Health Questions and Answers

Good's Pharmacy Questions and Answers

Why do Drugs cost so much?

Why do decongestants affect sleep?

How can having high blood pressure affect me?

How can we monitor our own blood pressure?

What is the difference between a Brand Name and Generic Drug?

What is Acne and how can I treat it?

What causes my nasal allergies and how can I treat it.

What is the benefit for some people to take a low dose aspirin everyday?

What is tetanus and how often should I have a tetanus booster shot?

Will Medicare cover my diabetic supplies?

Should I take Calcium supplementation, and if so what kind should I take?

How do I battle dry skin in the winter months?

What product should I take for my arthritis?

How can I help prevent prescription errors and dangerous drug interactions?

Should I be concerned about protecting my eyes from the sun?

Are there Medications that interact with sunlight.

What causes Migraine headaches and how do you treat them?

What is the best way to deal with springtime allergies?

What kind of cough medicine should you take for different types of coughs?

How can I treat mild depression on my own?

What is the best treatment for nighttime leg cramps?

What are Probiotics and what benefit do they have to us?

What are the best ways to prevent accidental childhood poisonings?

What is Acute Otitis media and how is it treated?

Are there any natural products used to treat osteoarthritis?

What is Diabetic Neuropathy and how is it best treated?

What is the best way to control recurring heartburn?

How Can I help stop insomnia?

Why won't my doctor give me an antibiotic for my cold?

What is the difference in Type I and Type II diabetes?

What is a Drug Formulary?

What is Hepatitis and how do you get it?

What can I do to stop smoking?

What are the brown, waxy skin spots that occur on our skin as we age?

Why do Drugs cost so much?
Drugs today are becoming increasingly more expensive due to several reasons. The cost of finding new natural sources of drugs is becoming higher as many sources have been exhausted, and researchers are having to go to extreme measures to find alternatives. Secondly, the research and development that goes into developing new synthetic compounds has become outrageous due to the amount of technology and highly skilled scientists that are involved in their production. The third factor is the amount of money that Drug manufacturers are spending on finding cures for the devastating diseases that exist today, such as cancer, AIDS, heart disease and diabetes to name a few. All these factors together are a very strong force in driving up prescription prices.

Why do decongestants affect sleep?
Decongestants have their affect on the body by shrinking the size of the small blood vessels in the nose, sinuses and mucous membranes of the respiratory tract. Unfortunately, the same effect that causes this blood vessel constriction, is what has its affect on our sleep patterns. These drugs stimulate the same receptors in the body that are affected by adrenaline. For instance, the feeling you get when you are scared or nervous---your heart races, your blood pressure goes up, and you feel anxious. These are all side effects of decongestants. For this reason, people may find it hard to fall asleep or stay asleep. If this happens to you, contact you doctor or pharmacist about dosing regimens that may help reduce these effects. Also, you should avoid using these products if you have certain medical conditions such as hyper-thyroidism or high blood pressure. If your not sure, call your doctor or pharmacist before taking these types of products.

How can having high blood pressure affect me?
High blood pressure over a prolonged period of time can be very dangerous. The increase in pressure inside the blood vessels, especially in the brain, can make the vessels weak and can lead to a stroke. Also, increased pressure will make the heart work harder to pump the same amount of blood through the body. Over time, this can enlarge the heart making it less efficient, which can lead to a condition known as congestive heart failure. High blood pressure also increases your risk of a heart attack.

How can we monitor our own blood pressure?
The smartest way is to have regular checkups with your physician. If you have a family history of high blood pressure, or you experience symptoms such as frequent headaches, dizziness, fainting spell, visual disturbances, or redness in the face and neck, you should contact your doctor for further evaluation. If you have high blood pressure or are borderline high and at risk, you should invest in a home blood pressure monitor. Ask your physician or pharmacist about which type of monitor would be best suited for you.

What is the difference between a Brand Name and Generic Drug?
Once a Drug company has developed a brand name product, they can apply for a patent. If granted, they are given a 15-year patent life. This prevents anyone else from marketing this product until the patent expires. The prices on these products are usually high due to the amount of research and development that that particular company put into its development. Once the patent expires, anyone who is approved by the FDA can begin to market that product as a generic drug. Of course, they will have no research and development cost, so they can sell their product for a much lower price. Many brand name companies will manufacture their drug to sell to generic companies once their patent expires. The active ingredients in these medications are exactly the same as their brand name counter-part, although the inactive ingredients and fillers do not have to be the same. If you have a question or concern about whether to use a particular generic, contact your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

