mrsa superbug http://www.artwoo.com Returned search results for mrsa superbug Copyright 2008 Tue, 02 Dec 2008 01:05:45 +0000 http://www.artwoo.com/rss/mrsa+superbug Avoid The Superbug Part 2 http://www.artwoo.com/article/avoid-the-superbug-part-2 http://www.artwoo.com/article/avoid-the-superbug-part-2#comments Fri, 15 Feb 2008 18:35:00 +0000 antibiotic resistant bacteriaresistant staphylococcus aureusmrsa superbugtype of bacteriatypes of bacteriamrsa infectionlung infections http://www.artwoo.com/article/avoid-the-superbug-part-2 MRSA superbug. MRSA is an infection that is more dangerous than similar illnesses because it is resistant to normal treatment. MRSA stands for methicillin- (SA). SA is a and the fact that it is methicillin-resistant means it cannot be treated with antibiotics such as penicillin.

MRSA is no more infectious than other however, and one in three of us carry on our skin or in our nose. It causes skin infections such as boils, styes and impetigo, but is only really dangerous if it gets into the bloodstream when septicaemia, joint problems and heart and can result.

What causes MRSA?

When bacteria encounter an antibiotic such as methicillin in the bloodstream, an epic battle commences. Antibiotics are not as ruthless as Rambo however, and on occasion some of the bacteria survive. Bacteria are able to mutate, or change themselves, and in doing so can transform themselves so that they develop a resistance to the antibiotic. These surviving antibiotic-resistant bacteria then multiply quickly before heading off to infect someone else. In this way, some types of SA bacteria have become resistant to many antibiotics, and formed the Superbug MRSA.

Why have increased in recent years?

Part of the reason may be that people do not always finish the full course of antibiotics they have been prescribed. This allows some bacteria to survive and then develop a resistance to the antibiotic. Another problem is that antibiotics are now so widely used, and in some cases overused, that bacteria has been able to develop resistance to a wide range of antibiotics.

How does MRSA spread?

MRSA bacteria usually spreads through person-to-person contact with someone who carries an . It also spreads through contact with sheets, clothes, towels, dressings or other objects that have come across someone with MRSA. MRSA will also survive on objects such as door handles, sinks, floors and cleaning equipment and can be contracted through physical contact with them.

Why does MRSA usually happen in hospitals?

MRSA does not normally infect healthy people. Although people outside hospital can sometimes become infected, most cases involve patients already in hospital. This is because an entry point is required for the bacteria to get into the body. Hospital patients have many ready made entry-points such as surgical wounds, catheters, or intravenous tubes which are like adventure playgrounds for the bacteria.

Who is most at risk from MRSA?

People with a weakened immune system are most at risk from being infected. Typically this includes the elderly, newborn babies, and those with health problems such as diabetes, cancer or HIV/AIDS. Patients who have open wounds, catheters or intravenous drips, burns, cuts, severe skin conditions are also at risk, as are those who have recently had surgery, or take frequent courses of antibiotics. Although MRSA infections usually develop in people being treated in hospital, it is possible for hospital staff or visitors to become infected if they are in one of the higher risk groups. Robert Wood - http://www.accidents-direct.co.uk/Medical-Negligence/?wid=Robert_Wood Make a Medical Negligence Claim. ]]> Avoid The Superbug Part 3 http://www.artwoo.com/article/avoid-the-superbug-part-3 http://www.artwoo.com/article/avoid-the-superbug-part-3#comments Sat, 16 Feb 2008 17:15:00 +0000 resistant staphylococcus aureusmrsa superbugmrsa carrierstype of bacteriaweakened immune systemtypes of bacteriahiv aids http://www.artwoo.com/article/avoid-the-superbug-part-3 MRSA superbug. MRSA is an infection that is more dangerous than similar illnesses because it is resistant to normal treatment. MRSA stands for methicillin- (SA). SA is a and the fact that it is methicillin-resistant means it cannot be treated with antibiotics such as penicillin.

MRSA is no more infectious than other however, and one in three of us carry on our skin or in our nose. It causes skin infections such as boils, styes and impetigo, but is only really dangerous if it gets into the bloodstream when septicemia, joint problems and heart and lung infections can result. It spreads through physical contact, but generally only infects people with a . Hospital in-patients, particularly the elderly, newborn babies, and those with health problems such as diabetes, cancer or HIV/AIDS are most at risk.

How is MRSA diagnosed?

MRSA is diagnosed by testing blood, urine or tissue samples from the infected area. If MRSA bacteria are found, further tests are carried out to decide which antibiotics are most likely to treat the infection effectively. Many hospitals now test everyone who is admitted to see if they carry MRSA. Swabs from skin, the nose, and urine and blood samples will be testes and it can take three to five days for the results to come back. will still be admitted, but doctors may give them additional treatment to reduce or remove the bacteria.

How is MRSA treated?

How you are treated depends on whether you are infected with the bacteria, or only a carrier of it. If you are infected you will be given the antibiotics that are still effective which are normally given either through injection or through a tube straight into a vein. Most cases require treatment in hospital and antibiotic courses may last for several weeks. If you are an MRSA carrier you may also be treated, particularly if you need to have an operation. If doctors want to remove MRSA before you enter hospital a special antibiotic cream will be applied to your skin or the inside of your nose. You may also need to wash your skin and hair with an antiseptic shampoo and lotion.

How can MRSA be prevented?

MRSA is usually contracted through human contact, often via the hands, so you should also make sure to wash your hands thoroughly before and after visiting hospital. Staff treating MRSA patients should always maintain high standards of hygiene. Before and after caring for any patient, hospital staff should ensure their hands have been thoroughly washed and dried.

Many hospitals now use antiseptic solutions such as alcohol rubs or gels, and you may find dispensers at entrances and by patient's beds for use by staff and visitors. Staff should also wear gloves when in contact with open wounds - for example when changing dressings, handling needles or inserting an intravenous drip.

What can I do to stop MRSA?

If you are prescribed antibiotics you should always make sure that you complete the full course so that all bacteria are killed off and none can survive to develop a resistance. If you are in hospital, you should also try to reduce the risk of infection by ensuring your own cleanliness. Always wash after using the toilet, and keep your hands and body clean. Take soap, a flannel and moist hand-wipes with you, as well as your own razor.

If you are concerned about hygiene, then do not be afraid to ask staff, or your visitors, if they have washed their hands. Make sure your bed area is cleaned regularly and report any unclean toilet or bathroom facilities to staff. Robert Wood - http://www.accidents-direct.co.uk/Medical-Negligence/?wid=Robert_Wood ]]> Record Numbers Dying From MRSA Hospital Superbug http://www.artwoo.com/article/record-numbers-dying-from-mrsa-hospital-superbug http://www.artwoo.com/article/record-numbers-dying-from-mrsa-hospital-superbug#comments Wed, 09 Jul 2008 15:08:18 +0000 female deathssurgical woundsmichael summersdeath certificateshospital infectionsmales and femalespatients association http://www.artwoo.com/article/record-numbers-dying-from-mrsa-hospital-superbug It's hardly surprising as more than 100,000 patients are reported to contract superbug infections every year - costing the NHS an estimated £1 billion plus. Figures show that record numbers of people are dying from either MRSA, the drug-resistant bug that infects , or from Clostridium Difficile (C Diff), a virulent form of diarrhea. In fact for 2006 showed that more than 8,000 patients died from superbug infections in England and Wales alone.

More than 55,000 cases (that's more than 1,000 new cases every seven days) of C Diff occur each year and the number is rising. More people die from C.diff than die on our roads, with one in 250 death certificates citing C. difficile as a contributory or main factor.

