May 29, 2009

Medicinal use of honey and its effects


Medicinal uses and health effects of honey
For at least 2700 years, honey has been used to treat a variety of ailments through topical application, but only recently have the antiseptic and antibacterial properties of honey been
chemically explained.
Wound Gels that contain antibacterial honey and have regulatory approval for wound care are now available to help conventional medicine in the battle against drug resistant strains of bacteria MRSA. As an antimicrobial agent honey may have the potential for treating a variety of ailments. One New Zealand researcher says a particular type of honey may be useful in treating MRSA infections. Antibacterial properties of honey are the result of the low water activity causing osmosis, hydrogen peroxide effect,and high acidity Honey may also be used to alleviate the effects of a sore throat. It is mixed with lemon juice and consumed. The mixture coats the throat alleviating discomfort, and the antibacterial, antiseptic properties are good for the throat as well.
Osmotic effect
Honey is primarily a saturated mixture of two monosaccharides. This mixture has a low water activity; most of the water molecules are associated with the sugars and few remain available for microorganisms, so it is a poor environment for their growth.
Hydrogen peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide in honey is activated by dilution. However, unlike medical hydrogen peroxide, commonly 3% by volume, it is present in a concentration of only 1 mmol/l in honey. Iron in honey oxidizes the oxygen free radicals released by the hydrogen peroxide.
C6H12O6 + H2O + O2 → C6H12O7 + H2O2
When used topically (as, for example, a wound dressing), hydrogen peroxide is produced by dilution with body fluids. As a result, hydrogen peroxide is released slowly and acts as an antiseptic.
In diabetic ulcers
Topical honey has been used successfully in a comprehensive treatment of diabetic ulcers when the patient cannot use other topical antibiotics.
Acidity
The pH of honey is commonly between 3.2 and 4.5This relatively acidic pH level prevents the growth of many bacteria.
Nutraceutical effects
Antioxidants in honey have even been implicated in reducing the damage done to the colon in Such claims are consistent with its use in many traditions of folk medicine.[44]
Other medical applications
Some studies suggest that the topical use of honey may reduce odors, swelling, and scarring when used to treat wounds; it may also prevent the dressing from sticking to the healing wound
Honey has also been used as a treatment for sore throats and coughs for centuries and according to recent research may in fact be more effective than most common medicinesHoney has been shown to be an effective treatment for conjunctivitis in ratsHoney (especially when combined with lemon) is often taken orally by pharyngitis and laryngitis sufferers, in order to soothe them.
Though widely believed to alleviate allergies, local honey has been shown to be no more effective than placebos in controlled studies. This may be because most seasonal allergies are caused by tree and grass pollens, which honeybees do not collect.
Note:The Holy Koran explicitly mentiones the medical benefits of honey for humans.

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Elderly Citizen and drug poisoning


