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Friday, January 22, 2010
Hay fever? Don't forget to check your plate
By Coeli Carr
msnbc.com contributor
updated 8:06 a.m. ET, Fri., Feb. 20, 2009
The road to health usually means eating lots of fresh fruits and vegetables. But that might not be the case if you suffer from seasonal allergies.
People with seasonal allergic rhinitis — which affects one in five Americans — know that when the pollen count rises in the spring and fall they’ll be tormented by chronic sneezing, a stuffy or runny nose, watery eyes and sleep problems. But what many people may not realize is that the same chemicals that cause hay fever may also trigger a reaction to certain raw foods.
“As many as one-third of the people with seasonal allergies experience oral allergy syndrome,” says allergist Dr. Clifford W. Bassett, medical director of Allergy and Asthma Care of New York, and vice chairman of public education at the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology. More information
Saturday, January 16, 2010
How to Save Money on Your Medications
From About.com
Drugs, especially brand-name prescription medications, can be very expensive and may strain your budget, especially if you have a chronic illness. Whether or not you have health insurance with drug coverage, there are many ways to save money on your medications.
- Save on Drug Costs: Getting Started
- Medicare Part D
- Health Insurance and Your Medications
- Generic Drugs
- Buying Medications Safely Online
- Buying Medications in Foreign Countries
- Splitting Pills to Save Money
- FAQs About the Cost of Drugs
Save on Drug Costs: Getting Started
If you are not sure how to lower your drug costs, these recommendations can get you started. If you have drug insurance, learn how to cope with your health plan's formulary. And, if you do not have any drug coverage, learn where you can buy your medications for less money. - Ten Ways to Save Money on Your Drugs
- Eight More Ways to Save Money on Your Drugs
- Go Online for Information About Low Cost Drugs
- Low Cost Medications from the Government
Medicare Part D
Medicare Part D is the voluntary prescription drug plan for people age 65 and older or who have certain disabilities. Learn about Medicare Part D, including how to choose a drug plan and how to deal with the dreaded coverage gap.- How to Enroll in a Medicare Part D Drug Plan
- Understanding the Medicare Part D Donut Hole
- How to Lower Your Drug Costs in the Donut Hole
Health Insurance and Your Medications
Many health insurance plans include coverage for prescription medications. Understanding your health plan’s formulary and your drug benefits will help you make choices that can save you money. Generic Drugs
Generic drugs can save you up to 80% on the cost of a prescription when compared with the brand name drug. Generic drugs are readily available to treat many common health conditions. About 50% of all prescriptions in the U.S. are filled with generic drugs. - Save Money with Generic Drugs
- Are Generic Drugs Safe and Effective?
- Calculate Your Generic Drug Savings
Buying Medications Safely Online
Online pharmacies can provide you with an easy and private way to buy prescription and over-the-counter medications, often at a more affordable price. Learn how to recognize a reliable online pharmacy and ways to protect your information and avoid getting conterfeit drugs. - Buying Drugs Online - Benefits and Risks
- How to Find an Online Pharmacy You Can Trust
- Counterfeit Drugs - How to Avoid Buying a Fake Drug Online
Buying Medications in Foreign Countries
Many Americans save money when they buy their medications from foreign pharmacies by crossing the border into Canada and Mexico, or when they travel to another foreign country. However, you need to be aware of regulations when you come back into the U.S. and how to safely carry your medications while traveling.Splitting Pills to Save Money
Splitting pills has become a popular way for people to save money on some prescription medications. Learn how to split pills safely and what types of pills cannot be split.FAQs About the Cost of Drugs
Dr. Mike provides advice on how to save money on your prescription medications, from splitting your pills to managing your health benefits to buying medications online and in foreign countries.
Friday, January 8, 2010
What To Do When Someone Experiences Depression After A Stroke
by: Stephanie Trelogan
For most people, the word "stroke" brings to mind a constellation of problems, including paralysis and difficulty with speech. But if someone has recently had a stroke, you're probably well aware that the effects go well beyond the physical. The emotional aftermath can be just as overwhelming and far more difficult to sort out.
Although depression can strike anyone, those who've suffered a catastrophic illness may be more susceptible than other people. And when you throw a brain injury into the mix, the risk of developing a mood disorder becomes even greater. As many as half of stroke survivors will become depressed, according to James Castle, a neurologist at Stanford University.
Depression isn't just miserable, it may also make a stroke survivor more susceptible to pain and fatigue and may even delay his recovery.
- In a study published in the journal Stroke, researchers reported that stroke survivors who were treated for depression demonstrated improved recovery in regular daily activities compared with those whose depression went untreated.
- People who are depressed also tend to be less compliant with rehabilitation and more resistant to making lifestyle changes to prevent a second stroke.
Fortunately, depression can be treated. With the appropriate care, a patient will lead a happier life -- and life will be easier for you, too. Here are some practical things you can do if you think the person you're caring for is depressed after a stroke.
