Category: Latest News

Health is an aspect of a person’s life that includes not only the absence of disease, but also a person’s ability to enjoy a high quality of life and be capable of adapting to change. It is a dynamic process that depends on the interaction between an individual’s genetic, environmental and lifestyle factors. Generally, health is considered to be a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being. The World Health Organization defines it as “the enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of physical and mental health.” Various nation states endorse this definition in their constitutions, with many ensuring that the right to healthcare is one of those rights. A person can achieve a higher level of Health by following a healthy lifestyle, which involves regular exercise, balanced diet and adequate rest. The health of a person is also improved by seeking medical treatment when needed and avoiding unhealthful activities or environments. There is also a growing recognition of the importance of health promotion and the role that individuals can play in their own wellness. This approach involves a partnership between the healthcare provider and the patient, with a focus on building skills and developing the abilities of patients to make healthy choices, set goals and take action. A growing number of countries are adopting a broader, more integrated perspective on health that goes beyond medical interventions to address the root causes of poor health. This is known as the “biopsychosocial model” or the “triple helix.” The model takes into account all aspects of health, including social and psychological factors. The environment has been shown to affect a person’s health, both directly and indirectly. Physical environmental factors include access to clean air and water, safe roads and communities, and affordable housing. Social environmental factors include education, employment, family circumstances and early childhood, income, and the availability of supportive networks. Changing these factors is therefore an important strategy for improving people’s health. However, there is still a great deal that we do not know about the influence of the environment on health. This is partly due to the complexity of the factors involved, and the difficulty in quantifying them. However, a better understanding of these factors is being achieved through the use of new information technologies such as geographic information systems (GIS) and remote sensing. These techniques provide a more comprehensive picture of the environmental influences on health, and can help to identify priority areas for further research and action. This will in turn improve the delivery of healthcare and the quality of life for all. In addition, new information technologies are allowing us to link data on the environment with other sources of data in more meaningful ways, and are helping to develop and improve models for assessing, monitoring and managing environmental risks to health. This will help to ensure that healthcare services are delivered in ways that are sustainable and meet the needs of local populations. A key challenge will be to find ways of using this new information in a way that is both useful and accessible for all.

Read More

Pharmacy is the science and practice of discovering, producing, preparing, dispensing, reviewing and monitoring medications for patients. The aim is to ensure the safe, effective and affordable use of medicines. It is a miscellaneous science as it links health sciences with pharmaceutical sciences and natural sciences. It is a profession that includes medical and scientific skills, as well as knowledge of pharmacy law and practice. Pharmacy has always been an important part of healthcare. As medicine becomes more complex, pharmacists are increasingly involved in helping doctors and patients make the best decisions about their treatment. Pharmacists also play an important role in educating people about how to take their medication properly and in promoting healthy lifestyles. A pharmacist can answer many of your questions about your medication, such as what it is for, how to take it, and what side effects you might experience. They can also help you find over-the-counter medicines that may be appropriate for your symptoms or condition. Many pharmacies offer extended opening hours in the evening and at weekends. This is especially helpful if you have trouble getting to the pharmacy during normal business hours. Some even provide home delivery services. The first thing to look for in a trustworthy online pharmacy is a valid prescription from a doctor. You should also make sure the site uses secure encryption to protect your personal information. Additionally, it should be licensed in your country. Finally, the website should have a physical address in the United States and a customer service line that’s open during business hours. In addition to ensuring that the medicine you get is safe and effective, a trusted pharmacy will also keep track of your entire medical history so that any potential problems can be quickly identified. For instance, if you have high blood pressure, your pharmacist can check to see if any new medications or supplements you’re taking could affect it. They can also give you advice on how to control your blood pressure through diet and exercise. Pharmacists can also help you with your other health concerns. They can advise you on how to quit smoking, manage your diabetes, or lower your cholesterol levels. They can also offer vaccinations and other health checks. In fact, one study found that community pharmacies that offered counselling to patients on their medications increased adherence by 86%. Another important service that pharmacies provide is the disposal of unwanted or expired medication. It is unsafe to simply throw these substances away in the trash or flush them down the toilet. Instead, you can take them to your local pharmacy, which will safely dispose of them for you. They can also provide a Yellow Card scheme, which allows you to report any suspected side effects of certain medicines. They can then review the data and alert the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) about any potentially harmful reactions. The MHRA can then investigate and potentially ban the drug from sale in the UK.

