Author: redsaf

Medical is a field of science and practice that addresses human health and disease. Medical practitioners diagnose and treat symptoms and illnesses with medications, therapy, and surgery. Medicine is also a branch of knowledge devoted to understanding the mechanisms of disease. It is important for healthcare providers to be familiar with the terminology and anatomy of the body so they can understand what they are seeing when they are examining a patient. This is especially true when they are interacting with patients who are experiencing a health crisis like a heart attack or stroke. Many of the terms used in medicine have roots that come from Latin and Greek language. This makes them sound unfamiliar, but the roots can actually be fairly simple to understand. Nearly all medical terms have three parts, a prefix, a root and a suffix. The prefix indicates a word’s meaning or origin; the root provides further information about its application; and the suffix defines its specific usage. Medical is an extensive field that encompasses all aspects of the human body, including the mind, emotions, and social interaction. It includes such subjects as endocrinology, which studies hormones and their effects on the body; epidemiology, which tracks the cause and spread of disease; pharmacology, which deals with the study of pharmaceutical medications; and histology, which involves the study of cells and tissues under a microscope. The practice of medicine is governed by ethical and moral principles that govern the conduct of physicians, patients, and other members of the healthcare team. These principles include: respect for persons – treating people as individuals and with dignity; truthfulness and honesty – always telling the truth, even when it is embarrassing or distressing; and privacy – protecting the patient’s confidentiality. The medical profession has taken on a heavy load of responsibility to protect the public, and this has resulted in high standards of professional training and a code of ethics that all practitioners must abide by. Medications are the primary treatment for most diseases and disorders, but sometimes more aggressive methods of diagnosis and therapy are necessary. For example, a physician may perform surgical procedures to remove a tumor or replace a damaged organ. These techniques are usually accompanied by the use of instruments and other tools to assist in the procedure. Health professionals also carry out a number of non-medical procedures that are meant to help prevent disease and promote wellness, such as vaccination, dietary advice, physical therapy, and psychotherapy. In the event of an emergency, such as a suspected heart attack, it is important to know what to do in order to save a life: call 911 and provide CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) until emergency services arrive. Other emergencies include poisoning and suicide attempts. It is important for all of us to take suicide seriously, and not be afraid to seek assistance if we see someone who appears to be in danger or has attempted self-harm. Suicide is a major public health problem, but it can be prevented.

Health is a complex concept that includes all aspects of human life and well-being. The broad definition of health was enshrined in the constitution of the World Health Organization when it was established in 1948. It states that “health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity”. The modern understanding of health has expanded to include many different aspects of a person’s life. This includes their social, emotional and spiritual well-being as well as their ability to function physically and cognitively. Health is also considered to be linked with a person’s financial security, their relationship with others and the quality of the environment. Various factors can impact a person’s level of health. These may be biological or environmental. For example, genetics can play a role in a person’s overall health and their vulnerability to certain diseases. Environmental factors can include the quality of air, water and soil, as well as access to resources such as healthy food and shelter. Social and economic factors can include a person’s financial status, family relationships, culture and quality of community. A person’s level of health can be affected by their own choices, behaviours and beliefs as well as by the social, cultural and economic environment in which they live. Some of these factors can be directly influenced by a person, for example their diet and lifestyle choices. Other factors are indirectly influenced by a person, such as their education and work opportunities. In addition to these factors, a person’s level of health is affected by the quality of their health care and the quality of their relationships with other people. These factors can have a direct effect on their emotional and psychological wellbeing, as well as their ability to function physically. As new knowledge is discovered about the cause and progression of diseases, it is inevitable that our definitions of health will change. For example, an allergic reaction to a particular allergen can range from a mild rash to anaphylactic shock or even death. The underlying theme of any new discovery is that good health is not simply an absence of pathology. Ultimately, the meaning of health will be defined by the individual. This will depend on the values and goals that they hold, and their perception of what is realistic in their life situation. Three qualities of this perspective appear to be wholeness, pragmatism and individualism. Wholeness refers to the idea that health is experienced as a phenomenon interwoven with other aspects of life, including working and family lives. Pragmatism refers to the fact that health is viewed as an aspect of living with limited resources, requiring compromises and trade-offs. Individualism refers to the fact that each person’s health experience is unique and personal.

