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Pharmacy Visits Are More Complex than Car Insurance Quotes

admin — Fri, 27 Aug 2010 05:49:40 +0000

One of the worst parts of seeing a doctor has nothing to do with the doctor himself. It’s about going to the pharmacy afterward. While pharmacies are helpful in getting you the medication you need, just like with complex car insurance quotes, there are a lot of questions that can come up. So, if you are going to make a trip to the pharmacy, there are a few general rules you need to stick to in order to prevent a headache.

Stay Away from Heavy Traffic Times

Right after work, during lunch time, and on Mondays are the busiest times for a pharmacy. If you go in at this time, you should expect to wait longer than if you are coming in during the mid afternoon or on an off day. Pharmacies do their best to accommodate the high demand, but that doesn’t mean they can handle everyone who comes in immediately.

Give Refills Time

You assume you have refills left because your bottle says you do, but that doesn’t necessarily make it true. It could be an old bottle, there could be a new prescription, or it simply could be that your refills have expired. If this is the case, there is going to be an issue with getting it refilled on time. This means you have to get in early and give them time to get it ready for you.

Pharmacists Have Questions

Just because your doctor explained the details of medication to you doesn’t mean they wrote it clearly on the script. If this is the case, the pharmacist is going to have to clarify. There are miscommunications that happen, but you would rather have the pharmacist be sure or fast? If they fill it wrong, that could spell trouble for you and for them.

Adderall: Coming to a Campus Near You

admin — Tue, 24 Aug 2010 07:54:06 +0000

Adderall: Coming to a Campus Near You

When used correctly Adderall is an excellent treatment for Attention Deficit Disorder and Narcolepsy. However, on college campuses around the country this Schedule II drug is being used for non medical purposes. Non medical use is defined as using a drug without a prescription in your name, or using a drug simply for the feeling it produces. Although drug abuse of any kind is most common during adolescence and young adulthood, the misuse of Adderall on college campuses is becoming an epidemic.

Full-time college students between the ages of 18-22 are twice as likely to abuse Adderall as their non-enrolled, or part-time, counterparts. It is most commonly abused as a study aid or a party drug, and ninety percent of these same students are also binge drinkers, and are more likely to be poly drug users. A college student who abuses Adderall is also eight times more likely to abuse cocaine and tranquilizers. The theory behind this is that Adderall produces physiological effects similar to cocaine, and the tranquilizers help to ease the withdrawal symptoms when coming down from the Adderall.

The demographics of Adderall are varied. Males and females abuse the drug at equal rates, but those of the Caucasian race are more likely to abuse the drug than African-Americans, Asians, and Hispanics combined. The demographics concerning family income are rather interesting. The rates of abuse are highest among the lowest and highest income brackets. This could be attributed to the fact that students from these families feel more pressure to succeed. The lower income students are generally in college on scholarships and must maintain a certain GPA, and the higher income students tend to have familial expectations they feel they must meet.

How do we reduce this rampant abuse? Should doctors be more prudent about prescribing, or should colleges put less pressure on their students to succeed? Perhaps harsher penalties for those caught abusing would be effective? All that can be said with certainty is that college Adderall abuse is a dangerous problem that needs to be quickly remedied.

August Top Links

admin — Mon, 23 Aug 2010 22:12:48 +0000

http://www.gutefrage.net/picoftheday/bpoilspill.html

http://digg.com/story/r/Neanderthal_s_Cozy_Bedroom_Unearthed_2

http://digg.com/story/r/How_to_Live_to_1_000

http://www.gutefrage.net/picoftheday/carwrecks.html

http://www.gutefrage.net/picoftheday/sporn.html

http://digg.com/news/entertainment/Apparently_Supergirl_Has_A_Vision_Problem_Pic

http://digg.com/news/entertainment/8_of_the_dirtiest_sexual_innuendos_in_children_s_cartoons

http://digg.com/news/entertainment/I_love_my_childhood

Drug Abuse and Drug Addiction: What’s the Difference?

admin — Sun, 22 Aug 2010 07:52:30 +0000

: Image by Bishwo Ghimire via Flickr

Drug Abuse and Drug Addiction: What’s the Difference?

People are often confused about the difference between drug abuse and drug addiction because the two are closely related. There are, however, subtle yet important differences between the two. The two conditions have different causes, and abuse is actually a more complex disorder than addiction. Abuse can very easily become addiction, and so it is crucial to treat the problem at the abuse stage if at all possible.

The National Institute on Drug Abuse defines abuse as “The illegal use of drugs or inappropriate use of legal drugs.” Drug abuse can also be signified by the use of a substance to reduce stress, alter reality, or increase pleasure. Abuse can be hard to identify and diagnose, however, because what constitutes substance abuse varies widely from country to country, and culture to culture. If you smoke marijuana in America, you are abusing a substance. Smoking the same substance in Holland, on the other hand, is perfectly legal. Drug abuse is said to be more complex than addiction because of the variety of factors involved. Personality characteristics and psychosocial factors both play a role, and each of these factors is incredibly unique. This also makes abuse harder to treat.

