Let’s talk about wellness. It may seem odd for an insurance professional to talk about wellness, but if you give some consideration it makes perfect sense. My main job is to keep your insurance dollars down to a minimum while providing you with your best options for your situation.

Wellness will be a big issue in the State of Alabama in 2010. According to NAHU (National Association of Health Underwriters), Alabama state employees will face financial ramifications for obesity and poor health practices. With benefits for most state employees are low in premium dollar cost, this new mandate will require all employees to “get with the program” and get healthy or see an increase in their insurance costs.

Wellness is also an issue that the new US Administration will be encouraging as they try to figure out the health care for the U.S. With wellness programs in place, the U.S. Government sees a substantial savings as more people stay well and less need medical care.

Wellness is nothing new. We learned it in school through P.E. and our general nutrition classes. We all just tend to migrate toward ease and relaxing and spend less time “Sweatin’ To the Oldies”. The older we get, the slower we seems to want to move. The next time you are out, look for a few things: (1) How many tobacco users do you see? (2) How many people do you see who could be borderline overweight or even obese? (3) What did the people sitting around you get to eat? Things like this, should you choose to notice them will shock you. Then ask yourself why the state of Alabama currently ranks 2nd in the nation for obesity.

A wellness program in your place of employment could be the jump-start you and your people need to be more productive, lead healthier lives, and finally take control of their potential longevity.

This condition is classified into two types which are:

• Internal Piles: The internal piles occur within the rectum are not painful due to lack of sensing nerves. At times, it collapses and protrudes outside anal sphincter, which appears like moist pads of skin. This prolapsed haemorrhoids and can be treated with laser surgery for piles.
• External Piles: The external piles are present in the anus and thus can be more uncomfortable. When this prolapses outside (due to the movement of stool) they become visible. Blood clots occur on them, leading to a painful stage known as thrombosis. When the external piles get thromboses it turns from pink to blue and could even bleed.

What Are The Causes of Piles?

An individual at any age can be the victim of piles. It is a common diseases, that affects over 50% of the people at some point or the other. However, they are usually seen during pregnancy or elderly age, when the haemorrhoids become weak. No matter what the cause behind this condition might be, getting the best piles treatment is of utmost importance.

The four situations that increases the chance of developing piles include:

• Chronic Constipation
• Ageing
• Hereditary factors and
• Pregnancy

In chronic constipation, excess pressure is applied on the rectum making the veins push against the wall of anus, resulting into feeble and weak anus muscles. This ruptures the haemorrhoids which bleeds making stools even tougher to eject. It is often accompanied with pain and sensitivity. In case of ageing, the tissues present across the lining area get less supportive and affect the haemorrhoids veins.

Similarly, in pregnancy the pressure of baby lying in the anus and rectum breaks the veins and causes piles. Other than that, in certain cases people have inherited weakness at the anal region that makes them prone to this condition.

Know More About the Symptoms of Piles

It must be noted that the symptoms of pile do vary and is influenced by the cause and nature of the condition.

Some of the common signs that are often faced by people are:

• A feeling of hard lump at the anus region. It is usually coagulated blood that is often seen in external piles.
• Bright red blood comes out after bowel movement
• Discharge of mucus when bowels pas
• A feeling of having full bowel, even after going to the toilet
• Area around the anus turns sore and red and
• Itchiness and inflammation at the affected area

A good practice is to consult with a doctor immediately when you come across at least two or more signs of piles.

It is known to everyone that medical masks are an important part in maintaining hygiene in the area of health care. This equipment belongs to the category of medical tools known by the name personal protective equipment or PPE. The medical masks are present everywhere in a health care establishment, right from the operation room to the general outpatient unit. Their main function is to prevent the spread of contagious diseases and thus control any sort of infections. They are critical for the promotion of health and hygiene.

There are different kinds of medical masks available in the market. Disposable medical masks have become very popular, thanks to the spread of pandemics such as swine flu, H1N1 related infections and so on and so forth. The disposable masks are very effective in flu season when there is a greater threat of the epidemic being spread. They also come very useful in all sorts of emergency situations where there is a risk of infection.

The reusable masks come off as highly useful to people who suffer from severe allergies and asthma situations. These masks which are washable are helpful for those who are highly prone to infections caused by virus or bacteria. These masks are to be chosen properly. They should be able to effectively filter out the allergens in the form of pollen grains, dust particles, fungi or bacteria that are airborne. The masks can also be used by air travelers especially in those long distance flights involving a lot of time where the passengers have to deal with many people.

The sizes of medical masks may vary from person to person depending on the age group he or she belongs to. Thus a mask meant for the adult will not properly fit a small kid. Hence you need to purchase small sized masks for children. The medical professionals especially doctors will be able to help you choose the proper kind of masks for you.

