How Addiction Can Happen To You
 
Jun 27, 2016
Category:

Addiction to drugs or alcohol can be one of the most devastating things to happen in a person's life. It can destroy their relationships, ruin their finances, and end their careers and educations.

It is easy for someone who isn't addicted to think that a substance abuse problem is easy to avoid, and yet those very people often end up addicted themselves.

Why do so many people develop a potentially deadly problem that seems so preventable? It's a complex issue, one that has been addressed by the Centers for Disease Control, treatment centers, and countless addiction specialists and support groups.

What they have found often comes down to three common factors, of which certain aspects make perfect sense while others may be surprising. Let's review these in hopes that you will be able to recognize an impending problem before you or a loved one gets tangled up in substance abuse.

Coping With Stress

Perhaps the least surprising finding of those investigators has been that stress is a critical factor in spurring drug and alcohol abuse. People with family difficulties, job problems, financial issues, or other worries will often turn to drugs or alcohol to get an escape. The time that they are under the influence gives them at least a brief reprieve from the problem.

Of course, when they sober up, the initial problem is still there and may have even been compounded with others that developed while the user was impaired. This could include money wasted in purchasing substances, duties neglected in the home or at work, or problematic confrontations with family or co-workers.

There are still strong efforts to discourage this avenue of coping with stress, but there have always been people who slip through the cracks. A continued emphasis on effective means of stress relief and an overall push against any form of substance abuse will continue to help the problem.

Underlying Factors

Addiction is a highly heritable problem. There are strong genetic indications that tell us alcoholics and drug addicts have some type of predisposition to their problems, and that the tendency to abuse substances is something that they may share with their children. The balance of this factor in a child's likelihood to become addicted can be difficult to measure against the influence of being raised in an addict's home, but the genetic component clearly plays a part.

Mental illness is also a very powerful influence. The problem with this situation can stem from the person's acceptance of medication as a cure for their particular issue. For example, a bipolar person who controls the condition using medication begins to view drugs as an effective solution, so when the prescribed dosage or types cannot meet the person's needs, abuse can ensue.

Succumbing To Peer Pressure

Dating back to the early years of the US war on drugs in the 1980's, there has been a misrepresentation of the role of peer pressure in drug and alcohol abuse. In educational materials, the process was usually depicted as one young person confronting another with some type of drug and pressuring him or her directly to consume it.

The reality is very different. Peer pressure can be as simple as a workplace conversation in which a group discusses plans to visit a bar after work, causing the newest member of the staff to feel obligated to go as a means of fitting in.

It can be an athlete who sees friends succeeding by using painkillers to manage injuries, or a person who sees a relative coping with stress by taking a valium.

The point is that it isn't always a direct urging to partake. The social environment can be a primary source of the pressure, with no deliberate solicitation by other users. The problem is further exacerbated when the other user's negative impacts aren't seen by the new user, reinforcing the perception that the substance must have been safe.

With so much power to weaken a person's resolve and take away willpower, addiction is a problem best cured with prevention. Once an alcohol or drug problem takes over, it can be very difficult to overcome, and it's at that stage that the person's life can be seriously impacted.

Sources:
http://singerislandtreatment.com/florida-treatment/
http://www.apa.org/monitor/2008/06/genes-addict.aspx
http://asiatoday.com/pressrelease/importance-fostering-anti-drug-culture

Written by Jane Brown

 
 
The flu and you: how to prevent infection when you have diabetes
 
Oct 13, 2015
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Men and women with diabetes are three times more likely to be hospitalized if they contract the flu. Diabetes can weaken your immune system and raise your risk for complications from the flu, making it that much more important that you take steps to prevent infection. Being sick can make it hard to follow your normal diet and activity regimen—triggering swings in blood sugar that could require medical attention.

Everyone with type 1 and type 2 diabetes is at risk for complications from the flu, and should take steps to prevent infection and know what to do if symptoms develop. The most common symptoms include:

● Fever
● Chills
● Body aches
● Cough
● Sore throat
● Headache
● Fatigue
● Vomiting and diarrhea

Protect yourself

Here are some ways you can help protect your body from the flu virus:

Get a flu shot. Flu vaccines are readily available from your primary doctor, health department or even your local pharmacy. The injection is safe for people with diabetes, but you should avoid the nasal mist. Flu shots are safe for most adults and children, however if you have an egg allergy you should consult with your physician first as some vaccines contain egg protein. The medication used in the injection (shot) does not use the live virus, so it won’t make you sick.

Use common sense protection. The flu can be spread one to two days before it shows any symptoms so it’s really hard to know who may be contagious. For this reason, take common sense approaches to protect your health. Wash your hands often during the day—especially after you cough or sneeze. Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth and avoid close contact with anyone you know is sick.

