whys

THC, short for tetrahydrocannabinol, is a chemical compound found in the cannabis plant, also known as marijuana. When used, either through ingestion or inhalation, THC binds to specific receptors in the brain called cannabinoid receptors. In low doses, THC causes some pain reduction, may reduce aggression, can stimulate appetite, and help reduce nausea. Higher doses may cause the “high” associated with marijuana, leading to altered perception of time and space, feelings of happiness, or feelings of fatigue.

Lab-produced forms of THC are often preferable in countries where the use of cannabis is illegal. The prescription drug Marinol, containing lab created THC is used to treat eating disorders, to help relieve the side effects of chemotherapy, and the devastating effects of full-blown AIDs. THC has also been researched for its possible benefits in reducing the tics caused by people with Tourette Syndrome, and early research in this area suggests THC or Marinol may be beneficial in this regard.

It should be noted that many people who take Marinol and who have also used THC in more natural forms, feel that THC derived from cannabis is significantly more effective than Marinol. This has been a growing problem as the uses of THC have now been proven to have specific benefit to people with a variety of conditions. The war on drugs in the US makes it very difficult to obtain cannabis legally, though there are a few states or cities that provide limited access for people with certain illnesses. Yet many willfully break the law because they feel that THC provides better relief from their symptoms than Marinol.

The negative associations with drug use have, according to many patients physicians, led to prejudice against THC. Physicians note that we use and legally prescribe medications that could have far more devastating effects than marijuana. Further, medical researchers are now also finding that THC may provide relief for other extremely serious conditions. In several studies on mice, THC has been found to reduce tumor growth. A 2006 study also suggests that THC might reduce plaque formation in the brain and either delay the onset or reduce the severity of Alzheimer’s disease. Additional studies indicate THC could reduce painful spasms in people with Multiple Sclerosis, and may help control the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease.

Although it is addictive, marijuana is also not considered a highly addictive drug, and studies that suggest extended use of marijuana disrupts brain function have recently been called into question. Control group studies on habitual marijuana users show very little difference in MRI scans than in those who do not use marijuana. Many cannabis advocacy groups, and many medical researchers continue to advocate for people to have, at the very least, prescription access to THC derived from cannabis. It remains to be seen whether these groups will ever be able to successfully legalize cannabis as medication, given the public opinion that exists against it.

Related posts

• Where can I Find Medical Definitions? (0)
• What is Temporary Insurance? (0)
• What is Plastination? (0)
• What is Paresthesia? (0)
• What is MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging)? (0)

Some senior citizens are fortunate enough to have the health and financial independence to live out their lives in their own homes without much outside interference. There are others who eventually require 24 hour medical care and professional supervision. A significant segment of the aging population, however, falls somewhere between these two scenarios. They may require some assistance with medications and transportation, but they can also maintain a fairly independent lifestyle. The concept of assisted living facilities addresses the particular needs of such seniors.

Assisted living bridges the gap between the constant nursing care provided in nursing homes and the unsupervised private home. Concerned family members may not be able to afford the monthly expenses of a nursing care facility, but they may also fear for their loved one’s safety at home. An assisted living facility is designed to provide private or semi-private apartments for residents who meet certain standards of self-sufficiency. Typically, an ideal candidate for an assisted living arrangement can feed and clothe him or herself and take care of basic grooming tasks.

Some assisted living facilities are designed much like college dormitories, with semi-private rooms and common areas for cooking and entertaining. Others are planned as private efficiency or townhouse apartments, with additions such as handrails, visual alarms and emergency call buttons. Residents are free to personalize their living spaces. A professional nurse may stop by to administer medications at prescribed times, but the residents of assisted living facilities can usually leave the facility at will.

A number of assisted living facilities also provide entertainment, social outings, bathing assistance and transportation. Relatives and friends are encouraged to visit as frequently as possible. Meals served in a centralized dining hall are often available to the public as well. There are often many other amenities such as private lakes, well-groomed gardens and beauty shops.