What is Acne and how can I treat it?
Acne is a skin disorder, which is characterized by inflamed or infected pores and hair follicles. This disorder is thought to be brought on by certain bacteria that break down the oils of the skin to form fatty acids which can lead to irritation and inflammation of the pores. It is best treated at home by the use of astringents and creams that contain benzoly peroxide, to remove the excess oils and dirt from the skin and pores. If the problem persists or worsens, you should see a Dermatologist for evaluation of the condition. In some cases, the use of antibiotics can decrease the amount of bacteria on the skin enough to alleviate the problem. Your dermatologist will also have several creams, ointments and other products at their disposal to help treat the condition. If your not sure what to do next, ask you doctor or pharmacist for suggestions on a course of treatment that would be right for you. Remember, early intervention can decrease problems with treatment later.

What causes my nasal allergies and how can I treat it.
Inhaled allergens are the primary cause of nasal allergies. We all know that tree and grass pollens can create this type of reaction. But indoor allergens such as dust mites, animal dander and indoor molds can create the same problem as well. If you suffer from a seasonal allergy then your problem is most likely outdoor allergens, but if you have a persistent problem, then indoor allergens could be the main culprit.
The first line of treatment for nasal allergies is the use of antihistamines. Antihistamines can be purchased over the counter without prescription but the drawback to these products is that they make you sleepy. Non-sedating antihistamines are available by prescription only. They don't make you sleepy, but the don't work quiet as fast either. These prescription products also have a risk of heart problems associated with them when they are used in conjunction with certain other products. The most effective way to use these products is to take them on a regular basis as a preventative measure if you have persistent allergy problems. If you only suffer from occasional allergies, then antihistamines can be used on an "as needed" basis as well. Consult you doctor or pharmacist if you have questions about your particular allergy condition or the appropriate product you should use for treatment.

What is the benefit for some people to take a low dose aspirin everyday?
The use of a low dose aspirin every day can be beneficial for many reasons. An aspirin, even in low doses acts as a blood thinner to the human body. This works by decreasing the blood's ability to clot, therefore, preventing the formation of blood clots in the body that may lead to stroke or heart attack. This can be beneficial to many people. Anyone who's at risk of a heart attack or has had the previous heart attack should consider the use of a low dose aspirin every day. Also anyone at risk of a stroke, previous history or family history of stroke should consider this as well. In some cases your physician may wish to use some other form of blood thinner, so you should consult with your physician first before beginning the use of low dose aspirin. The use of low dose aspirin may also be beneficial to the person with circulation problems. Preventing the formation of small clots, and allowing the red blood cells to move more freely into the smaller blood vessels will increase circulation dramatically.
There are some situations where low dose aspirin should not be used. If you half a stomach ulcers or have had problems with ulcers in the past, the use of low dose aspirin may create that situation again. Also, any one who is allergic to aspirin or aspirin like products should not use low dose aspirin. If you are not sure if you should take aspirin or not, it's a good idea to check with your doctor or pharmacist first, before beginning a low dose aspirin regimen.

What is tetanus and how often should I have a tetanus booster shot?
Tetanus is a bacterial infection that is acquired by penetration of tetanus bacteria into a person's skin. The bacterium, clostridium tetanii lives in the dirt and on rusty objects. When these objects penetrate the skin, the bacteria is deposited underneath the skin layers. As the bacterium grows and multiplies it will give off a toxin that affects the muscles in the body that causes them to contract and not release. This is the condition known as tetanus. This condition can be prevented by the administration of a tetanus shot. If at some point in your life you have stepped on rusty nail or cut yourself with a rusty object or had some sort of punctured wound that required you to go to the doctor, then you would have been administered a tetanus booster. It is recommended by the CDC or Centers for Disease Control that you get a tetanus booster once every five years. Some people may think that they don't need one until they actually have an incident. This simply isn't true. The best approach is to be prepared and keep your shot record up to date. If you're not sure how long it's been since you had your last tetanus booster, then you should obtain a copy of your shot record from your physician or clinic that provided you with your immunizations. You should then take this record by your physician's office or to your immunization certified pharmacist for review. This will give you a great opportunity to get up to date on all of your immunizations.

