Medical Supplies You Should Keep Handy While Traveling

In the midst of travel preparations, when transportation options, lodging plans, and expectations of exciting activities occupy your mind, it is easy to overlook the importance of bringing along a well-thought-out pack of medical supplies. However, despite its many attractions, traveling carries with it some health risks especially as you move farther and stay away longer from your own residence. That is why a medical kit should be an important inclusion in your luggage when you travel. The type and quantity of medical supplies to carry depend on the length of your trip, your destination, and the kinds of activities you plan to engage in. There are, however, basic medical items that you should always have in your travel medical provisions.

Bring sufficient prescription and non-prescription medication.

If you are under medication for diabetes, hypertension, or any other serious afflictions, it is necessary to have your prescription drugs in your possession at all times while traveling. When traveling abroad, check and comply with the customs policies of your destination country. Another thing you should prepare for is the inevitable encounter with common illnesses that travelers experience. Water, food, environmental conditions, and stress usually leave travelers suffering from diarrhea, fever, cuts, burns, insect bites, stings, and the like. To counteract these unpleasant travel consequences, bring appropriate over-the-counter medications including pain relievers, antihistamines, and antibiotics.

Carry a personalized first aid kit.

Commercial first aid kits for travelers are readily available, but they are often insufficient. To make a first aid kit truly useful in a medical situation, you need to add more to its contents. Make sure it has bandages and sterile gauze, cotton, sutures, needles, syringes, small scissors, tweezers, gels and creams for burns and insect bites, a thermometer, closure strips, water purification tablets, a bottle of antiseptic, and anything else that might come in handy depending on your destination. Along with what's inside, consider the first aid container itself. If you will be doing water activities during your vacation, for example, then it would be wise to bring along a waterproof first-aid kit.

Have room in your bag for miscellaneous health and medical items.

These are the provisions that are too bulky for your first aid kit but are equally important to have around while you travel. When traveling, it is a good idea to have with you some or all of these items: hand and feet sanitizer, rubbing alcohol, medically tested sunscreen, a tube of lip balm, hot and cold compress, and vaso-constrictor or cleansing eye drops. Other items that you might include in your list depending on existing medical conditions include a nebulizer, an inhaler, and allergy shots. For accurate health monitoring while traveling, you may also carry items such as electronic blood pressure monitors, pulse rate gauges, blood sugar monitors, and the like. Finally, mobility aids such as medical crutches, canes, slings, and braces are also useful if you encounter minor injury or if you are hampered by pain while traveling.

More on Headaches

Over the years I have written several articles on headaches. This is because there are so many types and causes of head pain that there is much to write about. Headaches remain one of the top three reasons why people go to the doctor.

The most common types of headaches are tension headaches and migraine headaches. Tension headaches are typically a constant squeezing-like pain around the head whereas a migraine headache has a throbbing or pulsating component. Many people believe the term migraine headache is used simply to describe a very severe headache. This is not the case. Migraines are a specific group of headaches which have a vascular cause and thus have a throbbing component. Compounding diagnosis, headaches of the same type can have many different causes. Cluster headaches are given their name based on the fact that the attacks of headache pain occur in clusters that may last several weeks to months. The head pain is agonizing and usually affects one side of the face, involving severe pain behind one of the eyes with associated nasal congestion and runny nose. Oddly, men tend to get these types of headaches more frequently than women.

In my office we address many migraine causes as well as tension headaches which are caused by brain based inabilities to perform appropriate eye movements. This becomes confusing for many patients as once you mention the eyes as a cause of headaches you inherently think to see an optometrist. In reality, optometrists are interested in the focusing ability of the eyes and in diseases of the eyes. Movement of the eyes to targets however is brain based and not typically assessed by eye doctors. This is an extremely overlooked cause of headaches as few practitioners have appropriate diagnostic equipment to evaluate brain based eye movements.

Additionally, many headaches are perpetuated through poor eating habits and deficient nutritional needs. This can easily be addressed by changing poor dietary habits in favor of better eating habits and thus augmenting nutrition. It is most unfortunate however that the vast majority of headaches are managed through inappropriate drug therapies, most all of which do not fix the underlying cause of headaches but rather are typically an opiate based drug prescribed to deal with symptoms.

Recent studies are uncovering more and more deficits associated with these-type drugs which can be extremely addictive and require increasing dosage to maintain any level of symptom control. If you suffer from headaches you would be well served to contact my office to schedule an appointment for a complete neurologic examination. For many, it is their last headache consult.

