internal medicine

While 26 percent of Americans has used a Search Engine for finding drug information online
still only a few are venturing into the online prescription drug marketplace.

The prescription drug market is enormous and includes millions of Americans who go online to get information about the medicines they consume.

According to the new Pew Internet & American Life Project "Prescription Drugs Online" report
64
of American households contain a regular user of prescription drugs
and one in four Americans (26%) has used the Internet to look for information about prescription drugs.

However
just 4% of Americans have purchased prescription drugs online
because
simply
most Americans do not fully trust the online prescription drug marketplace.

While 62% of Americans think purchasing prescription drugs online is less safe than purchasing them at a local pharmacy
only 20% think online purchases are as safe as local purchases. The remaining 18% responded that they did not know or that it depends on the situation.

In fact
even though one in five said online drug purchases are safe
only a fraction have ever bought prescription drugs online. The survey found a mere 4% of Americans have ever actually purchased prescription drugs on the Internet. To put that in actual numbers
of the 2
200
American adults surveyed just 93 people said they had purchased prescription drugs online.

When it comes to why people purchase drugs online
even though the sample size was small
Americans who have ordered prescription drugs online cited convenience and cost savings as the main reasons why they decided to take the leap. Privacy was the least likely factor of the choices offered in the survey.

When asked about the last time they purchased prescription drugs online
the majority of Rx purchasers said they visited a site that was based in the United States
and only a few visited a site based in another country. In addition:

-- Three-quarters of Rx purchasers said the last time they purchased prescription drugs online
they bought a drug for a chronic medical condition such as high blood pressure or arthritis.

-- One-quarter said their last purchase at an online pharmacy was to aid weight loss or sexual performance.

-- Most were satisfied with their last contact with an online pharmacy and plan to order prescription drugs online in the future.

All in all
the survey was upbeat about the future of the online drug market
stating that "Ignorance and mistrust of the online prescription drug market may be dispelled by further research and good experiences
and indicating that many Americans may soon change their minds about the safety of online prescription drug purchases.

Drawing an analogy to the growth in another large online category, the report stated:
[Prescription drug purchasers] who research a product online often become customers.

Convenience is the number one reason why banking became the fastest-growing activity between 2000 and 2002 — and it is the main reason why current Rx purchasers made the switch from offline to online ordering."

Ginger Healing Detox Tea with Turmeric

There has been a lot in the news lately about the amazing healing properties of turmeric
a free-radical-fighting antioxidant-rich curry spice that has been hailed as a defense against both cancer and Alzheimer’s. When we found this tasty recipe for a warming
detoxifying ginger-turmeric tea
we were thrilled: after the holiday season
we figured we could use some detoxing and healing!

Then we tasted it
and were totally hooked: it’s delicious! Ginger and turmeric combine with citrus and maple syrup to make the perfect blend of healing nutrients. We streamlined the recipe to make it ultra-easy
too:

INGREDIENTS
2 cups water
1/2 teaspoon powdered ginger
1/2 teaspoon powdered turmeric
1 tablespoon maple syrup
Juice of 1/2 lemon

1. Bring water to a boil
then add powdered herbs. Simmer for 10 minutes.
2. Strain tea into a mug
add maple syrup and lemon
stirring to combine. Drink warm.
Makes 1 serving.

Spa Cuisine: Peachy Iced Green Tea – Recipe

Drinking green tea may help you lose weight. According to clinical studies conducted by Dr. Abdul Dulloo
of the University of Geneva in Switzerland
green tea raises metabolic rates and speeds up fat oxidation. Green tea is also a great immune-enhancing health-booster and anti-cancer agent
with flavonoids and polyphenols thought to inhibit tumor formation.

