April 16, 2011 7:55 am

HEART AND CIRCULATION: CARE OF THE FAILING HEART, CORONARY THROMBOSIS

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by admin    in Cardio & Blood-Cholesterol
Care of the failing heart
The doctor’s treatment of a failing heart is designed to take work off the heart, help to get rid of excess fluid, and improve the heart’s action. The person with congestive failure of the heart is like a man who is going bankrupt because his income and assets have been sharply reduced. He has to cut down immediately on expenditures, and maintain a rigid conservation of what he has. Several new drugs – Diamox, Diuril – and similar remedies help to eliminate excess fluid.
In this condition the patient must depend on the doctor to outline his conduct for him. If the man must earn his living, he should get home after work as soon as possible and spend every moment he can actually resting; this applies equally to the use of the week-end. The person with a weak heart must avoid climbing stairs; must never lift heavy objects or carry packages. Every source of tension, including family disagreements and arguments, must be eliminated. In this condition, above every other, moderation is the key word. Excess of tea, coffee, tobacco, and alcohol is a serious misdemeanor for the patient with congestive heart failure.
While rest must be the objective, enough movement must be employed to keep muscles alive. The simplest kind of household activity or, for some, a few holes of golf on a flat course may be desirable. Avoidance of boredom is also necessary, and for this purpose congenial conversation, selected reading, and simple card games, chess or checkers, may be helpful.
With this routine the weight must be kept down by a low calorie, principally protein, diet. Infections must be prevented and promptly cared for if they occur. For those who can afford it, visits to resorts or spas, quiet ocean voyages, and residence in warm dry climates are recommended.
Coronary thrombosis
Blocking of the coronary arteries, which supply blood to the heart itself, may damage the muscle of the heart. Immediate treatment includes rest, oxygen, and prescription by the doctor, if he thinks desirable, of drugs to prevent further clotting. Most patients who survive the initial shock recover and may live quite normally thereafter. If the causes such as high blood pressure, hardening of the arteries, bad habits of work and leisure persist, the mechanism for further obstructions may result in subsequent heart attacks.
*6/318/5*
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March 24, 2011 8:12 am

SERVICING THE SPINE: SLEEP

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by admin    in Pain Relief-Muscle Relaxers
As mentioned earlier, sleep is very important for muscles as it is in a deep and comfortable sleep that the muscles and ligaments get an opportunity to rest and replenish the lost energy. In wakefulness or disturbed sleep, the muscles are in a tonic state (tensed) while in deep sleep they are completely relaxed. The spine can comfortably take a few hours (four to six) of supporting itself in a vertical position at a time. The neck muscles in the waking state continuously support the heavy head throughout the day. A short nap or siesta after lunch is highly recommended to give the neck a rest.
One should avoid eating late in the evening as the process of digestion (movement of the intestines, release of gas, heavy food) can disturb sleep. Disturbing films or newscasts that focus on violence on television often cause excitement in the mind and affect the quality of sleep. One should read something pleasant or listen to soothing music before going to bed. Sleep is also disturbed by dehydration at night. It is best to drink some water before going to sleep and use the toilet to empty the bladder, as rising to do so is another disturbing factor at night.
Sarangi, an ancient Indian musical instrument, produces in my opinion the right vibrational sound to soothe the mind. It makes a sound that is almost identical to a soothing human voice. In India a ‘Lori’ or bedtime lullaby has a most powerful hypnotic effect on a child before it is put to sleep. It resonates in the mind and relaxes the muscles to a state where sleep is imminent.
Ustad Sultan Khan, one of the greatest exponents of the Sarangi and a phenomenal singer of devotional songs (Sufi songs dedicated to the Almighty), has created a few Loris or lullaby songs which he has sung, as well as played on his instrument, for my therapeutic use. I recommend this music be played at bedtime as it produces the vibrations in the mind that induce sleep. This soothing music relaxes muscles, slows down the heart rate and prepares the body for sleep. It breaks the barrier of language as it consists of human voice and sounds of nature, which are universal.
It is no wonder that Lord Yehudi Menuhin, having heard this music, said ‘Sarangi is the music of the soul’. People have been known to become emotional and often weep with joy during live performances with this instrument.
Finally, always remember, a healthy spine supports a healthy mind.
*122\330\8*

