There’s a new report out that the H1N1 virus, also known as the swine flu, could cause worker absenteeism to reach 30-50% in an influenza pandemic. Moreover, the report explained that very few companies are prepared for a flu outbreak and have little if any contingency plans to keep offices operational. In fact, a Harvard University School of Public Health study stated that just one-third of the businesses in the United States would be able to sustain operations if half of their employees were absent for two weeks due to H1N1. Only a fifth of the companies said they could continue more than a month if they were hit.

“Business continuity” consultants are feverishly working (so to speak) to help companies prepare for a possible flu outbreak that would cripple, and in some cases, destroy many businesses. One of the primary focus areas involve helping companies protect contagious behaviors. Everyone knows the common sense solutions involving the washing of hands and covering coughs and sneezes. Most experts advice that if someone is sick that they stay home.

However, there are technological solutions that companies can easily implement that are inexpensive, practical and convenient.

The first plan of action for companies interested in maintaining operations in an outbreak is to set up a telephone and/or web conferencing service, including desktop video. Phone conference calling allows employees to isolate themselves at work or at home and still get the job done. During the past recession, many companies saved thousands of dollars by utilizing conferencing technology to avoid travel and meeting costs. But there’s an added benefit as well — by using conferencing, workers do not put themselves in harm’s way by transmitting or catching airborne viruses. Simply, talking on the phone is a lot safer and healthier than meeting with someone face to face.

If a business situation demands more than conversation, and documents or presentations are involved, new and inexpensive technology will allow you to share those documents or PowerPoint presentations over a web conference on the Internet. A presenter can not only share written materials, but can share his or her desktop. In other words, anything the conference leader sees on his computer desktop screen can be shared with any one else in the conference. Let’s say, you wanted to show several people an Excel spreadsheet you’ve prepared. You can just click a button on your web conferencing service, and everyone in the conference can see exactly what you’re looking at on your monitor. Whatever you see, they see. So if you want them to look at your spreadsheet, just bring it to the front and tell them what they are looking at. The visual portion of the conference is on the Internet, and the sound or audio portion is on the phone — all done in real time.

So if you are interested in protecting your business from the possible effects of a swine flu outbreak, or any other disease, your first plan of action is to sign up for a phone conferencing account that you can access at anytime. Maybe you’ll never need to use it. But in any event, you’ll be prepared to spring into action and head off an attack on your business that could prove crippling. Business that are prepared to stay operating, even when a high percentage of the workers are at home, will stay the course and come out way ahead of their competitors.

One of the newest diagnostic procedures for dog arthritis is the use of MRI or Magnetic Resonance Imaging. This procedure is not really new for human patients but it is quite the first time that its use is being extended to man’s best friends.

Dog arthritis is a very common concern. Almost all dogs suffer from this the moment they reach their senior years. But even so, this condition can also be prevented with right intervention.

MRI is a welcome addition to the diagnostic tools that vets use to detect and cure arthritis in dogs. With the use of this high-tech medical scanner, veterinarians don’t have to perform surgery on your pets just to know which joints sustain the problem. What’s more, the use of this equipment allows vets to diagnose other diseases in your pet as well.

Dogs aged two years old can use the MRI scanner. Right now, vets would require dog owners to take their dog for an MRI scan several times within six months to monitor their disease. This way, the vet can easily see the improvement or the worsening of the condition. As such, they can adjust the pet’s medication accordingly. MRI has been a great help not only for your dog but for you and its vet as well.

The MRI scanner uses a large cylinder running through a magnet. The scanner uses radio waves that are sent through the body, which in turn, would produce the image of the dog’s joints, or any other part of its body for that matter. The image produced is either a two dimensional or a three dimensional reproduction of the muscles and joints.

However, only selected hospitals are offering this service right now. Most veterinarians are not yet equipped with this device, as it is quite a little too expensive for small clinics. Also, only a few hospitals allow pets and other small animals to be placed inside the MRI scanner. Hospitals currently allow only human patients for their equipment, although much of it is due to the fact that they don’t have the necessary restraints and devices fit for animals.

The cost of MRI scanning for animals is not much different from human subjects. For people who have limited budget on their pets, it could be quite a big decision whether or not they should put their pet through the scan. However, this still proves to be one of the most efficient ways to provide your pet with the treatment it needs so that it can live life comfortably despite its condition.

If you want to know more about MRI or if you want to subject your pet for one, talk to your vet today. Your vet would know if the diagnostic procedure is necessary for your pet or if the old way of treating arthritis is sufficient. It also pays to know which hospital is offering the service to pets so that you’ll know where to take your dog for one should it require the test in the future.

