Amarin treatment for high triglycerides shows progress in trials

Biopharmaceutical Amarin Corp. plc today is reporting positive, statistically significant top-line results from its first Phase 3 clinical trial of lead drug candidate AMR101, which is being investigated as a treatment for very high triglycerides.

Based in Dublin, Ireland, but with its R&D facilities in Mystic, Conn., Amarin (Nasdaq: AMRN) is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical focused on cardiovascular disease.

The company said that the Marine study’s primary endpoint, the percent change in triglyceride levels from baseline to week 12, was met for both the 4-gram and 2-gram dose groups, in comparison to placebos. Twenty-five percent of patients were on background statin therapy, with that subgroup of patients on background statin therapy having much greater median reductions in triglycerides.

Joseph Zakrzewski, executive chairman and CEO of Amarin, said in a press release, “The Marine study was conducted in a population representative of millions of people with very high triglyceride levels, including more than 3.8 million in the U.S. alone. We believe that these results and the overall profile of AMR101 position the drug candidate to be best in class in this market.”

Amarin intends in 2011 to submit a New Drug Application (NDA) seeking approval to market and sell AMR101 in the U.S. Previous company guidance projected 2012 for the NDA submission. Amarin added that, based on the positive results of the Marine trial, Amarin has advanced additional patent claims to add to its portfolio.

Earlier this month, the company announced that Colin Stewart, who had served as president and CEO since August, resigned to address personal matters. Zakrzewski, formerly CEO of Marlborough-based Xcellerex Inc,, took over as chairman and CEO, while chief financial officer John F. Thero was named president.

Unproven, out-of-country treatments get indirect subsidies

The federal government is indirectly subsidizing a variety of sometimes unproven medical treatments in other countries, as multiple sclerosis sufferers and other patients claim thousands of dollars in medical tax credits for foreign health-care costs.

Any non-cosmetic treatment offered by a licensed medical professional outside Canada, whether officially accepted here as safe and effective or not, is eligible for credits that cover about 20% of the expense, tax experts say, citing in part a 2008 Canada Revenue Agency policy statement.

For MS patients who undergo the controversial “Liberation” therapy in places like Costa Rica or Poland, that would mean a credit of as much as $4,000 — considerably more, some argue, than medicare would have to pay if the same procedure were performed in Canada.

“You have people who are very incapacitated who are travelling abroad, which increases the cost. It also increases risk,” said Rebecca Cooney, an Ottawa MS patient and advocate. “You’re putting them through this. The least you can do is give them the tax credit.”

The multiple sclerosis patients are travelling abroad to obtain a procedure that widens veins in the neck, usually by inflating a tiny balloon inside the vessels. Employing such “angioplasties” in MS was pioneered by Dr. Paolo Zamboni, the Italian vascular surgeon who has theorized that multiple sclerosis is caused by a narrowing of neck veins, contrary to the prevailing scientific hypothesis.

Evidence of the link between the vein problem and the disease is considered inconclusive, though, and no rigorous trials have proven the efficacy of the treatment. Mahir Mostic, 35, a St. Catharines, Ont., resident with MS, died recently of complications from a vein-widening procedure he underwent in Costa Rica.

Ms. Cooney said she is preparing to claim the tax credit for the $15,000 in costs she racked up to obtain an angioplasty in Albany, N.Y., and then return for a different procedure — the insertion of a metal implant called a “stent” — when the widened veins started to narrow again.

She said most of the 200 people who belong to her MS Liberation Group and have had the procedure themselves intend to make claims.

It is not just MS patients, though, who are seeking out the tax credit for foreign health care. Travelling outside the country and paying out of pocket for treatment — whether to get speedier or cheaper service, or to obtain therapy not available here — appears to be growing in popularity. The numbers are unclear but several thousand Canadians likely head abroad annually for health services, said Ian Youngman, a U.K.-based analyst of the medical-tourism market.

Eileen Reppenhagen, a Vancouver tax accountant with a focus on disability, said she had clients who sought a variety of treatments for their autistic son in the Washington, D.C., area that were not offered in Canada. They successfully claimed the credit on $250,000 in costs, she said.

Peter Weissman, an Ottawa tax accountant who also has multiple sclerosis, said he flew to Israel and Greece to obtain an experimental stem-cell therapy — which is being studied here but is not yet approved — and is claiming the expense.

