Male Sexuality

A healthy male sex drive is an important part of life at any age. As we age, some men may experience a decrease in our natural sex drive that can often be very frustrating to both the man as well as the woman. All men have the inner desire and the need to feel sexually vibrant and to be attractive to others. When the time comes that men lose their libido, what options are available?

One of the major causes for the decline in male sex drive has been linked to the natural decline of human growth hormone production from the pituitary gland. This can be attributed to the natural aging process, but there are certain measures men can take to reduce the natural decline of human growth hormone levels. Thanks to modern medicine, there is the ability to genetically supplement our human growth levels to continue to lead a healthy and vibrant lifestyle for many years late into life.

Prescription human growth hormone injections are one method that can be administered by a physician to slow down or minimize the effects of sexual decline due to aging and diminishing bodily HGH levels. It has been concluded in scientific studies that by increasing bodily levels of human growth hormone, men can once again enjoy greater levels of endurance, energy, stamina, and sexual libido.

For men, the effects of aging and diminishing sex drive generally begin with erectile dysfunction, with symptoms generally seen after the age of 40. In recent studies, it was concluded that two percent of men at the age of 40 suffer from erectile dysfunction, with statistics skyrocketing to over 75 percent by the age of 80. The same studies have also concluded that by increasing bodily levels of human growth hormones, more than 75% of the participants were able to maintain an erection with a dramatic increase in their sex drive.

Increasing levels of HGH has a proven effect on muscle mass and the normalization of testosterone levels. Human growth hormone also offers a direct positive impact in the production of sperm. Increasing levels of this hormone can facilitate a greater sex drive while also having a positive impact on the cardiac and nervous systems. Improving the male sex drive also facilitates a positive impact on such vital organ systems.

When participants with low HGH levels in their bloodstream were given human growth hormone treatments by a physician, their stamina, energy, and sexual libido improved. Unfortunately, HGH injections administered by a doctor can be cost prohibitive for most men, with some programs requiring an investment upwards of $2,000 per month. The injections are painful and can require up to 48 injections every month, which comes out to two injections per day, six days a week.

Many men who seek the proven benefits of synthetic HGH have adopted a natural and homeopathic formula available over the counter. Some of these formulas contain a unique blend of natural ingredients that help empower and strengthen the pituitary gland to function at more youthful levels. The connection could be made that empowering and strengthening your pituitary gland to function at more youthful and stronger levels could lead to increased levels of naturally producing HGH in that gland. Certain homeopathic formulas provide both a cost effective and easy to use alternative to the expensive prescription alternative.

Maximum Result HGH Complex is a powerful homeopathic formula, containing an exclusive blend of high-quality, clinically-proven, natural ingredients that safely strengthen and empower both the pituitary gland and the liver while also providing a significant and diverse set of health benefits that help people look and feel better similar to that of homeopathic human growth hormone

Hepatitis C

 

Hepatitis C and its corresponding signs and symptoms

It is a viral induced health condition where the liver is inflamed due to infection caused by a hepatitis C virus or "HCV". Like the other types patients with this kind of hepatitis are often asymptomatic which means with no signs and symptoms upon onset and during acute phase; where the duration for acute stage is within the first six months from onset of the disease. In the chronic stage that is after six months from onset and onwards, presence of liver scarring referred to as fibrosis can be observed and if not treated progresses to a more advanced phase with condition referred to as liver cirrhosis. Upon onset of cirrhosis observable symptoms would then be slowly manifested by the patient such as change in skin color appearance to a yellowish one due to the accumulated bilirubin level in the blood medically referred to as jaundice; malaise, itchiness, decreased appetite or "anorexia", weariness and being quickly bruised due to decreased level of clotting factors are significantly observed as well.

Risk Factors

Like the other hepatitis disease, hepatitis C has its predisposing factors. Patients who have been undergoing dialysis of the kidney for a longer period are at high risk to acquire this type of hepatitis. Individuals with jobs associated with blood contact are also predisposed to such disease such as medical health workers sector. People who engaged in an unprotected sex are prone to catch this type of hepatitis. Although according to research this risk factor is rarely prevalent but for person with HIV or STD it is highly prevalent. The sharing of needle injections commonly practiced by prohibited drug users, tattoo fanatics, acupuncture practices predisposes them to hepatitis not just the C type. Blood transfusion and receiving organs from donors with this disease predisposes someone. The simple sharing of personal belongings for hygiene such as toothbrush and razor are considered to be risk factors as well although this is a rare practice. Lastly, the possibility of hepatitis transmission from a pregnant mother to its offspring is in the list too.

Prevention

Even at present there have been no vaccine discovered to be protected from the type C hepatitis. It's only the Hepatitis types A and B have available vaccines. However, the good news is that the disease can be prevented. Its preventive measures are very simple; it only takes to avoid what was mentioned under predisposing factors so as not to be predisposed to the said hepatitis C infectious disease.

The Anatomy Of A Stroke

A stroke is a devastating attack upon the body that often comes on suddenly, many times without warning. Known as the "silent killer", what many people do not realize is that it can be prevented, quite easily if they simply have a regular physical, and stay on top of any developing medical conditions.

What is a Stroke?

By definition, a stroke occurs whenever a blood vessel in the brain gets blocked or damaged. Without oxygen being delivered through that blood vessel, the brain begins to die, and whatever part of the body that portion of the brain controls will no longer work as it should. Brain damage can occur within minutes of the blood stoppage but quick treatment can limit the amount of damage and increase the chances for a full recovery.

Stroke Symptoms

There are several distinct symptoms that are considered to be signs of stroke, and if you should develop any of the following, please seek medical assistance immediately. There is also a condition known as a transient ischemic attack or TIA, that, while not as seriously damaging, its presence could be considered to be a harbinger of things to come.

Stroke symptoms include:

* Sudden numbness, tingling, loss of movement or weakness: This will occur in the face, arm or leg, on one side of the body only.

* Vision Changes: This could be anything from spots obscuring vision to sudden blurriness in one eye or a complete loss of vision in one eye.

* Trouble Speaking: If the blood is stopped to the portion of the brain that controls vision or speech, the ability to speak clearly ends and your speech may become slurred.

* Confusion: As the brain loses oxygen, cognitive reasoning will begin to slow, making it hard to understand even the most simple line of thought or concept.

* Sudden Onset Headache: This headache is a sign of oxygen deprivation to the brain, and will be quite painful.

* Problems with Walking or Balance: You will lose the ability to balance as you move, or you may experience weakness on one side of the body. It will become increasingly difficult to move about on your own as your balance deteriorates.

