Weekly Health Care

Archive for 2011

Treatment

The most important treatment for allergies to latex in the workplace is to avoid repeated exposure because they can increase sensitivity. People allergic to latex may need to be assigned to a different job or may need to change jobs.

Once you experience a reaction to latex, the treatment depends on the type and severity of the reaction. An antihistamine can block the action of histamine, which is why antihistamines can reduce itching and inflammation. Corticosteroids are powerful anti-inflammatory agents are used for cases with more severe symptoms. They come in tablets, sprays and nasal bronchial or topical creams. Although corticosteroids can be effective against allergic reactions can cause serious side effects when used in high doses or for long periods. Your doctor will compare the benefits and risks of side effects, and use the lowest dose of corticosteroid that will be beneficial for you if you need this medicine. Read the rest of this entry »

The best way to prevent any type of allergy is to avoid exposure. In the case of allergies to latex, you must use latex gloves to wash dishes or perform household chores, not to inflate balloons, avoid using rubber bands and condoms made ??of latex-free materials. You should also tell the health care providers so that they avoid exposed to latex products.

If you work in the field of health, may be more difficult to avoid contact with latex because many medical products containing latex. Although it may be difficult to avoid contact with latex completely, it could limit the use of latex products and use less irritating products. Read the rest of this entry »

Your doctor may suspect that their symptoms are associated with sensitivity to latex if you have a history of latex exposure quickly followed by the onset of symptoms. If you have other allergies and allergic conditions, you may be more susceptible to latex allergy.

Examples of allergic conditions are asthma, hay fever or eczema (atopic dermatitis). It also seems to be a relationship between latex allergies and allergies to certain foods: avocado, banana, kiwi, pineapple, tomato and chestnut. Read the rest of this entry »

With the cold winter weather well and truly upon us as we come up to the festive season, many people will be turning up their electric heaters to stave off the cold. This is a very effective way of heating the room up in a short period of time but as we know to our cost, doing this over a long period of time certainly adds to our bills.

Winter however gives us the perfect opportunity of finding new ways for the family to stay warm at Christmas time. The festive season doesn’t have to all be about slumping in front of the TV all day although we have all probably earned a well-deserved rest at this time.

Christmas though is largely about family and there are many things that can be done together as a family to stay warm other than turning up the electric heaters, so here are just a few suggestions:

1. Get some exercise. If we sit slumped in front of the TV all day we will start to feel cold as our bodies naturally slow down. Why not use this opportunity to get some exercise together as a family. If it snows, why not get a sledge; you’ll soon be having so much fun that you will forget that you are actually getting some exercise. Even a brisk walk after lunch will help and will certainly help your digestion too.

2. We all love the traditional Christmas dinner but why not spice up the leftovers and make into a stew or curry and add some chillies or chilli flakes to give it a little kick and warm you up in the process.

3. Feeling the cold can, to a degree, be psychological so turn off those harsh lights and allow the Christmas tree lights to create a warmer tone in the room. Also if you have an electric heater with fake coals or logs, switch that on; the glow will fool your body into thinking that the room is warmer than it actually is. Scented candles too will add to the ambience and also physically add a very small amount of heat.

4. Don’t forget to wear layers to keep warm. Several thinner layers are more effective than one thick layer, even if it is Grandma’s Christmas present. Layers allow the warmth of our bodies to circulate between the layers of clothes keeping us nice and warm.

5. Let’s never forget that Christmas is a family time and if you can convince several family members to sit together on the sofa, you will feel much warmer than sitting in individual chairs alone. A nice mulled wine will add to the warmth of the occasion too and tastes delicious.

So, there are just a few suggestions of ways for the family to stay warm this winter. Remember though, that whilst alcohol will warm you up while you are drinking it, if you drink to excess you are likely to feel even colder the following day so if you do over-indulge you will probably find yourself turning your electric heaters up once more.