The practice raises questions, though, abut whether the tax department should indirectly subsidize foreign health care that might not be approved or funded at home. MS advocates and some tax specialists argue it is a justified add-on to an overburdened domestic health system.

“It’s in the best interests of Canada to have as healthy a population as it can,” said Mr. Weissman. “The government, indirectly funding this through tax credits, is in line with the spirit of what universal health care is all about.”

Income-tax legislation is clear on the issue, allowing patients to access the credit for any medical treatment offered by a doctor, nurse, dentist or other practitioner who is licensed in their own jurisdiction, said Mr. Weissman. The fact that jurisdiction is outside Canada “would not be relevant” in judging a claim, the Canada Revenue Agency confirmed in a 2008 “interpretation” of the law issued to another MS patient seeking stem-cell treatment abroad. The agency said the bill for that procedure and related travel costs would likely be eligible.

Travel expenses must be backed up by a letter from a Canadian doctor indicating the treatment is necessary and could not be received here, said Mr. Weissman.

The revenue department has no way of collecting statistics on how many taxpayers claim the credit for medical care they received in other countries, said Philippe Brideau, a CRA spokesman. However, the total number of people making allowable claims — the large majority undoubtedly for health care they purchased in Canada — more than doubled to 3.8 million in 2008 from 10 years earlier, according to agency figures. They would have received about $1.3 billion off their taxes.

George Jacob, an official with the MS Society of Alberta, said his office had received a number of inquiries from patients about the tax issue and was told by a CRA official that Liberation-treatment claims would likely be accepted.

“Many people are spending in excess of $20,000,” he said. “My sense is they may be able to save in the range of four to five thousand dollars.”

Advances are being made regularly by doctors and scientists in Alzheimer treatment. As the Baby Boomers age, occurrence of this disease is expected to increase dramatically. Among older humans, it is the most common form of dementia. Understanding this malady has resulted in Alzheimer’s disease treatment. While scientists are diligently working trying to find an Alzheimer cure, educating yourself with Alzheimer’s books can be helpful if you or a loved one has this disease. When inquiring about Alzheimer help, 5 diagnostic tests can be performed that indicate risk factors. Activities for Alzheimer’s patients are also helpful to slow progression of the symptoms.

Symptoms usually appear in people after the age of 65, but the disease can develop in someone aged 40 to 50. Progression of the disease is marked by difficulty with daily tasks, memory loss, disorientation, mood swigs, and personality changes. Impaired judgment, loss of language skills, and difficulty learning are other indicators. Doctors can help Alzheimer’s patients in a variety of ways. A Functional Medicine Practitioner may prescribe Alzheimer activities such as mental stimulation and exercise. Physical activities for Alzheimer patients are vital. Other Alzheimer’s treatments include incorporating a healthier diet in the patient.

Average survival for patients is 4 to 8 years after diagnosis, while the entire disease can span from 3 to 20 years. After diagnosis, an Alzheimer’s book may be helpful to you and your loved one. Since this ailment is a brain disease that causes difficulties with memory, thinking, and behavior, the best prevention and treatment for Alzheimer’s is to strengthen the body’s natural defenses. Currently, there is no Alzheimer’s cure, but Alzheimer’s activities that enforce memory are helpful. Other Alzheimer treatments focus on implementing important amino acids, vitamins, and minerals in the diet. Finding out what stage the patient is in the disease can prompt further preventative measures.

As this disease progresses, memory, thinking skills, and the ability to do simple tasks is slowly destroyed. Healthy neurons and synapses in the brain cease to operate correctly. This leads to plaques and tangles in the brain tissue. As these areas of the brain cease to function and shrink, affected areas of the brain shut down and die. As you see the Alzheimer’s activity level change significantly, the treatment Alzheimer focus shifts.

To help Alzheimer patients during this stage, the treatment for Alzheimer symptoms generally encompass keeping the patient safe and comfortable. For further Alzheimer’s help, contacting a Functional Medicine Practitioner is very beneficial.

Anyone who has ever experienced a migraine knows the impact that it has on one`s life. It means taking time off work, not being able to care for your family during a severe attack.