Types and Causes

An ischemic stroke is caused by a blood clot that completely blocks a blood vessel in the brain. It could form within the vessel, or it could travel from elsewhere in the body to the brain. This is the most common type of attack in adults today, and nearly 8 out of every 10 strokes will be an ischemic stroke. Blood clots form for various reasons, and unless they are caught early and removed, they can break free and travel throughout the body.

A hemorrhagic stroke will develop when an artery in the brain either leaks or breaks, causing bleeding inside of the brain or near its surface. These are less common but are actually more deadly than a ischemic stroke, because bleeding in the brain can cause it to shut down far more quickly, and the entire event can become critical within seconds.

Treatment

The first thing done upon arrival is for the patient to undergo a CT scan, which will show where any bleeding is occurring. Treatment for ischemic strokes will focus on restoring blood flow to the brain where the clot occurred. The medicine used to treat this will dissolve clot quickly, and improve recovery from stroke, if given within 90 minutes of the attack.

Hemorrhagic strokes are very difficult to treat effectively. Surgery or other methods to stop the bleeding may be required, to prevent swelling of the brain. This can include medicines that will affect your blood pressure, agents to counteract the swelling and coagulants to reduce the bleeding.

Prevention

To avoid the possibility of a stroke, the easiest thing to do is to listen to your body. If health issues develop, see a doctor and get treated, especially if you have a family history of high blood pressure, cholesterol or diabetes. Simple lifestyle changes like a healthy diet, and quitting smoking and alcohol use will also reduce your chances of one ever happening to you.

Want more information on how you can prevent a stroke from ever happening to you? The professionals at Trinity Primary Care want nothing more than your continued health, and are happy to help answer any questions you might have, so call them today. Also check out our new page on Stroke.

How to Handle Hair Scissors

Several people avoid going to the parlor for a simple trim. The more experimental lot would even look to give themselves a makeover by themselves. What is certain is that many people have their own hair grooming kit at home, of which the most important element is the hair grooming scissors.

While having a pair of hair grooming scissors is not too difficult, what is more important is knowing how to use and care for them. When you look for a pair of hair scissors, you must find the right one to buy, and also be able to manage it well. Look for a pair which has a handle that can be gripped easily by your fingers, and which can be moved without fuss. You should also look to ensure that the blades are a size which can be managed well. Buying hair scissors with very large blades will mean that you may cut off too much hair, and ruin a whole look instantly.

When keeping hair scissors, ensure that you have them disinfected before and after every use. If you are looking to use hair scissors at home on yourself, you will not find use for them very often, and it is therefore more important that they be well sanitized each time you use them.

You will know that your hair scissors are not working for you if you find any one of the following problems. The most recognizable problem that you will find is that the scissors are not cutting as well as you expect them to. This only means that your hair scissors are not as sharp as they should be, and you should look for a way to either sharpen the blades, or simply get yourself a new pair. If you notice any signs of rust or discoloration, you must change your scissors immediately. This should normally not occur if you have bought a pair of good quality steel, but it is likely in cases where they in contact with lots of moisture.

If you feel that you are not able to get a good grip on the scissors, you should look to have them replaced. This could either be the result of them loosening up, or simply when the handles are ready to give way. Either way, they need to go.

Care for your hair scissors means good care for your hair. Invest in a good pair and care for them well, and you will see your hair look and grow like you would love it to.

Health and Fitness Training - Inner Strength

We all want to look better, that's why we feel compelled to do some kind of health and fitness training. But many of us never reach the lofty dreams we have of one day being incredibly fit. Why is it that some people succeed where others of us struggle in the area of fitness? We have lapses in training. We eat poorly too often. We rely on a whole slew of excuses as to why we just can eat better and workout more. We complain we don't have motivation thinking that others are just born with a natural drive to excel.

What if we're wrong?

Motivation and success are often the fruits of visualization. How bad do you want something? Do you day dream about it often? Do you research about it daily on the internet? Do you have reminders around your home and work as to where you want to go?

If you want to make a real change in your life, whether it be sticking to a fitness routine or eating a healthy diet, you should start by visualizing each and every day just how you want to eventually look. Make a picture in your mind of potentially how great your physique can be. Believe it is possible.

Now go out and start to read up on how to get to where you want to go. Don't just believe the first thing you read either. Read and read and then read some more. You can do amazing things if you just find a way to get there. Read about a variety of different fitness exercise programs.

Here's a tip that usually takes years to figure out, there is usually some value in every fitness exercise program. Conversely, there is no one program that is better than everything else. They all have their merits. It's good to go and see what you get from different programs and use your own experience to further define how you stay fit as time goes on.

If you resolve to keep trying new things, remain determined to learn more and more, you will build motivation. You won't get discourage over time. Instead you drive will get stronger and stronger just as your body is doing the same. Fitness is a lifelong journey that is sure to keep giving back to you.

You don't do amazing things overnight. It is a long series of small steps that will make up big changes in your body. Keep looking for the next small change in your fitness routine or diet. Keep evolving. Motivation is about getting as excited as a kid about the possibilities that are out there. You just have to keep moving and you will surprise yourself at how the unknown presents doors for you to walk through as time goes on.

Health and fitness training will give you what you put into it. You want to look amazing, now go do it with a great fitness routine.

Lifestyle - Live It the Healthy Way

Lifestyle is the way that you live your life and it is a composition of habits, some healthy, some not so healthy, the choices we make, the priorities we set. This short article gives some tips on how to live a healthier life on a personal platform.

Smoking, Drinking And Drugs

If you are on any of these, I am sure you know where this path leads. The final destination of where this journey is going to end is called "misery". Along the way, you will come across many health problems, lose all your hard-earned money to find solutions to treat it and your social and family life may be disintegrated. This is a fact what these 3 poisons will do to harm your body, what it will do to your personality, how it is going to jeopardize your career, your family and friends. Quit now, before its too late. It is not worth putting your whole life on the line for poisons.

Sleep

Seven to eight hours sleep is the norm for most people and 5 hours is the minimum to wake up in the morning recharged and energized. Studies show that 7-8 hours of uninterrupted sleep promotes strong physical health, emotional well-being and longevity.

After a real good night's sleep, yo wake up fresh, think better, emotions are stable and productivity high. Sleep deprivation will lead to a whole list of chronic illnesses such obesity, diabetes, heart disease, and even early mortality.

Why is sleep important?
Your body is busy producing extra protein molecules to help boost your immune system to fight infection,building new cells, repairing old cells and help you stay healthy while you sleep.

