tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-86764252024-02-21T20:05:29.498+02:00Anaesthesia - Intensive Care - Pain Management - Palliative Care - AcupunctureNews and Updates concerning Anaesthesiology, Pain Management, Intensive Care Medicine, Palliative Care and Medical Acupuncture.Apostolos Mitragashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10936150812263538529noreply@blogger.comBlogger91125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8676425.post-46310166207530416302016-11-02T15:48:00.000+02:002016-11-02T15:48:00.298+02:00What Is Cupping Therapy? Uses, Benefits, Side Effects, and More <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Cupping therapy is an ancient form of alternative medicine in which a therapist puts special cups on your skin for a few minutes to create suction. People get it for many purposes, including to help with pain, inflammation, blood flow, relaxation and well-being, and as a type of deep-tissue massage.<br /><br />The cups may be made of:<br />
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li> Glass</li>
<li> Bamboo</li>
<li> Earthenware</li>
<li> Silicone</li>
</ul>
<br />
Cupping therapy might be trendy now, but it’s not new. It dates back to
ancient Egyptian, Chinese, and Middle Eastern cultures. One of the
oldest medical textbooks in the world, the <em>Ebers Papyrus</em>, describes how the ancient Egyptians used cupping therapy in 1,550 B.C.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.webmd.com/balance/guide/cupping-therapy" target="_blank"> More...</a></div>
Apostolos Mitragashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10936150812263538529noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8676425.post-66940949800648001762016-11-02T14:17:00.000+02:002016-11-04T11:40:28.204+02:00Acupuncture proves fertile ground for a healthy conception<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfjeWexISB0ewGZOcjW2gAChkdJ9yD0l99YfsE8AX84muoa4_PqrpdproYZUh0GWzHjK_mMj1hprJpGQAkveBCvs7237qSyycPTKtatwe-GKQXd1KJ3PkPnNfZXMfZmI-Bf6Ql/s1600/acupuncture-for-fertility.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfjeWexISB0ewGZOcjW2gAChkdJ9yD0l99YfsE8AX84muoa4_PqrpdproYZUh0GWzHjK_mMj1hprJpGQAkveBCvs7237qSyycPTKtatwe-GKQXd1KJ3PkPnNfZXMfZmI-Bf6Ql/s400/acupuncture-for-fertility.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Can acupuncture really increase a woman's chances of conceiving?
Research has found that acupuncture treatment can have a positive effect
on those trying for a baby and can actually aid the conception process.
Over the past twenty years, fertility problems have increased
dramatically. At least 25* percent of couples in the UK planning a baby
will have trouble conceiving, and more and more couples are turning to
fertility treatments to help them start a family.<br />
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<br />Fertility focused acupuncture treatment can help to increase
blood flow to the reproductive organs, balance hormone levels, regulate
the menstrual cycle and help improve the lining of the uterus and
quality of eggs released. Additionally, conditions such as polycystic
ovaries and endometriosis have also been shown to improve with
acupuncture<br />
<br />
Men today also face fertility problems. Benefits to male fertility have
been helped by acupuncture with positive effects on sperm count,
morphology and mobility.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.acupuncture.org.uk/public-content/public-pr-press-releases/acupuncture-proves-fertile-ground-for-a-healthy-conception-acupuncture-and-fertility.html" target="_blank">More... </a><br />
<br />
Source: British Acupuncture Council<br />
<br />
<i><b>Related: <a href="https://translate.google.com/translate?hl=en&sl=el&tl=en&u=http%3A%2F%2Facumedgr.blogspot.gr%2F2015%2F06%2Fipogonimotita-velonismos.html" target="_blank">Infertility: Acupuncture, A valuable Ally</a></b></i><br />
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Apostolos Mitragashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10936150812263538529noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8676425.post-56461960678669613282016-10-31T15:43:00.000+02:002016-10-31T15:43:00.339+02:00Acupuncture Relieves Rhinitis & Prevents Oral Ulcers <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5sZy2fePBZ6pK_2HClpYgWL1w40WkCWg6AmaIla3yqC-E4bM_pio3KCeTZvu9NPCmUKSio3W7HeC3DHVW9Vbr11M1z0LXATKi0_r1WVwfcb6KfZFWPv7wMbxOlv93_0XE_QNq/s1600/acupuncture-rhinitis.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="367" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5sZy2fePBZ6pK_2HClpYgWL1w40WkCWg6AmaIla3yqC-E4bM_pio3KCeTZvu9NPCmUKSio3W7HeC3DHVW9Vbr11M1z0LXATKi0_r1WVwfcb6KfZFWPv7wMbxOlv93_0XE_QNq/s400/acupuncture-rhinitis.jpg" width="400" /> </a></div>
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Acupuncture relieves nasal congestion due to rhinitis. Research
published in the Shanghai Journal of Acupuncture and Moxibustion
demonstrates that acupuncture combined with moxibustion alleviates nasal
congestion, swelling, post-nasal drip, and a runny nose.The research confirms that acupuncture exerts an anti-inflammatory
action, enhances immunity, and is effective in the prevention of
immunological related disease.<br />
<br />
The research compared the effectiveness of acupuncture plus moxibustion
with nasal drops containing nitrofurazone and ephedrine. The total
effective rate of the nasal drop medication was 55%. Acupuncture
combined with moxibustion achieved an 85% total effective rate for the
alleviation of rhinitis signs and symptoms.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.healthcmi.com/Acupuncture-Continuing-Education-News/1530-acupuncture-relieves-rhinitis-prevents-oral-ulcers" target="_blank">More...</a> </div>
Apostolos Mitragashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10936150812263538529noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8676425.post-12510059462918793782016-10-28T15:26:00.000+03:002016-11-04T11:41:48.385+02:00These 3 acupuncture points are banned for pregnant women, here's why..<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5Ag967SBLazCQldEl5_VavL8x87F1QLw-vl5fTCoHNEMJKRd-sSA-Jb-ftgIvMoKxzLWp4g6_X16IWPOTNo7hM7rIVncI-BlxkXnNGnY9x2tiC91h8tNrY2Db1BhnBWw4p64f/s1600/acupuncture-pregnancy-acumed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5Ag967SBLazCQldEl5_VavL8x87F1QLw-vl5fTCoHNEMJKRd-sSA-Jb-ftgIvMoKxzLWp4g6_X16IWPOTNo7hM7rIVncI-BlxkXnNGnY9x2tiC91h8tNrY2Db1BhnBWw4p64f/s400/acupuncture-pregnancy-acumed.jpg" width="400" /> </a></div>
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Many Traditional Chinese Medicine therapists consider acupuncture to be a safe and effective form of alternative medicine for pregnant women. Complications arising from the application acupuncture therapy during pregnancy are rare; however some acupuncture points should be used with caution or avoided during pregnancy.<br />
<br />
Below we have listed three acupoints many acupuncturists would agree should be avoided throughout every trimester. Although these are three of the most popular and widely used acupoints in an acupuncturist’s arsenal, their dynamically powerful action on a patient’s qi makes them a risky choice during pregnancy.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.blueheronclinic.com/201602107159/blog/viral/7159-these-3-acupuncture-points-are-banned-for-pregnant-women-heres-why" target="_blank">More...</a></div>
