Speak Up! For Your Health!

Communication is key to better health!


http://cancerkn.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/doctor-talking-to-patient.jpg

Gone are the days of "Don't question the doctor because the doctor knows best!" Yet, some patients are still stuck in that mind set. It's true that doctors are much more educated than the average person but there is a reason the term "practicing medicine" has been used for so long. Healthcare and medicine are subjects that always keep us learning. There is NO WAY anyone can know it all. Also, what works for one person may not work for another. Medications can affect people in different ways too!

You, the patient, know your body and your symptoms better than anyone and you can explain them better. For your healthcare provider to be able to give you the best care possible he/she must be well informed-not just about the latest technology and drugs but about what's going on with you. Make note of changes you experience, when they started, how long they last, things you may be doing differently from your normal routine and even changes in your environment and lifestyle. All these things, no matter how insignificant they may seem, can be a factor in your current medical situation. By relaying this information to your provider you are allowing for a more thorough assessment of your condition and more options for treatment. Research shows that patients who have good communication with their doctor and take an active role do better, heal quicker and usually stay healthier.

Don't be afraid of 'offending' your provider by asking questions! They are there to take care of you and by a positive interchange of information he/she can do that job much better and your satisfaction will be much higher. If a test is recommended, ask why you need it and what may happen if you don't do it; same with medications. You should ALWAYS know what drug you are taking, why, what it treats, what it is supposed to do and what the side effects and adverse reactions are. If your doctor acts defensive from your questions, tell him/her that you want to be active in your own care and want to understand your treatment. If they still are less than amicable with your shown interest, find another provider that is willing to participate in a 2 way communication with you. Your health is worth it!

http://www.webmd.com/healthy-aging/features/be-your-own-health-advocate

Promising Treatments for Chronic Disease: Biologics

       http://www.onmedica.com/newsArticle.aspx?id=9cb57f49-50c8-465f-9de2-052782c1e34b   

       

Our society of today has a very large population dealing with chronic conditions and diseases. Many of these diseases are due to a malfunction of the body’s ability to protect itself against bacteria, viruses, parasites or anything that can cause infection (immune system). This malfunction presents itself in what’s known as immune-mediated inflammatory disease (IMIDs) or autoimmune diseases. Immune-mediated means the immune system attacks healthy cells instead of the invaders. Among the more than 80 types of autoimmune diseases, are Diabetestype I, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Crohn’s disease, Systemic Lupus Erythematosus,Multiple Sclerosis and Psoriasis just to name a few. The exact causes of these conditions are unknown but it is believed that they result from a combination of several factors such as heredity and chemicals in our foods and environment. Many have very similar symptoms (inflammation, stiffness, joint pain and loss of mobility) and can affect more than one body part, which makes diagnosis difficult. They all also have in common periods or exacerbation and remission but no cure. Treatment is geared toward lessening symptoms and slowing disease progression.

For a long time treatment for these conditions was geared toward decreasing inflammation and steroids were used. In some cases, steroids are still used but advances in medications have given several more effective treatment options. The latest group of drugs in this area of medicine is called biologics. These drugs are genetically engineered from living organisms and their products: proteins, genes and antibodies. Their mode of operations is that they interfere with the body’s inflammatory response. They do this by targeting specific molecular structures. Among such structure are cytokines, which are specialized proteins that aid in decreasing and increasing inflammation. The target cytokines are tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha, interleukins, adhesion molecules and colony-stimulating factors among others. By interfering with the inflammatory response it provides an opportunity to lower and maintain a decrease in inflammation.

The biological drugs that are used to treat the above conditions are actually second- generation products. First generation biologics would consist of vaccines, insulin, blood and blood components. The difference between 1st and 2ndgeneration is the biotechnology used to manufacture the later.

Unlike vaccines, which stimulate the immune system to build ‘protection’ against a specific invader or insulin, which assists the body to metabolize sugars (both being a treatment of the symptoms of disease), 2nd generation biologics actually start from the beginning. They target the specific cells to change them and change the way the immune systems reacts to them. This changed response interrupts the cascade effect that leads to the destructive symptoms of disease. This means that RA (Rheumatoid Arthritis) would not have the signal for “attack” given by the inflammatory process to the cells that cause symptoms of swollen, stiff joints that become deformed with nodules. Those suffering from Crohn’s disease would receive the same benefit of no inappropriate inflammation response to the intestinal tract.

http://phys.org/news/2012-11-advance-ability-biological-cell-level.html

Of course this is a very simplified description of the technology required to obtain such life changing medications but it is an attempt to shed light on a very real opportunity for those suffering to regain a level of wellness and increased quality of life.

Most of these drugs are administered intravenously at regularly scheduled intervals in an attempt to decrease and sustain low levels of inflammation, which in turn slows progression of disease and destruction of target body systems. Among the list of drugs of this type are Remicade, Rituxan, Tysabri, Enbrel, Herceptin and Avonex.

Many people suffer from chronic, progressive and eventually debilitating diseases. These drugs and this advanced technology offers hope and help for relief, longer lifespan and better quality of life for those who suffer. It's amazing what science and technology can and continues to do!

http://cammyshawn.hubpages.com/hub/Biologics-Exciting-Treatments-for-Chronic-Disease

http://cammyshawn.hubpages.com/