INFO, HEALTH TIPS AND NEWS

Many women experience the first pregnancy symptoms days before missing a period as a result of the shift in the hormones, which causes certain changes in the body. The first pregnancy symptoms can occur up to a week before a sufficient number of pregnancy hormones starts to circulate in the body to give a positive result on the pregnancy test. Here are the earliest symptoms of pregnancy, which appear before a missed period. Pregnancy Symptoms Cramping Cramping is one of the earliest symptoms of pregnancy. The cramps can be noticed when your embryo implants into your uterus. This sign can be easily mistaken for menstrual cramps. Fatigue Increased levels of progesterone can make you feel exhausted. Fatigue is usually experienced as early as a week after ovulation. After you ovulate, the levels of progesterone rise, regardless of being pregnant or not. However, if you are not pregnant your progesterone levels will soon decrease. After ovulation, if you start feeling tired, and if t...

This chart represents information on select drugs that are contraindicated (Pregnancy category X) for women who are pregnant. This is not an inclusive list of products that carry that pregnancy category. Those drugs that are contraindicated at a certain phase of the pregnancy are listed next to the product name. For more information on specific drug monographs, see product entries or consult the manufacturer. ALLERGIC DISORDERS Vistaril (hydroxyzine) Early pregnancy CARDIOVASCULAR SYSTEM Advicor (niacin ext-rel/lovastatin) Aggrenox (dipyridamole/aspirin) 3rd trimester Altoprev (lovastatin) Bayer (aspirin) 3rd trimester Caduet (amlodipine/atorvastatin) Coumadin (warfarin sodium) Crestor (rosuvastatin) Ecotrin (aspirin) 3rd trimester Lescol (fluvastatin) Lescol XL (fluvastatin) Letairis (ambrisentan) Lipitor (atorvastatin) Livalo (pitavastatin) Lovastatin tabs Multaq (dronedarone) Pravachol (pravastatin) Simcor (niacin ext-rel/simvastatin) Tracleer (bosentan)...

Patients with diabetes have a higher pill burden than the general population, so pharmacists should pay particular attention to potential drug interactions with antidiabetic agents. Drug interactions may decrease medication efficacy or increase toxicity, and greater pill burden challenges adherence and adds to adverse effects. Past research has shown that the benefits of carefully selected cardiovascular medications outweigh their risks. In addition, pharmacists should know the following facts: ·         Sulfonylureas, thiazolidinediones, meglitinides, and dipeptidyl-peptidase-4 inhibitors (DDP-4s) are most susceptible to interactions. ·         Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) agonists and sodium-glucose transport protein (SGLT-2) inhibitors are least affected by drug interactions. ·         Clinicians should consider altered absorption and transpor...

Information sourced from FDA: Nizoral (ketoconazole) Oral Tablets: Drug Safety Communication - Prescribing for Unapproved Uses including Skin and Nail Infections Continues; Linked to Patient Death ISSUE: FDA is warning health care professionals to avoid prescribing the antifungal medicine ketoconazole oral tablets to treat skin and nail fungal infections. Use of this medication carries the risk of serious liver damage, adrenal gland problems, and harmful interactions with other medicines that outweigh its benefit in treating these conditions, which are not approved uses of the drug. FDA approved label changes for oral ketoconazole tablets in 2013 to reflect these serious risks and to remove the indications for treatment of skin and nail fungal infections. However, an FDA safety review found that oral ketoconazole continues to be prescribed for these types of conditions. Since the 2013 labeling change, one patient death has been reported to the FDA due to liver failure associated wit...

The recipe presented in this article is extremely treating excessive mucus ad coughing. It is all-natural and safe to use for both children and adults.  Carrots are very beneficial for diabetics and people with high blood pressure. It is recommended to opt for a fresh carrot juice, as it has higher concentration of nutrients when compared to raw carrots.  What Makes Carrots Good for You? Boost immunity Promote cardiovascular health Lower cholesterol Prevent cancer Skin-friendly and reduce acne Promote detoxification Contain calcium which improves digestion Excellent source of nutrients which are good for the skin RECIPE Ingredients : ½ kg of carrots Some water 3-4 tbsp. of organic honey Instructions: Peel the carrots and boil them until soft. Keep the liquid in which they have been boiled Mix the liquid with the carrots Add 3-4 tbsp. of organic honey in the water and add the carrot puree Store in cool place Use: Take 3-4 tablespoons of the syrup and y...