When you are awake, your heart is constantly under pressure and sleep is when it helps to reduce the levels of stress and inflammation, lower blood pressure. Sleep induce a state of relaxation and in so doing slows down the aging process, this is why a person looks so much fresher after a good night's sleep, haggard and with eye bags when sleep deprived.

While you are sleeping your brain is busy organizing and correlating memories, and retaining information, this is why after a good night's sleep you find it easier to concentrate and your memory is better.

When you are lack of sleep, you feel sluggish and you will burn glucose slower and hence a spike in sugar level and this is one reason for the cause of type 2 diabetes.

When you lack of sleep, you will have mood swings and gets irritated and agitated and blow small incidents that could be easily resolved out of proportion creating a very incongenial atmosphere and the result at the end is stress.

Some tips on getting quality sleep:

• Determine and follow a regular sleep schedule and keep to it. It is easier said then done, but if you put your mind to it, your body will be able to adapt and this healthy habit will form.

• Set a bedtime routine such as reading a book, lowering the lights or play some soothing music. Your brain will soon recognise these triggers and prepare you brain and body to wind down for sleep.

• Avoid eating a big meal, watching horror suspence movie or engaging in office work at least 2 hours before your bedtime.

• Check and ensure you have a conducive environment for sleep, have your room clean and smelling fresh, with comfortable mattress and pillows.

If you do have problem sleeping try having a tea to help you to sleep. Hot water over 3 gms of matricaria flowers,(chamomile) soak for ten minutes before putting it through a strainer. This herb will hep you sleep like a baby. You can also get this over the counter in capsule form.

Supplements

Though we may be cooking our own meals, there are still times where we may not be able to cook the varitey needed to have complete nutrition or some nutrition may not be found in food. We cannot go without and what we can do is to take supplements to compensate.

You cannot go wrong with multi-vitamins as this is almost what everyone needs. They are affordable and they supplement what is missing in food. When taking supplements, do follow maufacturer's label on dosage and instructions.

Money Matters

Money makes the world go round and without it, it is definitely one BIG stressor. So for a healthy and long life, you need to get your finances in order, you must know your income and from there what you can or cannot afford. Live within your means.

Some tips here to manage your finance:

• It is tempting to always want what others have, but cut your coat according to your cloth so the saying goes. Consider your finances and your budget before you embark on unnecessary expense.

• For convenience you may want to buy on credit, but settle within the same month to avoid paying the related interest.

• Share the household budget with members of the family to create a sense of responsibility and so everyone is aware how much is coming in and how much is going out and everyone can help in their own way to save cost.

• Eating out is not only bad for health, for your weight, it is also hard on the wallet. Eat out only if necessary to celebrate occasions. Further more, if you eat out often, celebrations will not be special anymore.

Spend within your budget, control, check and balance and you will lead a happier and stress free life. Share finance problems with your spouce. Two heads are always better than one especially when it comes to numbers and you need all the brain

Rewards

It does not mean that you have to scrimp all the time, reward yourself where appropriate. Set mini reachable goals in your daily life. It helps you to move forward and spur you on to the next. Reward yourself as you meet the goals.

Rewards can be simple such as having an ice-cream (for meeting your weight target), a night out with the gals or guys, or a romantic dinner for two with your spouse.

In this way, the going will be easier and you will soon find that keeping and maintaining healthy lifestyles are not that difficult.

Focus on changing the unhealthy ones, or eliminating them, cultivating new healthy ones and this will help you to live healthier and longer.

Chocolate As a Health Food

In researching the recent fad of chocolate and Wine pairing, we became intrigued by a statement from one of its proponents stating that chocolate is a healthier choice than cheese to pair your favorite wine with. Obviously, we are big defenders of cheese here, but we did discover that chocolate has a lot of impressive health benefits.

Many of us were already aware that dark chocolate contains cancer-fighting anti-oxidants, but did you know that it contains more than red wine, tea, blueberries, or cranberries?

Chocolate is good for your heart too. The phenols in chocolate can help reduce the risk of heart disease and arteriosclerosis (hardening of the arteries). The flavanols in chocolate help the body use nitric oxide, which is essential for healthy blood flow and blood pressure, so chocolate helps reduce high blood pressure as well. A study at the University of California Davis even determined that chocolate causes a reduction in blood platelet activity, which causes blood to clot. So eating chocolate can have an anti-clotting, blood thinning effect similar to low doses of aspirin that are very popular in the medical community these days.

Studies in the past have focused on the health benefits of dark chocolate, but Wheeling Jesuit University determined that consuming milk chocolate can benefit memory, attention span, reaction time, and cognitive problem solving ability. The increased mental performance is associated with theobromine and phenylethylamine, both of which are elements commonly found in Milk chocolate. So chocolate makes you smarter too!

Any chocolate lover knows that it makes you feel good. That may be one more reason many of us are prone to eat too much of it. But there is scientific evidence that eating chocolate stimulates the production of endorphins, which provide a pleasurable sensation similar to the one that runners get after jogging a few miles. (Eat chocolate or run? Hmmm.....) Chocolate even contains the neurotransmitter serotonin, that acts as an anti-depressant. A study in England also concluded that even just the smell of chocolate can lift your spirits. No wonder everyone who works in our store is always so happy!

So eating chocolate fights cancer, prevents heart disease, improves brain function, and makes you happy, and we have not even mentioned all of the vitamins and minerals it contains. But of course there is a caveat: the dreadful word that always pops up whenever we are discussing nutrition or healthy eating, "Moderation." Consuming an overabundance of chocolate is not good for the waistline, which could defeat the purpose of all of the other health benefits outlined here. Too much sugar can also weaken the immune system and present risks for Diabetes if consumed regularly. So indulge in an amount that fits into a healthy daily calorie intake. Lastly, if you're going to eat chocolate, make sure you indulge in the best.

Indications That Ecstasy Treatment Is Needed

It is known as the young person's drug. It is also known as the party drug. Its official scientific name is methylene-dioxy-methamphetamine. On the street and in the clubs it is called "E" or "X" or maybe "XTC", but you most likely have heard it called ecstasy. This illegal drug has more names than most other drugs, making it a challenge to keep track of.

What is not hard to keep track of is the fact that ecstasy usage is increasing, meaning there are more opportunities for abuse of this drug necessitating ecstasy treatment. Ecstasy is in a class of drug called psychoactive, which is generally defined as a drug providing the stimulant effects of methamphetamine in combination with the hallucinogenic effects of something like LSD. With this usage increase, there is the need for increased ecstasy treatment options.