Anytime someone is diagnosed with cancer, it is a very trying time for not only the person diagnosed but also the person’s family. There are many different types of cancers, which attack people differently. But, regardless the type of cancer the impact is still great on families and friends as well. Everyone copes with the news of cancer differently and we all need to be aware of that fact. Some people will be upset and angry, while others will be very depressed. It takes a while for everyone to come to grips with the news of cancer and the best thing to do is to stay as positive as possible. It is also important to cope and allow yourself to feel the emotions that come along with being diagnosed with cancer. We should let ourselves be sad and open with our friends and family. Openness can alleviate some of the despair that most people feel.

Cancer treatment may start with a surgery. For example prostate cancer will typically involve surgery, but surgery can be made better by having a robotic prostatectomy instead of the typical surgery. Someone with cancer can look into options of nontraditional surgeries that may offer shorter recovery, less scaring, and shorter hospital stays. Ultimately that person has to make the decision that is best for them, and many times that is not the most innovative or new technique out there.

Southern Will County Healthcare is one place individuals can go to seek treatment for their ailments included checkups when diagnosed and treated for cancer. A patient may decide to try several different doctors prior to making the decision on which doctor to have them treated for cancer. Bedside manner is usually an important quality but others also want to make sure their doctor is the best treatment provider they could have.

A stay in Southern Will County Hospital may be required for a person who is getting treated for cancer. A stay in a hospital is never on the top of anyone list, but this is again a time when a patient should surround themselves with the positive family and friend relationships. A positive atmosphere in the hospital can really make a difference. Additionally, friends and family often feel better when they are with the patient and can assist in the patient’s care even if it is just mental health care.

In the beginning, there was a medicine was marketed as an antimalarial drug. Then it was found that in addition to being effective with malaria it was also beneficial when used to treat rheumatic diseases such as Lupus and Rheumatoid Arthritis.

This drug contains the ingredient hydroxychloroquine. It is a DMARD (Disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drug) which has long been known for decreasing the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis such as pain and swelling as well as reducing the risk that the patient will develop a long-term disability. Scientists aren’t exactly sure why hydroxycholoroquine works so well in treating rheumatoid arthritis. They do believe, however, that the drug somehow interferes with the communication of cells within the immune system.

The normal prescription is two doses of 200 mg. per day or sometimes one dose of 400 mg. You take the drug orally with food or milk so that the medication doesn’t upset your stomach. After you’ve been on the medicine long enough for your condition to start to improve, your doctor will want to lower your dosage so that you aren’t taking more of the medication than you really need. By doing this he will lower your risk of side effects.

Because of the low dosage taken by the average rheumatoid arthritis patient, side effects aren’t usually an issue. The most serious side effect of the drug is when a patient develops toxicity in the back on an eye. If you take it for an extended period of time, it’s essential that you have special eye exams done regularly in case you should develop toxicity.

If you should develop toxicity and allow it to develop without being treated, it can lead to major visual problems such as color blindness and even a complete loss of vision. Less severe side effects which can occur include headaches, irritability, hair bleaching or loss, nausea, weakness, and itching.

You need to take your medicine on schedule every day. If you once start taking it at a certain time during the day, then you need to take it at the same time every day. It will probably take between one and two months in order for you to begin seeing improvements in your health. It may take as long as six months for you to finally be getting the full benefit of the medication.

You’ve probably noticed that this medicine is a creature of habit and wants everything done the same way day after day. If your doctor prescribes the medication for a certain length of time, do not stop taking it before then. Quitting before you’ve finished the regimen could result in you developing an infection. And never ever think about stopping the drug cold turkey. If you’re considering stopping, talk with your doctor before you do it.

Arthritis rheumatism natural treatments can be less costly than some other solutions that take prescriptions. If you want to test an alternative, perhaps it’s time to think about a more natural solution.

There are arthritis rheumatism natural treatments that you can simply rub in. Let them work themselves down to the muscles in question and soothe them.

The same arthritis rheumatism natural treatments can also provide relief for congestion, that tightness that you can feel in your chest or back. Apply the ointment to your chest or neck for relief.

Or you can add a bit of the ointment to boiling water and use it as a steam or vapor. Either breathe it in up close or leave it in the corner of the bedroom, on top of a bureau or table.

This can be a useful solution before bedtime, for little children or adults. It will make the room smell like relief, like your grandma’s house.