Read More

Cancer is a disease that develops when cells start to grow and divide without control or order. It starts in one part of the body and then moves to other parts of the body, where it forms a tumor or lump. It also can spread to other parts of the body through the blood or lymph system. If the cancer is in an early stage, it may not cause any symptoms and can be hard to diagnose. If the cancer is in a later stage, it may cause pain and other symptoms. New treatments are constantly being developed and tested. These include drugs that block the blood supply that tumours need to grow, drugs that correct the genetic defects that lead to cancer and treatments that help the body’s immune system fight the cancer. Some people develop cancer because of changes (mutations) in genes that control how cells grow and divide. Mutations usually happen during normal cell growth, but sometimes they can change cells so that they no longer behave normally and begin to grow and spread. Some gene mutations are inherited, which means they can be passed down from parents to children. Others occur when a person is exposed to something that can cause DNA damage, such as smoking or sun exposure. Inherited gene mutations contribute to about 5-10 percent of cancer cases. Different types of cancer can be treated with surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Other treatments that are being developed are targeted treatment, which zeroes in on specific molecules inside cancer cells that allow them to grow and spread and use energy, and hormone therapy, which blocks or lowers the amount of certain substances that cancer cells need to grow. The type of cancer and where it is in the body determines which treatments will work best. Treatment also depends on how much the cancer has spread and what parts of the body are affected. Cancer that has spread to the brain or nervous system may cause headaches and stroke-like symptoms, such as weakness on one side of the body. It can also cause problems with the bones, such as spinal cord compression (bone pressure on nerves) and a fractured pelvis. Some cancers can make the immune system attack healthy cells, a reaction called paraneoplastic syndrome. Surgery is the oldest and most common form of cancer treatment. It involves removing the cancer and some surrounding healthy tissue. Surgery can be open (with larger incisions) or minimally invasive (using smaller incisions). Radiation therapy uses high-energy rays to kill cancer cells and shrink tumors, and it can be given externally, internally or as a liquid or pill you swallow or an injection that goes into a vein, called a port. Chemotherapy is a group of drugs that kill cancer cells and destroy some of the normal tissue around them. It can be given as an IV infusion, as a shot, through a catheter placed into a large blood vessel of the chest (called a port) or as a pump that attaches to a catheter or port and delivers chemotherapy medication continuously.

Read More

Medical is everything that has to do with taking care of your health, from doctors and nurses to hospitals, labs, radiology centers and physical therapy offices. It also includes healthcare systems, group purchasing organizations, pharmacy benefit managers, insurance companies and combinations of these. It’s a huge landscape and many moving parts. Medications are used in the diagnosis, treatment, cure and prevention of illness or disease. They can be prescribed or over-the-counter, in pill form or by injection. Some examples of medication are antibiotics, antidepressants and blood thinners. Some medical treatments don’t involve medication at all. For example, psychological treatment for depression or stress may involve counseling and cognitive behavioral therapy. Physical and occupational therapy can help people with injuries or illnesses of the muscles, bones, joints or nerves learn new ways to do their daily activities. A large part of the medical field involves examining and analyzing body tissues, such as blood, urine and stool samples. Some of this work is done in a lab, such as when a pathologist examines tissue to find the cause of an illness or injury. Other types of examinations can be performed outside the laboratory, such as when a physician performs a spinal tap (lumbar puncture), which obtains a sample of cerebrospinal fluid through a needle inserted into the lower spine. Medical research focuses on discovering, developing and testing medications, devices and procedures that improve health and prevent disease. It is conducted by doctors, nurse researchers and other health professionals. Medical services that are provided by doctors, nurse practitioners and physician assistants include diagnosis, treatment and education of patients. Some of these services include examining and treating patients with chronic conditions such as heart disease, diabetes and kidney disorders, as well as acute conditions such as asthma, high blood pressure and infectious diseases. They may also provide routine care such as immunizations and screenings, as well as prescribe medicines. Some medical services are covered by insurance plans such as Medicare and private insurance plans. Other medical services are not covered by insurance, such as cosmetic surgery and dental care. In some cases, these services can be paid for by the government through Medicaid programs such as Early Periodic Screening Diagnosis and Treatment (EPSDT) for children.

