Tuesday, April 24, 2012

2 Stainless Steel Uses in the Medical Industry - Ortho and Surgical


Along with the athletes, patrons, sporting events and competition defining the London Olympics 2012, there comes another aspect to the global event. Medical testing technicians, equipment and entire research labs coincide with the Olympic Games to ensure fair play practices. So what does this mean to the stainless steel industry and why should you care? Well, when seeing descriptions and videos of the testing centers, the use of stainless steel is apparent. It is used in every aspect of the testing for the same reasons hospitals and medical centers use it on a regular basis too. Thus, today I am going to share with you two ways the medical industry works with this durable, corrosion resistant metal.
Surgical and Orthopedic Equipment
The majority of surgical equipment is made from stainless steel or a similar alloy. These metals are used for dissecting tools, tweezers, forceps, needles and more. The reason why it is the metal of choice is due to the hygienic abilities it contains. The metal is easy to sterilize and clean, which are two factors of obvious high concerns for medical practices and industries. It decreases the risk of infection and spread of disease. Without the workings of proper medical material, the cost and loss of such negative results can shut down medical facilities and cause thousands of people to lose their jobs and income. Not to mention the loss of lives. By simply changing the material to one that satisfies the requirements and lowers any external risks, you are providing patients with security, safety and peace of mind.
The surgical department is not the only department where you see these materials used. The orthopedic arena relies upon it too.
If you break an ankle, knee and/or foot then a doctor may require the insertion of screws and pins to be placed within the injured area to help you heal in a healthy manner. These pieces are made from different types of stainless steel. The location and purpose of the orthopedic implant determines what type of steel grade is needed for that specific objective. Your physician and medical team are able to provide further detailed information.
Also, talk to a worldwide alloy distributor. Ask a product specialist about why certain materials are chosen ensuring you get the best treatment and material for your medical facility and/or project. Finding the right material is essential for the overall success of your staff, facility and patients' recoveries.


Wednesday, April 18, 2012

Why Are Biological Microscopes Needed?


Microscopy is an important aspect of biology. Different kinds of microscopes (and lenses) are used for different purposes. These allow scientists, doctors and students, in the field of biology, to study various biological organisms, microorganisms, unicellular organisms like the amoeba and multicellular organisms like the roundworms, and other such specimens. Without the use of microscopes it would be impossible to discover the world of germs, cells and other species that cannot be seen by the naked eye.
Biological microscopes, specifically, are used at schools, universities and hospitals for analysis of biological fluids with the aid of highly powerful and magnified lenses. There are mainly two microscopes of this kind- the highly powered one with compound light and then, there are the low powered microscopes. The former kind is used to see small organisms such as bacteria and parasites while the latter is used to examine/analyze organs that have been removed or dissected insects. These come with digital cameras and other software solutions that would allow one to take pictures of organisms for analysis later on or for inclusion in books, etc.
Pharmacologists and doctors in involved in research and development utilize these microscopes to study bacteria and viruses so that they can come up with possible solutions to eradicate them in the near future (HIV/AIDS are examples of such viruses) by developing vaccines and effective cures that would make it possible to do so. These microscopes enable doctors and scientists to keep us safe from bacteria that could, potentially, wipe us out of the fact of the earth. The influenza virus is an example of such viruses. Doctors and cytogenetic engineers use these microscopes to study chromosomes and the relationship between chromosomes, and diseases that affect human beings and animals, along with the role that chromosomes play in human development. Inspection and analyses of chromosomes could help them deal with problems that occur due to abnormal chromosome structures such as Klinefelter syndrome and Down's syndrome. Also, fertility issues can be addressed- because these microscopes are powerful and are equipped with magnifying lenses, doctors can study the sperm cells of sperm donors for future use of their cells so that they can help impregnate women with male partners who may not be able to reproduce. Furthermore, doctors can study the sperm samples of men who cannot reproduce (perhaps due to a low sperm count) and come up with solutions that would enable them to become fathers.
These microscopes have played an important role in the discovery, development and use of embryonic stem cells which can be used to generate tissues and organs by using the cells of organs and tissues donated by users. The discovery of stem cells have also allowed doctors to combat diseases such as Alzheimer's, diabetes, arthritis, heart diseases, etc. Hence, had it not been for biological microscopes the benefits of stem cells would not be enjoyed or discovered by doctors and scientists.
However, students, scientists and doctors are not the only ones who use biological microscopes. A number of police departments use these microscopes to investigate material at a crime scene or on a victim's clothes and body. DNA analyses are often carried out in order to get a clue as to who the suspect may be/is. So, these microscopes play an important part in keeping cities and streets safe and free of crimes.
In conclusion, it can be seen that biological microscopes have been vital and have allowed scientists and doctors to make major breakthroughs in the field of science. The usage of such microscopes has helped eradicate a number of diseases and doctors can continue to find possible solutions to a number of diseases that are prevalent in the world of today.