Neck and back pain are conditions that negatively affect the day to day life of many individuals. Headaches, fatigue, snoring and insomnia have all been linked to back and neck pain, but the remedy for such conditions is often as simple as choosing pillows or cushions that provide the appropriate level of comfort and support. However, selecting the most suitable pillow can be a challenging endeavour for many individuals, due to the vast array of styles and sizes from which they can choose. The following tips will make this task a bit easier:

The Importance of Proper Neck and Back Alignment

Back Pain

All bed pillows should conform to the user’s sleeping habits whilst providing ample support to keep his or her back and neck in proper alignment. A cushion that is overly thick will lift one’s head too far from the bed, causing his or her neck to be forced into an unnatural position. Similarly, pillows that are too thin can cause one’s head to lower to an awkward position that will result in stress on his or her vertebrae.

It is also important to consider one’s usual sleeping position when selecting a pillow, as this makes a considerable difference regarding which style he or she should choose. The following are three of the best pillows for those whose goal is to alleviate chronic neck and back pain:

Knee Pillows

Knee pillows are the best choice for those who sleep on their backs, as they help align the spin and decrease pressure on the vertebrae. In addition, such cushions also relieve pressure from the lower back, which is often an issue with back sleepers. Knee pillows are a wise choice for side sleepers as well, as they help to align the hips which, therefore, reduces pressure on the spine.

Neck Pillows

A cushion that is designed to fill the spaces under the neck and head is another excellent option for back sleepers. Also called an orthopaedic pillow, this kind of device has a deeper depression in the area where the user’s head will lie. Such pillows provide additional support under the neck, and keep the head, neck and spine in proper alignment.

Body Pillows

Many individuals are familiar with body pillows and the numerous functions they serve. This type of pillow features a similar width to that of a standard pillow, but it is much longer. This style is perfect for side sleepers as the top portion offers support to the person’s neck and head, whilst the bottom half supports his or her legs and knees. Many people find the use of one body pillow more comfortable than using multiple standard pillows for different areas of the body.

As previously mentioned, selecting pillows and cushions that provide both support and comfort can make a big difference in avoiding or alleviating neck or back pain. However, those who find that their pain has not decreased after several weeks or has become worse despite the use of a proper pillow, should consult a doctor or chiropractor.

As with any type of allergy, the first exposure to latex allergens usually cause no reaction. However, the first exposure may sensitize the immune system to the allergen, which can cause symptoms after exposure to latex.

When there is sensitivity to a chemical additive used in the manufacture of rubber latex, the reaction typically occurs one to two days after exposure and usually the reaction is a form of contact dermatitis, a rash that resembles poison ivy. The skin is usually red, cracked and blistered. Read the rest of this entry »

Latex allergy is a hypersensitivity to latex, a natural substance made from the milky sap of the rubber tree. Latex allergies occur when the immune system which normally protects the body against bacteria, viruses and toxins, also react to latex. In any kind of allergy when the immune system reacts against a substance that is generally harmless, this substance called an allergen.

In the case of allergies to latex, there are two possible allergens. The first is a chemical additive used in the manufacturing process, this allergen commonly causes allergy among people who use latex gloves to do their daily tasks. The second allergen is a latex protein itself. Read the rest of this entry »

After having a reaction to medication, treatment depends on the severity of the reaction. If only rash but no clutch, it feels good, simply stop taking the medication. Otherwise, treatment is focused on relieving symptoms.

If you suspect a reaction to medication, stop taking and contact your health care professional who can help you determine if the reaction is a true allergy and suggest an alternative medication, if necessary.

It may recommend an antihistamine to reduce itching and other symptoms associated with histamine. You are likely to prescribe a corticosteroid cream (eg hydrocortisone). For those more serious reactions can be used in tablet corticosteroids such as prednisone. Read the rest of this entry »

Prevention

The best way to prevent drug allergy is to avoid medication that can cause it. However, not always possible. If you have a history of allergy to foods, pollen, certain soaps and cosmetics and other common products, inform the health professional. You should also tell you about drug reactions you have had in the past. Learn about all the prescription and OTC you can buy yourself.