If you have a loved one that you suspect is using drugs, it is important to understand some of the signs and symptoms and be on the lookout for them. While some of these are the same from drug to drug, there are others that can be very different depending on which drug is being abused. While statistics seem to indicate that ecstasy is not as addictive as other drugs, this does not mean that people do not get themselves into trouble with this drug. Those who do will need ecstasy treatment in order to overcome their desire to use.

One of the characteristics that can make ecstasy so dangerous is the fact that it is an illegal street drug. This means that from one batch to the next, or one dealer to the next, you do not necessarily know what you are getting. The ingredients might be different. The strength might be different. In reality, it might not even be ecstasy every time. For these reasons, it can be a challenge to know exactly what effects usage might have on a person.

That being said, there are some general symptoms that you should watch for in someone you suspect is using ecstasy. Since it is a stimulant, you might notice that the person is not sleeping a normal amount. They might be staying out late at night partying, possibly with a new crowd of friends. With the stimulating effect of ecstasy, there can be a letdown as the drug wears off, causing the person to be sluggish or maybe even depressed.

It has been shown that ecstasy acts on the neurotransmitters in the brain. With repeated ecstasy use, these transmitters can come to expect the drug, meaning that they readjust their "normal" to what the feeling is when ecstasy is in the system. This can affect the user's ability to regulate his or her moods, meaning there could be big mood swings. There have also been reports of users being unable to accurately perceive reality.

One of the biggest issues with ecstasy abuse is that users tend to engage in behavior that is not normal for them. This could mean trying other drugs or alcohol in combination with ecstasy. If you observe or suspect this type of behavior, it is important to get ecstasy abuse treatment as quickly as possible.

Short Term and Long Term Effects of Amphetamine Drug Abuse

Amphetamines, one of the most addictive drugs available, are a group of active psychostimulators. They are so called because, when abused, they result in increased production of neurotransmitters in central nervous system, mainly Dopamine and Noradrenaline (norepinephrine). This activity results in increased sense of alertness, focus, energy, euphoria in the drug abused individual. It is also supposed to decrease the sense of fatigue, sleepiness and appetite in the individuals.

A small or limited amount of the drug is used to treat psychological disorders, such as Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFT). But if taken in high doses or without prescription, the drug is found to have very serious effects on human body. These effects may be for long term or short term.

The short term and long term ill effects of Amphetamine drug abuse on human body are as follows:

Short-term effects
An individual consuming Amphetamines regularly will have high chances of getting addicted to it. This is because of the sense of high energy and well-being that is created in the minds of individual. Amphetamines are so dangerous that the individual is prone to ill effects of drug abuse, in the initial stages itself. Some of the effects that can be noticed during the initial phase of drug administration are:

• Anorexia
• Hyperactivity
• Fatigue
• Dilated pupils
• Blurred vision
• Dizziness
• Elevated heartbeat
• Headache
• Lack of appetite
• Rapid breathing
• Restlessness
• Increased alertness

These short term effects are an indication for the individual to cease the intake of the drug. On identifying the short term effects, an individual should immediately seek good treatment to avoid many serious consequences further.

Long-term effects
Individuals, who overlook the short term effects of the drug, might be inviting many fatal consequences. Prolonged drug administration takes a toll on all the functions of the body. It is mainly found to have a serious impact on central nervous and cardio vascular systems of the human body. The individuals addicted to this drug are found to be more susceptible to Parkinson's disease. The disease resistant power in the individuals is also found to decrease. Apart from these, the other problems which arise are:

• Psychiatic disorders
• Cognitive disorders
• Neurotoxicity
• Psychosis
• Schizophrenia

Long term administration of drug also makes an individual resistant to any kind of drug treatments, which ultimately takes away the chance from an individual to better his/her life. As most of the long term effects are deathly, an individual should take precautionary measures in the initial stages of drug abuse or better stay away from those things.

Amphetamines, because of their addictive nature, make it hard for an individual to withdraw the drug abuse. A person trying to get rid of the habit may suffer from mental fatigue, depression, increased appetite, anxiety, suicidal ideation, lucid dreams, etc. Hence, an individual should be aware of the consequences of the Amphetamine drug abuse, as it is the question of well-being of the individual.

Drug alcohol test is an online store offering quick, easy to use and FDA approved drug testing kits at guaranteed low prices. Our marijuana testing detects the presence of THC metabolite in human urine. It is available in form of single-panel or multi-panel test kits or integrated E-Z drug test cups.

Living With HIV/AIDS

On April 3, 1987 the day after my 14th birthday, I was walking away from a fight when this girl who was much older than I was tried to pick a fight with me. I ignored her and kept on walking. Then suddenly she ran up behind me and hit me on the back of my head, with a wooden leg off of a baby bed. It jerked my head forward and broke my neck. At the time I was around three months pregnant, but since that meant that I was only in my first trimester, the doctors were unable to perform the surgery right away.

Then in June of 1987 when I was five months pregnant the doctors were finally able to perform the surgery to repair my broken neck; however, I lost too much blood during the surgery putting me at risk of losing my baby. So I was given a blood transfusion, two pints of blood I was given. The next month when I returned for my six month prenatal check-up and I was asked to get an HIV test. The doctors had found out that one of the pints of blood that I was given was contaminated with the HIV virus. So I agreed to be tested. Two weeks later while I was at church an incredible force came over me to go up to the altar and the pastor prayed for me and my unborn child. Around the same time at home my mother received the call for us to come in and discuss my test results. When my mother told me about the call, I knew that I had tested positive for HIV. I don't know how I knew, I just did. Why else would the doctor call about test results on a Sunday?

The next morning we went into the maternity clinic to discuss the test results and sure enough I had tested positive for the HIV virus. My mother was devastated. I, on the other hand, accepted it immediately. I was told that I probably wouldn't live to see my 18th birthday. Then the doctor tried to talk me into getting an abortion; however, I didn't believe in abortions, so I refused. After all I was already in my sixth month of pregnancy and I had started feeling my baby kicking. I wouldn't have gotten an abortion under any circumstances so they left me alone in my decision to keep my baby. Still, I was told that my baby could be born with HIV as well. But I was putting my faith in God that he would have mercy and spare my baby from this devastating disease.

By this time my mother had to quit her job to take care of me. We lost our home and by the time I was seven months pregnant we became homeless. Around the same time, my baby's daddy had gone on a job in Kentucky, on his way back home to Nashville; he was killed in a car accident. So now I was seven months pregnant and homeless and I was going to be a single mother. Then at 6:00 a.m. on November 21st I went into labor, I went through 58 hours of labor but finally at 4:20 p.m. on November 23, 1987 I gave birth to my daughter. She weighed 6 pounds 12 ounces. She had black curly hair and the most beautiful hazel eyes. I named her Deondra Mae Snyder. She seemed to be a healthy baby full of life and charisma. When she was born, only my antibodies were testing positive for HIV. However, when my daughter turned 18 months old she too tested positive for the HIV virus. At that time the doctors put my daughter on an AIDS medication called AZT.

