Health Care Clinic Blog

Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, or JRA, is the most common type of arthritis in children. It develops before the age of 16 and can take one of three forms: Pauciarticular JRA, the mildest type, affects only a few joints, especially large ones such as the knees, ankles, and elbows. Different joints on either side of the body are usually involved. Polyarticular JRA, a more severe type, generally attacks five or more joints, often those of the fingers and hands, as well as weight-bearing joints, such as the hips, knees, and ankles. This form of JRA affects the same joints on both sides of the body. SystemicJRA, or Still’s disease, the most severe form, attacks many joints, usually the large ones, as well as some organs, often the heart and eyes. The first typical symptoms are joint stiffness and discomfort upon arising in the morning. Systemic JRA, however, may begin with symptoms like those of an infection: high fever, especially at night; a rash on the chest and thighs; and swollen lymph nodes. As in the adult form of rheumatoid arthritis, symptoms may come and go over many months or years. In severe cases, the swollen, inflamed joints become distorted. Though the disorder may disappear by early adulthood, in some people it recurs throughout life. The cause is unknown, but many medical researchers believe it is an autoimmune disease, in which the immune system attacks normal body tissue as if it were a foreign invader.

Diagnostic Studies And Procedures
There is no single test that can diagnose juvenile rheumatoid arthritis. When doctors suspect the disease, they usually refer the child to a rheumatologist for additional blood tests, X-rays, and an analysis of synovial fluid taken from the affected joints.

Medical Treatments

Treatment depends on the type and severity of the disease. If only a few large joints are mildly affected, a doctor may inject cortisone or another steroid drug directly into them. This can reduce inflammation and alleviate pain without the growth problems, weight gain, bleeding problems, and other side effects of taking oral steroids. In most cases, aspirin is the drug of choice. However, it must be taken on a regular schedule and in high doses, which can cause ringing in the ears and possible hearing loss. Because a young child may not be able to report such problems, parents should be alert for signs, such as tugging of the ears and poor response to normal sounds. If aspirin proves insufficient, a doctor may recommend stronger nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as ibuprofen or naproxen, available in both prescription and over-the-counter strength. For severe cases, the more potent drugs used to treat adult rheumatoid arthritis, such as injections of gold salts and systemic steroids, may be tried. Because steroids interfere with normal growth and development, their use must be carefully monitored. The child should be checked every few months for any complications of the disease. These include pericarditis, inflammation of the outer lining of the heart; pleuritis, inflammation of the membrane covering the lungs; and blood abnormalities, such as anemia. Because the eyes are often affected, an ophthalmologist should be seen regularly. A pediatric orthopedist may be called in to evaluate joint deformity and if necessary, do corrective surgery.

Alternative Therapies

Although medical treatment is essential to control the disease, supplemental techniques can be helpful.

Herbal Medicine

Herbalists often recommend capsules of evening primrose oil to control joint inflammation; feverfew tea to alleviate fever and other symptoms; and garlic, fresh or in capsules, to reduce joint damage.

Hydrotherapy

Hot baths or cold compresses help many patients. For others, contrast baths work best; these involve sitting in a hot tub for about 10 minutes, then standing in a cool shower for 2 or 3 minutes.

Pet Therapy

A child with JRA often lacks self-esteem and becomes lonely and withdrawn. Providing a gentle, companionable pet can foster a sense of responsibility and help compensate for not being able to engage in overly strenuous activities.

Physical and Occupational Therapy

Physical therapists teach patients special exercises that can strengthen muscles and help maintain mobility without causing joint damage. They also provide splints and other devices to protect inflamed joints. Occupational therapists teach new approaches to daily tasks, such as getting dressed, that minimize aggravation of painful, inflamed joints.

Self Treatment

Children with JRA should be encouraged to take part in physical activities, but these may have to be modified. Finding the right balance of rest and exercise is important. See that the child sleeps at least eight hours each night and takes a nap during the day. Make sure that the child maintains normal weight, because excess weight increases the burden on joints. To help prevent stomach irritation, always give aspirin or nonsteroidal anti inflammatory drugs with milk or food.