Thanks to lots of research it is not so difficult for doctors to diagnose migraine headaches anymore. Documented symptoms can start with an aura. Not everyone experience an aura before the migraine starts though. Stiffness of neck muscles, light and sometimes noise sensitivity are reported. Nausea is commonly present. Some people experience irritability and depression before and after an attack. It can start on the one side of the face and last for several hours to days. Patient reports that after a migraine their brain actually feels sensitive inside the skull.

Taking normal headache medication does not work. A migraine is not a normal headache. Most treatment regimes are aimed at prevention. So it is important for any sufferer to keep a diary of auras or triggers. Auras can be interference of sight, tingling in face or limbs or strange taste in mouth. Triggers can be stress related, food related (chocolate, caffeine) or allergies. It is different for different patients. Once you know what triggers your migraine, you will know to avoid it. Once you recognize the aura, you will know to take action.

Preventative medication has also come along way. There is medication that you would take every day to stop the migraine from forming. It is important to discuss treatment with a trusted doctor or neurologist. Some of the medication does have a few side effects that one should know about before you start with it. It usually subsides after a few days. Sometimes it takes a trial and error process of finding the right medication.

Unfortunately it can still happen that you experience a break through headache. And you should be armed with medication for that too. Again it is trial and error until you find something that works effectively. There are wafers available that you would put on your tongue to dissolve and it works really quickly. An injection is another option to break the pain cycle.

To control and stop migraine from stopping you, one would have to have a plan of action. Not only drug controlled but also to control our stresses by regular exercise, avoiding food triggers and learning more of the condition. Also important to have your family to understand and support you.

Options Limited for Adult Women With Acne

SAN FRANCISCO – Dermatologists are seeing an increasing incidence of adult women with acne in their offices and they are a clear challenge to treat, Dr. Hilary E. Baldwin said.

Compared to teenagers, women in their 30s, 40s and 50s and their acne lesions can be more resistant to treatment, Dr. Baldwin said at a seminar on women’s and pediatric dermatology sponsored by Skin Disease Education Foundation (SDEF).

“One of the problems of treating moderate to severe acne in the adult woman is that topical medications may not work particularly well. It may be that she is a little harder to treat, but also she has acne on the neck and the jaw, which is more sensitive skin, and the topical products tend to be quite irritating,” Dr. Baldwin said.

Acne after adolescence also can be more psychosocially devastating. Unlike a teenage girl, an affected woman may have no one else in her social group who has acne. And “because teenagers are supposed to have acne,” Dr. Baldwin said, “people will question: What is she doing wrong? Is she not eating right?”

Acne can have a detrimental effect on sexuality, motherhood, and/or returning to the workplace, and can deepen a midlife crisis, said Dr. Baldwin, vice chair of the Department of Dermatology at SUNY-Downstate in Brooklyn, N.Y.

With fewer topical agents in their armamentarium for the adult woman with acne, dermatologists tend to prescribe oral medication, Dr. Baldwin said.

Oral antibiotics are an example, such as anti-inflammatory dose doxycycline (acne is an off-label indication). This agent does not kill Propionibacterium acnes, but can improve acne through an anti-inflammatory effect similar to full-dose doxycycline, Dr. Baldwin said.

One caveat: if you prescribe an oral antibiotic, you may experience pushback from some patients, Dr. Baldwin said. “I have women who say that they get a yeast infection every time they get an antibiotic.” Strategies include antibiotic treatment through a yeast infection; a simultaneous prescription to prevent yeast growth; and/or selection of an antibiotic less likely to cause this effect. For example, extended-release minocycline may be less likely to spur yeast growth than traditional minocycline, she said.

Non-antibiotic alternatives for moderate to severe acne are limited, especially in women of child-bearing potential.

Oral hormonal contraceptives also can improve acne in adult women, Dr. Baldwin said. In the United States, ethinyl estradiol/norethindrone acetate (Estrostep, Warner Chilcott); drospirenone/ethinyl estradiol (Yaz, Bayer); and ethinyl estradiol/norgestimate (Ortho Tri-Cyclen, Ortho McNeil Janssen) are FDA-approved for acne treatment “and others with estrogen may be effective.”

Because their full acne-fighting effects can take up to 6 months, Dr. Baldwin recommended prescription of oral contraceptives in combination with a quicker onset agent. “For me it’s a medication on top of a medication that is going to give more immediate improvement, one I can take them off when I start to see the oral contraceptive kick in.”