Pharmacy is the science and practice of discovering, producing, preparing, dispensing, reviewing and monitoring medications to ensure the safe, effective, affordable use of drugs. It is an interdisciplinary profession that integrates health sciences with the natural and social sciences. In addition to the preparation and dispensing of medicines, pharmacists have a significant research role to play. Their scientific knowledge contributes to the development of new drugs and the optimization of drug therapy for a particular individual. They are also responsible for the safe storage and handling of drugs. In the United States, pharmacies are licensed by state governments and regulated by federal agencies like the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). They have a responsibility to adhere to a strict code of ethics. They must take continuing education courses to keep up with pharmacological developments. They must also pass the North American Pharmacy Licensure Examination and the Multistate Pharmacy Jurisprudence Examination to become licensed to work in the profession. The pharmacist’s work is highly interdisciplinary and involves the study of chemistry, biology, physics, mathematics, bacteriology, physiology, and pharmacology. It also includes the development and testing of a variety of chemical compounds for potential use as medicines, as well as the formulation of dosage forms and methods of assay. The pharmacist may also be involved in the business side of the industry, requiring him or her to have skills in marketing and management. In ancient Egypt, pharmacological knowledge was recorded in many papyri, including the Ebers Papyrus of 1550 BC and the Edwin Smith Papyrus of 1650 BC. In China, the earliest known Chinese manual on herbal medicine was compiled during the Han dynasty and attributed to Shennong Bencao Jing. It is possible to purchase a wide variety of over-the-counter and prescription medications from an online pharmacy. In most cases, purchasing these medications online is legal provided that the person has a valid prescription from their doctor and they are not buying them for resale. Online pharmacies provide a convenient and safe way to obtain prescription medication. They offer free shipping, as well as the ability to transfer prescriptions from a doctor’s office or other pharmacy. They also offer a customer care line that is open twenty-four hours a day. This allows customers to ask questions about their medication or get advice about how best to manage a condition. Using an online pharmacy can be especially beneficial for elderly patients or those with limited transportation options, since it eliminates the need to travel long distances. In addition, it can reduce the cost of pharmaceuticals by allowing them to be purchased from cheaper foreign sources. Moreover, it can help individuals avoid overpaying for their prescriptions by ensuring that they are getting the right type and quantity of medication. Furthermore, it can also help them avoid the temptation to buy medication from unlicensed websites or pharmacies. In order to use a virtual pharmacy, the patient must first set up an account and then have their doctor fax or e-prescribe their prescription to the website. The website will then ship the medication directly to the patient.

Cancer is a disease that develops when cells in the body become abnormal and start growing out of control. These abnormal cells can grow into tumors, which may invade nearby tissues and spread to other parts of the body. This process is called metastasis. Cancer can be any type of cell in the body, including skin cells, bone cells, blood cells, or cells that line the digestive tract and reproductive organs. Normally, cells grow and divide to produce more cells as the body needs them. Old or damaged cells die and new cells replace them. This process is regulated by proteins that control cell growth and division, known as oncogenes and tumour suppressor genes. Cancers occur when some of these genes get changed, or mutate, and no longer control cell growth. These changes, or mutations, usually occur in parts of DNA that code for proteins. Most of the time, cancer-causing genes are turned on (activated) and can’t be switched off. Mutations can also be caused by viruses, radiation, chemicals, and certain types of infections. Most cancers start in a single cell. Over time, it grows and divides to make more cancer cells, or more mutations. Eventually, the cancer cells outgrow other healthy cells and can’t be stopped. Cancers can be any shape or size. They may form solid tumors that can be seen on the surface of the skin, or they can develop in the fluids that surround and protect the tissues inside the body, such as the blood and bone marrow. Cancers that form in the liquid part of the blood, such as leukemias and lymphomas, don’t form solid tumors but are easily detected on laboratory tests. While a cancer diagnosis can be frightening, it is important to remember that many people with cancer live normal lives and are treated for their condition. Cancers that are caught early, when they are small in size and few in number, are often curable. Cancers that spread to other parts of the body are often treatable, too, especially if they can be removed surgically. Researchers are investigating a number of different things that might cause cancer, and ways to prevent it. Anything that increases a person’s chance of developing cancer is called a risk factor. Factors that decrease a person’s chances of getting cancer are called protective factors. Some risk factors, like smoking, are easy to avoid, while others, such as chronic irritation of tissue, are difficult to prevent. Scientists are also studying whether there are ways to predict which people will develop cancer, and how to identify precancerous conditions in order to stop them from becoming cancer. Precancerous conditions include squamous cell carcinoma, warts, and precancerous polyps. These can be removed before they develop into full-blown cancer. For more information, see the article: What is Cancer?