Then when she turned four years old she had her first Opportunistic Infection, she was diagnosed with Pneumocystis Carinii Pneumonia (PCP) which is a deadly type of AIDS-related pneumonia even for an adult. The survival rate for this type of pneumonia was slim to none; however, by the grace of God she survived. The doctors discovered that she had become resistant to the AZT so then they said they could start her on some experiential drugs but we would have to go to the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in Bethesda, Maryland to receive the treatment. So in 1991 I started taking my daughter to the NIH in Bethesda. While she was there the doctors started my daughter on a three drug combination called a cocktail which consisted of DDI, DDC, and Saquinavir. Unfortunately, as quick as the new drugs became available, she would become resistant to them. Nevertheless, we continued to fight, trying treatment after treatment.

Then in 1994 when I was 21 I too came down with a bad case of PCP in both lungs and I almost died. I was in the hospital for three months during which time my right lung collapsed, I developed a blood clot in my PIC line (a kind of IV that can be used for several weeks to several months) and I had a nervous breakdown. At that time I was diagnosed with having full-blown AIDS. Then and there, I was determined that I was going to live with AIDS, not die from it. Through the years I have had many bouts of sickness and close calls with death, but I am a survivor.

As the years passed, my daughter became sicker and sicker. Then on January 26, 2000 my daughter lost her battle with AIDS. The Angel of Death had come and took my baby girl away from me. She was only 12 years old when she died. After her death I went into a deep depression, and even tried to commit suicide on a couple of occasions. Then I realized that my daughter would want me to live. So I got counseling to deal with the pain and grief that I was feeling. Eventually I did get better and started living my life again.

Then in December of 2009, God had mercy on me and I started on a new drug called Atripla. When I started on Atripla my CD4 counts were at a low 22 and my viral load was very high at 1.5 million. I responded very well to the Atripla and my counts quickly rose and my viral load quickly dropped. Now today, almost three years later my CD4 counts are 649 the highest they have ever been and my viral load is undetectable. I have finally found my wonder drug and I am beating this disease one day at a time. I am now attending college at Nashville State Community College where I'm pursuing an Associate's Degree in Office Administration Medical Professional Concentration. I am averaging a 3.0 to 3.4 GPA I have also become a writer for several websites, which has allowed me to share my stories in hopes that it will encourage others. I just want to say that AIDS doesn't have to be a death sentence, that there is life after an AIDS diagnosis. If I may share one piece of advice it would be to fight this disease head on, keep a positive attitude and believe in your higher power.

I am 38 year old, web article writer, poet, author of two books-TRUE INSPIRATIONS and SLEEPING WITH THE ANGELS; and a colllege student at Nashville State Community College where I am pursuing an Associate's Degree in Office Administration-Medical Professional Concentration. I have been HIV positive for 24 years and had full-blown AIDS for 17 years.

The Lethal Menace

These days all one seems to hear in India is "Bird Flu". The disease which has taken a major part of India in its grip, has not only severly affected the poultry industry of the nation but also it has sent panic bells ringing across the states - from Delhi in the North to Tamil Nadu in the South, to West Bengal in the East, the latter being worst affected. Even the World Health Organisation (WHO) has declared the current outbreak of Bird Flu in India as the worst case reported till date.

In the affected areas, chickens are being culled at a rapid pace, but still the disease is spreading its wings from one district to the other, from one state to another. One primary reason for the rapid spread of Bird Flu is the lack of awareness about the virus which causes the disease. Almost everyone knows that the disease is lethal, but not many know what causes it, how it spreads, and how it can be prevented.

Keeping in mind the scale and spread of Bird Flu virus that has taken its toll in India, Headlines India decided to give its readers an insight into the disease, which first broke out in 1997 in Hong Kong, affecting 18 people and claiming 6 lives.

Bird Flu, also known as Avian Flu, is an influenza caused by virus, which affects birds. It might sound surprising, but the fact is that birds, like humans, are vulnerable to influenza. Influenza viruses can be divided into three types (strains) - influenza A, B and C. Type A is responsible for the deadly influenza pandemics. Type B can lead to smaller, more localized outbreaks. Type C, less common and more stable than other strains, has milder symptoms. Types B and C are usually found only in humans, whereas type A infects both people and animals, including birds, pigs, horses, whales and seals.

Bird Flu is caused by the H5N1 strain of virus, and is a type 'A' influenza. It usually affects chicken and other poultry birds such as ducks. Earlier, human infection was unheard of in Bird Flu. However, the virus spread from birds to humans in 1997, when six people in Hong Kong died of the disease. According to the data provided by World Health Organisation on February 1, 2008, approximately 225 people across the world have succumbed to the disease over the past five years.

It must be noted here that although the bird flu virus is highly contagious, it rarely causes any harm to the carrier. Thus, even while infected with an avian flu virus, the animal does not have "flu". Typically, flu virus is adapted by one species of bird, and in turn spreads to another species. This happens more with the domestication of chickens and turkeys, as the avian flu virus acquired by one species rapidly mutates and infects the other species as well. This rapid spread can be stopped only by killing every domestic bird in the affected area.

The H5N1 strain virus causes avian influenza. The highly pathogenic Influenza A virus subtype, H5N1 virus, is an emerging avian influenza virus that has been causing global concern as a potential pandemic threat. It is simply referred as "bird flu" or "avian influenza".

Over the years, H5N1 has evolved into a flu virus strain that infects more species of birds than any previously known flu virus strain. This strain is deadlier than any previously known flu virus strain, and continues to evolve becoming both more widespread and more lethal.

H5N1 has killed millions of poultry Asia, Europe and Africa. Although human transmission of the virus is rare, the recent cases of human infections have left the health officials worried. Health experts are concerned that the co-existence of human flu viruses and avian flu viruses (especially H5N1) will provide an opportunity for genetic material to be exchanged between species-specific viruses, possibly creating a new virulent influenza strain that is easily transmissible and lethal for humans.

With bird flu engulfing almost the entire nation, where 26 people with suspected symptoms have been kept in isolation, the disease is posing a potential threat to the country. The virus is spreading like wildfire, and in order to prevent the disease from affecting human beings, it is essential to have a thorough understanding of how bird flu affects human beings, the symptoms of the disease, its treatment and prevention measures.

