Facts matter when your health is at stake – How to make the best decisions with your health care provider
Facts matter when your health is at stake-(BPT)
Learning that you have a disease or medical condition can be overwhelming. You need to learn more about your condition. You may get advice from all directions – from well-meaning friends and family, the Internet, magazines, newspapers and television. But in the end, you want to understand your treatment options so that you can discuss your choices with your health care provider.
But how do you know what information to trust?
Every patient is unique and has different questions about his or her treatment options. While we may learn from others’ experiences, everyone can benefit from factual, unbiased information. The Federal Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) is a great place to start exploring facts about treatment options for many common health conditions.-
AHRQ takes the scientific facts and puts them into easy-to-read summaries that help people and their health care providers weigh the pros and cons of treatment options – such as comparing different medications for type 2 diabetes or treatments for high cholesterol. AHRQ’s resources also suggest important questions to ask your health care team. After all, understanding the facts about your treatment options will help you make educated decisions about what is best for you or your loved ones.
Three steps can help you prepare for your next medical appointment:
Explore: Explore AHRQ’s free resources to learn more about available treatment options for your condition. AHRQ has information about a wide range of health conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, mental health, men’s and women’s health, and muscle, bone and joint conditions.
Compare: Read about the benefits, risks, and potential side effects for each treatment. Discuss with your health care provider what is most important to you and your loved ones as you explore potential treatments.
Prepare. Write down questions and concerns to share during your next medical visit. This list will help you and your health care team work together to make informed decisions about which treatments work best for your needs.
To compare your treatment options and download treatment summaries, visit AHRQ’s Treatment Options initiative at:-ahrq.gov/patients-consumers/treatmentoptions/.To order free print copies of treatment summaries on many health conditions, call 1-800-358-9295 and use code C-01.-(BPT)
Health Alert – Fact vs. Fiction: What You Need to Know About Head Lice
It’s a moment that every parent dreads. Your child returns home from school with a letter from the school nurse alerting you that he or she may have head lice. And then, the race to treat the infestation begins.
Head lice are a common community condition, with an estimated 6 to 12 million infestations occurring each year in the US, most commonly among school age children 3 to 11 years old.1 This means many parents are likely to experience firsthand how lice can impact their children, families or friends.
What are Head Lice?
Head lice are tiny, wingless parasites that feed on human blood and live close to the human scalp.1 They move by crawling and are mainly spread by head-to-head contact, most commonly among preschool and elementary school children, and the people who live with them.1 Despite what you might have heard, it is uncommon that transmission occurs by contact with items such as clothing, brushes, towels or pillows recently used by someone with head lice. Further, personal hygiene and cleanliness have nothing to do with getting head lice.1
How Do You Know?
People with head lice may experience no symptoms at all,2 and misdiagnosis is common – live lice are small, quick and avoid light and the eggs (or nits) are often confused with dandruff, hair spray droplets or dirt particles.3
Itching, which is caused by an allergic reaction to louse bites, is the most common symptom but may take four to six weeks to develop the first time someone becomes infested.2
Finding a live louse on the scalp or in the hair – most commonly seen behind the ears and near the neckline at the back of the head – is a good indication of an infestation. If crawling lice are not seen, finding nits attached firmly to the hair, close to the scalp (within ¼-inch of the base of hair shaft) suggests, but does not confirm, that live lice may be present.3
Tackling the Problem
Between school, sports, play dates and summer camp, children tend to be in close proximity to their peers, and may come in contact with someone who already has lice. Therefore, parents should educate themselves about all available treatments, including over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription options, before they get hit with an infestation.
“If head lice hit your home, your pediatrician or family physician can be your best resource,” said David M. Pariser, M.D., a dermatologist at Eastern Virginia Medical School. “There are a variety of treatments with varying effectiveness, and Sklice®(ivermectin) Lotion, 0.5% is a prescription option parents may want to consider.”