National statistics reveal a dramatic increase in deaths from MRSA with MRSA mentioned on one in every 500 death certificates. Most of the deaths involving MRSA were in the older age groups with deaths involving MRSA in the 85 and over age group 916 and 417 deaths per million population for respectively. In the under 45 age group male and were 3 and 2 per million respectively.

chairman expressed concern with the trend commenting to the BBC: "We are disappointed by these new figures. It is clear that MRSA and are winning the war in many of our wards."

Both infections are preventable and treatable if identified and dealt with soon enough. The Government's target, set in March 2004, is to halve the number of MRSA cases. As part of their offensive on the scourge of super bugs the government has overseen over the last 5 years the appointment of infection control managers responsible for hospital cleanliness. Improvements to date are reported to have been modest.

Amongst various measures put in place hospitals recently benefited from £40 million 'deep clean' however subsequent analysis revealed that since the campaign nearly a quarter of health trusts have still failed to meet basic hygiene standards. According to the annual 'health check' of English NHS trusts by the Healthcare Commission, 103 NHS trusts out of 391 are breaching guidelines brought in to tackle these hospital-acquired infections. In reality the figure might be even higher. Of the 103 trusts that now admit falling short on at least, 63 had been non-compliant the previous year. The commission has warned trusts they have 10 months to improve before a new regulator comes into force.

Yet when hospital managers take control of the situation, outcomes can improve. Speaking in the Daily Mail recently Edwina Currie cited her experience of The Royal Worcester Hospital where all its old commodes and every mattress had been replaced. Infection rates dramatically fell. She also recommended the thorough sterilization of equipment, clean uniforms and in particular staff washing their hands before they touch a patient as essential preventative measures.We deal in a range of claims, including medical negligence and compensation.]]> MRSA, The Superbug That Won't go Away. http://www.artwoo.com/article/mrsa-the-superbug-that-wont-go-away http://www.artwoo.com/article/mrsa-the-superbug-that-wont-go-away#comments Sun, 05 Oct 2008 16:01:22 +0000 worst case scenarioscleanliness in hospitalsmrsa infectionstandards of cleanlinessopen woundsintroduction of alcoholwashing hands http://www.artwoo.com/article/mrsa-the-superbug-that-wont-go-away MRSA infection could mean the visit to hospital that was supposed to aid your recovery could end up with you being worse off. In , people have gone into hospital for minor treatment, contracted the 'super bug' and have died as a result. This is most common amongst children and the elderly, who have weaker immune systems and are at much higher risk.

MRSA has been around since the 1960's, so it isn't a new infection although it has been given a lot more press coverage in recent years. However, it is believed that standards of are lower now than in the past, and that this is making the infection more prevalent. The people at most risk are the elderly and people who are already ill. This is because their immune systems are generally weaker, so their bodies are less able to fight off the added MRSA infection. People with are also at risk as this is one route that the infection uses to enter the body.

Once someone has contracted the infection, then urgent steps need to be taken by the hospital involved. The patient needs to be isolated and moved away from other patients. As the infection is extremely contagious, this needs to be done immediately. The site of the infection on the patient's body needs to be treated without delay. It needs to be washed and cleaned to prevent any infection spreading to other areas of the body. Everyone who comes into contact with the patient needs to ensure that they follow basic safety procedures, such as thoroughly, so as not to spread the infection. Obviously at any of these stages negligence, albeit unintentional, can cause the situation to worsen.

Despite improvements in hospital cleanliness, such as the based hand washes and stricter 'deep cleaning' procedures, it is believed that cases of MRSA are on the rise. This is contrary to the government's claims to have the infection contained and under control. It is thought that two thirds of hospitals in the UK are failing to meet the government targets to wipe the infection out. In around one in seven hospitals, cases of MRSA are on the increase. It is also thought that the actual number of MRSA cases is greater than official figures suggest because not all cases are being reported.

If you contract the MRSA virus you are fully within your rights to make a claim through a specialist claims company. Although the infection can be treated with antibiotics, there can still be lasting effects on the patient. If you decide to make a claim then you should approach a specialist solicitor who has experience in the field of medical negligence and specifically MRSA cases. They will be able to offer advice and guide you through the claim process smoothly and easily.We deal in a range of claims, including medical negligence and compensation.]]> MRSA Compensation Claims http://www.artwoo.com/article/mrsa-compensation-claims http://www.artwoo.com/article/mrsa-compensation-claims#comments Tue, 01 Jul 2008 15:29:21 +0000 resistant staphylococcus aureusboils abscessesopen woundsseptic shockpopular beliefanytlung infection http://www.artwoo.com/article/mrsa-compensation-claims resistant Staphylococcus Aureus. It is also better known and referred to as the 'superbug.' It has been around since 1961 despite . It was only in the early 90's that it spread quite dramatically and caused health problems and even death to many people in the UK. According to the UK office for National Statistics, they sadly reported 1,629 MRSA-related deaths in England and Wales during 2005.

The virus can be easily spread by merely being in contact with someone who has it, but it can also be spread through contact with towels, sheets, clothes, dressings or other objects. The MRSA virus can also survive on objects and surfaces such as door handles, sinks, floors and cleaning equipment. You can diagnose MRSA through blood and urine tests

The baceria is called Staphylococcus Aureus and apparently 1 in 3 of us carries it on the surface of our skin or in our nose. This generally causes no harm if the carrier is healthy; however if a carrier comes into contact with a vulnerable patient, i.e. someone with lowered immune system, a person with or someone who has just had surgery the they can pass the infection onto these people.

If the bacteria Staphylococcus Aureus gets into your body through a break in your skin it can cause infections such as boils, abscesses, or impetigo. If the bacteria gets inside into your bloodstream it can cause more serious infections such as the blood poisoning, , severe joint problems, bone marrow infection, internal abscesses anywhere within the body, inflammation of the tissues that surround the brain and spinal cord, or infection of the heart lining.

Trying to prevent the spread of MRSA is a tricky business. The measures to prevent the spread of organisms from one person to another are called isolation or infection control. The most important type of isolation is called contact isolation where everyone in contact of the MRSA sufferer has to wash their hands after touching the patient or hing to do with the patient. If there are a number of patients infected with MRSA then moving them to an isolation unit is the safest way to minimise the spread.

Unfortunately more and more people are going into hospital for minor illnesses or ailments only to catch MRSA and end up far sicker than previously. It is worth pursuing a compensation claim if this happens to you as you shouldn't have caught this virus and suffered in this way. You are well within your rights to make a claim for compensation even though it can be difficult to prove clinical negligence. A professional lawyer should be enlisted to help you. There is no need to worry about lawyers fees as there is the 'no win no fee' agreement that allows anyone to take on a compensation claim. The lawyer will be working for free and only in the event of the winning case will the lawyers fees be paid via the insurance of the losing party. If the case is lost there is insurance to cover fees.Carolyn Clayton is the webmaster for accidentconsult.com, experts in claiming compensation for MRSA.]]> How do You Make a Successful MRSA Compensation Claim? http://www.artwoo.com/article/how-do-you-make-a-successful-mrsa-compensation-claim http://www.artwoo.com/article/how-do-you-make-a-successful-mrsa-compensation-claim#comments Tue, 05 Aug 2008 12:58:04 +0000 mrsa infectionsopen woundsvulnerable patientsbedsoresepticaemiaopen woundrapid increase http://www.artwoo.com/article/how-do-you-make-a-successful-mrsa-compensation-claim open wound such as a or a tube such as a catheter. The most commonly affected by this are the vulnerable, which includes the very sick and the elderly.

Cases of MRSA remained at low levels until 1992; however since then there has been a in the amount of cases that we are now seeing. can more often than not be serious, leaving the victim of it suffering from aspects such as or pneumonia.

MRSA is never usually a problem in healthy patients; healthy patients are just carriers of the disease, which is still an extremely bad problem as they have the potential of passing the MRSA super-bug onto another person. Due to this it can not only impact the carrier of the super-bug but also friends and family members who are at risk of catching the super-bug.

