Sunday, February 25, 2007

How Can Acne Diets Help You Remove Your Acne?

Have you tried many means and ways to get rid of your persistent acne that is appearing on your face and back? And none of them helps you at all. I mean when you glance in the mirror, are you seeing tons of irksome zits staring back at you? This can be a spirit-crusher to say the least.

The last thing any human being wants to grapple with is acne. Unfortunately a lot of this is hereditary. Therefore if you have it in your genetic code, then the odds are stacked against you. But, fortunately there are effective ways to assess this affliction and rid your mug of nasty pimples. You just have to know how to go about it. Let's start with what you consume on a daily basis. Have you ever heard of acne diets?

Whether you choose to believe it or not, your daily diet has an effect on your complexion. Take someone who eats lots of garbage on a regular basis. Now, by garbage I mean junk food; not literal trash. Fast food, soft drinks, candy and sodium have a negative effect on your complexion. This is the opposite of acne diets.

This would fall into the acne-causing diets realm. What you should be focusing on eating is lean protein such as poultry and fish, plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables, and oodles of water. The truth is that most folks definitely lack in the water category. They're drinking far too much coffee and soda. Coffee is loaded with toxins that aren't good for your skin, and soda pollutes your body with massive amounts of sugar. Did you know that some of what you consume excretes back out through your pores? Imagine all that fast food, fat and sugar coming back out. Yucks!

It's high time for acne diets. I suggest that you try this full-on for one solid week. I am sure your complexion will improve on some level. It will be noticeable.

If you have further inquiries regarding acne diets, all you need handy is your personal computer. Any questions you may have can probably be answered online and can probably be found in this site. It's time to start taking care of your skin with acne diets and proper skin care.

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Acne Cures : How Can Acne Vitamin Helps You Obtain Clear Skin?

Look at your own face. What do you see? Is it plastered with zits, pimples and acne? Are you happy with your current complexion, or do you wish to make a few changes to regain youthful looking skin? Remember, it is up to you in the end. This is your skin we're talking about here. Maybe what you need is a quality acne vitamin a treatment. Are you ready to tackle the cosmetic market in search of the right acne solution to your affliction?

Maybe you've come across an acne vitamin a treatment and maybe you haven't. There are just so many of these "acne cures" floating around now days. It may seem almost impossible to pinpoint the right one for your skin condition. However, I want you to lift up that chin and be strong. There is an acne solution out there for you and you are going to find it. Whether it's an acne vitamin a treatment cream or a kit like Proactive Solution, I couldn't tell you.

First of all, you need to better understand your personal skin type and dilemma. Have you made a trip to a professional skin doctor yet? This is the best place to begin if your insurance will cover it. Let a dermatologist examine your face and make suggestions. He/she will probably ask you a few questions regarding your current skin care regime and diet.

Don't be embarrassed to be completely honest. It's crucial that you find out what changes need to be made. You may be prescribed a contemporary acne vitamin a treatment or a cream such as Differin. This all depends on your particular condition. Furthermore, the professional may advise you to change your diet. Typically fast food and sweets are avoided and plenty of water is consumed. That is if you expect to get your complexion back in order. Look at it this way; those foods are terrible for your body in the first place. You shouldn't be eating them at all.

Looking for an acne vitamin a solution for your skin? No problem! Get started at home on your PC. Find that ideal acne remedy that heals your skin and gets it back to normal. Isn't a clear complexion well worth the effort?

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Acne Control tips

Are you having acne problems? If you do, you have come to the right place for helpful tips to get rid of your acne and pimples. Below are some recommended "Over The Counter" acne medication products depending on the severity of your acne problems.

Very Mild Acne

Over The Counter: Products containing benzoyl peroxide in an alcohol-based gel or containing salicylic acid.

Prescription Items: Antibiotic applications, oral antibiotics. Injection of cortisone is a quick way to reduce large acne spots.

Mild Acne

Over The Counter: Products containing either salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, glycolic acid or lactobionic acid

Prescription Items: Antiseptic wash, topical retinoids such as tretinoin and adapelene topical antibiotics. If you have many inflammed spots, a course of oral antibiotics will help. Microdermabrasion is also suitable if there are no inflammed acne spots.

Severe Acne

Over The Counter: Over the counter solutions are not useful and recommended apart from antiseptic washes. This is so as if the acne inflammation is too severe, these products will not work.
Prescription Items: Oral Isotretinoin, topical antibiotics or combination of an antibiotic and benzoyl peroxide in a single topical preparation. For the treatment of acne scars, smoothbeam laser may be used. This may also be used to treat persistent acne spots. Also, at least 6 to 10 acne laser treatment sessions may be needed.
Althought the above recommended acne medication products will help get rid of your acne, advice sought from a dermatologist is highly recommended for your acne problems. So, do look for a dermatologist around your area if you have not.

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Thursday, February 22, 2007

High Blood Pressure

High Blood Pressure (Hypertension)

Blood pressure is the result of two forces: from the heart as it pumps blood into the arteries and throughout the circulatory system, and the force of the arteries as they resist blood flow.

Elevated blood pressure is harmful to the body because it causes the heart to work harder than normal, leaving both the heart and arteries more prone to injury. High blood pressure also increases the risk of heart attack, stroke, damage to the eyes, kidney failure, atherosclerosis and congestive heart failure. High blood pressure combined with other risks, such as obesity, smoking, high blood cholesterol or diabetes greatly increases the risk for heart attack or stroke.

When high blood pressure persists without treatment, the heart must work harder to pump enough blood and oxygen to the body’s organs and tissues. When the heart is over-worked for extended periods of time, the heart tends to enlarge and weaken. Arteries also suffer from elevated blood pressure, becoming scarred, hardened and less elastic over time.

"The Silent Killer"

High blood pressure is often termed the Silent Killer because it usually has no symptoms. Many people have high blood pressure for many years without knowing about it. The only way to find out if your blood pressure is elevated is to have your blood pressure checked.

Blood Pressure Readings

When you have your blood pressure taken, what do the numbers mean? The higher number, or systolic pressure, represents the pressure exerted when the heart is beating. The lower number, or diastolic pressure, represents the pressure exerted when the heart is at rest between beats. The systolic pressure is always stated first. For example, a blood pressure reading of 120 over 80 (120/80) would mean that your systolic pressure is 122 mm Hg and your diastolic pressure is 80 mm Hg. (Blood pressure is measured in millimeters of mercury, or mm Hg).

Recommendations

High blood pressure (hypertension) is defined as an adult having a systolic pressure of 140 mm Hg or higher and/or a diastolic pressure of 90 mm Hg or higher.

Blood Pressure            Systolic  Diastolic

Optimal Less             than 120  Less than 80

Normal Less              than 130  Less than 85

High Normal             130 - 139  85 - 89

Hypertension     140 or higher  90 or higher

Causes of High Blood Pressure

The cause of high blood pressure is largely unknown, although there are certain risk factors that increase an individual’s chance for developing high blood pressure:

Heredity

Race (African Americans are more likely to develop high blood pressure)

Males (men have a greater chance of developing high blood pressure than women until age 55. However, at over the age of 75, women are more likely to develop high blood pressure than men).

Sodium sensitivity (salt)

Obesity and overweight

Heavy alcohol consumption

Sedentary lifestyle

Diabetics or individuals with gout or kidney disease

Heredity (individuals whose parents had/have high blood pressure are more at risk)

Age (the older people get, the more prone to high blood pressure)

Some medications (always tell your doctor about every medication you are taking - some medications increase blood pressure, others may interfere with the effectiveness of antihypertensive drugs)

Treating High Blood Pressure

If you have high blood pressure, there is a great deal you can do to reduce it. You and your doctor can determine the most effective treatment for you. Treatment may include a low-fat, low-salt diet, losing weight, quitting smoking, reducing alcohol intake, and getting more exercise. In addition, many medications can be used to reduce and control your high blood pressure. With effective monitoring and treatment, you can help control your blood pressure and reduce your risk of stroke, kidney and heart failure and heart attack. 

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Wednesday, February 21, 2007

Who is at Risk for Mesothelioma?

Who is at Risk for Mesothelioma?
by: Robert Linebaugh

Mesothelioma, the deadly disease which has topped news headlines for the last decade, is contracted through exposure to airborne fibers of asbestos. Sadly, the under-regulation of asbestos usage in years past, and arguably still today, exposed millions to airborne fibers and as a result thousands contracted the disease.

It can be safely said that almost everyone in the world has been exposed to asbestos in varying degrees. Because of the unique nature of the disease, even those who have suffered only minimal exposure are at risk of contracting the disease. In effect, virtually everyone has some risk of contracting Mesothelioma.

But this sort of statement perhaps oversteps the bounds of rationality. While it is certainly true that individuals who have been exposed to small amounts of asbestos for relatively short periods of time have contracted the disease, this is a rarity rather than a regularity. In fact, the vast majority of Mesothelioma cases involve individuals who were exposed to airborne asbestos fibers for intense and extended periods of time.

The industries most in danger of prolonged exposure and thus of contraction are shipbuilding trades, asbestos mining and milling, textile manufacturing, insulation work in construction, and brake repair personnel. There are, however, some other minor factors which can affect the likelihood of contracting the disease. Among these is radiation exposure. There have been causes in which individuals who were exposed to radiation have subsequently displayed signs of and ultimately contracted mesothelioma. However, empirical studies to attempt to verify this correlation have not proven out this claim very strongly.

Another more certain cause of the disease was the taking of the Polio vaccine between 1955 and 1963. Some batches of this vaccine were contaminated with Simian Virus 40 which has been detected in a host of rare cancers including Mesothelioma.

Those involved in construction or who lived in homes in the Cappadocian region of Turkey are also particularly at risk. In this region, homebuilders used Erionite, which is a type of zeolite silica stone. Exposure to the fibrous strands of this building material have led to an annual death rate of roughly 1% of the population which dies of mesothelioma each year in Turkey.

One of the most influential factors affecting Mesothelioma contraction is genetics. Some individuals who have been exposed to long periods and high quantities of asbestos have not contracted the disease. As a result, doctors have concluded that genetics play a major role in determining whether or not patients contract the disease. Unfortunately, the gene variability which offers some resistance to the disease also means that some are particularly vulnerable to asbestos exposure.

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Mesothelioma Lawyers - How To Choose Them Correctly

Mesothelioma Lawyers - How To Choose Them Correctly
by: Peter Rutherford

Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer that occurs in the mesothelium, a protective sac that covers many of our internal organs. In around 80% of cases people who develop mesothelioma have worked in environments where they have been exposed to asbestos particles. The tumour begins as nodules in the pleura which surround the lungs, later invading the chest wall.

