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Teen Depression

Tuesday, September 7th, 2010

Teen depression is on the rise. Over 2 million American adolescents are diagnosed with depression. Although many teens shy away from seeking clinical help, a large percentage of them are taken to the doctor by their parents.

According to the U.S. department of health and human services, depression is common in teens. Teen and child health has been an area of concern. Although the responsibilities and pressures of adulthood might create an opportunity for depression to creep in, teenagers get easily depressed. Apparently reasonless as it sometimes may be, teenagers get depressed at the most whimsical of things.

So what are the symptoms of teen depression? A very common symptom is a lack of interest in day-to-day activities. Loss of appetite and rebellious behavior is another common symptom. Excessive moodiness, lack of concentration on matters related to education, and morbid thoughts are the other symptoms of degrading teen health.

Teens seek consolation from their inner pain by inducing external harm on themselves or others. It is common to see teenagers cut their hands, and get consolation on the sight of oozing blood. They do this, so that they could divert their minds from their depressive thoughts to the external pain. Persistent thought-diverting habits make them take other thought-diverting habits like doing drugs or getting into alcoholism.

Harming the self to take a temporary diversion from psychological pain is the most dangerous symptom of disintegrating teen health. Often underestimated to be a product of immature thoughts, these actions can have long lasting effects. School shootings by gun-wielding suicidal teenagers are common news. When there is no remorse shown onto oneself, it is unlikely it will be shown to others.

Causes for teen depression are plenty. A common cause for problematic teen mental health is school performance. Bad grades might create a rift between the parents and the teenager. Leading to a repulsive behavior, the teen might also become overly depressed and mentally fatigued with persistent angry thoughts. Familial matters, social responsibilities, peer pressure, relationships, genetic factors, and cognitive abilities are the other factors that might contribute to a depressed teen mental health.

Tags: Adolescence, Major depressive disorder, Mental Health
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New Asthma Treatment Approved By FDA

Sunday, August 29th, 2010

: Image via Wikipedia

A device called the Alair Bronchial Thermoplasty System was recently approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This non-drug, device-based procedure is the first of its kind and helps adults whose current medication may not be enough for a severe asthma attack.

Deemed appropriate for people that are 18 years or older, the Alair system should help people control their asthma when long-acting beta-agonist prescriptions and inhaled corticosteroids are not enough. The device gives a type of thermal energy to the airways with a catheter–delivering radiofrequency energy, reducing smooth muscle thickness, and heating lung tissue. All these factors should improve an asthmatic person’s ability to breathe.

To help it be approved by FDA, the treatment underwent a clinical trial of 297 patients suffering from persistent and severe asthma. Data reflected a decreased number of asthma attacks with the Alair Bronchial Thermoplasty System. A five-year study of the device is required to determine its safety and effectiveness long-term.

Side effects during the Alair system procedure include wheezing, chest tightness or chest pain, coughing up blood, partially collapsed lungs, asthma attacks, anxiety, nausea and headaches.

According to the FDA, the treatment aims to reduce the number of attacks over a long period of time. It is not suitable for people with pacemakers, internal defibrillators or other implantable devices. Asthmatics sensitive to lidocaine, benzodiazepines or atropine should not use the device. Similarly, patients should not be treated with the Alair device while experiencing a bleeding disorder, an active respiratory infection, or if changes have been made to an individual’s corticosteroid regimen in the past 2 weeks.

The company who manufactures the system, Sunnyvale, California-based Asthmatx Inc., was given expedited review by the FDA because of its potential to help asthma patients reduce airway constriction and address other unmet needs.

Tags: Asthma, Asthmatx, FDA, Food and Drug Administration
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General Information about Down’s Syndrome

Wednesday, August 25th, 2010

: Image via Wikipedia

Down syndrome occurs when a child is born and has an extra chromosome. Instead of the normal 46 chromosomes the child is born with 47. This birth defect is the cause of severe mental and physical disabilities. There are many screens that are conducted to determine whether a child has this genetic condition. The most common are amniocentesis, chorionic villus sampling, genetic ultrasounds, and a triple/quadruple screen.