Apostolos Mitragashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10936150812263538529noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8676425.post-16364027463592703692016-10-27T15:25:00.002+03:002016-10-27T15:25:48.383+03:00Musculoskeletal Injections: A Review of the Evidence<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin2PCv6v-IsailIZ_r7AhlZh7eUrwFVW6vI1g53tGHY5nSPg_hx9aQ-GGT89sysfBnwxX-6fO8H4R63z1XwuCMkUYKYz_l-mQiJCh3PtIXkezGgQ1qlSsgACHebB45_goee-fy/s1600/articular-injections.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin2PCv6v-IsailIZ_r7AhlZh7eUrwFVW6vI1g53tGHY5nSPg_hx9aQ-GGT89sysfBnwxX-6fO8H4R63z1XwuCMkUYKYz_l-mQiJCh3PtIXkezGgQ1qlSsgACHebB45_goee-fy/s400/articular-injections.jpg" width="400" /> </a></div>
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Injections are valuable procedures for managing musculoskeletal
conditions commonly encountered by family physicians. Corticosteroid
injections into articular, periarticular, or soft tissue structures
relieve pain, reduce inflammation, and improve mobility. Injections can
provide diagnostic information and are commonly used for postoperative
pain control. Local anesthetics may be injected with corticosteroids to
provide additional, rapid pain relief. Steroid injection is the
preferred and definitive treatment for de Quervain tenosynovitis and
trochanteric bursitis. Steroid injections can also be helpful in
controlling pain during physical rehabilitation from rotator cuff
syndrome and lateral epicondylitis. Intra-articular steroid injection
provides pain relief in rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. There
is little systematic evidence to guide medication selection for
therapeutic injections. The medication used and the frequency of
injection should be guided by the goal of the injection (i.e.,
diagnostic or therapeutic), the underlying musculoskeletal diagnosis,
and clinical experience. Complications from steroid injections are rare,
but physicians should understand the potential risks and counsel
patients appropriately. Patients with diabetes who receive periarticular
or soft tissue steroid injections should closely monitor their blood
glucose for two weeks following injection.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.aafp.org/afp/2008/1015/p971.html" target="_blank">More...</a><br />
<br />
<div class="self-citation">
<i>Am Fam Physician.</i> 2008 Oct 15;78(8):971-976.</div>
</div>
Apostolos Mitragashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10936150812263538529noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8676425.post-87111140140175987592016-10-23T18:44:00.000+03:002016-10-23T18:44:05.246+03:00Providing Value-Based Regional Anesthesia: It’s a Matter of Angles<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz_yWXATc1SK8v0IpGZ7WZ4scFt9mreUv8iG4yPxCb0i3l1zsCTlmAp3pJs9EHYR_wljHQHeKGq8a0gqmuOY5s29vWV2mnbRo5IvycmxLHUL2i4ERuuxpM3dFi3mge1vFnoQA5/s1600/Regional+Anaesthesia+2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz_yWXATc1SK8v0IpGZ7WZ4scFt9mreUv8iG4yPxCb0i3l1zsCTlmAp3pJs9EHYR_wljHQHeKGq8a0gqmuOY5s29vWV2mnbRo5IvycmxLHUL2i4ERuuxpM3dFi3mge1vFnoQA5/s400/Regional+Anaesthesia+2.png" width="400" /> </a></div>
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The value of the services that anesthesiologists provide is being
examined more closely than ever. Indeed, determining the true value of
regional anesthesia can only be done within the context of its many
costs, most of which are not monetary.<br />
<br />
“‘Value’ is the name of the game in medicine these days,” said Brian
E. Harrington, MD, staff anesthesiologist at Billings Clinic Hospital,
in Billings, Mont. “Yet I don’t think a lot of anesthesiologists have a
great understanding of the concept of value and how we can impact it,”
he said during the 21st Annual Jefferson Anesthesia Conference.<br />
<br />
<strong>Value = Benefit/Cost</strong><br />
<br />
“Many
anesthesiologists limit their perception of the value of regional
anesthesia to its benefits: less pain, faster rehabilitation and better
patient satisfaction,” Dr. Harrington said. “But value is actually
benefit per cost.”<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.anesthesiologynews.com/Clinical-Anesthesiology/Article/06-16/Providing-Value-Based-Regional-Anesthesia-It-s-a-Matter-of-Angles/36504/ses=ogst" target="_blank">More... </a><br />
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Apostolos Mitragashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10936150812263538529noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8676425.post-27719153041869828592016-10-22T18:03:00.000+03:002016-11-04T11:42:25.598+02:00The Effect of LI4 Acupressure on Labor Pain Intensity and Duration of Labor<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTa8Q5d25FMrPiYjNe6MF9Nylw3sSYDbPhYc5MXeuCJhRARjigUsIdy9oJ4R3GW3EaY3aDb9hRPhIbPkg-kMOeDgDYVvoCm4g2igwx11XMv-hSeOfRYPqbVIcVJ62YjTYucU5p/s1600/acupressure-labour-acumedgr.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTa8Q5d25FMrPiYjNe6MF9Nylw3sSYDbPhYc5MXeuCJhRARjigUsIdy9oJ4R3GW3EaY3aDb9hRPhIbPkg-kMOeDgDYVvoCm4g2igwx11XMv-hSeOfRYPqbVIcVJ62YjTYucU5p/s400/acupressure-labour-acumedgr.jpg" width="400" /> </a></div>
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One of the most pressing concerns and fears for pregnant women is the
pain of labor, which leads to an increase in the number of cesarean
sections. Pain relief in labor is an important issue in obstetric care, however,
as yet, there is no standard and accepted technique for the relief of
that pain without side effects.<br />
<br />
Generally, there are two options for pain relief during labor, these
use either pharmacological or non-pharmacological methods.
Pharmacological methods have adverse side effects for the mother and
fetus, whereas non-pharmacological methods are free from side effects.<br />
<br />
Acupressure is a non-invasive method which is used to augment labor, provide pain relief, and shorten delivery time.
It increases the intensity of uterine contractions (based on Montevideo
unit) without affecting the duration and intervals of uterine
contractions and, eventually, reduces the duration of delivery. <br />
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A single-blinded, randomized, control trial was carried out over a
seven-month period, between October 2011 and April 2012, at Dr. Shariati
University Hospital in Bandar Abbas, Iran. The trial was approved by
the Ethics Committee of Hormozgan University of Medical Sciences (HUMS),
Iran.<br />
<br />
Our study suggests that L14 acupressure is a suitable
non-pharmacological technique that is easy to perform and effective in
elevating pain, without causing adverse side effects for the mother or
baby. It can be used to reduce pain during the active phase of labor
rather than using pharmacological methods. According to the World Health
Organization’s policies to reduce the rate of cesarean deliveries and
promotion of safe childbirth, it is necessary to make childbearing
pleasant and reduce maternal fear of natural childbirth using safe
methods to reduce labor pain and increase the rate of vaginal delivery.
