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What Is Lou Gehrigs Disease And What Can Be Done

What Is Lou Gehrigs Disease And What Can Be Done To Prolong Quality Of Life

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis or ALS is more commonly known as Lou Gehrigs disease because the famous baseball player contracted it and ultimately died from it at age 37. ALS is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects the spinal cord and nerve cells in the brain. After diagnosis, the expected life span of a patient suffering from the disease is less than five years. It is a progressive disease that eventually and inevitably leads to death.

Unfortunately, there is no known cure for this fatal disease. Riluzole, however, has been approved by the Federal Drug Administration for use in treating ALS. Although this drug does not repair damage already done, it does slow the decline, extending the life of the patient for several months. It also delays the time when life support means will be necessary. Riluzole decreases the release of glutamate, which will reduce damage to motor neurons. This new drug instills hope in ALS patients and their families that there may one day be a cure for the disease.

Other treatments for the disease are designed to improve the quality of life in an ALS patient. Because the muscles deteriorate until they no longer function and this happens at varying speeds, a physician will be able to develop a medical plan that is best suited for the individual. Each case should be evaluated for the progression and severity of symptoms at that period.

Drugs such as ibuprofen will relieve general pain and it is commonly used to enhance comfort levels. Baclofen or tizanadine will help reduce muscle spasms. Physical therapy is essential in maintaining flexibility and reducing risk of permanent muscle contractions. It will also help with pain management.

Proper nutrition is important to maintain as ALS patient need easy to swallow foods that build energy. Speech therapy may also be advised to enhance the ability to communicate verbally for as long as possible. As the disease progressives, life support mechanisms will need to be employed to sustain life. Feeding tubes and breathing machines will need to be used. Heart problems may also occur which will need treatment to prolong the life of the patient.

Lou Gehrigs disease is fatal. At this time, there are no cures but there are treatments that will help prolong life and add to the quality of life. This disease is tragic and affects the lives of the patient and family.

by admin on January 25, 2011
filed in Conditions

What Is Lou Gehrigs Disease And What Can Be Done

What Is Lou Gehrigs Disease And What Can Be Done To Prolong Quality Of Life

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis or ALS is more commonly known as Lou Gehrigs disease because the famous baseball player contracted it and ultimately died from it at age 37. ALS is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects the spinal cord and nerve cells in the brain. After diagnosis, the expected life span of a patient suffering from the disease is less than five years. It is a progressive disease that eventually and inevitably leads to death.

Unfortunately, there is no known cure for this fatal disease. Riluzole, however, has been approved by the Federal Drug Administration for use in treating ALS. Although this drug does not repair damage already done, it does slow the decline, extending the life of the patient for several months. It also delays the time when life support means will be necessary. Riluzole decreases the release of glutamate, which will reduce damage to motor neurons. This new drug instills hope in ALS patients and their families that there may one day be a cure for the disease.

Other treatments for the disease are designed to improve the quality of life in an ALS patient. Because the muscles deteriorate until they no longer function and this happens at varying speeds, a physician will be able to develop a medical plan that is best suited for the individual. Each case should be evaluated for the progression and severity of symptoms at that period.

Drugs such as ibuprofen will relieve general pain and it is commonly used to enhance comfort levels. Baclofen or tizanadine will help reduce muscle spasms. Physical therapy is essential in maintaining flexibility and reducing risk of permanent muscle contractions. It will also help with pain management.

Proper nutrition is important to maintain as ALS patient need easy to swallow foods that build energy. Speech therapy may also be advised to enhance the ability to communicate verbally for as long as possible. As the disease progressives, life support mechanisms will need to be employed to sustain life. Feeding tubes and breathing machines will need to be used. Heart problems may also occur which will need treatment to prolong the life of the patient.

Lou Gehrigs disease is fatal. At this time, there are no cures but there are treatments that will help prolong life and add to the quality of life. This disease is tragic and affects the lives of the patient and family.

by admin on January 22, 2011
filed in Medication

Who Gets Parkinson’s Disease?