Read More

Health is the state of a person’s physical, emotional and social well-being. Healthcare exists to help people stay healthy and cope with disease and injury. The term is also used to refer to the health of a society or a community. There is no agreed definition of health, and the concept has been interpreted in many ways. The World Health Organization defines it as “a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity”. Other definitions include: A person is considered to be healthy when he or she lives without serious diseases or disabilities and is able to achieve his or her potential. However, there is a growing awareness that the quality of life is not just related to the existence of diseases but also to the presence of non-disease features such as personal autonomy, social inclusion, economic prosperity and environmental sustainability. In addition, there is increasing recognition that mental and physical wellbeing are closely linked, challenging the historical notion of mind-body duality. The link between them can be physiological, behavioural or social – for example through the stress response – and is bidirectional, with mental health influencing physical wellbeing and vice versa. Health is the ability to perform all of the tasks that are required in everyday living, as well as to adapt to and learn from change. It is a complex and elusive concept, influenced by a number of factors including genetics, environment, behaviour and lifestyle. There are many factors that influence a person’s health and fitness, including nutrition, exercise and sleep. These are sometimes called ‘upstream risk factors’, as they can be more directly influencing than more ‘downstream’ behavioural and biomedical risk factors. These upstream factors are generally more difficult to identify and control, but they can have a significant impact on health outcomes. The term ‘health’ is often misused and abused by people who are unwell. The media frequently use the word to describe an individual’s condition, which is usually negative. This can lead to unhealthy and unfair assumptions about the health of others. For example, a 82-year-old woman (Person A) takes seven medications, has a 50-gallon fish tank and spends more time with her doctors than her grandchildren. Her doctor says she is in good health, but she feels that her life lacks meaning and fulfillment. She would escape from the first type of definition of health, but not the second. A better way to define health would involve a shift away from the aim of avoiding disease and toward achieving a level of functioning that enables people to live long, fulfilling lives in whatever state they are in. This would require a more encompassing approach to medicine, which includes managing diseases and focusing on their prevention rather than simply treating them when they occur. This would be a radical departure from current practice, but it could make a difference to the health and wellbeing of the 617 million Americans over 65 today.

Read More

Pharmacy is a health profession that involves the study and practice of preparing, dispensing, reviewing and monitoring medication. It is a diverse science that intersects health sciences, pharmaceutical sciences and natural sciences. Pharmacists are medication experts and have a critical role in patient care. They help ensure that prescriptions are accurate, prevent harmful drug interactions, and provide counseling to patients. They also work closely with healthcare providers and medical staff to promote medication adherence. The pharmacy is an integral part of the healthcare ecosystem and has been around for thousands of years. It is one of the oldest and most specialized scientific fields, requiring special training in both the clinical and the scientific aspects of medicine. The first pharmacists were trained by apprenticeships, and the discipline has evolved along with modern medicine. Today, pharmacy is an important part of the healthcare system and offers an array of services that can be delivered in a variety of settings. These include retail pharmacies, hospitals, government agencies, community clinics and primary care organisations. Whether you need to pick up a bottle of antibiotics or an asthma inhaler, a trip to the pharmacy is a great way to get quick, quality care. Pharmacists can perform basic healthcare procedures like taking your blood pressure and temperature, testing for cholesterol and glucose levels, and helping you decide if an over-the-counter treatment is the right option. They can also help you with more serious ailments by referring you to the right doctor. While pharmacy is a crucial part of the healthcare system, it can be challenging for busy parents to manage their family’s medications. Online pharmacy services can make life easier by providing expert support in a convenient, secure and discreet manner. These services can be used to purchase both prescription and over-the-counter medications, and they can also help you keep track of your medication history. The best online pharmacies offer a wide selection of products and provide customer service that is friendly and helpful. They should be able to answer any questions you have about your medication and be willing to explain how and why they work. They should also offer a secure website and a physical address in the United States. Finally, they should always require a valid prescription from your doctor before filling an order. Many of the top-rated online pharmacies offer free consultations with licensed pharmacists and support services that are designed to empower families to take control of their health. These services can help you understand how to use your medications correctly, and can even give advice on healthy lifestyles and diet. They can also help you get rid of old or unused medicines so they don’t fall into the wrong hands. They can also advise on the best over-the-counter treatments for everyday illnesses, such as aches and pains, flu symptoms, colds, and allergies. They can also recommend a range of supplements and nutritional products that can help boost your overall wellness.