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is warning clinicians against the off-label prescribing of ketoconazole tablets (Nizoral, Janssen Pharmaceuticals) to treat skin and nail fungal infections because the risk for serious liver damage and death outweighs the benefits. In July 2013, the FDA removed skin and nail fungal infections as indications for ketoconazole tablets in light of possible adverse events, which also include adrenal gland problems and harmful interactions with other drugs. The agency revised the label to warn that patients with no obvious risk factors for liver disease had developed serious hepatotoxicity after taking the drug, leading to liver transplants or death in some cases. However, clinicians have continued to prescribe ketoconazole tablets for skin and nail fungal infections despite the label change, according to an FDA safety review. Such infections were the only diagnoses cited for the tablets during 2014 and the first 6 months of 2015, according to a da...

05.12.2016 INFECTIOUS DISEASE WASHINGTON Fluoroquinolone antibiotics, the class that includes ciprofloxacin (Cipro), ciprofloxacin, getifloxacin, ofloxacin, pefloxacin, sparfloxacin, levofloxacin , e.t.c should not be used to treat uncomplicated infections such as sinusitis, bronchitis, and urinary tract infections for which other drug types are effective, the FDA announced Thursday. Only patients with these conditions who can't be treated with other agents should receive fluoroquinolones, the agency said. "An FDA safety review has shown that fluoroquinolones when used systemically (i.e., tablets, capsules, and injectable) are associated with disabling and potentially permanent serious side effects that can occur together. These side effects can involve the tendons, muscles, joints, nerves, and central nervous system," the FDA said. Labels and medication guides for these agents will be updated to reflect the review's findings . The FDA noted that it has had ...

Women have to struggle with this every month. The period make them feeling sick, bloated and sometimes the pain that this cause is real nightmare. But we can’t do anything about this because this is a natural and normal body function. All women shall know this fact, because it may discover serious health issue. But women aren’t so exited to talk about their period and usually those problems can be unnoticed. If you know this facts, you will be able to identify the signs, to be more informed to help yourself in time if there is a health issue. Color and flow, the period can be categorized in three type of colors: Mashed frozen blueberries Strawberry jam Cranberry juice According to Dr. Alisa Vitti, a holistic health counselor and functional nutritionist. The texture which seems to frozen blueberries shows high estrogen levels, making the cycle heavier than it should be, because the uterus is thicker than it shall be. The color like strawberry jam is showing low l...

We’ve all had those restless nights of tossing and turning, staring at the ceiling, unable to get more than a couple hours of shuteye. The more you worry about not sleeping, the more your mind races, and next thing you know, the sun is peeking through the window. I’ve spent one too many nights this way and needed to put an end to my poor sleeping patterns. I came across this delicious tea recipe and it improved my cycle completely. Irregular sleeping patterns or even insomnia can stem from several different things like depression, stress and anxiety. Almost every night, I would get into bed and my mind would be racing. Whether I was thinking about work, family, or simply the things I needed to get done the next day, I just couldn’t allow myself to relax. If your mind is active, chances are you won’t fall asleep. Certain medications can also cause insomnia. Pain medications, antihistamines, and heart and blood pressure medicines are among the many that contribu...

We all love apples and we all know the old saying – apple a day keeps the doctor away, right? Well, this is why many people just go to the local health store or supermarket and buy a bunch of apples, and go home feeling like they have done something good for their family. But, you should be very careful, because your store-bought apples may be covered with harmful wax. First, you should know that all apples produce a natural wax, but many are covered by a food-grade wax so they can stay in storage for long periods of time. And the bad thing about this is that some food-grade wax is made from petroleum products, and it is well known that petroleum is not good for the body. So, here comes the million-dollar question – what you need to do, to protect yourself. Well, first make sure you buy all your apples from a farmer’s market or a local farm stand and the only wax you will find on those apples is the natural wax the fruit creates to seal in moisture. But, unfort...

