According to a study published in the American Journal of Public Health, a key reason why men don't visit the doctor is the waiting time involved. Men's reluctance to visit the doctor anyway is simply compounded by the amount of time spent waiting.
However, the amount of time required for a doctor's visit is just a drop in the ocean when compared to your entire life. And more importantly, the time needed for a doctor's visit is well worth it. Staying healthy should be priority but often isn't.
Let's see why a lot of men don't like to see a doctor?
to be continued..
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
What U.S. health care reform means for Canada
We try to stay away from politics as much as possible, but there is a movement that now it's pretty hard to ignore.
As you know, Barack Obama signed legislation yesterday that largely a system heavily criticized reform of U.S. health care.
And while that is great news for millions of Americans - despite being a thorn in the side about 100 million Republicans - could have positive effects for Canadians, here north of the border?
The reasoning is, with a public commitment to fund the attention of Americans health needs in place, millions of would the Yankees have now discovered the confidence (or is it 'no fear? ") For the treatment of their finances rationally without preparing for a medical pump that had hurt your finances.
For example, say that the family X has no health coverage and maintain a fund of $ 20,000 saved if the grandmother became ill with asthma or junior or whatever. In theory, now, which is $ 20,000 more than can be pumped into the U.S. economy on a variety of ways.
That's not much, but multiply in cash and in the estimated 32 million Americans who have had no coverage and that is on the increase.
What does this mean for Canadians? However, many experts - such as the Financial Post, Diane Francis - chalk this as nothing more than "good news" for countries like ours that depend on a prosperous America for our own success.
According to Francis, another big boost to U.S. economy come from the 3% of U.S. GDP is currently used for litigation to decide whether to cover medical expenses. With much of the bureaucracy eliminated on that front, which is money that can be spent, for example, subsidizing companies with subsidies to keep manufacturing on U.S. soil.
It will take time for Canadians to feel the real economic effects of the U.S. health reform, but some improvements have come earlier, at least.
TSX health care activities are already following the new U.S. law, according to the Montreal Gazette.
"People perceive that it will be a much more public money that comes in health care, so it might be good for a number of different companies that provide both equipment and services, or whatever," a privileged financial told the newspaper.
As you know, Barack Obama signed legislation yesterday that largely a system heavily criticized reform of U.S. health care.
And while that is great news for millions of Americans - despite being a thorn in the side about 100 million Republicans - could have positive effects for Canadians, here north of the border?
The reasoning is, with a public commitment to fund the attention of Americans health needs in place, millions of would the Yankees have now discovered the confidence (or is it 'no fear? ") For the treatment of their finances rationally without preparing for a medical pump that had hurt your finances.
For example, say that the family X has no health coverage and maintain a fund of $ 20,000 saved if the grandmother became ill with asthma or junior or whatever. In theory, now, which is $ 20,000 more than can be pumped into the U.S. economy on a variety of ways.
That's not much, but multiply in cash and in the estimated 32 million Americans who have had no coverage and that is on the increase.
What does this mean for Canadians? However, many experts - such as the Financial Post, Diane Francis - chalk this as nothing more than "good news" for countries like ours that depend on a prosperous America for our own success.
According to Francis, another big boost to U.S. economy come from the 3% of U.S. GDP is currently used for litigation to decide whether to cover medical expenses. With much of the bureaucracy eliminated on that front, which is money that can be spent, for example, subsidizing companies with subsidies to keep manufacturing on U.S. soil.
It will take time for Canadians to feel the real economic effects of the U.S. health reform, but some improvements have come earlier, at least.
TSX health care activities are already following the new U.S. law, according to the Montreal Gazette.
"People perceive that it will be a much more public money that comes in health care, so it might be good for a number of different companies that provide both equipment and services, or whatever," a privileged financial told the newspaper.
Friday, March 26, 2010
Let's use Electric cigarette
The electric cigarette that gives you a nicotine hit and gets round the smoking ban
Inventors have created an electric cigarette which gives a nicotine hit while at the same time manages to avoid the ban on smoking. The small white stick, which looks just as proper cigarette, contains a camera that vapourises pure liquid nicotine in a puff of steam.