If your life has been affected by mesothelioma then you may deserve compensation. Filling a lawsuit is imperative although the process can be daunting. The most important step for you to take is to first choose the correct law firm or attorney.

Selecting an experienced and competent mesothelioma lawyer can be the difference between success and failure. It is important to do this as soon as mesothelioma has been diagnosed as there maybe deadlines to meet if your case is to proceed.

In the decision making process you should contact several law firms before making your final decision. There is a wealth of information available from various public sources and you may also benefit from contacting the governing body of lawyers in your country. It is best to select a law firm or attorney that you have a good relationship with and also one that has past experience of dealing with mesothelioma cases. You will also need to find out about the fees charged by the various mesothelioma lawyers that you contact. When you have your initial consultations you should be looking to the law firm to explain how they can help you. When you make your final decision it is advisable to obtain a written agreement from the law firm regarding any fees, and also some references that you can then follow up on.

The decision making process can be a difficult one. Some questions you should think about are:

1) Did the lawyer take the time to listen carefully to me?

2) Did they seem trustworthy?

3) What courses of action are open to me and what are the implications of these?

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Sunday, February 18, 2007

Mesothelioma Lawyers/Attorneys and Legal Information

Some websites to help you out with mesothelioma lawyers/Attorney and legar information:

* EPA - Asbestos Information - Information about health risks, safety information and regulatory issues, from the United States Environmental Protection Agency.

* Baron & Budd, P.C. - Texas law firm representing people whose lives and health have been damaged by toxic substances.
* Beasley, Allen, Crow, Methvin, Portis & Miles, P.C. - Alabama lawyers providing information regarding asbestos and mesothelioma.
* Bill T. Walker and Neil J. Maune - Introduction to asbestos-related illness, from Illinois attorneys.
* Brayton Purcell Law Office - Resources for asbestos victims from a law firm based in Novato, California.
* Breath Taken: The Landscape & Biography of Asbestos - Articles about products containing asbestos and their link to asbestos-related diseases and litigation, from early 1900's to present.
* British Asbestos Newsletter - Newsletter focused on health and litigation issues relating to asbestos in the United Kingdom.
* Danziger & De Llano, P.C. - Houston law firm site discussing asbestos disease.
* David Shaw Law Office - Information from Connecticut attorney, about mesothelioma, treatment centers, clinical trials, asbestos and legal representation.
* Delaney & Granich - Law firm, based in Albany, New York, offering medical and legal information for victims of asbestos-related diseases.
* Early, Ludwick, Sweeney, Strauss - New Haven firm, offering information and representation for asbestos-related disease, including asbestosis and mesothelioma.
* Environmental Information Association - Information about building materials containing asbestos and legislation regarding asbestos, from organization in Bethesda, MD.
* Field Fisher Waterhouse - Legal information about and representation for asbestos disease claimants in Britain.
* Goldberg, Persky, Jennings, White and Hostler - West Virginia firm emphasizing asbestos and other personal injury matters.
* Higgins Solicitors - UK Solicitors handling asbestosis claims and related conditions.
* Hissey, Kientz & Herron - Information about asbestos and silica exposure, from a Houston, Texas law firm.
* Jonathan David, P.C. - Information about mesothelioma treatments, clinical trials, specialists, and asbestos disease, provided by a Houston, Texas law firm.
* Kazan, McClain, Edises, Abrams, Fernandez, Lyons & Farrise, PLC - About mesothelioma diagnosis, treatment options, asbestos exposure, and legal representation, from a California law firm.
* Law Offices of Patrick K.B. Tracy - Mesothelioma information from a Boston law firm.
* Law Offices of Shepard A. Hoffman - Information from a Baltimore attorney, about mesothelioma, its causes and treatments, medical specialists and legal advice.
* Martin & Jones - Law firm in North Carolina and Georgia offers information about asbestos litigation and mesothelioma.
* Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation, Inc. - A non-profit organization, devoted to eradicating mesothelioma as a life-ending disease.
* Mesothelioma Attorney Advice Center - Site, "not authored by or sponsored by attorneys" provides mesothelioma information and links to "a list of accredited mesothelioma attorneys."
* Mesothelioma Information and Resource Group - Organization, formed by the Boston law firm of Coady and Associates, offering information about asbestos-related injuries.
* Mesothelioma Research Foundation of America - Researching mesothelioma and asbestos-related diseases; includes information about legal issues.
* Motley Rice LLC - US attorneys group describes the asbestos-related disease malignant mesothelioma, and the legal rights of patients and exposure victims.
* Murray Law Firm - Information on asbestos-related disease, from a law firm based in New Orleans, Louisiana.
* Oklahoma State University - Asbestos Awareness - Information for employees that work in buildings that contain asbestos.
* Parker Dumler & Kiely LLP - Baltimore attorneys representing clients in cases involving asbestos, asbestos cancer and mesothelioma.
* Paul, Hanley & Harley LLP - Berkeley attorney site with health and legal information about malignant mesothelioma and asbestos diseases.
* Roberts Law Office - Attorney in Houston, Texas, providing information concerning health risks and legal rights associated with asbestos and silicosis.
* Roger Worthington, PC - Extensive survey of medical and legal options for people with mesothelioma, from Dallas, TX attorney.
* Rowley Ashworth solicitors - UK solicitors providing information about asbestosis, lung cancer and mesothelioma.
* Smoger Law Firm - Information about asbestos, mesothelioma and cancer, from Dallas, Texas attorneys.
* Thomas J. Lamb, PA - North Carolina attorney offering information on asbestos-related disease.
* The White Lung Association - News about asbestos including legal issues, international meetings and political opinions.

* Cheney's Firm Backed Bill To Limit Asbestos Liability - Article discusses efforts of Halliburton to change federal law to reduce asbestos liability. (August 4, 2000)
* Amchem Products, Inc. v. Windsor - U.S. Supreme Court's 1997 opinion on validity of class-action asbestos litigation. (June 25, 1997)

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Arthritis websites and studies

Websites

American College of Rheumatology

Arthritis Foundation

National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases

Ayurveda and Arthritis

Relevant Studies

* Iron and rheumatoid arthritis. Day-to-day variation in iron levels is lower in the elderly than in the younger population. Iron levels are similar in both elderly women with or without rheumatoid arthritis. J Am Diet Assoc, March 1996.
* Riboflavin Deficiency and Rheumatoid Arthritis. There is an association of riboflavin deficiency with the further development of rheumatoid arthritis and the inflammation characterizing the disease. Ann Rheum Dis, Nov. 1996.
* Vitamin D and Osteoarthritis. Low intake and low serum levels of vitamin D seem to be associated with an increased risk for progression of osteoarthritis in the knee. Ann Intern Med, Sept. 1, 1996.
* Vitamin A and Infectious Arthritis. Vitamin A deficiency may exacerbate acute Lyme arthritis. Conversely, intake of vitamin A may ease symptoms of Lyme arthritis. J Infect Dis, Oct. 1996.
* Weight Loss and Osteoarthritis. Early indicators suggest that weight loss can prevent the onset of osteoarthritic symptoms and alleviate symptoms already present. Am J Clin Nutr, March 1996

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Arthritis Treatment

What treatment options are available?
OSTEOARTHRITIS

* Check with your doctor to confirm what type of arthritis you have. An X-ray will detect the presence of osteoarthritis.
* Take aspirin or NSAIDS (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) after a meal to relieve pain and inflammation. If you've had gastrointestinal bleeding or are over 65, consult with your doctor first.
* Rest to give injured tissues time to heal.
* Start a moderate exercise program to alleviate the pain and inhibit further deterioration by strengthening the surrounding bones, muscles and ligaments. Also, if you are overweight, exercising will help drop the extra pounds that are, no doubt, putting more stress on your joints.
* Heat or cold therapies may help alleviate the pain and inflammation.
* Corticosteroid injections are sometimes called for.
* Acupressure can sometimes relieve the pain as can massage or chiropractic treatment.
* Surgery is also an option for those suffering from severe arthritis. Damaged connective tissue in the joint is removed to allow new, healthy tissue to grow in its place. Sometimes the entire joint is replaced with an artificial one.

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Arthritis Diet & Nutrition

Rheumatoid arthritis sufferers may experience some improvement by adopting a vegetarian diet, according to a study in the British Journal of Nutrition. The 13-month study of 44 patients with active rheumatoid arthritis found that those on vegetarian regimens experienced fewer arthritis symptoms than the volunteers whose diet contained meat and other animal products.

One explanation stems from the fact that vegetarian diets contain different types of fats from those found in diets that include animal products. While it's true that the bulk of the fat in our bodies is used as a source of energy or to store energy, a small amount of fat goes to form powerful hormone-like compounds called prostaglandins or PGs.

There are several different families of PGs, each causing the body to behave in different ways. Where arthritis is concerned, some PGs can encourage inflammation while others will not. The type of fat we eat is one the factors that determines how much of each type of PG the body makes.

Previous research has found that omega-3 fatty acids, which are found in fish oil as well as borage seed oil, evening primrose oil and flaxseed oil, are able to decrease the painful symptoms of arthritis. Theoretically, the body turns them into PGs that don't encourage inflammation. By contrast, animal products and the omega-6 polyunsaturated vegetable oils turn into PGs that promote inflammation.

A 1996 study in the journal Epidemiology found that regular intake of high omega-3 fish, such as salmon, mackerel, brook trout, bluefish or herring, reduces the risk of rheumatoid arthritis. (Fried food, incidentally, was associated with a higher risk.)

A study in the Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases reported that vitamin E may alleviate some of the stiffness experienced by arthritis sufferers. Those taking 600 mg of vitamin E twice a day for twelve weeks reportedly had a major reduction in pain.

A study in the Journal of Rheumatology found that supplements of N-acetyl-L-cysteine were helpful in relieving some of the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis.

The claim that arthritis is caused by a food allergy is controversial. This being said though, it's best to maintain a journal, charting any changes in symptoms alongside the day's activities and the foods you eat. Discuss any suspect patterns with your allergist.

The Arthritis Foundation, which originally stated that it "cannot recommend" glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate as treatment, has backed off the strength of that statement. In a more recent press release, it calls the initial data on glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate "promising," but that it "cannot formulate a definite recommendation" until more substantial studies are done.

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Description of Arthritis

More than fifty million Americans suffer from osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis or some other condition causing pain and/or inflammation in the joints. According to The New England Journal of Medicine, American workers lose more time to arthritic pain than to any other affliction. The chances of developing arthritis increase the more sedentary you become.