When we feel pain, we will first talk to the doctor or we will reach for the medicals! However, after reading this article, you will see that it is not good to poison yourself with the chemicals, or wait in the crowded waiting rooms at the doctor. The well known method – reflexology, claims that every dot on our body is connected in some way with our hands. The thumb is connected with the heart and the lungs. If you breathe hardly, rub the thumb and pull it. As a result, the heartbeats should slow down. The forefinger is connected to the colon and the stomach. Do you suffer from constipation or abdominal pains? Press the forefinger, rub it for 60 seconds, and then pull it. You will feel improvements in a short period. The middle finger is connected with the heart, small intestine, blood and respiratory system. Stretch out the finger and rub it every time when you feel nausea, dizziness or insomnia while traveling. The ring finger – this finger has a strong influence ...

A patient at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Edo State, has reportedly died of Lassa fever. It was learnt that the patient, said to be a male whose identity could not be ascertained, died at the Intensive Care Unit of the hospital, after a surgery. Our correspondent also gathered that all the doctors, nurses and other auxiliary staff, who had contact with him at the theatre and ICU have been quarantined and closely monitored for symptoms of the hemorrhagic disease in the hospital. It was also learnt that the equipment used in the patient’s treatment had also been quarantined. According to a source in the hospital, the victim had been admitted to the hospital after complaining of appendicitis, some weeks after the burial of his mother in Ekpoma, who reportedly lost her life to the Lassa fever virus. He was said to have undergone a surgery but died three hour later. Confirming the incident on Tuesday, the Chief Medical Director of Prof. Michael Ibadin, said that th...

Federal Medical Centre, Owerri – We are committed to being a versatile team spirited hospital system which sustains efficient, high quality, affordable, specialized services further enhanced through Research and Human Resource development. Applications are invited from suitably qualified candidates for the position below: Job Title: Pharmacy Intern Location: Owerri Qualification Interested and qualified candidates should possess relevant qualifications. Application Closing Date 23rd May, 2016. Interview Date Tuesday 3rd May, 2016. How to Apply Interested and qualified candidates are required to obtain Application Forms from the Office of the Head of Administration Federal Medical Centre, Owerri. All completed application forms with detailed curriculum vitae and photocopies of relevant certificates and current practicing license should he submitted to the Office of Head of Administration. Note All applications should be addressed to the Medical Federal Medical Centre,...

Keloids are scars that become enlarged due to abnormal growth of fibrous tissues. Skin injuries like acne, minor burns, bites, cuts, or scrapes can leave scars. Keloids form over time, when an excess amount of collagen grows in the scars. Generally, they do not cause pain, but sometimes they can be itchy. Even though keloids do not pose a health concern, many people dislike having these enlarged, ugly scars. Some people opt for surgery, injections or laser treatment to remove them. Instead of paying for expensive treatments, there are some simple natural remedies that you can use to take care of your keloids at home for little cost. Garlic prevents the excessive fibroblast proliferation that can lead to keloids, making it a good home treatment for these types of scars. If garlic oil is not available, you can use crushed garlic cloves. If the garlic oil or crushed cloves cause burning or irritation, immediately wash the area with lukewarm water. Here are the top 10 home remedies for...

Deadline: 19 May, 2016 University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital , Ituku/Ozalla – Applications are invited from suitably qualified candidates for appointment in the university of Nigeria teaching hospital Ituku/Ozalla, Enugu into the following vacant internship positions: Contents Open Jobs 1. House Officer 2. Dental House Officer 3. Pharmacy Intern 4. Physiotherapy Intern 5. Intern Radiographer 6. Intern Medical Laboratory Scientist 7. Dental Therapy Intern 8. Dental Technology Intern Method of Application House Officer Job TypeFull Time Qualification BA/BSc/HND Location Enugu Job FieldMedical / Health Qualifications/Experience Candidates must possess any of the following: MB.BS, M.BB.CH or its equivalent from a recognized University and registrable with the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN) go to method of application » Dental House Officer Job TypeFull Time Qualification BA/BSc/HND Location Enugu Job FieldMedical / Health Qualifications/Experience Candidates must possess an...

Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR) Early Release March 3, 2016 / 65 Vital Signs: Preventing Antibiotic-Resistant Infections in Hospitals — United States, 2014 Abstract Background: Health care–associated antibiotic-resistant (AR) infections increase patient morbidity and mortality and might be impossible to successfully treat with any antibiotic. CDC assessed health care–associated infections (HAI), including Clostridium difficile infections (CDI), and the role of six AR bacteria of highest concern nationwide in several types of health care facilities. Methods: During 2014, approximately 4,000 short-term acute care hospitals, 501 long-term acute care hospitals, and 1,135 inpatient rehabilitation facilities in all 50 states reported data on specific infections to the National Healthcare Safety Network. National standardized infection ratios and their percentage reduction from a baseline year for each HAI type, by facility type, were calculated. The propo...

Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR) Early Release March 11, 2016 / 65 Revision to CDC's Zika Travel Notices: Minimal Likelihood for Mosquito-Borne Zika Virus Transmission at Elevations Above 2,000 Meters Since May 2015, when Zika virus, a flavivirus transmitted primarily by Aedes aegypti mosquitoes, was reported in Brazil, the virus has rapidly spread across the Region of the Americas and the Caribbean. The association between maternal Zika virus infection and adverse fetal and reproductive outcomes, including microcephaly, prompted CDC to issue a Level 2 alert travel notice for the 37 countries and U.S. territories (at the national and territorial level) that have reported recent Zika virus transmission as of March 11, 2016. In addition to mosquito bite precautions for all travelers, CDC advises that pregnant women postpone travel to affected countries and U.S. territories. Within a nation’s borders, ecologic characteristics, which determine the distribution of mosq...

FDA proposes ban on most powdered medical gloves Today, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced a proposal to ban most powdered gloves in the United States. While use of these gloves is decreasing, they pose an unreasonable and substantial risk of illness or injury to health care providers, patients and other individuals who are exposed to them, which cannot be corrected through new or updated labeling. The proposed ban applies to powdered surgeon[s’] gloves, powdered patient examination gloves and absorbable powder for lubricating a surgeon’s glove. “This ban is about protecting patients and health care professionals from a danger they might not even be aware of,” said Jeffrey Shuren, M.D., director of FDA’s Center for Devices and Radiological Health. “We take bans very seriously and only take this action when we feel it’s necessary to protect the public health.” Powder is sometimes added to gloves to help make it easier to pu...

Why is it that so many women going through the menopause remain so badly neglected by the medical profession and society as a whole? Every woman can expect to experience the menopause one day, and most will spend more than one-third of their entire life in the postmenopause period. So why do we allow so many thousands of women, who are unfortunate to have moderate or severe symptoms at this time, to suffer so needlessly? Why does society still tend to write women off after their reproductive years, believing that the change of life is something that women simply have to grin and bear? An individual experience Every individual woman's experience of the menopause will be unique and different, but a significant number still suffer terribly. I have known many strong, capable female patients over the years who have been devastated by the effects of a bad menopause. Some have not even recognised the underlying problem. Many are poleaxed by distressing physical symptoms such as hot...

It's easy to jump to conclusions when you realize your period is late. If you're trying to conceive, you may feel excitement and a sense of disbelief. If you're not, you might feel fear or disappointment, not to mention utter confusion if you know there's no way you could be pregnant. The fact is, though most people automatically think of pregnancy anytime a period is late, it could be that — or one of many other possibilities. HERE'S A RUNDOWN OF THE COMMON REASONS FOR MISSED PERIOD 1. Pregnancy 2. Stress 3. Illness 4. Weight 5. Excessive exercise 6. Change in schedule 7. Breastfeeding 8. Medication 9. Hormonal imbalance 10. Thyroid disorder 11. Perimenopause 12. Being an Athlete So Let's Go 1. PREGNANCY Sometimes a late period means exactly what you think: There's a little bun in the oven! Because early pregnancy symptoms like abdominal cramping, bloating and breast tenderness are similar to what you may experience in the days before ...