In order to make this possible, midwives need training in using
non-pharmacological techniques and the attitudes and policies of the
hospitals need to be altered. Due to the simplicity and safety of the
acupressure technique, additional research using a larger sample size
and in combination with other techniques to apply pressure on different
points of body is suggested.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4289495/" target="_blank">More...</a><br />
<br />
Source: <br />
<div class="inline_block eight_col va_top">
<div>
<div>
<span class="cit"><span role="menubar"><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4289495/#" role="menuitem">Oman Med J</a></span>. 2014 Nov; 29(6): 425–429.</span><span class="doi"> doi: <a href="https://dx.doi.org/10.5001%2Fomj.2014.113" target="pmc_ext">10.5001/omj.2014.113</a></span></div>
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Apostolos Mitragashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10936150812263538529noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8676425.post-84402387158342134532016-10-21T17:56:00.000+03:002016-10-21T17:56:14.610+03:00Palliative care viewed as a stigma, despite improving quality of life<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8Pj3w8yzfEnjilAK0HY_WD8m0pRxb_XDQGJ1u_lDr6ZbWq9Sty-CxS-xrcGuWkV-AbXSSzl-JyGGGRZZaQe5uosMD7ebR2mxY6557m4ch77NZRUEJmMP6a9MW0tqc7zD0Mq8y/s1600/palliative-care-acumedgr.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8Pj3w8yzfEnjilAK0HY_WD8m0pRxb_XDQGJ1u_lDr6ZbWq9Sty-CxS-xrcGuWkV-AbXSSzl-JyGGGRZZaQe5uosMD7ebR2mxY6557m4ch77NZRUEJmMP6a9MW0tqc7zD0Mq8y/s400/palliative-care-acumedgr.jpg" width="400" /> </a></div>
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Study indicates education, rebranding could help spread benefits<br />
<br />
The term palliative care carries a stigma for patients and their
caregivers, who regard it as synonymous with impending death. Education,
and possibly a name change, will be necessary to be able to integrate
palliative care into routine advanced cancer care, according to new
research in <em>CMAJ (Canadian Medical Association Journal)</em>.<br />
<br />
Palliative care is designed to improve the quality of life of
patients with a serious illness and their families. The World Health
Organization and all major national and international cancer societies
encourage early access to palliative care. Research indicates that for
people with advanced cancer, early palliative care benefits both
physical and mental health and can even extend life.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2016/04/160418130640.htm" target="_blank">More...</a></div>
Apostolos Mitragashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10936150812263538529noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8676425.post-84638013120555871492016-10-20T10:48:00.001+03:002016-10-20T10:48:53.583+03:00Peri-op Clonidine: Benefits Not There, But Hypotension Is<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRLuKtaV6o19K6brJc8fvOUwmUg5how-3V_5eJ8SmXkSk97qLIwG2QAUQx1u0RB7QQHm8tItnEDKAoZXZheeknWLimsguixXg6P3LzyRFn-_JkEJ4zbmWyxCz4zTcqwIJLpB1o/s1600/Perioperative-nursing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRLuKtaV6o19K6brJc8fvOUwmUg5how-3V_5eJ8SmXkSk97qLIwG2QAUQx1u0RB7QQHm8tItnEDKAoZXZheeknWLimsguixXg6P3LzyRFn-_JkEJ4zbmWyxCz4zTcqwIJLpB1o/s400/Perioperative-nursing.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Anesthesiologists who use perioperative clonidine in the hope of
reducing acute postoperative pain or opioid consumption need to
reconsider their efforts.<br />
<br />
According to a randomized controlled
trial at the Cleveland Clinic, in Ohio—the largest such trial
ever—researchers found that the drug has neither of these perceived
benefits, and its use may come at the expense of hypotension.<br />
<br />
“Anesthesiologists
have been using clonidine for sedation and analgesia for years, even
though it’s primarily a blood pressure medication,” said Alparslan
Turan, MD, professor of anesthesiology and vice chair of the Department
of Outcomes Research at the Cleveland Clinic. “However, the only place
where it’s been proven to work is in epidural and caudal analgesia. Oral
and transdermal use have not been tested in large trials, and the data
in the literature is not that solid.”<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.anesthesiologynews.com/Clinical-Anesthesiology/Article/07-16/Peri-op-Clonidine-Benefits-Not-There-But-Hypotension-Is/36889/ses=ogst" target="_blank">More... </a></div>
Apostolos Mitragashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10936150812263538529noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8676425.post-82721190019910083052016-10-19T11:52:00.000+03:002016-10-19T11:52:15.127+03:00Evaluation of six videolaryngoscopes in 720 patients with a simulated difficult airway<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzKXLB3HLAuqOj94yLGqFGdZo7m-B9otxvRJ0rcUcHdFE-EItbffvtNx8JuPGgTV_vZkpkVJbmVGAcRY0jq_VvRt9uAqA7CUCUen7qOMRWisb039RCUD0uO7hTlNgt5xDkwn1_/s1600/VIDEO-LARYNGOSCOPE.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzKXLB3HLAuqOj94yLGqFGdZo7m-B9otxvRJ0rcUcHdFE-EItbffvtNx8JuPGgTV_vZkpkVJbmVGAcRY0jq_VvRt9uAqA7CUCUen7qOMRWisb039RCUD0uO7hTlNgt5xDkwn1_/s400/VIDEO-LARYNGOSCOPE.png" width="400" /> </a></div>
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Videolaryngoscopes are aggressively marketed, but independent evaluation
in difficult airways is scarce. This multicentre,
prospective randomized controlled trial
evaluates six videolaryngoscopes in patients with a simulated difficult
airway.<br />
<br />
This trial revealed differences in the performance of six
videolaryngoscopes in 720 patients with restricted neck movement
and limited mouth opening. In this setting,
first-attempt success rates were 85–98%, except for the A.P. Advance™
difficult
airway blade. Highest success and lowest tissue
trauma rates were achieved by the McGrath™ and C-MAC™ D-blade,
highlighting
the importance of the videolaryngoscope blade
design. <br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://bja.oxfordjournals.org/content/116/5/670.full" target="_blank">More... </a><br />
<cite><abbr class="slug-jnl-abbrev" title="British Journal of Anaesthesia"><br /></abbr></cite>
<cite><abbr class="slug-jnl-abbrev" title="British Journal of Anaesthesia"><br /></abbr></cite>
<cite><abbr class="slug-jnl-abbrev" title="British Journal of Anaesthesia">Br. J. Anaesth.</abbr><span class="slug-pub-date" itemprop="datePublished">
(2016)
</span>
<span class="slug-vol">
116
</span><span class="slug-issue">
(5):
</span><span class="slug-pages">
670-679.
