БРОНХИАЛЬНАЯ АСТМА – BRONCHIAL ASTHMA

Some treatments using drugs have also proven to be useful in treating mild to moderate enlargements of the prostate. Recently, the FDA approved Proscar for such treatment. The drug works by blocking an enzyme which is a contributing factor in the enlargement of the prostate gland. Studies have shown that Proscar can be effective in improving the flow of urine and in reducing the size of the enlarged prostate for some men. But the drug takes time to work— at least three to six months before symptoms begin to improve. Experts tend to agree that, while Proscar may be a viable treatment for some men with mild to moderate BPH which doesn’t require surgery, it can also have some disadvantages, and you should consult with a competent urologist before you decide if the treatment is right for you

In some cases, urologists are recommending the use of Proscar along with the hypertension drug Hytrin. The drug, while lowering blood pressure, also relaxes the muscle tissue in and around the prostate, allowing urine to continue flowing. The FDA has only approved Hytrin as a means of treating high blood pressure, but some studies suggest it can also be effective in treating mild to moderate symptoms of BPH. One possible drawback to Hytrin is that is does not shrink the prostate and therefore would have to be taken on a daily basis or the symptoms will most likely return.

If there’s any good news in all of this, it’s that treatment alternatives for BPH are continuing to evolve. Whereas surgery once seemed to be the most effective long-term solution, researchers are developing alternatives which may give men a choice of treatments. For now, the best answer is to consult with your doctor or urologist for his or her advice.

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1) Dampness, heat and light can speed the deterioration of most drugs Therefore, rooms such as the bathroom are not the places to keep your medication The best place is outside the bathroom in a small closet or cabinet which can be locked or is not within the reach of children. If the label on the medication advises that it be refrigerated, make sure that’s where it is kept.

2) Make sure that your medicines haven’t expired, by checking the expiration dates on the medicine bottles frequently.

3) To remind yourself to take medication that must be taken at certain times set your clock or alarm watch for the correct interval of time between dosages, and then listen for the alarm to go off. Or, you can purchase one of the new electronic beepers discussed elsewhere in this chapter.

4) To avoid having drips or spills ooze over the labels of bottled medicines making the directions hard to read, keep the label side facing up when pouring.

5) You should not tell children that medicine tastes good or that it is or tastes like «candy». That may lead your children into thinking that all medicines are good tasting or candy and they’ll try to find them while you aren’t looking. Accidental poisoning is always a possibility with medication. Don’t try to hoodwink your children about the medicine’s taste. You can also give them a little juice and/or a cracker before and after they take the medicine.

6) A good way to give liquid medication to an infant is to put the prescribed amount in a nipple and give it to the baby just before feeding time. Most infants will be so hungry they won’t even notice that they’ve swallowed medicine.

7) Another way to give medicine to your baby is with a plastic dropper placed against the baby’s cheek. When you squeeze the dropper slowly, most babies will begin to suck automatically.

Another tip for giving liquid medicine to a child is to hold a small paper cup under his or her chin. Any medicine that dribbles into the cup can be mixed with a little water, and your child can then drink the rest.

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If you’re one of those people who fear dentists, scheduling an appointment for even a regular checkup may be a traumatic experience. The thought of facing the drill can cause some people to stay away from dentists altogether. There are, however, several proven methods of finding a good, «pain-free» dentist. Here are five keys to finding such a dentist:

1) Preventive Dentistry— the type of preventive screenings a dentist performs on your initial visit can tell you a lot about that dentist— good and bad. The four kinds of screening you should expect from a good dentist during your first visit include an oral cancer screening, a screening for jaw disorders, a periodontal screening for gum disease, and a tooth by tooth screening to find out if you have any visible cavities or any fillings that are about to fall out. A good dentist will also supplement your first visit with a full set of x-rays. You can find out if a dentist is prevention-minded by asking, before your first visit, if the four basic screenings will be performed. Also find out if the dentist takes proper care to prevent the passing of serious contagious diseases from one patient to another. The dentist and the staff should always wear protective gloves and masks during a patient’s treatment.

2) Listening— besides being dedicated to preventive screenings and practices a good dentist also needs to be a good listener. The dentist should listen to the patient’s concerns and find out exactly what a patient needs. On the first visit, a good dentist will allow a new patient to talk while he/she listens. You should be able to express your exact wants and needs before the dentist ever looks inside your mouth.

3) Sensitivity— you should be able to tell a dentist, on the first visit, not only about your dental history, but about any unpleasant or painful dental experiences you’ve had. A good dentist will be sensitive to any fears you have about pain and be exta-careful to be as gentle as possible. A good dentist is one who is understanding and caring— aware of the patient’s fears. If a patient is in pain during treatment he should be able to alert the dentist with a mutually agreed upon signal for the dentist to stop.

4) Communication— a good dentist will tell the patient exactly what he/she is going to do, including the risks and benefits involved, how long the treatment will last, and how much the procedure will cost. The dentist should also tell you about treatment alternatives. If, upon your first visit to a dentist, you are unable to get such information, or the dentist doesn’t seem interested in helping you make an informed decision about your dental care, find another dentist.

5) Respect— another characteristic of a good dentist is a respectful attitude toward your needs. This respect should be shown by being aware that your time is valuable too. Unless there is an emergency, you shouldn’t be made to wait a long time in a dentist’s waiting room. The dentist should also be available for any follow-up treatment or emergencies that need immediate attention. And, the dentist should have a clean, friendly office with hours that fit your personal schedule.

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Biotin serves to aid the action of enzymes involved in the synthesis of substances in the cells.

A deficiency of biotin may result in poor appetite, hair loss, depression, and eczema.

Biotin is present in many foods, including liver, peanuts, dried beans, egg yolk, mushrooms, bananas, grapefruit, and watermelon. The suggested daily intake of biotin is 30 to 100 mcg.

Folic Acid: The Little-Known Vitamin You Need For Anemia Problems

Sometimes called «vitamin M», this water-soluble vitamin is involved in growth and reproduction, the production of red blood cells, and in the healthy functioning of the nervous system.

Mild folic acid deficiency is relatively common, but it can usually be corrected by increasing the intake of food containing folic acid. The main effects of folic acid deficiency include fatigue and anemia.

The primary dietary sources of folic acid include green, leafy vegetables, broccoli, spinach, mushrooms, nuts, dried beans, peas, egg yolk, liver, and whole-wheat bread. The recommended daily allowance is 200 mcg.

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A regular program of walking can help decrease levels of artery-clogging blood fats, and at the same time help increase the level of HDL, according to the findings from a recent study. It also appears that regular walking can help take the pressure off varicose veins in the legs and reduce the pain of clogged leg arteries by creating better circulation. All in all, studies show that better circulation, relief from varicose veins, weight-loss, reduced cholesterol levels, lower blood pressure, and relief from stress can all be accomplished, in part, with the help of a regular program of walking.

It should also be noted that anyone who has varicose veins and takes part in vigorous exercise is advised to wear elastic support hose to minimize the congestion of blood in veins and the subsequent accumulation in muscles.

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