Tips for Vestibular Rehabilitation

People who suffer from regular bouts of dizziness can tell you that it is often more than a simple case of sea or air sickness. It's more than a momentary bout of feeling unbalanced, whether it comes from inner ear disorders, head injuries, labrynthitis, stroke or neurologic problems. Severe or prolonged dizziness and imbalance can interfere with a person's job and lifestyle, making it impossible to drive or operate machinery. It can even make it impossible for a person to perform routine activities such as taking a walk around your neighborhood

Fortunately, vestibular rehabilitation can help most sufferers to return to a normal lifestyle, with independence in almost all aspects. Such rehabilitation focuses on sensorimotor retraining activities that include physical and visual exercises as well as education for the patient. The patient's family members may also be called upon to take part in these rehabilitation activities. Most patients quickly discover that they can return to work and social activities with ease.

That said, a positive attitude is one of the best tools a patient can bring to his or her vestibular rehabilitation process. Solid belief that retraining oneself is possible can make the difference between success and failure. So trust in your own ability to respond to the proven exercises that will be taught to you. Then devote yourself to the most important aspect of the process-getting well.

Trust in the staff at the rehabilitation facility to teach you the proper way to perform these exercises. After all, they are experts, with many successes under their belts, and you are their priority while you are with them. You'll quickly find that your therapist is the authority on you. After a thorough evaluation of your condition, your therapist will know your posture, balance and gait better than you do-and he or she will know how to improve those traits. In fact, your therapist will develop a treatment plan that is customized just for you, and it will include specific body, head and eye exercises to help you to get better.

One thing you will quickly learn is not to rely on uncomfortable patterns of head and body movement to maintain coordination and balance. You may have found yourself walking with an exaggerated sway of your hips in order to balance your body. Or you might find yourself staring at the floor whenever activity around you becomes too visually intense. Such changes in your manner of moving and paying attention can, however, make your condition worse. They can cause you to experience headaches and muscle tension in addition to your dizziness. So instead of relying on these uncomfortable patterns, take advantage of the lessons in coordination that you will learn during vestibular rehabilitation.

And don't become discouraged if your treatment plan makes you feel worse for a short while. After all, you will be learning new ways of moving and visualizing the world around you. If you practice your exercises faithfully-and correctly-you will discover that your dizziness, headaches and muscle tension will diminish. In fact, vestibular rehabilitation therapy is often so successful, that the patient will no longer experience vertigo, dizziness or a sense of imbalance. Because that is your goal as well as your therapist's, you can take heart that any uncomfortable symptoms will soon go away.

Be alert to things that can cause your symptoms to recur. Such things include a bad cold, a fall, or anything that disrupts your normal activity. When such things occur, your brain can forget how you are supposed to function through a process called 'decompensation'. But if you are aware of triggers to your symptoms, you can easily begin practicing your exercises at home and take back your control.

You can also take up an active sport that is suitable for balance training. Such sports include ping-pong, volleyball, or tennis. You might even benefit from yoga or tai chi. The benefits of such activities is that they include head movement and eye-hand coordination. They are also fun, which will help with your attitude toward your condition. Of course, you will want to monitor yourself for symptoms as you take part in such activities. It is also wise to consult with your physician before taking on such sports to make sure that you are physically capable and fit enough for such activities.

However, if your home exercises and sports activities do not quickly bring about results, you will want to contact your doctor. It is possible that additional vestibular damage has occurred, which may require you to return to a rehabilitation center or to take on other types of medical treatment.

These are just a few tips for vestibular rehabilitation. Discuss them with your doctor and your therapist, then put them to use along with others that will be prescribed specifically for you. You are sure to see positive results much faster than you ever dreamed, and you will be able to return to your normal lifestyle with relief.

The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for medical advice. All medical information presented should be discussed with your healthcare professional. Remember, the failure to seek timely medical advice can have serious ramifications. We urge you to discuss any current health related problems you are experiencing with a healthcare professional immediately.

How to Prepare for Heart Surgery

Do you have a heart surgery coming up? Feeling a bit freaked out about your upcoming surgery? Don't worry, you're not alone. Many people get worried about going to the doctor for simple checkups, so it's no surprise that something as big as heart surgery can scare people straight. The good news? Doctor's perform successful heart surgeries every single day. They know what they're doing - but that being said, it's completely normal to be a bit concerned once you've scheduled your operation. How can you ease your fears? By knowing how to prepare for your heart surgery. Knowing what lies ahead makes it a bit easy to combat the fear that's rising up in your throat, keeping you awake at night and jolting you out of your daydreams during the daylight hours.