Smokers can inhale the pair as they smoke cigarettes and still get the buzz - without taking in any harmful substances.
Nicotine is the only ingredient, unlike tobacco alternatives which contain over 4000 chemicals and resins. Electric cigarette on the batteries, has a glowing red tip and tastes like the real thing. Makers claim that can be used inside pubs and restaurants despite the national ban on smoking as it has no flame and does not create smoke.
They also say that cigarettes can cause lung cancer, because it only contains nicotine. Stick, called Gamucci Micro Electronic Cigarette, uses small cartridges filled with liquid material.
There are three types of cartridges, "low", which consists of six milligrams of nicotine, "medium", which is 11mg, and "high", which contains 16mg. Tiny cell spray inside the stick heats the liquid, when the user takes a drag, and a second later it comes down to a pair. Kick-effect almost immediately and provide Hit nicotine without the harmful tar and carcinogens. Passive smoking is impossible, which makes it ideal for indoor use.
Inventors have created an electric cigarette which gives a nicotine hit while at the same time manages to avoid the ban on smoking. The small white stick, which looks just as proper cigarette, contains a camera that vapourises pure liquid nicotine in a puff of steam.
Smokers can inhale the pair as they smoke cigarettes and still get the buzz - without taking in any harmful substances.
Nicotine is the only ingredient, unlike tobacco alternatives which contain over 4000 chemicals and resins. Electric cigarette on the batteries, has a glowing red tip and tastes like the real thing. Makers claim that can be used inside pubs and restaurants despite the national ban on smoking as it has no flame and does not create smoke.
They also say that cigarettes can cause lung cancer, because it only contains nicotine. Stick, called Gamucci Micro Electronic Cigarette, uses small cartridges filled with liquid material.
There are three types of cartridges, "low", which consists of six milligrams of nicotine, "medium", which is 11mg, and "high", which contains 16mg. Tiny cell spray inside the stick heats the liquid, when the user takes a drag, and a second later it comes down to a pair. Kick-effect almost immediately and provide Hit nicotine without the harmful tar and carcinogens. Passive smoking is impossible, which makes it ideal for indoor use.
Thursday, March 25, 2010
Best 5 Easy Ways to Drop Body Fat
Your health is measured by pounds alone! New research confirms that the key measure of a person's health is not weight, body fat.
Researchers at the Mayo Clinic recently issued a study that found people with normal weight with high body fat percentage (over 20 percent for women, 30 percent for men) may be at increased risk for heart disease and diabetes.
On Good Morning America did a report on the study of cool that a real woman is bettered her body fat percentage by lifting weights. A few months ago, we ran a story about body fat, and after taking this quiz I realized that my fat, not fighting habits were all that great. Ready to reduce fat? Here are some simple ways:
Log tube less time: Watching more than five hours of TV a week your risk UPS. Set your DVR to record your favorite shows to spend less time sitting (watching commercials) without losing a single episode.
Eat a salad a day: Even fans of Veggie often skimp on the green leaves, but munching salads six to seven times a week can take Jigga. Find toppers salad you like to encourage you to dig in: I go for goat cheese crumbled, dried nuts and Cranberries. Yum!
Cook at home: Room for more than six times a week can boost your risk of obtaining body fat. This includes lunch! Skip dinner and local container to make a salad twice your body good.
Chill Out: Stress is a body-fat booster. Unless of course you have to actively manage it. When tension builds, find an actively to simmer down, such as taking a walk or cleaning your kitchen. No time to exercise? Put on headphones, close your eyes and play a ton of favorite-whatever you do, do not reach for that cookie jar!
Go fish: Eating three servings of omega-3 rich foods such as salmon, tuna, nuts or flax can help keep body fat at bay. Sprinkle nuts or cereal in the morning, and try versions of canned tuna and salmon in a pinch.
Researchers at the Mayo Clinic recently issued a study that found people with normal weight with high body fat percentage (over 20 percent for women, 30 percent for men) may be at increased risk for heart disease and diabetes.