Parkinson’s Disease affects generally elder adults, among about 90% of the known cases are diagnosed in people over the age of 60. Within that population, there is a small amount of variance, with the danger increasing from age 60 through age 75, and then going down sharply. Currently, Parkinson’s Disease is known to affect about 3% of the population over the age of 65. With present statistics and the probable aging of the population, authorities think that that percentage will double in the next 40 years.

When those with mild symptoms of Parkinsons (symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease that may be caused by other things, or could develop into Parkinson’s Disease), those numbers increase dramatically. 15% of those between the ages of 60 and 74 have been diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease. Between the ages of 75 and 84, that percentage rises to almost 30%.

However, when you look at it in terms of inception of symptoms, the picture changes. Fewer than 10% of new cases of Parkinson’s disease are diagnosed in younger adults – under age 40. The majority of new diagnoses of Parkinson’s disease are made between the ages of 60 and 75. After age 85, the danger of developing Parkinson’s Disease then seems to fall off dramatically.

What are the factors that effect diagnoses?

Gender

Men appear to be at greater risk of developing Parkinson’s Disease than women. Men have to deal with about double the risk of developing Parkinson’s Disease as women in any age group. Scientists think that estrogens may play a function in protecting the body from the chemical changes that occur in Parkinson’s Disease. This is further borne out by two facts – women who’ve had hysterectomies have a somewhat higher rate of Parkinson’s Disease, and women who’ve had estrogen replacement therapy have a lower rate of Parkinson’s Disease than other women their age.

Parkinson’s Disease seems to growth more quickly in men than women according to one study, and another found a difference in the way that symptoms present. Men are more prone to rigidity and tremor, and women more at danger from gait disturbance and shuffling.

Ethnicity

Caucasians have a higher danger of developing Parkinson’s Disease than either African Americans or Asian Americans. People of European descent appear most prone to usual Parkinson’s Disease, but some studies hint at that non-Caucasians may be more at risk for a particular type of non-typical Parkinsonis that causes a disturbance in judgment.

Heredity

In a small percentage of cases, family history may play a part in the inception of Parkinson’s Disease. People who have parents or brothers and sisters who had young-onset Parkinson’s Disease, in which symptoms develop before the age of 40, are more probable to develop Parkinson’s Disease than others their age. When Parkinson’s Disease was diagnosed at older ages, family history looks like it’s to play no part.

Cigarette Smokers

Oddly, cigarette smokers appear to have a diminished incidence of Parkinson’s Disease, which has led researchers to explore the probability that nicotine may give some protection from the fluctuations caused by Parkinson’s Disease. They are quick to point out that the other health problems associated with cigarette smoking are far too significant to think cigarette smoking as a way to avoid getting Parkinson’s Disease.

Coffee Drinkers

Caffeine also seems to have a protective result against Parkinson’s Disease. A study of Japanese-American men suggested that those who commonly drank coffee ran a lesser risk of developing Parkinson’s Disease than other men their age. The more coffee they consumed, the lower the risk.

Roger Overanout

by admin on January 20, 2011
filed in Disease Treatment

Understanding The Stages Of Alzheimers Disease

A persons mental and physical abilities deteriorate as he progresses through various stages of Alzheimers disease. However, the way the disease manifests can vary quite widely from one person to another.

Knowing about Alzheimers stages can help the caregivers plan for and cope with the disease better. The following is based on Dr. Reisbergs study which divides the disease into seven stages.

Stage 1: This is when no symptom of the disease is manifest and full mental and physical functions are retained.

Stage 2: At this stage, there is some loss of memory and the person may forget names of friends and family at times. The person is full aware that his mental functions are declining. This is often mistaken to be the result of normal ageing processes rather than as the beginning of Alzheimers disease.

Stage 3: This is still an early stage of the disease, but the symptoms are more noticeable now. The sufferer may go into denial. There is an inability to concentrate on tasks and performance at work may deteriorate.

The person becomes more anxious. They get lost quite easily in unfamiliar territory. Misplacing objects is quite common at this stage. Their ability to remember recently acquired information deteriorates.