</span>
<span class="slug-doi-wrapper">
doi:
<span class="slug-doi" title="10.1093/bja/aew058">10.1093/bja/aew058</span>
</span>
</cite>
</div>
Apostolos Mitragashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10936150812263538529noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8676425.post-10814195444884471082016-10-18T16:00:00.000+03:002016-11-04T11:45:51.774+02:00How Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture Can Help Intrauterine Insemination Succeed?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnrVhufsNDvcxPCHg7uyuL80wNZDTA3lgcAOWUYqzcwfFP-O6Fq5GXuI1YahKrRB3P5HmrSeqpDtuL01ka0sV5W8HIDJd87dXiA0iQQmV8QIuFjK6zDT5tDsusSUwOr82sSF0j/s1600/Intrauterine-insemination-acuuncture.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="226" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnrVhufsNDvcxPCHg7uyuL80wNZDTA3lgcAOWUYqzcwfFP-O6Fq5GXuI1YahKrRB3P5HmrSeqpDtuL01ka0sV5W8HIDJd87dXiA0iQQmV8QIuFjK6zDT5tDsusSUwOr82sSF0j/s400/Intrauterine-insemination-acuuncture.jpeg" width="400" /> </a></div>
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Overall success rates for IUI are 15-20%, with 6% from natural IUIs and
up to 30% for IUIs done with fertility drugs. Chinese Medicine, however,
can greatly improve these success rates by combining acupuncture,
reproductive organ massage and Chinese herbs, all of which have a proven
positive effect on conception and implantation.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://nurtureacupuncture.com/services/acupuncture/" title="Acupuncture">Acupuncture</a>
assists the body in regulating the Hypothalamus-Pituitary-Ovarian axis
thus balancing the hormones to produce an increased number of follicles
and better quality eggs. It also increases the blood flow to the uterus
and increases the thickness of the uterine lining to improve
implantation rates. Acupuncture also relaxes the nervous system and
decreases stress levels to dramatically improve chances of pregnancy. It
diminishes the side effects of ovulation and hormonal support drugs.
And, for men, acupuncture improves sperm samples by increasing semen
counts, motility, and morphology thus aiding in the natural
fertilization process during IUI.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://nurtureacupuncture.com/assisted-reproductive-tech-pregnancy-support/intrauterine-insemination-iui/" target="_blank">More... </a></div>
Apostolos Mitragashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10936150812263538529noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8676425.post-44303083238598269192016-10-18T11:31:00.000+03:002016-10-18T11:31:09.509+03:00 Acupuncture Relieves Cerebral Palsy Complications<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3NddXHNvw8Ya9Ct3P19GWESGnmq-QKbHtqvV0SzileH5wiRA2c9JFUIiAuUh1kxsXdmR5mR0uLQENlUXLEoAAkn4m8uv4sW74dpVBSTmJD8EcVAgt1W-wYtducjxUL-8tqDpI/s1600/cerebral-palsy-acupuncture-acumed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3NddXHNvw8Ya9Ct3P19GWESGnmq-QKbHtqvV0SzileH5wiRA2c9JFUIiAuUh1kxsXdmR5mR0uLQENlUXLEoAAkn4m8uv4sW74dpVBSTmJD8EcVAgt1W-wYtducjxUL-8tqDpI/s400/cerebral-palsy-acupuncture-acumed.jpg" width="400" /> </a></div>
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<strong>Acupuncture alleviates cerebral palsy related hearing disorders and excess drooling.</strong></div>
<br />
<em>Hospital researchers find acupuncture effective for relieving
excessive drooling and for improving hearing in cerebral palsy patients.
In a surprise finding, the optimal acupuncture needle retention time
for benefitting hearing was not the longest retention time. A shorter
duration produced superior patient outcomes. Take a look at the findings
and protocols to learn what the researchers discovered.</em> <strong></strong><br />
<strong><br /></strong>
<br />
Acupuncture is an effective treatment for cerebral palsy related
complications, including drooling and hearing disorders. In a clinical
study conducted at Neijiang Second People’s Hospital, researchers Xie
and Lu determined that acupuncture and massotherapy significantly
alleviate drooling and improve quality of life scores for cerebral palsy
patients. Evidence suggests that cerebral palsy (CP) related drooling
is correlated with motor impairments affecting swallowing (Senner et
al.). This condition affects the overall quality of life and may impede
speech and increase risk of infectious diseases.<br />
<br />
Xie and Lu conclude that cerebral palsy patients treated with
acupuncture and massotherapy had significantly greater positive patient
outcomes than patients in the control group that did not receive either
acupuncture or massotherapy. Patients receiving acupuncture with
massotherapy demonstrated less drooling and significant improvements in
fine motor movements, adaptive behavior, and social behavior over the
control group. Acupuncture plus massotherapy patients also demonstrated
the ability to take meals independently more significantly than the
control group.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.healthcmi.com/Acupuncture-Continuing-Education-News/1646-acupuncture-relieves-cerebral-palsy-complications" target="_blank">More... </a></div>
Apostolos Mitragashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10936150812263538529noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8676425.post-88285033241746663282016-10-13T20:11:00.003+03:002016-10-13T20:11:56.444+03:00Misunderstanding of palliative care leads to preventable suffering<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxhptuMyMDpcTR5faMJgpkB-vZ0SZAvlYBV6UFtbmcZ_OMRJP-PszB5TvgkZfASjeZKbW5bC8x-eHjLp2j2RKkAFQRbSJUlrqa-VVqtUeUB_xlFGILrmnA-qOi4lHkefbpy2Wz/s1600/PALLIATIVE-CARE.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxhptuMyMDpcTR5faMJgpkB-vZ0SZAvlYBV6UFtbmcZ_OMRJP-PszB5TvgkZfASjeZKbW5bC8x-eHjLp2j2RKkAFQRbSJUlrqa-VVqtUeUB_xlFGILrmnA-qOi4lHkefbpy2Wz/s400/PALLIATIVE-CARE.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>
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A new review says palliative care's association with end of life has
created an "identity problem" that means the majority of patients facing
a serious illness do not benefit from treatment of the physical and
psychological symptoms that occur throughout their disease.<br />
<br />
The
editorial is co-authored by palliative care experts at Harvard Medical
School, Massachusetts General Hospital, the American Cancer Society, and
Johns Hopkins University, and appears in the <em>New England Journal of Medicine.</em>
The authors say palliative care should be initiated at the same time as
standard medical care for patients with serious illnesses, and not
brought up only after treatment has failed.<br />
<br />
....<br />
<br />
Early provision of specialty palliative care improves quality of life,
lowers spending, and helps clarify treatment preferences and goals of
care for patients with advanced cancer. However, widespread integration
of palliative care with standard medical treatment remains unrealized,
and more evidence is needed to show the potential gains of early
palliative care in other populations. This will require improved public
and professional awareness of the benefits of palliative care and
coordinated action from advocacy groups, health professionals,
educators, and policymakers. Patients who access earlier specialty
palliative care have better clinical outcomes at potentially lower costs
— a compelling message for providers, policymakers, and the general
public.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/12/131213135429.htm" target="_blank">More... </a><br />
<br />
Sources: <i><a href="https://www.sciencedaily.com/copyright.htm">ScienceDaily</a></i><em> , </em><a href="http://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMsb1305469#t=article" target="_blank"><em>N Engl J Med</em></a> </div>
