Wednesday, April 11, 2007
Different Types Of Clinical Trials One Can Get Involved In
If you are strapped for cash and looking for a little part time work to take the pressure off, then why not try out one of the many paid medical trials that are offered by a professional Drug Research Unit. Let us look at some of the different types of medical trials that are currently available:
ECG Trials –
Clinical ECG (Electrocardiograph) trials, utilise electrocardiograph machine that measures the electrical activity taking place from the heart and represent it on the electrocardiogram, which charts these activities graphically. The electrocardiograph is used to identify, screen and / or monitor cardiovascular diseases. ECG trials include are non-invasive, as they mostly require the volunteers to sleep for the duration of the trial or conduct a relaxing activity (i.e. watching TV).
Drug Testing –
This usually involves testing new drugs before they are introduced to the market. The testing process may include testing to determine either a products safety or how effective it is in achieving a specific treatment. Drug testing can take place of both the long and short terms – in a part time capacity – depending on the nature of the drug and treatment. During the testing process, placebos are often used in combination with the actual drug – to ensure the desired effect was achieved with the patients who took the actual drugs.
Medical Trials – There are four common phases of medical trials:
Phase 1 includes a small group, and looks into the safety of the trial treatment and what side effects may occur. These can be tested with single doses or multiple doses.
Phase 2 is conducted on much larger groups of people than in Phase 1. Phase 2 measures both the efficacy of the treatment as well as the required dosage for the drugs.
Phase 3 tests the new treatment against existing conventional treatments. It looks at other contextual factors surrounding the treatment relating to quality of life including an in depth study of the side effects, visits to clinics or hospital and so on.
Phase 4 looks at existing treatments and drugs after they have been launched, monitoring and supporting the effects of these.
A clinical trial helps medical professionals test certain assumptions, and ensure a drug or treatment is most effective with the least negative side effects. All clinical tests are strategically designed to be as safe as possible for the test subjects. Clinical trials allow these subjects to play an active role in their own health care, at the same time assisting in getting the best out of new treatments and medicine.
Labels: Clinical, clinical trial, Drug Testing, ECG Trials, Medical Trials
Monday, April 9, 2007
The Power of Thought
Health is the union of;
- Physical
- Physiological
- Mental
One of the prime laws of Natural Health is the law of Unity -
Everything is related and co-related - nothing exists in isolation.
Therefore we do not treat symptoms - we do not look at parts of the
body - but rather we treat the entire organism as a whole.
To-day, I was the recipient of a lovely email reminding me of the
importance of the mind in the role of healing.
As we think - so we become.
A mind focused on thoughts of negativity will eventually become
diseased.
Some of the more common negative thoughts include;
- Pessimism
- Anger
- Despair
- Failure
- Hatred
- Guilt
- Ignorance
- Violence
The afore-mentioned thoughts, as well as many others like them,
will obscure the pathway to health.
I remember a 'Charlie Brown' cartoon many years ago - it pictured
Charlie in a stance of depression - head down, arms hanging limply
at his sides and a look of absolute dejection on his face.
Lucy walked up to Charlie and asked why he had assumed this
particular posture.
Charlie responded that the posture helped him reinforce his
feelings.
It is true - we tend to act out our thoughts - consciously or
sub-consciously - we become that which we think and say.
In the pursuit of high level health I recommend the daily practise
of repeating positive affirmations.
I used to practise this technique quite religiously - but
unfortunately, over the years, I seem to have forgotten the rewards
that I reaped from the habit.
However, to-day is a new day and I am beginning to re-establish an
old habit with new vigour.
I sincerely suggest that you take on board the action of;
- Writing on paper, with a pen, a series of positive affirmations
on topics that concern you.
- Write them in the positive tense, ie. 'To-day, I am a non smoker'
NOT 'I'm not going to smoke again.'
- Put them in a spot where you can see them clearly, ie on a mirror.