OSTEOARTHRITIS

* Osteoarthritis develops as the cartilage at the ends of the bones, at the joints, wears away.
* Friction is caused by the roughening of the cartilage. The cartilage deteriorates as the once-smooth surfaces are no longer able to slide easily against each other. Tendons, ligaments and muscles keeping the joints in place weaken, and the joint becomes stiff, deformed and painful.
* Osteoarthritis makes bones brittle, thus increasing the risk for fractures.
* Osteocytes, or bone spurs, develop near the worn-away cartilage in the neck and back, but can only be detected with an X-ray.
* Osteoarthritis most typically occurs after 40, and can be found in the majority of people over 60.
* Symptoms can be mild to severe and develop in three times as many women than men.



RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS

* Rheumatoid arthritis and juvenile rheumatoid arthritis develop when the immune system attacks the synovial membrane (lines the joints and secretes lubricating fluid) because it mistakes the membrane for a foreign body.
* The joints then become inflamed, and the cartilage, tissues and bone surfaces are destroyed.
* Scar tissue develops, causing the bones to fuse together. Joints become gnarled and deformed.
* Rheumatoid arthritis, also called rheumatism or synovitis, affects people from ages 25-50 with women developing it two to three times more than men.
* Damage can progress to the muscles, heart, eyes, lungs, and nerves.
* This damage can also occur in juvenile rheumatoid arthritis sufferers who are made up of those 18 and under, with six times as many girls as boys afflicted.



INFECTIOUS ARTHRITIS

* Infectious arthritis is when a virus or bacteria travels to the joint and attacks it.
* It is much less common than the other two types of arthritis discussed above.
* Infectious arthritis can be overlooked in treatment of the injury or illness that caused it. If left untreated, infectious arthritis can cause permanent damage.

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Arthritis causes, symptoms and Risks

What are the Causes/Risks?

OSTEOARTHRITIS

* Degenerative joint disease which is most often the result of aging.
* It can also develop because of injury such as bones broken, intense physical activity as in athletics or a defect in the protein comprising the cartilage.
* Osteoarthritis appears to have a genetic link; if both your parents have it, it could be that you will develop it, too.


RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS

* Rheumatoid arthritis is caused by an autoimmune disorder.
* Or it may be caused by a viral infection that sets off the immune response in which the synovial membrane falls under attack.
* There is some conjecture that physical and/or emotional stress may bring on the disorder.
* Poor nutrition may also contribute to the onset of rheumatoid arthritis.



INFECTIOUS ARTHRITIS

* Infectious arthritis is when a virus or bacteria travels to the joint and attacks it.
* It is much less common than the other two types of arthritis discussed above.
* Infectious arthritis can be overlooked in treatment of the injury or illness that caused it. If left untreated, infectious arthritis can cause permanent damage.



What are the Symptoms?

OSTEOARTHRITIS

* Stiffness, deformity and pain. No swelling of the joints at first, though inflammation may occur later on. Joints may enlarge as well. A popping and clicking noise accompanies a grating feel as joints become less mobile.



RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS

* Swelling, inflammation and stiffness, especially in the morning, in specific joints on both sides of the body. Joints enlarge.
* In juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, fever off and on, anemia, loss of appetite and weight are indicators.



INFECTIOUS ARTHRITIS

* Fever, chills, body aches, pneumonia, confusion, dizziness, low blood pressure, shock, swelling, redness, pain and tenderness in joints.


Description
Nutrition & Diet
Treatment
Websites & studies
References and Sources: Medline, Pubmed, National Institutes of Health

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Friday, February 9, 2007

Peritonial Mesothelioma

Peritoneal Mesothelioma is the second-most prevalent form of asbestos-related cancer, rarer than the pleural variety, and accounting for about 10% - 15% of all diagnosed Mesothelioma cases. This form of cancer affects the lining of the abdomen, known as the peritoneum.

Doctors and researchers offer two theories as to how asbestos fibers are able to enter the peritoneum. Some believe that the fibers are caught and held by the mucus in the trachea or bronchi and ultimately swallowed. The second explanation notes that fibers lodged in the lungs may move into the lymphatic system and be transferred to the peritoneum.

Peritoneal MesotheliomaRegardless of which explanation is correct, peritoneal Mesothelioma can be quite difficult to detect, as the cancer may lay dormant for many years. Like all types of asbestos-related cancers, documented incidences show that this type has, at times, been dormant for up to four decades. That, of course, makes it all the more difficult to treat this disease because, by the time it’s detected, it has reached its advanced stages.

The symptoms of peritoneal Mesothelioma are non-specific and can often be mistaken as indicators of a much less serious disease. Therefore, it’s important to let medical professionals know that the patient has been exposed to asbestos in the past. Symptoms of this type of Mesothelioma might include:

Location of the tumor will determine which symptoms are present and/or most severe and symptoms may be different according to the patient’s general health and age.

Often, the diagnosis of peritoneal Mesothelioma is accidental, perhaps discovered during an x-ray for another ailment. Additional x-rays, CT scans, or MRIs may be ordered but, ultimately, a tissue biopsy will be the most conclusive test.

Once this type of Mesothelioma is diagnosed, treatment options will be discussed. While there is currently no cure for this disease, the patient can be treated in a variety of ways to help ease symptoms, reduce pain, and prolong life. Options include:

  • Surgery – the surgery performed for peritoneal Mesothelioma may involve cutting out part of the lining and tissue from the abdominal area in order to remove the tumor. If the tumor is particularly large, a lung or a section of the diaphragm may need to be removed as well. Because this type of cancer is so often diagnosed in its late stages, surgery may not be an option as the cancer has already spread too much by this point.
  • Chemotherapy – the use of intra-peritoneal chemotherapy is often recommended to patients with peritoneal Mesothelioma. This involves the infusion of chemotherapy drugs directly into the abdominal cavity. It can be used after surgery or on its own.
  • Radiation therapy – radiation may be targeted directly at cancer cells or can be used for palliative reasons such as to reduce pain or shortness of breath or to control the spread of the tumor.
  • Clinical trials – some patients choose to participate in clinical trials or employ the use of therapies that have not yet been deemed successful in treating the disease, such as gene therapy or immunotherapy.

Although peritoneal Mesothelioma is not the most prevalent form of asbestos-related cancer, it is indeed a serious problem and many people die each year from the disease. If you, a friend, or a loved one has been diagnosed with this or any other type of asbestos-related cancer, learn about your options and rights by ordering our free Mesothelioma Resource Kit, full of information on the disease, its treatments, and the legal options of an asbestos-related cancer victim.

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Asbestos Types

Individuals who don’t know a lot about asbestos but have heard much about its many dangers may be surprised to learn that asbestos is a natural substance, found in various places on the planet, not a man-made substance developed for commercial use. Indeed, asbestos is mined in many countries throughout the world and was, at one time, widely used in many commercial products, usually for a number of reasons including its high resistance to heat and chemicals, its low electrical conductivity, and its strength and flexibility.

AsbestosThis natural material was first used in 1828 as a lining material for steam engines. For many years, vinyl-asbestos tiles were used for floor coverings and automobile clutch facings and brake linings also contained asbestos. Alarmingly, asbestos was even used in toothpaste, as artificial snow for Christmas trees, and as incision thread for surgery patients.

A total of six different types of asbestos are found in the earth and they’re categorized into two separate groups: 1) serpentine, with a layered form and curly fibers, and 2) amphibole, with straight fibers and a chain-like structure. The latter has been determined to be the most dangerous type of asbestos to which human beings can be exposed.

The serpentine group has just one member…Chrysotile. This is the most common type of asbestos, still found in buildings in nearly every developed country throughout the world. As a matter of fact, figures show that between 90% and 95% of all asbestos found in buildings and other commercial products that contain asbestos is of the Chrysotile variety. Furthermore, this is the only type which is still mined, primarily in Canada, Africa, and the former Soviet Republic. Because of its rampant use, Chrysotile accounts for most asbestos-related health problems.

Chrysotile is usually white or green in color and is most often used in insulation and fireproofing products. It can also be woven into asbestos tapes and clothes and is used in the manufacture of cement in the form of sheets, shingles, and pipes. This type of asbestos is also used in a number of friction materials, largely due to its high resistance to heat. These products include automobile brake shoes, disk pads, clutches and elevator brakes. In addition, roof sealants, textiles, plastics, rubbers, door seals for furnaces, high temperature caulking, paper, and components for the nuclear industry contain Chrysotile.

Five kinds of asbestos are members of the amphibole variety. Only two of them were consistently used in commercial applications – Amosite and Crocidolite. These two forms, possessing strong and stiff fibers, are highly dangerous when airborne fibers are inhaled or ingested.

The commercial production of Amosite, also known as “brown asbestos”, was halted within the last decade. Most often used as an insulating material, the use of Amosite has been banned in most countries for several decades. However, at one time, it was the second most-commonly used type of asbestos, accounting for about 5% of the asbestos used in factories and buildings and was sometimes included for anti-condensation and acoustical purposes.

Crocidolite is a rare form of asbestos, bluish in color, and is highly resistant to chemicals. It’s believed to be the most lethal form of asbestos and was often used as a reinforcement material for plastics. In the mid-twentieth century, Crocidolite was also used in pre-formed thermal insulation and, prior to that, some yarns and rope lagging contained this form of asbestos.

Though the use of most asbestos products has long been banned in most developed countries, many buildings may still contain some form of this dangerous mineral. To learn more about the various types of asbestos and their uses, be sure to sign up for a free information packet, available from this site.

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Pericardial mesothelioma

Pericardial mesothelioma
is the rarest form of this asbestos-related cancer. This form of cancer affects the lining that surrounds the heart, and is associated with long term exposure to asbestos fibres.

The symptoms of pericardial mesothelioma, as with other types of mesothelioma, can take decades to manifest. If a person worked with asbestos twenty or thirty years ago and shows no symptoms, that does not mean that they have the all clear. The symptoms typically take around twenty or thirty years to manifest anyway, sometimes even longer.

This means that the cancer is usually too advanced to treat effectively by the time it is diagnosed. It is always advisable that people who have worked with asbestos on a frequent basis in the past inform their doctors. Although nothing can be done to speed up the onset of symptoms in order to catch the disease in time to treat, any further delay in diagnosis can be alleviated by making your doctor aware of all the facts so that a speedy diagnosis can be made if the symptoms to manifest.

There are several main symptoms to look out for with pericardial mesothelioma. These include: persistent coughing; shortness of breath; chest pain; palpitations. Anyone that has worked with asbestos and experiences any or all of these symptoms should seek medical advice immediately.

Once your doctor has made a diagnosis, it is important to assess the extent to which the disease has spread and to what degree it has advanced. This is usually determined by imaging. A CT Scan or MRI Scan can normally reveal what stage the disease is at, and this will help to determine what sort of treatment can be considered. The patient’s age, medical condition, and past medical history will also be taken into account when deciding upon a course of treatment.