On Good Morning America did a report on the study of cool that a real woman is bettered her body fat percentage by lifting weights. A few months ago, we ran a story about body fat, and after taking this quiz I realized that my fat, not fighting habits were all that great. Ready to reduce fat? Here are some simple ways:
Log tube less time: Watching more than five hours of TV a week your risk UPS. Set your DVR to record your favorite shows to spend less time sitting (watching commercials) without losing a single episode.
Eat a salad a day: Even fans of Veggie often skimp on the green leaves, but munching salads six to seven times a week can take Jigga. Find toppers salad you like to encourage you to dig in: I go for goat cheese crumbled, dried nuts and Cranberries. Yum!
Cook at home: Room for more than six times a week can boost your risk of obtaining body fat. This includes lunch! Skip dinner and local container to make a salad twice your body good.
Chill Out: Stress is a body-fat booster. Unless of course you have to actively manage it. When tension builds, find an actively to simmer down, such as taking a walk or cleaning your kitchen. No time to exercise? Put on headphones, close your eyes and play a ton of favorite-whatever you do, do not reach for that cookie jar!
Go fish: Eating three servings of omega-3 rich foods such as salmon, tuna, nuts or flax can help keep body fat at bay. Sprinkle nuts or cereal in the morning, and try versions of canned tuna and salmon in a pinch.
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Is Your Pain Treatment Hurting? (continued)
Your instinct is surgery before therapy
Surgery may feel that the most effective option, but for chronic pain, research is mixed. Studies show that operating to relieve low back pain without evidence of nerve pressure, for example, may provide minimal if any benefit, compared with a rehabilitation program, not to mention that this is with risks. "The truth is, surgery has a chance to make the pain worse the infection, scarring and nerve damage," says Carey.
Get relief: Eight for medicines for pain, physical therapy, or exercise first. To treat back pain, for example, experts recommend trying a combination of all three for at least six months before discussing surgical options. Many people will be improved sufficiently to avoid or not be eligible for surgery, says William Abdu, MD, medical director of spine Center at Dart-mouth-Hitchcock Medical Center. You can also talk to your doctor about trying a shorter, more intensive rehabilitation program.
You are wary of narcotics
The news is filled with tales of unintentional deaths from Meds pain or celebrities, who became addicted to them so that people suffering from pain for many prefer to play safe with OTC antialgice. Even some doctors to avoid narcotics for fear of being punished for overprescribing them. But the reality is, most people in pain will not go or die dependent on pain Meds. And the benefits are huge-they take when you're in less pain, can be more actively and speed your recovery.
Get relief: Most doctors start patients on low doses of opioids and check-in needs assessments every three or four weeks to make sure the medication works well. If you experience that "drugged" feeling at first, do not worry-it'll disappear in a few days as your body adjusts to the medicine. Take only the medicine prescribed-growth, no dose or combined with other drugs, such as muscle relaxants or anti-anxiety, unless you talk to your doctor.
There are some people who may be predisposed to addiction. If you have a problem with alcohol or drugs in the past, should be monitored more closely by your doctor. Signs of addiction include feeling compulsive about taking drugs, being unable to control how much to take, and which shows no signs of improvement.
Not considered natural treatments
If you can not take the Meds pain because side effects or are simply looking to increase their impact, taking into account alternative treatment. Clinical studies show that acupuncture, for example, pain relieves osteoarthritis, sciatica, and lower back problems. People suffering from rheumatoid arthritis may benefit from anti-inflammatory effects of omega-3 fatty acid supplements, according to a large review of recent research, the patients taking Devil's Claw, willow bark, and Cayenne for Lower pain back had improved more than those taking a placebo.
Get relief: herbal treatments are not without side-effects and can interfere with other medications, so check with your doctor before taking them. Ground for a science-based natural pain fighters top, go to prevention.com / naturalpaincures.
Numerous studies show that also mental techniques can help ease the pain. Start with some simple relaxation techniques: deep breathing practices, and strengthening and relaxation of different muscles for 15 to 20 minutes each day. A therapist can help you find other types of relaxation, such as visualization, self-hypnosis, and biofeedback-ask your doctor for a recommendation.
