Top Signs That You Should Visit a Hearing Clinic for a Hearing Test

By | April 21, 2017 | Health, Senior Health | Like |

If you have never had much trouble with your hearing in the past, you might not have visited an audiologist for a hearing assessment in a long time. However, even if you haven’t had trouble in the past, there is a chance that you could be experiencing hearing loss now, especially now that you are getting older. These are a few signs that you should consider scheduling an appointment with a hearing clinic for a hearing test and patient consulting.

You Turn Your TV Up

Some people like to listen to their television or radio loud. If you have never been this type of person, it could be a cause for concern if you are finding that you are regularly turning up your TV or radio because you can’t hear well.

You Have Trouble Keeping Up Conversations

Do you find that you are having more trouble keeping up with conversations with others than you used to? If you find that you are always asking people to speak up or if you feel uncomfortable having conversations because you can’t hear what other people are saying, then it might be time to have a hearing test done so that you can look into hearing aids.

You Speak Loudly

It can be difficult to control the volume of your voice when you are unable to hear yourself due to hearing-related reasons. If people have commented that you are talking more loudly than you used to, it could be a sign of hearing loss.

You No Longer Like Speaking on the Phone

Some people find that they are still able to hear people in person but that they cannot hear well on the phone. Phone conversations can sound a bit muffled if you have a hearing issue. Turning up the volume on the phone can help temporarily, but for a long-term solution, you may want to try hearing aids or a device that can be connected to your phone to make it easier for you to hear.

Your Ears Bother You

Have you found that your ears hurt or are uncomfortable for seemingly no reason at all? This could be an indication of an ear-related issue that could affect your hearing. Seeing a doctor can help you get treatment for this hearing issue.

As you can see, there are various things that you can watch out for if you are unsure of whether or not you are suffering from hearing loss. If any of these things seem familiar, it’s a good idea to book an appointment with a hearing doctor so that you can find out more about your potential hearing problems and possible solutions for them.

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Things to Consider Before Having Plastic Surgery

By | March 9, 2017 | Beauty, Health | Like |

It’s a pretty big deal to undergo plastic surgery because the procedure is not only costly but can alter the body in a significant way. There are many types of plastic surgeries too. Just as with any other big decisions, you need to make sure that you have all the information you need before the procedure.

💉 Reasons for having the surgery

Reputable and experienced plastic surgeons will always ask why you want the surgery so badly. You need to have an honest answer and why you feel that the surgery is the best solution for your situation. Will you manage the emotional and physical changes later? Are you going through this for yourself and not for a partner? Make sure that you note all your reasons before booking the appointment.

💉 Absolute certainty

Everybody loves having a perfect body. However, you need to be completely sure that this is exactly what suits you. Plastic surgery is a great deal, and it can be very painful and invasive. So, you cannot afford to commit to it half heartily. Ensure it’s not something you want momentarily but forever.

💉 Know all possible outcomes

You need to know all the possible results of the procedure you want. You can start by researching online, although some stories you will find may be scary but not necessarily true. Consider talking to a friend who has had surgery before and read forums or talk to your GP. Also, consider the outcome if you do not like the surgery results. Maybe your body will take several months to change so that you can see the final desired result.

💉 Selecting an ideal surgeon

Numerous factors like location, experience, and how you connect should be considered as you chose a surgeon. They should also be certified and recognized by registered bodies like GMC, BAAPS, and BAPRAS. A perfect doctor shouldn’t have outstanding complaints against them. Once you have made a choice, be sure to ask for examples of their previous work. Compare the before/after photos of the former patients. Just check everything because this person will be making significant changes to your looks.

💉 Price

Surgery isn’t cheap, so ensure you can afford it. For instance, a tummy tuck may cost about £5,700. The price cannot be fixed. It may change depending on numerous factors like the surgery complexity or your current medical condition. Also get to know if the price includes anesthetic or drugs you may need. Are further complications covered too?

💉 Health condition

Talk with your GP to find out if it’s okay to have plastic surgery. He or she will confirm if you have medication or a medical condition that can affect the results of the operation. You should be healthy and have a great medical history.

Image Credit: Health2Blog

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Selecting Appropriate Childcare Services

By | February 6, 2017 | Health | Like |

Many parents find themselves in need of child care, especially in a world that often requires both parents to work. Whether you are seeking full-time childcare during the week or you need part-time services sporadically, keep some pointers in mind to select the most appropriate services for your child.

