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This latex female condom is been specialy designed to prevent the rapes. It is invented by a South African woman Sonnette Ehlers, in Cape-Town. Incidentilly, South Africa is the most effected from HIV, ratio is one in nine, that means 45 million people are suffering from these diseases.

Known also as Vaginal Bear Trap, this device was launched in August 31, 2005, and is expected to come in the market this year. It is used in the vagina like a tampoon. It is made of microscopic invisible barbs outwardly, which attacks the rapist, and clutches his penis. It gives terrible pain and disables the attacker. This gives victim the chance of escaping from the site and saving herself from the attack. It is impossible for the attacker to get it out without the medical surgery, and this way the police and authorities are alterted, and he is been caught.

This anti-rape condom, is aimed to prevent the rapes and at the same time, it punishes and terorrise the attackers. It also saves women from getting pregnant and sexually transmitted by STDs and HIVs, by the attacker. It works like a female condom. It is truly a miracle device for the women, who are working and prone to these attacks due to the nature of their life-style. It can be simply fitted in the vagina, and she can go around with her daily routine. This device has not been tested yet on a male, but the plastic body of a male and it worked fine.

Still in the stage of criticism, this female condom is facing some doubts. People say that it can multiple the risk for women. This device can further irritate the attacker and in fury and frustration, he can kill the women. Anti-rape activist say that it is barbaric and medieval. ‘It is horrible and disgusting’. They say that it can be used for the purpose of revange and to simply hurt someone who is not an attacker. According to these activists, this device is not effective in gang rapes, as it will only harm one attacker at a time.

It may be an issue of a debate for the groups, but it is certainaly a boon for the women who are living under the threat of sexual attacks all the time because of their nature of job. If some device is providing her the piece of mind and body. Why would she be hessitant to use that? It is indeed a welcome device for them.

This latex female condom is been specialy designed to prevent the rapes. It is invented by a South African woman Sonnette Ehlers, in Cape-Town. Incidentilly, South Africa is the most effected from HIV, ratio is one in nine, that means 45 million people are suffering from these diseases.

Known also as Vaginal Bear Trap, this device was launched in August 31, 2005, and is expected to come in the market this year. It is used in the vagina like a tampoon. It is made of microscopic invisible barbs outwardly, which attacks the rapist, and clutches his penis. It gives terrible pain and disables the attacker. This gives victim the chance of escaping from the site and saving herself from the attack. It is impossible for the attacker to get it out without the medical surgery, and this way the police and authorities are alterted, and he is been caught.

This anti-rape condom, is aimed to prevent the rapes and at the same time, it punishes and terorrise the attackers. It also saves women from getting pregnant and sexually transmitted by STDs and HIVs, by the attacker. It works like a female condom. It is truly a miracle device for the women, who are working and prone to these attacks due to the nature of their life-style. It can be simply fitted in the vagina, and she can go around with her daily routine. This device has not been tested yet on a male, but the plastic body of a male and it worked fine.

Still in the stage of criticism, this female condom is facing some doubts. People say that it can multiple the risk for women. This device can further irritate the attacker and in fury and frustration, he can kill the women. Anti-rape activist say that it is barbaric and medieval. ‘It is horrible and disgusting’. They say that it can be used for the purpose of revange and to simply hurt someone who is not an attacker. According to these activists, this device is not effective in gang rapes, as it will only harm one attacker at a time.

It may be an issue of a debate for the groups, but it is certainaly a boon for the women who are living under the threat of sexual attacks all the time because of their nature of job. If some device is providing her the piece of mind and body. Why would she be hessitant to use that? It is indeed a welcome device for them.

Mass perception about the functioning of Kidney is not absolutely acceptable; rather it’s a bit confusing. People think that Kidney simply works as a sieve for separating the excreta and help proper functioning of a body. And it only controls the exertion of excess water and waste material from the body. But it is pertinent to mention here that this is not the only work of a Kidney, in addition to the said function, it also performs the following:

1. Vitamin D which plays a vital role in strengthening our bones is produced by Kidney.

2. It also generates Erithropiotin hormone that helps in blood formation.

3. Kidney produces a Hormone named Renin which regulates the blood Pressure in the body.

4. Kidney also helps in maintaining balance between water and salts in a body.

5. Residual of medicines consumed by us is also thrown out of the body through Kidney.

From the aforementioned facts it is established that kidney is one of the vital organs of the body and helps in due wellness of the body by performing its multiple functions in proper harmony.

Such an important organ which performs so many vital functions requires to be taken proper care of; otherwise all or any of the aforesaid functioning may be disrupted causing serious illness and may be fatal also.

Unfortunately, other than developed cities and towns, most of the people living in suburbs and villages throughout the world are not getting the proper treatment in case of need mainly because of the following
Reasons:-

1. The treatment generally involves huge expenditure which the common people can not afford to pay.
2. Insufficiency of Nefrologist in the rural and suburbs to combat the ascending cases of Kidney ailments.