One of the most prohibitive elements of assisted living is the expense. Very few if any major medical insurance plans cover the cost of assisted living. Some potential residents may have enough income from pensions or investments to pay for the facilities themselves, but many seniors on fixed incomes are not so fortunate. Even if they have the raw income to afford the assisted living apartment, they may also have a number of debts and bills. Family members must consider ways to absorb the substantial expense of a typical assisted living arrangement. Monthly rental fees can run into the thousands of dollars, mostly due to the number of paid staff members required to run such a facility safely.

Many seniors enter into an assisted living program only after an independent lifestyle becomes completely unworkable. It can be a difficult transition to make, especially if the change includes a loss of driving privileges. Some senior citizens finance their assisted living arrangements through the liquidation of assets such as their homes and cars. Decisions of this magnitude should generally be discussed with those who will be responsible for their loved one’s estate later. Other financial alternatives may need to be considered before assets are permanently liquidated.

For many families, the benefits of assisted living far outweigh the drawbacks. Their loved ones are supervised by professional caregivers, and critical items such as medications and food are provided. Nursing homes can seem very institutionalized and impersonal at times, and the potential for accidents at a private home increase with age. Assisted living seems to be the best compromise between the uncertainty of independent living and the 24 hour monitoring of a nursing home.

Related posts

• What are Nursing Homes? (0)
• What is Hospice? (0)
• Why is Diabetic Foot Care Important? (0)
• Why does Hair Turn Gray As We Age? (0)
• Who Should Get a Flu Shot? (0)

Nursing homes are residential care facilities that cater to the medical needs of its patients. It’s a midway point for those that have medical conditions severe enough that they need nursing expertise but whose conditions are stable enough that they do not require hospitalization.

These facilities are staffed by teams that include nurses, nurses’ aides, housekeeping staff, physical and occupational therapists, and social workers. The team works to provide medical care and supervision, hygienic assistance, rehabilitation of physical and occupational tasks and assistance with personal issues.

Nursing homes are equipped with much of the same medical equipment found in hospitals. Treatments for conditions such as pulmonary and respiratory diseases, dialysis and cancer are provided in this environment. In fact today’s nursing homes provide care that was once only available in sterile, institution like hospitals. The ideal nursing facility offers a home like atmosphere that is as comfortable, informal and as pleasant as possible.

Nursing homes provide both long term and short term care as well as inpatient and outpatient treatment. Because caring for loved ones is often strenuous and emotionally challenging, nursing homes often offer respite programs where the patient temporarily stays in the facility to relieve the pressure on the caregiver. For families that wish to care for their loved one at home but can’t be there full time because of other obligations such as work, adult daycare is also available. Adult daycare not only offers care during the day but also improves the quality of life for many individuals by providing recreation, socialization and stimulation.

Young and older patients reside in nursing homes and, in general, these patients fall within four categories; elderly, mentally ill, terminally ill, and disabled. Most facilities are designed to assist the elderly as they become less able to care for themselves. Alzheimer’s disease and dementia often strike the elderly causing them to require constant supervision, and medical and hygienic assistance. Falls and other accidents often render them temporarily or permanently incapable of caring for themselves.

Patients that suffer from mental illness often need the supervision, rehabilitation and medical assistance offered in nursing homes. Other patients include individuals with aggressive and terminal diseases in which further medical treatment is futile. Nursing care can make them as comfortable as possible in their last days. Finally, patients who experience a temporary yet serious illness or victims of a debilitating accident benefit from 24 hour care and therapy in hopes of regaining self sufficiency.

Nursing homes should not be confused with similar establishments called assisted living facilities or retirement homes. These facilities differ from nursing homes in that they cater to individuals that need some assistance in their daily lives such as meal preparation and transportation but who do not require nursing care. When considering a nursing home, the individual’s particular needs should be assessed to ensure that they are placed in the proper environment.