Medical is the discipline concerned with the causes, course and resolution of disease. It is a combination of art (the practice of restoring health through the use of drugs and surgical techniques) and science (the study of biological functions). Medicine covers many specialties, such as gynecology, neurology, internal medicine and gastroenterology. It also includes veterinary medicine, which is the treatment of domestic and wild animals. It is a highly technical field and, even for non-specialists, understanding the underlying science is challenging. The history of medicine is a long and complex one, with the first traces dating back to ancient times. Early Western medicine was based on folklore and pre-modern scientific ideas, such as the theory of the four humors. This gradually gave way to modern scientific biomedical research, led by scientists such as Edward Jenner and Robert Koch, which developed vaccines for smallpox and other diseases. Most modern healthcare systems provide comprehensive coverage for the cost of hospitalization and medications. These are typically funded by taxpayers, but some wealthy countries also maintain private insurance systems. Medical care has also expanded to include the prevention and monitoring of diseases through screening programmes and public education. There are also a number of specific areas of medicine: Conservation medicine, for example, encompasses the impact of humans and non-human animals on ecosystems; diving medicine deals with problems related to human and animal diving; forensic medicine studies the medical evidence that may be found in criminal investigations such as identification, the time of death, cause of injury or the type of weapon used to inflict a wound; and epidemiology, which involves the study of diseases in populations and their causes. Other specialized fields within medicine include clinical update articles, which are shorter pieces highlighting new developments around a particular condition; and regulatory medical writing, which is the preparation of documents for the approval of medicines or devices. The latter is particularly difficult, as it requires a good understanding of the regulatory authorities’ requirements. The practice of medicine is also influenced by a number of other disciplines, including the social sciences (history, philosophy, ethics, religion and cultural studies) and the arts (literature, theatre and music). It is also influenced by the philosophy of science, which outlines a set of criteria for validating scientific claims. This is known as the scientific method. It is this method that is followed by all doctors when making decisions about their patients. Medical writers must be familiar with the principles of this methodology, and should always be aware of their own limitations. This is important because of the wide scope for misunderstanding that can arise when the language of science is misused or misunderstood. For this reason, they should take great care when preparing clinical updates and other articles for publication. The best medical writers are meticulous in their research and ensure that all of the relevant information is presented clearly to their readers. See our guide to medical writing for more information.

Cancer is a disease that starts when cells in the body begin to grow and divide out of control. These extra cells form a mass of tissue called a tumor. Cancer can also spread to other parts of the body when it breaks away from the original tumor and travels through the blood or lymph system. This is called metastasis. Cancer cells are different from normal cells because of changes (mutations) in the genes that control how the cells grow and divide. Mutations can happen by chance or they can be triggered by certain things that are in the environment, such as tobacco smoke or exposure to radiation. The genetic changes that lead to cancer may be inherited or they can develop over time, such as when cells divide too many times. Cells need a steady supply of oxygen and nutrients to grow and survive. When cancer cells start to grow out of control, they can crowd out healthy cells. This can cause problems with the organs or tissues where the cancer is growing, such as making it hard to breathe or causing pain in bones and joints. Cancer can also spread when the abnormal cells break away from the tumor and travel to other areas of the body. Some types of cancer are more likely to spread than others. Scientists study risk factors and protective factors to find ways to prevent cancers from starting and to help find better treatments for people with cancer. Different cancers grow in different ways, but all cancers are dangerous. They can kill you if they grow out of control and spread to other parts of the body, but they can be treated with medicines that stop cancer cells from growing, cure cancer or make them less likely to return after treatment. The way a cancer is diagnosed and staged (how far the cancer has grown or spread) helps doctors decide which treatment is best for you. Some cancers show warning signs that you should call your doctor about, but other cancers don’t have early warning signs and can be harder to detect. Each type of cancer has its own staging system, but most cancers are staged based on where they started in the body and how much they have spread. Different stages mean different treatments. Doctors use different tools to diagnose cancer and determine its stage, such as imaging tests, a biopsy or surgery. They also use medicines to stop cancer from spreading or to ease symptoms that you may have.