So here is our easy-to-make recipe for green tea
but this one tastes so good you’ll never guess how good it is for you! A great
healthy thirst-quencher for hot summer days.
Simple Solution:

INGREDIENTS

6 green tea teabags
6 cups cold water
2 ripe peaches
pitted and sliced
1. Place teabags in a large teapot or pitcher.
2. Put sliced peaches in a saucepan
add cold water
and bring to a brisk boil
then pour water and peaches over teabags.
3. Steep for 6 minutes
then add sweetener (maple syrup
honey or Succanat are recommended). Allow tea to cool
then refrigerate until thoroughly chilled.
4. Include a few peach slices in each glass and serve with a spoon
garnished with a sprig of mint
if you like.

Even Easier Alternative Method: Make a pitcher of green tea and add the contents of a can of organic sliced peaches. Chill thoroughly.
Makes 6 servings.

The “best” flu remedy seems to vary by who you talk to. Some people think that certain over-the-counter medications are the best way to get relief. Others feel homeopathic remedies work the best. Still others feel that only their doctor can help make them make the appropriate choice.

If you talked to my husband he would tell you the best flu remedy is to not get the flu (he’s not always the most helpful person). He talks smart because he hardly ever gets sick. I’m very jealous of him. I think his genes must be better than mine because he doesn’t eat healthier or exercise any more than I do yet I get sick a lot more often than he does.

I catch the flu nearly every year. I’ve tried over-the-counter medications
some homeopathic remedies
and have gone to my doctor when I’ve gotten bad cases of the flu.

Below I’ve listed some common
and some not so common remedies for the flu. Some of the remedies are homeopathic; others involve taking over-the counter medications; while others are prescription.

1) This first item is more of a suggestion to keep yourself from getting sick again rather than a remedy but I think it’s a really good tip. Put your toothbrush in a cup with hydrogen peroxide in it to prevent you from re-infecting yourself (especially if you have a cold). Toothbrushes are a haven for germs and the hydrogen peroxide will kill the bacteria on your toothbrush. You may decide to put your toothbrush in hydrogen peroxide every day to kill the bacteria that accumulate.

2) In addition to putting your toothbrush in a cup of hydrogen peroxide you may want to put a few drops of hydrogen peroxide in your ears. It can help kill flu (or cold) germs. Sometimes the hydrogen peroxide will sting a little. The process is to put a few drops in one ear with a cotton ball or a Q-tip. After a few minutes drain the excess fluid out onto a Kleenex or paper towel. Then do the same thing in the other ear. Repeat the process after an hour or two. Continue to repeat until the hydrogen peroxide doesn’t bubble when it’s put into the ear (usually after 2 or 3 times). The hydrogen peroxide is said to be most effective if it’s used as soon as possible after getting sick.

3) Elderberry extract can lessen the duration of the flu according to studies done in Israel. Talk to your doctor
pharmacist
or herbalist for advice on how much and how often to take it
and also to make sure it will not interfere with any other medications or supplements you may already be taking.

4) Boneset is another herb said to help lessen the intensity and duration of the flu. It is usually added to boiled water
along with honey and lemon (to make it easier to drink) and then sipped. Again
consult with your doctor
pharmacist or herbalist for the recommended dosage.

5) Oscillococcinum is a popular homeopathic/natural product taken to help with the flu symptoms of body aches and pains
fever
and chills. One of the reasons it is so popular is that it does not cause drowsiness.

6) Naturoksinum is another natural flu remedy available. It is touted as being able to cut the severity of flu symptoms in half. It is one of the most popular flu remedies in France and is available for purchase in the United States.

7) Echinacea is another popular natural remedy for the
flu. Again
because it is an herbal product
check with your doctor
pharmacist
or herbalist to make sure it is safe for you to take and that it does not interfere with any other medications or supplements you are currently taking.

8) Tamiflu and Relenza are two prescription medications available for treating the flu. For either medication to work best it should be taken with two days of the onset of flu symptoms. Both Tamiflu and Relenza work by preventing the flu virus from infecting cells in the body that are still healthy
and they both work against influenza A and B.