“The difference becomes significant with Yaz at about 6 months,” Dr. Baldwin said. “But waiting for 6 months for this to happen is not something most of our patients will do.”

Keep potential adverse effects of oral contraceptives in mind. Evidence in the literatures suggests there is no increased cardiovascular risk among nonsmokers, Dr. Baldwin said. In addition, studies indicate no increase risk of breast cancer. An increased likelihood for a thrombolic event is elevated during the first year then becomes normalized, she said.

The FDA added a black box warning to labeling for spironolactone (Aldactone, GD Searle, plus generics) in 2008 that cites an increased risk for tumors based on animal studies. The warning recommends use only for approved indications, “which acne is not,” Dr. Baldwin said. There have been five cases of breast cancer reported in women taking spironolactone and other medications, but there was “no clear link to the medication.” Also, a review article found no evidence of risk (J. Clin. Aesthet. Dermatol 2009;2:16-22). Still you “need to discuss this risk with your patients,” Dr. Baldwin said.

“A recent Cochrane review on spironolactone which concluded that, although it was very helpful for hirsutism and for alopecia, that it had no evidence-based medicine to support its use in the treatment of acne,” Dr. Baldwin said in an interview (Cochrane Database Syst. Rev. 2009;(2):CD000194). “Now that flies in the face of numerous small studies which have demonstrated clearly over the years that spironolactone in doses from 50 to 200 mg per day are very helpful in the treatment of acne, especially in the adult woman.”

The number of participants in these studies was “so small that it didn’t pass muster for the Cochrane review,” Dr. Baldwin said. “I still believe spironolactone is an incredibly useful drug in the treatment of acne.”

An estimated 13%-15% of women in the United States have acne. The number has been increasing in recent past. Dr. Baldwin said, however, it is unclear if the increase is due to greater awareness of quality acne therapy and/or a true increase in prevalence.

Dr. Baldwin recommended www.acneandrosacea.org as a good source for acne information. Dr. Baldwin is a consultant and has received honoraria from Ortho, Galderma, Allergan, Coria, Graceway, GlaxoSmithKline, and L’Oreal. SDEF and this news organization are owned by Elsevier.

Simpler Treatments Often Mean Better End Results

Having trouble sticking to your acne treatment regimen? Maybe a simpler routine is needed.

A recent study published in the medical journal Cutis found that people were more likely to stick with, and consistently, use a simpler acne treatment routine. This consistency lead to better clearing clearing of the skin.

Maybe instead of buying and using a bunch of different acne treatments, we’d be better off streamlining our treatment routine into a regimen that’s quick and simple to use. Some ideas:
Instead of buying several cleansers (or toners, creams, etc.) buy one and use it consistently. If you see results, no need to spend more money on another product.
Ask your doctor about combination treatments that contain more two acne medications in one tube (this may be a more expensive option, though, and some may not be covered by your insurance.)
Cut the guesswork and buy a complete acne treatment skin care system like Proactiv, AcneFree, or The Pimple Clinic. This is a good option if walking into the skin care aisle makes your head spin with too many choices.

Remember, anything that makes it easier for your to use your acne treatments correctly and consistently will ultimately help you get clearer skin.

Most Effective Acne Treatment

People all around the globe suffer from such skin conditions like acne, pimples, age spots, wrinkles and sunspots. Beauty industry already makes billions of dollars every year, especially from women, who are on the quest for youthful, glowing appearance. Dermatologists and other specialists are looking for the best and safest possible treatments to combat acne and other skin ailments.

Currently there are wide variety of creams, ointments and gels that treat acne and enhance skin elasticity, at least they claim so. In addition, there are dozens of scrubs, masks, cleansers and others skin medicine formulations, offered at various price ranges. Most can be bought at department stores or drugstores, but the fact is that very few of these so- called “miracle” products actually work. And the latest medical research has shown that what does work best as a proven treatment for acne, are TCA skin peels. Dr. Michael Conner explains: “TCA skin peels are focusing on the root of the problem, and this provides very effective results – leaving the patient with noticeably smoother and fresher skin and great texture…without the acne! Other techniques usually deal only with cosmetic part of the problem.”