Stage 4: At this stage, the person cant perform complex tasks on his own. Examples include filing tax returns or handling finances in general. As a way out, they may want to avoid such situations altogether.

The ability to concentrate deteriorates further and so does memory. They may not be able to remember some events in their lives. Mood swings are common.

Stage 5: Now the patients will need assistance in ordinary tasks like picking appropriate clothes to wear. They may be unable to remember parts of their lives, although they will still remember basic information about themselves, their family and some friends.

Their sense of time begins to deteriorate as well.

Stage 6: This is a moderate to severe stage of Alzheimers disease. Forgetfulness accelerates and they may not even remember the name of their spouse. Large chunks of their lives are forgotten.

They definitely need help to cope with routine activities like bathing, dressing, etc. Incontinence may set in at this stage. Their sleep patterns may be disturbed.

Their personality will likely undergo a complete change. They may become violent or exhibit obsessive behaviour.

Stage 7: This is severe Alzheimers disease. The ability to speak is limited to less than a dozen words. They may lose the ability to walk, sit up or even hold their head up. This is a stage where the brain is apparently incapable of directing the body.

These stages of Alzheimers disease may occur differently in various individuals. What is described above is a composite picture that can help to understand how a persons faculties diminish with the progress of Alzheimers disease.

by admin on January 18, 2011
filed in Conditions

What About Drugs for Anxiety and Depression?

As a counselor, I am often asked, Can drugs be helpful for anxiety and depression? The answer I give is Yes and No.

Yes, drugs may be useful for short-term help. No, drugs are not a good long-term solution.

Anxiety and depression are not caused by a lack of drugs. Drugs do not heal the underlying causes of anxiety and depression. However, when drugs are temporarily used to give a person a window of relief to do the inner work necessary to heal the underlying causes, they can be useful.

Anxiety and depression generally have two major underlying causes – emotional and physical.

THE PHYSICAL CAUSES OF ANXIETY AND DEPRESSION

Our bodies go into imbalance when we do not eat well or have enough healthy exercise. Our bodies are not made to handle the unnatural substances found in processed food. When we overload our bodies with chemicals, pesticides, sugar, and devitalized foods, our bodies become depleted of vital nutrients and go into stress. Anxiety and depression can be the result of this physical depletion and resulting stress.

Our bodies are designed to thrive on the food and water that God gave us pure, clean, organic, unaltered food and water. If you take drugs for anxiety and depression and do not clean up your diet and get proper exercise, you are just using a Band Aid for a gaping wound.

THE EMOTIONAL CAUSES OF ANXIETY AND DEPRESSION

Emotionally, anxiety is caused by dysfunctional thoughts thoughts that are not true. For example, if you tell yourself that you are not good enough or you have to be perfect, you will likely feel anxious. Thoughts of not being good enough and having to be perfect are generally focused on our outer qualities of looks and performance, rather than on the inner qualities of kindness, compassion, and gratitude. When we choose to be kind, loving and compassionate with ourselves and others, we feel good about ourselves. When we choose gratitude for what we do have rather than dwell on what we dont have, we create inner peace. Kindness and gratitude are wonderful antidotes to anxiety!

Anxiety is always a sign that we are telling ourselves a lie. The truth creates peace inside, while lies create fear and anxiety. This is a sure-fire way of knowing what is true and what is not true!

Emotionally, depression is caused by not taking good care of ourselves. If we ignore our needs, dont speak up for ourselves, judge ourselves, and make others responsible for our feelings, the result may be depression. If you have a child whom you ignore and judge, that child will likely be depressed. The same occurs on the inner level when we ignore and judge our own inner child. Putting yourself last and taking care of everyone else but yourself may cause you to feel unworthy and depressed.