- Make it a habit to read and repeat each one 10 times a day for a
week.
- At the end of the week begin a new affirmation.
- Keep repeating this process until you notice the subtle changes
that occur as a result of 'honing your mental abilities through the
power of auto-suggestion.'
In order to help you with this process, I am going to send you a
series of the old affirmations that I wrote down many years ago.
Here's the first one;
1. To-day, my thoughts are centred on expecting only the best and
giving only the best.
All the best in becoming the person that you think you are.
Kevin
Labels: affirmations, auto suggestion, Mental health, positive thoughts, unity
Saturday, April 7, 2007
The Candida Yeast Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Connection - Are You At Risk?
The reality of Candida yeast in the body and what effects it might have on a person are highly debated. It would seem that there are many who believe it causes a host of problems in some people, and there are others who say it is harmless, and it is not to blame for many of the medical conditions that seem to be fairly new to our world. Some find that they have to turn to Chinese medicine if they want to be taken seriously when they have problems with the yeast. Some wonder if there is a Candida yeast Chronic Fatigue Syndrome connection.
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) is something that is very much a mystery. This is usually a diagnosis of elimination. The symptoms are often very hard on a person's life. They might feel tired all of the time, weakness is common, and many may have Fibromyalgia at the same time. That leads to poor sleep and poor immune system function. CFS is usually diagnosed after every other medical possibility has been ruled out. The reason is often unclear, and there seems to be no medical answer as far as a cure. Because an overabundance of Candida yeast weakens the immune system, there may be a link between CFS and this yeast, but the answers are not clear cut in each case.
Those with CFS often have not only Fibromyalgia, but they often have IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome) as well. Candida yeast can be linked to IBS, so it makes sense that it might have also be a root cause of CFS for some people. Probably the most pronounce symptom of CFS is the fatigue, and it is believed that the overgrowth of Candida yeast can sap anyone's energy, and if it is spread though the body, it might be a chronic problem. Some with CFS try to eat more carbs (or sugars) for the instant energy that it provides, but it is actually making things worse. Candida loves sugars, and these sugars help it to grow and spread.
Some who have CFS have good luck with taking a vitamin B12 supplement. When B12 is low, it can lead to anemia, which can then lead to an overgrowth of the Candida yeast. Some report that B12 has made them feel better, and has helped with a variety of problems. Though this link in tenuous at best, it has many believing that Candida is causing more problems with the general health of many and most people do not know it, and their doctors are not saying that it might be a possibility.
If a patient with CFS has any of the symptoms of Candida (yeast infections, thrush, skin rashes, bloating, or frequent problems with sinus and respiratory infections) they should consider treatment for the yeast. Though the Candida yeast Chronic Fatigue connection is not there for all who suffer, it might help some. Vitamin B12 supplements might help, along with seeking other treatments to lower the amounts of the yeast in the system. If this helps, it should be something that is carefully monitored, as the yeast can come back if the system is not cared for properly.