SERVICING THE SPINE: SLEEPAs mentioned earlier, sleep is very important for muscles as it is in a deep and comfortable sleep that the muscles and ligaments get an opportunity to rest and replenish the lost energy. In wakefulness or disturbed sleep, the muscles are in a tonic state (tensed) while in deep sleep they are completely relaxed. The spine can comfortably take a few hours (four to six) of supporting itself in a vertical position at a time. The neck muscles in the waking state continuously support the heavy head throughout the day. A short nap or siesta after lunch is highly recommended to give the neck a rest.One should avoid eating late in the evening as the process of digestion (movement of the intestines, release of gas, heavy food) can disturb sleep. Disturbing films or newscasts that focus on violence on television often cause excitement in the mind and affect the quality of sleep. One should read something pleasant or listen to soothing music before going to bed. Sleep is also disturbed by dehydration at night. It is best to drink some water before going to sleep and use the toilet to empty the bladder, as rising to do so is another disturbing factor at night.Sarangi, an ancient Indian musical instrument, produces in my opinion the right vibrational sound to soothe the mind. It makes a sound that is almost identical to a soothing human voice. In India a ‘Lori’ or bedtime lullaby has a most powerful hypnotic effect on a child before it is put to sleep. It resonates in the mind and relaxes the muscles to a state where sleep is imminent.Ustad Sultan Khan, one of the greatest exponents of the Sarangi and a phenomenal singer of devotional songs (Sufi songs dedicated to the Almighty), has created a few Loris or lullaby songs which he has sung, as well as played on his instrument, for my therapeutic use. I recommend this music be played at bedtime as it produces the vibrations in the mind that induce sleep. This soothing music relaxes muscles, slows down the heart rate and prepares the body for sleep. It breaks the barrier of language as it consists of human voice and sounds of nature, which are universal.It is no wonder that Lord Yehudi Menuhin, having heard this music, said ‘Sarangi is the music of the soul’. People have been known to become emotional and often weep with joy during live performances with this instrument.Finally, always remember, a healthy spine supports a healthy mind.*122\330\8*

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March 19, 2011 6:42 am

ISD AND RELATIONSHIPS: TYPES OF DILEMMAS FOR DUAL-CAREER COUPLES – SOCIAL LIFE DILEMMAS AND INEQUITY

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by admin    in Men's Health-Erectile Dysfunction
Social life dilemmas involve sacrificing personal friendships and “economizing” by restricting your social circle to mutual friends who are often part of your work world as well. This reduces potential emotional support from people other than your partner. As a result, your partner is sometimes responsible for meeting all your needs. Limiting outside relationships makes it more difficult to separate your work and private worlds. In addition, some friends and family members may become angry because you’re always “too busy” to see them.
Inequity is what Andrea experienced several years ago when she was being considered for a prestigious position with a New York-based public relations firm. “I didn’t go looking for it,” she explained. “They found me and asked me to interview. I was really flattered. But the first thing Paul said when I told him was ‘You aren’t going to take it, are you? We can’t move to New York when I may soon be offered a partnership in the law firm.’ Then I knew for sure that no matter how equal Paul said things were, they really weren’t.” This sort of inequity in a dual-career marriage often creates conflict and causes the
“less equal” partner to harbor resentments that can get acted out in the bedroom.
*128\261\8*

ISD AND RELATIONSHIPS: TYPES OF DILEMMAS FOR DUAL-CAREER COUPLES – SOCIAL LIFE DILEMMAS AND INEQUITYSocial life dilemmas involve sacrificing personal friendships and “economizing” by restricting your social circle to mutual friends who are often part of your work world as well. This reduces potential emotional support from people other than your partner. As a result, your partner is sometimes responsible for meeting all your needs. Limiting outside relationships makes it more difficult to separate your work and private worlds. In addition, some friends and family members may become angry because you’re always “too busy” to see them.Inequity is what Andrea experienced several years ago when she was being considered for a prestigious position with a New York-based public relations firm. “I didn’t go looking for it,” she explained. “They found me and asked me to interview. I was really flattered. But the first thing Paul said when I told him was ‘You aren’t going to take it, are you? We can’t move to New York when I may soon be offered a partnership in the law firm.’ Then I knew for sure that no matter how equal Paul said things were, they really weren’t.” This sort of inequity in a dual-career marriage often creates conflict and causes the”less equal” partner to harbor resentments that can get acted out in the bedroom.*128\261\8*