Apostolos Mitragashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10936150812263538529noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8676425.post-58030375217170554482016-10-12T20:29:00.000+03:002016-11-04T11:46:06.589+02:00The Role of Acupuncture in Assisted Reproductive Technology<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_6T7khSVCRLOLVWwVj9U8fHWp29_GBCBVn3zvfjEem9JGEK3CBU3VLuqQqGelzBLqc_0hYnklZ32phSKmn_Y3tXPZhbema8cWRZ0s6JvF5QHkKztx0WNlAvSNn491iLJ5WOon/s1600/IVF.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_6T7khSVCRLOLVWwVj9U8fHWp29_GBCBVn3zvfjEem9JGEK3CBU3VLuqQqGelzBLqc_0hYnklZ32phSKmn_Y3tXPZhbema8cWRZ0s6JvF5QHkKztx0WNlAvSNn491iLJ5WOon/s400/IVF.jpg" width="400" /> </a></div>
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The aim of this paper was to provide reliable evidence by performing a
systematic review and meta-analysis for evaluating the role of
acupuncture in assisted reproductive technology. All randomized
controlled trials that evaluated the effects of acupuncture, including
manual, electrical, and laser acupuncture (LA) techniques, on the
clinical pregnancy rate (CPR) and live birth rate (LBR) of in vitro
fertilization (IVF) or artificial insemination were included. The
controlled groups consisted of no acupuncture and sham acupuncture
groups. The sham acupuncture included sham acupuncture at acupoints,
sham acupuncture at non- or inappropriate points, sham LA, and adhesive
tapes. Twenty-three trials (a total of 5598 participants) were included
in this paper. The pooled CPR from all acupuncture groups was
significantly higher than that from all controlled groups, whereas the
LBR was not significantly different between the two groups. However, the
results were quite distinct when the type of control and/or different
acupuncture times were examined in a sensitivity analysis. The results
mainly indicate that acupuncture, especially around the time of the
controlled ovarian hyperstimulation, improves pregnancy outcomes in
women undergoing IVF. More positive effects from acupuncture in IVF can
be expected if a more individualized acupuncture programs are used.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3395377/" target="_blank">More... </a></div>
Apostolos Mitragashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10936150812263538529noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8676425.post-81986798104920348462016-10-12T18:48:00.001+03:002016-10-18T19:09:36.456+03:00World Arthritis Day 2016 - The Future is in Your Hands<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<br />
This year's theme for World Arthritis Day is 'It's in your hands, take action.'<br />
People with rheumatic and musculosceletal diseases (RMDs) are taking action everyday to live their lives to the fullest.<br />
<br />
This year, World Arthritis Day is asking people to share their stories about how they have taken action to live their life to the fullest with a rheumatic and musculoskeletal disease (RMD) in order to provide greater education to people both within the RMD community and the general public. You can share your story via social media, using the hashtag #WADStory, or upload your story directly to the World Arthritis Day website<br />
<br />
The Future in your hands’ forms part of the wider two-year World Arthritis Day campaign:<br />
<span style="color: #f1c232;"><b>'It's in your hands, take action'</b></span><br />
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>RMDs affect a quarter of all people in the European Union – that’s over 120 million people –<br />more individuals than any other disease group</li>
<li>RMDs can affect people of all ages including children and babies and if not treated<br />appropriately, daily activities such as walking, climbing stairs, cooking and personal hygiene<br />and working are affected – reducing quality of life and impacting on physical abilities</li>
<li>The prevalence of clinical anxiety and depression in those with RMDs is about twice that<br />seen in the general population</li>
</ul>
<br />
<b>Facts and figures</b>
<br />
<ul>
<li><b>RMDs affect a quarter of all people in the European Union</b> – over 120 million people</li>
<li>Almost <b>every family in Europe is affected by RMDs</b> in some way</li>
<li>In the industrialised world, <b>RMDs affect more individuals than any other disease group</b></li>
<li>RMDs affect both <b>men and women</b> of all ages, including children and babies.
However, some RMDs are more common among certain populations. For
example, rheumatoid arthritis, scleroderma, fibromyalgia, and lupus
predominantly affect women. Spondyloarthropathies and gout are more
common in men</li>
<li>RMDs are the biggest <b>cause of sick leave and premature retirement</b> worldwide</li>
<li><b>RMDs have a huge economic burden on global healthcare systems</b>.
In Europe, public spending totals over €200 billion per year. They are
the most expensive diseases for the European health and socio-economic
systems. The costs are associated with diagnosis, treatment, drugs,
care, assistive devices, home modifications, and research. In addition,
decreased productivity and absence from work as a result of RMDs
contributes significantly to these costs</li>
<li>If left untreated, some RMDs <b>may reduce life expectancy</b></li>
</ul>
<b><a href="http://www.worldarthritisday.org/facts/rmd-facts" target="_blank">More... </a></b><br />
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<b><i><span style="font-size: large;">"Taking part in the ‘The Future in your Hands’ campaign as an individual is easy</span></i></b><br />
<b><i><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.worldarthritisday.org/" target="_blank">Get Active Now. Get Involved</a> ! "</span></i></b></blockquote>
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/I56oMBce-7w" width="560"></iframe>
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Source: <a href="http://www.worldarthritisday.org/" target="_blank">World Arthritis Day</a></span> </div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
Apostolos Mitragashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10936150812263538529noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8676425.post-25880135547487226202016-10-11T20:22:00.000+03:002016-10-11T20:22:10.638+03:00Effect of palliative care-led meetings for families of patients with chronic critical illness<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1GTQQpfYH1j7bRGQCmsPKX4a-DGyqHNcPRwr6DzT1P1hY0xcTyyCFMysHkk9_upSXSorvrmHmKieSSg3mmSORlpSprCJh1IN4T4uBnx7fpK2uwnTxXwP0tjTOwz95l667VL1f/s1600/1293799_Meeting-counselling-therapy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="233" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1GTQQpfYH1j7bRGQCmsPKX4a-DGyqHNcPRwr6DzT1P1hY0xcTyyCFMysHkk9_upSXSorvrmHmKieSSg3mmSORlpSprCJh1IN4T4uBnx7fpK2uwnTxXwP0tjTOwz95l667VL1f/s400/1293799_Meeting-counselling-therapy.jpg" width="400" /> </a></div>
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<br />
Among families of patients with chronic critical illness, the use of
palliative care-led informational and emotional support meetings
compared with usual care did not reduce anxiety or depression symptoms,
according to a study appearing in the July 5 issue of <em>JAMA</em>.<br />
<br />
Patients are considered to have developed chronic critical illness when
they experience acute illness requiring prolonged mechanical ventilation
or other life-sustaining therapies but neither recover nor die within
days to weeks. It is estimated that chronic critical illness affected
380,000 patients in the United States in 2009. Family members of
patients in the intensive care unit (ICU) experience emotional distress
including anxiety, depression, and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Palliative care specialists are trained to provide emotional support,
share information, and engage patients and surrogate decision makers in
discussions of patient values and goals of care.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2016/07/160705112134.htm" target="_blank"> More... </a></div>
Apostolos Mitragashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10936150812263538529noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8676425.post-37885991542830789432016-10-10T20:13:00.000+03:002016-10-10T20:13:02.580+03:00Fluid Management Strategy for Thoracic Surgery<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhStb7oaj89dWlyqg0q1a2UKHBythkFc7ILCDNbdnW1Yv-3cSp7yq2vAJh1n8kceuXOuOVzMCOHCEFtapkNdZBqAu47wQHe65ybtDpbXqBIctBDbsHDgkcuJFrz9JX7ofJpzQbV/s1600/dt_140717_iv_bag_drip_patient_hospital_800x600.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhStb7oaj89dWlyqg0q1a2UKHBythkFc7ILCDNbdnW1Yv-3cSp7yq2vAJh1n8kceuXOuOVzMCOHCEFtapkNdZBqAu47wQHe65ybtDpbXqBIctBDbsHDgkcuJFrz9JX7ofJpzQbV/s400/dt_140717_iv_bag_drip_patient_hospital_800x600.jpg" width="400" /> </a></div>