Read More

Cancer is a disease that starts when cells in the body start growing and multiplying out of control. Cells are the building blocks of tissues and organs. Normally, as old cells die or become damaged, other cells replace them to maintain our health and keep us alive. Cancer develops when some of these cells begin to grow out of control and form masses of tissue called tumors. Cancer can occur in almost any part of the body. It may be grouped into different types depending on where it starts and what kind of cells it begins in (such as skin, breast or lung cancers). Scientists aren’t sure what causes some people to get cancer and others don’t. But they know that many things, like age, family history and lifestyle choices, can raise or lower a person’s risk. Everyone has a certain amount of cancer-causing DNA in their bodies. Cancer develops when this DNA makes mistakes that affect the way a person’s cells grow and divide. The mistakes are sometimes “mutations.” These mutations can cause cells that should die to survive and make more cells when they’re not needed. These extra cells may form tumors or spread to other parts of the body. There are over 100 types of cancer, but they all have some things in common. For example, they all start in cells. Cancers that start in different parts of the body are grouped together by the kind of cells they begin in, such as skin cancers (basal or squamous cell carcinomas) or blood cancers (leukemia). Cells that grow and reproduce out of control can become invasive and invade nearby areas. They may also evade the body’s immune system, which normally eliminates damaged or abnormal cells. They can also trick the body into helping them stay alive and growing by telling cells to grow into blood vessels that supply them with oxygen and nutrients and that remove waste products from the cancer cells. Scientists are continuing to research ways to prevent cancer and improve treatment. Some examples include removing the cells that produce hormones that fuel some cancers and using bone marrow transplant to repair diseased bone marrow with healthy stem cells, a common treatment for leukemia. Healthy eating patterns also help reduce cancer risk. This includes eating lots of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lean protein and low-fat dairy and limiting alcohol, added sugars, saturated fat and excess sodium.

Read More

Health is a complex phenomenon that can be defined in many ways. Some people define health as a physical state, while others focus on mental well-being. Still others consider a combination of all of these factors. Whatever definition you choose, you must make sure that it includes both a positive and negative component. A person who is healthy is likely to enjoy all aspects of life and live a balanced lifestyle. The World Health Organization (WHO) defines health as a state of “complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.” This statement is often cited as a guiding principle for health policy and practices around the world. This definition is not without its shortcomings. It focuses on an individual’s ability to adapt and self-manage in the face of social challenges. This is a useful concept, but it fails to take into account the fact that there are a variety of other factors that can contribute to a person’s health and wellbeing. It is important to recognise that both the good and bad effects of health are interconnected. For example, a person who has high levels of physical fitness may suffer from mental illness as a result of the stress of daily life or the pressure to perform in their job. Similarly, an individual who is overweight might be suffering from poor mental health. A person can also be healthy while battling an illness such as an allergy or cancer. Attempts to define the concept of health have a long history and have been influenced by the needs of different times, places and individuals. During the 20th century, there was a growing recognition that health is more than just an absence of disease. This led to the development of a new model known as the biopsychosocial approach. While this model acknowledges that biological, psychological and social aspects of health are interrelated, it does not replace the earlier medical model of health. In fact, the two models work together. The WHO Framework on the Determinants of Health (external link opens in a new window) defines the determinants of health as ‘upstream risk factors that are further away in the causal chain from health outcomes, such as education; employment; income; housing; family circumstances and early childhood; and the natural and built environment and culture’. These determinants are referred to as social determinants of health and influence the health outcomes of individuals and of nations. Unlike disease, which is a recognizable and often tangible entity, health is a much more difficult concept to define. Despite its elusiveness, it is important for health professionals to understand the concept of health in order to promote healthy living and prevent disease. By doing so, they will be able to improve the quality of life of their patients. This will ultimately lead to healthier, happier populations. This will, in turn, have a significant impact on society as a whole.