Other Causes of Joint Pain

Rheumatic fever, Lyme disease, and bone or joint infections can produce joint pain and inflammation.

Cardiac arrhythmias are characterized by an abnormal series of heartbeats, classified as bradycardia (too slow), tachycardia (too fast), or irregular (erratic). During bradycardia, fainting may occur because the brain does not get enough oxygen. In some forms of tachycardia, such as fibrillation, the rhythm is lost entirely, dissolving into quivering of the heart muscle. Arrhythmias are usually caused by damage to the heart muscle or the sinus node, the heart’s natural pacemaker. Such damage may be due to a heart attack, congenital defect, damaged heart valve, or a heart infection such as bacterial endocarditis .

Diagnostic Studies And Procedures

Diagnosis begins with an electrocardiogram, or ECG, to measure the heart’s electrical activity with electrodes placed on the patient’s chest, preferably during a period of arrhythmia. If the problem is episodic, a portable ECG machine, called a Holter monitor, may be worn for 24 to 48 hours. When computers are used to enhance the ECG, a process called signal averaging, it becomes possible to predict, in some cases, whether or not the patient is likely to experience ventricular arrhythmias. Transesophageal echocar diography, which produces ultrasound images of the heart through a tube inserted into the esophagus, makes it possible to evaluate the atria, the heart’s two upper chambers, and look for potential causes of arrhythmias arising from this area of the heart. A new diagnostic approach, called electrophysiology testing, is used in special circumstances, such as for patients who have experienced sudden, unexplained cardiac arrest. Electrodes are guided into the heart through a catheter, then drugs are administered to provoke an arrhythmia.

Medical Treatments

Most arrhythnlias can be controlled with beta blockers and other drugs that stabilize heart rate. Some cases, however, require implantation of an artificial pacemaker, a tiny, battery operated device placed under the skin with electrodes attached to the heart. Fibrillation and certain other serious arrhythmias are usually treated by the administration of an electrical shock (defibrillation) to the heart in order to reestablish a normal heart rhythm.

Alternative Therapies

Any alternative therapies that help to prevent heart disease can also prevent cardiac arrhythmias.

Herbal Medicine

Chinese herbalists recommend several herbal combinations: bupleurum, cinnamon, and ginger or bupleurum and dragon bone formulas for the treatment of palpitations pinellia and magnolia for tachycardia, and the atratylodes and hoelen herbal combination for treating bradycardia.

Shiatsu

Pressing upon certain points along the inner forearm is said to help slow down palpitations that are precipitated by anxiety.

Yoga and Meditation

The breathing exercises of these relaxation therapies help some people control palpitations related to stress.

Self Treatment

All cardiac arrhythmias that are persistent or serious require medical treatment. During an attack of tachycardia, however, it is sometimes possible to slow the heart rate by rubbing your neck or bearing down as though you’re having a bowel movement. Dizziness due to bradycardia can be temporarily overcome by resting with the head lower than the heart. On a long term basis, the best approach is to reduce stress, abstain from using alcohol and tobacco, and limit daily caffeine intake.

Other Causes of Arrhythmias

Certain drugs, including allergy medications and diet pills, can cause irregular heartbeats. In some people, exercise can trigger arrhythmias.

Through years of abuse the body has become physiologically dependent on the abused substances. Through drug detox the body is cleansed of the toxic substances which are harming and destroying the body of the addict. Detox is an important step for the recovering addict and long term sobriety will not take place without successful detox. The abstaining from addictive substances is necessary to gain leverage over the addiction and subsequently break the cycle of addiction. Detox is not easy for the recovering addict especially if you take into consideration the long term use and abuse of addictive drugs and alcohol. But through detox at a drug treatment center the recovering addict is presented with a powerful opportunity for recovery.