9) Drink health juices such as mangosteen
noni
goji
aloe vera
or acai berry. They are not only great juices to drink if you get the flu
but they can also help prevent it because the juices are good at boosting a person’s immune system. My personal health juice of choice is a mangosteen juice. It tastes great and helps me feel better overall.

10) There are several products available to use in your bath or even your shower to help with the symptoms of the flu. Abra Bath for colds and the flu is a product you add to bath water. It is said to help relieve congestion
reduce body aches
and help relieve the chills associated with the flu. The makers of Sudafed offer a product called Sudacare Shower Soothers. They are tablets that react with warm shower water to create vapors of eucalyptus
menthol
and camphor to help with congestion.

11) Nasal sprays to help relieve flu symptoms are available over the counter. One product is called Flu Relief. Nasal sprays aren’t as popular as most other remedies though because many people dislike using nasal sprays.

12) Fever
headaches
and aching muscles are common symptoms of the flu. Acetaminophen or ibuprofen
both available over the counter can help lessen the pain.

13) A persistent cough may be present when a person has the flu (http://www.microflu.com/flusymptoms/). There are many over the counter cough medicines
such as Robitussin (which has specific formulas of its products for helping with flu symptoms)
to help quiet a cough associated with the flu.

14) Congestion is another symptom that a person may get with the flu. An oral decongestant can help loosen the congestion. Again there are many over the counter products available to fight flu symptoms such as congestion. Vick’s vapor rub can also help ease congestion.

15) A sore throat can be another bothersome symptom of the flu. Throat lozenges or sprays can help with the pain. I gargle with warm salt water every hour when my throat is sore. It’s a remedy my Mom used when I was little. It worked for me then and it still works for me now.

16) Rest is a very important part of fighting the flu. Your body needs rest to help it fight the infection in your body. So give in to that urge to cuddle up under the covers and rest. You’re likely to feel better faster if you do.

17) Drink as many fluids are you can when you have the flu. Avoid drinks with caffeine because caffeinated drinks act as mild diuretics. Water is the best liquid but can be hard for someone who feels sick to drink enough of. Other good choices of liquid are clear juices
Gatorade (or any of the other sports drinks available) as well as flavored water and Pedialyte. When I was a child and had the flu my Mom always gave me 7-up to drink. I could drink it without feeling sick to my stomach and it tasted good so I was able to drink enough of it to keep myself from getting dehydrated.

Always remember that the flu (depending on what strain you have contracted) can be a life-threatening illness if not treated properly. Don’t be afraid to contact your doctor if your symptoms don’t start to get better in a few days or if they are very severe.

Another thing to remember when you have the flu (or are sick with anything else) is to only treat the symptoms you have. There are lots of over-the-counter products available to treat flu symptoms. Many of those products relieve multiple symptoms. But sometimes you don’t have all the symptoms that particular medication treats. Look for products that treat the symptoms you have
but nothing more. You don’t want to over-medicate yourself.

Disclaimer: this article is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose or treat illness and disease; nor is it intended as dispensation of medical advice.

Do you feel tired and un-refreshed on waking in the morning?

Do you stay that way throughout the day?

Do you have difficulty concentrating during the day?

The World Health Organization says that one-third of the world's population experience insomnia at some stage in their lives
with approximately five per cent needing medical treatment!

To avoid medical intervention
try these natural techniques and remedies
and help put your insomnia to rest.

1. Relaxation
Relax before going to bed. Do some deep breathing
listen to soft music. According to Dr. Timothy Sharp from Sydney University
avoiding caffeine
alcohol and nicotine will also help.

2. Bedtime routine
Develop a bedtime routine so your body knows it's time to go to sleep. By winding down your physical activities and following a set routine prior to bed
your body will start to associate some of these actions with going to sleep. Start with a cup of hot milk. Milk contains a protein called tryptophan
which helps to promote sleep. This can be substituted with chamomile tea
which is known to calm the nerves. Follow this with a hot bath or shower
the heat will help to lower your internal body temperature
again telling your body to go to sleep.