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March 6, 2011 6:29 am

BACH FLOWER REMEDIES: DR. BACH’S PHILOSOPHY – SOME ADVANTAGES IN THE BACH FLOWER REMEDIES SYSTEM

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by admin    in Herbal
Some advantages in the Bach Flower Remedies system are enumerated below:-
(1) Selection of medicine is easy as there only 38 medicines to choose from and there are no potencies to complicate the matters.
(2) It is the best system for self-treatment without the aid of the doctor.
(3) More than one remedies can be taken individually or in combination at the same time.
(4) There are no side effects or adverse effects of these remedies.
(5) These remedies can be taken with medicines from other systems without interfering in their action.
(6) For proper Homoeopathic Treatment of a chronic disease one has to prepare an elaborate case history of the patient from his heredity till the day of taking the case history, his previous diseases and their treatment, his present mental & physical symptoms with their modalities, his mentals and generalities etc. In Bach Flower Remedies, no questions are asked, no case history is called for, the Remedy is selected there and then, when the patient is describing his trouble. When we describe the advantages of prescribing on Bach Flower Remedies System, we do not condemn the Homoeopathic System as inferior. Homoeopathy is a complete science which has been developed in the last over 200 years by the most efficient and dedicated doctors of the world, and is based on scientific basis.
*26\308\8*

BACH FLOWER REMEDIES: DR. BACH’S PHILOSOPHY – SOME ADVANTAGES IN THE BACH FLOWER REMEDIES SYSTEMSome advantages in the Bach Flower Remedies system are enumerated below:-(1) Selection of medicine is easy as there only 38 medicines to choose from and there are no potencies to complicate the matters.(2) It is the best system for self-treatment without the aid of the doctor.(3) More than one remedies can be taken individually or in combination at the same time.(4) There are no side effects or adverse effects of these remedies.(5) These remedies can be taken with medicines from other systems without interfering in their action.(6) For proper Homoeopathic Treatment of a chronic disease one has to prepare an elaborate case history of the patient from his heredity till the day of taking the case history, his previous diseases and their treatment, his present mental & physical symptoms with their modalities, his mentals and generalities etc. In Bach Flower Remedies, no questions are asked, no case history is called for, the Remedy is selected there and then, when the patient is describing his trouble. When we describe the advantages of prescribing on Bach Flower Remedies System, we do not condemn the Homoeopathic System as inferior. Homoeopathy is a complete science which has been developed in the last over 200 years by the most efficient and dedicated doctors of the world, and is based on scientific basis.*26\308\8*

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February 24, 2011 6:21 am

SOME REASONS FOR NOT GETTING BETTER: MISTAKING HYPERACTIVITY FOR BEING WELL & LACK OF EXERCISE

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by admin    in Gastrointestinal
Mistaking Hyperactivity for Being Well
Some hyperactive people mistakenly think they are well, because in spite of getting very little sleep they have boundless energy. Activity can only be said to be healthy when your muscles respond with fatigue, and recover with rest. In the short-term the hyperactive person does not feel the need for rest; but the body will eventually respond with exhaustion and frayed nerves.
Lack of Exercise
Are you holding yourself back, tense, because you are too afraid to really move? Your gut problems, anxiety, depression and aching muscles will not go until you take this possibility seriously. Build up an exercise programme gradually until you are doing really tiring exercises at least three times weekly. If you have any doubts about how much you should do consult your doctor.
*147\326\8*

SOME REASONS FOR NOT GETTING BETTER: MISTAKING HYPERACTIVITY FOR BEING WELL & LACK OF EXERCISEMistaking Hyperactivity for Being WellSome hyperactive people mistakenly think they are well, because in spite of getting very little sleep they have boundless energy. Activity can only be said to be healthy when your muscles respond with fatigue, and recover with rest. In the short-term the hyperactive person does not feel the need for rest; but the body will eventually respond with exhaustion and frayed nerves.Lack of ExerciseAre you holding yourself back, tense, because you are too afraid to really move? Your gut problems, anxiety, depression and aching muscles will not go until you take this possibility seriously. Build up an exercise programme gradually until you are doing really tiring exercises at least three times weekly. If you have any doubts about how much you should do consult your doctor.*147\326\8*