Breaking the cycle of alcohol addiction will be one of the greatest challenges to face the addict. The right alcohol rehab program can increase the odds of success dramatically. Of course most of the work is going to be performed by the recovering addict in concert with treatment professionals. Learning what challenges the addict is up against and applying strategies to overcome the challenges of addiction is an important part of drug treatment. The individual that is motivated to break the cycle of alcohol addiction is the individual with the greatest chance of sustaining sobriety through recovery. The addict will need the support of family and friends through recovery as well.

The alcoholic is suffering from a disease that controls their life and drains so much vitality from them they don’t realize the full impact until the cycle of addiction is broken. Alcohol rehab is the treatment services to assist the addict in breaking the cycle of addiction to alcohol. The abstaining from addictive substances is necessary to gain leverage over the addiction and subsequently break the cycle of addiction. Breaking the cycle can be difficult but help is available which can greatly enhance the chances of success. Once the cycle is broken the recovering addict can lead a happier more fulfilling life without alcohol at the center. Everyone in the individual’s life benefits by the success application of rehab services for the alcoholic.

At Cliffside, a luxury facility they understand that the addiction cycle when it has been allowed to run its course for years weaves a web through the whole life of the addict. This means the effects of addiction has impacted the physical, psychological and emotional levels of the addict. Alcohol rehabilitation is the process where the addict learns to live a whole different life, one without alcohol abuse. During drug treatment the recovering addict must learn to relate to people, problems and situations in whole different way and apply new strategies and methods to cope. Through successful rehabilitation the addict learns to live life all over again from the standpoint of a sober mind and body.

You don’t need to be a scientist to understand what cholesterol is and how to effectively manage your cholesterol levels for better health. You do, however, need to take a moment to consider what is happening on the inside of your body to keep you alive. While most of us take for granted that we don’t need to think about the constant maintenance of the body that we inhabit, these are miraculous ongoing processes of life. Cholesterol is an essential part of this life process.

Defining Cholesterol

Cholesterol is a necessary and natural part of each cell in the human body and in the bodies of other animals. Cholesterol helps to maintain the structure of the walls of cell membranes, and it also works to keep our brains healthy. The liver uses cholesterol as raw material in the creation of important hormones such as adrenalin and the sex hormones and to create digestive enzymes (such as bile acids that break down fats, among other things). Cholesterol is integral both to thinking and to sexual activity, as well as to other essential life processes. Cholesterol, therefore, is a subject that is definitely worthy of our close attention.

Fact: Most gallstones that are formed in the gall bladder are composed primarily of cholesterol. The liver responds to the presence of dietary fat by producing cholesterol to synthesize bile to digest the fats. If too much dietary fat is consumed, the liver may over-produce cholesterol, leading to formation of gallstones.

A healthy liver manufactures cholesterol, a waxy “lipid” (fat-like substance). In addition to being manufactured in the body, cholesterol gets into the bloodstream through the food that you eat. In particular, if you eat too much saturated fat, which is fat primarily from animal sources, the result is an elevated blood cholesterol level. The big picture, however, is not as simple as that. Many other factors playa role in the composition of cholesterol levels. Even if you are a vegetarian who eats no foods that contain cholesterol, you will have cholesterol in your body.

If you don’t know CPR already, take the time to learn it. The American Heart Association and International Liaison Committee on Resuscitation adopted new CPR guidelines in September of 2000. According to these guidelines, the first thing to do when you find an unresponsive adult is to call 911, then begin CPR. Exceptions to this rule include adult victims of submersion, trauma, and drug intoxication and infants and children up to age eight. In any of these cases, perform CPR before taking the time to dial 911. Children younger than age eight should receive about one minute of CPR before 911 is called.

If you feel that someone may have suffered a stroke, get the victim to a hospital as soon as possible. Be sure to call the hospital and let them know you are on the way.

If there are no signs of circulation-such as normal breathing, coughing, or movement-the guidelines recommend that you provide two breaths, known as rescue breaths. If there continue to be no signs of circulation or breathing after the rescue breaths have been provided, begin chest compressions. When there are one or two rescuers giving an adult CPR (that is, a victim age eight years or older), you should perform about 100 compressions per minute. For every fifteen compressions, give the victims two breaths. When giving CPR to a child or infant, you should still perform the same 100 compressions per minute, but give the victim one breath for every five compressions. Chest-compression-only CPR is recommended only when the rescuer is unwilling or unable to perform mouth-to-mouth rescue breathing.