The elderly and drug-related poisoning
By Dr. Abu Bakar Abdul Majeed


THE MONTH OF OCTOBER EACH YEAR has been assigned Senior Citizen Month. This is deemed appropriate as it is about time we pay tribute to the immeasurable contributions of people who have helped shape the "future" which we are now living in.
Some of them are already in the twilight years of their lives while others are still actively leading and guiding the younger generations in various fields to further orchestrate the shape of the future. No matter what, senior citizens are still a formidable force to be reckoned with in any civilised society. In Malaysia, the toils and hard work of senior citizens have really paid off. Today we are enjoying the fruits of the labour, every single minute of it.
The numbers of senior citizens in both developed and developing worlds are rapidly increasing. From 1988 to 2000, the world population will increase from 5,100 million to 6,100 billion. The increase in the number of senior citizens will be disproportionately large. The average population growth from 1988 to 2000 will be 20% in developed countries and 73% in less developed countries.
Over the years, the life expectancy of the male and female population in West Malaysia has also improved. Male life expectancy increased from 64.3 years in 1975 to 69.1 year in 1993. The same trend was also registered for the life expectancy of the female population, which improved from 68.7 year in 1975 to 73.8 years in 1993.
It can be urgued that the longer life enjoyed by both is due to better health facilities. Nevertheless, due to advancing age and natural physiological deterioration senior citizens are more prone to diseases and other hazards of living such as poisoning.
Poisoning in senior citizens is not restricted to ordinary poisons such as pesticides and other chemicals. The list goes beyond this. Some of the medicines used to help alleviate diseases may turn back on them and become poisons instead.
It is of no surprise that as a group, senior citizens are the major consumers of both prescribed and unprescribed medicines, referred to here as drugs. Because of their higher consumption of drugs and because of altered pharmacokinetics (what the body does to the drug) and pharmacodynamics (what the drug does to the body), senior citizens are likely to suffer more adverse drug reactions, some of which may manifest themselves as a form of poisoning.
For example, chronic usage of salicylates may lead to stomach disorders, prolongation in the blood-clotting time and delirium. Some high-dose vitamin preparations have been reported to induce liver diseases. True to the words of Paracelsus, the great alchemist of the sixteenth century, the dose makes the poison.
Why are senior citizens more inclined and exposed to drug-related poisoning? There are actually several contributing factors. For a start, senior citizens suffer from more diseases than young and middle-aged people.
The ageing process itself takes its toll. In a multi-centre hospital-based study, 76.7% of patients over 65 years of age were found to have one to three concomitant diseases, while the rest had four or more. In the same study, 81.3% of the aged patients were on prescribed drugs. Of these, 56.1% were taking one to three drugs while 24.2% were on four to six drugs.
In another community-based study, 87% of senior citizens over the age of 75 years were found to be taking medications regularly and one-third were on three to four different drugs.
The consumption of a number of drugs at the same time is referred to as polypharmacy. Polypharmacy inevitably leads to an increase in the incidence of drug-related poisoning.
As stated above, the ageing process leads to altered body response to drugs. For example, as a person grows older, the body's composition changes. Total body water and lean body mass are reduced in proportion to the body weight. The decrease in lean body mass could result in a relative increase in body fat. Drugs which are lipid soluble, like the sleeping pills diazepam and barbiturates, therefore may have prolonged action. Enzymes in the aged liver of senior citizens also tend to lose some of its capability to detoxify drugs. Thus, some drugs which are normally deactivated in the liver would have a prolonged action when taken by aged patients.
The other facet of drug-body interaction which might be altered in senior citizens is the excretion of the drugs via the kidney. As kidney function can reduce by as much as 35% between the ages of 20 and 90 years, drugs supposed to be excreted by the kidneys, when given in normal adult dose, will accumulate in the body instead. These include the antibiotics gentamicin and cephalexin. In these cases, smaller-than-normal doses would be prescribed by the doctor.
Another factor which may contribute to instances of adverse drug reactions and poisoning is non-compliance. Compliance has been defined as "the extent to which the patient's behaviour coincides with medical and health advice." Any form of action which deviates from the medical advice is deemed non-compliant.
This include ingesting more than the prescribed dose or taking medications more often than the prescribed dose or taking medications more often than the prescribed schedule. These types of non-compliance are particularly true in patients who are senior citizens, especially if they are forgetful, depressed or confused. For example, they tend to make more mistakes when they have to take three or more medications concurrently.
The doctor's influence on the patient's compliance is extremely important, as he or she prescribes the drugs, advises the patient and directs the pharmacist to fill the prescription. The pharmacist, being the last person to communicate with the patient before he or she leaves the healthcare premise, is in a good position to enhance the patient's confidence in the prescribed treatment, and can improve compliance by giving comprehensive counselling and writing clear instructions on the packages and containers.
In one study, pre-discharge counselling by a pharmacist for 15 minutes was found to reduce errors with medications, even in poorly-orientated patients. They were counselled on the nature and purpose of each drug and were instructed to destroy all hoarded tablets, and not to take other patients' medications.
Nowadays, there is a wide range of preparations that can be obtained without prescriptions. Senior citizens can literally walk into a pharmacy and select the products of their choice.
Needless to say, the pharmacist on duty has been specially trained to counsel patients and customers on the proper use of drugs. If he or she is not present, then make an appointment to come back later. In any case, senior citizens should insist on the proper drug counselling from the pharmacist every time they purchase or procure a new supply of drugs, including when they're having their prescriptions refilled.
The use of proper containers for the drugs consumed by senior citizens is also important. Plastic or glass screw-top bottles are ideal for tablets and capsules, while child-proof tops and foil-covered calendar packs are not. If the drug preparations are photostable, then clear bottles are ideal as many senior citizens recognise their medications by the shape, size and colour.
In order to enhance compliance, senior citizens should also provide feedback to the doctor and pharmacist. For example, they may want to highlight the fact that they have difficulty in handling small round tablets, or swallowing large round ones. Similarly, mental impairment, such as some degree of memory loss, if present, should also be made known.
Despite the fact that most senior citizens are able to take their own medications, some supervision is still essential.
For example, relatives, friends, home help and health visitors can assist in ensuring that the elderly patient is taking the right medicine at the right time and in the right amount. Compliance is absolutely vital in order to avoid untoward poisoning incidences among senior citizens.
In conclusion, senior citizens suffer from multiple diseases and consume more drugs than the young. Their ability and capacity to handle drugs are altered and they are likely to suffer from more adverse drug reactions. As non-compliance is a major problem in senior citizens, every effort should be made to improve compliance by counselling the patient, prescribing only the most essential drugs and thereafter regularly reviewing them. Whenever necessary, assistance should also be provided during the administration of the drugs.
The writer is a pharmacist specialising in Neurotoxicology at the National Poison Centre, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Penang.
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Patients responsibility serves not one self but help also others to achive the goal of recovery!