Medical is the discipline that applies the sciences and humanities to understand, diagnose, treat and prevent disease. Physicians are trained broadly in the basic sciences and then specialize into fields that reflect their interests, aptitudes and expertise. Some of the fields include psychiatry, pediatrics, oncology and orthopedics. Physicians work closely with other specialties, particularly surgery and radiology, to care for patients and provide them with a comprehensive treatment plan. Medical journals are the primary vehicle for the dissemination of scientific research to advance medical knowledge and practice. They are published on a weekly, monthly or quarterly basis and usually come in a magazine format. They are available in print and online. Many medical journals have specialty departments that focus on articles with unique formatting requirements or subject matter. For example, some may have a department for articles on diagnostic imaging or dermatology. These specialty areas can be important for attracting the attention of a targeted readership. Some of the most well-known medical journals are JAMA, The New England Journal of Medicine and The Lancet. These journals have long had a prestigious reputation and are read by physicians across the country and around the world. But as the popularity of these journals has grown, so too have predatory publications that exist solely to make money and do not put their manuscripts through rigorous review or check for accuracy. A physician who writes a scientific paper in a legitimate medical journal has made a huge contribution to his or her profession. This is true whether the article is a review of existing data or a piece of original research. But writing an article for a reputable journal is just the first step in a lengthy process. It is important for authors to carefully review the authorship instructions and formatting requirements of each journal in which they want to publish. The use of Latin and Greek roots in medical terminology creates words that are often long and complex. It is important for medical professionals to learn how to break down these words into their component parts to better understand them. The word part tables below are an excellent tool to use when learning medical terminology. An abbreviation or acronym is a short form of a medical term used to save space on a chart or to make it easier to read. Some of the most common abbreviations and acronyms are:

Health is the state of physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity. A common view of health is that it includes a person’s freedom from illness, but also their happiness and their ability to participate fully in society. In order for people to be healthy they need to have a good balance of their inner resources and possibilities with the demands of the surrounding environment. As the world’s understanding of Health has developed over time, so too has its approach to promoting it. Today’s health professionals recognise that health is determined by many factors outside of a person’s control, and that their work involves more than just treating or preventing disease and injury. They are increasingly focussing on the broader concept of ‘healthy societies’, and trying to find ways to improve people’s lives in a range of different ways. Despite this shift in thinking, there are still wide differences in concepts of Health. This reflects the fact that, like disease, health is a socially and culturally constructed concept that makes sense predominantly in its home context. Attempts to understand it beyond this context can be problematic because it is easy for conceptualization to mislead, as it tends to localize and attribute identity, content or meaning to phenomena that are not firmly established within their home context. A person’s definition of health reflects the values they place on life and what they consider to be important for their own well-being. These values are shaped throughout a person’s lifetime by their parents, friends, teachers, religion, the media and laws. It is therefore difficult to change people’s definition of Health. Modern medical advances, including the discovery of new diseases and methods to cure them, mean that a person’s health is now measured by a much wider spectrum than in the past. As a result, many people who were previously deemed to be healthy can now be diagnosed with diseases that they had not been aware of. In 1948 the Constitution of the World Health Organization defined a health goal that is widely regarded as a basic human right: “The enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of health”. Although this definition acknowledges the existence of diseases and the need for their control, it does not necessarily ensure that an individual will be able to function in society. This is because the definition does not take into account a person’s ability to cope with or adjust to changes in their environment. It is for this reason that a healthful lifestyle is considered to be a prerequisite of good Health.