Proximity to Home and Work
If you currently commute, you probably know how frustrating traffic is; now, imagine adding even more time onto your journey because you have to go out of your way to a daycare. Whether you opt for a facility that is near your house or your job, try to find one that does not elicit a lengthy ride at drop-off or pick-up. The closer to your route the facility is, the more quality time you can spend at home with your kids.

Program Method
A major child care advantage is that your kids gain exposure to skills they’ll need and situations they’ll encounter later in life. The specific scenarios, however, depend upon the method of the facility. For example, some programs are learning-based, and they may appear similar to a traditional nursery or pre-kindergarten program than a daycare. Others encourage free-play, and still others have certain ideologies, such as religion, that govern them and their activities.

Costs
Chances are that you have already sat down to figure out if it is cost-effective for both you and your partner to work. The cost should not be the only determining factor since a cheap program may offer unsafe services for your children. However, cost does play a role since you cannot enroll your kids in a program that you cannot afford. While you are exploring the costs of different facilities, make sure to take the time to research the tax credit. You may receive such a credit if you enroll your children in a program.

Certification and Licensing
You may have heard about a great facility in your neighborhood where some of your friends’ kids go for child care. However, upon entering the facility, you discover that it does not have the proper certificates and licensing. As comfortable as you may feel in the environment, keep in mind that you must think with logic and reason too. Ask yourself why the owners of this facility have never attempted to receive certifications and licensing. Your children’s odds for injury or worse could be higher here, and you could have less or no protection if something negative does occur.

As you are exploring your options for such services, you may begin to feel overwhelmed by the myriad possibilities. Use these criteria to start to narrow down your choices to the right facility for you, your family and your current needs.

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Exploring the Different Types of Retirement Residences

By | December 23, 2016 | Health | Like |

As you get older, it may become necessary to start thinking about your options as it relates to assisted living. While retirement homes may not be the most glamorous places to be, they offer many services that may help you live a higher quality of life as you age. What should you know before moving into a retirement home Ottawa or any other type of residences designed for older folks?

Elder Care Facilities Embrace a Sense of Community

Nursing homes have a reputation as being places where you sit in a room all day and hope that your family comes to visit. However, they offer a variety of activities that take place outside of the facility as well as within. Trips to the mall, shows and sporting events are just a few of the things that you can do to stay active and social. Game nights, community holiday parties and similar events are held on a regular basis for those who may not want to go out on the town.

Have Short or Long Term Care Needs Met

An elder care facility should be able to provide long-term care services to those who need them. For instance, someone who is recovering from surgery may need to around the clock care for several weeks or months to ensure a full recovery. The same may be true for those who have fallen or who may suffer from a chronic illness. Being in a care facility may be ideal for those who don’t have family or who don’t want to be a burden to their loved ones.

You Don’t Have to Give Up Your Freedom

In most cases, you are allowed to come and go as you please from an assisted living community or retirement home. This means that you can visit with friends or family during the day or go on trips without having to report to anyone. At the same time, you may get rides to appointments or other services to ensure that you are well cared for.

How Do You Pay for Such Services?

It is important that you plan ahead of time for how you will pay for long-term care services or the ability to live in an assisted care facility in general. While government benefits may pay for some services, you may want to buy a long-term care insurance policy or have other savings that you can rely on.

There may come a time when you aren’t willing or able to live by yourself. Whether you need constant care or just need some help getting around, there are resources available to you to help you live with dignity in your later years. For more information on retirement homes visit the Sienna Living website.

Image Credit: FoodNavigator

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Physiotherapy Prevents Early Death in the Mentally Ill

By | November 30, 2016 | Health, Recovery | Like |

Physiotherapy is a growing field, and many universities and medical organizations are dedicating a significant portion of their resources into funding research into its applications. Many people are aware of its applications for joint health and pain management, but recent research also suggests that it can help deal with mental illness. Doctor Brendan Stubbs, the head of physiotherapy at the South London and Maudsley NHS trust, believes that it can help people who suffer from mental illnesses live significantly longer lives.

Why Do They Die Young?A Danish study that examined lifespans over the past few decades found that while the average lifespan has increased all over the world, people with schizophrenia have had their life expectancy decrease. The shorter lifespan is largely attributable to cardiovascular disease, and it appears that people who suffer from mental illnesses are more prone to cardiovascular disease due to their lifestyles.

Multiple factors contribute to these lifestyle problems. Mental illness can make it difficult to engage in physical activity without support, and inactivity increases the risk of disease. It can also lead to compulsive behaviors and destructive habits, and those habits often do more than the lack of exercise.