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February 19, 2011 6:15 am

DRUGS FOR PARTIAL SEIZURES AND TONIC-CLONIC SEIZURES: REACTIONS TO PHENYTOIN – DOSE-RELATED REACTIONS

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by admin    in Epilepsy
The earliest sign of a high blood level of phenytoin is nystagmus (jerky movements of the eyes), a sign of no consequence since it does not interfere with vision or function and, therefore, does not require lowering the dose of the drug. Noticing it may be useful to your physician since it indicates that the drug is in a “good” therapeutic range. If, with the onset of an even higher blood level, the child begins to be unsteady on his feet and awkward with his hands, to act drunk, you should notify your physician. He will usually reduce the dose. Sleepiness or exaggeration of the “drunkenness” follow if the blood level goes even higher. Vomiting may also occur. All of these signs disappear over several days (several half-lives) if the dose is reduced.
Because phenytoin has an unusual metabolism, when its level in the blood is in the therapeutic range, small increases in dosage can cause large increases in the blood level and, thus, in toxicity. Therefore, when the blood level is in the therapeutic range but the dose must be increased to control seizures, increases should be introduced slowly and by small increments or the child may become toxic.
*120\208\8*

DRUGS FOR PARTIAL SEIZURES AND TONIC-CLONIC SEIZURES: REACTIONS TO PHENYTOIN – DOSE-RELATED REACTIONSThe earliest sign of a high blood level of phenytoin is nystagmus (jerky movements of the eyes), a sign of no consequence since it does not interfere with vision or function and, therefore, does not require lowering the dose of the drug. Noticing it may be useful to your physician since it indicates that the drug is in a “good” therapeutic range. If, with the onset of an even higher blood level, the child begins to be unsteady on his feet and awkward with his hands, to act drunk, you should notify your physician. He will usually reduce the dose. Sleepiness or exaggeration of the “drunkenness” follow if the blood level goes even higher. Vomiting may also occur. All of these signs disappear over several days (several half-lives) if the dose is reduced.Because phenytoin has an unusual metabolism, when its level in the blood is in the therapeutic range, small increases in dosage can cause large increases in the blood level and, thus, in toxicity. Therefore, when the blood level is in the therapeutic range but the dose must be increased to control seizures, increases should be introduced slowly and by small increments or the child may become toxic.*120\208\8*

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February 9, 2011 5:45 am

LIPIDS/LIPOPROTEINS: A CONSENSUS FOR INTENSIVE MANAGEMENT OF LIPIDS AND LIPOPROTEINS IN TYPE 2 DIABETES – REPORTS OF THE NATIONAL CHOLESTEROL EDUCATION PROGRAM

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by admin    in Diabetes
The recommendations of the report have been eagerly awaited by the diabetes community for many years. In the first report of the National Cholesterol Education Program the emphasis was on lowering of LDL cholesterol as a primary prevention strategy in people with high LDL cholesterol levels (> 160 mg/dl) or with levels of 130-159 mg/dl plus at least two coronary risk factors. Diabetes was viewed as a coronary risk factor and received minimal rating in the Framingham risk score. Yet the major cause of death in type 2 diabetes was clearly cardiovascular disease, and it was known that cardiovascular risk was well in excess of the risk in non-diabetics. The report did not recognize this issue. Simultaneously, Gerald Reaven demonstrated in his Banting Lecture at the ADA in 1988, that “syndrome X” was associated with a high cardiovascular risk. This observation catalyzed intense interest in this entity among diabetes specialists.
ATP II focused on patients with established coronary artery disease and recommended intensive LDL cholesterol (LDL-C) lowering to < 100 mg/dl. Diabetes was not viewed as a separate high-risk issue. Meanwhile, evidence continued to mount indicating that most people with type 2 diabetes had an extraordinarily high-risk for coronary artery events. Finally, it was conclusively demonstrated that the risk for the first heart attack in type 2 diabetes equaled that in nondia-betics who had already had a myocardial infarction. Furthermore, although promising reductions in the risk for cardiovascular events were seen in the general population over the past 2-3 decades, little benefit was seen in men with diabetes, and the cardiovascular event rates actually increased in women with diabetes over the same period.
The ATP III Report gives an evidenced-based approach that focuses first on LDL-C as the primary target of therapy. The major change in approach is the recognition that diabetes is a coronary heart disease (CHD) equivalent rather than merely a cardiovascular risk factor. Thus, people with diabetes are to be treated as if they had CHD, and aggressive lowering of LDL-C to 100 mg/dl or below is the goal. This guideline accord with earlier recommendations made by the ADA and removes any confusion that may have existed in the past.
The ADA approaches lipid therapy in adults with diabetes by defining levels of cardiovascular risk (Table 12). The ADA then defines the LDL-C goal as < 100 mg/dl, which is to be achieved by exercise, medical nutrition, and pharmacologic therapy (if needed) in patients with or without cardiovascular disease.
A specific recommendation for patients with metabolic syndrome or diabetes who have LDL-C levels > 130 mg/dl is to initiate drug therapy (i.e., statins) if therapeutic lifestyle changes (TLC) cannot achieve an LDL-C goal of < 100 mg/dl. In the case of intermediate LDL-C levels of 100-129 mg/dl, both the ADA and the NCEP (ATP III) make similar TLC recommendations. However, if this approach fails, the ADA favors pharmacologic treatment with a statin, and the NCEP (ATP III) group gives the option of statin therapy or drugs that primarily modify triglycerides and HDL-C (nicotinic acid or fibrates). Clinical judgment must be used for patients in this category.
*170\357\8*