PATIENT'S RESPONSIBILITIES
1. The patient shall ensure that he or she knows and understands what a patient's rights are and shall exercise those rights responsibly and reasonably.
2. The patient shall keep appointments and shall inform the health professional if unable to do so.
3. The patient shall provide accurate and complete information which the health professional requires about his or her health and ability to pay for health services.
4. The patient shall inform the health professional if he or she is currently consulting with or under the care of another health professional or provider of traditional health care in connection with the same complaint or any other complaint.
5. The patient shall ensure that he or she understands the purpose and cost of any proposed investigation or treatment before deciding to accept it. The patient shall insist upon explanations until adequately informed and consult with all relevant persons before reaching the decision.
6. The patient shall accept all the consequences of the patient's own informed decisions.
7. The patient shall establish a stable relationship with and follow the treatment determined by the health professional primarily responsible for the patient's care.
8. The patient shall so conduct himself or herself so as not to interfere with the well being or rights of other patients or providers of health care.
9. Every individual has a responsibility to maintain his or her own health and that of society by refraining from indulging in :-
o unhealthy food consumption;
o addiction forming substances such as dadah, tobacco and alcohol;
o lifestyles that have an adverse impact on health such as sexual promiscuity, reckless activities, and physical inactivity; and,
o contamination of the environment.
10. Every individual has a responsibility to accept all preventive measures sanctioned by law.
11. A patient is encouraged to have a family doctor, dentist and pharmacist to ensure that there is continuing health care for the patient and the patient's family.
12. Every individual has the responsibility to ensure that resources are spent wisely on social and health services.
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Patients Right as enshrined by the Malaysian Medical Association

Patient's Right
I. RIGHT TO HEALTH CARE AND HUMANE TREATMENT
§
Every individual shall have access to competent health care and treatment regardless of age, sex, ethnic origin, religion, political affiliation, economic status or social class.
§ Health care services shall be available on the basis of clinical need regardless of the ability to pay and it shall be the responsibility of the Government to ensure that every person has access to essential health services.
§ Every patient shall be treated with care, consideration, respect and dignity without discrimination of any kind.
§ All drugs dispensed shall be of acceptable standards in terms of quality, efficacy and safety as determined by the Drug Control Authority of Malaysia.
§ Every individual shall have the right to prompt emergency first aid treatment from the nearest government or private medical and health facility.
§ Patients shall be interviewed and examined in surroundings designed to ensure reasonable privacy and shall have the right to be chaperoned during any physical examination or treatment, except in cases of emergency where such conditions may not be possible.
§ A child admitted to hospital shall, whenever possible, have the right to the company of a parent or guardian.

II. RIGHT TO CHOICE OF CAREA patient have the right to a second opinion at any time.
A patient shall have the right to know the investigations conducted, the results of these investigations and a copy of the medical reports and have them explained. The patient shall also have the right to authorise in writing another health professional to obtain a copy of the same and inform him or her of what they contain.
A patient shall, whenever possible, have the right to be treated at a hospital of choice and to be referred to a consultant of choice.
A patient who has received adequate information about his or her condition during consultation shall have the right to accept or to refuse treatment.
If a patient's health professional refuses to allow another health professional to be called in, or breaches any other provisions of this charter, the patient shall have the right to discharge that health professional and seek the services of another.

III. RIGHT TO ACCEPTABLE SAFETY
Before any treatment or investigation, a patient shall have the right to a clear, concise explanation in lay terms of the proposed procedure and of any available alternative procedure. Where applicable the explanation shall incorporate information on significant risks, side-effects, or after- effects, problems relating to recuperation, likelihood of success, risks thereof, and whether the proposed procedure is to be administered by or in the presence of students. A patient may refuse any treatment or investigation.