A cavity is an area of decay in a tooth, resulting from the interaction between oral bacteria and sugar and other carbohydrates in the mouth. In the course of metabolizing the sugars (and starches transformed into sugar by saliva), the bacteria create an acid that becomes part of a sticky substance known as dental plaque. Plaque clings to the tooth and begins to erode the enamel, producing holes, or cavities. Tooth enamel is the strongest material in the body, but it does not renew itself. As bacteria and the acids they form further penetrate the damaged tooth surface, a cavity enlarges to the point where it invades the dentin the bony material inside a tooth .

Diagnostic Studies And Procedures

During a routine checkup, a dentist examines each tooth with an angled mirror and metal probe to make sure that surfaces are intact. Where doubt exists, an X-ray may be taken. In addition, a complete set of dental X-rays is routinely taken every three or four years to detect any hidden problems.

Medical Treatments

If the work is expected to be extensive and painful, the dentist gives the patient the option of having an anesthetic such as Novocain injected into the gum. To prepare a tooth for filling, the dentist cleans out the cavity with a high-speed water cooled drill, sterilizes the interior, and dries it. A filling that matches the tooth is then chosen from a wide range of long lasting compounds. Unless there are unexpected complications, a simple cavity can be filled in one visit. If the cavity has extended to the dentin, the area may be injected with a calcium phosphate solution to stimulate new dentin growth. A temporary filling will be placed in the cavity, then later removed and replaced with a permanent filling. When a cavity has reached into the pulp of the tooth, the patient may be referred to a specialist, an endodontist, for root canal work. This procedure kills the nerve, eliminating pain and usually saving the tooth, which can then be cleaned out and filled as usual. If only the base of the tooth remains after extensive decay or root canal work, the dentist fills the socket of the tooth with cement and covers it with a crown. This usually takes three or four sessions because it involves laboratory work and precision fitting.

Alternative Therapies

Herbal Medicine

The compounds in green tea are reported to kill the bacteria responsible for causing tooth decay. The same compounds occur in sage, coriander, and thyme. A traditional temporary remedy for a toothache has been oil of cloves, but this is not recommended today because it can damage delicate gum tissue.

Nutrition Therapy

A diet that provides adequate calcium and other minerals is essential to building strong teeth. For this purpose, babies and young children may also be given fluoride drops with their food, especially if the local water does not contain added fluoride. Reducing sugar intake, especially sticky sweets that adhere to the teeth, helps to prevent cavities.

Relaxation Techniques

Hypnosis, biofeedback, and similar techniques can help people to overcome a fear of dentists. Hypnosis is also used as an alternative for patients who cannot tolerate Novocain and other anesthetics.

Self Treatment

Good oral hygiene is the key to preventing cavities. Visiting your dentist regularly and flossing and brushing properly can prevent most decay. Toothpastes with added fluoride also help prevent cavities. However, be careful about allowing children to use extra strength fluoridated types. Eating the toothpaste can lead to fluoride toxicity. Also, pregnant women should not take fluoride supplements because it can cause tooth mottling in the child. Never allow a baby to fall asleep with a bottle of milk, juice, or other sweetened liquid because this can cause “baby bottle caries.” If a bottle is essential at bedtime, fill it with water. The application of a dental sealant on the chewing and grinding surfaces of a child’s back teeth is the best way to protect them from cavities. The procedure is usually scheduled when the permanent molars begin to appear typically between ages 6 and 8, and again at age 12.

Other Causes of Cavities

Long term use of drugs that reduce the flow of saliva, such as antihistamines, tranquilizers, and antidepressants, increase the risk of cavities. Radiation therapy of the head and neck and diseases affecting the salivary glands also contribute to tooth decay by reducing the output of saliva. Accidents that chip or break tooth enamel make the surface more vulnerable to decay.