LIPIDS/LIPOPROTEINS: A CONSENSUS FOR INTENSIVE MANAGEMENT OF LIPIDS AND LIPOPROTEINS IN TYPE 2 DIABETES – REPORTS OF THE  NATIONAL CHOLESTEROL EDUCATION PROGRAMThe recommendations of the report have been eagerly awaited by the diabetes community for many years. In the first report of the National Cholesterol Education Program the emphasis was on lowering of LDL cholesterol as a primary prevention strategy in people with high LDL cholesterol levels (> 160 mg/dl) or with levels of 130-159 mg/dl plus at least two coronary risk factors. Diabetes was viewed as a coronary risk factor and received minimal rating in the Framingham risk score. Yet the major cause of death in type 2 diabetes was clearly cardiovascular disease, and it was known that cardiovascular risk was well in excess of the risk in non-diabetics. The report did not recognize this issue. Simultaneously, Gerald Reaven demonstrated in his Banting Lecture at the ADA in 1988, that “syndrome X” was associated with a high cardiovascular risk. This observation catalyzed intense interest in this entity among diabetes specialists.ATP II focused on patients with established coronary artery disease and recommended intensive LDL cholesterol (LDL-C) lowering to < 100 mg/dl. Diabetes was not viewed as a separate high-risk issue. Meanwhile, evidence continued to mount indicating that most people with type 2 diabetes had an extraordinarily high-risk for coronary artery events. Finally, it was conclusively demonstrated that the risk for the first heart attack in type 2 diabetes equaled that in nondia-betics who had already had a myocardial infarction. Furthermore, although promising reductions in the risk for cardiovascular events were seen in the general population over the past 2-3 decades, little benefit was seen in men with diabetes, and the cardiovascular event rates actually increased in women with diabetes over the same period.The ATP III Report gives an evidenced-based approach that focuses first on LDL-C as the primary target of therapy. The major change in approach is the recognition that diabetes is a coronary heart disease (CHD) equivalent rather than merely a cardiovascular risk factor. Thus, people with diabetes are to be treated as if they had CHD, and aggressive lowering of LDL-C to 100 mg/dl or below is the goal. This guideline accord with earlier recommendations made by the ADA and removes any confusion that may have existed in the past.The ADA approaches lipid therapy in adults with diabetes by defining levels of cardiovascular risk (Table 12). The ADA then defines the LDL-C goal as < 100 mg/dl, which is to be achieved by exercise, medical nutrition, and pharmacologic therapy (if needed) in patients with or without cardiovascular disease.A specific recommendation for patients with metabolic syndrome or diabetes who have LDL-C levels > 130 mg/dl is to initiate drug therapy (i.e., statins) if therapeutic lifestyle changes (TLC) cannot achieve an LDL-C goal of < 100 mg/dl. In the case of intermediate LDL-C levels of 100-129 mg/dl, both the ADA and the NCEP (ATP III) make similar TLC recommendations. However, if this approach fails, the ADA favors pharmacologic treatment with a statin, and the NCEP (ATP III) group gives the option of statin therapy or drugs that primarily modify triglycerides and HDL-C (nicotinic acid or fibrates). Clinical judgment must be used for patients in this category.*170\357\8*

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January 29, 2011 5:38 am

EFFECT OF VARIOUS RISK FACTORS OF CORONARY ARTERY DISEASE – RISK FACTORS THAT HAVE AN INFLUENCE ON OUR HEALTH AND LIFE SPAN