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San Diego—The optimal range of fluid administration in patients
undergoing lung resection surgery has been a controversial topic in
anesthesia. There are hazards at both ends of the spectrum: Liberal o
verhydration can lead to fluid-induced lung injury, while conservative
fluid-management strategies have a risk for organ ischemia.<br />
<br />
According to a review of the recent literature, however, researchers may be closer to establishing “safe” fluid limits.<br />
<br />
“The
evidence has shown that intraoperative fluid administration should be
at a base rate of 1 to 2 mL/kg per hour plus replacement of blood
losses,” said Jens Lohser, MD, MSc, FRCPC, associate professor and head
of thoracic anesthesia at the University of British Columbia, in
Vancouver. “In addition, overall fluid administration of more than 6
mL/kg per hour intraoperatively and a 24-hour fluid balance in excess of
20 mL/kg should be avoided, as they have been associated with acute
lung injury.” Dr. Lohser presented the findings at the Society of
Cardiovascular Anesthesiologists 2016 annual meeting.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.anesthesiologynews.com/Clinical-Anesthesiology/Article/06-16/Fluid-Management-Strategy-for-Thoracic-Surgery-Are-You-Conservative-or-Liberal-/36500/ses=ogst" target="_blank">More... </a></div>
Apostolos Mitragashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10936150812263538529noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8676425.post-91750489382076203632016-10-09T20:11:00.002+03:002016-10-09T20:11:55.907+03:00 Acupuncture Point Vitamin Injections Alleviate Menstrual Pain <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Vitamin K3 injections into acupuncture point SP6 relieves menstrual
cramping and pain. Researchers from institutions including Columbia
University (New York), Stanford University School of Medicine (Palo
Alto), and University of California at San Francisco (UCSF) completed a
six year study of dysmenorrhea. The study design was :
double-blind, double-dummy, randomized controlled trial. The researchers
concluded, “Acupuncture point injection of vitamin K3 relieves
menstrual pain rapidly and is a useful treatment in an urban outpatient
clinic.”<br />
<br />
Primary dysmenorrhea affects approximately 85% of women and the pain is
severe in approximately 20% of women experiencing menstrual pain.
Although the pathophysiology is not identical in all cases, uterine
prostaglandin hormones at high levels contribute to cramping and lower
abdominal pain. The pain may last from several hours to days.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.healthcmi.com/Acupuncture-Continuing-Education-News/1582-acupuncture-point-vitamin-injections-alleviate-menstrual-pain" target="_blank">More... </a></div>
Apostolos Mitragashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10936150812263538529noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8676425.post-59597930806015213822016-10-08T01:15:00.003+03:002016-10-08T11:10:44.009+03:00World Hospice and Palliative Care Day 2016<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>8 October 2016</b></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwq25qnPlE7L71P7e2112zDMFOcyFCqvfoEmwphtiO88EV1dlpdt8w3Muk44a7sbxCK-ziLlDJvuVugGOIQL5Jag6wMTMSw4QxfoP7rfaKCTPC83eSOe_htdc_Jm-5nfzAne2H/s1600/logo1_blog_eng.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="305" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwq25qnPlE7L71P7e2112zDMFOcyFCqvfoEmwphtiO88EV1dlpdt8w3Muk44a7sbxCK-ziLlDJvuVugGOIQL5Jag6wMTMSw4QxfoP7rfaKCTPC83eSOe_htdc_Jm-5nfzAne2H/s400/logo1_blog_eng.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Living and dying in pain: It doesn</b><span lang="fr-FR"><b>’</b></span><b>t
have to happen</b></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
The theme of <b><a href="http://www.thewhpca.org/world-hospice-and-palliative-care-day/about" target="_blank">World Hospice andPalliative Care Day 2016</a></b> is: ‘Living and dying in pain: It doesn’t
have to happen’.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
75% of the world population does not
have adequate access to controlled medications for pain relief.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
As a result, millions of people suffer
from pain which is avoidable and could be managed with proper access
to the correct medications.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Various barriers prevent people in need
from accessing these essential medications. </div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
The World Day campaign will examine
three major barriers for access to pain relief, and provide case
studies, advocacy resources, and examples of good practice to help
address these.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<b>Restrictive regulations </b>
</div>
<ol><ul>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Unduly restrictive regulations
limit access to pain relief and palliative care for people and
families in need</div>
</li>
</ul>
</ol>
<ol><ul>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Balance is needed to ensure
access to essential controlled medicines for pain management while
ensuring that they are not used for illicit purposes</div>
</li>
</ul>
</ol>
<ol><ul>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Pain management is the right of
the person with pain</div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Pain management without
significant risk of dependence is possible through education of
healthcare workers and patients</div>
</li>
</ul>
</ol>
<ol><ul>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Many national laws and
regulations exceed the measures required by the Single Convention
on Narcotic Drugs</div>
</li>
</ul>
</ol>
<ol><ul><ul>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Examples:
</div>
</li>
</ul>
</ul>
</ol>
<ol><ul><ul><ul>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Most countries limit morphine
prescriptions to 10 mg injectable twice daily, guaranteeing that
pain will not be<b> </b>effectively controlled.
</div>
</li>
</ul>
</ul>
</ul>
</ol>
<ol><ul><ul><ul>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
In some jurisdictions,
physicians can be charged with a crime should they make
documentation errors that are not prosecuted elsewhere.
</div>
</li>
</ul>
</ul>
</ul>
</ol>
<ol><ul><ul><ul>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Restrictions and expensive
requirements discourage pharmaceutical companies from producing
morphine, and pharmacies from stocking it</div>
</li>
</ul>
</ul>
</ul>
</ol>
<ol><ul><ul><ul>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Legally available morphine is
difficult, if not impossible,<b> </b>to obtain in some countries.
</div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
This forces some patients or
their family members to buy opioids through illegal channels,
which puts them in danger of arrest and prosecution.
</div>
</li>
</ul>
</ul>
</ul>
</ol>
<ol><ul><ul>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
How is this being addressed?
</div>
</li>
</ul>
</ul>
</ol>
<ol><ul><ul><ul>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Romania has removed all
excessive regulatory restrictions on opioid prescribing with no
reported cases of misuse.
</div>
</li>
</ul>
</ul>
</ul>
</ol>
<ol><ul><ul><ul>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
In Kerala, India, a two-year
study of people being treated for pain with oral morphine found
no instances of misuse or diversion</div>
</li>
</ul>
</ul>
</ul>
</ol>
<ol><ul><ul><ul>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
In Uganda specially trained
nurses are legally allowed to prescribe liquid morphine solution
for people accessing palliative care.