IV. RIGHT TO ADEQUATE INFORMATION AND CONSENT
§
A Patient shall have the right to know the identity and professional status of the individuals providing service to the patient and to know which health professional is primarily responsible for the patient's care.
§ A patient shall have the right to information regarding all aspects of medication, including :
· The right to adequate and understandable information on prescribed and purchased medicines.
· The right to the most effective and safe medicines. Safety must be ensured by the manufacturers and by legislative control.
· The right to convenient access to medicines.
· The right to choose among competitive products.
·
§ All medicines shall be labelled, and shall include the international non-proprietary name (INN) of the medicine, the dosage and how often the medicine has to be taken. In addition, the patient shall be informed about medication, including the following :-
· The purpose of the medicine
· The possible side effects
· The avoidance of any food, alcoholic beverages or other drugs
· The duration necessary for any medication prescribed
· The measures to be taken if a dose is forgotten or if an overdose is taken.
§ A patient shall have the right to an itemized account after any treatment or consultation and to have this explained.
§ If a patient is in hospital or any health care facility, the patient shall,unless unconscious be consulted about any decision to discharge or transfer the patient to another facility.
§ Where it is appropriate to a patient's condition or treatment, the patient shall be given advice about self-care, drugs administration, special precautions, which may be necessary or desirable, and the existance of special associations, facilities, aids or appliances which may be of assistance.
§ A patient's consent shall be required before any procedure is carried out and in the case of a minor the consent shall first be obtained from the parent or guardian. If a patient is unconscious and delay would be dangerous, a doctor is entitled to carry out any necessary treatment or operation.
§ A patient's consent shall be required for the inclusion of a patient in any research. The patient shall be adequately informed of the aims, methods, anticipated benefits and potential hazards of the study and the discomfort it may entail. The patient shall be informed that he or she is at liberty to abstain from participation in the study and that he or she is free to withdraw his or her consent to participation at any time. To ensure that the informed consent is not obtained under duress or from a patient in a dependent relationship to the health professional, the informed consent shall be obtained by a health professional who is not engaged in the investigation and who is completely independent of the official relationship between the patient and the health professional. In the case of a child the informed consent shall be obtained from the parent or guardian.
§ A patient shall have the right to have the details of the patient's condition, treatment, prognosis and all communication and other records relating to the patient's care to be treated as confidential, unless :
§ authorised in writing by the patient it is undesirable on medical grounds to seek a patient's consent but it is in the patient's own interest that confidentiality should be broken. the information is required by due legal process.

V. RIGHT TO REDRESS OF GRIEVANCES
§ A patient shall have access to appropriate grievance redressal mechanisms.
§ A patient shall have the right to seek legal advice as regards any alleged malpractice by the hospital, the hospital staff or by a doctor or other health professional.
§ A patient shall have the right to recover damages for injury or illness incurred or aggravated as a result of the failure of the health professional to exercise the duty and standard of care required of him or her while treating the patient.

VI. RIGHT TO PARTICIPATION AND REPRESENTATION
§
A patient shall have the right to participate in decision-making affecting the patient's health :
· with the health professionals and personnel involved in direct healthcare:
· through consumer and community representation in planning and evaluating the system of health services, the types and qualities of service and the conditions under which health services are or were delivered.

VII. RIGHT TO HEALTH EDUCATION
§
Every individual shall have the right to seek and obtain advice with regards to promotive, preventive and curative medicine, and rehabilitation to maintain or regain good health and a healthy lifestyle.

VII. RIGHT TO A HEALTHY ENVIRONMENT
§ Every individual shall have the right to an environment that is conducive to good health. This includes and extends to a healthy and safe work environment, a healthy and safe home environment, and a healthy and safe environment at the place where he gets his medical care and treatment.
Taken from:
Malaysian Medical Association 4th Floor, MMA House124 Jalan Pahang53000 Kuala Lumpur
© MMA Publishing Group Limited 2007. All rights reserved.
Last Updated : 09 March 2009

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New Alphabet for Senior Citizen


I came across this interesting in a friend’s blog.
No one seems to know where it originated from but it’s been going around via emails and blogs.
A is for Apple, and now A’s for arthritis;
B is for Boat,That used to be right, But now it won’t float!Age before Beauty is what we once said,But let’s be a bit more realistic instead, b’s the bad back,
C is the chest pains, perhaps car-d-iac?
D is for dental decay and decline,
E is for eyesight, can’t read that top line!
F is for fissures and fluid retention,
G is for gas which I’d rather not mention.
H is high blood pressure–I’d rather it’s low;
I for incisions with scars you can show.
J is for joints, out of socket, won’t mend,
K is for knees that crack when they bend.
L for libido, what happened to sex?
M is for memory, I forget what comes next.
N is neuralgia, in nerves way down low;
O is for osteo, the bones that don’t grow!
P for prescriptions, I have quite a few,Just give me a pill and I’ll be good as new!
Q is for queasy, is it fatal or flu?
R for reflux, one meal turns to two.
S for sleepless nights, counting my fears,
T for Tinnitus; there’s bells in my ears!
U is for urinary; big troubles with flow;
V is for vertigo, that’s “dizzy,” you know.
W is for worry, NOW what’s going ’round?
X is for X-ray, and what might be found.
Y is another year I’m left here behind,
Z is for zest that I still have…in my mind.
I’ve survived all the symptoms, my body’s deployed, and I’m keeping 26 doctors fully employed!