It's not always easy to recognize depression. In the case of someone who's had a stroke, the situation can be even more complicated. If a patient has trouble talking or understanding language, it might be especially difficult to recognize depression. Increased emotional liability -- sudden and extreme mood swings, common after a stroke -- may also hide symptoms of depression.
You may also think he has good reason to feel depressed. After all, he's just had a stroke and can't do the things he used to be able to do. But there's a difference between the normal grieving process and depression. The warning signs of depression include:
- Frequent crying episodes
- Feelings of hopelessness or worthlessness
- Poor appetite or increased appetite
- Sleeping too much or not enough
- Increased agitation and restlessness
- Loss of interest in life
- Expressing thoughts of dying or suicide
A stroke survivor should be evaluated for depression if he has had several of these symptoms for more than two weeks.
If you believe a patient is depressed, the first step is to talk to him about his feelings. This isn't always easy, especially if he isn't used to expressing emotions. Ask him if he's feeling sad or hopeless. Try to get an idea if it's really depression or just a temporary case of the blues.
The next step is to schedule an evaluation. His primary care physician may want to talk to him first, or she may refer him to a psychiatrist or counselor. In any case, the evaluating doctor will talk to him and assess his mood. She may also order screening tests to rule out other medical conditions that can mimic depression, such as a thyroid disorder or infection.
If he resists the idea of testing because he's embarrassed or afraid, help him understand that a diagnosis of depression isn't the shameful secret it once may have been. It doesn't mean he's "crazy" or is going to be taken away to a nursing home. And his test results are private, so no one but he and his doctor needs to know.
If he absolutely refuses to see a doctor, there's not a whole lot you can do. "There's no way to force the issue unless there are severe circumstances," says Castle. If he has become psychotic or suicidal, or if his depression has progressed to the point where he can no longer care for himself, Castle recommends that you notify his doctor or emergency medical services immediately. Otherwise, your best bet is to enlist family members and friends to try to persuade him to seek help.
If a patient is diagnosed with depression, the doctor may prescribe antidepressant medications and/or recommend psychotherapy. "Most doctors take a multidirected approach toward battling depression," says Castle. "Medicines can be highly effective, but often there's a role for psychotherapy and lifestyle changes."
Even if a primary care doctor diagnosed depression, a patient may still benefit from seeing a mental health professional, says Castle. "Some primary care physicians feel comfortable treating this disorder, but many would prefer the assistance of a psychiatrist or psychologist." Castle says this can be difficult for people who associate a stigma with mental health treatment. "It's important for the family to support the patient over that barrier."
The person in your care may also be nervous about taking antidepressants, but Castle points out that they present very little risk: "If anything, there's some evidence to suggest that these medicines might actually decrease the chance of having another stroke." Some of the common side effects, such as loss of libido or excessive sweating, can be annoying, but they're nothing compared to the misery of depression. And the doctor can work with the patient to find the most effective medication with the fewest side effects.
Simply supporting the patient as he struggles with depression can help him a great deal. Here are some other things you can do:
- Help him stay as physically active as possible. Talk to the doctor and rehabilitation team about what exercises are appropriate. Find activities you can do together, such as a morning walk around the neighborhood.
- Depressed people often want to sleep during the day. "As much as possible, don't allow a patient to slip into a depressed routine," says Castle. "Break the cycle by encouraging him to be awake during the day with exposure to sunlight." A simple walk outdoors or some time in the garden can really help.
- Structure the day around activities that give him pleasure and a sense of purpose. For example, meet friends for lunch or enjoy a leisurely walk through the mall.
- Try to stay positive and upbeat, but don't foster unrealistic expectations. Instead of saying, "You'll be hiking again in no time," you might say, "If we keep walking together every day, you'll notice that it gets a lot easier."
- Join a support group -- for either or both of you. Talking to other people who're struggling with similar issues can be enormously comforting and helpful. It's also a great way to connect with other stroke survivors and caregivers. Remember that it's not all up to you
In the end, it's really up to the stroke survivor to get help for depression. If he won't talk to his doctor or comply with treatment, you can't make him -- and you shouldn't blame yourself. Keep offering support and provide positive reinforcement when he takes those difficult steps toward recovery.
But there's only so much you can do. If feelings of guilt and sadness overwhelm you, you may need help coming to terms with the fact that he isn't going to get help. Ask his doctor for information about support groups and other resources to help you manage your own feelings.
Source: E. Chemerinski et al. "Improved recovery in activities of daily living associated with remission of post stroke depression." Stroke 32, 2001.
Resources:
About the Author
Stephanie Trelogan is Senior Editor of the Heart, Stroke, and Depression channels. Older people in Stephanie's family have coped with a variety of stroke- and heart-related conditions, and several family members including Stephanie have struggled with depression.
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