Frank M asked:


I am allergic to dust and mold?What is the best medicine out there to permanently resolve this problem ?

GERARDO

jshortultimate asked:

The OCMS boys rocking out old school. This video is taken from the John Lair’s Renfro Valley CD/DVD soundtrack that accompanied the documentary of the same name. Not an easy thing to track down, but the CD also includes OCMS playing Train on the Island, Kitty Clyde, Bring Me Back My Blue-Eyed Boy, Keep Them Cold Icy Fingers Offa Me and Little Birdie, along with a lot of other old school (real old school) groups playing that old timey music. For reference: http://www.crowmedicine.com/albums/renfro.html

JEROMY

Albert Alexander asked:


When you get sick, you go to the doctor. And the doctor will, of course, prescribe medicines. You will go and buy medicines. You take them, and hopefully, you get well.

This is how the health profession goes on nowadays, a cycle of diagnosis and prescription.

If anyone were to give you herbs for medicine, you would probably say that that person was a quack.

But nowadays, studies are being conducted to see if there are really is any merit to what is called natural medicine.

Natural medicine is the use of natural methods, herbal medicines, and traditional practices to heal ailments. Every culture has a form of natural medicine. In ancient cultures, village medicine men served as the doctors of the community, passing on medical knowledge to the apprentices that followed them.

Many categories of the healing methods fall under natural medicine. Among these are traditional medicine, complementary medicine, and alternative medicine.

Usually, natural medicine refers to medical practices that were in place before the advent of modern medicine.

This includes herbal medicine, or phytotherapy, which is prevalent in Chinese, Ayurvedic(or Indian), and Greek medicine.

Upon the advent of modern medicine, many professionals discarded the use of herbs in favor of man-made medicine. The fact that these treatments are based on the healing properties of some herbs was forgotten.

For example, opium, digitalis, quinine, and aspirin all have their roots in traditional medicine.

Natural medicine can be considered as a lost art. This does not mean that it has lost efficacy over time. In some cases, natural therapy is actually better than modern medicine. This leads some doctors to seriously consider and study the possible uses of natural medicine

Before we continue, it is important to stress that not all the natural remedies are legitimate. It would help to only try those remedies which have been thoroughly studied and are relatively risk free.

Take herbal medicine for example. There are many well-documented and studied herbal remedies available. However, only those that deal with minor ailments such as cough, colds, fever, skin rashes, and the like are likely to be recommended by health professionals. These remedies are sometimes superior to synthetic medicine. This is because herbal medicines are less likely to cause negative side effects.

Currently there are numerous organizations that study the effects and advocacy of natural medicine among which is herbal medicine. Some governments and health agencies openly advocate the use of natural methods since they are inexpensive and relatively risk-free.

As their studies compile, more herbs and treatments are added to the list of accepted medicines. However, many herbs and treatments have been proven to be bogus medicine. This represents a challenge for both the user and the agencies because they have to ascertain that the treatments they either use or advocate are legitimate.

There exist today many alternative medical treatments that fall under natural medicine. However, not all of them have been proven to be effective. You could mention homeopathy, aromatherapy, acupuncture, and other alternative medical treatments. It would pay to consult the experts as to the legitimacy of these treatments.

Natural medicine should also be thought of as an accompanying medicine. Right now, the current collective medical thought suggests that natural medicine be used only to supplement accepted modern medical practices. In that case of minor ailments your expert we actually advise you to take natural therapies instead.

The practice of modern medicine revolves around diagnosing an illness and prescribing treatments for such. Natural medicine is helpful because it suggests that treatment be not necessarily given only when sick. Natural medicine strives to make each patient practice good health habits. These habits include good diet, healthy living, and the regular natural treatment.

It is this same line of thought that leads our parents to tell us to eat our vegetables. Yes, a healthy lifestyle and will do no harm to our well-being. And this is the foundation of natural medicine; may it be massage, herbal medicine, aromatherapy or others.

It is funny but true that science, in its quest for excellence, is studying the knowledge of sages past. This, surprisingly, leads us back to the remedies nature offers. The possibilities of finding remedies to everyday illnesses in natural medicine are encouraging. So staying tuned to studying these remedies is worthwhile until we can verify that these therapies are truly helpful to our health and our society.