Bird flu is known to scourge millions of poultry birds in a single outbreak. Lately, we have been hearing of the bird flu virus attacking human beings as well. Once the bird flu virus has made its way into the human body, it renders the infected person terribly sick. In some cases, it also causes death.

At a time when bird flu menace has gripped India severely, we must take care to protect ourselves from the bird flu virus. In order to do that, we must understand how bird flu affects human beings. Read on, and know the implications of the H5N1 strain of virus on human beings.

During an outbreak of bird flu, human infection is very rare, as there is a significant species barrier that exists between birds and humans. However, the virus that causes the infection in birds is capable of changing or mutating to infect humans. Since the first H5N1 outbreak occurred in 1997, there has been an increasing number of bird-to-human transmissions leading to clinically severe and fatal human infections. Health officials are concerned that this bird-to-human transmission can lead to a pandemic, or a worldwide outbreak of the illness.

During an outbreak of bird flu, people who have contact with infected birds can become sick. It is also possible to catch bird flu by eating poultry that is not well cooked or through contact with a person who has it. Bird flu makes human beings sick, and in extreme cases, it can even cause death.

Bird-to-human transmission of the avian influenza virus can take place in the following conditions:

Birds shed the virus: Infected birds shed the virus in their droppings, saliva, nasal secretions and even in their feathers. Humans may contract the virus by close contact with any of these, or even by touching an infected bird.

The virus spreads to domesticated birds: Domestic poultry become infected from contact with other infected birds or with contaminated water, feed or soil. Bird flu spreads quickly within a domestic flock and is inadvertently transported from farm to farm on equipment, cages, and workers' shoes and clothing. Heat destroys the virus, but it can survive for extended periods in cool temperatures.
Markets provide pathways to humans: Open-air markets, where eggs and birds are sold in crowded and unhygienic conditions, are hotbeds of infection that spread the disease into the wider community.

Migration of humans and birds: The ease of worldwide travel has the potential to spread bird flu around the globe. An infected person travelling from an affected area to another area may transfer the virus to other people. Similarly, migratory birds can carry the virus from continent to continent along flyways.
Signs and symptoms of bird flu in humans:

In humans, the virus usually develops within one to five days of exposure to the infected birds. Once the virus is developed in the human body, certain changes are noted in the health of the infected person. The common symptoms of bird flu are:

Cough

Fever

Sore throat

Muscle ache

A mild eye infection

In rare cases, some severe symptoms may also be noted. These are:

Viral pneumonia

Acute respiratory distress - the most common cause of bird flu related deaths.

However, bird flu cannot be diagnosed by symptoms alone. So a laboratory test is required.

Treatment of bird flu:

The primary treatment option for bird flu in humans is the flu drug oseltamivir (Tamiflu), which works by preventing the virus from multiplying. However, Tamiflu may not always work, as the bird flu viruses may become resistant to the drug. The drugs must be taken within two days after the appearance of symptoms. These drugs are scarcely available, and hence many infected human beings die due to the non-availability of Tamiflu.

Preventing bird flu:

A bird flu vaccine is the latest way to prevent the infection of the H5N1 virus in human beings. In April 2007, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the first human vaccine to prevent infection with one strain of H5N1 bird flu virus. This new bird flu vaccine is not available to the public, but the U.S. government is stockpiling it and will distribute it in the event of an outbreak.

The bird flu vaccine is intended to help protect adults aged between 18 and 64 and can be used early in such an outbreak to provide limited protection until another vaccine - designed to protect against the specific form of the virus causing the outbreak - is developed and produced.

Besides the vaccine, the first and foremost way to prevent bird flu, according to WHO, is to handle and cook the poultry with care. Heat destroys the virus, and hence cooked poultry does not pose a health threat. However, handling and cleaning the poultry with care is also important. Some simple ways to prevent bird flu infection are:

Wash your hands well with soap and warm water before and after handling raw poultry and eggs, and dry them with a disposable towel.

Clean cutting boards and other utensils with soap and hot water to keep raw poultry from contaminating other food.

Use a food thermometer to make sure you cook poultry to a temperature of at least 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

Cook chicken until the juices run clear, and it reaches a minimum internal temperature of 165 degree Fahrenheit (74 degree Celsius).

Cook eggs until whites and yolks are firm.

Prevention for travellers:

Since bird flu is highly contagious, it may affect a person travelling to an affected area. By following certain public health regulations, travellers can prevent the infection and spread of the disease through them. These regulations include:

Avoid domesticated birds: If possible, avoid rural areas, small farms and especially any close contact with domesticated fowl.

Avoid open-air markets: These can be interesting places to visit, but they are often breeding grounds for disease.

Wash your hands: This is one of the simplest and best ways to prevent infections of all kinds. When you are traveling, alcohol-based hand sanitizers containing at least 60 percent alcohol are an excellent choice. They are effective, easy to use, don't require water, and are safe for children.

Watch your kids: Keep a careful eye on young children, who are likely to put their hands in their mouths and who may not wash thoroughly.

Steer clear of raw eggs: Because eggshells are often contaminated with bird droppings. Also, avoid mayonnaise, hollandaise sauce, ice cream, and any other foods containing raw or undercooked eggs.

Ask about a flu shot. Before travelling, ask your doctor about a flu shot. It might not protect you specifically from bird flu, but it may help reduce the risk of simultaneous infection with bird and human flu viruses.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about 36,000 people die of influenza in the United States each winter. And three or four times every century, a flu pandemic sweeps the globe, claiming millions of lives. We, humans, cannot stop the outbreak of a disease, but we can certainly prevent and cure the infection. All we need to do is, educate and and care for ourselves and our family. So, take care, and stay healthy!

What You Need To Know About Anti-Malarial Drugs

Many a time, I am asked what my recommendations are concerning the use of anti-malarial drugs. First, understand that the prefix "anti-" means "against". So the intention of using an anti-malaria drug is to work "against malaria".

Right? Well, that is if you are sure that the case is truly that of a malaria infection.

Ok, now what if it is not, but the symptoms are just mimicking the malaria disease because of the factors which I have mentioned earlier? Would it be right to administer an anti-malaria drug to such a case? Just take a moment to reason it out yourself. Would that not complicate an already confused case? And what would you expect to be the final outcome of such a treatment?

Another thing to consider is that "working against malaria" will invariably mean that you have to use a very powerful arsenal of anti-malaria drugs to suppress the disease from disturbing you. But you must also understand that, that will only provide a temporary relief for you. When the effect of the drug has worn off, the symptoms will reappear, sometimes in a modified and perhaps in a more virulent and resistant or difficult-to-treat format. It does not matter if it took a few days, or weeks to reappear. That it did recur at all means the treatment was not the correct one or that something that need to be addressed has not been tackled.