Will Medicare cover my diabetic supplies?
As of July 1998, Medicare now covers diabetic supplies for all diabetics, whether you take insulin or not. These supplies include such things as Blood Glucose monitors, test strips, control solutions, lancet devices and lancets. There are certain restrictions on the number of each of these items that Medicare will cover each month, and that number is dependent on whether you are insulin dependent or not. Patients who are insulin dependent are allowed more supplies each month than those who are not. The problem for most people is finding someone who will accept medicare assignment or in other words finding a provider who will bill medicare directly so they do not have to pay for their supplies out of their own pocket. This provider must have a medicare supplier number and have the capability of filing claims directly with medicare.
If you or a member of your family are diabetic and are eligible for medicare part b benefits, then Good's Pharmacy can bill your supplies for you. If you are interested in this service or if you have any questions about medicare coverage, please feel free to call me directly and I would be glad to talk with you about your choices.

Should I take Calcium supplementation, and if so what kind should I take?
Calcium supplementation is recommended to prevent bone loss as we age. This is especially true of women who are reaching or have reached menopause age. As women begin menopause, the hormonal changes in their bodies make it harder for the bones to retain their calcium, thereby making the bones weak and brittle as they get older. This can lead to conditions such as osteoporosis, which is a weakening of the spine, which causes it to curve or bend. This can also lead to a degeneration of the bones of the hip, which can increase the chances of a hip fracture. Also, a loss of calcium can increase the occurrence of muscle cramps especially in the lower legs.
There are several choices when it comes to calcium supplementation. The most popular is the use of calcium carbonate or oyster shell calcium. This is the cheapest source of calcium but is also the least absorbed and worst tolerated of all the choices. The second choice is calcium citrate. It is better absorbed by the body and causes much less stomach irritation and bloating. It also tends to be slightly more expensive. The last choice is micro-crystalline calcium. It is by far the best absorbed and most tolerated, but tends to be about 10 times more expensive than the other 2 choices. It is also difficult to find readily available in the marketplace.
Calcium supplements should also contain vitamin D, which helps your body to absorb and use the calcium that you take more efficiently. Ask your doctor or pharmacist about appropriate choices for you.

How do I battle dry skin in the winter months?
Dry skin can especially be a problem during the winter months of the year due to the low amount of humidity in the air. This can cause the skin to dry out faster on the surface, leaving it rough and scaly. Also, the use of soaps and hot water can further dry and irritate the skin. If left untreated this can progress to a point at which the skin becomes extremely irritated and in severe cases, the skin can even begin to crack open.
Well there are several ways to treat this type of dry skin. The best way to start is with preventative treatment. There are numerous types of creams, ointments, lotions and oils on the market that will help to add moisture back to the skin. These products need to be used on a regular basis to help hold the moisture is the skin and prevent the skin from becoming dry and irritated. If the condition is more advanced, then you should consider using a moisturizing bath oil in either the bath or shower. These oils will hydrate the skin but will also provide a protective barrier to the skin to hold in moisture. In cases where the irritation is beyond treatment with normal creams and lotions, you should consider a dermatologist for further evaluation.
If you have any questions about where to start with your treatment, you should contact your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

What product should I take for my arthritis?
There are several over the counter medications that are appropriate choices for the treatment of the pain and inflammation associated with arthritis. Aspirin, Ibuprofen and Naproxen are all excellent choices that will help relieve pain but will also decrease the inflammation that is present especially in rheumatoid arthritis. These products do have side effects associated with them though. Extended use of these products can lead to stomach irritation as well as ulcer formation and in some cases just can't be tolerated by people with sensitive systems. On the other hand there is Acetaminophen. It does work well for pain, but does not decrease inflammation in the way the other products do.
If your arthritis is severe enough to seek medical attention, then an extensive array of choices of treatment are available by prescription. Most of these products do have the problem of causing stomach irritation but do seem to work well for pain and inflammation control. Recently a new line of products, called a cox-2 inhibitors, have been introduced to the market which can provide the same relief for pain and inflammation without causing the gastrointestinal side effects of all of the other traditional therapies.
If you have any questions or would like further information on any of these products, please contact me for a consultation.

How can I help prevent prescription errors and dangerous drug interactions?
It is very important for patients to ask questions if they don't completely understand what is going on in their current medical treatments. There are several steps that patients can use to protect themselves from potential errors or drug interactions.
First, you should always ask your doctor to explain what he has written on the prescription you are receiving, including the name of the drug, how to take it and what it is used for. Also, you can ask the doctor to write the medication's purpose on then prescriptions. This can help prevent errors in dispensing similarly named drugs. You should also let your doctor know if you are taking any other drugs that he is not familiar with including over the counter products.
Second, you should make an effort to always use the same pharmacy so they will be familiar with the current drugs you are taking, as well as, the current ailments you may have. This pharmacy should also keep a current file on your medication allergies and medical conditions. If you are receiving a prescription that is new to you, always ask your pharmacist for written information on its use.
And last, but not least, make sure to get all your questions answered by your pharmacist before you go home and start your new medication. By using these simple steps, you can assure yourself that you will always be treated appropriately and will not have to experience errors due to miscommunications.