Pericardial mesothelioma can occasionally be treated with surgery. However, the nature of this cancer means that it is very advanced by the time that it is diagnosed and this often means that surgery for this particular type of mesothelioma has to be ruled out. Even if surgery is performed, it is unlikely that all of the tumour or cells can be removed or treated, hence further treatment of radiation or chemotherapy (known as systemic treatments) is needed afterwards anyway.

The two most common forms of treatment for pericardial mesothelioma are radiation therapy or chemotherapy. Radiation therapy is the most commonly used of the two procedures for this type of mesothelioma, and the one that has proven most successful with pericardial mesothelioma patients to date. However, both types of treatment must be carefully monitored due to the risk they pose to healthy cells as well as affected ones.

Another low risk procedure often used simply to relieve symptoms is a ‘fine needle aspiration.’ This is where a needle is inserted into the chest cavity in order to drain off excess fluid build up caused by the cancer. This can often relieve some of the symptoms of the disease.

Clinical trials into all types of mesothelioma are still being continued all over the country and all over the world. Many patients find that it helps to be a part of a clinical trial as it gives them a chance to try a new form of treatment that could be effective, as well as giving them hope and making them feel more positive. And it is through this type of positive attitude along with the hard work of the professionals that, one day, a cure for all types of mesothelioma at all stages could be discovered.

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Mesothelioma - Your Right To File A Lawsuit

Those who have been diagnosed with mesothelioma have every right to file a lawsuit. Many of the companies responsible for exposing workers to asbestos were well aware of its dangers and effects, but still saw fit to let their workers continue with little or no protection against the dust and fibers that emanated from this hazardous material. Now, decades later, the effects of this exposure is taking its toll on American workers just as they reach their golden years. These workers are entitled to compensation and justice for their pain, suffering and loss of life. A mesothelioma lawsuit can provide them with such justice.

Today, there are many mesothelioma lawyers to choose from. The number of lawyers and law firms handling these lawsuits is on the rise. Many of these lawyers have dealt with numerous mesothelioma lawsuits and have a good deal of experience and knowledge about the disease. Those looking for a mesothelioma lawyer should chooser someone that has proven experience in the field. Most reputable lawyers will be happy to provide facts and figures on previous cases that they have handled. However, these lawyers often do not provide private information that might be subject to confidentiality. They can, however, provide you with details on how quickly cases were resolved, how much compensation was successfully obtained and how many mesothelioma lawsuits they have dealt with.

It is also worth finding out about the mesothelioma lawsuits that were not successful, and why they were not successful. It may be something as simple as a missed piece of evidence to failure to comply with sensitive timetables associated with such cases. These elements can make the difference between a successful and an unsuccessful lawsuit. By finding out why some lawsuits resulted in no compensation, you may be able to avoid making the same type of mistake.
It is important that you find a good, experienced mesothelioma lawyer as soon as possible after you have been diagnosed with the disease. Most states have a set time limit in which you can file your lawsuit, and it is very important that you not miss that deadline known as a statute of limitations. Otherwise you may find that you are ineligible to make a claim. You also need to give your lawyer as much time as possible to do the necessary research and put together a solid and case against the negligent parties. In short, the earlier you get to a mesothelioma lawyer, the better your chances of success.

Many people are concerned because they do not know exactly where and when they were exposed to asbestos. Some people may have worked in several different places and been exposed to asbestos on numerous occasions. However, your mesothelioma lawyer can help in identifying products that you were exposed to. If necessary, your mesothelioma lawyer will hire the services of a private investigator to find out where the exposure took place. With some research and digging, the lawyer is generally able to pinpoint the company or companies responsible for the exposure.

Again, this can take time and is another reason why it is so important to find a mesothelioma lawyer as soon as possible after the diagnosis of the cancer has been confirmed. Understandably, patients who have just been told that they have mesothelioma will have a great deal on their minds and filing a lawsuit may not be one of their priorities. However, the timely process of selecting a lawyer and filing your lawsuit can make all the difference in securing the future of your family.

http://www.mesolink.org/legal-guide/mesothelioma-lawyer.html

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Thursday, February 8, 2007

Kidney Stones in kids

Contrary to the misconception that only adults develop stones, it has been found that kidney stones also occur in children. This holds true for children living in hot climates or with any birth defects in their urinary tract.

A child may complain of burning on and off, while passing urine; may have backaches; Urine analysis may reveal presence of plenty of crystals, despite no complaints from the child. In the event of any of the above, your child may have Kidney stones!

In addition, you may notice some symptoms in your child pertaining to kidney stones, such as abdominal pain, hematuria (blood in urine), vomiting, backache, recurrent urinary tract infections or kidney stones may accidentally be discovered on USG (Ultrasonography). Diagnosis is made by plain X-ray of kidneys, ureters and urinary bladder or Ultrasonography.

Kidney stones in children are more problematic! This is so because kidney stones in children are frequently linked with an underlying anatomical abnormality such as spina bifida, a reconstructed urinary tract or augmented bladder. That means there's not as much experience in dealing with the problem and that treatment can be complicated.

Children with altered anatomy tend to make stones because of pooling of urine or infection. Unlike adults, young people usually must have stones removed, even when a child is asymptomatic. Odds are that the stones will eventually cause trouble, growing to obstruct the kidney.

Treatment of Kidney stones for children includes extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy. For resistant stones, percutaneous therapy may have to be utilized. Small surgical instruments may be used for children to prevent risks of more involved surgery. The surgical procedure involves the insertion of a nephrostomy tube followed by a plastic sheath into the child's kidney. The sheath allows access of a nephroscope. Once the stone is sighted, other instruments, either a laser or miniaturized lithotripter can break it up.

For these procedures, Small children need general anesthesia, as they may not be able to tolerate the pain associated with the procedure. Children have a 20-50% higher chance for the stone recurrence. Problems like passing excess calcium in urine need to be detected and treated. Regular toileting and drinking plenty of water are essential to prevent urine infection and stone formation.

Table Salt should be restricted in diet. Non vegetarian foods and milk products need to be reduced. Cabbage, spinach, cashew, walnut etc need to be avoided. Coffee, tea, cola, apple and grape juices need to be restricted. Orange and lime juices are good. Vitamin D and calcium tonics should be avoided. With the advent of newer facilities, 95% of stones in children can be removed without open surgery. It is essential to consult a pediatric urologist trained in this area to get appropriate treatment.

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Tips to manage diabetes

Diabetes is an epidemic disease that affects more and more people nowadays. No need to panic when diagnosed with diabetes. It's bad news. It could be devastating at first. Fortunately, diabetes is a manageable condition. By following some simple steps you can keep your diabetes under control and still live a healthy life you deserve. Here are some tips on how to manage your diabetes successfully:

* Learning more about your diabetes - Knowledge about this disease will help you do what's good and avoid what's bad for this disorder.
* Planning a healthy diet - A healthy and balanced meal plan plays an important role in controlling your diabetes. It makes you feel better and help to reduce the chances of developing serious complications. A balanced healthy diet including a variety of foods from each group of grain products, vegetables and fruit, milk products and meat and alternatives will keep your blood glucose at the normal level. Choose low fat foods and foods with a lower glycemic index. Avoid high fat foods and foods with a high glycemic index.
* Keeping your weight in a healthy range, shed off extra pounds if you're overweight, especially if you have type 2 diabetes - Keeping normal and healthy weight will help your body's ability use its insulin properly and maintain your blood glucose at normal level. Try to keep your Body Mass Index (BMI) at 18.5 - 24.9 You can calculate your BMI using the following formula:
English Formula
BMI= weight in pounds/ (height in inches x height in inches) x 703
Metric Formula
BMI= weight in kilograms/ (height in meters x height in meters)
* Trying to be physically active - 20-30 minutes of exercise on a daily basis will be very helpful. Exercise can improve insulin sensitivity, lower the risk of heart disease, and lose some extra pounds to keep you weight at a normal level. However, some diabetic complications will probably make some types of exercise program not suitable for you. Activities like weightlifting, jogging, or high-impact aerobics may be a little risky for people with diabetic retinopathy due to the risk for further blood vessel damage and possible retinal detachment. Consult your doctor before you get started. Make an action plan. Start slow and gentle. Gradually work your way up.
* Taking medications and/or insulin (in applicable) as prescribed by your doctor - Depending on types of diabetes you may need medications and/or insulin to assist the body in making or using insulin more effectively.

* Monitoring how your diet and/or treatment (if applicable) affect your blood glucose levels - Using a glucose meter to monitor your blood levels to see if they are affected by your meal plan and/or treatment .Keeping diary of your blood glucose readings and reviewing them to see if there are any noticeable patterns

Start to follow these simple tips and manage your diabetes today. You can too live a healthy life you deserve.



Forest Sun is a healthy lifestyle enthusiast and advocate. His website at http://www.manageyourdiabetesnow.com offers information on diabetes and how you can manage diabetes successfully.

Visit Site: http://www.manageyourdiabetesnow.com

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5 tips to avoid 10lb weight gain during Christmas

1. Have the right attitude

If you go into Christmas with the idea that you'll just eat everything you possibly can and worry about it in January then you will bitterly regret it when Christmas is over. Decide to enjoy the festive season without going plain silly over all the goodies on offer. Choose the things you particularly like and say no to anything which you're really not bothered about.

2. Eat how much you need

At every meal aim for a comfortable feeling of satisfaction rather than getting to the stage where you need to loosen your waistband. Decide to enjoy your meal AND feel great afterwards. This tip alone will save you hundreds of calories every meal. If you want to try all the courses, have small portions of everything you really want.

3. Keep up your exercise

Don't give up your usual exercise routine over the holidays because it will be hard to get back into it later. If you really can't get to the gym, do a few exercises at home or go out walking. It will not just use up some calories, it will keep you in touch with your desire to stay slim and healthy. Also keep as active as possible as you go about your day - don't sit about watching the TV specials, nibbling nuts and chocolate.

4. Put it away

If you have lots of extra treats at home "for guests", get them out when people come and put them away when they go home. Out of sight, out of mind will help a little but if those treats do start calling out to you from the cupboard, put a few on a plate and put the rest away so that you are not constantly nibbling from the packet.

5. Peace and goodwill

Try and keep calm over Christmas. As stress levels rise, so does our tendency to eat for comfort. Just remember that you don't have to make Christmas perfect for everyone else while running yourself into the ground. Do the best you can with the time available and then just decide to enjoy it however much you've done. If others have expectations of how Christmas should be then get them involved in making it so! Have some (non-food) treats up your sleeve to enjoy when it all gets a bit too much. It doesn't cost a lot to tuck away a sachet of perfumed bubble bath, a glossy magazine or a novel you've been dying to read. If all else fails call an old friend for a chat rather than eating the fridge empty.