It is because of the fact that MRSA is contracted through that most people who suffer from it will be suffering during their stay in hospital. Contracting MRSA whilst you are in hospital will lengthen their stay in hospital. Also when a case of MRSA is found in a hospital it will be able to spread very quickly due to the fact that a lot of the people who are admitted into hospital will have a lowered immune system, meaning they will be more susceptible to infection. If a case of MRSA is found to be in a hospital, especially on a ward with then it has the potential to cause a lot of disruption to the hospital as the patient has to be isolated in a separate room to stop other patients catching the super-bug and, depending on the severity of the super-bug it may disrupt hospital routines as certain wards or theatres may need to be closed.

It is said that one in three of us carry the MRSA bacteria on the surface of our skin and in our nose without actually developing the condition. However if a carrier is involved in an accident it is quite easy for the MRSA bacteria to get into the wound and cause the victim to become quite ill. If a person is carrying the bacteria and they have a break in their skin they are at risk of contracting an infection.

Studies have shown that the super-bug known as MRSA affects about one in nine patients during a hospital stay, with certain patients being more at risk than others. Some of the risk factors when it comes to potentially contracting MRSA include; implants, diabetes, smoking, poor nutrition, prolonged pre-operative hospitalisation and prolonged surgery. It is because of figures such as this that in the UK there has been a focus aimed at the prevention and control of MRSA. These steps to prevent MRSA may differ from patient to patient but the best defence against MRSA remains as strict hygiene.

MRSA control should be one of the medical professional's top priorities within the treatment of patients. If you however are now suffering the effects of MRSA due to standards of care slipping below what they should then you could be entitled to compensation.

If you have suffered in the last three years and you would like to know where you stand legally then contact a legal team today to find out more information about how to make a claim for compensation.Helen is the web master of Accident Consult. The specialists here at Accident Consult can help you with all of your MRSA Compensation Claims. ]]> Understanding MRSA Can Help Prevent Against It http://www.artwoo.com/article/understanding-mrsa-can-help-prevent-against-it http://www.artwoo.com/article/understanding-mrsa-can-help-prevent-against-it#comments Wed, 27 Aug 2008 01:36:52 +0000 resistant staphylococcus aureusresistant germsdifferent types of bacteriatypes of bacteriablack plaguestaph infectionheart valves http://www.artwoo.com/article/understanding-mrsa-can-help-prevent-against-it Staph infection. A Staph infection is when the bacteria Staphylococcus aureus is on the body and there is an opening of sorts that allow the bacteria to get in. When that happens, an infection can happen. It's common in hospital settings because of how many different bacteria are going around. For most people, their knowledge of Staph ends with the normal, simple, Staphylococcus aureus.

That would have been the case until a few years ago when suddenly, MRSA became a huge scare to people. People were talking about it as if it the had come back again. Standing for methicillin-, MRSA is a mean bacteria that can do a lot more damage to the body because of how resistant it is to so many . Unlike a normal Staph infection that can be treated with a regimen of antibiotics, MRSA is immune to so many of them.

The symptoms of a breakout of MRSA (or any Staph infection) for that matter starts with simple bumps that appear to be little red pimples. Unfortunately, these can quickly turn into painful, deep abscesses that can only be treated with surgery. That happens if the bacterium stays on the surface of the body. If it gets into the body, it can do tremendous damage to bones, joints, the bloodstream, lungs, and the . As can be seen, a Staph infection is very serious.

Because of that, it makes perfect sense why people were so petrified of MRSA. In the hospital setting, there is one antibiotic that doctors are known to prescribe called vancomycin. This antibiotic is known for treating and is lethal against MRSA. Once again, though, doctors are finding that there are new strains of MRSA popping up that are resistant to vancomycin. Doctors now are treating it by not even administering an antibiotic, but instead, draining abscess caused by the MRSA. If they can drain it, perhaps the MRSA will go away.

The simple truth, though, is that while treating MRSA might seem like the best thing you can do, the reality is: prevention is key. If you can prevent the spread of MRSA rather than worry about it only after you have it, it won't spread. The trick to preventing the spread of MRSA are the following tips:

• Wear gloves when dealing with a patient that is a potential carrier of MRSA.

• Wash your hands before and after dealing with any patient in case you have MRSA on your hands.

• Wash your own hands often, even if you're not in the medical field. Proper hygiene can definitely help prevent against it.

These are just three techniques that people suggest will help lessen the amount of cases of MRSA. Because of its severity, people need to do everything they can to try and limit its spread. It is life-threatening if not dealt with appropriately and people have and can die from it. But, if people take proper care in preventing against it, they have nothing to worry about. Until then, though, scientists will continue creating new antibiotics to try and counter this resistant bug.Jacob is a biology major with aspirations to get his PhD in virology and become a professor. He runs his biology news blog where he posts the latest in biological news and his opinions on what is going on in the field. He write about numerous different topics including neurobiology, ecology, medicine, and microbiology.]]> Compensation Claims For MRSA http://www.artwoo.com/article/compensation-claims-for-mrsa http://www.artwoo.com/article/compensation-claims-for-mrsa#comments Sun, 03 Aug 2008 14:15:21 +0000 cleanliness in hospitalsresistant staphylococcus aureuscommon illnessesskin burnssurgical woundspersonal injury claimmild infection http://www.artwoo.com/article/compensation-claims-for-mrsa Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus has become the major source of terror among hospital patients in the last couple of years. The MRSA is often acquired by people who were admitted in hospitals. This super bug or the Staphylococcus is a common virus which is found on the skin of many people that can cause for those who are considered healthy. However, these bacteria can be dangerous to those who are prone to sicknesses that can be damaging to the skin, lungs and may even cause pneumonia.

MRSA virus can be due to an overuse of antibiotic used for treating . There are a lot of doctors who use to prescribe antibiotics to those who are being hit by viral infections. This would somehow create a spot where the body can no longer fight infections thus; prescription of a much stronger antibiotics will be needed to treat these infections.

So where can you exactly catch MRSA? This super bug can be mainly acquired when having a direct contact with people. Patients with a lot more serious diseases that get stricken by this virus can lead to a much more serious infection. This has become the major dilemma of hospitals and so people with the aim of safeguarding themselves often seek to against their health providers.

The symptoms of MRSA depend on which part of the body is being stricken by the virus. This bug can land and infect body parts that have , the eyes, arms, skin, burns and even blood. This would cause too much pain and swelling on the infected area. People from the hospital especially older patients with weaker immune system are the first ones to be infected since most them are prone to infections mainly brought by the different diseases present in the hospital. Second is that patients are closely confined in a room and are constantly being examined and touched by medical professionals who have examined other patients as well.

So, how do you prevent this kind of bacteria? is the main key. MRSA is mostly transmitted by hospital staffs like nurses and doctors. Thus, it is important that staffs should be more aware about the importance of hand washing and the use of antibacterial spray at each ward. Another important factor to consider is the hospital beds that should always be kept clean and tidy. Personal visitors of patients should also washtheir hands so as to avoid the transmittal of the said virus.

Hence, if you or any member of your family suffers from the MRSA virus, you might want to consider acquiring a personal injury claim. This can be a great way of securing yourself and those people close to you.
If it is found that the major implications are caused by lack of cleanliness then there's a greater tendency of seeking to claim compensation. A professional solicitor may be the best person to seek advice in acquiring personal injury claim when stricken by MRSA.Nicholas Tate is the webmaster for http://www.medical-negligence-claims.co.uk which provides information on medical negligence claims and making no win no fee claims.]]> Claiming Compensation For MRSA http://www.artwoo.com/article/claiming-compensation-for-mrsa http://www.artwoo.com/article/claiming-compensation-for-mrsa#comments Tue, 29 Jul 2008 15:29:27 +0000 antibiotic resistant bacteriaresistant staphylococcus aureusopen woundsteicoplaninaveloxvancomycinx ray http://www.artwoo.com/article/claiming-compensation-for-mrsa open wounds and a reduced immune system as well as being in concentrated in areas where they can easily come into contact with other people's microbes.