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May 26, 2009

Religion and Correlation of Health


Religion and Correlation of Health/Lifespan
By Yakob Abdul Rahman W. Scholer

“Those who are deeply involved in religious activities have a longer lifespan and are likely to stay more healthy ”
(Mr. McCullough et al.) Healthpsychology – Linda Brennon and Jess Feist

HEALTH AND RELIGION
A century ago Emile Durkheim, a social Scientist, pondered on the benefit and influence of religious involvement to our health.
However many researchers found out that the community involved in religious activities were more likely to be sicker than others.
This PARADOX was further researched and an interesting finding was revealed.

EXTRINSIC - outside pressure and influence motivated persons, seemed to benefit less, indeed they seemed to have negative consequences of following the ritual requirement, without deeper love and understanding of the essence of their religion. These people are not deeply religious but follow attendance and rituals for their own ends.
INTRINSIC - inner motivation oriented persons whose whole life and action was guided by the spirit of their believes, had significant health benefits related to less sickness recorded and longer life span. They, in contrast, were deeply committed and their life was guided by their religion as part of their lives. They had internalized the creed and follow it fully.

Extrinsic religious orientated persons are quite prejudiced and narrow minded whereas those with an
Intrinsic orientation were less intolerant and less prejudiced.

In recent years researchers had become more interested in the correlation of Health consequences and religions involvement.

Study was done on three types of religious involvement:
• attendance at religious services
• the importance of religion is one's own life
• spiritual help seeking
These people had been examined for depression and the finding was that those who just attended religious services had no reaction on their depression.
The second group showed low level of depression suggesting that the benefit of salience improved their condition.
Those who sought spiritual guidance had a very low level of depression.

Another study showed that people who had an intrinsic religious orientation had a lower rate of:
• Cancer
• Hypertension
• Heart disease
• Strokes
There is an assumption that religion and health have a psychological link and it is assumed that the psychological resources provided by the religious involvement plays a vital role.
A leading German newspaper reporting on “Why Prayers are Healthy” revealed the following:
Prayer and religious activities reduce:
• Hypertension
• Cholesterol levels
• Depression
It improved the:
• Cardiovascular system
• Immune system
• Pain management
Yet another Study showed that people who suffered from a heart disease had a 93% improvement due to prayers that were performed for these people from spiritual persons from the various world religion.
Another study showed that People who attended community prayers at least ones a week lived an average 14 years longer than others.
Religion and prayer are not a substitute for medical help, but support and complement each other.
In Islam we are taught to take care of our body. To do all that keeps it healthy and to avoid all that harms it.
Moderation in all that we do, is part of the religious guidance in Islam.
I would like to come back to a point made earlier.
EXTRINSIC form of religious practices seems to become more of a problem than true help. This has to be understood in that the person is in an emotional conflict between believing and practicing. Performing rituals without the practicing spirit
In my experience I have over and over noted that people who did not practice what they ‘claimed‘ to believe were tensed up, “holier than thou”, prejudiced, envious, intolerant and unhappy, unable to accept that others might be happier.
Islam and other religions forbid the faithful to indulge in hatred, bitterness, jealousy and vengefulness. How do these abdominal behaviors influence our health.
• They cause emotional stress
• Negative stress causes reduction of the immune system.
• Reduced immune system again opens the door to illness
• Cancer is an immune reduction disease.
• Infections, viral as well as bacterial are flourishing in an reduced immune condition.
• The cardiovascular system, inclusive of hypertension, is being impaired by negative mental stress
• Mental Health is significantly influenced by negative thoughts and behavior
In the years of my experiences I have observed that a significant number of people who suffered cancer, heart infarct and strokes, had a prior period of (negative) mental stressful situations. Some where matrimonial related: illicit relationship, unfaithful partners, neglect and abuse or sudden loss of partner.
A study in Asia has found out that up to 60% of Drug abusers were victims of sexual abuse in childhood most within the family circle and become predators of sexual abuse in their adulthood.
Drug abuse connected to AIDS is one of the most serious problems facing our present society.
There is a (potential) workforce of approximately 250,000 people on drugs, unproductive and causing social as well as security problems, devouring millions of RINGGITS that could be used for a better purpose.
When looking at a problem like drug abuse we must also look at the potential underlying causes that leads young people to resort to chemical induced temporarily “contentment and gratification”. To condemn Drug users is a simplification of a problem and ignoring of our own failures.
THE NEED TO DO GOOD - Islam and most other great world religions, encourage their followers to do good deeds. Doing good deed is not merely a matter of performing good acts, perhaps to be seen by others. No, it is the good deed that may remain completely unnoticeable to others.
I would like to stress that the most important and fruitful deed is to pray for others.
We have heard how prayers can influence our environment. How it can help sick persons. It is free of monetary needs yet powerful and effective.
We can do it at anytime, anyplace for anyone. How about a friendly smile to someone whom we might not even know, a courteous greeting, holding a door open for someone with a load, offering a seat in a bus or LRT etc. giving way to another motorist, being courteous in our service with others etc. they are true and potent acts of good deeds, encouraging others to follow-suit and thereby changing our “world for the better”. I remember what my mother used to say, “ The good deeds we do return manifold in our own hearts” . Indeed, try to do a good deed and find out how happy, contended and satisfied you feel afterwards.
Happy feelings foster the our Immune System and lead to improvement of positive mental/physical and spiritual benefits to the individual.
Being happy and healthy can be so simple and effective, if only we would follow the spiritual aspect of Islam. It is not the ritual performance that will bring the benefit but the ‘ niat' which will automatically lead to the rest of observance of religious obligations
It is this mentality of being good to others that will bring us more benefit than the mere distribution of material things. Of course we should help the less fortunate materially as well, but never forgetting that the most potent of good acts is the good wishes and prayers we can offer for others.
Parenting and Prayer
Parents do not need to despair when they notice that their child goes through and adolescent crisis. It is a time when they are often confused and without orientation. If parents are cutting off ties with them, they create the feeling of rejection. Of course, we should not condone an unacceptable behavior of an offspring, nor should we reject the person because of our own pride or for fear of tarnishing our public image. Why not use the most powerful tool we have available, and that is PRAYER .
The nature of parenthood is such, that we cannot “deny” the existence of a child without undergoing severe mental stress.
Denying mental stress does not eliminate its existence or its harmful effect on us. Just the fact that they are ‘common' does make it normal. At times I hear people say that illness is sent by Allah. We should not question that Allah may have His own way of leading us through life. But if we lead a self-destructive life and then claim the consequences to be from Allah, we come close to blasphemy. Allah wants us to be happy. He gives us health. We, however, often lead ourselves into illness and sorrow.
We humans were made to be happy and healthy. Sorrow and illness are not normal. Otherwise we would have no right to strive for restoration of health.
It is the Person who has done all that is possible for his health, who will accept Allah's ways of leading and guidance of our life.