Physical and Mental Disabilities Associated with Down Syndrome

Children affected with Down syndrome have certain physical characteristics that include slanted eyes, small head and facial features, along with small hands and feet. Down Syndrome children often have heart defects, gluten sensitivity, hearing and eye issues, low muscle tone, problems with their thyroid or skeletal systems, and gastrointestinal defects. Also there can be serious problems with the lungs a condition known as pulmonary hypertension.

Mentally Down Syndrome children can have severe learning disabilities, inability to concentrate, slow language development and a low IQ. Everyday activities such as eating, dressing themselves and potty training can also represent a challenge.

Down Syndrome Statistics

The only known risk factor to having a baby with Down syndrome is age. Women that have children after the age of 35 are at a higher risk to have a child with Down syndrome, and the risk increases every year. Currently 13 out of every 10,000 children born in the U.S. will have this birth defect. Women that reach the age of 40 have a 1 in 100 chance of having a baby with Down syndrome.

Treatment

There is no cure for Down syndrome, but through heavy counseling and other services, the lives of children with Down syndrome can be greatly improved. It is imperative that children receive physical, occupational, and speech therapy at the earliest age possible. Children with Down syndrome will automatically qualify for assistance under the Disabilities Education Act.

Tags: Conditions and Diseases, Down syndrome, Genetic disorder, Health
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Living with celiac disease

Wednesday, August 18th, 2010

: Image via Wikipedia

Breads, muffins, pizza and pasta are just a few of the foods that people with celiac disease cannot properly digest or enjoy. Celiac disease is a hereditary ailment that causes an adverse reaction to a certain type of protein, called gluten. And unfortunately, gluten is found in wheat, rye and barley, which are main ingredients in many foods we consume.

When people with celiac disease consume gluten, their immune system reacts and thus damages the small intestine. Because of this damage, the body is unable to absorb the vitamins and other nutrients it needs to stay healthy. With this damage, people with celiac disease do not have the proper vitamin intake, iron being one of them. This may lead to the development of anemia.

Without absorbing the proper natural minerals, people with celiac disease may not develop fully or properly and may have problems with irritability and fatigue as well as digestive pain and problems.

There are a few steps to follow if you think you may have celiac disease or have been diagnosed with celiac disease.

1. Visit an allergist. He or she can perform food allergy tests to learn what types of items you are allergic to.

2. See a nutritionist. A dietitian can help guide you in making the proper food choices. Proceed with care so no long-term damage is done by eating improper foods for your diet.

3. Have regular check-ups with your doctor. Your physician may prescribe specific vitamins and minerals to replace the ones that your body cannot absorb. In addition, your doctor can test for anemia often.

4. Learn to cook for celiac disease. Research some cookbooks and websites for recipes that are proper for those with celiac disease. You can eat rice, potatoes, meat, vegetables, corn, fruit, and fish, for example. Avoid flour, breads with gluten and other baked goods that contain gluten.

Although celiac disease appears to be a difficult disease to live with, there are many ways to cope. Many mainstream grocers even carry gluten-free breads, rice cereals, and pizzas without gluten in them for those with celiac disease.

Tags: Coeliac disease, Wheat
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Treatment of Headaches

Sunday, August 8th, 2010

Headaches are a common problem for many people. They are not limited to, but are most commonly found in two forms, those being migraine and tension headaches.

One way to try to control headaches is to watch for headache triggers. These exist in many forms, such as foods, like the well-documented case of caffeine. Other triggers are environmental, such as bright lights. Of course there are other types of triggers as well; bad posture can even be a common trigger with regards to the stress placed on the spine.

Home treatment can take a few forms. The most common type is using over-the-counter pain relievers, which can be effective in treating headaches. Reducing headache triggers can also be effective. For instance, changes in one’s diet can reduce such triggers. Other triggers, such as light and glare for those who work on computers can be lessened with changes in one’s work environment.