So what is it? MRSA stands for Methicillin which is basically a bacteria which is responsible for difficult-to-treat infections in us humans. The trouble with MRSA is that it is resistant to a large group of antibiotics called the beta-lactams antibiotics. These B-lactams antibiotics are a broad class of the most widely used antibiotics which include penicillin, cephalosporin, monobactam and carbapenem to name but a few. So in basic terms MRSA is a rather frightening antibiotic-resistant bacteria which has been around since the early 60's. It remained at low levels in the UK until 1992 when it spread and caused health problems including death to countless people.

So if catch the MRSA bug what can be done? Well there are some antibiotics that it does respond to, just not the conventional ones. Some doctors might prescribe , or for example. Depending on severity of the bug you might have to be administered intravenously, not orally which means via the blood. This is known as intravenous an (IV) antibiotic which requires the drug to be admitted through an IV tube (catheter). The catheter is inserted using a fluoroscope to help guide its placement. A fluoroscope consists of an x-ray source and fluorescent screen between which a patient is placed. Once inserted these special catheters can be used for several months, if needed, so they are inserted only once.

If you have caught MRSA due to a stay in hospital then you are entitled to claim compensation. Claiming compensation for injuries which were caused by someone else is your civil and legal right. Sadly it take unfortunate situations like a medical error of judgement to occur for people in the medical profession to wake up and make changes to their practice to ensure this type of malpractice doesn't happen again. With medical negligence claims it can be quite a lengthy and complex process. To have the chance of winning a claim for negligence you have to prove that there were serious errors in your medical treatment which no competent doctor would have made. Also you need to prove that the healthcare professional owed a duty to take care of the claimant but this was breached causing personal injury.

Making a claim for medical negligence is not as complicated as people imagine. 'No win no fee' agreements were put into place so that anyone with any income can make a claim. Previously it was legal aid which was only given to those on a low income. Now anyone anywhere can make a claim and like the title reads, if you don't win you don't pay. If you do win all of your expenses will be recovered from the losing parties insurance. With medical negligence claims there will be a few with regards to obtaining medical records. However these costs and any others will get reimbursed once the claim is successful.

So if you have suffered as a result of medical negligence recently you should find yourself a personal injury specialist as soon as possible. After the initial consultation you will then deal with any issues over the phone or by post. This means you can use any solicitor from anywhere in the country. So if you know of a good lawyer no in your area you shouldn't be put off using them. If the case needs to go to court then your solicitor will travel down to that and all expenses will get recovered. In any case, many claims do not actually make it to court because insurance companies agree to a settlement beforehand.Carolyn is the webmaster of Accident Consult, specialists in MRSA Compensation Claims.]]> Beating the Super Bugs http://www.artwoo.com/article/beating-the-super-bugs http://www.artwoo.com/article/beating-the-super-bugs#comments Thu, 21 Aug 2008 03:08:36 +0000 methicillin resistant staphylococcus aureusresistant staphylococcus aureusmrsa infectionsmethicillin resistant staphylococcusharmless bacteriahygiene rulesbone and flesh http://www.artwoo.com/article/beating-the-super-bugs
Even the most prestigious, state-of-the-art hospitals can fall victim to these headline-making horrors if good old-fashioned hygiene is not strictly adhered to. Hospitals, clinics and care homes should regularly deploy the type of cleanliness that the crisply starched matrons of the past put at the top of their list when it came to fighting disease including regular hand washing before and after dealing with a patient, thorough cleaning of the wards, clinical areas and toilets and ensuring the patient, their bed and the area around it is cleaned everyday.
The (MRSA) first emerged in the UK in 1961. It is a form of Staphylococcus aureus (SA) usually found in the nose or on the skin of around a quarter of the population. Most of the time it causes no problem, the only hint of its presence maybe the odd skin infection or boil which is treated with a dose of antibiotics such as methicillin. However over the last few decades some types of SA have become resistant to antibiotics and developed into super strains that are hard to treat the so called MRSA bugs.

MRSA once contracted is extremely difficult to treat and usually affects those who are already weakened by other medical conditions. It can cause blood poisoning, attack and cause infection in vital organs such as the lungs and heart.

The risk of serious infection is greatest in those who are weakened by illness or the frail and elderly. MRSA spreads easily usually via hand-contact, so strict are vital especially when dealing with open wounds or drips. The good news is that in England the number of reported in hospitals is falling, no doubt due to a vigorous campaign by Health Authorities and the NHS to ask staff to practice good hand hygiene with regular washing before and after dealing with patients, using disposable gloves to change dressings and use of alcohol based hand gels, all of which helps reduce cross infection.

Other factors that have helped reduce cases are screening patients on admission who are suspected of carrying MRSA without knowing it or showing symptoms. A simple swab of the nose, groin or open wound reveals whether they are colonised with MRSA and it is easily treated with antiseptic washes or powder applied to the skin. Thorough cleaning of hospital areas, isolation of infected patients and care to avoid cross infection all help in the battle against MRSA.

In the unlikely event that you or your relative contracts MRSA there are various treatments available. Infected wounds are often treated with a silver impregnated barrier dressing that destroys MRSA within 30 minutes. If the infection is inside your body then you may be treated with a broad-spectrum antibiotic. On average a patient infected with MRSA stays an extra eleven days in hospital.

Though we seem to be winning the war against MRSA another headline making bug is on the increase, Clostridium difficile of C Difficile. Another naturally occurring usually harmless bacteria, this one is found in the gut of around 3% of adults and around 66% of children. A dose of antibiotics can upset the delicate balance of the gut and allow C Difficile bacteria to flourish and produce toxins that cause watery diarrhoea and fever. Bacteria spores are spread through the diarrhoea and can survive a very long time in the open, on hands or on surfaces near the patient such as the floor, bedpans, toilet etc.

These spores can be killed by thorough cleaning using water containing a cleaning agent with bleach in. Those working with the patient must ensure scrupulous hand hygiene and the patient must be isolated as its highly contagious. Once identified C Difficile can be treated with specific antibiotics and probiotics to help re-establish the balance of flora in the gut. Most make a full recovery, but the elderly seem to be particularly susceptible where it can become a life-threatening illness. Over 80% of cases occur in those over 65 usually in healthcare environments like hospitals and care homes.

If MRSA or C Difficile affects you or a member of your family you should talk to a medical negligence specialist solicitor. Did staff wash their hands before and after dealing with you or your relative? Was the area regularly and thoroughly cleaned? Did staff ensure that that they wore disposable gloves when changing dressings? Was the patient isolated? Did you feel that the hospital or care home did everything they could to minimise the risk of cross-infection? It's only by addressing these issues that MRSA and C Difficile will become a thing of the past.We deal in a range of claims, including medical negligence and compensation.]]> What You Need to Know About the Superbug C. Diff http://www.artwoo.com/article/what-you-need-to-know-about-the-superbug-c-diff http://www.artwoo.com/article/what-you-need-to-know-about-the-superbug-c-diff#comments Fri, 21 Nov 2008 17:15:26 +0000 broad spectrum antibioticsc diff infectionpittsburgh medical centerhealth care settingsepidemic proportionsanimal feceslittle troublemaker http://www.artwoo.com/article/what-you-need-to-know-about-the-superbug-c-diff epidemic proportions in these settings. What's more, virulent cases of C. diff have appeared in otherwise healthy adults, who hadn't even been taking antibiotics, the usual culprit in these infections.