I like to close with an Arabic proverb that says:
"Thust in Allah but tie up your Camel"
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The power of touching


Indeed a very sensitive issue.
Touching of others is so often associated with carnal desires or violence and ill treatments.However the touch that I am referring to has nothing to do with all of those but rather as an element of necessity for any human being.Most people have some reserve towards touching of other people; understandably we should go about it very sparsely as it is so precious that it should be reserved for the right time and the right person.Who then, are the right people that we should give that symbol of intimacy, care and concern?Our Parents, Children, Grandparents, Spouses, close Friends and those we have sincere motivation to express their care in a patient or people who ask for our help or support.Not long ago I met a young man who after a long counseling session and after sharing of his feelings of “being lost” I embraced when he was ready to leave. At that moment he burst out in a long intensive crying, hugging me and not wanting to be let loose. With sobbing and in staggered voice he exclaimed “Why did my dad never hug me in my life?”, “I am feeling so rejected and unloved and am longing to be held and given the feeling of being cared for and loved”. It is not the time to go into the analysis why his father had such a distant approach to his children but I am only using this incident to bring awareness of the need of human beings to feel that they are cared for and this being expressed with body contact.
So many times I have experienced similar incidences. Once, when I was in the University Hospital In Mainz, Germany taking care of AIDS patients, I had one patient who seemed to distant from me (or me from him), that despite looking after him almost every night for more than 2 months, we had a mere functional relationship. I was unhappy with this and could feel that there was something that needed to be done. On one of the nights when it was “calm on the ward” I went to his bed, sat beside him and just took his hands into mine and gave them a good squeeze. We were both silent, but the language of touch moved him and he burst out with tears streaming down his cheeks, time was no more a factor that was in the way. At last when he recovered his composure he said with shining eyes
“Yakob, this was the best you did for me in all these months you take care of me”.
It was a message that changed my life in respect of touching people that I take care of and I learned the meaning of the healing power of touch. Since then, I have experienced it over and over again, that people’s trust is stimulated via the touch of the person. Let us be generous with touching those we love or those placed in our care. Let the touch which communicates the sense of being wanted, cared for, recognized, accepted, loved etc. become part of our daily human interaction. Let us start recognizing the value that lies in this gesture.

“It’s (the sincere touch) free, it’s powerful, it’s healing and makes a person feels good”.


