Crohn’s Disease, A Life Altering Condition
Imagine a disease that keeps a patient confined to the house when it flares because they have to stay close to the restroom, that delivers nausea so bad its sometimes hard for sufferers to get out of bed and take care of normal activities of daily living. Getting the picture. Your finding out what its like to have to live with Crohn’s disease. Sufferers of Crohn’s disease have and uphill battle that can affect their entire life.
Crohn’s disease is an inflammatory bowel disease that can exhibit symptoms from the mouth to the colon. The areas affected by Crohn’s are prone to swelling and ulceration. Blockage in the GI system due to swelling is a common concern for Crohn’s patients. Most people with Crohn’s disease have symptoms in the area of the ileum which is also referred to as the small intestine. Patients with Crohn’s disease can be exhibit other conditions such as rashes apthous ulcers, skin ulcers, arthritis, and weight loss.
Crohn’s disease sometimes has been determined to have a genetic component that makes patients susceptible to the disease but not all patients with Crohn’s have been found to be genetically predisposed to the disease. About 20 percent of patients may have a relative with the disease. The disease affect both men and women about the same.
Diagnosis of Crohn’s disease usually involves blood and other tests. Blood tests can determine if there is an increase in white blood cells which would indicate an immune response to inflammation and if anemia is present which could indicate abnormal bleeding. Another type of test given is a procedure called endoscopy where a tube with a camera that allows the physician to view the GI tract is inserted through the mouth down to the duodenum of the small intestine. Another useful tool in diagnosing Crohns is administering Barium before an x-ray of the area which helps pinpoint areas affected by the disease. Evidence of swelling or ulceration could indicate Chrohn’s.
Although the disease has no cure there are some medications that can help a patient go into,or stay in remission or lessen symptoms. These medications include aminosalicylates, antibiotics steroids and TNF ( tumor necrosis factor) blockers.
Posted in General Information | Tagged Chrohn's disease, inflammatory bowel disease, totaldrugmart.com |
Annual Colon Screening
Most people know that physicians recommend annual colonoscopies for adults over the age of 50. Colonoscopies allow for early detection of potential signs of colon cancer. Early detection allows patients a strong fighting chance of overcoming colon cancer if it does develop. During a colonoscopy, any polyps that are found can be removed and this removal will decrease the likelihood of the development of colon cancer. Colon screenings are particularly important for those individuals who a history of polyps, a history of family colon cancer, or have any digestive diseases (for example: Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, etc.)
Preparation for a colonoscopy usually begins 24-72 hours before the procedure. This preparation includes drinking clear liquids and taking laxatives to empty the patient’s bowels before the exam. It is also very important for the patient to inform their physician of any medications they are currently taking so that the physician can determine if there will be any negative side effects associated with medications used during the colonoscopy.
The examination usually begins with a sedative via an IV; pain killers may also be provided. A scope is used to check the rectum and large intestines for any irregularities or polyps, if necessary, the exam may also include further investigation. Most patients do not feel any pain or discomfort during or after a colonoscopy. It will take one or two hours for the sedatives to wear off and the patient should arrange for a family member or friend to drive them home. If any pain of discomfort is noted after the exam, the patient should call their physician immediately. There is always a very small chance of a perforation in the colon or side effects from the sedatives.
There are prevention steps that can be taken to lower the risk of colon cancer. These steps includes: quitting smoking, taking a daily aspirin, exercising, eating fruits and vegetables, taking folic acid, and cutting back on the junk food.
Posted in General Information | Tagged colon cancer medications, colon screening, ulcerative colitis |
Cancer Does Not Discriminate
Cancer is one disease that places no judgement on any particular race, culture, wealth status, or poverty stricken people. It has proven to never discriminate against age or gender. This year over 1 million people will be diagnosed with some sort of cancer and half will result in death.
Cancer has become a global problem and the fourth leading cause of death in the US and other countries.
This number is staggering to say the least. One in seven women will develop breast cancer so it is important to not only get an annual mammogram but also do self breast exams.
Melanoma, prostate, esophageal, breast, colon, and liver cancer are some of the most popular cancer’s on the rise today. Each day new treatments are becoming available to help patients live longer but there are things you can do also to take preventative measures.
- Use sunscreen with at least 30 SPF protection and do not make a habit of sun bathing.
- Wash fruits and vegetables well before eating them.