Sklice Lotion offers health care providers an effective, well-tolerated prescription treatment option to help parents and caregivers manage head lice infestations in children six months of age and older.4 In clinical studies approximately three-quarters of patients had no live lice 14 days after a one-time, 10-minute treatment.5 The most common side effects included eye redness or soreness, eye irritation, dandruff, dry skin, burning sensation of the skin – none of which occurred in more than one percent of treated patients.5
Nit combing is not required when using Sklice Lotion, but a fine-tooth comb may be used to remove dead lice and nits.4 As with all head lice treatments, it should be used in the context of an overall lice management program, which includes washing or dry-cleaning all recently worn clothing, hats, used bedding and towels, as well as washing personal care items such as combs, brushes and hair clips in hot water.4
Talk to your doctor about how to combat head lice before it hits at home and Sklice Lotion, or visit www.Sklice.com to learn more and access the full Prescribing Information.
INDICATION:
Sklice Lotion is a prescription medication for topical use on the hair and scalp only, used to treat head lice in people 6 months of age and older.
ADJUNCTIVE MEASURES:
Sklice Lotion should be used in the context of an overall lice management program:
- Wash (in hot water) or dry-clean all recently worn clothing, hats, used bedding and towels.
- Wash personal care items such as combs, brushes and hair clips in hot water.
A fine tooth comb or special nit comb may be used to remove dead lice and nits.
Before using Sklice Lotion, tell your doctor if you or your child:
- Have any skin conditions or sensitivities
- Have any other medical conditions
- Are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known if Sklice Lotion can harm your unborn baby, or
- Are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. It is not known if Sklice Lotion passes into your breast milk.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION FOR SKLICE LOTION:
To prevent accidental ingestion, adult supervision is required for pediatric application. Avoid contact with eyes.
The most common side effects from Sklice Lotion include eye redness or soreness, eye irritation, dandruff, dry skin, burning sensation of the skin.
Please visit www.Sklice.com to access the full Prescribing Information.
Talk with your doctor if you have any side effect that bothers you or that does not go away. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
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US.IVE.13.01.012
1Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Parasites: Lice: Head Lice: Frequently Asked Questions.http://www.cdc.gov/parasites/lice/head/gen_info/faqs.html. Accessed October 9, 2012.
2Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Parasites: Lice: Head Lice: Disease.http://www.cdc.gov/parasites/lice/head/disease.html. Accessed October 9, 2012.
3Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Parasites: Lice: Head Lice: Diagnosis.http://www.cdc.gov/parasites/lice/head/diagnosis.html. Accessed October 9, 2012.
4SKLICE Lotion [Prescribing Information]. Swiftwater, PA: Sanofi Pasteur Inc.; 2012.
5Pariser et al. Topical 0.5% Ivermectin Lotion for Treatment of Head Lice. N Engl J Med. 2012; 367(18);1687-1693.-(BPT)
Be Sure to Discuss All Your Symptoms With Your Doctor – The Highs and Lows of Bipolar Disorder
Bipolar Disorder-Be sure to discuss all symptoms with your doctor-(BPT)
Bipolar disorder is a condition of extremes that can affect both how you feel and how you act. It includes bipolar mania–extremely high moods that last at least a week–and bipolar depression–depressive moods or lows that last for at least two weeks and for most of the day, nearly every day. Most people suffering from bipolar disorder experience more lows than highs, which can make manic symptoms even more difficult to spot.
That’s why it is important to talk to your doctor about both your highs and lows. Describing the manic highs you experience may be especially hard because you may not always be aware of them. However, being open and honest with your doctor about all of your symptoms can help ensure that you’re getting a treatment plan that’s right for you.
Below are some suggestions on how to make the conversation with your doctor more productive:
- Preparation is the key to having a productive conversation with your doctor. Before meeting with your doctor, think about whether you’ve noticed any changes in your mood since your last visit.
- Your doctor needs to hear about your feelings and concerns, so be open, honest, and direct. Remember, if you don’t say it, your doctor won’t know. Can you think of any times when your moods were extreme?
- Be sure to ask your doctor any questions you may have. Your doctor wants to help you, so it’s okay to keep asking until you have the information you need.
Many types of medications are used to treat bipolar disorder. One treatment option is SEROQUEL XR® (quetiapine fumarate), a once-daily medication that is FDA approved to treat both the manic highs and depressive lows of bipolar disorder.
For more information about bipolar disorder and SEROQUEL XR, visit SEROQUELXR.com.
About SEROQUEL XR (quetiapine fumarate) Extended-Release Tablets
SEROQUEL XR is a once-daily tablet approved in adults for (1) acute depressive episodes in bipolar disorder; (2) acute manic or mixed episodes in bipolar disorder alone or with lithium or divalproex; (3) long-term treatment of bipolar disorder with lithium or divalproex; (4) add-on treatment to an antidepressant for patients with major depressive disorder (MDD) who did not have an adequate response to antidepressant therapy; and (5) schizophrenia.