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May 3, 2009

Note changes in the human body when caring for sick and elderly


Signs and Symptoms to be observed in a sick person
SKIN
Pale Anaemia, internal bleeding, cardiovascular collapse Go to hospital (emergency)
Bluish lack of oxigen, brochial blockage, asthma Go to hospital (emergency)
Bluish spots (haematoma) injury, low blood platelets Go and see your Doctor
Yellowish
liver problem or bile duct blockage Go and see your Doctor
Itchy, dry
liver problem, diabetes, allergy, skin problem Go and see your Doctor
EAR LOPES
Bluish lack of oxygen, bronchial blockage, asthma Go to hospital (emergency)
LIPS/ FINGER NAILS

Bluish lack of oxygen, bronchial blockage, asthma Go to hospital (emergency)
URINE

Dark with strong odour dehydration Go and see your Doctor
Light red bleeding form bladder, ureter or kidney (stone) Go and see your Doctor
Dark red bleeding form bladder, ureter or kidney (stone) Go to hospital (emergency)
Dark red blood clots bleeding form bladder, ureter or kidney (stone) Go to Hospital (emergency)
Very light in color and "plenty" indication of high blood suggar Go and see your
Doctor
STOOL
Light colour, greyish lack of bile (gall bladder fluid) flow, liver problem Go and see your
Doctor
Watery,
strong pungent smell intestinal infection, samonella Go and see your Doctor
Foamy, pungent smell intestinal infection, fungus infection Go to hospital (emergency
Hard, stone like pellets constipation, dehydration,
lack of fibres in food Change of diet, more liquid

For more information regarding caring for the sick and elderly, mobile nursing or a MOBILE DOCTOR please contact:
http://www.hnp-mobilenursing.com/ or 0603 78777202 or nursing@hnp-mobilenursing.com

May 2, 2009

Most people are of the assumption that muscle depletion is part of aging



Muscle Building is also for Senior Citizen?
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Muscle Building is also for Senior Citizen?
Most people are of the assumption that muscle depletion is part of aging.
This misconception is so much in the mind of the population that anything else would not be accepted or viewed with suspicion. However this very assumption is the primary problem and the reason why Senior citizens are very reluctant to engage in exercises and sooner or later have to deal with the implications of poor muscle strength and muscle mass.
There are many reasons why senior citizens and in particular males should pay serious attention in respect of the maintaining or regaining of muscles.
Muscle power declines faster, as a result of the force and velocity of muscle shortening, and to a greater extent than muscle strength. Power, or the ability to generate force rapidly, has been shown to be particularly important for maintaining the ability to perform activities of daily living (ADLs) such as stair climbing, walking and rising from a chair.

The Importance of Active Living
Regular exercise is the most effective way to slow and counteract the effects of age-related muscle and strength loss. Comparisons between active and sedentary older adults suggest that much of the strength loss with aging is due lifestyle factors. For example, individuals who continue to use certain muscles on a regular basis do not show the same age-related decreases in strength. In general, muscle atrophy, and thus strength loss, will occur any time when the muscles are not required to work against a given load. The result will be a decrease in protein synthesis accompanied by an increase in protein breakdown. Overall, the muscle atrophies and loses much of its strength, characteristics commonly seen in astronauts during space flight. Incorporating regular resistance training is the most effective means of attenuating this effect
Individuals vary in the rate at which they gain and lose muscle. Genetics, gender, age, physical condition, training program, and diet all have an effect or play a part. Under the best circumstances, the average male can build about 1.5 to 5 pounds of muscle per month and a woman will gain less. The rate of muscle breakdown also varies depending on diet, activity level, fitness level, and whether an acute illness is involved. In a state of complete inactivity, a significant amount of muscle is lost in the first three days, but it slows down after that.

The following is a list of the top twelve benefits of strength training after age 50 years.
Maintain Muscle
If existing muscle is not exercised properly, five to seven pounds of muscle tissue will be lost every decade of adult life, reducing the capacity to function and slowing metabolism.

*Maintain
Metabolism
*Strength training helps maintain muscle tissue, thus increasing the metabolic rate, which boosts energy and decreases fat as individuals age.
*Add Muscle Tissue
There is no such thing as being too old to replace muscle tissue. Results can be achieved in as little as two 30-minute training sessions per week.
*Increase Metabolic Rate
As muscle is added, metabolism automatically increases, thereby burning more calories and producing more energy.
*Reduce Body Fat
Strength training increases both muscle mass and tissue activity, which produces an accelerated metabolic rate and higher daily energy expenditure.
*Increase Bone Mineral Density
Strong muscles lead to strong bones. Strength training helps to maintain bone strength and can serve as an excellent preventive measure against osteoporosis.
*Improve Glucose Metabolism
Exercise, specifically strength training, enhances glucose metabolism and helps to decrease the likelihood of adult onset diabetes.
*Speed Up Food Transit
*Strength training speeds up the digestive process. Research indicates that slow transit times for moving food through the gastrointestinal system increase the risk of colon cancer.
*Lower Blood Pressure
Whether done alone or in combination with endurance exercise, strength training lowers resting blood pressure.
*Improve Blood Lipids
Blood lipids include high-density lipoproteins (good cholesterol), low-density lipoproteins (bad cholesterol), and triglycerides (the storage form of fat). Several studies have demonstrated better blood lipid levels after regular strength training.
*Maintain or Improve Low Back Health
Well-conditioned muscles provide better support and shock absorption, which prepares the low back muscles to absorb forces that might otherwise overstress the spinal column.
*Reduce Arthritic Pain
Stronger muscles may be helpful for improving joint function and easing arthritic discomfort.