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by admin    in Cardio & Blood-Cholesterol
Risk factors interact with each other in important ways. If you have two risk factors (for example, if you have high cholesterol and smoke), the odds of getting coronary artery disease are much higher than if you had either one alone. Indeed, the total risk of multiply factors may be greater than merely adding the risks of each factor together: the effect is actually magnified. As important as risk factors are in understanding how you can have control over your health, it is important to understand what “risk” means. Risk refers to “odds” or “chances,” not 1 inevitability or guarantees. Although risk factors affect the odds of coronary artery disease developing, having one or many risk factors does not guarantee that coronary artery disease will develop, just as the absence of risk factors does not guarantee that you will avoid it.
If you drive your car 10,000 miles a year, you are more likely to have a car accident than someone who drives only 500 miles a year. However, the high-mileage driver might never have an accident, and the low-mileage driver might get hit by a truck as he or she leaves the driveway. Similarly, occasionally someone who smokes two packs of cigarettes a day for his or her whole life lives to a ripe old age, yet a vigorous exerciser who eats right, stays in shape, does not smoke, and seems to be doing everything right may nevertheless die early. These observations probably mean that there are risk factors that have not yet been recognized but that have an influence on our health and life span.
*221\252\8*

EFFECT OF VARIOUS RISK FACTORS OF CORONARY ARTERY DISEASE – RISK FACTORS THAT HAVE AN INFLUENCE ON OUR HEALTH AND LIFE SPANRisk factors interact with each other in important ways. If you have two risk factors (for example, if you have high cholesterol and smoke), the odds of getting coronary artery disease are much higher than if you had either one alone. Indeed, the total risk of multiply factors may be greater than merely adding the risks of each factor together: the effect is actually magnified. As important as risk factors are in understanding how you can have control over your health, it is important to understand what “risk” means. Risk refers to “odds” or “chances,” not 1 inevitability or guarantees. Although risk factors affect the odds of coronary artery disease developing, having one or many risk factors does not guarantee that coronary artery disease will develop, just as the absence of risk factors does not guarantee that you will avoid it.If you drive your car 10,000 miles a year, you are more likely to have a car accident than someone who drives only 500 miles a year. However, the high-mileage driver might never have an accident, and the low-mileage driver might get hit by a truck as he or she leaves the driveway. Similarly, occasionally someone who smokes two packs of cigarettes a day for his or her whole life lives to a ripe old age, yet a vigorous exerciser who eats right, stays in shape, does not smoke, and seems to be doing everything right may nevertheless die early. These observations probably mean that there are risk factors that have not yet been recognized but that have an influence on our health and life span.*221\252\8*

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January 19, 2011 5:32 am

RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS: ASPIRIN AND NON-STEROIDAL ANTI-INFLAMMATORY DRUGS

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by admin    in Arthritis
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are among the most commonly prescribed drugs worldwide. These medications are classified as anti-inflammatory because they reduce pain and swelling within the joints quickly. They are classified as non-steroidal because they are not included in the corticosteroid (cortisone) family of medications which are also anti-inflammatory.
Aspirin and NSAIDs (pronounced ENSEDS) are used to treat a wide variety of inflammatory and painful conditions. With few exceptions, these medications work by arresting the production of the inflammatory substances known as prostaglandins. Aspirin and NSAIDs can reduce pain, swelling, and stiffness in the joints by limiting the production of these chemicals.
These medications usually produce results within one to three weeks of first use, and therefore they are termed fast-acting or rapid-acting anti-arthritic drugs. They are generally the first line of treatment for rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Despite their effectiveness in controlling symptoms, these drugs do not appear to alter the course of RA. In other words, they do not induce a remission of RA. Given this fact, your doctor may prescribe one or more second-line drugs along with anti-inflammatory medication, in an effort to induce a remission.
Several types and brands of anti-inflammatory drugs are now available, and many more are currently being tested. Finding the medication that will benefit you the most may take some time and experimentation. One may give you little relief, whereas another might be extremely effective. One may produce unpleasant side effects (such as indigestion), whereas another does not. Sometimes only by trying several medications, one at a time, you can determine which anti-inflammatory medication will help you the most.
Different anti-inflammatory medications vary widely in cost as well as in effectiveness. Another difference in cost is found between two forms of the same drug: these two forms are the generic, or non-brand name drug, and the brand name drug. The generic version will be the less expensive. Generic medications contain the same active ingredients found in brand name drugs, but the inactive ingredients may differ. Although these drugs may be as effective as the brand name counterpart, the quality in the production of brand name drugs has traditionally been more closely controlled, and therefore brand name drugs tend to be more consistent in their effectiveness. There is no evidence that generic arthritis drugs have more side effects than brand name medications, however, and if the expense of medications is a critical factor for you, you might want to consult your physician or pharmacist regarding the advisability of selecting a generic version or a less expensive medication.
*88/209/5*

RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS: ASPIRIN AND NON-STEROIDAL ANTI-INFLAMMATORY DRUGSNon-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are among the most commonly prescribed drugs worldwide. These medications are classified as anti-inflammatory because they reduce pain and swelling within the joints quickly. They are classified as non-steroidal because they are not included in the corticosteroid (cortisone) family of medications which are also anti-inflammatory.Aspirin and NSAIDs (pronounced ENSEDS) are used to treat a wide variety of inflammatory and painful conditions. With few exceptions, these medications work by arresting the production of the inflammatory substances known as prostaglandins. Aspirin and NSAIDs can reduce pain, swelling, and stiffness in the joints by limiting the production of these chemicals.These medications usually produce results within one to three weeks of first use, and therefore they are termed fast-acting or rapid-acting anti-arthritic drugs. They are generally the first line of treatment for rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Despite their effectiveness in controlling symptoms, these drugs do not appear to alter the course of RA. In other words, they do not induce a remission of RA. Given this fact, your doctor may prescribe one or more second-line drugs along with anti-inflammatory medication, in an effort to induce a remission. Several types and brands of anti-inflammatory drugs are now available, and many more are currently being tested. Finding the medication that will benefit you the most may take some time and experimentation. One may give you little relief, whereas another might be extremely effective. One may produce unpleasant side effects (such as indigestion), whereas another does not. Sometimes only by trying several medications, one at a time, you can determine which anti-inflammatory medication will help you the most.Different anti-inflammatory medications vary widely in cost as well as in effectiveness. Another difference in cost is found between two forms of the same drug: these two forms are the generic, or non-brand name drug, and the brand name drug. The generic version will be the less expensive. Generic medications contain the same active ingredients found in brand name drugs, but the inactive ingredients may differ. Although these drugs may be as effective as the brand name counterpart, the quality in the production of brand name drugs has traditionally been more closely controlled, and therefore brand name drugs tend to be more consistent in their effectiveness. There is no evidence that generic arthritis drugs have more side effects than brand name medications, however, and if the expense of medications is a critical factor for you, you might want to consult your physician or pharmacist regarding the advisability of selecting a generic version or a less expensive medication.*88/209/5*

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January 5, 2011 5:26 am

ALCOHOL: PROCESS STRUCTURE

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by admin    in Anti-Psychotics
Herr G. has a metacommunicator. Despite his drunken state, he takes great pride in discussing his states and making judgements upon himself. Hence we could, if we wanted to, even ask him to change states. What are his states? Herr G.’s primary process is to act drunk and be the fool, a weakling who does not have the courage to admit it. He lacks courage. He is very good at making people feel well around him by smiling at us, but in fact he does not stand for what he thinks. He did not like Ron’s questions, but did not tell him to stop. Instead, he ignored the question about his mother and changed the subject.
His secondary process is having the courage to criticize himself and others. He said to Ron, ‘You . . . ask . . . stupid questions.’ He says it with a laugh, however, and does not identify with this ‘courageous’ part of himself.
This is the information about the process structure available to us one minute and twenty seconds after the interview begins. We can now begin to work with it. An interesting idea would be to bring up the secondary process of courage and make it available to him. But before working with someone, it is important to establish a feeling of relationship with them. This means relating to their primary process. In the case of Herr G., a relationship, means, to begin with at least, not only feeling my way into his life situation, but also, by means of noting his signals and pacing the tempo of his talk, relating to him as one drunk to another.
Amy (laughing, speaking slowly and gesturing in Herr G.’s tempo): Oh, you know … I am a fool too, yeah.. .
Joe (picking up the atmosphere): Me too, I have failed many times.
Herr G.:  Really, you too?
Another social worker joins in and says:
Social worker:  I have failed too, twenty-six times.
Herr G.:   If I am honest . . . then … I have to admit . . .
that I have failed . . . only once. Amy:  Not me, I fail once every five minutes. Herr G.:  You guys are a gift to me.
Everyone laughs and the atmosphere becomes very warm and friendly. I want to stress, however, that while we have been successful in feeling our way into Herr G.’s process, there is a danger that by pacing and mirroring the client, we enter into the same state. Hence, we could begin to relax in the warm atmosphere and lose our relativity. The alcoholic state here is one of warmth and brotherly love. It is so powerful that it can put a whole room in a similar state. In this way, the alcoholic is alcohol: he is like a drink for us, and if we want to work with him we have to be careful not to drink too much.
Ron aims at bringing up the content which was previously missing in the conversation, assuming that Herr G. was avoiding the problematical topic of his wife’s death.
Ron:  What have you failed at exactly?
Herr G.: Now pick this up with your camera. Pick this up Amy. I need the courage to say that in life, to say … to say . . . [pointing to Ron] to s*ay . . . that I have failed once in my life. Ron, we have fought with one another. . . . We … if I have to be honest. . . [crying] … we talked . . . Ron . . . what is life? What is life? [Pointing again at Ron, now vehemently.] What is life? (Now to me.) Amy what is life? / /
Amy:   Herr G., what is life?
Herr G.:  Life is shitty. . . . Did someone say I was sad …, . I am . . . sad . . . [now slowly, quietly] . . . about the, death of my wife.
He cries, looks down, and covers his eyes. Then suddenly another social worker comes in the room and he raises his head, smiles and greets her.
Herr G.:  Hello, how are you?
*115\227\8*