There is little point in taking drugs for anxiety and depression without attending to your dysfunctional thinking and to how you are treating yourself. However, if you take drugs for a short time and give yourself the opportunity to do your inner work, they may be helpful. Many of the people I work with find that as soon as they start taking good care of themselves, they dont like the effect of the drugs. They dont like the fact that the drugs take the edge off their feelings. They find that, rather than wanting to be numbed out, they want to feel all of their feelings deeply, both the highs and the lows. The more they learn to take responsibility for their feelings by attending to their thoughts and needs, the more they want to feel all of their feelings. They discover that, while drugs may take the edge off pain, they also take the edge off joy.

Most of the people I work with can avoid drugs completely by learning to take loving care of themselves, both physically and emotionally. Many of the people who practice the Inner Bonding process that we teach find Inner Bonding to be far more powerful in healing anxiety and depression than drugs.

If you are a person who does not want to learn to take personal responsibility for your pain and joy, then drugs may be a way out for you. But if you want to feel true peace and joy, drugs are not the answer.

by admin on January 15, 2011
filed in Pharmacy Prescription

Vitamins and minerals that are depleted by the prescription drugs

Vitamins and minerals that are depleted by the prescription drugs you take

In todays world every time somebody comes down with a cold they turn to prescription drugs, this might not be the wisest choice, if we are concerned with living a long and healthy life. In this fast paste world we want a quick fix, being down with a cold or disease like cancer is unacceptable, thats why most of us will turn to a prescription drug. Little did we know that as we take these prescription drugs they deplete our body of essential vitamins, minerals and phyto-nutrients our body needs to operate properly.
Safeguarding out bodies against vitamin and mineral deficiencies should be our number one priority. The following guidelines can help if you are on of the 20 million people out there using prescription drugs.

Calcium

Calcium is the first mineral that can be depleted by taking prescription drug. These drugs include diuretics such as Bumex, Demadex, Diuril, and Lasix, as well as, bone building drugs like Fosamax and anti-inflammation steroids Cortef and cortone can be deplete calcium in the body. You can help prevent calcium deficiency by eating foods rich in calcium. Foods rich in calcium are Kale, Cabbage, Dairy, and broccoli, if you do not consume several servings a day of these vegetables you might consider taking a calcium supplement.

Coenzyme Q10

Coenzyme Q10 is an enzyme vital to the crebs cycle (Energy production cycle in the body), if you are taking cholesterol medication Statins such as Lipitor, Lescol, Mevacor, Pravachol, or Zocor you will be at risk of Coenzyme Q10 depletion. Also, Sulfonylureas drugs such as Amaryl, DiaBeta, and Glucotrol for diabetics, you can be at risk. Eating oods high in coenzyme Q10 can help prevent COQ10 deficiency. The foods containing CoQ10 are Mackerel, red beets, sardines and organ meats, if you do not consume several servings of these meats and vegetables you might consider taking additional Coenzyme Q10 supplements available at any health food store.

Folic Acid

Folic Acid is a B Vitamin vital to both men and women but especially women in child bearing ages. If you are taking cholesterol meds, pain relief medications or diabetic medication such as Questran, Welchol, Celebrex, and Glucophage you may be at risk of Folic Acid depletion. The following are Foods high in Folic Acid. Broccoli, peas, beans, leafy greens, oranges and whole grains all have a good amount of folic acid in them. Folic Acid is relatively inexpensive you can find it at any health food store in 400mcg and 800mcg doses.

Magnesium

Magnesium is vital for muscle relaxation and bone building, if your taking diuretics bone building or steroidal anti-inflammation drugs you might be at risk of magnesium depletion. Foods high in magnesium are leafy greens, lean meat, beans, nuts whole grains, and seafood. Recent studies have suggested that 40% of the population are low in magnesium already, taking prescription drugs that delete magnesium can put one at risk for disease related to magnesium deficiency.

Potassium

Potassium is needed for proper nerve and muscle function. Also, potassium is essential for proper heart function. Prescription drugs that reduce potassium in the body are diuretics that reduce excess fluid and reduce blood pressure, Levodopa that is for parkinsons disease, and Steroidal anti-inflammation drugs. The list of foods high in potassium are as follows: bananas, dates, brown rice, garlic, nuts, avocados, and spinach. You can also find potassium in your local vitamin store usually selling at 99mg per capsule.