Thursday, April 12, 2012

The Top Three Reasons Why A Walk In Clinic Beats the Competition


How many of you have heard of a walk in clinic? Just a few, we suppose. We do not understand why since it is the best way to receive medical care these days if you do not have a personal physician. It's just that sometimes things fall through the cracks. A walk in clinic is a highly professional medical facility dedicated to taking care of any illness or injury you may have at a fraction of the cost that is usually associated with private doctors and/or hospital emergency room visits.
In the days of old one would simply dial their private physician's phone number (on those big rotary dial phones since cell phones were far from existing). The doctor would then pick up his or her bag and drive over to your home to treat you. We know!? Crazy, right? Since there is no way in the world (other than having a son/daughter or mother/father doctor in your family) that any doctor is going to drive over to your house when you feel ill, the urgent care clinic has arisen to take the place of these old time familial physicians.
There are three main reasons why someone who is sick or wounded should visit a walk in clinic instead of heading to their nearest hospital emergency room. The first would be the wait time. In a walk in clinic the doctor is dedicated to seeing you in probably less than a half an hour. Think about this time frame against the unfortunate times that you had to visit a hospital emergency room. Chances are you sat there for many hours, fiddling your sick thumbs and sighing uncontrollably. A hospital emergency room is there for one main purpose-and that purpose is EMERGENCIES. If you ever have a heart attack or are bitten by a shark while fishing this would be the place to go. For all other non life-threatening illnesses and wounds get yourself to a walk in clinic.
The second reason is the price. A doctor who opens a walk in clinic is dedicated to his oath in ways that are many times hard to explain. They are happy to make a decent living, but they do not go out of their way to wrangle every last nickel and dime out of their patients. They are happy to provide the services that they do to their communities in ways that often times transcend mere financial reasons. Chances are you will find affordable prices at your friendly neighborhood walk in clinic.
The third reason is the amount of experience that the doctors at an average walk in clinic have in treating the types of wounds and illnesses that their patients are most likely to receive. The doctors at a walk in clinic are more like the doctors of old that would perform house calls, than the types of doctors that currently work in huge bureaucratic hospital institutions, yet they are ensconced in their easy-to-reach state-of-the-art medical offices. There is something great to be said for seeing the same patients over and over again. The chances of you sticking with a good walk in clinic doctor are very high, once you get to see for yourself the type of treatment you receive and the prices that they charge.
For those of us in New York City who need a great walk in clinic to treat any ailment they may have, please log onto Walk In Clinic NYC or simply call 1-212-696-5900 to speak to a staff member to make a convenient appointment. Urgent Care NYC is located just two blocks from Grand Central Station, making it very easy to get to by either train or bus. In the old days, we all had family doctors whom we relied on. These days are a little different. But it is possible to rely on a walk in clinic instead. Once you visit this one... we think you'll be back in the future when you happen to need healthcare again.


Friday, April 6, 2012

Advantages Of Herbal Medicine Over Conventional Medicine


Herbs are making their mark, many of us believe in the power of herbs and their benefits for health and wellbeing. Modern medicine has not been so keen to look at herbal medicine and prefer to prescribe manufactured medications that are clinically researched and trialled.
Organic herbal remedies are making their presence felt nevertheless, even though modern medicine does not acknowledge it or give it any credence. Of course we can agree that modern medicine has been very effective in the prevention and treatment of many diseases. There are so many ailments and conditions that were fatal hundreds of years ago and can now be treated with modern medicine. This has helps increase the life span of many individuals today.
So many of us opt for herbal remedies and although new laws and regulations are often passed to regress the growth of herbal medicine there are those of us who stull choose to treat themselves using natural and complementary remedies.
Disadvantage Of Modern Medicine 
However there is a side of modern medicine that also must a acknowledged and this is that these medicines are made in labs using synthetic ingredients and often there are side effects to contend with. Some side effects can be quite harsh while some may be milder. These negative side effects are the price to pay, while with herbal medicine there is much less chance of this happening if at all. There have been cases where in modern medicine the side effects supersede the actual benefits of the drug and can be quite dangerous. Herbal supplements medicine works on a more holistic level or targeting the cause and treating perhaps more mildly but over long term use has shown to offer good results for many.