If you get the flu:

If you think you might be getting the flu, follow these steps:

● Keep a close eye on your blood sugar.
● Continue to take your insulin or pills to regulate your glucose. If you need to adjust your pump settings, follow your doctor’s directions. It may be necessary to adjust your basal rate. Some insulin pumps are capable of making precise dosing adjustments in increments as low as 0.001u/hr.
● Try to eat as you would normally.
● Drink plenty of calorie-free liquids—dehydration is dangerous with diabetes.
Contact your doctor and ask about an antiviral medication to shorten the duration and symptoms.

When to seek medical attention

If you are unable to keep down food or liquids for more than six hours, have trouble breathing, or lose more than five pounds, contact your doctor or get help in your nearest emergency room.

Written by Jane Brown

 
 
The Influence Of Eastern Culture On Modern Medicine
 
Sep 16, 2015
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Eastern medicine, better known as Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has had a huge impact on modern, Western medicine for many years. Alternative therapies that Americans practice on a regular basis often are derived from TCM. Their popularity comes and goes, usually depending on how people feel they are getting treated with modern medicine.

It's likely you've had a brush with eastern medicine at some point, even if you didn't actually know what it is. If you've looked at massage oils, taking herbs to treat an illness, or even practiced yoga at the gym, you've dabbled in TCM.

A Whole Way Of Healing

Where many people see western medicine as something that just masks what is wrong with you, and they see the doctors as simply pill pushers, eastern medicine is believe to treat the mind, body and soul, and get down to the actual cause of an illness and gets rid of its effect on the body.

Whatever you believe about modern medicine, many doctors are now happy to integrate Chinese medicine into their own treatments. This is referred to, generally, as complimentary medicine, because they compliment one another.

Obviously this shows that TCM is having a big influence on the medicine in America. Another way it is influential is that for some people it opens up a more natural, and affordable way into healing.

Herbal Medicine And Aromatherapy

Herbal medicine and aromatherapy are derived from western medicine, and while many believe these treatments are completely safe there are still precautions that should be taken. Some herbs should only be used externally and can be poisonous if taken internally. This is why it's important to research, talk to an herbalist and check with your doctor before trying herbal therapy.

Aromatherapy uses your nose for healing. Many people find relief from chronic headaches through aromatherapy, without the side effects of medications. However, don't stop taking prescribed medications until you talk to your doctor.

Aromatherapy and herbal therapy both use herbs. Aromatherapy can also be combined with massage therapy. In fact, each and every one of the therapies that come from the western culture can be blended with one another in your healing process.

Massage, Reiki, Acupuncture And The Like

Massage therapy, meditation, Reiki, acupuncture and acupressure, are all derived from western medicine and all can do great things for healing the body and the mind, and even helping you relax. Even yoga is a therapy from the west, and also helps heal.

One way that these therapies help you save is that some of them can be comfortably done from right in your own home, like yoga and meditation. You can even invest in massage therapy tables for your own home and learn how to do massages, or maybe get a discount when your therapist doesn't need to lug their table into your home.

Whether you want to learn and become a practitioner yourself, or you simply enjoy healing that heals without medications and surgeries, you can benefit from the alternative therapies that have grown from western culture and continue to become increasingly popular in the United States.

How Does It Work, Really?

Why TCM is considered superior to modern medicine is because of numerous facts. TCM concentrates on the whole body and it allows for real listening. Not just listening to the person taking about what issues they are having, but listening to the body itself.

Not only will there be more of a focus on the disease itself, rather than just masking symptoms, there is also a focus on wellness and preventative medicine. You eat healthy foods because that creates a healthy body. You practice relaxation techniques because they help battle stress which leads to illness.

Now that more doctors are accepting TCM, it just makes sense that people start to integrate these therapies more into their lives and on a more regular basis. Start taking a weekly yoga class, schedule a monthly massage, try acupuncture to cure headaches and help you lose weight, and go visit the health food store for some healthy and helpful herbs.

Written by Jane Brown

 
 
Nurses Who Study in Asia Benefit From Learning Culture, Medical Practices, and Language
 
Jul 18, 2015
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The United States is synonymous with cultural diversity. For this reason, learning about other cultures is a great tool for professionals, especially healthcare professionals and in particular nurses. The more you learn from other cultures, the more powerful and effective a nurse you’ll be.

There is a lot you can learn nursing aboard, including medical issues that are truly indigenous to people and how other nations are improving their healthcare systems. According to a 2014 Forbes article, Asia is going through a healthcare renaissance and expects to see healthcare spending increase to $2.21 trillion by 2018. That’s a compound annual growth rate of 10.5 percent over the next five years.