You do not discuss depression
About 54 percent of people with chronic back pain suffer from depression, but only one third of them take antidepressants, according to a recent study. New brain-imaging research, however, clearly shows that our mental state is closely related to how the process make with-pain. Brain scans show that in patients with chronic pain, songs that ignite emotions are involved, not just feeling. "This means that our emotions have a profound influence on how we perceive pain, how much distress it causes, and ultimately how it affects our quality of life, 'says Portenoy.
Get relief: If you feel hopeless, sleeping more or less than usual, and gain or lose weight quickly, you could be suffering from depression. Discuss symptoms and options with your doctor, who may prescribe an antidepressant, recommend cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), or even suggest a combination of both. CBT teaches you to cope better and adjust to your pain (and even train your mind to reduce it) which helps to decrease emotional stress, which can make pain feel worse.
"There is science that shows more than the benefit of cognitive behavioral approaches there than most medicines for pain," Portenoy says. In a recent study, patients with depression and pain were randomly assigned to receive antidepressants and, after three months, were given six sessions of CBT. A year later, the intervention group were significantly less depressed and had less pain than those who were only informed that they had depressive symptoms and should seek advice about treatment. To find a specialist CBT, visit the National Association of Cognitive-Behavioral Therapists to nacbt.org, for psychologists who focus on pain management, check out the AAPM website.
You don't do your own research
Doing a little digging on your own behalf you can open up new treatment options, helps reminded to ask questions and improve your sense of control over your care. Antonia Kent, 39, injured her back when she was 21 and underwent three surgeries not before deciding it's time to look into different options herself.
"I went to the library and read about my particular injury and pain treatment," says teacher from Union, NJ "It made me feel proactive, and not a victim of my Pain." Research has given her ideas about talking to doctors and therapies to try. After the third surgery, she started taking a strong medicine that turned her on her feet. Today it has a lighter product, herb supplements, and her pain is better controlled.
Get relief: specific research on your condition of patient advocacy sites Web, such as the American Pain Foundation (painfoundation.org). Also, consider subscribing local groups of chronic pain support, where you can get medical advice and share ideas about treatment.
You can find online tools and to help you decide whether to have surgery, take a special test, or continue with treatment. A good resource: Go to Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center Web site (dhmc.org) and search for common center of decision-making. There, you can download videos from questionnaires or borrow to help weigh the risks and benefits.
Surgery may feel that the most effective option, but for chronic pain, research is mixed. Studies show that operating to relieve low back pain without evidence of nerve pressure, for example, may provide minimal if any benefit, compared with a rehabilitation program, not to mention that this is with risks. "The truth is, surgery has a chance to make the pain worse the infection, scarring and nerve damage," says Carey.
Get relief: Eight for medicines for pain, physical therapy, or exercise first. To treat back pain, for example, experts recommend trying a combination of all three for at least six months before discussing surgical options. Many people will be improved sufficiently to avoid or not be eligible for surgery, says William Abdu, MD, medical director of spine Center at Dart-mouth-Hitchcock Medical Center. You can also talk to your doctor about trying a shorter, more intensive rehabilitation program.
You are wary of narcotics
The news is filled with tales of unintentional deaths from Meds pain or celebrities, who became addicted to them so that people suffering from pain for many prefer to play safe with OTC antialgice. Even some doctors to avoid narcotics for fear of being punished for overprescribing them. But the reality is, most people in pain will not go or die dependent on pain Meds. And the benefits are huge-they take when you're in less pain, can be more actively and speed your recovery.
Get relief: Most doctors start patients on low doses of opioids and check-in needs assessments every three or four weeks to make sure the medication works well. If you experience that "drugged" feeling at first, do not worry-it'll disappear in a few days as your body adjusts to the medicine. Take only the medicine prescribed-growth, no dose or combined with other drugs, such as muscle relaxants or anti-anxiety, unless you talk to your doctor.