Read More

Pharmacy is the science and practice of preparing, dispensing and regulating drug products to ensure they work and are safe for patients. It also involves understanding and promoting the optimal use of medicines to improve health outcomes. It is a broad and diverse field that links the health sciences with pharmaceutical science and natural sciences, and is an essential part of the healthcare team, alongside physicians, nurses and dentists. The profession of pharmacy requires a rigorous and extensive education. Most pharmacy programs last five years and encompass a broad range of sciences, including physics, chemistry, biology, pharmacology, immunology, microbiology and pharmacokinetics. Additionally, many pharmacy programs incorporate business training in merchandising, accounting, computer techniques and pharmacy law. Traditionally, pharmacists have been educated as professionals through university-based schools of pharmacy, but more recently some have become specialized in specific areas of the industry. Some are small business owners, owning their own pharmacies; others provide consultation and advice to patients, or participate in pharmaceutical research. Some also work in hospitals or other healthcare settings as a way to gain experience and advance their careers. Pharmacists are highly specialized in their knowledge of drugs and how they interact with the human body, and their role is critical to the overall health and well-being of patients. They have a unique understanding of a patient’s medical history and can assist with their treatment by advising on medications, providing accurate dosage instructions, and by explaining potential side effects. They can also help identify and prevent harmful drug interactions between multiple prescriptions, vitamins or herbal supplements. Pharmacy is a highly rewarding career, as it provides the opportunity to work closely with patients and other healthcare professionals. The skills learnt during a pharmacy degree are also highly transferable, meaning that the career opportunities available to graduates are varied and wide. A pharmacy career is ideal for anyone who is passionate about helping people and is able to think critically and problem solve in a fast-paced environment. This is a highly valued profession in the healthcare sector and one that has a strong global impact.

Read More

Cancer causes cells to grow out of control, forming tumors and destroying healthy tissue. It can also spread from one part of the body to distant locations in the blood or lymph system, where it continues growing and forming more tumors, a process known as metastasis. When the disease advances, it can cause serious symptoms and death. What causes a cell to become cancerous remains a mystery, though scientists have some clues. They know that cancer develops when genes go awry and that this can be triggered by things like chemicals, radiation, tobacco, excessive alcohol consumption or viruses. Normal aging can also damage genes, making them more likely to turn cancerous over time. Scientists are working to learn more about what causes cancer by studying people who have it and those who don’t. They use a method called epidemiology to find patterns and identify potential risk factors. This involves looking at things like what diseases people have in their family, where they live, what jobs they have and how old they are. A person’s chance of getting cancer depends on all these factors, but the most important ones are a person’s age and his or her genes. A person’s chance of dying from cancer is also influenced by whether the cancer is in a specific organ or part of the body, where it is located and what type of cancer it is. In addition, the more the cancer grows and spreads, the harder it is to treat. The disease can put a huge physical, emotional and financial burden on patients, their families and health systems. Many people who have cancer die because their bodies cannot handle the strain of fighting it, or because they can’t afford to get proper care. Doctors treat cancer by killing cancerous cells and shrinking or removing the tumors. They may also use drugs to prevent or delay cancer’s return. Some treatments are combined, such as chemotherapy with surgery and/or radiation. The most common types of cancer are breast, lung, prostate and colon cancer. Other types include leukemia and lymphoma, kidney cancer, skin cancer, bone cancer and more. The word cancer comes from Hippocrates’ observation that the long, distended veins that protrude from some tumors resembled crab legs. People have been wondering about the cause of cancer for centuries. They know now that it doesn’t develop all at once, as a sudden shift in cellular functions triggered by one or two wayward genes. Rather, it develops step-by-step over decades as the result of many molecular changes. It usually takes years for a series of mutations to accumulate and make the cells that comprise a tumor malignant. This gives researchers a lot of time to figure out ways to stop the changes from leading to cancer. Several promising therapies are in development. The goal is to kill the cancerous cells while sparing healthy ones. To do this, doctors are using newer medications, targeting specific proteins that are involved in cancer growth. They are also developing better methods of diagnosis and monitoring the progress of the disease.

Read More