How Does It Help?

Physiotherapy has several tools that can help to resolve these problems. At the most basic level, a physiotherapy program can enable patients to have a more active lifestyle. Any increase in physical activity can reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease in most patients, so these therapies are likely to increase their life expectancies.

Physiotherapy can also help to treat the patient’s underlying mental problems. Doctor Stubbs emphasized its ability to improve cognition and fitness at the same time, but he is not the only scholar who has contributed to the research. The president of the International Organization of Physical Therapists in Mental Health, Michel Probost, has also weighed in on the matter. He recently made a speech that focused on his experience treating patients who suffered from eating disorders. He emphasized physiotherapy’s ability to promote general wellbeing in patients by encouraging them to be aware of their own bodies and actions to help treat their disorders.

It’s unlikely that physiotherapy will become the exclusive treatment for medical disorders, but this research does suggest that it will begin to take a larger role in their treatment in the future. Scientists are still performing research into these topics, so it’s likely that these treatments will be refined and adopted for widespread use in the future.

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How You Can Sue For Wrongful Birth

By | November 30, 2016 | Health | Like |

Medical malpractice usually is related to situations where an action is taken by a doctor that causes a patient to be injured or killed. However, there are also situations where an action is taken that causes a patient to be born when this was not the intention of the parents. This occurs when a fetus is screened to determine that the fetus will be suffering from a birth defect. The parents agree to terminate the pregnancy, but the fetus is instead born. Wrongful birth also results from parents not being provided information that is necessary for them to make an informed decision regarding the birth of the child. While some of these cases have been handled by patients on their own, it is usually necessary to hire medical malpractice lawyers.

Suing For Wrongful BirthIn order to sue a doctor for wrongful birth, it is necessary to have an established patient-doctor relationship between the plaintiff and the defendant. The doctor will need to have failed to disclose the existence of the birth defect. The plaintiff will need to have suffered harm as a result of the negligence.

The Role Of An Expert Witness

In order to determine if the doctor was negligent, it is necessary to call upon an expert witness, which is the case in most medical malpractice cases. This is because lay juries do not have the knowledge of medicine necessary to determine whether medical malpractice actually occurred without the assistance of other doctors. Medical malpractice lawyers will connect you with expert witnesses who can serve this role.

Doctor Negligence

Doctors are responsible for informing parents about the risks that are associated with the birth of a child. This is done through using various medically sound screening procedures. If your doctor discovers there is a defect and fails to inform you or if your doctor does not use a screening procedure that should have been used, you may have a medical malpractice case.

If you believe that you were the victim of a wrongful birth, it is recommended that you contact medical malpractice lawyers who will assist you in gathering the evidence that is necessary to allow you to make a case. These attorneys will also argue your case in court and will make sure that you get the settlement that you deserve. Not only do you deserve to be compensated, but negligent doctors must also be held accountable.

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Enrolling in Accredited Caribbean Medical School

By | November 29, 2016 | Health | Like |

Every year, tens of thousands of aspiring medical students across Canada select Caribbean and other overseas medical schools to pursue medical degrees. Since Canadian medical schools receive lots of applications than they can possibly admit, they are forced to establish stringent admission requirements. This leaves aspiring candidates with the option to look elsewhere in order to fulfill their dreams of becoming medical practitioners.

While Caribbean medical schools are often great alternatives due to their low MCAT scores requirements, low fees, and accelerated programs, it is vital for every student to establish whether the medical schools they are considering have accreditation that are recognized in Canada. Many Caribbean medical schools are not accredited in Canada which can cause a lot of problems for students after graduation.

What Does Accreditation Mean?

Many medical schools in the Caribbean often juggle the terms ‘approved’, ‘recognized, and ‘accredited’ when presenting their qualifications—and often utilize the terms broadly. However, it is important to note that these terms don’t have the same meaning. A medical school can be qualified on multiple levels but this does not mean that they are accredited. A medical school can also be ‘recognized’ by various educational bodies (even by the Ministry of Education), can be listed in a wide range of authoritative medical schools directories, and ‘approved’ by the government to confer degrees but still lacks ‘accreditation’ from recognized independent accreditation bodies or agencies such as ACCCM, NVAO, or CAAN-HP.