Can the MVNO phenomena really extend to healthcare? Qualcomm thinks so, as in May 2007 they announced plans to create LifeComm a mobile virtual network operator (MVNO) with a healthcare focus. What’s important in Qualcomm’s plans and what will perhaps be the most important factor in determining the long term success of LifeComm is their plans to integrate some of the core health care monitoring functions in to a range of custom handsets coupled with network based services.

It is not farfetched to imagine a mobile phone (cell phone) based solution that encourages the improvement of ones diet and to encourage weight loss. For example it is suggested that the mobile device could monitor a number of body functions and parameters. A patient’s clinician could remotely monitor such data from the web, setting the patient new targets, send text messages of encouragement or indeed warnings of deviation from the health care program. Such proactive healthcare technology could have a revolutionary effect on diet and weight-loss programs.

Critical to the success of healthcare MVNOs is a range of clever biometric sensors linked to the web via the patients mobile phone (cell phone), all integrated with a proven clinical program.

Whether or not one really needs a MVNO to deliver these services is unclear. Could the airtime service be provided using the patients existing mobile (cellular) provider? Or, are these applications strong enough to force the consumer to switch providers, bringing over their mobile spend? In Piran Partners experience this very much depends on the attitude of consumers in a particular target segment, whether that be by geographic region or interest group.

Genetic disorders occur as a result of abnormalities or variations in the information encoded by the genes and chromosomes. As per the available information on genetic disorders, these disorders can be broadly classified into four different categories, which are as follows:

1. Single-gene Disorders: Also known as Mendellian or monogenic disorders, these occur when the changes or mutations occur in only a single gene. Some well-known examples of single-gene disorders include cystic fibrosis, sickle cell anemia, Marfan syndrome, Huntington’s disease and hereditary hemochromatosis. Single gene disorders can be further classified into autosomal dominant, autosomal recessive, X-linked dominant, X-linked recessive and Y-linked disorders.

2. Multifactorial Genetic Disorders: Also known as polygenic, these disorders occur as a result of mutations in multiple genes. These disorders are really complex, difficult to analyze and hard to treat. Some examples of multifactorial disorders include autism, coronary heart diseases, cleft palate, mental retardation, cancer and diabetes.

3. Chromosomal Disorders: These diseases occur as a result of abnormalities in the chromosomal structure such as missing or presence of extra copies of chromosomes. The most well-known chromosomal disorder is the Down syndrome or Trisomy 21 where a person has three copies of chromosome 21. Other examples include Klinefelter syndrome, Cri-du-Chat syndrome, Turner Syndrome and Williams’ syndrome.

4. Mitochondrial Disorders: These disorders occur when there are mutations in the mitochondrial DNA or the non-chromosomal DNA of the cell. These disorders are maternal in origin as only egg cells contribute mitochondria in a developing embryo. One very good example of a mitochondrial disorder is the Leber’s Hereditary Optic neuropathy.

In the New Year, most people want to get distinctions when it comes to their health. Health must be cultivated and this is a season to begin applying new things as well as old things that have fallen on deaf ears regarding healthy choices. The following is a highlight of the best yet simple health tips for this New Year. First, let us look at what you want to achieve before putting the tips into action.

1. You want to remain positive and happy; feeling good about yourself and life in general.
2. Another thing you will appreciate is promoting weight loss to shed a few
3. Your energy levels may be low or very low and increasing energy and activity will improve the quality of your life.
4. You also want to rid anxiety and find an effective yet natural way to keep you above the water in this regard.
5. This year, you want to do everything possible to keep lifestyle conditions like diabetes at bay.

The good news is that you can achieve all the above by doing the following each day or constantly.

* First, to activate the feel-good hormones that will keep you away from depression and other negative emotions, you need the right brain foods. Oily fish and avocados are the best foods that you can take every day to achieve and maintain optimism and joy in your life.

* Green tea will not just help you loose the pounds you want this year but will also help keep away or reduce the chances of developing cancer. Sugar-free green tea is best. However, natural honey can be used to add wholesome sweetness.

* Co-enzyme Q10 is formulated to help increase energy levels. Consult with your health care provider with this respect.

* Calcium or magnesium will actively work to reduce stress and anxiety. Vitamin B complex is also advised to do the same. Supplement as directed by an expert to see the results.

* Chromium supplements are known to reduce the risk of getting diabetes. The supplement will make sure that you do not constantly crave for sugar.

Above tips for this year are enough to activate your life and get you on the right path regarding health. Getting out and about and keeping the right attitude will help many sail through the year healthy and happy.