Labels: albicans candida symptom, candida child
Thursday, April 5, 2007
Essential Oils Medical Terms - Properties, Actions And Effects (Soporific - Vulnerary)
Glossary of Medical Terms - Essential Oils Properties, Actions & Effects
Soporific - a substance that induces sleep
Splenic - relating to the spleen, the body's largest endocrine gland
Splenitis - inflammation of the spleen
Stimulant - an agent that quickens the physiological functions of the body, temporarily increases body or organ function, good for convalescence, poor circulation, listlessness and physical fatigue
Stomachic - digestive aid and tonic, improves the appetite
Styptic - an astringent agent that stops or reduces external bleeding
Sudorific - agent that increases the perspiration
Synergy - agents working together harmoniously
Tannins - a substance that has an astringent action and helps to seal the tissue
Thrombosis - formation of a thrombus or a blood clot
Thrush - an infection of the mouth or vaginal region caused by a fungus (Candida)
Tincture - a herbal remedy, or perfumery material prepared in an alcohol base
Tonic - strengthens and enlivens the whole or specific parts of the body
Uterine - pertaining to the uterus
Vasoconstrictor - an agent that causes narrowing of the blood vessels
Vasodilator - an agent that dilates the blood vessels
Vermiguge - expels intestinal worms
Vesicant - causing blistering to the skin; a counter irritant
Volatile - unstable, evaporates easily, as in a "volatile oil"
Vulnerary - an agent that helps to heal wounds and sores by external application
Holistic MindBody Therapy, including pure essential oils, are gentle, noninvasive complementary forms of health care for balancing and synchronizing your body, mind and spirit and a natural, safe and effective way to enhance your health and well-being. Holistic health care often produces satisfying results where other
Labels: aromatherapy, essential oils, essential oils properties, glossary of medical terms, medical terms
Tuesday, April 3, 2007
Neurotic Symptom Score (NSS) - A New Scoring System For Death Related Mental Health Research
Extent of the presence of symptoms related to the phenomenon of death is required to measure when someone wishes to evaluate this phenomenon's impact. For that purpose, the research conducted in Bangladesh in the year 2003 on the impact and the variation of impact of the conception of death needed such measurement to evaluate the impact on the Muslims of Bangladesh. Thus symptoms described in the DSM-IV of the APA were taken in a checklist mainly from the sections that are related to adjustment problems, stress, and death. Number of symptoms present in a subject was assessed by the number of checkmarks given by the subject himself/herself on the checklist form containing the list of symptoms. This number was named as the Neurotic Symptom Score (NSS) for that subject. So simply, the self-declared number of the neurotic symptoms in a specific situation (stress of death) is the NSS for a specific subject.
The score can be ranging from zero to thirty-eight depending on the extent of presence of the following symptoms (for the last two weeks at least) –
1. Depressed mood
2. Diminished interest in all
3. Change of appetite with the change in body weight without any physical illness
4. Insomnia or hypersomnia
5. Fatigue or loss of energy
6. Feeling of worthlessness
7. Excessive or inappropriate guilt
8. Diminished ability to think
9. Diminished ability to concentrate
10. Indecisiveness
11. Recurrent thoughts of death
12. Suicidal ideation, plans, or attempts
13. Low self-esteem
14. Feeling of hopelessness
15. Palpitation
16. Sweating
17. Trembling
18. Shortness of breath or smothering sensation
19. Trouble swallowing
20. Chest pain or discomfort
21. Nausea or abdominal distress
22. Dizziness
23. Unsteady feeling or faintness
24. Depersonalization or derealization
25. Fear of going crazy
26. Fear of dying
27. Numbness or tingling sensation
28. Flashes or chills
29. Agoraphobia
30. Specific phobia
31. Avoidant behavior significantly interfering with social life
32. Obsessive thoughts
33. Compulsive activity
34. Excessive anxiety or worry, sometimes out of control
35. Restlessness
36. Irritability
37. Muscle tension or ache
38. Trouble falling or staying asleep
The checklist mentioning the above symptoms were provided to 150 Muslims of Bangladesh. After they check-marked and returned the form, the scores (number of check-marked symptoms) were tabulated and used for the research. Finally it yielded a good result that was also statistically significant. When the research was submitted to the supervising University's academic board in Spain it was graded as an "excellent" research.
Labels: Death, Neurotic Symptom, Score
Sunday, April 1, 2007
Natural Cures For You
Natural healing methods, now known as Alternative Medicine, have been around for centuries. Chinese herbal remedies have become known throughout the world for their healing abilities. Indian tribes have been known to use the barks from trees, plants, and seeds to heal their ailments. Even the Bible tells us of natural things we should use to promote good health.
That is not to say Traditional Medicine has no place in this world. The medical world has come a long way. Have you ever tried to perform brain surgery, or replace a limb or heart? Best to leave that to the trained professionals.