There are some people who may be predisposed to addiction. If you have a problem with alcohol or drugs in the past, should be monitored more closely by your doctor. Signs of addiction include feeling compulsive about taking drugs, being unable to control how much to take, and which shows no signs of improvement.
Not considered natural treatments
If you can not take the Meds pain because side effects or are simply looking to increase their impact, taking into account alternative treatment. Clinical studies show that acupuncture, for example, pain relieves osteoarthritis, sciatica, and lower back problems. People suffering from rheumatoid arthritis may benefit from anti-inflammatory effects of omega-3 fatty acid supplements, according to a large review of recent research, the patients taking Devil's Claw, willow bark, and Cayenne for Lower pain back had improved more than those taking a placebo.
Get relief: herbal treatments are not without side-effects and can interfere with other medications, so check with your doctor before taking them. Ground for a science-based natural pain fighters top, go to prevention.com / naturalpaincures.
Numerous studies show that also mental techniques can help ease the pain. Start with some simple relaxation techniques: deep breathing practices, and strengthening and relaxation of different muscles for 15 to 20 minutes each day. A therapist can help you find other types of relaxation, such as visualization, self-hypnosis, and biofeedback-ask your doctor for a recommendation.
You do not discuss depression
About 54 percent of people with chronic back pain suffer from depression, but only one third of them take antidepressants, according to a recent study. New brain-imaging research, however, clearly shows that our mental state is closely related to how the process make with-pain. Brain scans show that in patients with chronic pain, songs that ignite emotions are involved, not just feeling. "This means that our emotions have a profound influence on how we perceive pain, how much distress it causes, and ultimately how it affects our quality of life, 'says Portenoy.
Get relief: If you feel hopeless, sleeping more or less than usual, and gain or lose weight quickly, you could be suffering from depression. Discuss symptoms and options with your doctor, who may prescribe an antidepressant, recommend cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), or even suggest a combination of both. CBT teaches you to cope better and adjust to your pain (and even train your mind to reduce it) which helps to decrease emotional stress, which can make pain feel worse.
"There is science that shows more than the benefit of cognitive behavioral approaches there than most medicines for pain," Portenoy says. In a recent study, patients with depression and pain were randomly assigned to receive antidepressants and, after three months, were given six sessions of CBT. A year later, the intervention group were significantly less depressed and had less pain than those who were only informed that they had depressive symptoms and should seek advice about treatment. To find a specialist CBT, visit the National Association of Cognitive-Behavioral Therapists to nacbt.org, for psychologists who focus on pain management, check out the AAPM website.
You don't do your own research
Doing a little digging on your own behalf you can open up new treatment options, helps reminded to ask questions and improve your sense of control over your care. Antonia Kent, 39, injured her back when she was 21 and underwent three surgeries not before deciding it's time to look into different options herself.
"I went to the library and read about my particular injury and pain treatment," says teacher from Union, NJ "It made me feel proactive, and not a victim of my Pain." Research has given her ideas about talking to doctors and therapies to try. After the third surgery, she started taking a strong medicine that turned her on her feet. Today it has a lighter product, herb supplements, and her pain is better controlled.
Get relief: specific research on your condition of patient advocacy sites Web, such as the American Pain Foundation (painfoundation.org). Also, consider subscribing local groups of chronic pain support, where you can get medical advice and share ideas about treatment.
You can find online tools and to help you decide whether to have surgery, take a special test, or continue with treatment. A good resource: Go to Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center Web site (dhmc.org) and search for common center of decision-making. There, you can download videos from questionnaires or borrow to help weigh the risks and benefits.
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Is Your Pain Treatment Hurting?
A year after giving birth to her third child, Teresa Shaffer began to feel excruciating back pain. An MRI revealed that cushiony discs behind it worsened, a sign of osteoarthritis, a degenerative joint disease which usually occurs much later in life. She was only 24. "Because I was so young, the doctor did not think I had the disease," says Shaffer, now 46. He said it takes antialgice OTC.
It was not until she visited a different doctor, that she really started to get help. He asked if she was depressed (back pain and depression often go hand in hand), prescribed an antidepressant, and referred her for counseling. He sent her to physical therapy and put on a fentanyl patch, a strong opioid for people who require constant drug. Now she is able to walk for an hour on the treadmill every day.