The TCA peel, is recommended by many doctors and specialists as it is a medium-strength treatment that is the safest, most effective, as well as easiest to use. It sloughs off layers of dull dead skin that may cover up the source of acne. TCA peels improve circulation of blood in the skin, and this cause skin cell rejuvenation and the build up of skin-strengthening substances like collagen and elastin.

TCA peels are great for treating acne and are more effective than other clinic or spa-based treatments. Skin-peel.com is pleased to offer this highly effective product at a fraction of the price one would normally pay per session or treatment at salons and spas. TCA peels were previously only available through expensive treatments by doctors and plastic surgeons – $500 – $1000 per peel. These same TCA peels are now immediately available at tremendous savings for under $30 through the company website www.skin-peel.com and no prescription is required.

There is no doubt that diabetes is an epidemic disease. Huge numbers of people suffer from it, while even more are unaware that they have it. Everyone is looking for a cure, but can a natural diabetes treatment work.

Diabetes is a disease where the body is unable to produce or utilize insulin. Insulin is a very important hormone which is essential to convert sugar and starches into energy. This can result in diabetics having very high blood sugar levels as the glucose builds up in the blood as it cannot be converted into energy.

The result is that the extra sugar can cause hyperglycemia. The extra sugar is eventually eliminated by the body through urination. The body is unable to extract any goodness from food so a person suffering from untreated diabetes is likely to lose weight.

This can be an early symptom of untreated diabetes. Others include excessive thirst, feeling fatigued, irritability and excessive hunger. Many people are at risk of developing type two diabetes which is related to being overweight and having a bad diet. It generally develops in older adults, but with so many of the worlds population being overweight it is being found in younger and younger patients.

You may have been warned by your doctor that you are at risk of developing type two diabetes or are developing it. It can be a major shock to hear, and for most people it will mean a radical overhaul of their lifestyle and diet is needed. This will almost certainly mean losing weight and getting more exercise, but you may be wondering what else you can do.

There are healthy supplements on the market that can help you to regulate your blood sugar and regain control of your life. A supplement such as Diamaxol contains only natural ingredients which should not cause any side effects. It can help to promote optimum health and also aid weight loss.

The main aim is to keep blood sugar levels constant throughout the whole day, leaving you free to concentrate on other things. It helps to promote a healthier pancreas so that it may be able to act more effectively in producing natural insulin again.

A natural supplement can help to reduce the amount of insulin necessary over time, as the effects of diet and exercise start to work with it. It is proven that being near to your ideal weight can make a huge difference to healthy blood sugar management. Natural supplements can contain a powerful antioxidant that can help to lessen any complications caused by diabetes.

As these complications can be very serious it could be well worth considering a supplement. Diabetes can affect the eyes, kidneys, the liver and blood vessels. It is also well known that many diabetics can develop nerve damage in their feet and hands. Diabetes is a very serous disease so it is worth giving yourself every chance to get it under control. If left untreated it can cause serious complications. Developing a healthy lifestyle in conjunction with a natural diabetes treatment could help lessen the need for insulin. Always check with your doctor first before changing any of your medications.

Carpal tunnel syndrome is the name given to a condition where one of the main nerves of the forearm gets trapped or squeezed as it passes through a tunnel in the wrist – trying to make its way into the palm of the hand. The nerve is called the Median Nerve and the small tunnel space through a gap in the wrist bones is called the carpal tunnel.

The problem is common – with some recent expert studies indicating that around one in ten of us might develop it at some point in our lives. It can be a transient and self healing issue – as is seen during pregnancy for example, or it can go on to give a lifetime of misery in association with other underlying serious disease.

Those who have the bad luck to experience carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms will experience the following problems – either all together or in combinations.

The symptoms are often worse at night or first thing in the morning – and some people will wake up at night suffering from them. Sleep loss is quite common in those who have the syndrome.

For a few people the problem is triggered by the kind of work they do each day – and those people will typically feel symptoms during the day instead of at night.

Most people find that they can ease the problems a little if they shake their hand for a minute or two. This shaking effect seems to ease the pins and needles and improve the numb sensation.

Carpal tunnel treatment choices are quite wide – and many of those who have it end up quite confused when trying to figure out the best way forward.