According to the CDC, the number of C difficile infections doubled between 1993 and 2003, with a sizeable increase coming after the year 2000. The more virulent strain was first identified at the University of in 2000, taking the lives of 18 patients. By 2004, the new aggressive C. diff strain had been seen both in the United States and other nations of the world. Studies showed it produces 20 times more toxin than the older strains.

You'll come across the everywhere -- in the air, water, dirt and both human and -- which is where many people pick up the infection. Now you see why hand washing is so important! C. diff infection is also especially likely in hospitals or other where there are lots of people, heavy antibiotic use and patients with weakened immunity.

Once the balance of your intestinal microbes is thrown off (as often happens during treatment with ) the pathogen can take hold and start to produce dangerous toxins. These substances attack the intestinal lining, destroying cells and leaving pseudomembranes -- telltale patches of inflammatory cells and decaying debris that can be seen on the interior of the colon.

Ironically, the treatment for a C. diff infection is -- antibiotics, but different medicines than the ones that brought on the trouble in the first place. These drugs wipe out the abundance of C. diff and allow good bacteria to once more take hold in the digestive tract. Once the good bacteria are in control, damaging C. diff will be kept in check. Sounds sensible and it worked too... until the more virulent strain of C. diff come to take hold... able to thrive in spite of the drugs doctors use to beat it back.

The idea of bacteria becoming resistant to medications is not new -- examples have been reported for the past 60 years. What certainly is a cause for concern is that the number of organisms, and the number of drugs that they've learned to "live" through, is growing all the time. Many experts believe that with our overzealous use of antibacterials and the like, we put these organisms under intense pressure to develop ways to resist our attempts to be rid of them.

What can you do to protect yourself and your family from a C. diff infection?

Here are some suggestions:

- Wash your hands -- use water, antibacterial (regular soap works too) soap and scrub for a good 30 seconds, rinse and dry with a clean towel. Do this before every meal, as well as upon leaving any health care setting or caring for a sick relative at home.

- Eat yogurt with live cultures -- especially if you're being treated with antibiotics, though you should discuss your plans with your doctor first. Live cultures are a more natural way to try and maintain the balance of good bacteria in your digestive system.

- See your doctor -- if you have symptoms such as watery diarrhea, fever, pain in the abdomen, nausea or loss of appetite so you can be diagnosed promptly and treated properly.

- Avoid broad-spectrum antibiotics if possible -- discuss your treatment options with your doctor. Pharmacists are another source of good, accurate information on medicines and the organisms they are intended to treat.

- Consider probiotics -- foods and supplements that are sources of "good" bacteria have shown promise in reducing the length of C. diff infections and are well known to help with diarrhea.

- Use bleach-based cleaners -- to clean all surfaces in an area where someone with a C. diff infection has been.

- Hold off on prophylactic antibiotics -- a common practice before surgery, this is now being reviewed and reconsidered by many physicians. Talk to your own doctor about the risks and benefits for you.

- Finish antibiotics -- just because you feel better, doesn't mean the bacteria causing the trouble are finished. When you stop a drug too soon, you encourage organisms to become resistant to that drug.

As the media becomes more aware of the dangers of the superbug C. diff and others, the alarming reports will start coming out of the woodwork. The good news is that hospitals and long term care facilities are aware and working on the problem. By following the suggestions you've found here, especially the one about practicing good hand washing, you can reduce your risk of this uncomfortable, potentially dangerous infection.Over 14,000 people have joined Kirsten's popular (and sometimes controversial) Daily Health Bulletin, so why not join them and stay up to date with the latest on the superbug C diff and general health news daily.You also get 5 comprehensive health reports free when you join - giving you all you need to treat common ailments, lose weight, look younger and feel healthier]]> and#65279;How To Beat The Coming Flu and Cold Season, Naturally http://www.artwoo.com/article/how-to-beat-the-coming-flu-cold-season-naturally http://www.artwoo.com/article/how-to-beat-the-coming-flu-cold-season-naturally#comments Mon, 14 Aug 2006 00:27:08 +0000 methicillin resistant staphylococcus aureusresistant staphylococcus aureusmedical helppharmaceutical antibioticspotent antibioticsphysicians health caresuperbugs http://www.artwoo.com/article/how-to-beat-the-coming-flu-cold-season-naturally
In the last three decades there have been several viral and bacterial epidemics--and this at a time when we should have been able to expect the eradication of many infectious diseases. Why is this? Why does it seem that in recent years, in spite of all the wonderful available, that people are sicker than ever?

Some people say this is due to the overuse of too- or it might be because of the widespread use of vaccines. Plus, with globalization and the increasing availability of long distance flights, it is easier for infections to be spread around the world. There are already a number of infectious organisms that can and will be a major problem to patients, physicians, health care workers and others throughout the world.

With (MRSA) now reported in the "healthy community" it becomes clear that we need something that can take on these ! A big concern is the possibility that multi-drug resistant germs will spread throughout our communities. If we can reduce the extent to which are used and not be so dependent on them, it stands to reason that when really needed, the drugs may be more effective.

What can the average person do to help prevent the common cold or some major illness? A lot! Learning how to eat healthy, get adequate exercise, and the right amount of sleep, are all important to preventing illness. However, just living a "healthy lifestyle" may not be enough to keep you from getting sick. We have so many viruses and toxins in our environment, that staying well can be quite a challenge.

But research has recently produced some really great solutions that can help you reduce your chance of being attacked by one of the superbugs, or if you do get hit with a superbug, the severity of your illness probably will not be as bad. Research has shown that low concentrations of allicin, derived from garlic, is able to kill most of the superbugs. For more details, go to www.4thebuzz.com.

Here are some statistics from a Cold and Cough study conducted by Peter Josling. This was a double-blind, placebo-controlled survey. The purpose of the study was to determine whether a unique garlic supplement (Allisure) that contains stabilized allicin could prevent colds in healthy volunteers.

Here are the results.

• 65% reduction in common cold • 80% reduction of severity of symptoms and duration • 90% reduction of re-infection • Product is well tolerated and offers many other advantages according to volunteer reports

It was concluded that allicin was overwhelmingly favored as a supplement. It was also determined that garlic is effective against salmonella, food poisoning, streptococcus and a host of other things. Garlic can stimulate and boost the human immune system and is used in both treatment and prevention of diseases. Again, see www.4thebuzz.com for more details.

Another nutrient, ginger, when combined with allicin, has been shown to make allicin even more effective. Ginger provides nutritional support for the digestive and circulatory systems. There have been 19 double-blind studies about ginger and it is probably the best medication for treating nausea and sickness.

Since it may take awhile to build up your immune system to the point where you will be able to ward off most, if not all, of the possible superbugs that come your way, I believe that it would be wise to start now. Take care of your body from all angles: adequate sleep, improved nutrition, exercise, and consider the addition of nutrition supplements. A good general multi-vitamin and mineral supplement, plus allicin could be great starters for you to help prevent illness in your family. and#65279;Judy Thompson is a former health teacher who believes that a person's lifestyle has a big impact on their health. She would like to help you be healthier by guiding you to some of the best and most reasonably priced nutrition supplements on the market. You are also invited to join her team in sharing these great products with others. http://www.ARealHealthNut.com ]]> Deadly Staph Infections http://www.artwoo.com/article/deadly-staph-infections http://www.artwoo.com/article/deadly-staph-infections#comments Mon, 05 Nov 2007 14:20:02 +0000 staph bacteriaantibiotic resistant bacteriamethicillin resistant staphylococcus aureuskiller bacteriastaph infectionspreferablymrsa http://www.artwoo.com/article/deadly-staph-infections Staph Infections in Schools

Over the past few years some dangerous have become resistant to antibiotics. Only recently has the news media focused on this serious new health problem, which is of urgent concern to our schools. These , called or "", have recently caused panic in schools in the USA. Some infected students have become seriously ill and some have died after these invaded their blood stream. Most Staph bacteria only causes minor skin infections and are treated with antibiotics. Serious and deadly infections however, develop when antibiotic resistant bacteria (MRSA) is involved. The best methods for prevention of all types of Stap infections involve general cleaning strategies which can be incorporated into the routine cleaning practices at all schools. Here are some tips for limiting the possibility of Staph bacteria infecting your students:

1.) Establish a daily and routine environmental cleaning schedule for your school restrooms and dining areas. The cleaning staff should be trained and monitored to be sure they understand and practice thorough and effective cleaning procedures. Your local health department can provide advice on procedures.