An estimated 43 million Americans living with chronic pain report defined as a period of at least three months. However, experts agree that it is terribly undertreated in our country. Despite progress in understanding the pain a few doctors are aware of these advances are trained in pain management, says Michel Dubois, MD, Director of Pain Medicine at New York University Medical Center Langon.
A major change in thinking is that chronic pain is now believed to be a disease not a symptom, and that treating pain is about simply does not cover the source, but treating the whole person. Like heart disease or other chronic conditions, there is no magic bullet, so we must rely on a number of approaches to exercise and medications for relaxation techniques and talk therapy.
Removing the pain can not fully realistic, what can be more than enough to improve your life and do things you love. If you make any mistakes that follows, we have the right formula for lasting relief.
You're trying to tough it out
One in four people suffering from pain expected at least six months before you see a doctor, usually due to pain or downplaying thinking it will pass on their own, according to the American Pain Society. And many sufferers self treatment with OTC analgesics.
Get relief: Ask treatment sooner rather than later. Studies show that most injuries resolve themselves in about four weeks, so if yours has not, or if your pain is affecting your ability work-see your doctor. Waiting can wreak havoc on the body and mind. When pain keeps you from being active, and reduce muscle weakness and strengthen joints, setting additional damage.
Research has shown that chronic pain can also lead to depression and even shrink your brain. A study of 26 patients who had back pain for at least one year found that they had a percent 5 to 11 percent of lost brain cells in two brain areas, prefrontal cortex and thalamus-compared with a group of control. One explanation is that neurons are overactive for so long that it causes them to break down and die, Dubois explains. Researchers hypothesis that if pain persists, it may become less responsive to treatment due to brain changes.
You have seen more than one specialist
In our fragmented health system, with a professional for all diseases, it is easy to jump from one doctor to another. But doctor hopping, experts say, can waste time and money, lead to excessive MRIs and other diagnostic tests, treatment and delay.
Get relief: Find a doctor who can be your point person to coordinate other treatments. Your primary care doctor is probably the best person for this. "Just make sure you have a feeling that he or she take pain seriously, offers a treatment strategy, and sees you often enough to monitor your progress or refer to a specialist if your plan is work, "says Russell Portenoy, MD, chairman of the department of pain medicine and palliative care at Beth Israel Medical Center in New York City. That's what made Shaffer. Although her doctor was not fully trained in pain management-and most physicians-are not "always did research to find out what my next step should be," she said.
If you have been suffering for months with no improvement, then it may be time to seek a comprehensive pain management center. (To find one, visit the website of the American Academy of Pain Management at aapainmanage.org.) If you have pain management experts near you, find a specialist who deals with the source of your pain, as an orthopedist for back pain or a rheumatologist for arthritis or fibromyalgia.
You are afraid to exercise
This may be the last thing you feel like you do when you're hurt, but study after study shows that exercise reduces all types of pain. It strengthens your muscles and joints oils, making you less likely to get reinjured. It also releases natural pain-relieving endorphins, which can boost your mood, and fight inflammation associated with a number of painful conditions such as gout and rheumatoid arthritis.
Get relief: Go slow and easy, especially if you have been sedentary for several months. Not five or 10 minutes of walking or other low-impact activity several times a day if that's all you can. Swimming or water aerobics, especially in warm water, making it easy to move, take the pressure on joints, reduce stiffness and pain. "The goal is to get to a comfortable level of functioning," says Judith Turner, Ph.D., professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at the University of Washington. For people who have fibromyalgia, low-to moderate-intensity activity reduces pain better than high intensity.
A physical therapist can guide and help establish a safe level. But physical therapists or other treatments are offered to practitioners such as ultrasound and electrotherapy, have little evidence to support their effectiveness beyond the short-term symptom relief said Tim Carey, MD, Director, Sheps Center for Health Services Research of University of North Carolina.
to be continue..