3. Your bedroom is for sleeping only
Make your bedroom your sleep-room. Turn the lights off as soon as you get into bed. Don't read
eat or watch television in your bedroom
or do any activity that is not sleep related. Make sure the room is dark and cozy; include extra pillows on the bed and even some teddy bears. Make your bedroom into a sleep sanctuary
a room that you will instantly feel secure and comfortable in
and best of all
a room that you will crave to sleep in.

4. Calm down and clear your mind
Clear your mind of the day's activities or things that are due to be done tomorrow. Write a 'to do' list for the following day. Organize uniforms
lunches
etc ... the night before. Make arrangements earlier than usual so you don't worry.

5. Give time back to yourself
Instead of trying to cram as much as you can into the day then find you haven't left much time to sleep
try to find short cuts or solutions to give a little time back to yourself. Make a double casserole and freeze half for another night. Spot clean the house as you go. Have more barbecues
using paper plates (less washing-up). Offer to pay the kids
or the neighbour's kids
to do some extra chores.

6. A balanced diet helps to make a balanced mind
If you're lacking in essential vitamins and minerals your body cannot operate at its best. Throw out the junk food and fizzy drinks
and make a new start to good physical and mental health. Add in some regular exercise and watch your body respond with some improved sleep.

7. Don't lie in bed if you can't sleep
If you don't feel sleepy enough to drift off
your mind will probably anguish over the fact that you can't get to sleep. This will only make it harder to get to sleep each time you experience this. Get out of bed and go into a different room. Do something to distract yourself until you do start to feel sleepy and then try to sleep again later.

8. Medications may interfere with your sleep
It has been shown that some of the medications below may cause sleep problems. Check with your doctor if you are experiencing insomnia and are also taking any of these medications - amphetamines (diet pills)
antidepressants
beta blockers (heart and blood pressure)
cimetidine (ulcers)
clonidine (blood pressure)
cortisone
diuretics (fluid)
levodopa (parkinsons)
methyldopa (blood pressure) and ventolin (asthma).

9. Above all: de-stress
Sharp says that stress is the worst cause of insomnia. Use some of the techniques above and try to remove as much stress out of your life as possible
and finally put your insomnia to rest.

The massage chair recliner has fast become a great substitute for traditional therapy that most folks will consider when suffering from back pain
neck pain
buttock pain
headaches
and even leg pain and stress.

The vast majority of folks that are looking for a massage chair are experiencing all or some of these symptoms. Massage chairs have been proven to do wonders for each one of these conditions. As a matter of fact
many of my patients that have purchased a massage chair have needed our clinic less and less for treatment of these common maladies.

Some folks just want a nice massage chair that looks good in their living room or office so that they can relax and just listen to their surround sound movie or music system. That's great too!

But if you are considering investing in a massage chair recliner
there are some things you need to consider before buying. What I'm about to tell you will give you exactly what you need and want to know. It's not just as simple as sitting in a chair to know if a model is good or not. There are a lot of "behind the scenes" things that this report will point out to you that will help make your buying decision easier. You've thought of some of them
like price and looks
but I will cover a bunch of things that have probably never occurred to you. This article is designed to make things clearer for you before shelling out your hard-earned money.

So
what do you absolutely need to know before buying a chair? Since they cover quite a lot of information
we will only discuss the first 2 things that you will need to consider. #3-10 will be discussed in Part II of this topic.

#1. Features - The old massage chairs only provided vibration. Well
today's chairs should offer the following:

Kneading – also known as "shiatsu"
kneading rolls outward from the spine and feels much like 2 hands alternately rubbing your back. This is why it is said that massage chairs mimic the hands of a licensed massage therapist…kneading is the reason for the comparison.