Most commonly used is a simple splint that supports the wrist when sleeping or when working. This helps reduce the movement of the bones in the tunnel and seems to reduce the swelling around the nerve. A night time splint is often the first choice or first line treatment for women who get the syndrome when pregnant.
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Some doctors will routinely use steroid injections when they are treating a CTS patient. The drug is injected either into the tunnel or close to it – taking great care not to inject into the nerve itself because this would cause lasting damage and worse pain. Research seems to show that this kind of injection treatment works well – particularly in the first two or three months of the problem.

Surgical operations are also used to release the nerve pressure but this invasive type of procedure runs a risk of causing nerve damage so is normally kept for those who fail to recover with other treatment choices.

Learn how hemorrhoids are treated through self care, medical treatment, and surgery. Now, British researchers say the compound could be an effective treatment for the severe pain that can follow surgery to remove hemorrhoids. Most do not require surgery or other treatment unless the hemorrhoids are very large and painful. This treatment is consequently effective to help prevent vein breakage after surgery, when an operation is the chosen method to remove hemorrhoids. This treatment shrinks hemorrhoids upon application and provides safe elimination of hemorrhoids within days without scarring, tissue damage, or invasive surgery. – Surgery to remove the hemorrhoids may be used if other treatments fail. Surgery to remove the hemorrhoids may be used if other treatments fail. For severe cases of hemorrhoids, such as prolapsed, thrombosed, or strangulated hemorrhoids, surgery may be the only treatment option. It is usually considered only for severe hemorrhoids.Surgery may be done if other treatments (including home treatment) have failed. No longer do you have to worry about messy ointments or expensive surgery with extensive recovery time associated with other hemorrhoids treatment.

With early detection, a patient with hemorrhoids, is usually able to undergo a painless and non-invasive, non-surgical treatment using infrared coagulation (IRC). “With early detection, a patient with hemorrhoids, is usually able to undergo a painless and non-invasive, non-surgical treatment using infrared coagulation (IRC). Infrared coagulation: a new treatment for hemorrhoids. A randomized comparison of infrared photocoagulation with bipolar diathermy for the outpatient treatment of hemorrhoids.

The vast majority of hemorrhoids don’t require invasive medical treatment. Severe hemorrhoids may even require surgical treatment. Severe hemorrhoids may require special treatment, much of which can be performed on an outpatient basis. Therefore, hemorrhoids require the proper diagnosis and treatment by a physician. Small ulcerated external hemorrhoids usually do not require any treatment for hemostasis. Though PPH may be a simple and effective treatment for hemorrhoids, any surgeon attempting this procedure would still require formal training. Men are more likely than women to suffer from hemorrhoids that require professional medical treatment. Men are more likely than women to suffer from hemorrhoids that require professional medical treatment.Causes and symptomsPrecisely why hemorrhoids develop is unknown.

When symptoms such as itching, burning, or pain occur, it is important to find a herbal treatment for hemorrhoids as soon as possible. This is a highly effective anti inflammatory treatment formulated exclusively to stop bleeding and ease acute pain from hemorrhoids. If pain persists, talk to a physician about other hemorrhoids treatment options. Most creams or suppositories used in the treatment of hemorrhoids are directed at reducing the pain and itching symptoms. If you are having pain that you know is from hemorrhoids, but no bleeding, home treatment may be all that is needed. Post operative problems include bleeding, pain and urinary retention For external hemorrhoids treatment is by excision.

Bring fast effective hemorrhoids relief with this anti-inflammatory formula treatment. Roid Relief is a topical treatment proven to immediately penetrate into cell membranes to provide instant relief for people suffering from hemorrhoids. If the patient waits three or more days, hemorrhoids treatment will resolve the discomfort, but relief may take up to a week. Some quality natural products for treatment of hemorrhoids can yield complete relief.

Since hemorrhoids are partly caused by large solid bowl movements one treatment used to prevent hemorrhoids is a fiber supplement. Authors’ conclusions The use of fiber shows a consistent beneficial effect for relieving overall symptoms and bleeding in the treatment of symptomatic hemorrhoids. Meta-analyses using random-effects models showed that laxatives in the form of fiber had a beneficial effect in the treatment of symptomatic hemorrhoids. Authors’ conclusions: The use of fiber shows a consistent beneficial effect for relieving overall symptoms and bleeding in the treatment of symptomatic hemorrhoids. Insoluble fiber is the preferred treatment for hemorrhoids, not soluble fiber as attested by the recommendations for wheat bran by so many surgeons. Changing one diet to include more fiber and water to soften stools and prevent constipation is also an effective treatment for hemorrhoids.