Cerebral palsy is a neurological disorder that affects basic functions, including movement, speech, and posture. Between 500,000 and 700,000 Americans have it in varying degrees. There are several types including: spastic, in which movement is stiff and difficult, athetoid, in which movement is involuntary or uncontrolled; ataxic, in which balance and depth perception are abnormal, and mixed, a combination of types. Cerebral palsy is caused by brain and nervous system damage sustained before birth, during labor, or shortly after birth. Depending upon the area and extent of the damage, symptoms may include spasms, tics, gait abnormalities, seizures, and poor muscle tone. Sight, hearing, speech, and intellect also may be affected.

Diagnostic Studies And Procedures

The disorder may be obvious at birth, or it may not become apparent for several months. Early diagnosis is important, however, so that therapy can begin as soon as possible. If cerebral palsy is suspected, a pediatric neurologist should be consulted for diagnostic tests to determine the extent and location of brain damage and to rule out other disorders. Tests are likely to include electroencephalography to measure the brain’s electrical activity; electromyography, or EMG, to measure electrical activity in the muscles during movement; and a CT scan to look for brain abnormalities. Blood and urine samples will also be studied to rule out other disorders that produce similar symptoms.

Medical Treatments

Planning of treatment should involve a team of health professionals, including physical, speech, and occupational therapists; a psychologist; a neurologist; and an orthopedist. Because there is no cure for cerebral palsy, the goal is to help the child achieve as much independence as possible. Seizures can often be controlled with anticonvulsant medications. Orthopedic treatment may include braces, splints, and casts to prevent contractures and other deformities of the arms and legs. Some children need orthopedic surgery to cut contracted muscles and tendons, thus allowing them to stretch, or to fuse together certain bones to stabilize joints. Such surgery can enable a child to walk or to maintain balance better.

Alternative Therapies

Several allied health professions and alternative practices play an important role in helping children with cerebral palsy to develop their full potential.

Dance And Music Therapies

These approaches can help children to improve their coordination, build muscle tone and strength, and gain self confidence. It is important, however, that the instructor be specially trained to work with handicapped children. Massage Therapy. This is beneficial in alleviating spasms and reducing muscle contractions. The therapist should consult the child’s primary care doctor in planning the therapy.

Physical, Occupational, And Speech Therapy

Professionals in these fields specialize in teaching living skills. Physical therapists use exercise and relaxation techniques to teach children how to walk with the aid of braces, crutches, and other devices, or how to transfer from a wheelchair to a bed and chair. They also show parents how to incorporate therapy into the child’s daily routine. Occupational therapists help a child develop useful skills such as typing or mastery of special devices to perform routine tasks. Speech therapists teach communication skills, including sign language for children who are unable to speak.

Self Treatment

Cerebral palsy is a life long condition that usually demands adaptation and training in order to achieve self sufficiency. The earlier a diagnosis is made, the sooner a child can receive special education services. Many children with cerebral palsy attend regular public schools, but others require special classes, and the more disabled may need developmental day care programs that are geared especially to their needs. Parents can do a great deal to provide a home environment that stimulates the child to learn and to explore. Regular exercise, beginning in infancy, is critical to achieving as much movement control as possible. Initially, passive exercises performed by parents or other caregivers are used, but at an early age, the child should be encouraged to participate in and eventually perform appropriate exercises. Toilet training is usually delayed and difficult to achieve if the nerves that affect bowel and bladder control are damaged. talking to other parents who have been through this stage may yield helpful tips. Special large handled eating utensils, toothbrushes, and dressing aids, such as those used by people with severe arthritis, are valuable in learning to perform basic self care. A large number of cerebral palsy cases could be prevented by improved prenatal care. Several types of infections, including toxoplasmosis, genital herpes, rubella, and cytomegalovirus, increase the risk of cerebral palsy. A woman with any of these diseases should consult an obstetrician who specializes in high risk pregnancies. Some studies indicate smoking and alcohol use during pregnancy also increase the risk.