The other point to remember is that by the very nature and composition of "anti-"drugs, whether they be anti-malarials or antibiotics, they will "wipe out" both the infected cells and the good protective cells without discrimination and in consequence weaken, and further reduce the ability of the Natural Immune Defence System of any habitual user of such "anti-"drugs to protect against diseases.

Many, if not all the anti-malaria drugs in the market today, have been abused, overused and or wrongly applied by different groups of people such that by creating a hostile environment for an otherwise easily curable ailment, anti-malarial drugs promote untreatable strains of malaria with certain mutations that allow the plasmodium parasite to survive.

This explains why many of the well known anti-malaria drugs that have been used for so many years as first-line choice for the treatment of malaria have become ineffective and or have instead become precursors of ill-health. They have either been over-used or inappropriately administered; thereby impacting negatively on malaria sufferers or potential victims. The TRUTH therefore is that anti-malaria drugs can only provide temporary relief to whoever uses them. In some cases, they become the problem instead of the solution they were touted to be.

If a case is recurring or continually relapsing, despite the use of the best "recommended anti-malaria drugs", then there will be an urgent need to properly investigate the ailment to determine whether it is a "true malaria" case or a "false malaria" case. You can read the full details in "The Real Causes And Cure Of MALARIA".

How To Be Malaria-Free For Life!

The best way to treat and cure malaria is to find the real cause of the disease in each individual case and then administer a remedy or remedies that will address the totality of the symptoms being exhibited by the sufferer.

There cannot be a mass treatment regime for everyone as the causal factors will vary greatly even among members of one family or the same household. I speak from the practical experiences that I have had over two decades working in the "trenches" of the "malaria jungle" in Africa.

My recommendation therefore is that you should use anti-malaria drugs in a very limited way in acute cases under proper medical supervision or appropriate healthcare personnel, if there is nothing else nearby. The first rule of treatment is to SAVE the life of the sick person. But do not persist in their use if they do not provide the expected relief.

As much as possible, try to avoid "self recommended medications" based on a newspaper, radio or television advert or "friends' advice". In most of the cases, adverts are of a general nature and do not necessarily refer to your particular situation, even if you thought or believed so because of your limited knowledge of pharmaceutical products and their effects.

Remember that an advert is a marketing gimmick that uses a "non sequitor" technique designed to make you buy a product that you may not need. If you don't know what to do, please ask someone who does; instead of panicking and resorting to do irrational things or taking measures that turn out to more dangerous and damaging than the original disease.

For chronic cases, a comprehensive constitutional treatment is required to unravel the reasons or "mystery" why the sufferer has become a puppet in the hands of the disease. Once this is properly done, the real cause or causes will be known and the right type of remedies or treatment applied to free the patient from further malaria attacks. Act on this advice now if you want to Be Malaria-Free For Life!

Small But Mighty - The Case of Natural and Holistic Healthcare

"The bee is small among flying things, but her fruit hath the chiefest sweetness"

So it is with Natural and Holistic Healthcare practice. It provides the most effective, affordable, healthier and safer methods, approaches and natural remedies to eradicate malaria but the world looks at it only as "a small healthcare contributor". Yes! Even as half of the world's population (estimated at 3.3 billion people - 2009 WHO report) is currently at risk of malaria attack! So despite what they want you to believe, does the world really care if malaria is eradicated or not? And are those concerned really acting in your best interest? What to do?

Therefore, if you truly desire to Be Malaria-Free For Life, and to live a healthier, happier longer life, Natural and Holistic Healthcare approaches, methods, products and remedies should be an important part of your life - a BIG phenomenon. The taste of the pudding is in the eating.

It is only a matter of time before the TRUTH of the matter becomes the stark reality for all to see.

Until then, remember that you can "Be Malaria-Free For Life".

Yes, You Can! . . . And please take care of yourself

Dr. Sos Chifiero is the author of the book -- The Real Causes And Cure Of MALARIA. He is a Natural and Holistic Healthcare Consultant and President of the non-profit organization -- Malaria Eradication Network -- http://www.malariafree.org/ -- whose primary objective and ONLY goal is the global eradication of malaria. The unique malaria eradication system he developed has a factor which he calls "The Dynamic Coefficient of Success" and is deeply rooted in Natural, Holistic and Complementary Healthcare Therapies. This factor provides the "missing link" in the current global malaria eradication efforts. Based on his over twenty one years success in the implementation of this factor in curing chronic and acute malaria cases, this unique system, if applied, can become the major determinant in dramatically accelerating the tempo and success of the global malaria eradication efforts. Dr. Chifiero is a widely-traveled international scholar and lecturer who regularly initiates creative, innovative and effective Natural and Holistic solutions to a myriad of healthcare concerns, interpersonal relations and social issues. He also features in TV discussion programmes, edits a Newsletter, writes scholarly articles, provides Natural and Holistic Healthcare Consultancy Services and Private Mentoring Classes to a wide range of clientele: private individuals, corporate organizations, groups, schools and other customized requests from around the world. He can be contacted through the Malaria Eradication Network website. If you want to know more about how to Be Malaria-Free For Life; that is to discover the complete Malaria Eradication Secrets, subscribe to his monthly FREE Newsletter and also get your copy of the book "The Real Causes And Cure Of MALARIA (2nd Edition).

Arizona Slashes Education, Health Care for the Poor - Proposes Flat Income Tax

Arizona, like much of the nation - has it all backwards when it comes to balancing the state budgets. Federal cuts have placed more of the burden on the states, and most states are running deficits, which is constitutionally illegal for much of the country (why this is so for states and not the federal government is an interesting question).

In Arizona, the Republican led legislature keeps cutting spending rather than raise taxes (the 1 cent state sales tax was an exception, and it expires next year). This year is their fantasy come true - cutting education and health care, while proposing MORE tax breaks for businesses and the wealthy.

Here are this years big cuts, as detailed by The Tucson Weekly:

The budget pretty much does everything that conservatives have dreamt of doing in Arizona: K-12 education is cut by $242 million. Universities are cut by $235 million. Community colleges are cut by $63 million. More than a quarter-million people lose their state-subsidized health insurance. And on and on and on.
Sandy Bahr, legislative lobbyist of the Sierra Club, notes that the budget permanently reduces a fund dedicated to cleaning up contaminated water sites from $15 million to $7 million a year, and eliminates any general-fund contribution to the Arizona Water Protection Fund. Hey, who needs clean water?
Lawmakers are also swiping more than $2 million in user fees from state parks and nearly $1.5 million for the State Lake Improvement Fund, as well as smaller amounts from other non-taxpayer funds that support the parks. A separate bill requires the Arizona State Parks board to start privatizing parks.
In total, the GOP budget shaves more than $1.3 billion in state spending—which is about a half-billion more than Gov. Jan Brewer proposed.