Should I be concerned about protecting my eyes from the sun?
Eye burn is a problem at all times during the year, especially if you spend a lot of time outdoors. The sun can burn the eyes in much the same way that it can burn the skin. The symptoms of eye burn can include redness, burning, constant irritation or tearing and an increase in sensitivity to light. Eye burn is really a problem if you are around water or snow where much of the light can be reflected. Prolonged exposure to UVB rays, which are the most damaging of the sun's rays, can lead to eye burn and eventually the formation of cataracts. Fortunately, most cases of eye burn or photokeratitis can be easily treated with antibiotic drops, lubricants and shelter from the sun for several days. In the case of severe eye burn, prompt medical attention is critical. This type of burn can lead to a progressive infection and the formation of a permanent scar on the cornea, which can only be corrected with corneal transplants or laser surgery. There are several ways to reduce your risk of eye burn. Always wear sunglasses that filter out 99 to 100 percent of the full UV spectrum. These glasses should cover the complete eye and wrap around the eye to some degree to prevent rays from sneaking around the side. Also, wear a hat or visor in addition to sunglasses and try to stay out of the sun between the hours of 10 am and 2 pm when UV rays are the most intense.

Are there Medications that interact with sunlight.
There are many medications that interact directly with the sun's ultraviolet rays. These drugs can cause the skin to become hypersensitive to sunlight and to burn as much as 3 to 5 times faster than normal. This can occur with many drugs such as sulfa-based compounds, like sulfa-based antibiotics or diuretics that contain sulfa compounds as well as with tetracycline type antibiotics such as doxycycline for instance. The best way to avoid a problem when taking medications of this type, is to stay out of the sun for extended periods of time. This will decrease the likelihood of burning the skin. If you must be out in the sun, then you should use a sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or greater on all your exposed skin surfaces. This will block out most of the sun's rays and protect the skin to some degree. Another important consideration is tanning beds. This should go without saying, but you should avoid tanning beds or tanning of any type for that matter while taking medications that increase the skin's sensitivity to ultraviolet light. If your not sure about the properties of a drug that you are currently taking, or if your are curious about other drugs that cause this type of reaction, ask your pharmacist to discuss this with you.

What causes Migraine headaches and how do you treat them?
There can be many causes of the syndrome of pain that is usually characterized as a headache. Headaches can be caused by many things such as stress, muscle tension or eyestrain as well as by more serious physiological problems like brain tumors or infections like meningitis. Migraine headaches are generally characterized as vascular headaches, which means that they are usually caused by an over dilation of the blood vessels on or around the scull. The direct cause of migraines is not exactly known but we do know that some cascade of events causes blood vessel around the scull to constrict and in a biological response they will over dilate. This response is what results in the throbbing pain associated with migraines.
Luckily there are many drugs available today to treat migraines, so your physician has several options to choose from. The first option is to use drugs that treat the pain of the migraine only. This will work well enough for some that suffer from infrequent, mild migraines. Next is to add drugs that attempt to constrict the affected vessels. These are usually quite effective. If the case is more complicated, there are products available by tablet or injection that work chemically to constrict affected blood vessels. These are usually extremely effective, but tend to be very expensive. In some cases, certain medications can be given on a continuous basis to prevent the cascade of events that lead to a migraine. If you have headaches that are frequent, or that last more than a day or two, you should see your physician for a complete examination.

What is the best way to deal with springtime allergies?
This is the time of year when allergies are at their height. With all the tree, flower and grass pollen that has begun to fill the air in recent weeks, people who suffer from seasonal allergies are beginning their worst time of the year. The common types of allergic reactions that you see this time of year are, runny nose, watery and itchy eyes and skin reactions such a welts and rashes. If you have any of these symptoms on a relatively infrequent basis, then you may be able to treat them yourself. For the runny nose and congestion associated with allergies, there are many products over the counter ranging from antihistamines and antihistamine/decongestant combinations to decongestant nose sprays that can be used for short periods of time and nasal sprays that help prevent the onset of allergy symptoms that can be used on a regular basis. These same rules hold true for itchy and watery eyes. If your problem is a skin reaction, then there are antihistamine or mild steroid creams that can help alleviate this problem. If these problems persist or become worse, then you should see your doctor for evaluation. There are many drugs at your physician's disposal to treat these problems such as antihistamines that can be taken every day that don't make you sleepy. There are also several nasal sprays that help control nasal and sinus swelling and congestion associated with allergic reactions. If you are a chronic allergy sufferer, then you should see your doctor about a daily antihistamine that can help prevent the initiation of the allergy reaction process. Springtime is a great time of the year. Don't let it be ruined by persistent allergies. See your doctor or pharmacist for more information on dealing with allergy symptoms.