Vitamin A

Vitamin A is the next vitamin under attack, essential for proper eye development and immune system function, Vitamin A can be depleted by bile acid sequestrants, steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and Xenical. Xenical, a fat blocker, can also affect vitamin D and vitamin E. Foods high in vitamin A are as follows: Fish COD and SALMON, Liver and Dairy.

Thiamin (B-1)

Thiamin (B-1) is involved in numerous body functions, including: nervous system, muscle functioning and carbohydrate metabolism to name a few. Drugs that may reduce B-1 in the body are Antibiotics that help fight infections and diuretics. Foods high in B-1 and other B Vitamins are nuts and whole grains. You can find single B vitamins or B complexes at your local health food store. B vitamins are vital for proper stress management in the body as well they are essential keeping your body healthy and taken daily can help prevent drug related deficiencies.

Riboflavin (B-2)

Riboflavin (B-2) is required for cell growth and release of energy, formation of red blood cell, and synthesis of antibodies. Drugs that can delete riboflavin is Elavin for migraines. Foods high in Riboflavin are Dairy, lean meat, broccoli, and whole grains. B-2 can be found at your local Vitamin Store.

pyridoxine (B-6)

Vitamin B6 helps the body process protein and carbohydrates in food and helps produce hemoglobin (red blood cells). High cholesterol medications like bile acid sequestrants and steroid anti-inflammation drugs delete B-6 in the body. Foods high in Vitamin B-6 are Fish, leafy greens, bananas, and potatoes.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C is a great antioxidant to protect your body from free radical damage, helps strengthen blood vessels and reduce the incident of bruising when you bump your arms and legs on something. Diuretics and steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs deplete the body of Vitamin C, if you are taking these types of drugs make sure you consume lots of broccoli, citrus, potatoes, tomatoes and strawberries. Additional supplementation of vitamin C can help as well. Vitamin C can be found at any health food store.

Vitamin D

Vitamin D is important for strong bones and teeth and recent studies suggest Vitamin D may even help fight some kinds of cancer. If youre taking barbiturate sedatives like Butisol and Phenobarbital for anxiety or insomnia or blood pressure and steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs you could be at risk for disease involving vitamin D depletion. Sunlight is the primary way our bodies produce vitamin D and with our fast life styles nobody has time to lay in the sun for 30min a day, if you live in the north you receive very little vitamin D from the sun. Supplementing Vitamin D is essential for optimal health, available in 400IU and 1000IU doses.

Zinc

Zinc is essential for proper immune system function, hair, skin and nail formation. Taking anti-acids like Pepcid, prilosec, tagamet and zantec, also diuretics, and steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs will deplete your body of the essential mineral zinc. Zinc is found in lean meat and seafood, also can be purchased in 10mg 100mg doses in your local vitamin store.

These are only a few of the essential vitamin and minerals that prescription drugs deplete from the body. It is important to eat your fruits and vegetables with every meal of the day. Most Americans do not eat the daily recommended fruits and vegetables required to stay healthy so alternative vitamin supplements are needed more and more every day. Biochemists have found that the nutritional values of fruits and vegetables have been steadily declining over the past 40 50 years due to the fast growing varieties the farmers are growing today. If you do not consume the recommended servings of Fruits and Vegetables consider taking a multivitamin supplement every day.

If youre not currently on a prescription drug and considering taking one please consult your doctor about all the known side effects and health issues that might result form taking the drug remember knowledge is power.

by admin on January 15, 2011
filed in Medication

What you need to know about viral diseases?

There is a very long-standing liaison between human beings and virus that wander unreservedly in our environment. Virus has a long history of disconcerting people.

A virus is a microorganism that is not visible to the naked eye. It is highly contagious and communicable. A virus attacks and clips to a living cell of the human body. It then discharges its DNA or RNA, which smashes the original genetic material and functioning of the cell. But before the victimized cell expires, it leaves or releases more of that virus. The virus multiplied in such a fashion impedes the growth and working of other healthy cells too, so much so that sooner or later the entire body comes in its grips. However, the immune system of the body endeavors its best to brawl the viral attack. But it does not succeed in all the cases. Due to this reason, the doctors and dieticians prescribe a healthy diet rich in nutrition that strengthens the resistance of the body.