Percussion/Tapping – this is the light "karate chopping" on a client's back that you’ve probably seen before on TV. Well
that's what this feature imitates. Increased blood flow and muscle stiffness relief is the benefit gained. It feels wonderful.

Rolling - in our clinic
we have a $2800.00 table that patients lie on
called a "roller table." Basically
wheels just roll up and down the muscles on either side of your spine. Here are the benefits: 1.) gentle moving of the spinal bones
and 2.) stretching of the spine and the muscles around it. Patients love it...and the roller table only rolls! Your massage chair should do so much more than just roll (and for a lot less money!).

Foot and calf massager - many of the new chairs have an attached ottoman that has a calf and foot massage feature administered by an airbag system. This feature is a real "must"
especially if you spend a good portion of your day on your feet.

Full recliner – if you want your massage to be as deep as possible
you need to get a chair that has a reclining feature. And the further back the recline
the greater the intensity of the massage. The reclining uses your body weight to make the massage deeper. A lot of chairs don't recline much farther than 135บ. You will want 170 degrees or more for the more intense massage option (by the way
the further back your chair reclines
men
the more it imitates a bed...especially important if you're ever forced to sleep on the couch!!).

#2. Durability – a well built chair should give you many
many years of wonderful problem-free pleasure. Even though you most likely can't know how good a motor is or how well built the chair really is
there are some other ways to know if a chair is a workhorse and is going to last a while:

Warranty – a longer warranty will give you greater confidence initially when looking for a chair. You want a company that stands behind their chairs and what greater way to show that than by a warranty. But
beware of long warranties that are so limited that if anything goes wrong there are so many loopholes to not cover your chair that it is as if you had not warranty at all.

Reputation – is the manufacturer of the chair well-known? Are they easily accessible if there ever is a problem? How can you tell? A toll-free customer service phone number to the manufacturer would be great. The length of time in business is probably a good indicator of how good the manufacturer is. Does the chair/company have any professional endorsements?

New vs. Used - there are a lot of used chairs out there
but just like a used car
you never quite know what you are getting. You can bet the warranty has expired
but you have no idea how the previous owner treated the chair. Who knows...maybe it was in a home that had kids jumping on it like a trampoline (that's exactly what happens in my home!).

In Part II
we will discuss items #3-10.

There is no "best" method for correcting vision errors. The most appropriate correction for you depends on your eyes and your lifestyle. You should discuss you situation with your ophthalmologist or eye doctor to decide which correction will be most effective for you.

10 Reasons for Lasik!

1. Nothing is as sweet as the freedom from the hassles and inconveniences of contacts or glasses.

2. You save money! Over the years
the costs of lenses
solutions and glasses amounts to thousands of dollars.

3. You save time! In one year
the average contact lens wearer spends nearly 60 hours wetting
soaking
rubbing
cleaning and otherwise maintaining them. This is about 2.5 whole days!

4. Imagine waking up in the morning
and being able to see the clock!

5. You get to go swimming
scuba diving and be able to see things!

6. You are able to spontaneously go camping or stay overnight.

7. You are able to take a nap when the mood strikes without first having to remove lenses. Imagine the hassle saved!

8. You will be able to see while putting on makeup or shaving
no more squinting!

9. You will be able to participate in outdoor sports without glasses that fog or get splashed with rain or lenses that dry out in the wind.

10. And most important of all
you w ill be able to avoid the negative consequences of long term contact lens wear!

Clinicians wishing to undertake laser eye surgery should ensure that patients understand the benefits and potential risks of the procedure. So the better you understand your LASIK surgery
and what happens after your surgery
the better prepared you'll be for your surgery. Patients should be counseled on the potential risks and benefits of LASIK
then make an informed decision. No matter what your motivation may be
the decision to have eye improvement surgery is no small task and it should be considered carefully. If you decide Lasik surgery is for you
consulting your eye doctor is critical to making an informed decision.