Related posts

• What is Assisted Living? (0)
• What Should I Expect After Plastic Surgery? (0)
• What is MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging)? (0)
• What is Mange? (0)
• What is Euthanasia? (0)

Demand for medical assistants continues to grow, especially in the US where the nursing shortage has required many doctor’s offices to rely more heavily on medical assistants to perform basic tasks, like first contact with a patient, taking blood pressure or medical histories, and possibly performing some tests like ultrasounds or blood tests. What a medical assistant does may depend upon their qualifications, education, and the needs of a specific medical practice. They often have dual roles, performing both clerical work and working with patients.

The medical assistant may need to have certification or training. Some have associate degrees and others may have completed training programs through vocational colleges or even high schools. Others are not formally educated, but are trained by other office staff. State laws within each state govern the degree of education required for a medical assistant to perform certain tasks such as drawing blood. Additional training or certification may be required for those with the most hands-on contact with patients. Some medical assistants are licensed through the American Association of Medical Assistants, and become certified assistants or CMAs. Licensing may help to yield a larger salary in this frequently underpaid field.

What type of work you do may vary from office to office but a typical list of duties includes the following:

Front Office

• Secretarial work

• Contact with insurance companies
• Answering phones and making appointments
• Ordering supplies
• Greeting patients
• Pulling and filing patient charts
• Calling in or faxing prescriptions
• Converting charts to electronic charting

Back Office

• Escorting patients to rooms

• Weighing patients
• Taking blood pressure
• Taking medical histories
• Listening or questioning patients on current health issues or the issue of concern for this visit
• Assisting doctors with medical procedures
• Giving injections or drawing blood
• Clarifying doctor’s instructions with a patient

A front office employee may be called a medical assistant, and may not technically be one. They’re often gifted secretaries or receptionists, excellent at communicating with people, and good at reading medical documentation. Other times a medical assistant may perform both a share of secretarial work and back office duties. Sometimes doctor’s offices do not employ medical assistants but instead choose to employ nurses to perform all back office work.

Since the requirements for medical assisting vary, a patient may not always know the skills and level of training of the medical assistant. Patients should know that neither medical assistants nor nurses, unless they are nurse practitioners, can diagnose problems or prescribe medication. Since you are a paying customer at any doctor’s office, you can certainly ask, if you doubt the experience of a medical assistant for a doctor or nurse to perform any type of medical procedure, i.e., removing stitches, swabbing for strep throat, giving injections. This may not endear you to a particular assistant but it’s certainly within your rights to ask.

If you’d like to become a medical assistant, and you’re still in high school, consider studying general office skills, computer skills, and the sciences, particularly biology, chemistry, and anatomy. Though a necessary part of the medical team, recognize that the financial rewards for this field are not great. As of 2006, the average salary in this field was a scant $21,000 US Dollars (USD) per year. Of course salary varies and depends on experience. Medical assistants who are skilled at office work can end up managing doctor’s offices, which usually corresponds to higher pay. Further, training in this field can be a great preliminary step if you’re interested in pursuing a career later in nursing or as a physician’s assistant.

Related posts

• What is Universal Health Care? (0)
• What is CPT Coding? (0)
• What is an Open Panel HMO? (0)
• What is a Medical Assistant? (0)
• What is a Health Share Program? (0)

Plastination is a scientific process used to preserve the anatomy of a human or animal. In plastination, the water and fat within the body are replaced by plastic, which makes the corpse virtually incapable of decaying. It is a way to maintain and preserve the shape and appearance of the body and the internal organs, which can be very valuable for medical students, among others.

In the plastination process, the body is first embalmed in formaldehyde, then placed in a freezing solution, acetone, which replaces the water in the cells. The body is then submerged in a pool of liquid polymer, such as silicon rubber or polyester. The acetone within the body begins to boil and evaporate, and is replaced by the plastic solution. The plastic can then be cured by UV light, gas, or heat, which will harden the body into a fixed shape.