What kind of cough medicine should you take for different types of coughs?
The type of medication you take for your cough really depends on the type of cough your having. What I mean is that some coughs are dry hacking coughs, while others are deep, congested chest coughs. The cause of these types of coughs can vary from postnasal drainage to respiratory infections that can be quite serious. If you suffer from allergies and nasal drainage, the irritation that occurs in the throat can cause a dry hacking cough or a cough that is in response to the drainage going down the trachea. You can usually treat this with a simple antihistamine, which will dry the secretions and alleviate the cough. If your cough is deeper and more congested, then you should use a cough suppressant with an expectorant. This will suppress the cough as well as help to thin the secretions in the chest and make them easier to clear. Over the counter, there is one cough suppressant called dextromethorphan that is available in several products. It's the only approved cough suppressant available without a prescription and it is used in products ranging from syrups, capsules and tablets, to throat lozenges and powders. Dextromethorphan is available alone or in combination products such as multi-symptom cold relievers. If your cough is minor and only last for a few days, then you can usually treat it with one of these types of products. But if your cough is persistent, or if you have a fever, then you should see your physician for a check-up.
If you have a cough and don't know which product is right for you or if you have medical conditions such as high blood pressure or diabetes, then you should contact your pharmacist for help in planning your course of treatment.

How can I treat mild depression on my own?
Depression is one of the most under diagnosed medical conditions in this country. Doctor's don't always look for it because most patients don't often admit their feelings of depression. Some people feel that they will be viewed as having a character flaw or that the feelings they are having are completely normal. Neither of these is true. Depression does have a biochemical basis. In most cases it's associated with imbalances in the levels of two chemicals in the brain, seratonin or dopamine. Depression is usually treated with tricyclic antidepressants, MAO inhibitors and seratonin re-uptake inhibitors. These drugs have varying degrees of success but usually come with a list of side effects that may include, weight gain, insomnia, loss of libido, nausea, headaches and even restlessness. Well if you would like to try to battle your depression on your own first, then there is an over the counter option. St. John's Wort is a herbal supplement that has been used for hundreds of years. It is very popular mainly for 2 reasons: It is safe and it is effective. It works by decreasing seratonin metabolism and altering brain chemistry, but exerts it's affect in a much more subtle manner than the prescription drug alternatives. Recent studies have shown that St. John's Wort works just as well as many prescription products used in depression treatment. The only side effect that was reported was a minor upset stomach that only occurs in a very small percentage of those who take it. If you think this may be a product you would like to try, then you should talk to your pharmacist to see if the use of St. John's Wort is right for you.

What is the best treatment for nighttime leg cramps?
Nighttime leg cramps will affect all of us, at one time or another. These spasms that occur in the muscles of the legs, usually in the lower calf muscle can be caused by a variety of things, but are usually caused by a lack of certain minerals in the body that affect muscle contraction. If you have leg cramps on a regular basis, then you should consider taking a calcium, magnesium and potassium supplement. The lack of these 3 minerals is usually the culprit in the source of leg cramps. Also you should try taking extra vitamin B complex. In a recent study published in the Journal of Clinical Pharmacology, patients taking vitamin B complex showed a significant decrease in the frequency, duration and intensity of nighttime leg cramps after only 3 months of treatment, while 86% of those treated experienced a total remission of their cramps. If you're leg cramps still continue, then you should see your doctor for further evaluation. Most physicians use the prescription drug quinine to treat problematic leg cramps. Quinine works extremely well, but does have some potential side effects such as visual disturbances, nausea, fever, headache, low blood sugar, and even chest pain.
If leg cramps are a problem for you, then you should contact your doctor or pharmacist for your treatment alternatives.