The Residence and Transmission of Virus- there are different types of viruses known. Some infect humans, others animals and a few affect both. Viruses are everywhere in our surroundings. They can be transmitted via the food we eat, air we breathe, water we drink, sexual contact etc.

Some common Viral Infections- there are some well known viruses and the diseases caused by them.

HIV virus is one that destroys the cells in the immune system of our body. It is therefore named as HIV i.e. Human Immunodeficiency Virus. HIV takes the form of AIDS at an advanced later stage. HIV virus reaches the human body through several ways such as- via sex with a partner who is already living with HIV, though infected mothers milk to her child, through human saliva, HIV contaminated needles, syringes and so forth.

Thus, one should be very cautious regarding all these factors. Completely safety should be observed to avert lifelong HIV infection especially because no adequate cure is yet available to eliminate the effect of HIV.

Hepatitis is even caused by virus. Since different kinds of viruses are at work, there are different types of hepatitis. These viruses harm the human liver, which results in its burning or inflammation.

Hepatitis A and E spread via the food and water of the infected person and through anal sex. There exists a vaccine for hepatitis A but not for E. Hepatitis B is caused by unprotected sex, childbirth and contact with infected person. Vaccination is available for hepatitis B and it is better nowadays to get vaccinated against it. This sterilization also ceases the threat to be caught by hepatitis D in future. Hepatitis C virus is transferred by the way of contaminated blood and is cured through medicines.

A possible prevention to hepatitis is to maintain hygiene and vigilance in matters of sex and contacts with other persons.

West Nile Virus is known for causing diseases in animals, birds as well as humans. In humans the WNV reaches through the bite of an infected mosquito. Once the virus enters an individuals blood, it can get transferred to all those who come in contact with it though blood transfusions, organ transplants, breastfeed and so forth.

In order to prevent oneself from the WNV, check the population of mosquitoes in your area and near your house. Dont allow water logging, open bins, unhygienic sanitation, open pits etc. in your vicinity
.
Medication through drugs and no vaccination per se is present for WNV.

Mostly the Asian and African continents encounter the threat of Polio Virus. This virus can result in a minor to complete paralysis. The poliovirus can infect person of any age. Due to the lack of hygiene this virus comes in the air through human feces and gets circulated. It enters the human body through his mouth and makes its way to the intestines. This virus particularly damages the legs of the person. The paralysis in legs due to poliovirus cannot be cured. It also destroys the respiratory system by making the breathing muscles immobile.

Most often polio hits the infants. Polio drops and vaccines are available everywhere. People should take them and give these to their kids too.

by admin on January 14, 2011
filed in Disease Treatment

Treating Crohn’s Disease With Surgery

Unfortunately, surgery is necessary in approximately 75% of people with Crohns Disease. This may be done for a variety of reasons, including excessive bleeding, perforation of the bowel, intestinal obstruction, formation of an abscess, or when other medical treatments fail. However, surgery is almost always used as a last resort and is typically avoided if possible. For this reason, many people suffer for years with symptoms that could be relieved if surgery were utilized.

There are various options available, including procedures to remove affected areas of the intestine as well as procedures to redirect stool to an opening where it is passed out of the body. However, the latter requires life changes that are difficult for some to deal with.

Strictureplasty is the most common surgical procedure performed for Crohns Disease. This is a procedure in which a narrowed area of the intestine is widened. Patchy, diseased areas narrow and are known as strictures. Because these areas of diseased bowel alternate with portions of normal bowel, cramps occur as the normal bowel tries to compensate for blockages that arise. It is not suggested to remove large segments of bowel as nutritional deficiencies may occur. Therefore, strictureplasty is performed to avoid removing any of the intestinal tract but still improve conditions.