The plastination technique was developed by Dr. Gunther von Hagens in 1978, who obtained three separate patents for his work with plastination. Initially, plastination was primarily used in medical laboratories and galleries, so that students would have excellent visual examples of the human body’s anatomy. However, in 1993, von Hagens formed the Institution of Plastination in Heidelberg, Germany. With the institute, he held a public showing in Japan of bodies that had undergone plastination. More than three million people attended the event.

This event was a prelude to von Hagens’ next exhibit, Body Worlds. In the Body Worlds Exhibit, carefully preserved skinless corpses are displayed in various positions, many posed as though they are engaging in ordinary activities. Though these models of plastination might appear morbid to some, many people find the exhibit to be a wonderful chance to study the inside of the human body.

Today, plastination is a common technique and an excellent tool for educators. Students in middle schools and high schools are often shown animal organs that have undergone the process of plastination; plastination is also commonly used on animal specimens for veterinary schools. Compared to the “plastic coating” method of the past, specimens that have undergone plastination are far more realistic and durable. Since von Hagens’ invention, it has proved to be a valuable technique for education and preservation.

Related posts

• What is Reconstructive Surgery? (0)
• What is MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging)? (0)
• What is Embalming? (0)
• Where can I Find Ocean Maps? (0)
• Where can I Find Medical Definitions? (0)

MRI or Magnetic Resonance Imaging is a relatively new technology that is revolutionizing several fields. This method of scanning was developed primarily for use in medicine but it has also been used to study fossils and historical artefacts. Early doctors were only able to gather data about a patient through observation and rudimentary tests. X-Rays provided doctors with one of the first ways of peering within a living person. The MRI is one of the exciting successors to the X-Ray.

To perform a MRI scan, the patient is securely placed on an imaging table within a large MRI scanner. Powerful magnetic fields are administered to align the nuclei within the atoms of the patient’s body. Next, radio frequency pulses are applied; finally, the nuclei release some of the radio frequency energy and these emissions are detected by the MRI equipment. With this data, a computer generates a surprisingly detailed view of tissues within the body.

Earlier imaging technologies, such as X-rays, were able to detect dense tissues, particularly bones. MRIs give doctors the ability to view all sorts of body structures including soft tissues.

MRIs are frequently used to detect cancers that would otherwise be difficult to diagnose, such as mesothelioma. The ability to detect cancers at their early stages has brought these scanners to the forefront of the battle against many diseases. It is generally believed that patients are not harmed by undergoing the procedure since MRIs do not use radiation. There are not any side-effects, but patients with pacemakers or other metallic implants are not eligible for these scans.

Exams typically take between 30 minutes and one hour. Early models of MRI scanners required patients to be placed in confined positions; newer versions of these expensive machines, however, are based on an open design that is much more spacious and comfortable. The images themselves are often available immediately after the scan and the patient is able to resume normal activity.

Related posts

• What is Euthanasia? (0)
• What is a Film Scanner? (0)
• Where can I Find Medical Definitions? (0)
• What’s the Difference Between a MD (Medical Doctor) and a DO (Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine)? (0)
• What is the Muscular System? (0)

Although all countries require the completion of medical school in order to become a doctor, the duration and intensity of these programs vary somewhat between different countries. For instance, some countries, such as the United States and Canada, require medical students to complete their undergraduate before entering medical school, necessitating eight or more years of education. On the other hand, many other countries treat medical school as an undergraduate program, and only require five or six years of schooling.

Two of the shortest medical school programs are those offered by India and Nepal. In both of the countries, to become a doctor, students need only complete four and a half years of an undergraduate program and one year of internship. Although getting into a medical school in India is fairly competitive, neither India nor Nepal makes medical students undergo rigorous testing before they become a doctor.