For starters, you should know that heart surgery, while it seems scary and impossible and easy to mess up, is a fairly simple procedure - it's minimally invasive, especially when it's done using robotic assistance. Robotic-assisted surgery allows for cardiac surgeons to complete the procedure through 1-2 fingertip sized incisions. There, you can rest easy - fingertip-sized incisions are quite small, aren't they? Most patients opt for this approach, as its' the most minimally invasive robotic approach out there, decreasing overall trauma to the body. These procedures eliminate the need for the surgeon in question to split the breast bone and spread the ribs to access the heart (something that was necessary before robotic-assisted surgery was invented). This procedure lessens both pain and blood loss, making for a shorter recovery time and an easier go at it overall.

Additional benefits include less pain and scarring, a decreased risk of infection, a shorter hospital stay after the surgery is completed, less blood loss and hence, fewer transfusions, and a quicker return to your normal activities. Many people worry that after they have heart surgery, they'll have to spend a long time in recovery, unable to get back to their day to day life. Thanks to modern innovations, however, heart surgery is becoming less and less of a "big deal" - and more of a routine surgery that, will important, doesn't have to slow you down.

So, let's get into what you should do to prepare for your heart surgery operation. Here are some things to expect. It's likely that you'll be admitted to the hospital before your operation - likely on the afternoon proceeding the surgery. The staff at the hospital will conduct a few tests, give you instructions and prepare you for surgery. These are just routine tests, conducted in order to ensure that you're in tip-top shape to go into surgery. That same afternoon, your team of surgeons, cardiologists, nurses and any other medical folk you have in your corner will pay you a visit to discuss your operation. Should you have any questions about the operation itself, this is a good time to ask them. Routine tests conducted may include electrocardiogram and chest x-rays.

Another thing to know - your hair will be shaved off where the operation will be done. This makes it easier for the surgeon to clean the skin, and prevents pain when your adhesive bandages are removed following the surgery. Don't worry, it's just hair - it'll grow back! After you are shaved, your skin will be washed with an antiseptic solution to reduce the risk of infection. Now, let's move on to the day of the operation itself.

On the day of your surgery, you'll need to give any personal items you're wearing to a family member. This includes watches, glasses, jewelry, dentures and any clothing you've been wearing. This is all done for your protection - your body needs to be clean of any distractions before the surgery can begin. Once this part is complete, you'll be given a few medications to help you relax. From there, you'll be rolled into the operating room, where the surgery will begin. Once you're in the operating room, you'll be given anesthesia, which will put you to sleep, vacate any pain, and leave you with no memory of the operation itself. A few hours later, you'll wake up from the surgery, renewed albeit a bit woozy. From there, you'll be moved into a recovery room, so that you can wake up fully and begin your recovery and the next stages of your life.

Though heart surgery can seem scary, if you're prepared and know what to expect, you can lessen your worries. From the preparation to the day before the surgery leading right up to the surgery itself, knowing what you're in for does wonders for your nerves. If you know what to expect, nothing will come as a surprise for you, enabling you to have the most positive surgical experience possible, and recover quickly and easily.

The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for medical advice. All medical information presented should be discussed with your healthcare professional. Remember, the failure to seek timely medical advice can have serious ramifications. We urge you to discuss any current health related problems you are experiencing with a healthcare professional immediately.

Wart Remover for Rapid Cure

You could be facing terrible embarrassment if you have warts on your body. This ugly growth on skin is caused by human papilloma virus. It is a misconception that these skin growths are cancerous. The top layer of the skin named epidermis consists of keratin, a protein which is hardened. There are many who interchangeably use the terms warts and moles, even though there is striking difference between the two. The former is the skin-colored rough lump while the latter is dark and huge bump on the skin. A wart remover is considered to be a great relief to the sufferers of the issue.

There is a social stigma attached to warts which makes it difficult for you. Many are ignorant about the fact that these virii enter through tiny cuts, breaks or other vulnerable sites on the skin and is not associated with the cleanliness or hygiene. Most commonly, the warts appear on the hands and feet, the most visible spots of the body. The other types of warts are genital warts. Genital warts are highly contagious and are considered to be one among the prominent sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). The studies show that the people infected by these experience distress, anxiety and depression that those who are infected in other areas. The wart remover is a perfect cure for the issues, despite the area of the body affected. The warts are not just unsightly and uncomfortable, but also painful at times. Most of you would be embarrassed to approach a medical practitioner for wart treatment.

However, if you choose to cure it with the help of a doctor, you might have to undergo a procedure termed cryotherapy. This is the freezing of warts using the liquid nitrogen for approximately one to three weeks depending on the intensity of the problem. Laser treatment is an alternative solution.

The FDA approved wart remover is now available in the market which is the perfect at-home remedy. It is safe to be used on your feet, legs, upper body and more. The liquid medication can be applied directly to the infected areas for a complete cure. This is one among the safest wart remedies as the ingredients are herbal. You would witness the rapid symptomatic relief and complete eradication of the unsightly bumps. This is highly effective because the natural ingredients in this initiate a process called Keratolysis in which the hardened layers of skin caused by the HPV is thinned. The thinned layers of skin are shed which would weaken the virus leading to the removal of warts successfully.