However, removing diseased sections of intestine is sometimes necessary and is known as resection. There are various forms of resection, depending on which area of the bowel is being removed. However, after any portion is taken out, the two ends of healthy bowel are reconnected to restore intestinal function. This is known as anastomosis.

Other surgical procedures include the treatment of abscesses and fistulas. This may include draining pus or repairing damaged areas. These areas are of particular concern as they may lead to severe infection, leading to death if not properly treated. Special care must be taken in removing abscesses from the rectal area, as damage to those muscles may lead to incontinence.

It is necessary to understand that there is no cure for Crohns Disease; therefore, surgery may only temporarily relieve symptoms. Negative side effects usually return with time, often at the same location of the surgery. Almost half of those that need surgery will also require a second procedure.

Research is being done to determine if microinvasive or laparoscopic surgery may be utilized to decrease the intrusive nature of surgical procedures. While this may greatly improve the process, it is still being explored.

by admin on January 10, 2011
filed in Conditions

What To Look For When Evaluating Medicare Prescription Drug Plan

What To Look For When Evaluating Medicare Prescription Drug Plan Options: The Three “C’s” of Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage

People with Medicare can start saving money by enrolling in the government’s prescription drug plan, and with open enrollment running through May 15, 2006, there is still time to save.

“This is the most significant change to Medicare since the program’s inception, and it will offer people with Medicare more choices than ever before,” said Scott Latimer, M.D., Central and North Florida Market President for Senior Products at Humana, one of the nation’s leading private sector Medicare insurers. “In order to select the plan that best meets their needs, beneficiaries will need to carefully evaluate their options prior to enrolling.”

When choosing a plan, people with Medicare and their family members and friends involved in the process need to factor three areas into their decision: affordable cost, plan coverage of required drugs and services and ease of obtaining medications.

Cost

While some plans have a monthly premium, there are Medicare Advantage plans that provide Parts A and B medical coverage and include Part D drug coverage as a built-in benefit without an additional monthly premium cost.

Plans also have varying coverage of the coverage gap, which is commonly referred to as the “doughnut hole.” Some plans offer more choices than others, including $0 deductible options, varying co-payment levels and possibly generic drug coverage through the gap.

Additionally, people with Medicare will also pay part of the cost for prescriptions, which varies depending on the drug plan chosen.

Coverage

Each Medicare drug plan has a list of the prescription drugs it covers. When comparing plans, beneficiaries need to find plans that cover all or most of the drugs they take. Many plans may also offer lower-cost generics.

Of course, insurance plans can change the list of drugs they cover. Companies must provide at least 60 days’ notice before making a coverage change. Beneficiaries can then evaluate other options and speak to their doctors about the possibility of switching to an alternate drug that is on the plan or to a generic medication.

Convenience

All private insurers offering prescription drug coverage have pharmacy networks. These include both national pharmacies such as Wal-Mart, Rite Aid and CVS and non-chain independent pharmacies. Mail-order drug delivery services may also be an option, and may be particularly beneficial for people who take multiple medications daily.

People should speak with their pharmacist about the plan they are considering. It is important to know if that pharmacy will be part of that preferred network.

Web-based tools can help calculate prescription drug costs by plan, determine all out-of-pocket costs and even allow online enrollment.

by admin on January 10, 2011
filed in Disease Treatment

The Healing Continues: What Do I Do Now After Drug

The Healing Continues: What Do I Do Now After Drug Rehab?

Having gone through alcohol or drug rehabilitation is a major undertaking. Congratulations. Now you might be wondering several things. Where do I go from here? What do I do with my new life? What are the best strategies for staying clean and sober? The information in this article answers all of these important questions. It comes mostly from the experts: people, like you, who were once in a treatment center and have been in recovery for many years. Additional information has also been contributed from professionals that have helped recovering alcoholics/addicts after the alcohol or drug rehabilitation process.