- Quitting smoking will reduce your chances of getting lung cancer.
- Be physically active at least 30 minutes a day.
- Keep alcohol drinks to a minimum.
- Have a yearly endoscopy after age 50.
- Men have your prostate checked at 45 then yearly after 50.
- Eat a healthy diet consuming lots of fruits, vegetables, and fiber.
Beating cancer once it is diagnosed depends on the disease process. Stage one and two are treatable. Stage four is treatable but not always curable and extension of your life can be maintained with treatment.
Whenever you see or feel something that doesn’t feel or look right, go to your doctor immediately. It doesn’t matter if it turns out to be nothing because time is of the essence when diagnosing cancer. In a perfect world we would never have to worry about such a horrible disease taking the lives of the ones we love but we don’t live in a perfect world. Cancer knows no face and doesn’t single out people who are less fortunate. We love our families and owe it to them to stay healthy so they may enjoy us for many years to come.
Posted in General Information | Tagged arimidex, breast cancer, cancer medications, nicorette inhaler, quitting smoking |
Doctors Recommend Frequent Senior Health Checks
Are you over 55 and in great health? If so, you are in the minority. Most people usually begin to have age-related issues crop up in their late 40′s. Over use of certain body-parts, muscles that never quite recovered from old injuries, allergies that just seem to get worse year after year. These are a few of the reasons doctors recommend more frequent health checks once you are over 50.
Sometimes a nagging back pain can be easily managed by a doctor’s prescription. Old injuries can flare up in no time. Maybe its been a while since you remembered to ask your doctor about the most recent pain medications. Perhaps something that works better for you is now available.
In a world where medical research is one of the most well-funded areas, new medicines are coming out sometimes monthly. Have you recently asked if any new allergy medications have become available? How about arthritis issues? Many times new and under-used medications are taken off the market. Have you checked to see if yours was one of them?
Later in life we sometimes have gotten into the habit of taking our bodies for granted. We have surrendered to the fast-pace of our lives and neglected to see our doctor for a yearly check-up. Most doctors will tell you this is the worst time in a persons life to neglect health checks and basic health care. It can lead to the spread of disease or irreversible damage to previously injured parts of you body.
When you see the doctor and he gives you a prescription, tell him you will be going to TotalDrugmart.com for your medication or prescription order. Remind him to recommend us to his patients who need low-cost, fast delivery and ease of ordering by skipping going to the drug store and staying home to order online.
Posted in General Information | Tagged allergy medication, brand medication, generic medication, new medication, total drug mart, totaldrugmart.com |
Could You Have Hypothyroidism?
Tired all the time? Trouble losing weight? You may have hypothyroidism.
Because many of the symptoms of hypothyroidism appear to be similar to aging, and other medical conditions, the possible root cause of hypothyroidism is often overlooked. This condition occurs when the thyroid gland does not produce enough hormones; and the these hormones are responsible for almost every part of the metabolic process.
But hypothyroidism does not just affect your ability to lose weight. People that suffer from hypothyroidism also experience an array of symptoms including: weight gain, dry skin and hair, sensitivity to cold, muscle aches and cramps, depression, problems concentrating, irritability, decreased sex drive, and irregular menstrual cycles. These symptoms can be attributed to myriad other possible medical conditions, and people frequently do not visit doctors for a diagnosis because the symptoms are so vague. Many women write the symptoms off as aging, or changes in diet, and are not checked for hypothyroidism.
There are two ways that doctors can check for hypothyroidism. The first is to check for something called Hashimoto’s thyroiditis; it is an autoimmune disease where the body creates antibodies that attack the thyroid, which reduces its function and ability to produce the hormone it is responsible for. Most cases of hypothyroidism are caused by Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. The other way that doctors have to check for hypothyroidism is to check for an excess of thyroid-stimulating hormone. This excess is due to the hormone trying to stimulate the thyroid to produce its own hormone, because it is not producing enough for the body to function normally.
Every year the incidence of hypothyroidism goes up, and it is most common in women at a seven to one ratio to men. So if you are experiencing a variety of the symptoms above, talk to your doctor. What feels like getting older may actually be a very curable thyroid problem.