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Cope with Cancer

Picture yourself walking down the street where you live. Everything looks normal, but you have a feeling that something is not quite right. Suddenly there’s a rumble and the road buckles up around your feet. You struggle, unable to move forward. Your thoughts become erratic and scattered, just when you need clarity. People come to help you, but that sinking feeling remains and something is telling you that your life will never be the same.

If you have been diagnosed with cancer you know what I am talking about. A cancer diagnosis can knock you out like nothing you’ve experienced before, and your life won't be the same. The learning curve is steep, and you’re forced up that curve at an alarming rate so that you feel unsure of which turns to take. Sometimes you feel as if you’re in a swamp with no road at all, and you rush around desperately looking for solid ground so you can rest. Some of these experiences are common, but everyone walks a different road on the journey with cancer.

Fortunately there is a lot of help out there to guide you to safety. Sometimes there seems to be too much help – too much advice, too many decisions to make. The trick is to listen to your intuition, your “gut instinct” or that “still small voice within”. Take some time alone to ask yourself questions such as “How do I feel about that?” or “What is really important to me?” Listen for the answers which may come to you when you wake up, although it may take a few days or weeks to be clear.

Cancer gives you permission to evaluate your life and prioritize what is truly important to you. Look at your activities and the people around you to see where you gain or lose energy, and reduce the impact that energy robbers have on your health and on your life. If the problem is from a relationship or work, it may be necessary to make some changes. These decisions aren't easy, so make sure you have support from other sources. The process is worthwhile when the payoff is your health, so establish your priorities and values, and be prepared to draw a line in the sand to stay within your comfort level.

I was diagnosed with Stage II breast cancer in 1986 and 2 other minor cancers in 1987. I used the wake up call to figure out how to get rid of my excess anger and depression as well as cancer. From a variety of sources I noticed a common thread and created a list of categories which I call “Find Your Own Road” to serve as a guide in finding your unique road to health. It doesn’t mean that you walk the road alone, but that you make choices about which building blocks you will use to build your road, as it will be different from everyone else’s road. There are books, tapes and videos to suit every situation and help you “Find Your Own Road”. Take the time to choose what speaks to you. Read every book with a critical eye and take only what you need, place what you may need in the future on an imaginary shelf, and discard what does not work for you. The act of taking charge and playing an active role in your health care will move you towards a better state of health.

“Find Your Own Road” –an adjunct to conventional Western medicine
1. Nutrition
2. Exercise
3. Sleep and Deep Relaxation
4. Simplicity
5. Spirituality
6. Volunteer Work
7. Support System
8. Humor
9. Art / Music
10. Complementary Therapies
11. Visualization
12. Cognitive Therapy

Items 1, 2, and 3 are the main categories to evaluate for yourself. There are guidelines posted daily about the benefits of healthy food choices and regular exercise. Pay attention – they’re talking to you! With regard to making choices, ask yourself “Is this good for my health?” Listen for the answer, and use it to plan your diet and your exercise regime. Walking is the most basic and therapeutic exercise which can be incorporated into any lifestyle. The time spent sleeping is when your body heals, so give it ample opportunity to do that, especially if you are in active treatment for cancer. Surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy are effective in getting rid of primary cancers, but your body needs help to recuperate and maintain a healthy state afterwards. Deep relaxation means complete mental and physical relaxation for at least 15 minutes a day, this does not include time spent lying on the couch with a remote control. Deep relaxation comes from such things as deep breathing, meditation, prayer, massage.

4. Simplicity in life will help you to focus on your health. In this fast paced, high tech world we have lost sight of our basic needs and the advantages of a simpler lifestyle. Our materialistic wants can be blown out of proportion to what is really important and a cancer diagnosis serves to remind us where our priorities lie. Loving and being loved by others is a prime human need without which life just doesn’t make sense. Dealing with any unfinished business will help you achieve peace of mind and be comfortable with who you are.

5. Spirituality is an individual thing and may or may not include formal religion. Many people say that their faith has sustained them through an ordeal with cancer which is a wonderful thing for them. For those who have no formal religion, the world offers spirituality in many ways: spending time appreciating nature, and expressing gratitude for what you have, will help you to connect with your inner self and also see a bigger picture. Nurturing yourself will ultimately help you to connect with and nurture other people.

6. Volunteer work can provide you with many happy hours. When I was going through chemotherapy, I heard on the radio about a study which said that volunteering gives you satisfaction and promotes longer life. “Right, I can do that” I thought, and added one more block to build my road to health.

7. Building a support system keeps you moving forward on the road. I found support from my husband, other family members, and friends without whom I would not be where I am today. It’s tough to walk a cancer journey alone and well worth the effort to develop a strong support system. Working with other volunteers provides me with peer support; we even ran a retreat for women with breast cancer for 6 years. I am now a life coach and I coach people who would like additional support in coping with cancer.

8. 9. & 10. The fields of music, art and laughter offer a wealth of healing power. At the retreats we provided a variety of activities including music, art, and humor workshops which were well received. There were also sessions with practitioners of Massage, Therapeutic Touch, Reflexology, Reiki, Yoga, Qi Cong, Tai Chi, Spirituality, and others. The idea was to give people a sample of things that would help to promote wellness in their lives after cancer treatment.

11. We all use visualization to get us where we want to go. During my cancer treatment, I used visualization to strengthen my belief that I could do something constructive to heal myself. I found color pictures of T-cells killing cancer cells in the June 1986 edition of National Geographic magazine, and I spent many hours visualizing my cancer cells being snuffed out by hard working killer T-cells. Imagery is an individual thing so it’s important to visualize something that will work for you.

12. Cognitive Therapy has helped me to work through anger, and reduce negative self talk and depression. Positive thinking is encouraging, but without behavior change it can be superficial. Positive behavior comes from working through negative thoughts and letting them go, at the same time replacing them with positive thoughts and actions. Taking charge of your health helps to control stress from fear, anxiety or worry, and is a process which requires ongoing vigilance.

Western medicine can work wonders and I had excellent care through diagnosis, surgery, and chemotherapy in 1986 and 1987. I felt something missing though, and I struggled emotionally for a long time before I felt secure ground beneath me. Learning how to cope has now restored my confidence, but I continue to watch my step and stay focused on my road to good health. When my body tells me I’m a little off course, I make a conscious effort to get back on the road again.

Facing cancer has changed my life – I’m grateful to all the people who have been part of my journey and I appreciate every single day. I believe that by improving my quality of life, I have also been able to enjoy a greater quantity of life.

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No dieting for weight loss

You are reading this article probably for one of two reasons.

1. You want a weight loss program that works
2. You are a serial dieter, because you can never lose weight and then keep it off.In fact you seem to end up heavier and more depressed than before

Possibly a third reason would be that you have become very cynical about all the new diets promoted by the 'stars' of television and the movies!!
Perhaps like me, you just see it as a means for fading stars making money by endorsements.

Most female stars are thin, and if you knew how much they starved themselves because they believe thin is beautiful, you might, or might not be surprised!!

Perhaps I'm just an old cynic too!!

There are a number of excuses we make for ourselves so we program in defeat before we begin a weight loss program.

The first thing to note is, that we are all on a diet all the time, so why go on a diet to lose weight!!

Our diet is what we are eating now, and all we really need to know is that if we eat 3000 calories per day, but only expend 2800 calories per day, then we will get heavier, until our increased weight means we need to expend 3000 calories just to lumber around!!

This may be simplistic, but it is a very simple principle.

Taking the whole thing in reverse, it should therefore be possible to lose weight by reducing the calorie intake on a daily basis.

Unfortunately this doesn't work for long.
Supposing you decrease your calories from 3000 per day to 2000, then logically you will lose weight, and for a while you do.
Two things happen, and the first is that you need less calories for your daily energy requirements because you weigh less, but secondly and more importantly the internal computer we all have detects that starvation is on the way, and it automatically reduces our energy use, so we only expend 2000 calories a day.
In addition it lays down fat deposits, as a 'rainy day' store anticipating a future without enough food.

Low calorie diets just don't work for this reason.

In fact 'diets' don't work because of the association the word 'diet' has. Diet means pain and torture, and it is interesting to discover what springs into your mind when you hear the 'D' word.
Excuses, and reasons pour out, and phrases like
1. You just put all the weight back on again
2. I'm too busy to eat healthily
3. I can't keep track of my eating
4. It takes too long to see results
5. The food on a diet is boring!!

The main comment seems to use the words 'willpower' - as in I don't have any!!

So let us examine some simple principles.

Suppose you are 28 pounds overweight, how happy would you be, if it took you a year to lose it, and then it stayed off permanently?

You would be less than sensible to say that is too long a time span, because it almost certainly went on slowly, a pound at a time, at first unnoticed!!

Forget the word ‘diet’.

Just do the following:
1. Write down everything you eat and drink over a seven day peiod.
2. Let a close friend see it, and ask them to circle your ‘vices’. We all have them, whether it is cookies, or chocolate, or wine. It may be biscuits, or two pints of milk a day – whatever.

All you need to do is find an easy way to eat less of them!!

Do this now.
Think of something that really makes you feel sick.
In my case it would be finding a cigarette end in a can I was drinking at a party
It would be imagining all the hairs that stick in the plug in the wash hand basin being in a glass of milk.
It might be finding a fly in your mouth when you drink cola.


Then do the following.

Take your thumb, and rub it against your four finger in small circular motions, whilst thinking of the thing that makes you nauseous, and you will feel really sick.

All you have to do, is to associate that with the item of food, be it milk, chocolate, cookies, wine or whatever. Every time you are tempted just rub your thumb and forefinger together, and temptation will vanish!!

Just by doing that you will begin the process of slow weight loss.

You are not on a diet – never forget, all you want is weight control, and that simple step will go a long way towards helping you to achieve your ideal weight, whilst painlessly cutting out your ‘vices’.

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Overcoming Addiction of Smoking

So what is the best way to overcome the addiction of smoking and to fight the cravings that nicotine cause.

There are many ways including taking pills, using patches and chewing gum but I want to take a look at the natural ways you can fight the cravings and overcome smoking for good. It is important to use natural ways as to chemical ways because by using patches for example, you are only transferring from cigarettes to patches. Both contain nicotine and are not good for you. Now I know patches are better than cigarettes because the later has other chemicals and produces tar but it is best to stop smoking naturally to get the full benefit out of quitting.

Now let’s look at a couple of ways that you can do to help you keep your cravings to a minimum. Firstly there is exercise, this is a great way to help you quit smoking as it will get rid of stress and it will also help your body improve and heal it’s self from the effects of smoking. There are many different types of exercise you can undertake. You can go to the gym or even go running. Try playing football or basketball as these types of competitive sports are good for fitness and relieve stress. If you’re not up to vigorous exercise you can simply try some aerobics or brisk walking.