Pharmacy is the science and practice of discovering, producing, preparing, dispensing, reviewing and monitoring medications to ensure safe and effective use of drugs. It is a miscellaneous science because it links health sciences with pharmaceutical and natural sciences. Pharmacists are a vital part of the healthcare team and work closely with physicians to provide patient care. Their responsibilities include verifying prescriptions, informing patients of drug interactions, counseling patients on how to take their medication and providing vaccinations. They also provide advice on general health issues, such as diet and exercise. A pharmacist can perform several simple health care procedures, including measuring your blood pressure and temperature, and testing your blood sugar levels. They can also advise you on how to prevent and treat common illnesses like the flu, colds, aches and pains and other minor ailments. If they think your condition is more serious, they can refer you to a doctor. Increasingly, pharmacies are becoming a hub for community healthcare services. They can provide immunizations, offer advice on over-the-counter medicines and help with a range of other issues, such as healthy living, smoking cessation, and weight loss. Some pharmacies also have extended opening hours and are open on Sundays. Pharmacy is a highly respected profession that requires considerable training and specialized knowledge. In most countries, pharmacists must be licensed to dispense medications. Licensing requirements vary by country, but generally pharmacists must graduate from a pharmacy school, meet specific education and experience requirements, pass a national exam and a state or provincial licensing examination. Many also have to complete continuing education courses to maintain their license. Online pharmacies are a growing industry, and they may be independent internet-only sites, websites that operate as branches of traditional “brick-and-mortar” pharmacies or sites representing a partnership among pharmacies. Some online pharmacies sell only prescription drugs, while others also offer over-the-counter medications. In some countries, it is illegal to sell certain types of drugs without a valid prescription. A few important things to remember about online pharmacies: Legitimate pharmacies display their licenses in prominent places on their websites. They will also have secure payment systems and will only sell products that are approved by the local regulatory authorities. Be wary of any website that claims to sell unlicensed or counterfeit medications. Also, be careful when purchasing from sites that do not clearly explain the shipping and returns policies. In the United States, you can check whether an online pharmacy is legitimate by contacting your state’s Board of Pharmacy or visiting the FDA’s website. The FDA offers an online database of registered pharmacies. This database is updated daily and is searchable by state, city, or zip code. In addition, the database contains detailed information about each registered pharmacy, including contact details and license number. In some cases, you can even see a photo of the registered pharmacist. The database can be accessed from any computer with an internet connection.

Cancer starts when cells start to grow and divide too much or don’t die when they should. These abnormal cells form tumors (or masses) that can spread to other parts of the body. Cells can also change in other ways that cause the body’s systems to stop working normally, such as when they block blood vessels or make enzymes that break down normal tissue and waste. There are more than 100 types of cancer, but they all have one thing in common: They start when normal cells grow out of control. Then they build up, crowding out other cells and blocking the flow of oxygen or nutrients to those cells. Normal cells need a steady supply of oxygen and nutrients to grow, survive and perform their jobs. They get those nutrients from the blood. The body’s immune system usually kills any cancer cells that aren’t needed or can’t be controlled. But sometimes, the cancer cells escape and grow uncontrollably. Cancer can start in any part of the body. It can develop in bones, soft tissues, the blood or organs such as the liver, lungs or brain. Cancer cells can also spread to other parts of the body through the blood or lymphatic system. The new cancer cells may begin to grow in a nearby area or they may spread to areas far away from where the original cancer started, which is called metastasis. Scientists know what causes most kinds of cancer, but they are still learning more about how and why cancers start. They have found that some cancers are more likely to occur if certain genes become damaged or out of balance. These genetic changes are called mutations or alterations. The three main types of gene alterations that contribute to cancer are proto-oncogenes, tumor suppressor genes and DNA repair genes. People can take steps to prevent some kinds of cancer by eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly and avoiding tobacco and excessive sun exposure. They can also limit their use of chemicals at home and at work, including weed killers, plastics and some household products. These chemicals are known as carcinogens, and they can damage the DNA in cells, raising your risk for cancer. Some cancers start in the skin, so it’s important to protect yourself from sunburn and cover up with clothing and sunscreen when you go outside. It’s also important to use a sunscreen that has an SPF of at least 30 or higher. Some research suggests that taking lots of antibiotics when you’re young can raise your risk for certain cancers, so it’s a good idea to talk to your doctor before starting antibiotics. It’s also a good idea to report any unusual symptoms right away, even if they don’t seem serious. The sooner cancer is diagnosed, the easier it is to treat.