Make sure you keep such ointments away from your face, particularly your eyes and nose. Always use it for external use only. Keep such ointments and oils far from the reach of children and pets. There are ingredients that can cause harm if ingested.

Let’s get back to relief of arthritis rheumatism. Try rubbing an ointment onto the affected areas and allow it to work itself down to the muscles. Let them rest while it works, though you do not want to stop using your body.

As with many conditions, if you let yourself slow down to a stop voluntarily, it will be harder to get going again.

Look at what you can do. Remain positive, and look for exercises and outings that meet your needs and abilities. Arthritis is not a death sentence.

Swimming is low weight bearing, and it can get you out of the house and in touch with others. Whatever can put that smile back on your face will make you feel lighter and happier, and just plain better.
At times, a bit of relief can change your mood, and allow you to bring the positive back into line. This is so important.

Take advantage of feeling better to put on some music and do a little dance, or tidy that box of stuff that’s been waiting for you to feel well enough to tackle. Simple stuff, a little at a time, makes a big difference to our list of things to do.

Another solution is to become the boss, and allow someone else to help you with the big stuff. A cup of tea in hand, and you’ll be able to spend time with a grandson or granddaughter, or even a friend, who can reach up high and down low, to find and then replace those items for you.

There are also some things related to diet, when it comes to arthritis that you might want to consult your homeopath about, to make sure that you’re not eating your way to an irritating situation.

The same arthritis rheumatism natural treatments are useful for a variety of ailments, and, most importantly, they’ll bring you relief.

If your older dog is reluctant to stand or slow to respond to a sit command you may think it’s a normal symptom of an aging pet. Although it’s true your dog may slow down a bit with age he may be suffering pain from arthritic joints.

Veterinary care for pets has advanced by leaps and bounds in recent years. It is not necessary for any pet to suffer from pain as there are medications that can help lubricate his joints and make him feel almost like a puppy again.

Aspirin is often recommended for arthritis pain in dogs. Given in small doses (baby aspirin) this common, inexpensive drug provide pain relief by relieving inflammation. Ibuprofen can be used but can have the side effect of stomach irritation with frequent use.

Aspirin may seem the cheapest and easiest option for your dog’s arthritis treatment but even aspirin can cause side effects, especially with long term use. Your vet may recommend using aspirin as a temporary relief of joint pain but should not be given to dogs suffering from kidney disease or problems with blood pressure. Prolonged used of aspirin can cause stomach irritation.

Arthritis in dogs is not constant. The pain and stiffness wax and wane depending on activity and even on the temperature and weather. If you have a mild form of arthritis yourself any climate change that causes you pain will likely have the same effect on your arthritic canine.

For mild pain, aspirin is effective partly because it can be given only as needed. For stronger pain your veterinarian may recommend Rimadyl, Deramaxx or Metacam.

These are non-steroidal, anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID) that are amazingly effective pain management for many dogs.

Rimadyl treats the pain and inflammation of arthris and other joint diseases that include hip dysplasia. It is also often prescribed for pain relief after surgery and for dogs with fever. Rimadyl is well tolerated by most dogs and administered as a single dose each day of a chewable tablet that dogs seem to like or a non-chewable caplet. Rimadyl reduces the hormones that cause pain in canines. It should not be used for dogs used for breeding or for pregnant or lactating animals.

Rimydal has caused liver problems in a small number of dogs but the benefits gained with the medicine seems to outweigh the risk especially as the risk seems to be reversed when the medicine is halted.

Deramaxx is a breakthrough product that has proven safe for daily use. It’s in chewable form with a beef flavor dogs love. As with any NSAID drugs some dogs may experience side effects involving the digestive system, liver or kidneys.

Metacam is an oral NSAID with a sweet taste that is well accepted by canines. The oral form allows dosages to be carefully controlled in relation to the size of the dog. It can be added to the pet food or be given directly into the mouth. A single daily dose provides a full 24 hours of pain relief.

No matter which pain treatment method you chose for dog arthritis treatment, your veterinarian will prescribe the lowest dosage possible to manage the symptoms of pain and stiffness.

Arthritis in dogs is a lifetime affliction and by starting with the lowest possible dosage the owner is able to increase the dosage of a dog’s arthritis treatment as needed with advancing age.

Before starting arthritis treatment for your dog, your veterinarian will consider other meds your pet may be taking and will conduct a full exam to be certain there are no factors other than arthritis making your pooch uncomfortable. The results of the exam will be useful as comparison if your dog does develop a reaction to arthritis treatment medications.