What are Probiotics and what benefit do they have to us?
There are bacteria living all over the earth. Some cause serious disease while others are essential to human life. They purify water, fertilize soil, make foods and some actually even protect us from disease. These bacteria are called Probiotics. There are many beneficial bacteria that call our intestines their home. They perform many functions such as producing B vitamins, aiding in digestion and absorption of food, and producing an environment in the gastrointestinal tract that prevents the growth of other bad bacteria and yeast. Sometimes things do get out of balance though and bacteria or yeast can over-grow and lead to problems such as diarrhea, irritable bowel syndrome or even a problem known as leaky gut syndrome. Antibiotics can lead too much the same problem, because they work by killing bacteria, whether they are good or bad. When these bacteria begin to repopulate the intestines, the bad guys often win, resulting in disease or bad health. Taking Probiotics, which are the beneficial bacteria, can help to provide gastrointestinal as well as overall health. If you have intestinal disorders, problems with yeast infections, mild food allergies, chronic fatigue, if you're prone to infection, of if you have problems tolerating antibiotics, you should consider taking a Probiotic supplement. If you're not sure where to look, contact your pharmacist for more information on the use of Probiotics.

What are the best ways to prevent accidental childhood poisonings?
The simple thought of a child being poisoned is enough to send panic through the minds of most parents, especially the thought of it happening at home. Although the typical American household has a wide assortment of chemicals and medications that can be potentially dangerous, by taking the right precautionary measures, you can significantly reduce the danger of an accidental poisoning. The most important thing is to have constant and careful supervision of your children, especially those under 5 years of age that are always investigating and exploring the world around them. Also, there are several guidelines that will help to reduce the risk of potential dangers. Know which items in your house are dangerous, and always leave them in their original containers with their warning labels intact. Also try to choose child resistant packages and make sure to keep all chemicals and medications locked up and out of reach of your children. You should try to avoid taking your medications in front of your kids because kids like to imitate their parents. Every household should also have a bottle of syrup of ipecac to induce vomiting when instructed to do so by a health or poison control professional. Most importantly, know the signs of poisoning and keep the number to your local poison control center near your phone at all times. If you suspect someone has ingested a poison, call 911 immediately and be prepared to take the steps they instruct you to do. If you follow these simple guidelines, then your home should be as safe as possible against accidental poisonings.

What is Acute Otitis media and how is it treated?
Otitis Media is the collection of fluid in the middle ear that usually leads to ear drainage and pain and is most commonly referred to as an ear infection. It is a common type of infection caused by the bacteria that live in the nose and throat of most all people. Otitis Media accounts for a huge number of doctor visits by children each year especially kids under the age of 7. This is due in large part to the short length of their Eustachian tubes, which are the tubes that link the middle ear to the throat. The short length of these tubes coupled with the under developed muscles surrounding them, allows bacteria to back up into the middle ear from the nose and throat and lead to the formation of infection. As infection progresses in this area, fluid begins to build in the middle ear, which puts pressure on the eardrum and causes pain. In some severe cases, this membrane can even rupture leading to more serious problems. There are several antibiotics that are used to treat this type of infection, but the antibiotic of choice is still amoxicillin, although some of the bacteria responsible for ear infections are now resistant to amoxicillin and require much stronger antibiotics to alleviate the infection. Resistance to medications is a large concern of most physicians today. The most important thing you can do to help prevent this problem is to completely finish all rounds of antibiotics whether the infection seems to be better or not. By stopping the treatment prior to its completion, bacteria can mutate and become resistant to that particular drug making treatment decisions much harder in the future due to the limitations this imposes. If you would like more information on Otitis Media or information on treatment alternatives, then you should contact your doctor or pharmacist for a consultation.

Are there any natural products used to treat osteoarthritis?
Osteoarthritis affects approximately 21 million people in the US today. It's a degenerative disease in which the cartilage covering the ends of the bones in one or more joints begins to break down. It's been estimated that approximately 80% of Americans over the age of 50 have some signs of osteoarthritis. For years experts thought osteoarthritis was the result of age related wear and tear on the joints. However, new theories suggest that osteoarthritis may be caused by a deficiency of two nutrients called glucosamine sulfate and chondroitin sulfate. It is also known that joint injury can hasten the onset of osteoarthritis if preventative measures are not taken. Adequate water intake is also critical for the treatment and prevention of osteoarthritis. The cartilage in the joints are like small sponges that absorb water, which it uses to form a gel like substance that provides elasticity and shock absorbing properties of cartilage and helps to reduce friction in the joint. Weight control is another factor in the prevention and treatment of osteoarthritis, especially on the weight bearing joints. The two natural products use to treat osteoarthritis are glucosamine sulfate and chondroitin sulfate. Glucosamine should be taken in a dose of 500mg 3 times a day and chondroitin should be taken in a dose of 400mg 3 times a day. These products are available alone or in combination. Both of these products are used in the formation of the matrix that forms cartilage. The use of these products can have a great impact on the reduction of pain, increase of mobility and the stability of the affected joints. Well if you suffer from osteoarthritis and are interested in glucosamine and chondroitin then you should contact your doctor or pharmacist to see if this type of treatment is appropriate for you.