Drug addiction takes abuse one step further and involves the compulsive seeking of and use of a substance with total disregard for potential negative consequences. To be addicted implies that an individual has lost the freedom to choose whether or not to use the drug. Whereas an abuser can use a substance for recreational purposes and still function in society, an addict’s main behavioral motivator becomes the substance. All drugs produce an effect on the brain, and while an abuser may enjoy the effect of a drug, they don’t necessarily need to have it. In the case of addicted individuals neurochemical changes have taken place in the brain, and the drug becomes the main activator of that person’s reward and motivation systems. This makes addiction easier to identify and diagnose, but treatment is still difficult.

Health Tips to Control Blood Pressure without Medicine or a Drug Treatment Center

admin — Sat, 21 Aug 2010 16:55:57 +0000

While taking medication for high blood pressure will probably not land you in a drug treatment center, some patients have the desire to maintain a drug-free lifestyle if possible. So if you have been diagnosed with high blood pressure, you may be able to control it without medication. Here are a few tips that can help you with your endeavor to control your blood pressure without medication.

Control your waistline and watch your diet. Blood pressure is almost always tied to weight. You can decrease your blood pressure by simply losing 10 pounds.
Engage in regular physical activity. Medical and health professionals recommend that adults should engage in 30 to 60 minutes of activities most days of the week. Even if you are just starting an exercise program, you should be able to see a difference in your blood pressure within a few weeks.
Maintain a healthy diet. You can lower your blood pressure by consuming a diet rich in whole grains, vegetables, and fruits. You should also try to reduce the consumption of high fat foods.
Lower your sodium intake. Just slightly reducing the salt in your food can help your blood pressure. Try to consume no more than 1,500 milligrams of sodium per day if you are trying to control your high blood pressure.
Limit alcohol consumption. Limited quantities of alcohol has been shown to decrease blood pressure but the benefit is lost if you drink too much. Drinking more than a moderate amount (two drinks per day from men, one per day for women) will potentially raise your blood pressure.
Quit smoking and avoid secondhand smoke. The nicotine in tobacco — including secondhand smoke and smokeless tobacco — can raise your blood pressure. This in addition to other smoking danger.

Check with your physician regularly to make sure you are achieving your goals of lowering your blood pressure.

Recreation and Rehabilitation

admin — Thu, 19 Aug 2010 07:51:16 +0000

: Image via Wikipedia

Recreation and Rehabilitation

Whether discussing smoking, drinking alcohol or drug abuse the cause is often the same. It often stems from either wanting to be accepted or trying to escape. Teenagers frequently find themselves first wanting to belong. They feel a strong need to identify with and be needed by a group. Many times it doesn’t matter what group. They may try to be a part of the football team, basketball team or maybe even the band or orchestra. If they don’t feel accepted they will seek that acceptance elsewhere. Unfortunately, those who tend toward substance abuse appear to be accepting of anyone and everyone. It becomes easy for those who feel rejected to find a place with these types of groups.

As those who are seeking rehabilitation find themselves involved in recreation they often find avenues where they can express themselves and find success. They feel acceptance and needed in ways which are not intimidating. Often as they are involved on teams they play important roles vital to the success of the team and they feel needed. What may start as a recreational hobby may develop into useful skills or possibly even a career. Recreation also helps create a new circle of friends to provide support when returning to society in general.

Physical Activity Brings Emotional Strength

Activities in recreation often involve physical exercise which many involved in substance abuse are sorely lacking. As they participate, their body becomes more physically fit and their mind becomes more emotionally fit. They learn to communicate better with others superficially which leads to more effective communication in more stressful situations. Physical activities can also cause the release of endorphins which produce a natural “high.” This can help the patient find appropriate venues for “getting happy” or relieving stress.

Many rehabilitation facilities are recognizing and utilizing different types of recreation in their programming. Physical activity is not the only type of recreation that is helpful. Many types of board games or card games promote expression, cooperation and just plain fun. There is great truth to the old adage “laughter is the best medicine.”

Hereditary Addiction

admin — Wed, 18 Aug 2010 07:49:58 +0000

: Image via Wikipedia

Hereditary Addiction

Is addiction hereditary? This is a common concern among addicts of all kinds. It seems natural that those who have recognized and put forth the tremendous effort that it takes to overcome addictions are very concerned that their children won’t have to go through the same thing. One father was extremely worried that his daughter would grow up to become an alcoholic like he was. He watched her like a hawk. When the daughter did develop alcoholism she blamed her father for it. She really believed (for a time) that his constant worry had been the determining factor in her actually developing the addiction.

One psychotherapist puts the hereditary factor as high as 60%. Some support a slightly lower figure of only 50%.. Some also support the belief that the addictive tendency will skip a generation much like diabetes. Studies have shown, however, that genetics definitely do play a strong role in developing addiction. One provider looks at the family history and if addiction isn’t found, he won’t diagnose the problem as addiction.

With all that said, is there any hope? Sure there is! Everyone has the power to overcome their genetics. The more that is understood about the environment and how early habits and behaviors influence choices later on, the more power one has to live addiction free regardless of family history. As strong, healthy habits are formed and positive environmental factors are built into ones life, the less likely they are to need the escape or peer acceptance that often precede first experimenting with addictive substances.