</div>
</li>
</ul>
</ul>
</ul>
</ol>
<ol><ul>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Oral morphine and other WHO
essential palliative care medications should be legally available
and accessible in all countries<b> </b>
</div>
</li>
</ul>
</ol>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<b>Poor education</b></div>
<ol><ul>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Opiophobia is the fear in the
health professions of prescribing opioid medications which prevents
people from receiving pain relief
</div>
</li>
</ul>
</ol>
<ol><ul><ul>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Examples</div>
</li>
</ul>
</ul>
</ol>
<ol><ul><ul><ul>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Doctors and nurses are not
educated about pain management and prescribing morphine or are
taught that morphine and other opioids are dangerous and should
be used as little as possible</div>
</li>
</ul>
</ul>
</ul>
</ol>
<ol><ul><ul><ul>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Doctors and nurses are not
taught how to assess and manage pain</div>
</li>
</ul>
</ul>
</ul>
</ol>
<ol><ul><ul><ul>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
There is fear that anyone using
opioids will become addicted/dependent</div>
</li>
</ul>
</ul>
</ul>
</ol>
<ol><ul><ul><ul>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
In most countries, there is no
way to qualify as a palliative care specialist and no inclusion
of palliative care training in medical or nursing schools, as
well as no continuing education for health professionals to
counteract opiophobia.
</div>
</li>
</ul>
</ul>
</ul>
</ol>
<ol><ul><ul>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
How is this being addressed?</div>
</li>
</ul>
</ul>
</ol>
<ol><ul><ul><ul>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
An increasing number of
countries are now including palliative care education for medical
and nursing students</div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
The Hospice Africa Uganda
morphine initiators’ course at the Institute of Hospice and
Palliative Care in Africa trains healthcare workers from all over
Africa in how to safely prescribe and administer morphine.
</div>
</li>
</ul>
</ul>
</ul>
</ol>
<ol><ul><ul><ul>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
The University of Cape Town
runs a Master’s course and Postgraduate Diploma in Palliative
Medicine which use distance learning so that busy professionals
can expand access to palliative care and pain management, as well
as the research base on this topic.</div>
</li>
</ul>
</ul>
</ul>
</ol>
<ol><ul><ul><ul>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
In Tajikistan a course on pain
relief and palliative care is being developed for police
professionals.</div>
</li>
</ul>
</ul>
</ul>
</ol>
<ol><ul>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Unreasonable fear of opioid use
leads to increased suffering worldwide</div>
</li>
</ul>
</ol>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<b>Economic barriers</b></div>
<ol><ul>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Morphine is inexpensive to
produce yet expensive to bring to market in many places with unduly
restrictive regulations. As a result the pharmaceutical industry
has no incentive to produce and market oral morphine for pain
management.</div>
</li>
</ul>
</ol>
<ol><ul><ul>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Examples</div>
</li>
</ul>
</ul>
</ol>
<ol><ul><ul><ul>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
The profit margin for oral
morphine tablets is too low to be of interest to most
pharmaceutical producers</div>
</li>
</ul>
</ul>
</ul>
</ol>
<ol><ul><ul><ul>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Higher cost analgesics such as
fentanyl are easier to obtain in many countries than oral
morphine, which is the standard of pain management in palliative
care.<b> </b>
</div>
</li>
</ul>
</ul>
</ul>
</ol>
<ol><ul><ul>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
How is this being addressed?
</div>
</li>
</ul>
</ul>
</ol>
<ol><ul><ul><ul>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="_GoBack"></a>Lebanon
requires pharmaceutical importers to register and import
inexpensive immediate and slow release morphine to be allowed to
import expensive opioids.
</div>
</li>
</ul>
</ul>
</ul>
</ol>
<ol><ul><ul><ul>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
In Colombia the Fondo Nacional
de Estupefacientes (FNE) is responsible for the purchase and
national distribution of opioid medications (morphine,
hydromorphone, and methadone) in the country.</div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
A morphine manifesto
(<u><b><a href="http://palliumindia.org/manifesto/" target="_blank">http://palliumindia.org/manifesto/</a>)</b></u> has been
signed by 64 organizations calling for universal availability of
immediate release morphine.</div>
</li>
</ul>
</ul>
</ul>
</ol>
<ol style="text-align: left;"><ul>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
All people with life threatening
illness and their families need and deserve comfort care and pain
management through palliative care services.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Source: <b><a href="http://www.thewhpca.org/" target="_blank">Worldwide Hospice Palliative Care Alliance</a></b><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Related:<b> <a href="http://anesinc.blogspot.gr/2016/05/why-see-pain-medicine-specialist.html">Why See a Pain Medicine Specialist?</a></b></span></div>
</div>
</li>
</ul>
</ol>
</div>
Apostolos Mitragashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10936150812263538529noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8676425.post-24984329510555769272016-09-30T18:32:00.000+03:002016-09-30T18:32:00.219+03:00Study Finds Link Between Weather and Chronic Pain<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<br /></div>
There may be something to the old adage about “feeling under the weather.”<br />
Early
results from a smartphone-based weather study in the UK show that rain
and lack of sunshine have an impact on how we perceive pain.<br />
<br />
Over 9,000 people are participating in The University of Manchester’s <strong><a href="https://www.cloudywithachanceofpain.com/" target="_blank">Cloudy with a Chance of Pain</a></strong> project, using a special app to record their daily pain levels. <br />
<br />
<div id="yui_3_17_2_1_1475163146374_726">
The app also captures hourly
weather conditions using the phone’s GPS, giving researchers the ability
to compare the pain data with real-time local weather.</div>
<br />
Researchers
reviewed data from participants in three cities – Leeds, Norwich and
London – and found that as the number of sunny days increased from
February to April, the amount of time participants spent in severe pain
decreased.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.painnewsnetwork.org/stories/2016/9/11/study-finds-link-between-weather-and-chronic-pain" target="_blank">More... </a><br />
<br />
<div id="yui_3_17_2_1_1475163146374_712">
Pain News Network - By Pat Anson, Editor</div>
<br /></div>
Apostolos Mitragashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10936150812263538529noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8676425.post-15693054118135005782016-09-30T15:00:00.000+03:002016-09-30T15:00:08.276+03:00Living with Chronic Pain After Being Labeled an Addict<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<div id="yui_3_17_2_1_1475165804190_759">
<span id="yui_3_17_2_1_1475165804190_758" style="font-size: 12.0pt;">I
am writing this article from the perspective of a patient who has
chronic back pain and also an unwarranted, doctor-imposed label of
“addiction.” </span></div>
<div id="yui_3_17_2_1_1475165804190_759">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">As most people
can imagine, having both of these problems -- chronic pain and a
substance use disorder -- can be very difficult for a healthcare
provider to manage. Imagine though how harmful it is when someone is
diagnosed or labeled as an addict and it is not an appropriate
diagnosis. </span><br />
<br />
<div class="col sqs-col-6 span-6">
<div class="sqs-block html-block sqs-block-html" data-block-type="2" id="block-yui_3_17_2_1_1474298808729_31172">
<div class="sqs-block-content">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">The new polite wording for addiction is "chemical dependence," "substance use disorder" or "opiate dependence." </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">But
these terms are not helpful either, since they have the same meaning to
most healthcare professionals, as well as the general public.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">To
make matters worse, I was totally unaware that this diagnosis was ever
made and it was never explained to me that it would be in my medical
record. I want to share some of the problems this has caused me. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><a href="http://www.painnewsnetwork.org/stories/2016/9/19/living-with-chronic-pain-after-being-labeled-an-addict" target="_blank">More... </a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span>
<div id="yui_3_17_2_1_1475165804190_826">
<br />Pain News Network- <span id="yui_3_17_2_1_1475165804190_825" style="font-size: 12.0pt;">By Patricia Young, Guest columnist</span></div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
Apostolos Mitragashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10936150812263538529noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8676425.post-73805194561445595112016-09-29T18:47:00.000+03:002016-09-29T18:47:00.151+03:00 Acupuncture Reverses Facial Paralysis<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<br /></div>
Acupuncture is effective for the treatment of facial paralysis and improves patient outcomes for patients taking medications.<br />
<br />
Hospital researchers find acupuncture effective for the treatment
of facial paralysis. Across multiple hospital investigations,
researchers document effective acupuncture protocols that yield
significant positive patient outcomes for facial paralysis patients. In
addition, acupuncture, infrared therapy, and moxibustion demonstrate the
ability to significantly improve positive patient outcome rates for
patients taking pharmaceutical medications.<br />
<br />
Acupuncture and infrared heat therapy are effective for the treatment
of facial paralysis. Researchers from the Third People’s Hospital in
Chongqing determined that combining acupuncture and infrared heat
therapy with conventional facial paralysis medications improves the rate
of positive patient outcomes for the the treatment of this condition.