ALCOHOL: PROCESS STRUCTUREHerr G. has a metacommunicator. Despite his drunken state, he takes great pride in discussing his states and making judgements upon himself. Hence we could, if we wanted to, even ask him to change states. What are his states? Herr G.’s primary process is to act drunk and be the fool, a weakling who does not have the courage to admit it. He lacks courage. He is very good at making people feel well around him by smiling at us, but in fact he does not stand for what he thinks. He did not like Ron’s questions, but did not tell him to stop. Instead, he ignored the question about his mother and changed the subject.His secondary process is having the courage to criticize himself and others. He said to Ron, ‘You . . . ask . . . stupid questions.’ He says it with a laugh, however, and does not identify with this ‘courageous’ part of himself.This is the information about the process structure available to us one minute and twenty seconds after the interview begins. We can now begin to work with it. An interesting idea would be to bring up the secondary process of courage and make it available to him. But before working with someone, it is important to establish a feeling of relationship with them. This means relating to their primary process. In the case of Herr G., a relationship, means, to begin with at least, not only feeling my way into his life situation, but also, by means of noting his signals and pacing the tempo of his talk, relating to him as one drunk to another.Amy (laughing, speaking slowly and gesturing in Herr G.’s tempo): Oh, you know … I am a fool too, yeah.. . Joe (picking up the atmosphere): Me too, I have failed many times.Herr G.:  Really, you too?Another social worker joins in and says:Social worker:  I have failed too, twenty-six times.Herr G.:   If I am honest . . . then … I have to admit . . .that I have failed . . . only once. Amy:  Not me, I fail once every five minutes. Herr G.:  You guys are a gift to me.Everyone laughs and the atmosphere becomes very warm and friendly. I want to stress, however, that while we have been successful in feeling our way into Herr G.’s process, there is a danger that by pacing and mirroring the client, we enter into the same state. Hence, we could begin to relax in the warm atmosphere and lose our relativity. The alcoholic state here is one of warmth and brotherly love. It is so powerful that it can put a whole room in a similar state. In this way, the alcoholic is alcohol: he is like a drink for us, and if we want to work with him we have to be careful not to drink too much.Ron aims at bringing up the content which was previously missing in the conversation, assuming that Herr G. was avoiding the problematical topic of his wife’s death.Ron:  What have you failed at exactly?Herr G.: Now pick this up with your camera. Pick this up Amy. I need the courage to say that in life, to say … to say . . . [pointing to Ron] to s*ay . . . that I have failed once in my life. Ron, we have fought with one another. . . . We … if I have to be honest. . . [crying] … we talked . . . Ron . . . what is life? What is life? [Pointing again at Ron, now vehemently.] What is life? (Now to me.) Amy what is life? / /Amy:   Herr G., what is life?Herr G.:  Life is shitty. . . . Did someone say I was sad …, . I am . . . sad . . . [now slowly, quietly] . . . about the, death of my wife.He cries, looks down, and covers his eyes. Then suddenly another social worker comes in the room and he raises his head, smiles and greets her.Herr G.:  Hello, how are you?*115\227\8*

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