According to the United States Census Bureau, as of 2010 Asians make up 5.6 percent of the population. That’s more than 17 million Asian Americans. This is why Asia is a great place to consider working abroad. What you learn can easily be applied to the work you’re doing in this country. Broadened horizons will enhance the lives of your patients, and make the overall healthcare system stronger.

Gaining Perspective by Working Abroad

If you were to work in Japan for 1 year, upon returning to the United States you would be able to better assess a Japanese-American patient from a more cultural perspective. Instead of viewing healthcare as a blended composite homogeneity of our populace, you’d be capable of better communicating and understanding your Asian-American patients. In fact, you may begin to better understand the needs and customs of all.

Healthcare management systems should not be ethnocentric, but rather multicultural and diverse (just like the US population). Nurses who have experience working abroad will add to a patient’s comfort level, especially when that patient learns you’ve worked in her home country. This will delight her, and build trust. The synergistic benefits of working aboard have carry-forward benefits that cannot be overstated.

As Immigration Increases, so Shall Multiculturalism

Immigrants make up approximately 13 percent of the population, which is a larger immigrant population than any other country. The most immigrants come from Latin countries, but large numbers come from Asia as well. Traveling to Asian and Latin countries is going to give you the best opportunity for learning, and be an asset upon returning home because these cultures will make up a large portion of the patients you see every day.

Any opportunity to immerse yourself in another country is an opportunity to get better at what you do. You can find registered nurse jobs abroad by looking at international job boards, such as American Traveler. Being able to quickly and effectively assess the status of a non-English-speaking Asian American, based on what you’ve learned in their home country, goes a long way toward saving lives and building an immigrant’s confidence in our healthcare system.

Immersion is the Fastest Way to Learn a New Language

If you work in a big city, such as New York City and Los Angeles, it’s highly unlikely all of your patients speak English. Some areas feature populations that speak little-to-no English, which can make your job difficult if you don’t speak the language.
Studies have proven time and again that immersion is one of the most effective ways to learn a language, and communicate with native speakers. This can open up all sorts of job benefits, including raises and promotions based on your ability to speak two or more languages.

The United States is country adept at blending cultures, and medical professionals are encouraged to embrace this multiculturalism. Our borders are subject to a human tide that never ceases, and the more nurses know about all the residents of their communities the better.

Written by Jane Brown

 
 
5 Reasons to Get a Masters in Public Health Online
 
Dec 09, 2014
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Are you a busy professional debating about whether to get a Masters in Public Health (MPH)? Settle the debate now because public health is an emerging field of study. A MPH provides the option for a fast-track career in the healthcare arena. Universities also made it easier by offering MPH programs online that cater to busy professionals. The ability to manage their schedule on their own time is a big plus while technological enhancements make it easier for people to interact in a virtual setting. If you remain unconvinced, here are five more reasons to get a MPH online.

Higher Income Potential

It is a well-documented fact that the more education that you get, the higher your income potential is. Companies are willing to offer you more money if you have more than a bachelor's degree. This is true especially for industries that have a particularly good job outlook like public health. Getting an online masters in public health also allows you to have more opportunities for advancement and opens doors for more employment opportunities available only to those with advanced degrees. Both of these outcomes involve financial gain.

A Chance to Stand Out

A MPH will give you a competitive advantage and will definitely accelerate your career growth. It also demonstrates your commitment to furthering your knowledge base. The United States Census Bureau estimates that only 11.5% of the American population have a masters level of education, so that in itself gives you more credibility and recognition when applying for highly coveted positions.

Transferable Degree

The study of public health has plenty of career options ranging from the healthcare industry to law and public policy. For example, healthcare professionals can adapt their knowledge of public awareness programs to their patients with the hope of curbing chronic illness or preventing the spread of infectious diseases. Lawyers who decide to tackle cases on Medicare fraud, medical malpractice, and hospital neglect can benefit from the knowledge of how the public health systems work. Policy analysts can use their influence to improve policies on the health and safety of the public.

Convenience, Cost Savings, and Independence

One of the major advantages of taking a program of online courses is the ability to manage your own schedule at your own pace. Being able to work from home is valuable for those who live with young kids or aging parents. Another advantage is the cost savings involved. You will save money on transportation by eliminating the commute back and forth to school. Many say that as an online student, you will get more individual attention from your instructors. Finally, you won't have to limit your options because an online program gives you the independence to apply to any university of your choosing, even if it's miles away from home.

Opportunity to Create a Lasting Impact

A career in public health provides a person with the opportunity to create a lasting impact within the community. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 20th century achievements in public health are responsible for adding 25 years to the life expectancy of people in the United States in that century. Globalization has also increased the need for individuals who have the capabilities to effectively manage public healthcare and services.

As well as being convenient, an online masters degree in public health is a worthy investment for anyone who wants to enhance his or her career and contribute to the health and safety of the public.