The exercise will decrease the feeling of the need to smoke and keep you in a good mood thus preventing you from smoking. Another thing that will help you stop smoking is to cut out excessive drinking of alcohol as it’s a well known fact that people are more likely to smoke if they are drinking.

The second way to help cut craving and feeling the need for a cigarette is to take up a hobby. It doesn’t sound like it can help but by taking up your time and not becoming bored you will not feel the need to smoke as often as you would doing nothing. It can also give you other things to spend your money on than cigarettes and can be seen as a reward for stopping smoking.

To quit smoking the natural way it is important to release stress and occupy your time and not become bored. Also try and stay away from other smokers that will entice you to take up smoking again.

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Wednesday, February 7, 2007

A Mesothelioma Diagnosis Sometimes Involves Mesothelioma Lawyers

Mesothelioma is a form of cancer that attacks the lungs, chest and abdominal area. It begins in the outer layers of the lungs and can spread through the chest wall and eventually to other parts of the body. But there is also a legal side to a mesothelioma diagnosis. Many cases have been caused by the neglect and sometimes criminal actions of companies whose number one interest was making profit when it should have been looking out for the people they employ. Many people who find themselves with a mesothelioma diagnosis are also finding an abundant supply of mesothelioma lawyers that can deliver them justice and monetary reparations.

Mesothelioma is a disease that is caused by exposure to asbestos. There is no other known cause of this disease.

Asbestos is a material that is very strong and heat resistant. This makes it is ideal for the use of manufacturing products and structures of all kinds. It is also a material that breaks down into a very fine dust. This dust is made up of tiny barbed like fibers that become airborne. When these fibers are inhaled they stick in the lungs and this can cause asbestosis, mesothelioma and a number of other illnesses. Most cases involve people that have had frequent exposure to asbestos at their workplace.

Currently there are over 400 items that we use in our everyday society that contain asbestos. The shipping industry uses asbestos to insulate boilers and smoke stacks. The automotive industry uses it to manufacture many different parts for their cars. The construction industry uses asbestos for insulation, concrete reinforcement and for electrical wiring to name only a few of the many different uses.

There have been laws passed in the United States in the last few decades that prohibit or restrict the use of asbestos materials, but there is still a lot of this material being used today. Many companies have ignored the laws that have been passed and continue to illegally use these materials or facilities constructed with these materials.

There is also the legal side of a mesothelioma diagnosis. Many cases of this disease have been caused by neglect or illegal behavior on the part of the patient’s employer or former employer. Complying with Federal laws regarding asbestos can cut into a company’s profits. For example, instead of replacing old asbestos materials at the workplace they choose to ignore the laws and hope they do not get contacted by any mesothelioma lawyers many years later. Mesothelioma can take several decades to develop in a person’s body so these companies often get away with their crimes. Many patients never make the link to their asbestos exposure at their workplace because many times they have not worked at the place of exposure in many years.

There has been a lot of attention given to mesothelioma cancer in recent years. This is due to the fact that more and more people are receiving a mesothelioma diagnosis from their doctors. A mesothelioma diagnosis is bad news but it is important to know that there are legal courses of action available to anyone who has had a crime committed against them by an employer. Thanks to modern medical and scientific technology many people with a mesothelioma diagnosis have been able to trace their asbestos exposure back to their places of employment. Many of these patients have hired mesothelioma lawyers to sue their former employers. A lot of people have been awarded big settlements.

There is no shortage of mesothelioma lawyers on the internet that will fight for your cause. Just make sure you do research on them before you hire them. Just go to the Better Business Bureau (BBB) online and enter the names of the mesothelioma lawyers or law firms in the search box and you will get a history of complaints on them (if there are any). You should also do a Google search on them as well. Just go to Google.com, enter their names and you will get any information that has ever been posted on the internet about your prospective mesothelioma lawyers.

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Monday, February 5, 2007

Lung, Mesothelioma & Asbestos Information

All About what we got to say about Mesothelioma, Lung and Asbestos: "The Story"

When I was 17 old I started working at an asbestos mine in the Yukon. I had the excitement of youth and looked on the thing as a big adventure.

Does It Pay to Get a Mesothelioma Attorney?

Mesothelioma is a serious form of rare cancer. There is no known cure for mesothelioma cancer.

Asbestos Killed My Husband

He was only a child when it begun -and he played as children do- in his yardwith his toy cars and tip trucksBut his sand was asbestos blue?In December 1999, my husband and I were walking home from a game of lawn bowls when I became aware of his shortness of breath. I was surprised and concerned when he told me that he had experienced this on several occasions.

Mesothelioma Cancer

Mesothelioma is a type of cancer involving mesothelial tissues of body organs usually lungs or abdominal. It is often caused by exposure to asbestos.

Who is at Increased Risk For Developing Mesothelioma?

Since the late 1800's Asbestos has been mined and used commercially. The use of Asbestos dramatically increased during World War II and since the early 1940's millions of Americans have been exposed to asbestos dust working within industries where initally the risks were not known.

How Is Mesothelioma Treated?

Most people who develop mesothelioma have worked on jobs where they inhaled asbestos particles. However, they may have been been exposed to asbestos dust and fibre in other ways.

Mesothelioma - The Largest Man Made Epidemic

It is documented that Australia had the highest per capita use of asbestos in the world from the 1950's until the 1970's. As a tragic consequence, Australia now has the highest per capita incidence of mesothelioma in the world.

Mesothelioma Book - Review

"Lean on Me" Cancer through a carer's eyes Lorraine Kember (2003) 130pp.ISBN 0 646 49969 6As Janet Craven, palliative care nurse, and Andrew Dean, palliative care physician note in their respective forwards to this book, Lean on Me is a unique and intensely personal description of a writer's responses to her husband Brian's diagnosis, treatments and final death from mesothelioma.

What Is Mesothelioma?

Mesothelioma the medical name for cancer of the pleura (the lining of the lung and chest cavity) or cancer of the peritoneum (the lining of the abdomen). It is usually caused by prolonged or persistent exposure to asbestos.

Beryllium The New Asbestos?

It was American workers on the world's first atomic bomb who became the first industrial victims of beryllium, a rare but especially light, stable and strong metal whose toxic dust can kill those who breathe it.Now Seafarers doing ship maintenance and have used Jasons De-rusting and de-scaling guns (also known as J-gun or Jasons pistol) raise concerns about exposure to beryllium.

How to Sense Low Levels of Asbestos in Your Daily Environment

My discovery came to me by accidentally removing an asbestosmaterial in my home. The resulting condition of the whole houseafter this accident left me with a sore chest, dry and unbearably iching skin and eyes.

Protect Against Mesothelioma by Avoiding Asbestos

Mesothelioma is a rare cancer that attacks the body's mesothelial cells around the organs. The mesothelium provides a protective membranous lining for the internal organs and allows moving organs (i.

Mesothelioma or Asbestos Cancer

Mesothelioma: What is it?Mesothelioma is a malignant cancerous disease of the cells lining the patient's body cavities such as chest, abdominal region or the area surrounding the heart. It is thought to be associated with exposure to asbestos, and this asbestos association has been documented in 70-80% of all mesothelioma cases.

L&S Announce Steps to Protect Against Asbestos & Mesothelioma

Lewis and Sholnick have announced the publication of some simple precautionary steps can be taken to avoid high risk situations in regards to asbestos and mesothelioma.Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer caused by exposure to asbestos.

Wittenoom Graveyard

Despite the known fact that Wittenoom is responsible for many deaths, there are some who are reluctant to ban tourists from visiting the town. Undeniably,residents who still reside there are feeling financial and emotional strain due to the lack of tourist trade, however when I saw an article in the West Australian Newspaper Wednesday 19th May, titled "The Town that Won't Die", I was upset and angered by the comments made by a resident of the town, who stated that he had lived in Wittenoom since 1966 and that to his knowledge,no one had died of mesothelioma during that time.

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Medical Transcription

1. What is medical transcription, how is it done, and what does it pay?

Medical transcription is the process whereby one accurately and swiftly transcribes medical records dictated by doctors and others, including history and physical reports, clinic notes, office notes, operative reports, consultation notes, discharge summaries, letters, psychiatric evaluations, laboratory reports, x-ray reports and pathology reports.
It involves receiving dictation by tape, digital system or voice file, and using ear phones, a foot pedal for start-stop control and a word processing program. A variety of word-processing systems are used. It requires good listening and language skills, computer skills and knowledge of medical terms.

Several dictionaries are necessary: Medical definitions, medications, medical terms by specialty, laboratory terms, surgical terms and abbreviations. Specialized word lists are also helpful, and journals and computer networking are helpful for current information about new medications and terms. Transcription is done more efficiently with the use of a medical spellchecker and an extensive abbreviation system such as Instant Text or Smartype.

As an employee in an office or hospital, transcriptionists may be paid by the hour. In the year 2000 in the United States, a starting transcriptionist in an office may make the equivalent of $8-12 per hour. After two years of experience, one can expect to make the equivalent of $12-20 per hour in an office. National transcription companies usually require 1-5 years of hospital experience.

Statutory employee status is the same as independent contractor except that the company pays half of the FICA tax (about 7.5%) and withholds the other half. Independent contractors pay the 15% as self-employment tax. Self-employed transcriptionists provide their own benefits. They may start at the equivalent of $10-15 per hour (7-14c per line), and within several years can expect to earn $15-40 per hour, depending upon the type of work and equipment used. Quarterly payments on taxes and self-employment taxes are required. Equipment expenses are tax deductible, including a percentage of home expenses if working at home.

Occupational Outlook Handbook on MT, http://stats.bls.gov/oco/ocos271.htm

Chart comparing IC and employee salaries, http://www.mtdaily.com/mentors/line/chart.html


2. How does one become a medical transcriptionist?

For an experienced word processor, it is possible to learn medical transcription while working in an entry-level position, but it is rare because of the need to learn medical vocabulary and formats. Some colleges and hospitals offer classes, and there are several home-study courses available.
MTs work in doctors' offices, clinics, hospitals and transcription services. They also work from home, usually after 2-3 years of experience in an office or hospital. With more experience, MTs go on to teach, supervise, consult, edit and write in the field.