REX

Dr.T.V.Rao MD asked:


Bioinformatics in Future Medical Care

Dr.T.V.Rao MD

Professor of Microbiology

Bioinformatics is emerging science which incorporates information technology applied in biological research to store, collect and retrieve biologically oriented data, to analyze and predict the composition of molecules (nucleic acids, proteins, etc ) and to model biological systems through mathematical, statistical and computer methods. It brings together the fields of Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Bio Technology and Genetics under the fold of computers and software advances. Thanks to James Watson - Crick in basic understanding of the Bacterial DNA (genome), which lead to the basis of coding Chromosomes through the Super Computers. The Bioinformatics is changing the entire concept on gene. In future we may be compelled to view life and disease through the Chemistry of Genes.

1. Computer Speaks on Bio information: With feeding of complicated information to a computer it analyses the facts, it even speaks that life is a pack of information with a clear message that book of the life written in the complex DNA consisting of four letters. A.T.G. C. In future science expects that Physician can solve many mysteries of disease just looking into a computer and the greatest advantage lies in detection of most of the Genetic disorders. In future many diagnostic tests may be done by Bio informed computers, the chip locating abnormal base pairs at different gene locations.

2. Bioinformatics and Proteomics: The knowledge of information about the Genes and Science of Genomics lead to science of proteomics which analyses every protein in human functional dynamics. The science of proteomics will revolutionise the understanding of Hormones, Immunoglobulins targeting infections and Enzymes that build or break energy reserves. We are aware now, that there are too, many proteins which guide our life (50,000 to about 2 millions). But few Proteins play the real orchestra, modifying different actions in day to day life. Already many Bio Technology firms have started proteomics programme, if the events succeed to desired expectations there will be better quality of life serving to minute details.

3. Bioinformatics in Gene Therapy: Gene therapy suffered with many problems in the past will have a greater revival with better understanding of human genome. Many Gene therapy trails will become virtual realities.

4. Drugs for Future: At present we use several drugs with a broad understanding to target only 500 proteins in the body, out of the 30,000 proteins already known, with advances in Genomic Medicine there will be more rational approach in drug discovery and clinical application. In future it is possible to target the diseases like Diabetes and Cancer before the onset of physical disease (phenotypic expression). The scientific visions include interfering with the sick cell, sparing the healthy cells, making the therapy least toxic and harmful. The discovery in this direction lead to discovery of Monoclonal antibodies, choosing the particular receptor on the cancer cell responsible for propagation of disease. With better understanding on Bioinformatics Anti Cancer Drug discoveries will be target oriented with least toxic effects on normal cells. The following diseases are being targeted by many drug firms with Bioinformatics include: AIDS, Mental Illnesses, Auto Immune Disease, Obesity, Alzheimer’s disease, Heart Disease and Parkinson’s disease.

Role of Bioinformatics - in the future Medical care.

The art of Medicine will be enriched with biology as source of future developments in Medicine in the near future, every standard text book on Medicine, articles, journals published from reputed medical institutions emphasize the origin of disease on Genetic basis locating, few base pairs of Genes responsible for any complicated disease. The treatment approaches will be on targets of pathological process rather than vague remedies, the need for Bioinformatics capabilities has been highlighted by availability of Genomic information from Human genome project. Let there be more workshops, CME’s & Seminars on orientation of Bioinformatics and Biomedicine to our Doctors. We teachers in medicine should put our best efforts in understanding the role of Genes in disease and spread the message to our students, so that we do not remain isolated from the progress of Science for human benefit.

Email ; doctortvrao@gmail.com



TAYLOR

Joey A asked:


For our anthropology project we have to study garbage cans with different items in it such as the cold medicine and tissues. Then we have to come up with a story plot for what that particular persons life was like. So what kind of things can we come up with that tell us what the cold medicine and tissues told us about his or her life?

SID

Steven Gwillim asked:


Our world is basically corrupted with sickness and disease. Yeah, you heard me right. Just take a look around. Pop on the local news and you will surely see something regarding a virus or disease. There’s just no escaping this issue. If you’re human, it’s all around you. Of course every single one of us want to prevent ourselves from getting anything.

This is why professionals encourage certain lifestyles and practices. It’s prudent to stay on top of these issues at all times. Now, what about the afflictions you do acquire? Take the common cold or flu for instance. What do you do to get rid of these sicknesses quickly? Are you all for modern-day science or do you prefer an alternative herbal medicine? You may want to delve deeper before making any assumptions.