Many African, Asian, and South American countries require five or six years of undergraduate study in order to become a doctor, with varying requirements for internships and/or residencies. For instance, Kenya and China both offer a five-year program, but graduates must complete a yearlong internship before they may become a doctor. Bolivia’s medical program is also five years, but graduates must also complete 15 months of internships and a residency.

While some African, Asian, and South American countries offer five-year medical school programs with few internship or residency requirements, most programs are six years and/or require several combined years of internships and residencies. South Africa’s program is normally six years, but can be condensed to five years; however, graduates must also perform two years of internship and one year of community service. Likewise, Sri Lanka offers a five-year program, but graduates must do one year of residency in addition to a year or two of training outside of Sri Lanka. Six years of undergraduate study must be completed in order to become a doctor in Nigeria, Thailand, Japan, and Nigeria.

Medical school programs in Europe and Australia are pretty standardized: Medical students need to complete six years of undergraduate study, plus an internship, in order to become a doctor. The exception is Germany, which requires completion of a five-year program.

In general, the toughest countries in which to become a doctor are the United States and Canada. Both of these countries require completion of an undergraduate degree before the student enters medical school. The undergraduate degree is usually completed in four years and medical school in another four, but some medical schools in the United States offer an accelerated seven-year program, which essentially combines the student’s fourth undergraduate year with the first year of medical school. The Philippines also offers a “4 4″ program for becoming a doctor, and South Korea recently switched to a similar program from a six-year undergraduate program.

It should be noted that most countries do not make it easy for students to become a doctor in one country and practice in another. For example, Thailand’s six-year undergraduate program is only available to Thai citizens. Similarly, the United States requires graduates of foreign programs to study in the U.S. before they can become a doctor in this country.

Related posts

• What is the GRE? (0)
• What is MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging)? (0)
• What Can I Do With an Electrotechnical Certificate? (0)
• What are the Requirements for Getting a Driver’s License in the United States? (0)
• What are the Educational Requirements to Becoming a Doctor in the US and Abroad? (0)

Euthanasia is the process of painlessly helping a terminally ill person to die. Known also as assisted suicide or mercy killing, euthanasia is illegal for humans in the United States. Generally, euthanasia is performed by lethal injection, using the same drugs as those on death row are executed.

Hyppocrates, the father of modern medicine, stated in 400 B.C., “I will give no deadly medicine to any one if asked, nor suggest any such counsel”. Today, doctors are still bound by this oath. The first law, or statute, enacted in America was entered in the books in New York in 1828.

Like abortion, the debate about assisted suicide is a heated one. Many argue that quality of life is an issue, while those on the other side believe life must be preserved at all costs. The arguments from both sides are of both moral and legal ramifications. Proponents of assisted suicide believe that the church and state have no right to interfere with a person’s right to die. Opponents voice the opposite opinion; that no one but God has the authority to determine when a person is to die.

The Hemlock Society is very vocal in their belief that euthanasia should be allowed, especially if the patient has conveyed those wishes. Very few stand on the middle of the road on this issue. Most religions and medical professionals are opposed to euthanasia.

The topic was brought to the forefront of public opinion with the trial of Doctor Jack Kevorkian in the late 1990s. He was sentenced to 10-25 years in prison for the murder of Thomas Youk after giving him a lethal injection.

Several foreign countries including the Netherlands and Belgium allow euthanasia to be performed on patients if certain conditions, such as chronic pain associated with an incurable illness, are met.

Animals, especially dogs and cats, are routinely and humanely put to death in many animal shelters when homes for them cannot be found. It is also a common practice for owners of elderly pets to have their beloved animal put down when their pain makes the dog or cat’s life unbearable. Farmers have always practiced putting any animal out of their misery, when they know the animal cannot be healed.

Euthanasia is a volatile issue for many, especially as the baby boomer generation ages. Living wills can be drafted for those who do not wish to be kept alive by extraordinary means in the event of terminal illness or brain death. A living will is a simple document that can be drawn up by you or with the help of an attorney.