How to Be a Medical Transcriptionist, book by Cynthia Peavler Bull, http://www.cynrje.com/medicaltranscriptionist.htm

Medical Transcription, Getting Started, book by AnnaBelle Berg, http://medical-transcription-gettingstarted.com

How to Become a Medical Transcriptionist, book by George Morton, CMT, http://www.workingfrom.homestead.com, 609-924-4748, georgecmt@aol.com, Interview, 11/98

Step-by-Step Guide to Medical Transcription at Home, book by Michele Miller, http://www.medical-transcription-at-home.com/

How to Start Your Own Home Medical Transcription Business, ebook by Ellen Jeffreys, http://www.homemedtranscription.com

Medical Transcription, Getting Started, book by Annabelle Berg, http://medical-transcription-gettingstarted.com

Home Medical Transcription E-Book http://www.homemedtranscription.com

Strategies For Establishing And Managing A Home-Based Medical Transcription Business http://www.medicaltranscriptionbusiness.com/

3.On-Line and Correspondence Courses:

Andrews School, http://www.andrewsschool.com/, Linda Andrews, 5601 NW 72nd #167, Oklahoma City, OK 73132, 405-721-3555. Dial 999 when the recorded message starts. You will hear a series of beeps. The system should allow you to leave a message if no one answers. linda@andrewsschool.com
At-Home Professions, home-study course, 2001 Lowe Street, Fort Collins, CO 80525. 1-800-333-2846, Fax 1-970-223-1678. http://www.at-homeprofessions.com/. Includes audio cassettes, lessons, text materials and flashcards. Susan Henry, SusanH824@aol.com.

Blackboard.Com, http://www.blackboard.com, free online medical terminology courses.

Brighton College, 3855 Fishcreek Road, Stow, OH 44224, http://www.brightoncollege.edu phone: 800-231-3803 fax: 330-673-4833

CAI Transcription, Cheryl Izzo, http://www.caitranscription.com, 609-698-6544, 116 Stillwater Road, Barnegat, NJ 08005.

CanScribe.com: http://canscribe.com/, CanScribe Career Centre Inc., British Columbia, Canada phone. 250.860.1535 fax. 250.860.4712, toll free. 1.800.466.1535 info@canscribe.com

Career Step, http://careerstep.com, 1220 North Main Street, Suite 6, Springville, Utah 84663, 801-489-9393, Fax 801-491-6645info@careerstep.com

Central Business School, http://www.upfirst.com/cbstrain/medtrans.htm, Central Business School, 906, 226-5270, michaeleen@upfirst.com.

Education Direct, http://www.educationdirect.com/index.html, 800 889-9593, FAX 570-343-8462, P.O. Box 1900, Scranton, PA 18501

Garb Transcription, http://www.garbtranscription.com, JGarb87517@aol.com, (415) 927-8132.

GMT Distance Learning Center, http://medicaltrans.net, PO Box 1421 Kaunakakai, HI 96748. Toll free 877-779-8779, direct 808-660-6603, info@medicaltrans.net

Kamtek MT Training, http://www.kamtek.qualdata.com/, Bellevue, WA, 425, 814-2239, kamtek@qualdata.com, Kathy Johnson.

Laird's School, http://www.lairdsschool.com, 1565 Highway, 37 West, Suite 2, Toms River, NJ 08755, 800-209-9899, fax 732-818-1825, info@lairdsschool.com

List of MT Courses: http://www.medical-training.info/medicalTranscription.html

Medical Transcription A to Z, http://www.medtranscription.com, 4022 E. Greenway, #11-168, Phoenix, AZ 85022, 800, 484-9731, Deborah Burns, dburns622@aol.com.

Medical Transcription Education Center, M-TEC, a 3-tiered program, http://www.mtecinc.com Susan Francis, sfrancis@mtecinc.com, or inquirie@mtecinc.com, and Kathy Kropko, kkropko@mtecinc.com.

Medical Transcription Made Easy: http://www.sylvansoft.com/medical-transcription-course.htm

Meditech, Inc., Personal Edge Course, http://www.meditec.com, 1572 South 400 East, Kaysville, UT 84037, 801, 451-9858, Info@Meditec.Com.

MediTrans, http://www.medi-trans.com, P.O. Box 99, 43 Main Street, Richmond, ME 04357, 207, 737-2381, fax 207, 737-2736, Pamela Lewis, meditrans@ime.net

MedTrans, http://www.learn2workathome.com, Park-Youhanaie Enterprises, 4025 East Chandler Boulevard, Suite #70-A27, Phoenix, Arizona 85048, mary@learn2workathome.com, (480) 777-9110, (877) 331-4222 Fax:(480) 759-3035.

MT Advantage Career Center: http://mtacc.net/ 460 McLaws Circle Williamsburg, VA 23185 Call toll-free (877) 336-8222

MT Support Services, http://www.mtsupport.com/, 15401 Warwick Boulevard, Newport News, VA 23608, 800-427-1039.

SETT, Inc., http://www.settinc.com, 908 Audelia, Ste. 200 PMB 271, Richardson, TX 75081-5150, sett@att.net, 972, 234-1283, Fax 972, 889-8083.

The School of Medical Transcription, Professional Career Development Institute, Atlanta, GA. http://www.pcdi.com/courses/yy/, 1-800-223-4542. Ask for Dept. XXJ909.

The SUM program, http://www.hpisum.com/mt_train.ihtml, from HPI, Health Professions Institute, Box 801, Modesto, CA 95353, 209, 551-2112, hpi@ainet.com

TNI, http://www.tniworkshops.com/

Transcription Services, http://www.transcriptionservices.net, Stephanie Jewett, 4615 Beaver Crest Drive, Des Moines, IA 50310, 515-255-0525.

Wolfe q.d. Transcription, http://www.wolfetranscription.com, 20 practice tapes. Debbie Wolfe, wolfescrip@aol.com, 407-657-6564.

4. Are there any organizations for MTs?

On-line MTs are researching and networking through email, newsletters, state boards, forums and web sites.
AAMT, The American Association for Medical Transcription, http://www.aamt.org was founded in 1978. aamt@sna.com, P.O. Box 576187, Modesto, CA 95357-6187; 800, 982-2182. Fax: 209, 551-9317. Members receive the bimonthly Journal of the Association for American Medical Transcription; access to AAMT's professional staff; discounts on products and services; educational conferences; the names of local AAMT Chapter Presidents; an examination to become a Certified Medical Transcriptionist; and opportunities to serve in local and national leadership.

MTIA, Medical Transcription Industry Alliance, for MT Services: http://www.mtia.com

HPI, Health Professions Institute, http://www.hpisum.com offers publications and seminars. Box 801, Modesto, CA 95353, 209, 551-2112, hpi@ainet.com.

AHIMA, American Health Information Management Association, http://www.ahima.org/index.cfm, 919 N. Michigan Ave., Suite 1400, Chicago, IL 60611, 312, 787-3672, info@ahima.org.

HIMSS, The Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society, http://www.himss.org, 230 East Ohio, Suite 500, Chicago, IL 60611-3269, 312/664-HIMS, Fax 312/664-6143, himss@himss.org.

Health Information Management Supersite, http://www.himinfo.com, OPUSCOMM Online, 200 Hoods Lane, Marblehead, MA 01945 USA, Phone: 800/650-6787, Fax: 800/639-8511.

Medical Records Institute, http://www.medrecinst.com, Medical Records Institute, 567 Walnut Street, P.O. Box 600770, Newton, MA 02460, 617, 964-3923, Fax 617, 964-3926, jasong@medrecinst.com.


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5. What journals are available?
Monthly Prescribing Reference, http://www.prescribingreference.com, 800-436-9262, Prescribing Reference, Inc., 53 Park Place, Suite 1010, New York, NY 10007 USA, Attn: Circulation Dept.--Code HS.

Advance for Health Information Professionals, a free biweekly to health information professionals: http://www.advanceforhim.com/, Advance@Merion.com, Merion Publications, Inc. 800, 355-5627

For The Record, a weekly for health information professionals: http://www.fortherecordmag.com/ Great Valley Publishing Company, 1288 Valley Forge Rd., P.O. Box 2224, Valley Forge, PA 19482.

Journal of the American Health Information Management Association, Journal of AHIMA, http://www.ahima.org/products/subscription.html.

Journal of Healthcare Information Management, http://www.himss.org/ASP/publications_jhim.asp .

MT Daily Rounds, http://www.mtdaily.com/rounds, a Friday E-mail newsletter with highlights from MT Daily and links of interest.

6. What companies publish or sell medical dictionaries and word books and CDs?

See the Books Direct for all your reference book needs at the lowest prices.
Both the MTDaily.com Classifieds and the MTDaily.com Bargain page have used books at reasonable prices.

Paul Norton sells and buys used MT books, pnorton1@twcny.rr.com, 800, 628-8477.

American Association for Medical Transcription, http://www.aamt.org 800, 982-2182, Book of Style and word books.

Facts and Comparisons, American Drug Index, and Quarterly Drug Index http://www.factsandcomparisons.com/shop.asp, (800)223-0554 or (314)216-2100.

Health Professions Institute, http://www.hpisum.com, Box 801, Modesto, CA 95353, 209, 551-2112, hpi@ainet.com, word books and more.

Prentice Hall, http://www.prenhall.com, Saddle River, NJ 07458, 800-811-0912, Fax 515-284-2607

W. B. Saunders now Elsevier, http://www.us.elsevierhealth.com/specialty.jsp?lid=3&sid=442, word books and Dorland's.

Stedman's of Lippincott Williams and Wilkins, http://www.stedmans.com">, dictionary and word books.

Tarascon Pocket Pharmacopoeia, Tarascon Publishing, http://www.tarascon.com/, 800-929-9926, PO Box 1159, Loma Linda, CA 92354


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7. What companies offer medical spellcheckers, electronic dictionaries, line counters, ergonomics, and other transcription equipment?

For WP5.1, books, and used equipment, see used sales at http://www.mtdaily.com/ads.html. Also see http://www.recycledsoftware.com, and http://www.ebay.com.
The Abacus line counter: http://www.theabacus.biz/index.html

MedPen and MedPad, automated formats, line counter, and more http://www.medpen.net, 800-579-4300, Fax 727-579-4300, Joe Vann, medpen@ibm.net, 3131 Emmaus Way, Cosby, TN 37722.

Stedman's of Lippincott Williams and Wilkins, http://www.stedmans.com, 800-638-3030, 301-714-2300, Fax: 301-824-7390, P.O. Box 1600, Hagerstown, MD 21741.

W. B. Saunders now Elsevier, http://www.us.elsevierhealth.com/specialty.jsp?lid=3&sid=442.

Spellex, spellchecker and online spellchecker, http://www.spellex.com 800, 442-9673, 813, 885-1968, Fax 813, 855-2581, custsvce@spellex.com, 8313 W. Hillsborough Ave Suite 430, Tampa, FL 33615

Sylcount and spellchecker, Sylvan Software, http://www.sylvansoft.com, 5144 N. Academy Blvd., #531, Colorado Springs, CO 80918, 800, 235-9455, fax 719, 495-8119, sales@sylvansoft.com

PractiCount line counter, http://www.practiline.com, Practiline Software, P.O. Box 34069 #381, Seattle, WA 98124-1069, USA, FAX: 206-984-3919, info@practiline.com

WP Count for WordPerfect, Productive Performance, http://www.foxcomm.net/productive/WPCOUNT.htm, 425, 788-8300, 31820 NE 103rd Street, Carnation, WA 98014-9710, 206-788-8300, productive@foxcomm.net

PC Anywhere, http://www.symantec.com/pcanywhere/ 9 Golden Hill St. Bethel, CT 06801

DataHand Ergonomic Keyboards, http://www.datahand.com, 3032 North 33rd Avenue, Phoenix, AZ 85017-5247, 602-233-6000; 800-875-7171; FAX: 602-233-3434, scotts@datahand.com.