2.)Use germicidal products or a solution of 1 part chlorine bleach and 9 part water to clean any surface that is subject to frequent touching by students, including light switches, doorknobs, faucet handles, hand rails and all restroom fixtures. Use soap and water at a minimum, an all-purpose cleaner, for a daily cleaning of all other floors and surfaces.

3.) Install automatic soap dispensers, automatic hand dryers and automatic paper towel dispensers. These touch-free automatic dispensers will reduce student's exposure to appliances that are frequently the source of hand transmitted bacteria. like Staph. If your school still utilizes the old manual hands-on dispensers it will be nearly impossible to clean them frequently enough to eliminate the spread of bacteria.

4.) Immediately clean up any surface that has a visible body fluid contamination such as blood, urine or other body fluid.

5.) Make sure automatic soap dispensers and automatic paper towel dispensers are filled with product at all times. This should be part of the cleaning personnel daily routine. Refill the dispensers daily.

6.) Encourage good hygiene. Students should be cautioned against sharing water bottles and personal items, encourages to shower after gym classes and other physical activities.

7.) Require that students cover cuts, abrasions and lesions with a proper dressing (bandage) until healed. Athletics staff should monitor this closely among their athletes.

8.) Clean all items used in athletic activities with an all-purpose cleaner and wash uniforms after each use.

9.) Publish, articulate and post reminders to staff and employees the importance of frequent hand washing with soap and water or the use of germicidal hand gels. Your schools restrooms and cafeteria should have warning signs posted in highly visible areas reminding everyone that hand washing is a requirement of your facility and is everyone's responsibility.

Following these simple cleaning routines will greatly reduce you schools risk of bacterial infections of all types, including Staph and viruses, such as the flu, and the common cold. Mark Thevenot authors family-friendly health articles. His website is http://www.superrxcard.com where visitors can print a free prescription discount card that is accepted at over 57,000 pharmacies. ]]> Antibiotic-Resistant Disease Killing Humans And Swine http://www.artwoo.com/article/antibiotic-resistant-disease-killing-humans-and-swine http://www.artwoo.com/article/antibiotic-resistant-disease-killing-humans-and-swine#comments Mon, 06 Oct 2008 05:01:49 +0000 e coli bacteriaantibiotic resistant bacteriamethicillin resistant staphylococcus aureusresistant staphylococcus aureusbeta lactamaseamerican medical associationhealth protection agency http://www.artwoo.com/article/antibiotic-resistant-disease-killing-humans-and-swine Beta Lactamase (ESBL) is killing both people and swine in Denmark.

Health officials said the bacteria is being transmitted to humans through pigs. The increased use of antibiotics in agriculture may be behind the spread of the resistant strain.

What are ESBLs?

Extended-Spectrum Beta-Lactamases (ESBLs) are actually enzymes produced by certain types of bacteria, which renders the bacteria resistant to the antibiotics commonly used to treat them.

ESBLs were first discovered in the mid-1980s. At the time they were mostly found in the Klebsiella species of bacteria, in hospital intensive care units. Until recently, few people were affected by these mutated bacteria and it didn't appear to be a major growing concern.

That has changed, however. According to the British (HPA), a new class of ESBL (called CTX-M enzymes) has emerged, which are now being widely detected among E.Coli bacteria. These ESBL-producing E. Coli are resistant to penicillins and cephalosporins, and are becoming more frequent in urinary tract infections.

Other species of bacteria that can now produce ESBLs include:

K. pneumoniae
Salmonella
Proteus mirabilis
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
The Problem is Worse Than You Think!

According to a study published October 2007 in the Journal of the (JAMA), there were close to 100,000 cases of invasive methicillin- (MRSA) infections in the United States in 2005, which lead to more than 18,600 deaths.

To put that number into perspective, HIV/AIDS killed 17,000 people that year.

Antibiotic-resistant disease IS a major man-made problem.

This was the study that propelled MRSA into the news last year, combined with a number of school outbreaks that took place around the same time. Discussions focused largely on reducing medical over-use of antibiotics, and proper hygiene such as washing your hands with soap and water to reduce the spread of infectious disease.

But little has been said about the rampant over-use of antibiotics in agriculture, which is a MAJOR source of human antibiotic consumption, and hence increased antibiotic resistance.

Agriculture as a Source of Antibiotic Resistance

Both MRSA and ESBL are being traced back to animals raised for food production, especially pigs.

These animals are often fed antibiotics at low doses for disease prevention and growth promotion. Animals receiving antibiotics in their feed gain 4 to 5 percent more body weight than animals that do not receive antibiotics, but the price is high for you, the end consumer, because this practice also creates the perfect conditions for antibiotic resistance to flourish.

Denmark's health officials claim they're unsure of how farmers and veterinarians, who have not consumed infected meat, are becoming infected. However, according to research cited on Johns Hopkins website, the main reservoir of these organisms is in the lower digestive tract, and they can persist within the gastrointestinal tract for months. So perhaps the answer doesn't have to be all that complicated.

So, the meat industry practice of using antibiotics is indeed a driving force behind the development of antibiotic resistance in a now wide variety of bacteria that cause human disease.

The long stalemate on this issue constitutes a struggle between strong science and bad politics. The FDA finally banned the use of fluoroquinolones - a widely used class of antimicrobials -- from agricultural use August 1997, but not without the Bayer Corporation kicking and screaming in vehement opposition. After all, antibiotics for livestock use is big business. It constitutes about 70 percent of ALL antibiotic use! They couldn't replace that market with human consumers even if they tried.

Other Agricultural Sources of Antibiotics

Another heavily tainted meat product you should stay away from is conventionally raised chicken. A 2006 study published in the Journal of Infectious Diseases found that bacteria from conventional chicken and from people who ate the chicken became resistant to Synercid, a strong antibiotic used to treat antibiotic-resistant bacteria. In essence, it can cause resistance to the last lines of defense currently available in the modern medicine cabinet.

It also found that it was rare to find resistant bacteria among antibiotic-free chicken, while the majority of bacterial isolates from conventional poultry were resistant.

But, the ramifications of using antibiotics in agriculture don't end there. Antibiotics filter down through the food chain in sometimes non-suspecting ways.

Antibiotics are also being transferred, via manure, into your food supply.

A 2007 study in the Journal of Environmental Quality looked at whether food crops will accumulate antibiotics from soil covered with antibiotic-containing manure.

In a greenhouse setting, corn, lettuce and potatoes were grown on soil that contained hog manure with a commonly used veterinary antibiotic added.

The antibiotics were absorbed by all three crops, into both their leaves and tissue. Meanwhile, the antibiotics also transferred to the potato tubers, suggesting that root crops like carrots, radishes and potatoes may be particularly at risk of antibiotic accumulation.

These findings unfortunately also have implications for organic farmers, who often use manure as their main source of fertilizer. And, as it stands, manure that contains antibiotics is still allowed under the organic label.

How to Avoid Excessive Antibiotic Exposure

So how can you ensure that the food you feed to yourself and your family is pure and healthy?