However, there are many natural remedies that can work wonders for our bodies and can help prevent many diseases. By learning how our bodies work we can greatly improve our health. Our bodies produce millions of new cells every day. By ridding ourselves of bad cells, and what's causing them, we are well on our way to good health.
Many studies have shown that 70-90% of most illnesses, such as irritable bowel syndrome, arthritis, chronic fatigue, and many others, begin in the digestive tract. Doing a colon cleanse once or twice a year is a great way to rid our bodies of toxins that may have been in our bodies of years and have not been properly disposed of.
Drinking lots of water also helps to dilute unhealthy toxins and flush them out of our bodies.
Some illnesses are caused from a deficiency of certain vitamins or minerals. Taking a good vitamin with minerals every day can help replenish the source that may be lacking.
Many berries, such as blueberries and gooseberries, are filled with antioxidants that help promote healthy cells and help to heal the damaged cells in our bodies.
Taking fish oil every day helps to keep our arteries from clogging which help prevent heart attacks.
There are so many other natural remedies for: yeast infections, acne, and the list goes on and on.
When a plant has a bad leaf we pull it off. If our car breaks down or starts running badly, many other parts of the car will start to break down as well, until we get to the core of the problem. The same is true with our bodies.
We need to educate ourselves about our health and bodies. Just as we would not leave our children in the care of someone with a nothing more than a good reputation, (most of us would want to check the person out for ourselves), we should not leave our health soley in the hands of traditional medicine.
Labels: alternative medicine, natural cures, natural healing methods, natural health, traditional medicine
Friday, March 30, 2007
Tai Chi Books - What They May Include
Are you interested in learning Tai Chi? If you are, your first impulse may be to take a Tai Chi instructional class or buy a Tai Chi video, but did you also know that there are an unlimited number of Tai Chi books also available for purchase? If you are unsure as to whether or not you will actually enjoy participating in Tai Chi, it may be a good idea to buy a Tai Chi book before signing up for an instructional class or course.
When it comes to buying a Tai Chi book, you will find that Tai Chi books come in a number of different formats. A large number of books can be found available for sale and many of these books are written by different authors. For you, this is nice because it tends to give you a large number of products to choose form. When it comes to buying a Tai Chi book, what you will want to do is examine the contents of the book that you are interested in buying. While a large number of Tai Chi books contain different information, some information is commonly displayed in a wide variety of Tai Chi books.
One of the items most commonly found in a Tai Chi book is the history of Tai Chi. Tai Chi, as you likely already know, is a well-known, historic form of Chinese martial art. While you might not think that this has an impact on learning Tai Chi, it should and it does. Knowing the background or the history of Tai Chi will likely give you a better appreciation for the martial art; the martial art that you are about to learn and practice.
In addition to the history of Tai Chi, it is not uncommon for a Tai Chi book to also outline the benefits of practicing Tai Chi. Tai Chi has an unlimited number of benefits. As for physical health, Tai Chi has been known to help improve balance and the circulation of blood. As for emotional benefits, meditation is an important component of Tai Chi, as many Tai Chi books will outline. This mediation may help to decrease your stress levels and improve your overall outlook on life.
Perhaps, the most important component of a Tai Chi book is sample moves. Tai Chi is a martial art that is composed of hundreds, if not thousands, of different martial art moves. It is uncommon for a Tai Chi book to cover all moves, but they should touch on a few basic ones. Purchasing a Tai Chi book that has sample Tai Chi moves is a great way to get a feel of Tai Chi. In fact, purchasing a Tai Chi book that outlines Tai Chi forms step-by-step is a great way to learn whether or not it is something that you would be interested in further pursuing.
While the above mentioned points are often covered in many Tai Chi books, it is important to remember that no two Tai Chi books are really the same. Before purchasing a Tai Chi book it is advised that you flip through the book to examine its contents. Should you be making your Tai Chi book purchase online, it is advised that you search for ratings or reviews first.
Labels: Tai Chi Books