Can you name an alternative herbal medicine that works well for you? I know I can. You see, I tend to get sore in the forearm area. This is due to excessive typing. Clearly this could lead to horrific problems such as Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. However, I refuse to let such a thing happen.

Now, I could use an oral medicine such as Ibuprofen to deal with the soreness. Sure, it may help a little. But, I want something that is going to treat and heal my forearms. This is when I began searching for an alternative herbal medicine. Eventually I stumbled across a German alternative herbal medicine. It is called skin cream.

I immediately loved the fact that it’s all natural. Furthermore, it has been proven to heal joints and tendons. I knew it would be ideal for my aches and pains. After just one use, I was amazed at how well this alternative herbal medicine worked. I would think such a topical cream would make a fortune. These days I apply skin cream to my forearms each night before bed, and when I wake up each morning, they’re restored. It’s phenomenal stuff.

So, do you have a good reason why someone might choose an alternative herbal medicine over one that science has produces? Hey, I can. We are becoming more and more hip to the dangers of these man-made concoctions. It’s difficult not to notice all the backlash. I certainly don’t want my liver destroyed by some new-age medicine. Why not check out the contemporary alternative herbal medicine available these days instead.

Medicine

Other traditional systems of medicine, particularly Asian traditions, use many herbs in synergistic mixtures or blends. We are just beginning to understand the complexities of herbal medicine, with its multiplicity of active chemicals in a single herb, and the interaction of a mixture of herbs found in traditional therapies.

In order to effectively research whether herbal medicine is effective or even safe, we need to detect all the active chemicals that exist in a medicinal plant, but also evaluate their effects on humans individually and together.

Herbal growers, manufacturers, researchers, medical clinicians, funding agencies are all part of the panoply of actors involved in the making of safe and effective herbal medicine. As demand for alternative medicine has grown, so have the harvesting and collection pressures for numerous ecologies that produce the medicinal plants of interest.

Ultimately, together we will influence not only the quality of herbal medicine available to us in stores, but also whether we will maintain the diversity of plant life necessary to sustain a diversity of cultures and alternative methods for maintaining good health.

Conclusion

Herbal medicine is the oldest form of health care known to mankind. Herbal medicine products are dietary supplements that people take to improve their health. Herbal medicine is the oldest form of health care known to mankind. Herbal medicine probably presents a greater risk of adverse effects and interactions than any other complementary therapy.



NUMBERS

Ken Snow asked:


Have you ever suffered from a horrible headache when you thought the best remedy might be for someone to bash you over the head, or to pull your hair out? Then you might have some experience with alternative medicine!

In all seriousness, alternative medicine is not about hurting yourself, but involves investigating other potential methods to treat an ailment besides synthetic drugs. A good purpose for alternative medicine is to avoid developing a dependence on drugs of any type, which can supersede any medicinal or curing effects they might have. Searching for different ways of dealing with your physical or emotional issues or conditions can end up being better for you in the long run.

A great deal of alternative medicine treatments come from ancient medicinal knowledge and insight. Many different types of remedies used by different cultures through the years, including the use of needles for pain relief, herbs for medicinal treatments, or even massage therapy, are considered a form of medicine by the respective users because they work to some degree. However, many alternative treatments are unknown to the general public, as they are not in conformity with the mass marketed treatments and pharmaceuticals.

The definition of alternative medicine

There is really no one ultimate definition of alternative medicine. There are so many various methods and treatments that have been and continue to be investigated and promoted that it is hard to firmly define it.

Some of these alternative names to alternative medicine include holistic medicine, natural medicine, integrated medicine, and complementary medicine. They are all variations of the same idea, which is natural and alternative medicine. The design of alternative medicine is to ensure that all parts of a person’s life and being are well and strong.

The point of view of the alternative medicine collective

A standard of those who advocate alternative medicine is that health isn’t only the absence of illness or disease. Alternative medicine works to ensure that one’s purpose in life is sustained, because a person without a purpose is not able to achieve his fullest potential. There needs to be inspiration and motivation to allow life to be lived to its fullest.