Taking ActionThe Process

* Create a plan for after you leave. Work with your therapist, counselor or the treatment center you attended to assist you in developing an after care treatment plan. These are designed to give you a strategy for staying clean. Its a plan that will keep you on track in the recovery process. Lay person and professional experts in recovery know that an outlined plan detailing the things you can do to stay sober is valuable. Here are some of the most common, and maybe not so common, steps/actions/objectives that can be part of your plan towards a goal of staying healthy, sober and free from addiction.

* Continue with therapy. Follow up sessions with a trusted counselor or professional helps to address those issues or problems that are new for you. Life after addiction comes with new or confusing situations you will be faced with. For example, there was a man that after having been in a drug induced state for years did not know how to order his eggs at a restaurant. He would say, I just let them throw the eggs on the plate, anything to get some food in my belly. I never paid attention to or cared how they were cooked. When you are confronted with something you dont know how to handle, frustration and desire to turn to what you know best (getting high) may become overwhelming. There is no problem too small or large that a trained professional cant help you with. Its better to seek their advice and look for solutions than to return to abusing drugs or alcohol.

* Keep your body healthy. This part of the after care plan should involve listing ways you can keep your body functioning at optimum levels. Some steps may include:

* Nutrition and eating right are essential. There have been studies recently showing that the right intake of calories, vitamins and nutrients, staves off the craving for drugs and alcohol. When your body feels good, the chances are you can better fight the cravings for addictive substances.

* Drink lots of water. Water hydrates the body and maintains your body temperature. Proper hydration allows for smoother waste elimination, and keeps the body emotionally balanced. Experts that work in the crisis industry (rape crisis centers, nurses in emergency or triage, etc.) have long known the power of water in regulating a persons mood. It has a calming effect. An added bonus among many, water keeps your skin from drying out too.

* Exercise. Find an exercise routine and stick with it. If you like the gym or workout centers get a membership Take evening walks in your neighborhood after dinner. Use stairs wherever you go instead of elevators. Remember to find exercises that will bring your heart rate up (aerobic) and those that include warm-up, stretching and free-weights.

* Keep your teeth clean. One of the first things to not only put on your plan but to arrange is a dental exam. Drug use and alcohol abuse damage teeth and gums severely over time. Studies have shown that excessive plaque and tartar on the teeth carries through to our blood stream and creates a plaque build up in the arteries. This means potential heart problems and cardiovascular disease. Also, clean teeth means you will smile more and that alone will better your social life.

* Make social activities part of your plan. When youre developing your after care plan, be sure to include activities that make you happy. Socializing will decrease depression and keep you from feeling isolated. On this note, make sure to not include former drinkers or drug using buddies. Chances are very high that if you begin associating with your former partying partners (that are still using) you will quickly begin abusing the substance again. Find people that have been in recovery for a long time or others that have never had a substance abuse problem. Seek new friends, return to favorite hobbies, whatever it takes to get you out and busy.

* Find your spiritual path. Whatever spirituality means to you, discover or re-discover what it is that gives you strength through the hard times. Returning to a spiritual place that made you feel connected, worthy or special will help.

* Find the creativity within. Do you draw, paint, dance or read? Bring the creative you back to life. Creativity gives a sense of self-worth and accomplishment. This is important for anyone recovering from an addiction. By the way, start your creative processes with your treatment plan. Give thought to the social activities you like. Outline some ideas to eat foods that will not only nourish you but make you feel good, alive and energetic. There are many healthy foods that can give this feeling. Bring your creativity to your plan and make it uniquely yours.

When preparing your after care plan, make sure its what you want. There is nothing worse than having a plan that fits someone elses needs or expectations. Often in alcohol or drug treatment and detox centers we hear quite a bit about what we should do. Our days are planned with activities, counseling, meal times and social events. We become accustomed to what others think we should do to remain sober. Family and friends offer advice, your counselor or therapist may suggest items for your plan but in the end, the treatment plan belongs to you. It needs to be tailored with the purpose of achieving your goal. Your goal is to remain sober and clean. If the plan is one you want and can live with, the chances are you will respect it, follow through with the steps/objectives and stay sober for many years to come.

by admin on January 9, 2011
filed in Pharmacy Prescription
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