It was not until she visited a different doctor, that she really started to get help. He asked if she was depressed (back pain and depression often go hand in hand), prescribed an antidepressant, and referred her for counseling. He sent her to physical therapy and put on a fentanyl patch, a strong opioid for people who require constant drug. Now she is able to walk for an hour on the treadmill every day.
An estimated 43 million Americans living with chronic pain report defined as a period of at least three months. However, experts agree that it is terribly undertreated in our country. Despite progress in understanding the pain a few doctors are aware of these advances are trained in pain management, says Michel Dubois, MD, Director of Pain Medicine at New York University Medical Center Langon.
A major change in thinking is that chronic pain is now believed to be a disease not a symptom, and that treating pain is about simply does not cover the source, but treating the whole person. Like heart disease or other chronic conditions, there is no magic bullet, so we must rely on a number of approaches to exercise and medications for relaxation techniques and talk therapy.
Removing the pain can not fully realistic, what can be more than enough to improve your life and do things you love. If you make any mistakes that follows, we have the right formula for lasting relief.
You're trying to tough it out
One in four people suffering from pain expected at least six months before you see a doctor, usually due to pain or downplaying thinking it will pass on their own, according to the American Pain Society. And many sufferers self treatment with OTC analgesics.
Get relief: Ask treatment sooner rather than later. Studies show that most injuries resolve themselves in about four weeks, so if yours has not, or if your pain is affecting your ability work-see your doctor. Waiting can wreak havoc on the body and mind. When pain keeps you from being active, and reduce muscle weakness and strengthen joints, setting additional damage.
Research has shown that chronic pain can also lead to depression and even shrink your brain. A study of 26 patients who had back pain for at least one year found that they had a percent 5 to 11 percent of lost brain cells in two brain areas, prefrontal cortex and thalamus-compared with a group of control. One explanation is that neurons are overactive for so long that it causes them to break down and die, Dubois explains. Researchers hypothesis that if pain persists, it may become less responsive to treatment due to brain changes.
You have seen more than one specialist
In our fragmented health system, with a professional for all diseases, it is easy to jump from one doctor to another. But doctor hopping, experts say, can waste time and money, lead to excessive MRIs and other diagnostic tests, treatment and delay.
Get relief: Find a doctor who can be your point person to coordinate other treatments. Your primary care doctor is probably the best person for this. "Just make sure you have a feeling that he or she take pain seriously, offers a treatment strategy, and sees you often enough to monitor your progress or refer to a specialist if your plan is work, "says Russell Portenoy, MD, chairman of the department of pain medicine and palliative care at Beth Israel Medical Center in New York City. That's what made Shaffer. Although her doctor was not fully trained in pain management-and most physicians-are not "always did research to find out what my next step should be," she said.
If you have been suffering for months with no improvement, then it may be time to seek a comprehensive pain management center. (To find one, visit the website of the American Academy of Pain Management at aapainmanage.org.) If you have pain management experts near you, find a specialist who deals with the source of your pain, as an orthopedist for back pain or a rheumatologist for arthritis or fibromyalgia.
You are afraid to exercise
This may be the last thing you feel like you do when you're hurt, but study after study shows that exercise reduces all types of pain. It strengthens your muscles and joints oils, making you less likely to get reinjured. It also releases natural pain-relieving endorphins, which can boost your mood, and fight inflammation associated with a number of painful conditions such as gout and rheumatoid arthritis.
Get relief: Go slow and easy, especially if you have been sedentary for several months. Not five or 10 minutes of walking or other low-impact activity several times a day if that's all you can. Swimming or water aerobics, especially in warm water, making it easy to move, take the pressure on joints, reduce stiffness and pain. "The goal is to get to a comfortable level of functioning," says Judith Turner, Ph.D., professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at the University of Washington. For people who have fibromyalgia, low-to moderate-intensity activity reduces pain better than high intensity.
A physical therapist can guide and help establish a safe level. But physical therapists or other treatments are offered to practitioners such as ultrasound and electrotherapy, have little evidence to support their effectiveness beyond the short-term symptom relief said Tim Carey, MD, Director, Sheps Center for Health Services Research of University of North Carolina.
to be continue..
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