Kinesis, http://www.kinesis-ergo.com/, ergonomic equipment, 5657 Memorial Avenue North, Stillwater, MN 55082, 888-881-7592, Linda Knothe, Cathy O'Brien, information@ergointerfaces.com.

Solutions for Humans, hydralic sit-stand tables and other ergonomic equipment, http://www.sforh.com, 365A Tesconi Circle, Santa Rosa, CA 95401, 800-9530-9262, 707-544-8000, Fax 707-522-1343, keyalt@keyalt.com

8. What is a C-phone? How is rerecording over the telephone done?

A C-phone is a digital receiver transcriber/phone that accesses digital dictation from another location over the phone.
Rerecording involves using a tape recorder or transcriber with recording capabilities, a speaker telephone, and an inexpensive phone coupler (such as those made by Radio Shack, http://www.radioshack.comOne method of re-recording involves using the telephone to dial into a hospital's digital dictation system and playing the doctors' dictations while recording them for transcription at a later time. Also see http://www.mtdaily.com/mt1/recording.html page.

9. What companies sell dictation and transcription equipment, including digital equipment?

Used equipment ads and auction on MT Dailyhttp://www.mtdaily.com/ads.html
All-Makes Office Machines, http://www.all-makes.com, 150 West 24th Street, Los Angeles, CA 90007, Tel: 213-749-7483, FAX: 213-746-2905sales-support@all-makes.com

Arrendale Associates, http://www.aaita.com/, 800, 344-1323, 20484G Chartwell Center Drive, Cornelius, NC 28031.

Atlas Ergonomic Book and Copy Holders, http://www.copyholders.com, 800-get-atlas, Cincinnati, OH, dainoffm@copyholders.com

Auction Supersite, http://www.onsale.com, Auction Supersite

Barclay Enterprises, http://www.barclayent.com

Bob's PC Werks, http://www.bobspcwerks.com, 504 Bishop Avenue, Richardson, TX 75081, 214-763-3768, 877-320-1241

BVP Computers, (Bargain C-phone) http://www.dvips.com, 113 Grant Street, Plainfield, Ma. 01070, 413, 634-2187, Bruce Stockwell, bvpcomp@dvips.com

Bytescribe Development Company, digital equipment, http://www.bytescribe.com, P. O. Box 36183, Birmingham, AL 35236, 205, 425-1981 Ext. 4412, postmaster@bytescribe.com

Careflow Net, http://www.careflow.com, 15215 Edwards Ferry Road, Poolesville, Maryland 20837, 301-349-0700.

Catalyst Systems, http://www.catalystsys.com, 405, 943-1655, fax 405, 943-1655, P. O. Box 57210, Oklahoma City, OK 73157-7210, sales@catalystsys.com,p> Cooperative Systems, http://www.coopsys.com, 998 Farmington Ave., #101, West Hartford, CT 06107-2162, 860-523-1000, fax 860-523-1032, info@coopsys.com

Costal Audio, http://www.coastalaudio.com, 609-660-9211, Fax: 609-660-2131, 888-660-9211, info@costalaudio.com

Dictaphone, http://www.dictaphone.com, 888-483-6266.

Dictation Buddy: http://www.highcriteria.com/products_dic.htm, 4 Geranium Court, Richmond Hill, ON, Canada, L4C 7M7, 905-686-2285

Dictation Depot: http://www.dictationdepot.com/

Dictation Store: http://www.dictationstore.com, 877-894-7333, Scott Stuckey, scott.stuckey@digital-voice.com

Dictronics, http://www.dictronics.com/dictation.htm, Jim Harrington 781-444-2010 Ext. 550, Jharrington@dictronics.com, fax 781-433-7155, 110 Gould St., Needham, MA 02192.

Digital Accessories, 1-800-578-6854. Digital transcriber stations compatible with Dictaphone, DVI, and VDI.

Diskriter, http://www.diskriter.com/, 3257 West Liberty Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, 800, 876-4737, Fax 412, 344-4834, info@diskriter.com

Dolbey Systems, 800, 878-7828

DVI, http://www.dvi.com, 417, 781-0717, Fax 417, 781-2589, dnolan@digitalvoice.com

Electronic Communications Systems, http://www.ecs-dictation.com, 4760 Mission Gorge Place, Ste. B, San Diego, CA 92120, 619-287-2000, Fax 619-287-2139, ecs@ecs-dictation.com.

Executive Communication Systems, new and used equipment, http://www.tvps.com, 1445 Donlon Street, Suite 1, Ventura, CA 93003 USA, (800) 644-9525 ext. 101, (888) 644-6979 fax, Tom Wilkes, tomw@tvps.com

FutureNet Technologies Corporation, http://www.futurenet-tech.com, Internet dictation service provider, digital equipment, 222 East Huntington Dr., Suite 208, Monrovia, CA 91017, 800-923-4258, 626-357-5032, Mary Patterson mpatterson@futurenet-tech.com

Graymar, http://www.graymar.com, Philips Speech Processing, dictation equipment.

Hilgraeve Inc., DropChute products, http://www.hilgraeve.com, 111 Conant Avenue, Suite A, Monroe, MI 48161, 800, 826-2760, sales@hilgraeve.com

Horus Development, http://www.horusdevelopment.com, digital rerecorder, Red Notebook word list.

HTH Engineering, Inc., http://www.startstop.com,825 Cypress Trails Dr., Tarpon Springs, FL 34688 USA, 866-254-0714, FAX 810-821-6940 sales@startstop.com

Internet Strategies, Webscription, http://www.internetstrategies.net/webscrip

Pretty Good Privacy encrpytion for E-mail, http://web.mit.edu/network/pgp.html

Novastor for E-mail encryption software, http://www.novastor.com, sales@novastor.com, 805-579-6700, Fax 805-579-6710, 80B West Cochran, Simi Valley, CA 93065.

Ronald Isabelle buys and sells used transcribers, 2623 McKann Avenue, Norfolk VA 23509, (757) 853-0362, chrismer@exis.net

R. T. King Co., http://www.transcribers.com, new and used equipment, 2971 Plaza Del Amo, Torrance, CA 90503, 213, 747-0194, boki@sprynet.com.

Lanier, http://www.lanier.com, 800-708-7088, or 800-526-4371, Fax: 1-800-252-9703, Lanier Inquiry Services, P.O. Box 785, Dayton, OH 45401.

Live Message America Smartset transcribe station, http://livemessageamerica.com/, 866-LMA-0000, sales@livemessageamerica.com

Martel Electronics, Discount, http://www.martelelectronics.com, martelsales@worldnet.att.net, 800-553-5536, 714-572-0180, 714-572-0183 fax, 2013 Miraloma, Placentia, CA 92670

Narratek, http://www.narratek.com, Joe Weber, 617, 566-1066

Norcom Electronics Corp., Trumbull, Connecticut, 877-722-7551, http://www.norcom-electronics.com

Office Depot, http://www.officedepot.com, sells a $30 Sony transcriber.

Office Direct, http://www.officedirectinc.com, 123 West Madison, Suite 402, Chicago, IL 60602, 312/739-0703, 312/739-0727, OfficeDirect@officedirectinc.com

Olympus Company, http://www.olympusamerica.com/digital/dhome.html, 800, 622-6372

PC Dart, C-phone compatible with Lanier, http://www.bcb.org. Dick Cummins, 800, 563-5418.

Programming Resources, Inc. (PRI), 4711 Trousdale Dr.; #124 Nashville, TN 37220, http://www.programmingresources.com/, 800-497-5281

Tek Discount Warehouse, http://tekgallery.com/, 888-262-8272.

ToppCopy/Copyfax, http://www2.epix.net/~ffalzett/h01.html, 1110 Saginaw Street, Scranton, PA 18505

TranscriptionGear.com, http://www.transcriptiongear.com, admin@transcriptiongear.com, 1.888.834.2392, International 1.540.582.5844, FAX 1.540.582.8095

Van Belkum, http://www.vanbelkum.com, Grand Rapids, Michigan, 1-800-968-2740

Voice Network Systems, VoiceFlow, http://www.vnsi.net/index2.html, 3420 Pump Road, #201| Richmond, VA 23233 | (800) 380-7370.

Voice Systems, 800-327-5065, digital transcribers compatible with Dictaphone and DVI.

VoiceWave, Boston Bar Systems Corp., http://www.bostonbar.com, Unit #23 - 7695 Saint Albans Street, Richmond, BC, Canada, V6Y 3W8, 604-303-9876, Fax 604-279-9265, mgaylie@istar.ca.

VSI, Voice Systems Integration (interfaces for digital systems), http://www.vsi-inc.net/, 816-741-1954, sales@vsi-inc.net, 6100 NW 77th Street, Kansas City, MO 64151, 816-741-1954

Winscribe, http://www.winscribe.com/

10. What books are needed to do medical transcription?

An English dictionary, a grammar and style guide, a complete medical dictionary, a drug index, a laboratory and pathology word book, a medical word book by specialty, a surgery word book, a medical abbreviation word book, other specialty word books and a physician directory.
A few medical books that are used by MTs are lin the following list:
2000 American Drug Index by Billups, by Facts and Comparisons, sold through Stedman's
Saunders' Pharmaceutical Drug Book by Drake & Drake
Quick-Look Drug Book
The Medical Word Book by Sloane, 3rd Edition, Saunders
Webster's Encyclopedic Unabridged Dictionary of the English Language by Gramercy
Dorland's Illustrated Medical Dictionary,Saunders
Stedman's Medical Dictionary
Stedman's Radiology and Oncology Words
Stedman's Dermatology and Immunology Words
Stedman's Orthopedic and Rehab Words
Word Book in Pathology and Laboratory Medicine by Sloane/Dusseau, Saunders
The Medical and Health Sciences Word Book
The Surgical Word Book by Tessier, Saunders
GI Words and Phrases by HPI
Medical Abbreviations by Neal M. Davis
Stedman's Abbreviations, Anacronyms, and Symbols
Saunders' Abbreviations
Cardiology Words and Phrases by HPI
Stedman's OB-GYN Words
American Psychiatric Glossary by American Psychiatric Press, Inc.
The Herb Book by John Lust
And many more


For More : http://www.mtdaily.com/faq.html#1

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