If home treatment is not enough, you may need medical attention. Headaches that recur, for instance more than three or four times a week, are good candidates for medical attention. There are no easy rules of thumb. However, most medical professionals agree that if your headaches are interfering with your life, in some manner, you should consult a doctor.

Most commonly your general doctor is the first stop for such treatment. Your doctor will be able to give you medicine to help with your headaches.

You may be referred to a headache specialist if needed. Many patients who deal with chronic tension headaches, for instance, are able to try medications to help prevent their occurrence. For example, small doses of antidepressants have been very effective for preventing these types of headaches.

If you believe your headaches are caused by stress in your spine, you may choose to consult a chiropractor first. This would be appropriate if you find that your headaches are triggered, for instance, after sleeping in an improper position or commonly after improper posture in front of a computer.

Your doctor will be able to give you advice on preventing headaches. With time you will learn the triggers for your headaches, and hopefully their prevention.

Tags: Headache, Migraine, Neurological Disorders
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Role of Chiropractor in Medicine

Friday, August 6th, 2010

: Image by brandonink2001 via Flickr

The chiropractor plays an important role in medicine and in other areas of one’s health. A number of individuals fail to recognize the important assets that a chiropractor can bring to one’s healthcare and overall wellness.

A chiropractor is able to treat a number of conditions, injuries, and disorders. These are confined to the musculoskeletal system, and more commonly those of the spine.

There is a certain mindset that undermines the role of the chiropractor in medicine. Although it is an alternative area of medicine, a chiropractor can be a valuable part of an individual’s treatment or wellness. It is important to identify these advantages for individuals who could be benefited from such treatments and overall wellness considerations.

Overall wellness is an area in which the value of seeing a chiropractor is felt. A great deal of people suffer from back and neck pain, which is caused by a number of problems, such as poor posture or improper lifting from those in manual labor, among many other causes. Those who suffer from back pain and don’t receive proper treatment can be subject to more severe conditions.

Chiropractors can perform treatment-related and overall wellness adjustments for such people. These and other types of treatments are valuable for those who suffer from back and neck pain, along with other problems.

Additionally, a wide range of injuries and conditions can be benefited by seeing a chiropractor. One example of this is found in sports injuries. For instance, those who suffer debilitating football injuries can find relief in treatments from a chiropractor, which compliment well with physical therapy.

A chiropractor can handle a number of conditions and problems. As alluded to earlier, a chiropractor can also be a distinct part of a medical plan to achieve good health. Working with your regular doctor or physical therapists, for example, a chiropractor could help with any number of musculoskeletal conditions.

Don’t forget to include your chiropractor in your overall health when necessary. Chiropractic medicine is a valuable aspect in the medical landscape of many individuals suffering different conditions.

Tags: Chiropractic, Medicine, Physical therapy
Posted in Disease, Medicine, Treatment | No Comments »

Blindness as a disability

Thursday, August 5th, 2010

: Image by Sam Judson via Flickr

Blindness can be measured on several different scales. But, when most people think of blindness they think of the inability to see anything. The complete black with no light perception is total blindness or NLP (no light perception). Another level of this disability would be described as the ability to have light perception. They may not be able to have any sight but can tell where a light source is and darks from lights. Where to draw the line from vision impairment to legal blindness has been made clear by governmental definitions. These definitions are formulated to help determine who may require special needs because of their visual disability.

Total blindness makes up for about ten percent of the legally blind people. The rest of the legally blind have a vision of 20/200 or less. If a person with average vision views an object at 200 feet away a person who is legally blind would need to stand 20 feet or closer to see it with corrective lenses. If a person loses their vision recently and/or is older they are more likely to be classified as blind according to the Department of Health. This is because it is more difficult to adapt to the vision loss. According to the circadian rhythm total blind people can still register light non-visually through the 24-hour light/dark cycles.
Cataracts and glaucoma are the main causes of blindness. The leading cause of blindness in one eye or monocular blindness is due to an injury often happening to people under the age of 30. The blind are often mobile and can use several different techniques to get around. The international symbol for blindness is the long white cane with the red tip. There is also a shorter white cane used as well. Guide dogs are perfect pilots to help the blind get around and go up and down stairs.

