of Time, says it all, says Radhia: our nation's health care system is not meeting the needs of its citizens. Despite the trillion-dollar level of expenditures on conventional health care over the last century, the primary metrics which gauge U.S. health care system effectiveness show no progress in eliminating diet and lifestyle-related illnesses over the last century. While we have been somewhat successful in combating communicable diseases, it is clear that we have been singularly unsuccessful in effectively combating the rapid rise, persistence and proliferation of diet and lifestyle-related diseases as the leading causes of death over the same period. The phrase "health care system" is a misnomer. This is actually a "disease management system" and until we address the underlining causes of disease we will never find the cure to what ails us, no matter how much money we throw at it.
"We have to go back to the basics," says Radhia, "and our new website can assist the natural health care seeker in finding the answers to their individual wellness challenges."
"We are excited to be launching our new website and new brand. Our new look is amazing and designed to make your natural health care education and services easy to navigate, and interact. The rebrand is our launching pad into a new era of innovation, with many new education features and direct interaction with the nutritionist." The website design features short video formats, and online assessment tools which allow you to target your specific needs and interact with Radhia personally. Continual updates and ongoing educational videos and articles keep you informed as to the latest cutting edge technology in the field of natural health.
Saturday, August 1, 2009
Red yeast targets cholesterol
Millions in the United States take medications called statins to lower blood cholesterol. These meds, including Lipitor, Zocor and Mevacor, have made a huge difference for people with high cholesterol levels, especially those with cardiovascular disease or who are at risk of heart attack and stroke.
However, side effects, such as muscle aches, are common (as high as 10 percent) with these drugs. Some alternative practitioners recommend using co-enzyme Q10 to prevent this type of muscle pain, but a recent review showed no clear benefit from this supplement.
One popular alternative medicine product for high cholesterol is red yeast rice, a dietary supplement that has been used in China for centuries. RYR contains a chemical, monacolin-K, that is identical to the active ingredient in the prescription statin Mevacor (lovastatin). And RYR does not seem to cause the side effects.
A new study reported in the Annals of Internal Medicine has shown that RYR may be a safe alternative for people who have been intolerant of statins. In this study, 62 patients who had stopped taking at least one statin drug because of muscle pain were randomized to receive either red yeast rice or a placebo twice daily for 24 weeks. All patients were encouraged to eat a healthy diet, exercise and reduce stress, all of which can also lower blood cholesterol. The patients receiving RYR got the equivalent of about 6 mg of lovastatin daily; by the end of the study, they had dropped their total cholesterol by about 15 percent and their LDL cholesterol by about 21 percent, compared with 5 percent to 9 percent in the placebo group. And muscle pain was uncommon in this study.
It is not known why RYR may be better tolerated than prescription meds. RYR contains a number of plant chemicals that may be beneficial in lowering cholesterol without causing side effects. Also, this study may not have been long enough to detect side effects of RYR.
Are there downsides to taking RYR? Yes. RYR can be contaminated with a kidney toxin known as citrinin. We recommend using only RYR products that have been evaluated by independent testing labs. RYR has also been reported to cause muscle pain and liver problems just like statin meds, though it seems that side effects from RYR are rare. Still, we recommend that you be monitored by your physician should you choose to take RYR.
And RYR has not been compared with a statin med in a medical study - this would give us a direct comparison. Until it is, we suggest lifestyle changes: a low-fat, high-fiber diet and exercise to reduce your cholesterol.
However, side effects, such as muscle aches, are common (as high as 10 percent) with these drugs. Some alternative practitioners recommend using co-enzyme Q10 to prevent this type of muscle pain, but a recent review showed no clear benefit from this supplement.
One popular alternative medicine product for high cholesterol is red yeast rice, a dietary supplement that has been used in China for centuries. RYR contains a chemical, monacolin-K, that is identical to the active ingredient in the prescription statin Mevacor (lovastatin). And RYR does not seem to cause the side effects.
A new study reported in the Annals of Internal Medicine has shown that RYR may be a safe alternative for people who have been intolerant of statins. In this study, 62 patients who had stopped taking at least one statin drug because of muscle pain were randomized to receive either red yeast rice or a placebo twice daily for 24 weeks. All patients were encouraged to eat a healthy diet, exercise and reduce stress, all of which can also lower blood cholesterol. The patients receiving RYR got the equivalent of about 6 mg of lovastatin daily; by the end of the study, they had dropped their total cholesterol by about 15 percent and their LDL cholesterol by about 21 percent, compared with 5 percent to 9 percent in the placebo group. And muscle pain was uncommon in this study.
It is not known why RYR may be better tolerated than prescription meds. RYR contains a number of plant chemicals that may be beneficial in lowering cholesterol without causing side effects. Also, this study may not have been long enough to detect side effects of RYR.
Are there downsides to taking RYR? Yes. RYR can be contaminated with a kidney toxin known as citrinin. We recommend using only RYR products that have been evaluated by independent testing labs. RYR has also been reported to cause muscle pain and liver problems just like statin meds, though it seems that side effects from RYR are rare. Still, we recommend that you be monitored by your physician should you choose to take RYR.
And RYR has not been compared with a statin med in a medical study - this would give us a direct comparison. Until it is, we suggest lifestyle changes: a low-fat, high-fiber diet and exercise to reduce your cholesterol.
Plastic Surgery: Medicine or Marketing?
Plastic surgery was once reserved for the wealthy elite, who were careful to keep their occasional nip tucks hush hush. Today, reality shows, celebrity exposés, and provocative websites have brought cosmetic surgery out into the open. Some say that all this media exposure raises consumer awareness, while others argue that objective information is drowned out by so much marketing hype.
A generation ago, plastic surgery was reserved for the uber-wealthy, who kept a low profile when they went under the knife. Hollywood starlets were closely guarded during surreptitious trips to the surgeon, and trophy wives disappeared for mysterious “spa treatments”, emerging weeks later looking far more than refreshed.
Today, plastic surgery is seemingly everywhere. From television reality shows, prime time dramas and medical before-and-after series to a barrage of websites that let consumers see themselves in 3-D, rate their surgeon, or pander for benefactors to pay for their breast implants, the media can’t get enough of cosmetic surgery.
In the latest episode of Plastic Surgery Talk, host Dr. William P. Adams, Jr., MD, talks with board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Brett Snyder, MD about the media’s obsession with plastic surgery. Is the media’s fixation merely a reflection of the industry growth, particularly among middle class Americans? Are consumers better informed because of the extensive coverage, or are they falling prey to the marketing hype? Dr. Snyder shares some surprising insights during the show.
A generation ago, plastic surgery was reserved for the uber-wealthy, who kept a low profile when they went under the knife. Hollywood starlets were closely guarded during surreptitious trips to the surgeon, and trophy wives disappeared for mysterious “spa treatments”, emerging weeks later looking far more than refreshed.
Today, plastic surgery is seemingly everywhere. From television reality shows, prime time dramas and medical before-and-after series to a barrage of websites that let consumers see themselves in 3-D, rate their surgeon, or pander for benefactors to pay for their breast implants, the media can’t get enough of cosmetic surgery.
In the latest episode of Plastic Surgery Talk, host Dr. William P. Adams, Jr., MD, talks with board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Brett Snyder, MD about the media’s obsession with plastic surgery. Is the media’s fixation merely a reflection of the industry growth, particularly among middle class Americans? Are consumers better informed because of the extensive coverage, or are they falling prey to the marketing hype? Dr. Snyder shares some surprising insights during the show.
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