Apart from growing it yourself, your best option is to get to know a local farmer near you -- one who uses non-toxic farming methods. If you live in an urban area, there are increasing numbers of community-supported agriculture programs available that give you access to healthy, locally grown foods even if you live in the heart of the city.

If you are looking for a safer alternative to commercially raised beef please be sure to check out grass-fed beef. Grass-fed cattle are not routinely fed antibiotics. They may occasionally receive them for an infection, but that would be the rare exception, and even then they are only used for a few days."Natural" is best, organic superior, and to learn how you can undo the negative effects already suffered you, visit www.healthyweightworks.com]]> Are You Entitled to Compensation For Medical Negligence? http://www.artwoo.com/article/are-you-entitled-to-compensation-for-medical-negligence http://www.artwoo.com/article/are-you-entitled-to-compensation-for-medical-negligence#comments Tue, 05 Aug 2008 13:23:16 +0000 medical negligence caselaser eye surgerydoctors and nursesmedical professionswrong medicinehospital doctorschild brain http://www.artwoo.com/article/are-you-entitled-to-compensation-for-medical-negligence
Within the field of healthcare mistakes happen pretty much everyday but these mistakes usually cause no harm to the patient and it's safe to say that in most of these cases the patient isn't even aware that a mistake has been made. This comes as no surprise to most people as people in roles such as are highly regarded but what most people forget is that these people are just human like everybody else; errors will occur; its when these errors start affecting our health that we should really be worried.

The term medical negligence covers a large scale of people and different . A could be brought up against anyone involved in your care and welfare such as; , GP's, nurses, surgeons, dentists and physicians. These are just a few examples of the people that we entrust our lives to and we expect them to uphold the highest care towards us. In most instances none of us experience any sort of problems when we are in the care of medical professionals but sadly mistakes happen that should have been avoided.

When medical negligence occurs it is a very frightening experience. When you visit a medical professional you expect a professional service. Unfortunately this is not always the case. Doctors and nurses see hundreds of patients and like anyone in any profession mistakes can happen and they do. There have been cases where an operation was carried out on the wrong patient. Other cases are when the wrong dose of medicine is given or the all together.

Some examples of the medical areas that can be affected by medical negligence are as follows:

• Cerebral Palsy and Injury

• Pregnancy and Birth

• Orthopaedics and Amputation cases

• Surgery

• Cancer

• Cosmetic Surgery

• Ophthalmic and

• Hospital Infections, known as super-bugs such as; MRSA and C Diff

• Nursing and Care Home Claims

• The incorrect Prescription, Administration and Dispensing of medicine and drugs

If medical negligence occurs and you are able to prove that the standard of care given wasn't up to scratch then you may be able to make a claim for compensation. It should however be noted that medical negligence claims are extremely hard to win and most legal firms will advise you to take up your complaint with the hospital. This is because pursuing a claim can be lengthy and complex; however there are many accident injury legal teams who specialise in medical negligence, you basically need to shop around when you are looking for a legal team and you should get help from the one who has the most experience.

For more information about making a claim for medical negligence it is advised to contact a legal team to find out where you stand with making a claim for compensation.Helen is the web master of Accident Consult, experts in all aspects of Medical Negligence claims.]]> Finding Oily Skincare Products That Are Safe and Effective Doesn't Have to Be Hard http://www.artwoo.com/article/finding-oily-skincare-products-that-are-safe-and-effective-doesnt-have-to-be-hard http://www.artwoo.com/article/finding-oily-skincare-products-that-are-safe-and-effective-doesnt-have-to-be-hard#comments Mon, 08 Sep 2008 10:36:23 +0000 harsh chemicalsactive manuka honeycleansing solutionsingredient labelcleansing solutiontrap moisturenatural oil http://www.artwoo.com/article/finding-oily-skincare-products-that-are-safe-and-effective-doesnt-have-to-be-hard natural oil) is the reason that the skin feels and looks oily. The cause of this condition is both genetic and hormonal. Genes might make you more susceptible to getting it but hormones determine when and how often the problem arises. And, while there are a variety of oily skincare products available, some of them can actually aggravate the condition causing the glands to secrete more sebum and others (due to the and astringents in them) may be harmful to the skin and body. So how do you know which products are safe and effective and which are not?

Dermatologists say that you should use the gentlest oily skincare on your skin but don't over do it. Washing your skin twice a day should be enough. Over cleansing can damage and dry out the skin.

While it may look and feel like your skin is getting the moisture that it needs to stay healthy, the opposite is true. The oil secretion may in your skin but it doesn't restore the moisture that is lost over time. As we age, our skin loses its ability to retain moisture so even people with oily skin need to use moisturizing lotion. Oily skincare lotions that contain jojoba oil are very effective at restoring the moisture that is lost without adding more oil to the skin.

Tip: When choosing an oily skincare moisturizing product; avoid those with mineral oil listed on the . Mineral oil has been known to clog pores and increase the chance of an acne outbreak.

For cleansing, you should look into oily skincare that contain . Active manuka honey (that is manuka honey with a UMF rating) has been clinically proven to be one of the best antibacterial substances around. Its deep cleansing action unclogs pores, loosening and then removing the dirt and grime deep within them. It antibacterial properties fight the bacteria that leads to infections but not just those involved in acne but also staph and MRSA. The healing property of this amazing discovery soothes and restores the skin to its healthy state.

Having oily skin can be embarrassing and worse it can lead to serious acne outbreaks. Over cleansing or using oily skincare products that contain harsh chemicals and astringents can actually result in more skin damage. But, there is hope for people who suffer from this common problem. By cleansing twice a day with a solution that contains active manuka honey and then applying a moisturizing cream that contains jojoba oil, you can have soft, less oily, healthier skin.

Discover additional information on caring for oily skin by visiting hyyp://www.healthy-skin-answers.com.Lauren Masters is a passionate researcher of skin care health products. She articulates her opinion at Healthy Skin Answers. To learn about effective skin care products that Lauren recommends after extensive product comparison, visit www.healthy-skin-answers.com.]]> Are the Natural Skincare Products That You Use Truly Safe? http://www.artwoo.com/article/are-the-natural-skincare-products-that-you-use-truly-safe http://www.artwoo.com/article/are-the-natural-skincare-products-that-you-use-truly-safe#comments Mon, 08 Sep 2008 10:43:31 +0000 natural skincare productsnatural skin caresea kelpnatural skin care productsoil clogsmonoethanolamineconscious person http://www.artwoo.com/article/are-the-natural-skincare-products-that-you-use-truly-safe conscious person may not know that the that they use on their bodies may actually be harmful to their health.

People read the words: natural skincare and they immediately equate the term "natural" with safe. But, this isn't the case. If you read the label on some of the most popular skincare products you might find one or more of the following listed as one of the ingredients:

Acrylamide

Ethanolamines (diethanolamine, , triethanolamine)

Parabens (ethyl, butyl, methyl etc.)

Polyethylene

All of these chemicals are suspected carcinogens (cancer causing substances). If you are doing everything you can to stay healthy and live longer; why would you want to use these products?

Along with known or suspected carcinogens; some natural skincare products also contain alcohol, (specifically methyl, isopropyl, SD, benzyl and ethanol) and/or mineral oil and fragrance. While not as dangerous as the other things each of these have a negative impact on the body as well. Alcohol strips away the body's natural oils causing the skin to become dry. Mineral the pores and may lead to acne and fragrances may cause an allergic reaction in people sensitive to them.

If I am a person who is actively concerned about my health; must I stop using products all together or are there products available that are truly natural and safe?

Happily the answer is yes! There are natural skincare products that do not contain these substances at all. Instead they use ingredients that have been proven to be completely safe and very effective. If you read their labels you will ingredients like:

Wakame: ( found only in the waters of Japan) which helps heal dry skin.