A lot of ladies frequently use emergency contraceptives, a very popular brand is Postinor 2. Do you know that you don't have to take the pill after every unprotected sex? What would you say if you were told there is a way to find out if you need to use it even after unprotected sex? Do you know that you can save yourself the embarrassment of being "stained" in public by accurately predicting when your next period will start? Are you tired of those unwanted pregnancies? then know your safe periods now. Those mood swinges/ changes you experience; find out if you are actually worried or it is just your hormones that are making you act up? The solution to all the questions lie in one simple sentence: UNDERSTANDING YOUR MENSTRUAL CYCLE. Your Menstrual cycle is the number of days between the first day of your period and the start of your next period. The image above is a 28 days cycle but it is perfectly normal for it to last anywhere from 21 to 35 days. Also the bleed...

Dental care requires money, because it is too expensive. Fortunately, there are homemade remedies that can be very effective in cleaning your teeth. The best thing is that these remedies are completely natural. Tartar is the most usual issue that people face when it comes to oral health. It doesn’t look well and no one likes it in his mouth. If you don’t eliminate tartar in time, it could result with infection known as periodontitis. This condition only worsens the situation. With the help of the following homemade remedy you can remove tartar from your teeth easily and quickly. You will not experience any side effects of this treatment and it can be used literally by everyone. Wrong brushing and irregular flossing could result with plaque, which will surely cause tartar formation. It will make your breath bad and make your teeth yellow or brown. But with the following remedies you don’t have to fear of this anymore. Remedy 1 Chew some sesame seeds, but don’...

Consuming about 30 g of chocolate every day during pregnancy may benefit fetal growth and development. This news is from a new study presented recently at the 2016 Pregnancy Meeting of the Society for Maternal - Fetal Medicine in Atlanta, GA. The researchers enrolled 129 expectant mothers who were randomized to consume 30g of either low- or high-flavanol chocolate daily for 12 weeks and were followed up until they gave birth. The study indicated that chocolate could have a positive impact on placenta and fetal growth and development. However, expectant mothers advised against overindulging in the tasty treat due to its fat, sugar and caffeine content.

Consuming about 30 g of chocolate every day during pregnancy may benefit fetal growth and development. This news is from a new study presented recently at the 2016 Pregnancy Meeting of the Society for Maternal - Fetal Medicine in Atlanta, GA. The researchers enrolled 129 expectant mothers who were randomized to consume 30g of either low- or high-flavanol chocolate daily for 12 weeks and were followed up until they gave birth. The study indicated that chocolate could have a positive impact on placenta and fetal growth and development. However, expectant mothers advised against overindulging in the tasty treat due to its fat, sugar and caffeine content.

A new study has confirmed the link between exposure to acetaminophen before birth and in infancy to developing asthma in childhood. This study also found that the link is independent of the reason for medication use. The study which was led by the Norwegian Institute of Public Health in Oslo - is published in the International Journal of Epidemiology. The authors of the new study however emphasized that their findings do not warrant making changes to recommendations regarding the use of acetaminophen in pregnancy.

For many, the first port of call when urinary tract infection hits is a box of cranberry juice. However, new research published in the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology suggests that while cranberry capsules can help, cranberry juice may be little more than a panacea. The team studied 160 patients aged 23-88 years who were likely to develop a UTI following a gynecological surgery. Half of the patients received two cranberry juice capsules twice daily - the equivalent in strength to two 8-ounce servings of cranberry juice - for 6 weeks after surgery. The others took a placebo. Cranberry capsules lowered the risk of UTIs by 50%. However, the researchers point out that since a cranberry capsule provides the equivalent of 8 ounces of cranberry juice, a patient would need a lot of pure cranberry to prevent an infection. One of the researchers explained that it takes an extremely large concentration of cranberry to prevent bacterial adhesion and this amount of concentratio...