Related posts

• What is the Hippocratic Oath? (0)
• What is MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging)? (0)
• Where can I Find Medical Definitions? (0)
• What’s the Difference Between a MD (Medical Doctor) and a DO (Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine)? (0)
• What is CPT Coding? (0)

Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) coding is a standard, universal code that is applied to medical procedures and services for the purpose of patient records. CPT was developed by the American Medical Association (AMA) in 1966. CPT codes are uniform codes that translate the same for doctors, hospitals, patients, insurance companies, and other third parties. Knowledge of CPT coding is often required of medical office personnel.

CPT coding is like a language for those who work in the medical field. A CPT code is a string of numbers, usually five, that indicate a service or procedure. The AMA approves all CPT codes and updates them annually. CPT coding is an intricate and very specific procedure. For example, there are as many as 13 different CPT codes for the influenza vaccine, each specific to the type of vaccine and its administration.

Individuals with knowledge of CPT coding may be eligible to work in a doctor’s office or other medical setting. Coders can earn coding credentials to become certified in CPT coding. Many schools offer training in health information management that includes training in CPT coding. As the demands for individuals highly trained in health information management grow, other areas in addition to CPT coding are becoming essential for obtaining a job in the medical information management field.

Knowledge of CPT coding can be put to use in medical offices – both in records and billing, hospital records departments, and health insurance companies. Being able to differentiate between specific CPT coding requirements for different insurance providers is one area in which CPT coders are able to help both patients and doctors. Without the proper CPT coding, many insurance claims are denied.

The US Department of Labor anticipates that careers in medical information technology, including CPT coding, are expected to grow nearly 50% by the year 2010, making the field one of the fastest growing job markets at present. The average salary for an entry-level coder or reimbursement specialist is approximately 30,000 US Dollars (USD), with salaries increasing based on experience, certification and training, and facility.

Related posts

• What is MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging)? (0)
• What is Medical Malpractice? (0)
• What is Medical Battery? (0)
• What is Euthanasia? (0)
• What Does a Medical Assistant Do? (0)

Paresthesia is the condition commonly known as “pins and needles,” where part of the body - typically a foot or hand - begins to tingle and becomes numb, or “falls asleep.” Paresthesia can occur either on a temporary or on a chronic basis. In most cases, paresthesia is a short-term condition caused by putting pressure on a nerve, and the tingling sensation will diminish within several minutes.

When someone experiences paresthesia on a regular basis, however, it could indicate a more substantial problem within the body. Frequent cases of paresthesia can be symptoms that neurons in the brain are malfunctioning, and are not properly relaying signals to the brain. In such cases, the neural problems may be related to malnutrition, diabetes, a thyroid condition, or another medical problem.

In addition to problems with neuron function, chronic cases of paresthesia can also be associated with damage to the nerves themselves. Some likely causes of nerve damage are Lyme Disease or multiple sclerosis; a brain tumor can also have similar effects. For people who are experiencing a “pins and needles” sensation on a frequent basis, it is important to see a doctor who can test for any of the serious conditions that may cause paresthesia.

Treatment for paresthesia depends on the underlying cause of the problem. In ordinary cases of the temporary “pins and needles,” the sensation can generally be relieved by vigorous movement of the affected limb. Generally, as soon as pressure on the nerve is relieved, the problem will begin to go away on its own. When the paresthesia is related to a more severe condition, the sensation of numbness will often be cured with the treatment for the condition. Patients who suffer from multiple sclerosis frequently take prescribed drugs that alleviate many of their symptoms, including paresthesia.

Some forms of alternative therapy may also help get rid of paresthesia. For example, as paresthesia is often related to a vitamin deficiency, it may be helpful to take vitamin supplements, as recommended by a physician. Massage and acupuncture have also been known to help treat paresthesia.

Related posts

• Where can I Find Medical Definitions? (0)
• What is THC? (0)
• What is Temporary Insurance? (0)
• What is Plastination? (0)
• What is Peripheral Neuropathy? (0)