What is Diabetic Neuropathy and how is it best treated?
Well Bill, more than 16 million people in the US today have diabetes, and at least half of them suffer from some sort of nerve dysfunction that manifests itself as a chronic and disabling pain. This pain can present itself as a burning, sharp, shooting or knifelike pain or as muscle spasms that can result in loss of feeling and loss of strength in the areas affected. This type of condition is referred to as peripheral neuralgia and is seen quite often in diabetic patients. This pain comes from an electrical and chemical instability within the nerves and can be caused by certain medical conditions or toxins and even trauma. The main characteristic of this condition is a burning pain, usually in the legs and feet. For many years doctors used antidepressants in combination with mild analgesics to treat the pain associated with diabetic neuropathy, and this had varying degrees of success. Then physicians began to use selected anti-convulsant drugs, which are normally used to treat seizures, to get a hold on this condition. These drugs work by stabilizing the nerves just as they do in stopping seizure activity. This treatment has had much greater success with a substantial decrease in the side effects of other types of treatments. Also, we should not overlook the benefit of exercise, a proper diet, weight control and a positive attitude on the progression of diabetes and the subsequent conditions that result from this progression. Well, if you suffer from diabetes or diabetic neuropathy and would like more information on treatment alternatives and management of these conditions, then you should contact you doctor or pharmacist for a personal consultation.

What is the best way to control recurring heartburn?
Everyone has had a bout with heartburn at one time or another. That sour, burning sensation in the abdomen or chest can be brought on by indulging in a high fat meal, ingesting to much of an acidic food, or even overeating other foods such as chocolate for instance. Heartburn is very common in many people today and is caused by a direct irritation of the esophagus by stomach acid that is allowed to back up into the esophagus. This is commonly referred to as "reflux." Well lifestyle modification and the proper use of certain over the counter medications can usually control most occurrences of heartburn. Periodic use of antacids and the use of over the counter "h2 blockers", as they are known, will work in most cases for symptomatic heartburn. Long term use of antacids can have certain side effects though that may include, diarrhea, and calcium and magnesium imbalances, which can be a serious side effect in people with kidney disease. If you need to use these products for longer than 3 weeks, then you should consult your doctor for further evaluation before continuing. If your symptoms continue or become worse, then you could possibly be developing Gasto-Esophogeal Reflux Disease or "GERD" as it is commonly known. This is a more serious condition and should definitely be treated under a doctor's care. Following these simple steps can alleviate the occurrence of heartburn and "GERD". First, change your eating habits by avoiding high acid and fatty foods, or even beverages that tend to bring on attacks and avoid eating anything for about 2 hours prior to bedtime. Secondly, raise the head of your bed to prevent the stomach contents from leaking back up the esophagus. Third, stop smoking. Tobacco tends to worsen this condition due to muscle weakening and the decrease in saliva production, which is a great buffer to stomach acid. Fourth, avoid tight fitting clothes. And last but not least, follow the over the counter recommendations for the common heartburn sufferer.

How Can I help stop insomnia?
Insomnia affected thousands of people each night. Not getting a good nights sleep can make it very difficult to function normally the next day, and over an extended period of time this can lead to much more severe problems. There are several ways to help yourself to go to sleep each night.
First, try to go to bed at the same time each night, and conversely, try to get up about the same time each morning. Do not take naps during the day, especially long naps which may disrupt you entire sleep pattern. Increase the amount of exercise you get and decrease your overall consumption of caffeine. Ask your physician or pharmacist about prescriptions drugs you are taking because some drugs may affect sleep patterns. If you still need help getting to sleep, then consult with your doctor or pharmacist for other suggestions that may help you.

Why won't my doctor give me an antibiotic for my cold?
There are several reasons why you should not use antibiotics for the common cold. The common cold is usually caused by a virus and not by a bacterial infection. Antibiotics have no effect on viral infections, only on bacterial infections. Most viral infections must run their course and then go away on their own. In some cases, a viral infection may lead to a secondary bacterial infection in which an antibiotic would be warranted, but that situation is rare. If antibiotics are overused or used in inappropriate situations, this can lead to bacterial resistance of the bacteria that that drug would normally treat. This then allows those bacteria to become super-bacteria and much harder to treat in the future. This is why most doctors are so discriminate in prescribing antibiotics. In most cases the common cold should be treated in a way to alleviate the symptoms and allow the infection to go away on its own.