We already pend the smallest amount per student of any state in the nation - and our academic achievements show it - we are always in the bottom three states, along with Mississippi.

I can't imagine why any large company would relocate to AZ when all we can offer them are some tax breaks and an illiterate workforce. If it were my company, I'd want to be in a state that has quality education - that supports education rather than giving tax breaks to the wealthy.

That all happened last week - but after the Weekly went to press, the Arizona Daily Star reported on the real Holy Grail of this legislature, a proposed flat income tax. Under this tax scheme, those making more than $100K pay LESS taxes, while lose making under $100K pay more taxes - the rich get richer and the poor and middle class get poorer - and in order to make this work they are also eliminating ALL deductions, including interest on mortgages and charitable contribution deductions.

A Senate panel approved the bill on Thursday on a partisan vote:

A Senate panel voted Thursday for a major revision in the state tax code that would mean lower bills for about 13 percent of Arizonans - and higher ones, on average, for everyone else.
The legislation, approved on a 4-2 party-line vote with Republicans in the majority, would replace the state's graduated income tax structure with a single flat rate.
Preliminary estimates put that new figure at 2.13 percent. And that is lower than any of the current rates, which range from about 2.5 percent to 4.5 percent.
But to bring in the same amount of money as the current system, the plan would eliminate all deductions. That includes some big ones, like interest paid on home mortgages and charitable contributions.
And the exemptions from income that now exist for each person living in the home also disappear.
Rep. Steve Court, R-Mesa, who already has shepherded the proposal through the House, said the idea is fairness.
"This changes the way we look at how we tax income," he said. "It also simplifies the process."
Court said the idea of eliminating all those exemptions and deductions make sense "so that the government does not incentive how you spend your money and you don't have a situation where a group of you all making $24,000 a year would all pay a different tax."
But what Court called a "fair process" drew the ire of Sen. Paula Aboud, D-Tucson.
She pointed out the net effect is going to be a tax shift from those at the top of the income scale to those lower down. Figures crafted by the Joint Legislative Budget Committee conclude the break point is around the $100,000 range, with everyone below that paying something more than they do now.
He predicted that the average tax bill for those below $100,000 will be going up $200 a year. "It's not going to be any excessive tax increase," Court said.
Aboud bristled at that conclusion.
"Two hundred dollars to some people is a decider between food, medicine and a whole lot of things in these hard economic times," she said.
"This feels insulting for the people that are struggling, when they're losing their health care and they've lost their job and they're losing their home," Aboud continued. "There are a lot of people that are suffering, and this bill heaps that onto them."

Face that doctors built: Gun accident victim shows off world's first full facial transplant

Oscar, 31, underwent a full-face transplant in March. He appeared in public today for the first time at a news conference at the Vall d'Hebron Hospital in Barcelona, Spain

Oscar (centre) with his sister and Dr Joan Barrett at the press conference. He can now eat a soft food diet and is learning to speak again

Oscar stands beside Dr Joan Barret, left, and is surrounded by his doctors. He was treated by a team of 30 specialists

Before the operation: Oscar lost his nose in a hunting accident

Medical history: Dr Joan Pere Barret with X-rays showing the shattered face of the man prior to the operation

Steve Jobs - What if he had taken on the HIT challenge?

Yesterday, I saw something that made me think of the difference between a "techy" and a "regular" doctor's approach to technology.

We were installing an upgrade to a popular medical dictation software.  The upgrade was over the network and was to occur seamlessly overnight.

Unfortunately, in the morning when providers logged in, they saw a big message in the middle of their screens saying the software would now be installed and during this process, they would not be able to use various software including MS Outlook.

To make matters worse, this was a long install process and the message would stay on top of all other windows.



When the IT person was told about the problem the response was,

"What's the big deal?  Just drag the message window down so it does not interfere with other windows, and use web Outlook.  What if you can't dictate you notes for a while?  Just use the keyboard!"

I am sure a number of docs had figured that out and went about their work.  But many were complaining...



The world is made up of 2 kinds of people (simplistic view with lots of assumptions):

1. Those who love Linux because it is open and they can tinker with it and troubleshoot it and they get a thrill out of making a difficult thing work.  Some of these same people would prefer a PC over a Mac because of similar reasons.  They love messing with the hardware and drivers and they know how not to get viruses.  They would hate a device where they cannot modify the OS or hardware!
   I would venture to suggest that these same people may also get a kick out of fixing their furnace and replacing a faucet.
   These might also be the folks in the IT industry.


2. Those who want to take a device out of the box and just have it work.  They want to use the device to do what it is bought for without worrying about trouble shooting the device.

Fixing things and finding workarounds is fun and gives the person satisfaction from having solved a tough problem.  But when time is short, when there is important work to be done, when the interface creates inefficiencies, it causes a lot of frustration.  Having worked on both sides of the fence (Clinical and IT) it is quite obvious that the 2 sides don't speak the same language, are clearly not on the same page.  Our current EHR systems are a classic example.



Physicians probably don't know what exactly they want but they know what they have is not ideal.  They want someone to figure out what their needs are and create something simple that works that actually helps them take better care of their patients in less time.



I really wonder if Steve Jobs ever got to see one of these EHR interfaces and work-flows, saw the chaos of a clinician's day, the frustrations, the inefficiencies, ....

An iPad is arguably the best media consumption device ever made.  EHRs have a ton of data, and docs need a device with the right form factor and data visualization to consume information about their patients as they walk from room to room.



Would he have taken on the challenge to fix it?  Would he have made a difference in people's lives by improving care via better HIT products?  Did we lose a huge opportunity in his untimely death?

Blogger Dynamic Views

Recently Blogger announced the Dynamic View Templates which can make your blog look very stylish and also increase the speed with which it will load.  So now you can allow a large number of your posts to show up on one page and let the user choose which one to read instead of scrolling through "older and newer" or other navigation methods.

There are seven templates to choose from.  I like the magazine view (shown here) but you don't have to decide on one. All the templates offer a drop down to choose a preferred view to the reader.

I did not convert my template to one of the dynamic view templates.  Instead I added a HTML/javascript gadget to the top right side that lets readers choose to see the blog in a dynamic view.  There are still browsers out there that will not support a dynamic view template.  At some point I will probably convert to a dynamic template.