Always consult your physician and/or pharmacist to recommend which drugs should be avoided or should take if you have a history of drug allergy. When dealing with a health professional who does not know your medical history, report on their sensitivity to drugs. Keep a list in your portfolio to provide an easy reference and put on a bracelet or a necklace of medical identification. Read the rest of this entry »

Diagnosis

The doctor based his diagnosis on physical examination and symptoms. In most cases, suspect that your problem is a drug allergy have a history of allergic reactions after taking certain medications.

Sometimes, you can perform skin tests to determine if a person is allergic to a medication. In the test of allergy to penicillin, for example, injecting a small amount of a portion of the penicillin molecule below the skin.

People who are allergic to penicillin will develop a reaction at the injection site. This reaction can be measured. However, these tests are not always reliable because it only injects part of the penicillin molecule. Often, this test is used in people who need penicillin-like drugs to treat serious infections. Read the rest of this entry »

Symptoms of food allergies vary depending on the immunological mechanisms involved. The most frequent reaction is a rash. If exposed to the drug before it is possible that the rash quickly, within the first or second day after taking the drug. The reaction can also take and will not appear until 8 to 10 days after you start taking this medicine. Even the rash may develop after a dose of medication over a week. When this happens, usually it is related to an antibiotic.

Symptoms that appear within a few hours after taking the drug, called acute symptoms usually include rash, hives or itching. However, in severe cases, symptoms may progress rapidly and include nasal congestion, rapid pulse, low blood pressure, difficulty breathing, swelling of the face, vertigo and dizziness. This type of reaction, called anaphylaxis, represents the most severe degree of allergic reaction. If left untreated, can cause death within minutes. Read the rest of this entry »

There is a true allergic reaction to a medication when the immune system is activated in response to a medication. Medications may be taken by mouth, injected into the body or the skin Unters. Symptoms of an allergic reaction ranging from a mild rash to sudden swelling of various body parts accompanied by a decrease in blood pressure that may endanger life.

Most people who have allergies to medicines have been exposed to the drug or a similar one before. During the previous exposure, immune cells formed antibodies against the drug. Antibodies are proteins created by the immune system to fight foreign invaders such as viruses and bacteria. When a person is exposed to the drug again, the antibodies go into action and trigger the allergic response. The symptoms of drug allergy can appear immediately or after taking the medicine for a week or more. Read the rest of this entry »

Laser eye surgery, such as Lasik, Wavefront and PRK surgeries are becoming  is becoming increasingly popular in the UK. While the laser eye surgery cost has come down somewhat in recent years, individuals who want to correct their vision problems should be wary of discount clinic prices.

Technical advances which allow more people to have the surgery as well as a number of celebrities who have had the procedure done are spurring new clinics to open up across the UK. These clinics offer discounted prices on the laser eye surgery cost through newspaper, magazine and even TV adverts. If you’re considering laser eye surgery for yourself, you’ll find numerous UK clinics performing various procedures, each claiming to offer high standards of treatment.

The laser eye surgery cost should not be your first consideration when selecting a clinic. You want to select a clinic with experienced eye surgeons who have successfully performed laser eye surgery on all types of people. You want to feel comfortable with having the surgery done and have a doctor who thoroughly explains what level of vision correction you should expect, the risks, and what your responsibilities will be to help your eyes heal properly. There is no “un-doing” laser eye surgery, if you fail to do your research and select a clinic based solely on price, you are taking a big risk with your vision.

What are the symptoms of CHD?

You may not know you have a CAD until you begin to have symptoms of clogged arteries. Chest pain (angina) and shortness of breath are often the first signs of coronary artery disease. Some people do not know they have CAD until they have a heart attack.

If you have multiple risk factors of CAD should talk to your doctor even if no symptoms. There are some steps you can take to reduce risks and improve the health of the heart and blood vessels.

What tests are used to diagnose CAD?

Some of the tests used in the diagnosis of CAD are:

- The electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG.) This test is commonly used records the electrical activity of the heart and can show certain problems such as abnormal heartbeats or damage to the heart. Read the rest of this entry »