Verucca, body flat and plantar warts can be removed with medications. Pricking, scratching and even constantly touching the warts would worsen it. By using effective wart remover as early as possible, you are not just saving yourself from the condition, but also protecting your loved ones from contracting the condition. It is advisable to purchase the medication online to maintain highest level of discreetness. These medications, like Wartrol, for example, are extremely inexpensive thereby providing you with the peace of mind. There is no need for you to spend on the doctor's fee as this is available without prescription.

Germs On Door Knobs In Public Places

If you are concerned about your health and the health of your loved ones you are probably concerned about the potential germs on door knobs, especially in public places such as restrooms. You might be wondering what some of the hazards of germs on door knobs are and how you can avoid them. Here are a few types of bacteria that could be lingering on public door handles and tips to keeping harmful bacteria out of your home and away from you and your loved ones.

There are many kinds of harmful bacteria on public door handles. If you come in contact with an infected door handle, you could be at risk for becoming infected with whatever type of disease the handle is carrying. Disease like the cold and flu are commonly found on doors. However, there can also be more harmful bacteria that can cause serious health issues and illness such as meningitis and hepatitis A.

When you use public restrooms be sure to wash your hands with warm water and soap to avoid anything you may have picked up while using the restroom. Also, on your way out try and avoid touching the door handle, this could cause an increased risk of becoming contaminated with harmful bacteria again. For example, if you use the restroom at a local restaurant after you wash your hands you then touch the door knob on your way out. Then you go back to your table and your hands have close contact with the food you are consuming, as a result you may be at a high risk of becoming ill if there was any kind of infectious bacteria on the restrooms door handle. However, you can minimize the risk from touching the germs on door knobs on your way out of the restroom by keeping sanitizing wipes or solution with you to use after walking out of the restroom itself.

Washing your hands after coming home from being in public places can help minimize the amount of germs that are brought into your home and around your family. You should also sanitize the door handles around your house often, along with other common areas that are touched often such as faucets in the kitchen and the bathrooms and toilet handles. Keeping your hands clean might be one of the most beneficial things you can do to keep bacteria and germs away from you and your loved ones.

Arthroscopy to Treat Joint Problems

It is typically performed as an outpatient procedure. It may be performed under general, regional, spinal or local anaesthesia.

Arthroscopy may be used for diagnosis and/or treatment of the knee, shoulder, wrist, ankle and elbow joints. Arthroscopic procedures are most commonly performed on the knee and shoulder joints.

Procedure

A small incision is made on the skin over the joint which is to be examined and an arthroscope is inserted into the incision. The arthroscope is connected to a video camera which is connected to a television monitor. The image projected on the screen helps to guide the arthroscope and the surgical instruments.
For joint examination, a specialized instrument called examination hook is used to see if the tissues and the supporting structures are intact or torn.

If surgical treatment is needed, the orthopaedic surgeon will insert tiny surgical instruments like motorized shavers, scissors or lasers through another small incision.

When is it needed?

Arthroscopy may be needed to determine the nature of the joint damage and the extent of damage when other diagnostic testing like CT scan or MRI is not able to establish the diagnosis.

To make a diagnosis tissue biopsy may also be performed during arthroscopy.

Arthroscopy may be needed to diagnose and detect inflammation, tears, torn tendons, dislocations, loose bone or loose cartilage fragments.

Treating specialty

Orthopaedic specialists perform treatments in all areas of orthopaedics, including sports injuries, hand, foot and spine procedures, as well as arthroscopies and minimally invasive surgeries.

If you are looking for expert Orthopaedic surgeons in New York City area, the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Sports Medicine at St. Luke's and Roosevelt Hospitals offers treatments for all muscle, bone, and joint ailments.

New York-Presbyterian Hospital has top Orthopaedic surgeons in New York City specializing in the use of minimally invasive surgical procedures.

What can you expect?

Arthroscopy causes less tissue damage and less pain and discomfort than traditional surgical techniques.

There is less blood loss as compared to traditional surgical techniques and also shorter hospital stay.

The recovery will be quicker, there will be less scarring and there is lower risk of complications.

The treated person may return to work within a day or two if the job is not physically demanding.

Playing vigorous sports can be resumed only after a few weeks depending on the progress which will vary from person to person.

Physiotherapy should be started after the procedure and should be continued till the time the patient fully recovers.

How well does it work?

There may be swelling around the treated joint which subsides in a week to fifteen days. Pain killers and anti inflammatory drugs will be helpful. Cold compression over the treated joint will help to reduce the swelling and inflammation.