Important Safety Information About SEROQUEL XR
Elderly patients with dementia-related psychosis (having lost touch with reality due to confusion and memory loss) treated with this type of medicine are at an increased risk of death, compared to placebo (sugar pill). SEROQUEL XR is not approved for treating these patients.
Antidepressants have increased the risk of suicidal thoughts and actions in some children, teenagers, and young adults. Patients of all ages starting treatment should be watched closely for worsening of depression, suicidal thoughts or actions, unusual changes in behavior, agitation, and irritability. Patients, families, and caregivers should pay close attention to any changes, especially sudden changes in mood, behaviors, thoughts, or feelings. This is very important when an antidepressant medicine is started or when the dose is changed. These symptoms should be reported immediately to the doctor. SEROQUEL XR is not approved for patients under the age of 18 years.
Stop SEROQUEL XR and call your doctor right away if you have some or all of the following symptoms: high fever; excessive sweating; stiff muscles; confusion; changes in pulse, heart rate, and blood pressure. These may be symptoms of a rare, but very serious and potentially fatal, side effect called neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS).
High blood sugar and diabetes have been reported with SEROQUEL XR and medicines like it. If you have diabetes or risk factors such as obesity or a family history of diabetes, your doctor should check your blood sugar before you start taking SEROQUEL XR and also during therapy. If you develop symptoms of high blood sugar or diabetes, such as excessive thirst or hunger, increased urination, or weakness, contact your doctor. Complications from diabetes can be serious and even life threatening.
Increases in triglycerides and in LDL (bad) cholesterol and decreases in HDL (good) cholesterol have been reported with SEROQUEL XR. Your doctor should check your cholesterol levels before you start SEROQUEL XR and during therapy.
Weight gain has been reported with SEROQUEL XR. Your doctor should check your weight regularly.
Tell your doctor about any movements you cannot control in your face, tongue, or other body parts, as they may be signs of a serious condition called tardive dyskinesia (TD). TD may not go away, even if you stop taking SEROQUEL XR. TD may also start after you stop taking SEROQUEL XR.
Other risks include feeling dizzy or lightheaded upon standing, decreases in white blood cells (which can be fatal), or trouble swallowing. Tell your doctor if you experience any of these.
Before starting treatment, tell your doctor about all prescription and nonprescription medicines you are taking. Also tell your doctor if you have or have had low white blood cell count, seizures, abnormal thyroid tests, high prolactin levels, heart or liver problems, or cataracts. An eye exam for cataracts is recommended at the beginning of treatment and every 6 months thereafter.
Since drowsiness has been reported with SEROQUEL XR, you should not participate in activities such as driving or operating machinery until you know that you can do so safely. Avoid becoming overheated or dehydrated while taking SEROQUEL XR. Do not drink alcohol while taking SEROQUEL XR.
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or intend to become pregnant. Avoid breast-feeding while taking SEROQUEL XR.
The most common side effects are drowsiness, dry mouth, constipation, dizziness, increased appetite, upset stomach, weight gain, fatigue, disturbance in speech and language, and stuffy nose.
Do not stop taking SEROQUEL XR without talking to your doctor. Stopping SEROQUEL XR suddenly may cause side effects.
This is not a complete summary of safety information. Please discuss the full Prescribing Information with your health care provider.
Please read the full Prescribing Information, including Boxed WARNINGS and Medication Guide.
For more information, visit SEROQUELXR.com or call 1-800-236-9933.
This content is sponsored by AstraZeneca.
SEROQUEL XR is a registered trademark of the AstraZeneca group of companies.-(BPT)
Pakistan Elections 2013: Re-polling in NA-250 concludes with PTI’s Arif Alvi leading in unofficial results
Unofficial results of NA-250 reveal that Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Arif Alvi leads the re-polls, local media reported on Sunday.
Polling concluded peacefully with a turnout comparatively lower than what was seen on May 11.
Police and rangers guarded the 43 polling stations in NA-250.
It may be pertinent to mention that around 86,000 voters were expected to cast ballots in the re-polling. There are two provincial constituencies the PS-112 and PS 113, in NA-250.
The Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM), the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP), and the Majlis Wahdatul Muslimeen (MWM) boycotted the re-polling after the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) rejected their demands of holding re-election throughout the constituency.
Copyright TJH, 2013
Pakistan Elections 2013: Re-polling begins in NA-250
Re-polling began at 43 polling stations in NA-250, Karachi, with around 86,000 voters at the ballots, once more, local media reported on Sunday.
The Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM), Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) and Majlis Wahdatul Muslimeen boycotted re-polling after the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) rejected their demands for re-election throughout the constituency.
Strict security had been provided in the form of army and Rangers.
Re-polling would also be held for PS-112 and 113 constituencies.
Copyright TJH, 2013
Pakistan Elections 2013: PTI central vice president Zahra Shahid Hussain gunned down outside home in Karachi
Unidentified gunmen shot dead central vice president Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Zahra Shahid Hussain in Karachi, local media reported on Saturday.
Two gunmen on a motorcycle shot dead the PTI senior vice president while she was entering her house in Defence Housing Society Phase IV, Karachi., according to police.
She was shot three times in the head and was shifted to the National Medical Centre where she succumbed to her injuries. Her daughter was also present with her when she was shot.
An eyewitness said, “Gunmen fired two shots, one missed while the second hit her,” adding, “She wanted to accommodate all parties and work with them in every way possible.”
However, according to the media, she was shot in the neck and head.
She leaves behind a husband and two daughters.
Hussain was a founding member of PT and the party’s central executive committee. She was also the former president of the party’s Sindh Women’s wing.
Leaders condemn the killing
PTI leader Imran Khan and party spokesperson Dr. Shireen Mazari condemning the killing of the party leader said the perpetrators must be arrested and brought to book.
Chief of the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) Altaf Hussain also condemned the killing.
However, Khan holds Altaf Hussain responsible for the murder.
Meanwhile, MQM Rabita Committee held an emergency press conference on Sunday, in which it blamed Imran Khan for defaming the MQM chief and has challenged Khan to admit that he has an illegitimate daughter abroad.
Copyright TJH, 2013
Pakistan Elections 2013: PML-N stakes claim over Punjab Assembly, PPP leads Sindh Assembly, PMAP tops list in Balochistan Assembly
Official results by the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) reveal that Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) tops the list in Punjab Assembly, while the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) takes the lead in Sindh Assembly and Pukhtunkhawa Milli Awami Party (PMAP) in Balochsitan Assembly, as the local media reported.
PML-N won the general elections held on May 11, when the citizens of Pakistan went to the polls to change their destiny.
With a majority in Punjab and the centre the PML-N is set to establish a stable government capable of implementing policies to salvage the crippled economy of the country.
Meanwhile, leader of the National People’s Party (NPP) Ghulam Mustafa Jatoi announced his party will join the PML-N.
Copyright TJH, 2013
Pakistan Elections 2013: JI secures seven seats in KP province
Jamat-e-Islami (JI) has secured seven seats in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Assembly. Meanwhile, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has nominated Asad Kaiser as chief minister of KP. PTI chief Imran Khan demanded that votes on 25 seats of the National Assembly in the Punjab should be recounted.
Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has announced that re-polling in 43 stations of NA-250 would be held on May 19, as reported by local media.
Secretary ECP, Ishtiaq Ahmed has announced that elections would be held within 10 days at NA-38, Kurram Agency and re-election at 43 stations of NA-250, Karachi would also be held within the same period. It may be mentioned that polls were cancelled at NA-38, Kurram Agency.
Copyright TJH, 2013
Pakistan Elections 2013: ECP mulls re-election in at least six constituencies
Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) is considering to conduct re-election in at least six constituencies over complaints of rigging in Pakistan’s general elections of May 11, 2013, the media reported on Thursday.
Last week, Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) won with a staggering 124 seats in the National Assembly, followed by Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) 31, and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) with 27 slots in the lower house.
Copyright TJH, 2013
Pakistan Elections 2013: More than 34 independents from across province join PML-N in Punjab Assembly
Around 34 independent candidates from various cities in the Punjab province have announced to join Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N).
As opposed to pre-poll predictions, PML-N won general elections 2013, securing 123 seats. PML-N topped the list in the Punjab assembly with more than 200 seats out of a total of 297, firmly poised to form government in the province without support of any other political party.
Copyright TJH, 2013