Posted in General Information | Tagged Hashimoto's thyroiditis, hypothyroidism, thyroid condition, thyroid gland, thyroid medication |
Unseen Damage From Obesity
Obesity is rampant in society these days. If someone is 30 pounds over their ideal body weight they are considered obese. Today more people fit into this category then those who do not. Anyone can plainly see what obesity does to a male or female from outward appearances. Number one is appearance and posture, shortness of breath, leg and feet problems to name a few obvious problems. Obesity also causes damage on the insides of the body that no one can see. It really becomes mind over matter. “I can’t see the harm, so I guess I won’t worry about it”. If everyone could only take a peek at their vital organs, and inside the veins and major arteries, they may have a much different outlook on their health and wellbeing. Obesity certainly does a number in our bodies, such as, heart problems, digestion problems, intestinal problems, lung problems, bladder problems, pancreas, liver and major artery problems. These are just a very few problems caused by years of eating unbalanced meals and all the wrong foods. Eating too fast and eating on the run are all bad contributors of obesity.
The one big problem from obesity is possible heart problems, stemming from eating too much saturated fat in the diet. People need to become accustomed to reading food labels. If an item has too many carbohydrates and any percentage of saturated fats then it should not be ingested into the body. Saturated fats, in time, contribute to high cholesterol and clings to the walls of major heart arteries. This build up of plaque will eventually close off these arteries that carry vital oxygen and nutrients to other organs. When this happens the person can have a heart attack or stroke. This is all in the name of eating the wrong amounts of foods and the wrong foods.
To keep major arteries open and functioning properly to continue transporting oxygen and nutrients though the body, the doctor will have that person lose weight, exercise and may prescribe an anti-cholesterol medication, that can easily be purchased on a reputable, certified, online Canadian Pharmacy.
Posted in General Information | Tagged Canadian Pharmacy, clopidogrel, obesity and heart problems, Plavix |
Living with Diabetes
November is National Diabetes Month, a month-long event that brings attention to the chronic disease. Diabetes Mellitus is the medical term for diabetes and includes several metabolic diseases that cause high blood sugar levels. Many people are unaware that they are at risk for diabetes, which affects more than 26 million people in the United States alone. Common symptoms include excessive thirst, increased appetite and frequent urination, although some people also experience blurry vision and tingling in the extremities. The most common type of diabetes is type 2 diabetes, which occurs because of the body’s inability to use insulin properly. Uncontrolled diabetes is very damaging to the body, so you must be proactive towards managing the disease, as well as disease-related complications.
Diabetes does more than just raise your blood sugar. It also increases your risk of heart disease, stroke, blindness and kidney failure. This is because diabetes damages blood vessels in the eyes and kidneys. Diabetes also damages the larger arteries, increasing your risk for heart attack, stroke and other kinds of heart disease. Uncontrolled diabetes also increases your risk for amputation and nerve damage. However, diabetes is a controllable disease. With dietary changes and a regular exercise program, you can reduce the risk for diabetes and even treat mild diabetes without medication. For those who need oral medications to control the disease, there are many options available. Your doctor or diabetes specialist can help you find the one that works for you.
Diabetes is a progressive condition, so talk to your doctor about the many treatments available to fight the disease. Take your diabetes medication as prescribed and see your physician regularly to monitor your condition. Your physician may prescribe insulin injections if your pancreas is not producing enough insulin to regulate your blood sugar. Frequent blood sugar readings help you manage your condition and also helps identify foods that may be causing high sugar levels. Talk to your doctor today if you suspect diabetes or need help controlling the disease. National Diabetes Month is the perfect time to learn more and get a free screening for diabetes.
Posted in Drug Information | Tagged actos medication, diabetes medication, diabetes symptoms, living with diabetes, national diabetes month |
Fighting Inflammation With Proper Supplements
Anti-oxidants, omega 3 fatty acids, and probiotics are constantly being stressed by advertisers aimed at making a certain product more appealing to the health conscious, but what exactly do these terms mean, and do they actually perform in their supposed beneficial role? Many would be surprised to realize that most anti-oxidant sources actually provide little benefit in the reduction of free radicals, and those that do work to reverse the aging process actually function through a different reactive process. Information such as this deserves to be widespread, and understanding a few main points on the subjects of omega 3 fatty acids, hormetic response inducing foods, and probiotic supplementation could easily halt misinformation.