What is the difference in Type I and Type II diabetes? Type I diabetes is characterized by a childhood onset of the disease. In most cases people with Type I diabetes will be dependent upon the use of insulin injections to control their blood sugar levels from the very beginning. Type II diabetes, on the other hand, generally has an adult onset around the age of 40 to 50 years. These individuals do not require insulin at the onset of their disease but rather some form of oral medication in combination with diet and exercise. This can be very effective in Type II diabetes control.
The difference in the two types of diabetes is in the control of insulin. In Type I diabetes, the pancreas just does not produce enough insulin to take care of all the sugars in the blood. In Type II diabetes there is enough insulin, but the body cannot use it effectively. Both types of diabetics must adhere to a strict diet, low in sugar intake and they should also develop an exercise program to help control the amount of sugar in the body.

What is a Drug Formulary? So many insurance companies today limit their cardholders to specific drugs that are listed on their list of preferred medication. This list is referred to as the insurance company's formulary. The formulary started as a hospital based idea to cut cost by only stocking 1 to 2 drugs from each category of medications. It has spread to the insurance companies now due to cost saving measures that insurance companies have developed to cut their overall medication costs. Most companies will provide full coverage on formulary products, but will penalize the insured on non-formulary products by making them pay extra fees or the difference in the cost of the prescribed drug and the formulary drug. In most cases the insurance company will override these extra costs if the insured and their physician can show that the particular medication is needed. Formularies are usually very restrictive, but they do help a great deal in cotrolling costs.

What is Hepatitis and how do you get it? Hepatitis is a viral infection that affects the liver, that has been classified into several categories, of which the major ones are hepatitis A and B. Hepatitis A is usually passed by eating food or drinking water that has been contaminated with the virus. It can also be passed by close personal contact with an infected person. Hepatitis B is usually passed by contact with blood or body fluid of an infected person. Both of these present themselves as "flu-like" disorders that involve gastro-intestinal problems like vomiting and diarrhea, as well as a direct damage to the liver that can result in jaundice or yellow discoloration of the skin and eyes. Both can be fatal if left untreated. Fortunately there are vaccines for both of these disorders. Hepatitis A is a two injection series and Hepatitis B is a three infection series. Both of these can provide protection from the viruses for many years. If you are at risk for either of these disorders such as working around blood samples or body fluids. Or if you have close contact with potentially infected people, or if you travel outside the United States, then you should consider being vaccinated against Hepatitis A and B for your own safety. If you have questions or concerns, contact me for an in-depth consultation.

What can I do to stop smoking? The American Lung Association estimates that about 430,000 people die each year in the United States from some type of smoking related illness. That is more deaths than from AIDS, alcohol, car accidents, drugs and homicides all combined. The problem is that old habits die-hard. Nicotine is a very addictive substance that works on the brain and the nervous system. It creates physical dependence in the body that will lead to severe withdrawal if the smoker doesn't get their required amount of nicotine. The first step in stopping smoking is to get motivated. Find triggers that help you to motivate yourself. The next step is to set a date to stop such as New Years Eve or your birthday. Then pick a method. Some try quitting cold turkey, but most are not successful. Usually success occurs with some type of nicotine replacement with products such as patches, gums or inhalers. Some of these can be purchased over the counter and some require prescription. It is always best to talk with your doctor or pharmacist about which products have the best results and if they are appropriate for you.

What are the brown, waxy skin spots that occur on our skin as we age?
These brown, raised, waxy lesions that are often referred to as age spots are actually called seborrheic keratosis. These lesions are often confused with warts, but are actually quite different, These growths, that occur on the outer layer of the skin, are non-cancerous and may grow in cluster or alone. They can vary in color from light tan to dark black and may be from a fraction of an inch to larger than a half-dollar in size. The main feature of seborrheic keratosis is its waxy, pasted on look. They sometimes look like a dab of brown candle wax that has dropped on the skin. Unless these lesions appear very suddenly, they don't indicate any other health problems. They can become unsightly, especially if they appear on the face. They are most commonly found on the chest and back, but can also occur on the scalp, face and neck. At times, they can become irritated or even bleed if clothing is to rough on them. They can also become much larger over time. Removal is recommended for spots that give you trouble such as irritation or constant bleeding. There is no over the counter or prescription treatment for these lesions at this time. If you have similar lesions that you are not sure about, you should see a dermatologist for further evaluation. Although these spots are not dangerous, they can be confused with more serious lesions. It is always better to be safe and see your doctor for treatment options.

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