There is a great deal of interest today about the use of Chinese herbs to treat cancer. This interest is caused for several reasons. Two reasons are (1) the high cost of traditional cancer treatments; and (2) the side effects of the synthetic drugs that are used in conventional cancer treatments.

It is important to note that any treatment for cancer should be discussed with the presiding physician. Some combinations of drugs and herbs can cause an adverse reaction.

It is also important to note that the information provided here should not be considered medical advice. It isn’t intended to replace the advice offered by your physician. This is merely information.

Dong ling cao: Dong ling cao was not listed in herbal dictionaries of early dynasties. It became available only in 1972. Dong ling cao is being used to treat cancer of the esophagus, breast, and liver, as well as for swelling of throat, insect bites, snake bites, and inflammation of the tonsils.

Yi yi ren (also called semen coicis): Yi yi ren is typically used to invigorate the function of the spleen and to reduce pain and swelling caused by arthritis. It is also used to relieve diarrhea, to remove heat, and to facilitate the drainage of pus. Yi yi ren is used by Chinese herbalists to treat cancer of the lung or spleen.

Tu fu ling: In animal studies, tu fu ling has proven especially effective in treating cancers in the urinary tract (bladder) and the liver.

Ling zhi: Ling zhi is used to enhance the immune system. Specifically, ling zhi is known to increase monocytes, macrophages, T-lymphocyt cytokine, interleukin, tumor necrosis, and interferon.

Ren Shen: Ren Shen is a herb that is known to enhance the immune system, and it helps to relieve the side effects caused by chemotherapy and radiation therapy, as well.

Those with some underlying health conditions, possess a higher likelihood for complications or even death if they get the swine flu. The diseases that put you at higher risk include; frequent chest colds, asthma, copd, emphysema, and other respiratory conditions. Sometimes, babies can have mild cases of asthma even though they’ve never had an asthma attack. In this situation, having a baby and the H1N1 virus can be a very dangerous combination. In the event that your baby has any of the diseases listed above, you should make it a point to call your physician right away and discuss precautions that you and your baby should take regarding the swine flu even before an outbreak occurs.

In the event of an outbreak of H1N1 and your baby has a lung condition like asthma, your baby may have a higher risk for dangerous complications or even death. It is well documented that those who suffer from asthma have a much higher chance of developing severe complications than others.

In fact, almost 41 percent of flu hospital patients in New York City suffered from asthma. And within the past few weeks, seven deaths relating to H1N1 were reported in New York. Out of those 7 deaths, 6 of them involved people who had asthma or similar respiratory problems. If you are worried about the flu because your baby has asthma (or a similar lung condition), you should speak with your physician and ask him if he recommends any special precautions regarding the disease even if there is no flu in the area where you live.

H1N1 is a virus that causes influenza in humans. The pathogen has gone thru a recent mutation into its current form. Due to this mutation, humans have no immunity to the disease. This is why health professionals are worried regarding the chance of a pandemic.

Like the typical seasonal flu, severe illnesses and even death has taken place as a result of illness associated with this virus. On a global basis, about 250,000 people die yearly from influenza related issues.

If you worry about your baby and swine flu, the safety your family, or know someone that has one of the diseases that are listed above, do some preparations now, before trouble begins. Take steps today to guard yourself and your family from this potentially dangerous disease. Once a pandemic occurs, it may be too late to do anything.

Before we delve into an herbal therapy for degenerative arthritis, let’s briefly discuss what it is. Degenerative arthritis is also known as osteoarthritis or degenerative joint disease and it is caused by the breakdown and eventual loss of the cartilage of one or more joints.

Symptoms include:
Mild aching to severe pain and loss of mobility, especially in the evening, due to joint stiffness. Usually affects the weight-bearing joints – the knees, hips, and facet joints (in the spine), as well as the finger joints.

Degenerative arthritis (osteoarthritis) is the most common type of arthritis and the disease is primarily associated with aging and injury. In fact, it was once called “wear-and-tear” arthritis. However, the exact cause of this condition is unknown.

Now, without further adieu, let’s delve into herbal therapy for degenerative arthritis.

Introduce your joints to ginger. Historically, ginger has been used for arthritis as well as rheumatism. Ginger is said to have a powerful anti-inflammatory impact on the body. More importantly, studies have shown that patients who ate lightly cooked fresh ginger or took it in the form as a standardized ginger supplement showed improvement in swelling, morning stiffness, pain and joint mobility.