Active Manuka Honey: provides a strong anti-bacterial defense against harmful bacteria that may be present on your skin. This protection not only helps in the prevention of acne and more serious skin infections such as staff and MRSA; but, it also restores and rejuvenates your skin cells making you look younger and healthier.

Olive oil, grapeseed oil and jojoba oil: These are all natural oils that help restore moisture to the skin. Unlike, mineral oil, they are easily absorbed by the body so they don't clog pores or cause acne.

Functional Keratin: This substance is derived from the wool of sheep. If you are using natural skincare products to remove wrinkles and fine lines from your face; you will want to see functional keratin on the label. Functional keratin has been clinically proven to be safe and effective.

Eating right, exercising, avoiding smoking and drinking to excess are all great ways to reduce your health risks. Don't let your hard work go to waste by applying that contain harmful, possibly carcinogenic chemicals to your body. Instead, choose natural skincare that is free from all these harmful substances and only contain ingredients proven to be truly safe and effective.Lauren Masters is a passionate researcher of skin care health products. She articulates her opinion at Healthy Skin Answers. To learn about effective skin care products that Lauren recommends after extensive product comparison, visit www.healthy-skin-answers.com.]]> How Antibiotics Weaken The Immune System http://www.artwoo.com/article/how-antibiotics-weaken-the-immune-system http://www.artwoo.com/article/how-antibiotics-weaken-the-immune-system#comments Tue, 25 Dec 2007 05:30:01 +0000 immune system functionstime antibioticshelpful bacterianatural immune systemunpleasant side effectsbacterial pathogenhuman immune system http://www.artwoo.com/article/how-antibiotics-weaken-the-immune-system bacterial pathogen. Unfortunately, many doctors also prescribe antibiotics for conditions that caused by known viral pathogens, such the cold or bronchitis.

This is unfortunate not simply because of the expense involved or the possibly , but because it may wind up harming the immune system. The is actually a collection of defensive mechanisms against disease, and includes certain tissues, organs, cells, and enzymes. These elements work together to create a disease fighting system more powerful than anything medicine has yet to devise. Even the biggest breakthrough in fighting viruses in medical history, the vaccine, is simply a way to help the do its job better.

Antibiotics are actually designed to help the immune system do its job, and it may even do that in the short term, but in the long term antibiotics actually suppress the immune system.

Firstly, medical antibiotics do not make the immune system stronger, they simply act a replacement for one of its functions: killing harmful bacteria. The just like an organ or a muscle. When it is not put to use, it atrophies. So when an introduced agent does one its jobs, the immune system performs that job poorly once the agent leaves the body. This is why someone who takes antibiotics to cure a bacteria based disease may catch the same disease, only with more severe symptoms, at a later time.

Antibiotics also do not make the distinction between harmful bacteria and and cells. They "throw the baby out with the bathwater" so to speak. Certain strains of bacteria in the digestive tract are essential to digest food and produce healthy vitamins. When these bacteria are killed off, it may lead to vitamin loss, diarrhea, parasitic infection, and the development of allergies.

Antibiotics, and in particular the over prescription of antibiotics, can create stronger strains of bacteria that even a healthy immune system is not prepared to fight. Throughout the history of biology, the evolution of bacteria, viruses, and hosts have more or less been in harmony. Every time a bacterium or virus became slowly stronger, immune systems have reacted by becoming stronger as well.

The introduction of antibiotics through a bit of a monkey wrench into this. As bacteria were killed much more rapidly, they evolved more quickly than the human immune system. This leads to "superbugs," such as the staph bacterium MRSA, which is powerful it can turn deadly within just days.

As the little disputed harms of over prescribing ineffective antibiotics become more apparent, and information becomes more widespread, more and more doctors are becoming less willing to dole out antibiotic prescriptions as thoughtlessly as they used to. This is fortunate, as patients might find benefit in simply taking supplements to boost their immune system to fight bacteria and viruses, such as true colloidal silver. Worried that prescribed antibiotics are ineffective? Is http://www.colloidsforlife.com/Mesosilver_colloidal_silver.html colloidal silver a natural antibiotic? Wyatt McKinney is a colloidal silver evangelist who is committed to help people decide for themselves whether to try http://www.colloidsforlife.com/ colloidal silver to fight infections. Click for more http://www.colloidal-silver-information.com/ colloidal silver testimonial. ]]> Medical Insurance. NHS Consultants Go Private! http://www.artwoo.com/article/medical-insurance-nhs-consultants-go-private http://www.artwoo.com/article/medical-insurance-nhs-consultants-go-private#comments Mon, 24 Apr 2006 00:50:01 +0000 nhs hospitalnhs treatmentprivate medical insuranceroyal college of nursingconfidencefrontline servicesbupa http://www.artwoo.com/article/medical-insurance-nhs-consultants-go-private Royal College of Nursing. "There's no doubt that there will be an impact on patients", says their spokesperson. "This is not the sort of thing that is going to be resolved by cutting back on chocolate biscuits in the boardroom. The staff that we are looking at losing are not office based, they're people who are providing ." Little surprise therefore, that people in the know are going private for their medical care! According to a recent survey by , 41% of NHS Consultants have protected their medical care by going private. Isn't that a vote of !

The British Medical Association (BMA) feebly argues that the Consultants' commitment to private medical cover doesn't demonstrate a lack of confidence in the NHS.

The Deputy Chairman of the BMA's Consultants' Committee whispers, "Consultants may also like the anonymity of private care. One of the problems of being treated in the NHS is that Consultants might find themselves in a bed next to one of their patients".

What a joke! Surely, being treated in a bed next to one of their patients would underline their commitment and confidence in the NHS. Their presence in a private ward only serves to emphasize their lack of confidence!

Remember that doesn't provide care if you have an accident - that's still the role of the Accident and Emergency Unit at your nearest . The overwhelming advantage of going private, is to ensure you get prompt care for planned surgery and medical situations that arise at short notice, in a hospital of your choice. The case of Dr Sarah Burnett makes the point.

Dr Burnett is a Radiology Consultant with 15 years service in the NHS. She chose to take out private medical insurance because she was unhappy with the level of care she saw first hand. " is not a pleasant experience in any way -- from the standard of the food, to ward cleanliness and the chance of catching MRSA", she observes.

Last year during a private medical screening, Dr Burnet was diagnosed with multiple small tumours in her breast. The cancer required urgent and specialised surgery. Within hours she saw the consultant surgeon who organised a skin-sparing mastectomy. A few days later she was recovering from the surgery.

"I was lucky enough to have exceptionally prompt treatment because I choose to pay for insurance. Under the NHS I would not have been screened for breast cancer until I was 50 and would not have been able to catch my cancer at such an early stage. The type of surgery I had is only rarely available on the NHS, depending on the experience of your local surgeon", said Dr Burnet.

If you, like Dr Burnet and almost half of the UK 's NHS Consultants, want to sidestep the NHS and go private, it's wise to take out private health insurance. Choosing the right medical insurance cover is, unfortunately, quite complicated. You need to decide the standard of hospitals you would want to use, the level of cover and various other options. For this reason, you need specialised advice from a professional medical insurance broker. These people know exactly what's on the market and can access it.

Where better to find these brokers than the Internet? Just use Google or your favourite search engine, to search for "medical insurance". You'll find all the top medical brokers there. If you see the insurance company's own sites steer clear - they can only sell you their own products and you really need independent advice to be able to identify which, within the whole market, is best for you.

Oh yes, make sure you chose a site that puts you directly in touch with an adviser. Ideally, you should talk over your requirements and chat to the adviser about the best alternatives. You don't need a home visit as all this can easily be done over the phone. And buying through a broker won't cost you a penny more than going direct to the insurance company. In fact a broker can sometimes be cheaper!

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