When scouting for the Caribbean medical university, therefore, it pays to be critical about a school that is ‘accredited’, ‘recognized’, or ‘approved’. To gain approval from the Canadian Department of Education, a medical school in the Caribbean must meet certain criteria, including:

  • Officially recognized by the FAIMER-IMED and the World Health Organization
  • Accredited by recognized and authorized accreditation organization such as the Accreditation Commission on Colleges of Medicine (ACCM), the CAAM-HP, or the Canadian Liaison Committee on Medical Education.

After gaining the accreditation, the NCFMEA of the Canadian Department of Education re-evaluates the authority’s accreditation standards and establishes whether they match Canadian standards. Generally, NCFMEA review is completely voluntary, and many schools don’t bother to undergo the process. However, students enrolled in medical schools that are recognized by the NCFMEA are eligible to apply government loans. Nonetheless, NCFMEA review has a little impact on the province that a medical graduate can practice in.

Conclusion

Overall, before enrolling in any Caribbean medical university, it is pertinent to carry a thorough background research so that you can attend an accredited medical school. You should always be in a position to pin-point the organizations that have accredited your medical school of choice and whether or not the school is recognized and approved by the specific state or province that you plan to practice in.

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The Status of Medical Marijuana in Canada

By | November 19, 2016 | Health | Like |

Medical cannabis derives from the Cannabis Sativa species of the cannabis plant. Medical cannabis can take the form of either medical marijuana or medical hemp. Marijuana is distinguished from hemp by its higher tetrahydrocannabinol or THC content. THC is the cannabinoid known mostly for its psychoactive properties which create a high euphoric feeling. A hemp plant contains less than .3% THC while a marijuana plant contains between .5 to 30% THC.

The strain and quality of either a hemp or marijuana plant determine whether or not it can be used as medical cannabis. Besides THC, marijuana, and hemp can both have several healing cannabinoids and other healing properties. There are grades of hemp, however, only suitable for industrial purposes.Conditions helped by Medical Hemp or Medical Marijuana:

Medical cannabis in both forms can be smoked, consumed through edibles, used as a tincture or used topically in the form of a lotion or cream. Medical grades of both marijuana and hemp have been shown to relieve pain and inflammation. The following conditions or their symptoms may be alleviated by some form of medical cannabis:

• Aids
• Alzheimer’s
• Anxiety
• Arthritis
• Asthma
• Autoimmune diseases
• Cancer
• Chronic pain
• Glaucoma
• IBS or Crohn’s Disease
• Migraines
• MS

How it works to heal and alleviate pain:

Cannabis works with the body’s Endocannabinoid System or ECS to heal and reduce pain and inflammation. The ECS is a series of endocannabinoids throughout the body. Endocannabinoids are small molecules composed of arachidonic acid, anandamide, and glycerol.

When the cannabis is ingested or applied topically, it targets the specific ailment and binds with the C1 or C2 receptors at a cellular level. The THC in marijuana binds primarily with the C1 receptors which are associated with pain, nausea, and spasmodic conditions. Hemp cannabinoids such as CBDs bind with the C2 receptors which are known to alleviate pain and inflammation.

Legal status of marijuana in Canada:

It is estimated over 400,000 Canadians use marijuana medicinally. However, only about 80,000 of those people have a prescription which is required by law. Though technically the law requires prescription holders to receive their medicinal marijuana through the mail MMPR or the Marijuana for Medical Purposes legislation allows up to 30,000 individuals to grow their own marijuana.

The marijuana dispensary is an area of some conflict of and controversy in Canada. Technically the dispensaries are illegal though those growing marijuana legally sell their surpluses to dispensaries in the metropolitan areas.

Numerous raids on dispensaries in Toronto in the summer of 2016 were based on complaints stating marijuana was sold without prescriptions. The raids forced the closure of some of the dispensaries and the subsequent court, and legal costs were deemed an unnecessary burden to the tax-payer.

The temporary setback of the dispensary raids possibly paved the way for total legalization nationwide in Canada. Already Canada has the distinction of being the first country to legalize medical marijuana. Promising legislation supported by Prime Minister Trudeau and Health Minister Philpott is set to be introduced in the spring of 2017. This bill would make marijuana completely legal putting any raids or controversy in the history books.

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Technological Advancement in Home Health Care

By | November 18, 2016 | Health, Senior Health | Like |

Home health care is an umbrella term that encompasses all health care services that are offered within your home and aimed to provide care for people with special health needs. In most cases, the people requiring home care services are seniors, people suffering or recovering from injuries, end of life care, those nursing surgical wounds, and those living with terminal illnesses.