Get help from a friend in India. Boswellia comes from the boswellia serrata tree that grows in the dry hills of India. It has long been used in Ayurvedic medicine as a treatment for arthritis and inflammatory conditions. More specifically, Ayurvedic healers used the tree bark’s gummy resin, called salai guggal. Nevertheless, researchers identified that the gummy resin is high in compounds known as boswellic acids, which have anti-inflammatory actions similar to NSAIDS, but boswellia doesn’t seem to cause stomach irritation and bleeding problems commonly caused by these drugs. Indeed, this herb may be beneficial as an herbal therapy for degenerative arthritis (osteoarthritis).

Get help from another friend in India. Turmeric, the yellow spice from India, harbors potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. It is often included in herbal formulas designed to treat the pain and stiffness associated with arthritis. More specifically, test-tube and laboratory studies have confirmed turmeric exhibits anti-inflammatory and anti-arthritic activity. Turmeric’s chief constituent is known as curcumin. In fact, one clinical trail found that a combination of boswellia, ashwagandha, turmeric, and zinc effectively treated stiffness and pain with degenerative arthritis (osteoarthritis) and, as such, this combo as an herbal therapy for degenerative arthritis (osteoarthritis) deserves a discussion with a physician that supports alternative medicine.

Get relief from willow bark. Willow harbors anti-inflammatory and pain relieving properties and it has been used in connection with degenerative arthritis (osteoarthritis). According to Phyllis A. Balch, CNC, author of the very well renowned tome “Prescription for Nutritional Healing” who states that willow bark is good for pain and inflammation.

Discover other herbal therapy for degenerative arthritis (osteoarthritis). Cayenne (capsaicin), devil’s claw, and cat’s claw may be helpful. Cayenne (capsaicin) is used topically to relieve pain in the joints.

Now we would be remiss if we did not share with you a few nutritional supplements that may be helpful for degenerative arthritis (osteoarthritis) sufferers.

Try this powerhouse duo, glucosamine sulfate and chondroitin sulfate. Glucosamine appears to help repair damaged cartilage caused by osteoarthritis and chondroitin sulfate is another building block of cartilage. Thousands of people claim glucosamine and chrondroitin supplements spelled RELIEF for them so we believe this duo also deserves a discussion with a physician.

Meet SAM-e. SAM-e is a substance that our bodies produce naturally by combining the amino acid methionine with adenosine triphosphate (ATP), an energy producing compound. SAM-e may help preserve the gel-like nature and shock-absorbing qualities of cartilage, which wears away in people with arthritis. In addition, there is evidence that SAM-e promotes damaged cartilage repair and regrowth. In fact, SAM-e is approved by health authorities in Germany as a first-choice prescription drug to treat osteoarthritis.

It’s important that you speak with a health care professional before taking any herbal and dietary supplements.

We hope this information on herbal therapy for degenerative arthritis (osteoarthritis) was useful to you.

Some people increase their risk for heart attacks, cancers and other diseases by markedly restricting all carbohydrates because they think that all carbohydrates are harmful. Restricting good carbohydrates deprives a person of necessary nutrients which increases their susceptibility to disease.

Bad carbohydrates are ones that cause an immediate high rise in blood sugar levels. Good carbohydrates do not do this. A recent report explains the difference (Current Atherosclerosis Reports, November 2005). Good carbohydrates are the ones found in nature and usually do not cause a high rise in blood sugar levels. Bad carbohydrates are usually created by refining grains or other plants into “pure” starches or sugars (i.e., flour, white rice, cornmeal, table sugar and all other extracted sugars.) These refined carbohydrates pass immediately from the stomach into the intestines and cause a high rise in blood sugar.

Whole grains have a thick fiber coating that releases starches and sugars very slowly so blood sugar levels do not rise too high. However, grinding a whole grain to form flour destroys the seed coat and allows the blood sugar rapidly to enter the intestines where it is absorbed almost immediately to cause a high rise in blood sugar.

When you eat an orange, the solid particles go into your stomach, where the pyloric sphincter closes and prevents all solid particles from entering the intestines until they are broken down into a soup that is then allowed to pass. However, liquid orange juice passes directly into the intestine where it is absorbed immediately.

If you are trying to lose weight or are diabetic, it is perfectly healthful to eat a wide variety of the good carbohydrates: fruits, vegetables, whole grains, beans, seeds and nuts. The carbohydrates to avoid are foods made with flour, milled corn or white rice; fruit juices, sugared soft drinks or other beverages with sugar; and processed foods that contain added sugars.