Statistics in the USA reveal that one of the other disadvantages of modern medicine is that many patients often experience complications die to various medicines and these can often lead to death. The other disadvantage is the price tag, for most people in the developing world the price of these medicines would be unaffordable. Millions of people cannot afford medical treatment and therefore often lose their lives as they are unable to seek treatment.
One of the most debilitating facts about modern medicine over herbal medicine is that that it emphasizes the cure rather than prevention. This has led to the pharmaceutical industry become a multi-billion dollar market where profits become more important than anything else. Herbal and alternative medicine believes in prevention and treating the cause rather than the symptoms.
While herbal supplements seem to become popular, even the beauty industry is steering that way. These days many brands are looking into herbs as their ingredients for their ethical beauty products and skin care products. Even hair care has gone herbal with so many new brands offering natural hair care products.



Sunday, April 1, 2012

Be Your Own Patient Advocate Before Surgery


When planning for surgery it is useful to learn the art of being your own patient advocate. Today's health and wellness industry has made it easy for us to obtain information to ensure we receive quality care. When we do our own thorough research ahead of time we can feel confident about having a positive surgery outcome.
How to be a patient advocate in navigating health insurance:
It is important to have a full understanding of your health insurance plan. Here are some of the things I learned this past year:
· When in need of a new insurance plan seek out a local insurance broker to help sort out the best plan for your specific needs. Free of charge, they help us attain emotional health about the coverage we choose. These agents know which plans do not raise their rates yearly, which ones are most appropriate to choose with pre-existing conditions, and which plans will be available long-term.
· Whenever you receive a new insurance plan you need to become your own patient advocate by reading through the policy right away. This will inform you if they have placed any restrictions on covering any of your current medical conditions. You do have 30 days to cancel the plan if you find the policy unacceptable.
· If a situation presents where you are not able to pay your medical bill you can make alternative payment arrangements. Those with financial hardships are able to reduce their hospital fees or perhaps waive them entirely.
How to be your own patient advocate for medical visits:
· The health and wellness industry has been great at educating us how to prepare ahead of time for a medical visit. Most of us have already experienced the value of writing down our questions before the visit. To optimize your limited time with the doctor I advise asking your practitioner only those questions they themselves can answer. As my own patient advocate I have learned to query other staff with the remainder of my questions. For example:
1. Direct inquiries about pre-post surgery issues to the surgery scheduler.
2. Ask the front desk staff how to obtain the morbidity & mortality statistics for the doctor and hospital.
· The health and wellness industry has encouraged us to have a trusted person with us during the medical visit. When another is present it allows them to become your patient advocate. I have found their presence vital since way too often my trusted friend brings up issues I failed to mention. It helps me take care of my emotional health when the trusted person is my scribe and documents the doctor's comments.
· When you need a physician to submit a form (or write a letter) on your behalf it is best to prepare ahead of time. Here are a few examples:
1. When requesting a temporary handicapped parking permit find out ahead of time if the DMV requires you to download their form. If not, draft a letter with your request for the doctor to sign.
2. Whenever you need the doctor to write a letter confirming a medical condition it is best to become proactive as your own patient advocate. Arrive at the medical visit with a sample letter which includes all the pertinent information so you leave with it in-hand.
3. When you need a medical test ordered at another facility come prepared with the name of the facility and FAX number where the request can be sent.
When you follow these guidelines chances are greater you will leave the visit with total confidence that your needs are being handled.
How to be your own patient advocate before and after surgery:
· Know that you can request an early morning surgery when necessary. In taking care of your health and wellness inform the surgery scheduler of needs for early morning surgery if you have health issues that would be compromised when pre-surgery requirements forbid the intake of food or water. Prior to surgery it is best to take care of your emotional health and speed up the time your body is without nourishment.
· It is desirable to have a trusted friend stay in your hospital room overnight. If something unusual presents they can be of immediate value. Today hospitals have a chair that folds down into a bed for these specific purposes.
How to be your own patient advocate in finding the best surgeon:
· The health and wellness industry has made it easy for us to do research online. In your inquiry, seek out the latest state-of-the-art surgery technologies. After studying the various options you are more ready to select a surgeon.
· Search for doctors that use minimally invasive surgical techniques to reduce pain, restore mobility, and promote a quicker return to normal activities.
· In being your own patient advocate you may find the need to look outside your local area for a surgeon. Surgery is an invasive medical procedure. It is in your best interest to feel confident you will receive the highest quality of care.
· I encourage you to inquire how experienced your potential surgeon is. You want someone who has done the procedure hundreds of times to ensure the best outcome.
Hopefully you feel more feel confident about being your own patient advocate when planning for surgery. There are countless online resources available to help sort through the maze of information. Use these guidelines when seeking out what is available and you will find balance in your emotional health.