The best guarantee is a product that is 100% natural and guarantees this by means of the manufacturer. Asking whether the aloe Vera product is in its purest undiluted form and is it made from the highest grade of aloe vera. After all there are over 240 different plants.

All sorts of ailments have been treated by the aloe plant. Digestive tract disorder, ulcers and even disorders involving the cardiovascular system. Skin care is the most common reason this miracle plant is sought after.

Some individuals are emphatic in stating that the best way to consume aloe Vera is in the liquid form as it gets absorbed faster and it is easier. Yet, not all aloe liquids contain 100% pure working extract. Almost all aloe liquid contain added ingredients such as water, salt, flavors and preservatives, all to extend the shelf life of the product.

Perhaps you are thinking that creams containing the miracle plant is the best way to nourish the skin. After all, you apply it directly to the skin and it gets absorbed by the skin. True to an extent. Creams and lotions are meant to penetrate the epidermis and should nourish the skin. Unfortunately the skin does not absorb it quite as well. And so you continue to search for that 100% effective aloe product that promises to do what it was created to do. And if you are a savvy consumer, you are aware there are 100s of products that claim to have aloe Vera tucked away into their cream, lotion and even toothpaste.

Dental health activities are designed to encourage good dental health practices and to help avoid dental cavities, gum diseases and oral cancer. State dental health programs are the primary entities responsible for conducting the core activities with regard to oral health conditions within different states. Local health departments in association with the dental community and public/private schools also arrange various dental health activities. The promotion of dental sealants and monitoring of the fluoride content in drinking water are examples of disease prevention activities. The American Dental Association provides a great deal of resources for dental health activities.

Classroom dental health activities are an integral component in the development of a child. Dental health activities to provide valuable oral care education and to promote the importance of proper dental hygiene among children are conducted with the help of posters, interactive dental health games and contests, health fairs and classroom presentations. Health educators present programs on topics such as brushing and flossing, bad breath, good nutrition and how to overcome the fear of visiting the dentist. The organization and administration of school-based fluoride mouth rinse programs and the promotion of school dental screening are examples of additional dental health activities focused on children.

Organizations such as Oral Health America develop, implement, and facilitate educational and service programs designed to raise awareness of the importance of oral health. Nationwide activities and campaigns coordinate schools, governments, care providers, and corporate and community partners in the fight against tooth decay and oral disease prevention. Many state dental health programs are involved in epidemiological surveys, applied research projects and community needs assessments. This information is important in developing an appropriate and responsive community programming. Many public health systems operate independent public health dental activities. These activities vary in scope and size across each state depending on population requirements. State grants are allotted to develop innovative dental activities and programs specific to individual states? needs, and improve access to oral health services.

One of the most treasured circumstances for an alternative health care doctor is to find a story of transformation from a medical trained doctor to natural health systems. Ernest Schweninger (1850-1924) is an example.

Schweninger began medical studies at 16 years old and became a physician. He gained extensive experience in surgery at military hospitals during the Franco-Prussian war of 1870-71. He began his practice in pathology and saw the failures of surgeries and drug medicine. He became convinced that any cure was dependent on the healing power of nature. His interest in medical history led him to Hippocrates, Paracelsus, and Hufeland. He arrived at his system of nature cure through his evaluation of the process of disease and cure.

The system that Schweninger developed included:
o Elimination of medical drugs
o No disease diagnosis
o No internal investigations to search for disease
o Increased fluid intake
o Vigorous exercise
o Sweat producing baths
o Sun Baths
o Small frequent meals
o Separation of solid and liquid food
o Increasing arterial blood pressure through a stay at a high altitude spa

Schweninger’s most famous cure was German Chancellor Otto Von Bismark. He was seriously sick. The overworked and overfed 250 lb Bismark was exhausted and paralyzed from a painful liver disease. The famous medical doctor Professor Frerichs diagnosed Bismark with stomach and liver cancer and announced that he might live one year.

Schweninger was called in and immediately restricted Bismarck’s food portions and limited his intake of liquids, especially wines and champagnes, and did away with pain-killers and narcotics. He substituted hot compresses, gentle massage, rest and exercises. The result was that Bismark lived 16 more years with Schweninger as his only medical advisor.

The success Schweninger had with Bismark was taken as an insult to the medical field that did their best to keep Schweninger from the University staff after his appointment by Bismark. He went on to build a hospital that delivered natural health with access to open air, gardens, air baths and a gymnasium. The hospital created an atmosphere where people could heal themselves with natural cure methods.

Schweninger’s last work The Physician was a powerful indictment of the physician as a soulless specialist who has lost sight of his true mission. He believed “a good physician could do more good with a damp cloth than a poor one can with an entire pharmacy.”