Adapted from STRENGTH TRAINING PAST 50 by Wayne L. Westcott and Thomas R. Baechle. Available at: www.HumanKinetics.com. $17.95 plus S/H.

Sure the above given points are more than enough reasons to seriously consider strengthening one’s body through exercise and mobilization. In most cases people who are afflicted with poor body control the reason is that they have extreme depletion of muscle tissue leading to instability and loss of body coordination. This may be due to a long spell of bed bound illness, or just the end result of physical inactivity.
You can build muscle at any age. It just takes a little longer as we age. The benefits by far outweigh the stress and initial discomfort. Doing exercises with a trainer or in a gym will add to the success.
However, particularly senior citizens who have hardly done any exercises in the past should do this under the guidance of professional health care workers such as Physiotherapists or Persons qualified in "mobilisation".
(For caption of a photo see attached)
In his age most elderlies do reduce the physical activity. However the 72 year old Klaus Noack wants more. "145 kilo" is his reply when asked what weight he stems in the gym. The pensioner from Delmenhorst Germany and two times senior citizen bodybuilder-master exercises three times a week and fights successfully against age related muscle depletion. In the shower room at times juniors of 30 years enviously look at the body contours of this senior. The muscles are real and his upper arms (biceps) measure 44cm certainly not developed in front of the TV.
The several times grandfather and great grandfather started 15 years ago.
The great grandson of Noack finds it fascinating and exclaims, "My Opa (grandfather) is cool". His doctor describes him as completely healthy! ("Senioren Ratgeber", www.senioren pro.de)

For further information about Mobilization and muscle strenghtenning, mobilenursing or MOBILE DOCTOR please contact:

www.hnp-mobilenursing.com or 0603 78777202 or nursing@hnp-mobilenursing.com


Understand the interaction of medication with nutrients

Risky Combinations

Interactions
A whole range of nutrients can influence the effectiveness of medications.
Not only do medications have interactive influence, but also a whole range of nutrients can cause serious reactions when taken together with certain medications.
High risk potentials
Alcohol, coffee, and other caffeine containing drinks such as cola or plain tea are totally unsuitable for the flushing down of medications. This is particularly important with asthmatic, antibiotic and pain killer medications.
It has been established that fruit juices can be a problem: it is proven that grapefruit has a range of interactive influence on the effectiveness of medication.
Grapefruit juice contains inhibitors of enzymes that influence the metabolism of drug. This can cause an increase of concentration of the active agent in the blood and causing undesirable effect. This is true with a range of medications such as blood pressure, anti-cholesterol, antibiotic, anti-allergy, heart, sedatives and high potency medications.

Milk and milk-products such as cheese, yoghurt, have a severe influence on antibiotic and osteoporosis (Bisphosphonate) medication.
Nutrients rich in Oxal-acid such as rhubarb and spinach are none compatible with iron medications.
Brie, Parmesan, or Roquefort-cheese, however also chocolate and banana contain vast amount of Theremin. Special precaution must be taken by persons who take anti-depressant medication of MAO suppressors especially Tranylcypromin.

This does not mean that one needs to abstain from these foods altogether. Generally it is sufficient to have an interval of a couple of hours between the consumption of the medication and the nutrient. This however does not apply to the grapefruit juice and Tranylcypromin as their active agent is effective for 24 hours and therefore these should not be combined at all.
In case of uncertainty it is advisable to consult your doctor or the dispensing pharmacist for direction.

Surely no one wants to take medication in a way that it is causing more harm than good. This also applies to the combined consumption of various medications at one time.
Never mix medication without the consent of your doctor or pharmacist; this applies in particular for none prescription drugs generally bought over the counter in pharmacies and other drug stores.

Not only ALL medications somehow have side effects when taken for long duration, there are also a range of herbs and herbal medications that have their own potential risks if taken together with other medication and without doctors’ consent or pharmaceutical clearance.

For INFORMATION ABOUT MOBILE NURSING OR MOBILE DOCTOR and others YOU may contact:
Home Nursing Providers 00603 78777202
or http://www.hnp-mobilenursing.com/ or