Migraine headache is a common condition that affect women more than men. Seventy five percent of migraine affects people between the ages of fifteen and fifty-five who have a family history of them.

Symptoms of headaches are vomiting, numbness, dizziness and sensitivity to light and sound. All types of headache can really disrupt an individual’s daily life. Maintaining work, home and social life can be a challenge and the stressful anticipation of lengthy headache pain itself can trigger a prolonged headache.

There are many effective alternatives to treatment migraine headaches and it doesn’t involve prescription or non-prescription drugs:

1. Acupuncture

Acupuncture are another form of alternative medical approaches that one may seek for reduced chronic pain in the neck and shoulder areas and associated headache, with the effects lasting for months. Acupuncture works by stimulating key points in the body which help regulate blood flow in small blood vessel that get constricted during migraines. Acupuncture also regulates serotonin levels which can restrict blood vessels, releases endorphins to provide pain relief and relaxes tense muscles

2. Massage

Massage is a great way to reduce stress and relieve tension. The massage in the back of the head, neck, shoulders, and arms is a good method of headache relief. For some people, massage may provide relief from headaches caused by muscle tension.

3. Physical activities

Physical Activities such as jog, swim, meditation, yoga, may help to fight headache that is due to stress. Physical Activities will make improvement in your blood circulation and will release you from tension. Thus your body will be relaxed.

4. Relaxation and proper breathing

Any form of stress and depression can lead to muscle tightness (muscle tension) and cause migraine headaches. Try to find those moments where you can relax. Using relaxation techniques such as meditation, yoga, play some soothing music, and take several deep breaths can all help reduce stress, aid in relaxation, and help reduce the strength and pain of a migraine.

5. Drink more water

Dehydration may also cause migraine or headache triggers. Since this is the prime cause for muscle contraction, you need to drink at least eight glasses of water to solve this problem. Drinking plenty of water not only gives relief from headache but also maintains your body.

It is important to identify and reduce food-related headache triggers. This can be done by maintaining a careful diary of headaches and eating habits.

Neck pain is a common issue that affects an estimated sixty percent of adults at least once in their adult lives. There are many different approaches for neck pain treatment, and these must be tailored to your individual needs and depend on how severe your neck pain currently is and how it got like that. The normal avenues of neck pain treatment are medication, neck and postural exercises and ergonomics.

It is important to understand that the scientific evidence to support many of the treatments used for neck pain is limited. And due to the complex nature of the human body, what works for one person may not work for another. And remember doctor will of course be biased towards medication and drugs as a form of treatment because that is what they are trained in. They are usually not aware of other forms of treatment or therapy.

If you have suffered a neck injury and are experiencing severe neck pain, this is a potential situation that requires further medication attention. Some symptoms that may indicate need for further medical assistance can include but are not limited to: numbness, weakness, shooting pains or tingling in the arms or legs. Symptoms such as these may get worse very quickly or start very suddenly, so you should see further medical attention.

Previously extended bed rest was advised for pain in the neck but that is no longer the case. The best advice for bed rest is that it should be limited to 24-48 hours after the beginning of pain. Except in the cases of a pinched nerve or nerve root compression, or if you have broken a bone in your neck or damaged a disc in the neck area.

Keeping the neck mobile is very important part of neck pain treatment. Frequent breaks of sustained postures such as computer or desk work can go a long way to helping prevent or relieve pain in the neck. A break from desk work every 20 minutes is ideal. Although initially this may not look good for productivity, you may find that it will actually improve it.

Neck pain treatment in the initial phase of neck pain as a result from a specific injury can consist of icing the injury with an ice pack. Ice packs can help to decrease inflammation and swelling after an injury and help to ease the pain. If you are someone who does not like ice packs or the cold then just do not use it. The benefits are probably not worth it if you find it uncomfortable. After the initial 2 days you can apply heat to the area. This can help reduce stiffness and ease the muscles.