This article gives an overview of the systems and processes that must be followed by cosmetic clinics when supplying prescription medicines.

A prescription medicine or drug legally requires a qualified doctor, dentist, nurse or pharmacist to write a prescription for a named patient. The list of drugs and prescribing qualifications may vary in different countries.

A cosmetic clinic must ensure that all medicines are ordered, stored and supplied within the legislative and other relevant pharmaceutical guidelines available.

Therefore ordering, storage and supply of medicines for use within the practice must be undertaken according to appropriate procedures and guidelines to ensure all relevant legislation and pharmaceutical information is adhered to.

Any medicines stored within a typical cosmetic clinic are those used for aesthetic purposes, this includes drugs such as Botox ® and Hyaluronidase. These must be stored according to manufacturer’s guidelines in a locked refrigerator or locked cabinet as appropriate. The temperature of the refrigerator should be monitored and documented daily. If the temperature is found to be outside the recommended range the pharmacy supplier must be informed as soon as possible and if necessary the medicines are returned to the supplier and a new supply obtained.

Supply of Medicines and Maintaining Patient Records for Cosmetic Clinics

The Medical Practitioner is responsible for maintaining a record of medicines obtained from the supplier for use during treatment. A copy of the prescription is retained in the patient’s notes and the following information is noted in the Medicines IN register. The Medical practitioner must include the following details:

– the name of the medicine (generic)

– the dose provided by the pharmacy

– the amount provided by the pharmacy

– the format of the medicine (oral I IM etc)

– the batch numbers and expiry dates

The Medical Practitioner is responsible for ensuring that details of the medicines administered are recorded in the patient notes, including:

– the name of the medicine (generic)

– the dose provided

– the route of administration

– the batch number and expiry date of the medicine

– the date and time of administration

The Medical Practitioner must also document in the Medicines OUT register the name of the patient the medicine was administered to and the date and time of administration. This will ensure an audit trail is available for each practitioner.

All medicines not used or expired must be returned to the pharmacy.

In conclusion only a medical professional should be accepted on a cosmetic training course. This will ensure all practitioners have experience with the use of prescription only medicines and record keeping. The medical practitioner who facilitates a cosmetic intervention should be a qualified doctor, dentist, nurse or pharmacist. These specialists have the prerequisite medical experience plus understand their legal and ethical requirements in prescribing, dispensing and administration of such drugs.

Any errors with the medication must be recorded and reported.

Reporting a Medication Incident

A cosmetic clinic must ensure that all medication incidents follow local legislative and other guidelines for your country of practice. The following is based on the UK CQC guidelines.

All practitioners involved with medication prescribing, dispensing or administration must be aware of the procedures to be followed in the event of a medication error or near miss.

Medication errors or near misses will occur despite having risk procedures in place, and all personnel involved in medication prescribing, dispensing or administration are at risk of being involved an error or a near miss. Because of this, comprehensive reporting of all medication incidents is crucial to enable the organization to learn from mistakes and improve practice wherever possible.

All incidents involving medication prescribing, dispensing or administration, ‘near misses’ and serious drug reactions must be documented on the Incident Report Form. A medication error is a preventable incident or omission that results in an increase in the risk of patient harm. A ‘near miss’ is a medication error that is discovered before it reaches the patient, thus preventing harm to the patient.

What to Report

The following are some of the issues that require an incident report:

– incorrect dose administered (both over and under dosing)

– incorrect route of administration

– incorrect rate of administration

– incorrect drug administered

– administration to the wrong patient

– failure to document administration in the patient’s medical notes

– administration of an expired drug

– prescribing errors

– incorrect labels

– allergies not recorded

– serious adverse effects including allergic reactions

Near Misses will also be recorded on the Incident Report form.

How to Report Medication errors

Medication errors involving administration to a patient will be documented in the patient’s notes. The Medical Practitioner should inform the patient.

The incident should be documented fully before the end of the day. This report form must be completed by the Medical Practitioner and given to the Practice Manager without delay.

Follow Up Procedures for Medication Errors

A follow-up is undertaken by the Medical Practitioner to ensure the safety of the patient. If necessary the patient must be referred to the nearest Emergency department for further review. The Practice Manager must undertake an investigation into the event ensuring a statement is taken from those involved.

The incident must be discussed at the next Clinical Governance meeting and an action plan developed to aim to prevent recurrence; this may include further training for the personnel involved.

Any severe medication incident must be reported to the within 24 hours of it occurring.

I hope you enjoyed the article. For more information about medicines and their regulations you can check with the Department of Health and MRHA in the UK. In the USA please refer to The Food and Drug Administration (FDA).