As influential as family genetics may be, strong family relationships form a powerful protection against addictive behaviors. Frequently the first lessons learned regarding self-control or delayed gratification are learned in the family. Families also are one of the most positive forces in assisting those with addictions to overcome them. Often in treatment facilities, groups are organized into "families" to make use of the strength which can be gained from feeling the support found in families. One may not be able to change their genes but they can control much of the influence they allow.

Symptoms of Withdrawal

admin — Tue, 17 Aug 2010 07:48:55 +0000

: Image via Wikipedia

Symptoms of withdrawal from any type of drug can be very serious. Withdrawal symptoms vary from drug to drug, as well as from person to person. Sometimes, the withdrawal can prove fatal. Some drugs will produce more of a physical withdrawal, while others have more emotional symptoms.

Common symptoms of emotion withdrawal are anxiety, restlessness, insomnia, and depression. These are frequently seen when someone quits smoking, especially when someone quits "cold turkey". These symptoms can be just as dangerous as physical symptoms, and in some cases can lead to more serious physical symptoms.

Physical symptoms include racing heart, sweating, difficulty breathing, and nausea. Physical withdrawal symptoms are frequently seen when quitting alcohol, opiates, and some prescription drugs.

Stopping substances such as alcohol and tranquilizers all of a sudden can produce the most deadly, dangerous symptoms. These symptoms can include grand mal seizures, heart attacks and strokes, and hallucinations. When quitting these types of substances, medical attention and supervision is highly suggested.

Not everyone who stops taking a substance experiences withdrawal symptoms. Different drugs may affect a person differently, as well. If you are planning on quitting a substance, whether it is a prescription drug, alcohol, or other drug, you will want to consult with your doctor. They will be able to monitor your withdrawal and foresee any possible complications.

Symptoms of withdrawal from any substance can be very difficult to deal with. It is highly recommended that you have a support system when withdrawing from any drug. The longer you have been using the substance, the more likely you are to experience withdrawal symptoms.

There are many options for help when quitting any type of substance. Contacting your doctor is a good way to start. There are also groups, such as AA that can be useful. Other options could include contacting a religious figure that you trust.

Monitor Your Exercise Routine With a Finger Pulse Oximeter

admin — Sun, 15 Aug 2010 09:00:18 +0000

: Image via Wikipedia

Exercise is important for good health. Most people don’t get enough of it, but some avoid it because they aren’t sure it’s safe for them. If you’re one of those people, a good physical at your doctor’s office can be a great way to make sure that you’re healthy enough for the exercise routine you’re thinking about. Once you have the all clear from your doctor, you should still make sure to monitor yourself. That can help you feel safer, and can also show you whether you’re getting the maximum benefit from the exercise that you’re getting.

For example, with a finger pulse oximeter you can monitor your heart rate and how much oxygen you’re getting into your bloodstream. You don’t want your oxygen levels to drop too low or your heart rate to get too high, so it’s a good idea to monitor these things, especially when you first start an exercise program and you aren’t quite sure how well it’s going to go. Take it easy right at first, and don’t overdo it. It took you time to get out of shape, so it will also take you time to get fit again. If you try to do it all at once, you could put yourself at risk for injury.

If you stay on track with your exercise routine and pay attention to your health and well-being while you’re exercising, you’ll be more likely to continue a routine that will lead to good health. You’ll also be much more likely to keep exercise as a life-long habit if you start out slowly, work into a longer routine and do something that you really enjoy. Otherwise, you’ll quickly get bored or tired of exercising, and you’ll be right back where you started. Avoiding that is the key to remaining successful with any exercise routine.

Common Natural remedies

admin — Sun, 15 Aug 2010 07:47:10 +0000

: Image via Wikipedia

Many people today like to try natural remedies for common ailments, before going to the doctor. There can be side effects from natural remedies, just as there are with manufactured drugs, though in general, they tend to be less severe.

Natural remedies generally come from plants and plant parts. Herbal and natural remedies are much more popular in the eastern part of the world than in the western. In western culture, there are many natural remedies that some people may not recognize as a "natural remedy".

If you have ever used Aloe Vera for sunburns or any other type of burn, you have used a natural remedy. The gel from an Aloe Vera plant can help sooth and heal burns. Chamomile tea can help soothe muscles and relax a tense person. Coffee has been used for many years as a stimulant. The natural caffeine in coffee can help keep a person alert, as well as speed the results of pain relievers. Ginger has been used both for helping motion sickness, as well as morning sickness for pregnant women. Garlic has been shown to help control cholesterol, as well as an antibiotic.

There are many ways to get natural remedies. One of the most effective, though time consuming methods is to grow an herb garden for you. Many natural food stores also have herbal remedies that you can purchase. Another option is to buy herbal supplements at a pharmacy. These tend to be more processed, and can lose some effectiveness because of that.

There are said to be natural remedies for almost every ailment. Some of them work; others do not work as well. Before taking an herbal remedy, make sure that you do some research. There are many plants and herbs that are not safe for women who are pregnant. Herbal remedies may also have side effects that can be unpleasant.