Facial paralysis is a disorder in which the facial muscles are
dysfunctional, causing immobility, and it may occur in any age
demographic. In the Third People’s Hospital investigation, facial
paralysis patients who received supplementary infrared heat therapy and
acupuncture reported a 91.67% total treatment effective rate while those
in the control group reported a 60.42% total treatment effective rate.
The addition of acupuncture and infrared therapy increased the
effectiveness by 31.25%.<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.healthcmi.com/Acupuncture-Continuing-Education-News/1639-acupuncture-reverses-facial-paralysis-and-enhances-drug-therapy" target="_blank">More...</a> <br />
</div>
Apostolos Mitragashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10936150812263538529noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8676425.post-46727389185515945932016-09-28T17:28:00.000+03:002016-09-28T17:28:02.728+03:00Experimental Drug Reduces Migraine Days by Half<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgnX6HinPtnmhZhwEg4hU18QwxQFCe4CEVTk9dWdvUu30pauDllF6dRmj-EN8kj599zB1XDRCjkOAyZgVrmyly5AgG3OqTbVq1l7ZDzNDkzbZHVO4j6Pzc-X_ktmpuWzKthOab/s1600/dt_141125_migraine_headache_800x600.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgnX6HinPtnmhZhwEg4hU18QwxQFCe4CEVTk9dWdvUu30pauDllF6dRmj-EN8kj599zB1XDRCjkOAyZgVrmyly5AgG3OqTbVq1l7ZDzNDkzbZHVO4j6Pzc-X_ktmpuWzKthOab/s400/dt_141125_migraine_headache_800x600.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span id="yui_3_17_2_1_1474899967092_679" style="font-size: 12.0pt;">An
experimental injectable drug reduces the number of migraine days by 50
percent or more in patients who suffer from chronic migraine, according
to the results of a new study released by drug makers Amgen and
Novartis.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">The Phase II study
of AMG 334 -- also known as erenumab – involved 667 patients who
suffered an average of about 18 migraine days per month. A reduction of
50% or more in monthly migraine days was observed in four out of ten
patients taking a 140 mg dose of erenumab. Patients taking a 70 mg dose
had a 40% reduction in migraine days compared to a placebo drug. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Significant
improvements were also noted in quality of life, headache impact,
disability, and pain interference compared to the placebo.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">“Chronic
migraine patients lose more than half of their life to migraines with
15 or more headache days a month, facing intolerable pain and physical
impairment,” said Stewart Tepper, MD, a professor of neurology at the
Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth. “As a neurologist, these
findings are exciting because they demonstrate that erenumab could serve
as an important new therapy option for reducing the burden of this
often-disabling disease.”</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><a href="http://www.painnewsnetwork.org/stories/2016/9/18/experimental-drug-reduces-migraines-by-half" target="_blank">More... </a></span></div>
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Apostolos Mitragashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10936150812263538529noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8676425.post-67194450213892457452016-09-27T17:17:00.000+03:002016-09-27T17:17:07.490+03:00 Opioids are not necessarily evil – Michael Schatman <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Since 1999 the use of opioids for pain management has <a href="http://wonder.cdc.gov/" target="_blank">quadrupled in the USA</a>,
resulting in what is now well known as the ‘opioid epidemic’ – too many
people are now unnecessarily reliant on the drugs and opioid-related
overdoses have rocketed. The prescription of opioids within the USA is
now considered to be one of the biggest health crises facing the nation,
however the battle to ‘fix’ the problem is complex.<br />
<br />
Michael Schatman has worked in multidisciplinary chronic pain
management for over 30 years and has published more than 90 journal
articles on pain management and pain bioethics. He recently published an
article discussing the ‘MEDD myth’, exploring the impact of reliance on
unreliable techniques for calculating opioid doses within the medical
literature and in the generation of opioid guidelines. We contacted
Michael to find out more about this as well as his extensive work around
the ongoing opioid epidemic in the USA.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.neurology-central.com/2016/05/26/opioids-are-not-necessarily-evil-michael-schatman/" target="_blank">More...</a> </div>
Apostolos Mitragashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10936150812263538529noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8676425.post-54310001498047144012016-09-26T16:51:00.000+03:002016-11-04T11:46:35.137+02:00Fertility Acupuncture 101: Treatment Plans<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Acupuncture Treatments for IVF cycle<br />
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<br />
Here's a disclaimer. Everyone is unique and Traditional Chinese Medicine
(TCM) is based upon the tenet of uniqueness. That said, the most common
question we get at Pulling Down the Moon is about a “typical”
treatment plan. So, with the caveat that your situation is unique and
your practitioner will tailor treatment to suit your needs, here’s
a good solid overview of what a typical fertility acupuncture treatment
plan looks like.<br />
<br />
In your acupuncturist’s ideal world, starting acupuncture treatments
at least three months prior to an IVF cycle would provide an optimal preparatory
period. During this prep period we will focus generally on your overall
health (adjusting lifestyle and dietary practices that lead to imbalance)
and specifically on the maturation of the egg.<br />
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<a href="http://www.pullingdownthemoon.com/blog/2014/october/fertility-acupuncture-101-treatment-plans.aspx" target="_blank">More...</a><br />
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Apostolos Mitragashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10936150812263538529noreply@blogger.com0