Omega 3 Fatty Acids
The capability for omega 3s to reduce overall bodily levels of inflammation stems from two discrete processes, one of which is the direct result of simple malnutrition. The human body requires two forms of fatty acids to create cellular structures from fat. Omega 3s combine with omega 6s to make omega 9s, and, while industrial cultures obtain significant amounts of omega 6s from food sources, omega 3s are in low supply due to poor oil and fat choices. This deprives our cellular structures from vital omega 3s, which results in inflammatory responses to maintain cellular function. Omega 3 fatty acids are also responsible for thinning the blood, which is a directly anti-inflammatory process on its own.
Hormesis
The act of damaging the body slightly that results in a positive adaptation to the induced stressor is called hormesis. A common example of a hormetic process is lifting weights, whereby damage to muscles results in increased insulin sensitivity and lifting capability. The current concept of anti-oxidant supplementation is being replaced with a more thorough examination of hormetic responses to certain foods and vitamins.
For example, the substantial benefits of cruciferous vegetables-such as broccoli-were commonly associated with their anti-oxidant amount for some time. Current research has negated the anti-oxidant model of benefit, and instead points to the ability of cruciferous plants to activate certain elements of human DNA in a hormetic process.
Probiotics
Probiotics are a widely untapped field of study, as some thousands of intestinal bacteria remain uncategorized. Treatments revolving around gut flora transfer exhibit considerable benefit in those suffering from many different digestive difficulties, and the presence of probiotic foods in every ancient cultural food practice points to a necessity to resupply gut bacteria. These facets of probiotic study combine with the knowledge that many gut bacteria contribute substantially to overall immune system health, and that proper gut health is positively correlated with a reduction in overall inflammation.
Posted in General Information | Tagged anti-oxidants, hormesis, Lovaza, Omacor, omega 3 fatty acids, omega 3's, probiotics |
Canadian Mail Order Drugs Very Convenient
Have you ever wondered how to make it easier on yourself to obtain your medication while remaining in the comfort of your home? Canadian pharmacies can be your answer. With Canadian mail order pharmacies, there is never a need to leave the house to buy your medication. Canadian mail order drugs are available and will ship directly to your door in 2-3 weeks from the date you place your order. All mail order shipments are delivered through the United States Postal Service as registered mail. It is always important to choose a Canadian pharmacy with the right accreditation’s, namely CIPA (Canadian International Pharmacy Association) and also one which carries the Pharmacy Checker seal of approval.
Choosing a website is easy. Simply log onto Google and search Canadian pharmacy and you will see various services. Again once you find a provider with the proper accreditation’s, you can begin shopping for the best prices on your drugs. This will give you a chance to research the company and see if they are trustworthy or not. You can also speak with someone on the phone to set up your account and get you started.
Always ensure the pharmacy you choose does require a valid prescription and follows all pharmacy regulations. If the site you try to buy from does not ask for a prescription even though it is required you need to look at other companies.
Posted in Canadian Pharmacy News | Tagged Canadian international pharmacy association, canadian pharmacies, CIPA, discount pharmacy, google canadian pharmacy search result, mail order pharmacy |
Lower Your Cholesterol With Crestor
Crestor (rosuvastatin) is a medication used by patients who have high cholesterol and high triglycerides. Crestor is often used with other cholesterol medications to lower the amount of bad cholesterol and fatty acids in a persons blood. Crestor (rosuvastatin), similar to other cholesterol drugs are used to prevent clogging of arteries and other heart related medical conditions from developing. If you are shopping online for Crestor or think that you may want to buy Crestor or generic rosuvastatin, you should discuss this drug with your doctor. Your doctor can provide you with the necessary prescription for this medication. You can then look and find the best prices online for your Crestor or generic rosuvastatin.
High cholesterol is usually a caused directly from a fatty diet. These poor eating and health lifestyle options can be passed down from generations (hereditary) in a family, similar to how cholesterol. This problem tends to appear in patients between the ages of 35 – 50 but high cholesterol can begin at any age. The buildup of plaque in the arteries caused by high cholesterol is also known as atherosclerosis. Raised levels of cholesterol can cause fatigue, weight gain, loss of energy and can cause buildup of plaque in the arteries of the heart. Lipid lowering medication such as Crestor help the fight against this arterial disease known as high cholesterol and can easily be found at many of the online Canadian pharmacies.
Posted in Drug Information, Uncategorized | Tagged atherosclerosis, canadian pharmacies, Crestor, rosuvastatin |
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