It is thought that illness might not be the end of one’s world. Infection is not the only cause of sickness. The mind has the power to change one’s personality completely. Take the great warrior king Asoka, for example. He was so stirred by the death and devastation brought about by the Kalinga war that he became a Buddhist reformer. In this respect, illness has the capacity to bring about change, to make us better human beings. For that reason, alternative medicine strives to consider not only the physical health of a person, but also his personality and emotions in treating ailments and bringing about total well-being.

Sometimes, when you aren’t feeling that great, it might be better to relax by listening to calming music, taking a walk, or just thinking about life, rather than taking a pill to treat something momentarily. Discovering your purpose will give you a feeling of strength and the realization that life is worth living!



MERLE

Dev Sri asked:


Kerala forests are rich with a variety of medicinal plants that usually find its way to several ayurvedic medicines. From down south Agastyarkoodam to northern Nilamboor, there are different forests, which provide a rich supply of Kerala medicinal plants.

The careful use of medicinal plants in Kerala for different ailments comes in tune with the general tradition of south Asia, where you can see about 90% of the total population depending on herbal remedies. The relative absence of side-effects also makes medicinal plants in Kerala forests a special attraction.

Medicinal plants in India counts to more than 2500. More than 1500 species of medicinal plants can be found in Western Ghats. The other belt in India with high concentration of medicinal plants is the heights of Himalayas. Medicinal plants are extremely sensitive to climate. The tropical medicinal plants you find in Kerala cannot be found elsewhere in the world. Same is the case of almost all medicinal plants you find elsewhere in South Asia. They are all confined to specific locations.

Kerala has different schemes to protect the medicinal plants and also to cultivate such plants on a large scale to sustain the supply. Today organic farming is the most sought out way of medicinal plant cultivation as the plants produced through such methods possess all the natural qualities of the plants.

Organic farming of medicinal plants in Kerala can be a relatively new thing. It is because of the rich availability of medicinal plants as forest produce. But now a concerted move is on to protect the natural supply of medicinal plants and to deliver to the global demands of medicinal plants from Kerala forests.



ZACHARY

Mark Thevenot asked:


If you want to protect yourself and your family without going broke, you will need to be pro-active when it comes to health care. Despite the extremely high cost of most medical care, access to free or discounted care is there for those willing to make a small effort to find it. Here are 6 tips to get you started.

1) Rx Discount Program - Prescription costs can be reduced substantially without buying insurance. There are discount purchasing groups that allow you to join them and receive their negotiated pricing on most prescription medications. One such group is UNA. There is no obligation or fee to register and it takes less than a minute to receive a personalized printable discount card which you simply bring to your druggist. He will save your discount group # in your file and you will then receive a reduced group price on all covered prescriptions. Discounts can be as much as 75% on some prescriptions but average 30%. Go to superrxcard.com and print your free card in less than 10 seconds .There are no gimmicks attached to this one and over 57,000 pharmacies participate in this group. According to Wellness.com - April 2006: “Hands down, the finest prescription assistance program in the United States…”

2) Free Medical Q&A - Informational resources are abundant and free. If you have symptoms you want to confidentially discuss with a real doctor or if you want to research any disease or medication, here are a few good resources: webmd.com, afraidtoask.com and yournetdoctor.com .

3) Doctor and Hospital Ratings - before you select a doctor or hospital for surgery, you might want to know if you are making the right choice. There are research groups that independently research doctors and hospitals and rate them based on criteria which are designed to determine whether they have met the nationally recognized standards for excellence. One such group has made their data base of research on over 600,000 doctors and hospitals available to the public. Got to: healthgrades.com to see how your doctor and hospital rate.

4) Health Insurance - Given up on buying health insurance? Do a little more research. There might possibly be some good coverage available that is within your budget. Try insureme.com or healthinsuranceinfo.net before throwing in the towel.

5) Free Eyeglasses - If you are a student or have children and cannot afford eyeglasses for them, there is a program available that may qualify you for a free eye examination and free glasses. To see if you qualify, go to: sightforstudents.org and apply.

6) Free Medical and Dental Clinics - Nearly every zip code has a medical facility nearby that will give anyone, without insurance or money, medical care. Most of these receive $ aid from governmental agencies or charitable organizations. How do I locate one? Just call any doctor or medical facility and ask them or visit ask.hrsa.gov/pc/ . This web page will allow you to search for a clinic by zip code that will give you medical care, even if you do not have insurance or money. Another site that will help you locate free medical care is freemedicalcamp.com



ROSENDO