In most cases, home care services are given by registered nurses and therapists. Just like hospital care, a registered nurse will check a patient’s vital signs as well as provide additional services such as educating patients and family members on any special nutritional requirements and self-care. Such services have been recognized as being vital in helping patients to recover quickly.

A majority of patients who receive home care are senior citizens aged above 65 years. Seniors are known to have increased unusual health issues like reduced vision, increased risk of lifestyle diseases and disability, memory loss, weak bones, and many other health conditions that decrease their livability. Amid such health issues, advancement in technology has made senior care more convenient and easier.

Home care and technology

According to surveys, the aged population increases in each year. The increase in the aged population has widened the gap between elderly caregivers and the number of people who need services.

As the gap widens, service providers have been streamlining their services by the use of technology solutions like telemedicine, mobile applications, self-monitoring devices and alarm integration technology.

Given that most health issues facing the seniors can be carried out without the physical presence of health care services, home health care providers are turning to technology as a backup to senior care services.

Some of the homecare services offered through the help of technology include wound care, pain management, occupational therapy, physical therapy, psychiatric care, dietary education and medical assessment.

With recent technology, seniors can find mobile applications that help them to:
• Monitor and improve their physical activity,
• Monitor blood glucose,
• Improve mental activity,
• Monitoring depression, and
• Receive health education and advice.

The use of mobile technology has helped to cut down the costs of traditional home care and nursing home care.

Seniors and technology

Most seniors were born at a time when available technology was simplistic and largely industrial. In the current societies, however, an elderly person is surrounded by many personalized technological devices. An elderly caregiver utilizes the simple technologies to provide home health care services. For instance, technologies used in telemedicine incorporate both visual and audio messages to help seniors to receive messages conveniently.

With home care health services, seniors can lead an independent life. Additionally, they are able to manage the various health needs that emerge as their age progresses, thereby improving their lifestyles.

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What Students Can Expect When Attending Dental School

By | October 9, 2016 | Health | Like |

Individuals who want to become a dentist must undergo rigorous medical training as part of a four-year postgraduate program given at one of the few accredited dental schools in the country. There are currently over 18,000 practicing dentists working in a variety of different areas. More than 4,300 students apply to attend a dental program every year. Only 464 are accepted. It is important to understand what to expect from a dental university.

Undergraduate Degrees

Anyone who wants to learn dentistry must first acquire a number of prerequisite classes in undergraduate programs. Most students earn a degree in science. Classes such as advanced physics are required for entry into a program. Certain students who have met all of the prerequisites might be able to get into a school for dentistry after only two years of college although this is not common and requires exceptional grades.

Admissions

Students must go through a specific application process in order to earn a spot in a school. The first step for admissions is to take the Dental Aptitude Test (DAT). This examination tests scientific knowledge, critical thinking and problem solving. It also includes sections for manual dexterity and math skills. It is designed to eliminate students who do not have the skills necessary to become a successful dentist. Applicants will also have to interview with the school. The interview is in front of a committee and explores personal issues as well as thoughts and knowledge about healthcare and dentistry in general.

Preclinical

Students who are accepted into dental school will first undergo two years of preclinical classes. These classes cover everything from microbiology and human anatomy to pathology and chemistry. The courses are very intense and require learning a large amount of information in a very short period of time. Preclinical classes also include regular hands-on work in a lab. Students learn how to perform dental work on models and how to create prostheses and other devices out of different materials. Students have the option to choose a specialization during this time. Specializations include orthodontics, oral surgery and pediatric dentistry.

Clinical

The last portion of the four-year program involves clinical coursework. Clinical work means that students will have to work under supervision in an actual clinic, hospital or other professional setting. A trained dentist provides guidance as students work on real patients performing general dentistry. This is a very stressful period and requires learning while working. Students must complete a specific number of hours of residency before finally graduating from the dental school with a doctorate.

Final Examinations

All graduates must pass a final examination designed by a national association in order to work as a dentist. This examination is very difficult and tests all of the knowledge learned during classes and residency. The first half of the test consists of 300 questions that must be completed over the course of two sessions held during the same day. The second half of testing involves the Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE). This test requires participants to move from one station to the next in a room reading patient histories and then explaining the correct treatment or diagnosis in response to questions posted at the station. Passing this final examination means the graduate can work independently as dentist after acquiring licensure in a specific region.

http://predds.net/canada-dental-school-admission-statistics/

http://www.dentpedia.info/professionals/dental-news-articles/dental-statistics-canada

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