If you have had a neck injury or have long term neck ache then you might also need specific neck exercises in your neck pain treatment program. People that have also not had one specific triggering incident but have slowly developed their neck ache over a period of time might also find it worthwhile to start doing some exercises. The best types of exercises are core strength ones and ones that focus on postural muscles. A very important aspect of neck pain treatment is taking care of work station ergonomics. Because if you do a lot of desk or computer work and have poor ergonomics it may not cause an issue straight away but eventually it will. Many people have poorly positioned computer monitors. Aim to have the top or middle of your monitor at eye height, this will reduce the strain on your neck. If you spend a lot of time on the lap

On any given day in the United States, one million people are in treatment for alcoholism or drug addiction. It is not getting into treatment, however, that makes the difference. Instead, it is what a person gets out of treatment. The fact that many people do not find success in treatment on their first attempt is due in part to a lack of understanding about what makes effective treatment.

Occasionally, people looking for treatment will come across other individuals who are already in recovery and who insist that the only path to recovery is whatever path the recovering individual has taken. This simply is not true. The ultimate success of each individual entering treatment depends on finding the right treatment setting and methods for the individual, and everyone’s needs are different.

Frequently, it is necessary for addicts and alcoholics to go through a medically supervised withdrawal period before they can safely enter treatment. However, some people confuse this short 3 to 7 day period with treatment, which it is not. Some people cycle in and out of these withdrawal episodes convinced that they should be able to maintain abstinence afterwards, but never finding success. Seemingly tragic, this allows some addicts to continue in their addiction while giving the appearance that they are attempting to get healthy.

The appropriate duration for an individual depends on his or her problems and needs. Research indicates that for most patients, significant improvement is reached at about 3 months. The research suggests that this may be residential, outpatient or a combination of both depending on the individual’s needs. After this initial period, additional treatment can produce further progress toward recovery.

Effective treatment must address the individual’s drug use, but also any associated medical, psychological, social, vocational, or legal problems.

Many alcoholics and addicts mistakenly believe that if they could just stop using for a week or two they could stop using forever. In reality, they need therapy. In therapy, addicts examine their motivation, build skills to resist drug use, replace drug-using activities with constructive and rewarding nondrug-using activities, and improve problem-solving abilities. Additionally, therapy helps individuals to rebuild and re-learn family and social living patterns.

Medications such as suboxone, methadone and LAAM can all be effective in helping certain individuals stay away from illicit drugs. Some times frowned upon by some individuals in recovery the truth is that these medications allow millions of individuals to live normal, productive lives.

Drugs are found everywhere, even in drug treatment. Whether treatment is offered on an outpatient, inpatient or in a jail drugs are available to individuals in treatment. This puts individuals in treatment at risk for reusing even while in treatment. It also means that every individual in treatment should be monitored for drug treatment on an ongoing basis. In this manner treatment, plans may be modified to increase the chance of ultimate success.

An alcoholic or addict who also has a mental health disorder is said to have “co-occurring” disorders. In the past, the question has sometimes been should the person be treated for the mental health problem or the addiction first. People may be using drugs to deal with the mental health problem or they may have the mental health issue because of their drug use. The most effective way to deal with these two “co-occurring” disorders and deal with the addiction is to treat them at the same time.

It used to be believed that someone had to want to go into treatment before it could be effective. New research has shown that this is not the case. In fact, treatment is just as effective for individuals who are court ordered to do treatment as it is for people who figure out the need for it on their own. Families and employers can be just as effective at getting unwilling addicts into treatment. Stephen King, in his autobiography “On Writing,” tells about the intervention his wife and family performed on him. King did not want to go into treatment. He was seemingly happy doing coke and drinking mouthwash, but his wife Tabitha and his children were not happy with the situation and performed an intervention. Forced to choose between family and drugs, King made the right choice. Interventions are most successful when done correctly and with the help of a professional.

As with other chronic illnesses, relapses can occur during or after successful treatment episodes. Addicted individuals may need lengthy treatment and more than one time in treatment before they can enjoy long-term abstinence and full restoration to a drug free life. The period after treatment is just as important as being in treatment. Finding support and continuous work to stay drug free will be necessary. A slip or relapse is just an indicator that more work, and possibly more treatment, is necessary. Don’t give up.