Tags: Blindness, Disability, Visual impairment, Visual perception
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Chronic Tension Headaches

Thursday, August 5th, 2010

: Image via Wikipedia

Chronic tension headaches affect a great deal of people. If you suffer from chronic tension headaches, you should be aware of the common triggers and treatment options available to you.

Tension headaches are characterized by pressure on the head. It is usually felt on both sides of the head, but can also be observed on either side as well.

A normal tension headache lasts just over a few hours. Tension headaches are said to be chronic when they are observed fifteen days or more a month for over six months, although guidelines differ according to the medical source.

There are a number of triggers that can cause tension headaches. Lack of sleep and stress can account for tension headaches commonly. Improper positioning in an office chair or during sleep can place pressure on the spine from the back or neck, resulting in a tension headache.

Other common headache triggers are environmental or food-related. Bright light, reflective light, and noise can trigger headaches. Caffeine and certain types of food can lead to tension headaches as well.

A number of treatment options are available. Some individuals who suffer with chronic tension headaches are able to control them with over-the-counter pain relievers, as well as controlling common triggers for the headaches.

If your headaches are commonly triggered by improper posture or sleep position seeing a chiropractor may help. Manual therapy has been effective in some patients with chronic tension headaches.

Seeing a doctor or chiropractor can greatly help manage your chronic tension headaches. Your doctor may refer you to a specialist if necessary. There are additional treatment options, such as the use of antidepressants at small dosages, such as amitriptyline and protriptyline, which have been effective in preventing chronic tension headaches.

Your doctor or specialist can be a valuable asset to dealing with the chronic tension headaches that can interfere in your life. If you continue to suffer with these, consult with your doctor to learn how to better control your chronic tension headaches and to possibly try a vast array of treatment options.

Tags: Conditions and Diseases, Headache, Neurological Disorders, Tension headache
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Treatment of Allergies

Wednesday, August 4th, 2010

: Image via Wikipedia

Allergies affect a great amount of people across the world, making it difficult to determine when someone should contact a doctor. If you are in this situation, here are some tips for home treatment and when you should contact a doctor.

There are many types of allergens that can produce such reactions. Anything from food allergies to seasonal allergies can cause some discomfort. Allergens can be present in one’s home even, as some cat owners notice after bringing home their cat.

Locating the allergen can be helpful. In many cases, this is relatively easy, as allergy sufferers may for instance notice that allergies flare up in springtime. Others are less easy to locate, which is true in the case of many domestic allergens that can infiltrate one’s home.

In terms of treatment, there are many options for that of allergies. Antihistamines are normally the first choices for treating allergies. There are a few types of over-the-counter antihistamines that are enough for many allergy sufferers. If you are in this group, you are advised to try these before proceeding to other types of treatment options, whether it is over-the-counter or prescription-based.

Other over-the-counter medications may prove effective for your allergies. Nasal sprays and decongestants are among these options, which can be in over-the-counter or prescription form.

Once you have tried some of these options in over-the-counter form, you are well advised to seek your doctor’s advice. Your doctor will be able to prescribe some stronger drugs to battle your allergies, depending on what is bothering you and what you have determined to be effective, as some over-the-counter medications will be slightly more effective than others (which is something you should note).

Finally you may be referred to an allergist, who is a specialist in the field of allergies. There you can be tested to pinpoint your allergies and can be treated accordingly.

No matter where you are in regards to allergy medication, you will have a number of options. Allergies are particularly bothering throughout daily life, but there is often a way to find relief for those who suffer from allergies.

Tags: Allergy, Conditions and Diseases, Histamine antagonist
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