Other Causes of Palsy

A head injury, brain tumor, stroke’, and brain infection are among the possible causes of palsy.

Many people spend hours on road each day. Everytime we are on the road, we risk our safety in the hands of others. Car accidents occur almost everyday in Chicago. The victims face many bills, damage and pain. Chicago car accident lawyer understand how devastating an accident can be and help victim claim the maximum compensation possible.

Many people, involved in a car accident, dont know what to do. The first and foremost thing is to call medical help and police. Next it is impotant to contact a lawyer. The Chicago based lawfirms are highly dedicated to their clients. They help revive all the damage incurred. The victim should take some steps to ensure he has a healthy and strong case.
1. Be sure to write down the names and phone numbers of other passengers and the witnesses.
2. Make a list of all the damage occured, where it happened and when. Also keep a track of the injuries.
3. NEVER admit that it was your fault. Even if you think it was, do not accept it.

Victims of a car accident near chicago should immediately contact a lawyer. They help in ensuring the validity of the claim. Chicago based lawfirms can build a strong case for you and help you in understanding your rights. Even if the case appears to be a minor, you can still be entitled to a decent claim. An accident lawyer can help you recover your medical expenses as a result of any injury incurred.

The Chicago accident lawyers are specialized in their field. Their assistance could be immensely helpful in a car accident case. They help boost your morale at a nominal charge and take all the matter in their hands. All you need to do is to contact them before giving yourself mental stress alongwith already physical pains.

Reasonably priced individual & family health care insurance plans are frequently provided through an indemnity or managed care organization. The single & family health insurance plan will give money back you once they receive a doctor or hospital bills. With a managed health care plan, you frequently only have to give a co-payment at the moment of your medical check.

Health Maintenance Organizations are a lately introduced but admired form of insurance exposure. The chief cause for their reputation is their inexpensive premiums. But HMOs do not provide you the flexibility to visit any health care provider. They assign positive healthcare providers whom you are allowable to visit and if, even in the case of an emergency, you call a healthcare provider who is not established by the HMO, you’ll be left to choose up the whole tab yourself. So if you are looking for family health care, make certain you opt the finest for your family.

The doctors or hospitals will then bill your single & family health care insurance company for the others. Managed health care organizations include Health maintenance organizations-HMO Preferred supplier Organizations and (Point of Service) POS plans, and they do not always offer the broad collection of doctors & other health care presented by insurance plan.

These days, receiving family health insurance has become simple, and there are a number of diverse types of health insurance coverage intended to assemble the needs and budgets of a assortment of individuals. As a member of a managed health care plan all you have to do is explain your membership card for treatment.

Folic acid is the most occurring water insoluble source in world and it occurs as yellow crystals. Lots of important chemicals are found in folic acid like: pteroyl glutamic acid (PGA), pteridine, paraaminobenzoic acid (PABA) and last but not the least is glutamic acid. These all chemicals are most important for human body. Folic acid is found as a dietary source in liver, green leafy vegetables, egg, meat and milk. Folic acid is given to pregnant lady for lactation or any high metabolic activity.

Folic acid is also known as folate, its deficiency occurs due to inadequate dietary intake and its malabsorption causes disease like celiac disease, tropical sprue, regional ileitis etc. folic acid is released by liver in chronic alcholism. The demand of folate or folic acid is increased in pregnancy, lactation, rapid growth periods and haemolytic anaemia. Drugs which is given in deficiency of folate is phenytoin, phenobarbitone and last but not the least primidone. Oral contraceptive is given for absorption and storage of folate.

Disease caused by deficiency of folate are megaloblastic anaemia, actually megaloblastic anaemia is caused due to vitamin-B12 but after deficiency of vitamin B-12 folate deficiency develops more rapidly if dietary sources is not going into the body. In megaloblastic anaemia if lot of folic acid is lost then person may have problems like glossitis, enteritis, diarrhoea, steatorrhoea, weight loss etc. folic acid dose is given 2 to 5 mg/day and liquid oral preparations and injectables can also given to the patient who is suffering from severe deficiency of folate.