3. Combined effect of all the aforesaid reasons coupled with ignorance and negligence of the affected person induces him to keep the ailment suppressed or less cared for a substantial period and finally makes the disease incurable.

There are mainly two types of Kidney failure.

a) Sudden or Acute Renal failure which generally recovers after some treatment.

b) Chronic failure which occurs over a period of time because of one or more associated diseases which was not taken proper care of and hence has left its impression in making the kidney defunct.

Common causes of Kidney failure are enumerated as below:-

1. Malaria, a common disease spread by mosquito bites affects the Kidney functioning.

2. Any type of infection.

3. Dysentery related disease

4. And Stone in Kidney also leads to its failure.

Remedy:-

Sudden or Acute renal failure may sometimes be cured of by proper treatment. But the chronic failure seldom responds to the ordinary treatment and in many cases requires a surgery for removing the ailment. Depending upon the degree of damage, course of treatment or surgery is determined. In Kidney failure, common treatment by way of dialysis is provided to reach relief to the patient. Removal of one kidney sometimes cures the patient and he can lead a normal life with the rest one. However, in case of complete damage of both the Kidneys, there may not be any alternative other than Kidney transplantation which requires best medical care and outflow of huge money which sometimes remains beyond the reach of the common people.

Precaution is better than Prevention:-

Two main factors which may be attributed for failure of Kidney are high blood pressure and diabetes. These two ailments must be kept under control so that the chances of infection of Kidney may be reduced. Vegetarian diet has no substitute to reduce the menace of diseases. Hence people should mainly live on vegetables and non-vegetarian should slowly switch over to vegetables. Protein, particularly animal protein is responsible for accumulation of calcium, uric acid and oxalates in urine. These, in turn increase the chances of formation of stones in Kidney. Thus non-vegetarian diet should be avoided as far as possible.

Awareness about the factors causing the disease helps in keeping it away. If any of the diseases which are responsible for ailment of Kidney as discussed elsewhere is diagnosed, it should immediately and effectively be taken proper care of so that the chances of Kidney infection may be reduced. Besides, another important factor must be borne in mind that frequent consumption of pain killer and sometimes without referring to a physician should be avoided as it has a dangerous side effect of causing renal and kidney failure. Consumption of plenty of water also helps preventing the disease. Requirement of water in the body largely depends upon the structure of the person concerned and also on the nature of his profession. Moreover people living in the tropical region need more water to maintain the proper functioning of the organism.

Similarly, fruits and vegetables which are rich in calcium should also be avoided in order to maintain a healthy Kidney.

All these aforesaid facts if properly taken care of and practiced in proper spirit, the disease could be prevented to a large extent.

Did you know that dogs are in Law Enforcement? Did you know that dogs have several jobs in Healthcare? If you would like to learn more about these amazing animals, read on.

I have been reading lately about animals and I found out that besides being our best friend they save lives everyday and have taken their place in law enforcement and health care such as:

POLICE DOGS:

You have seen police dogs riding in police cars. They are the actual partners of a police office. They wear badges on their collars stating they are part of the police department.

DUTIES:

(1) They assist their partner in catching criminals.

(2) They are used at the borders and airports to sniff packages to find dope, dynamite and chemicals.

(3) They are used in Search and Rescue Missions - tracking missing people and reuniting them with their loved one

(4) They are used to find people buried in deep snow.

(5) They are used in the Military to guard the gates, tracking and drug smuggling.

These 5 duties I have mentioned above may not be done by Police Dogs but other dogs that are in security work.

DOGS IN THE HEALTHCARE INDUSTRY:

THE SEEING EYE DOG:

The most visual is the Seeing Eye Dogs. We have all seen them on the streets, in stores and movie theatres. These amazing dogs usually are German Sheppard’s and Retrievers. Other breeds are used but these are the most intelligent. The Seeing Eye Dogs are usually raised in a family unit.

These are working dogs. When they are in harness they only think about their owner. They have various jobs such as:

(1) They make sure their owner walks without tripping and falling.

(2) They get their owners safely up and down the stairs.

(3) They make sure their owner walks safely across the street.

They are literally the eyes and ears of their owners. Their owners love them for their great achievements and for their companionship. When these dogs are out of harness they frolic and play like ordinary dogs.

SERVICE DOGS:

Service Dogs are specially trained to:

(1) Push wheelchairs.

(2) Remove clothing from a washing machine.

(3) Help their owners get dressed by picking up their clothing off the floor and putting it in their lap.

(4) They can open and close doors. This makes the owner more independent.

HEARING IMPAIRED:

They can also assist a hearing impaired person. When the phone rings they can make this known to their owner when the phone flashes by sitting in front of their owner and barking. There owner can either hear them bark or see them bark. After the dog has their owner’s attention they walk to the phone. Their owners love and cherish these special dogs of which they could not function on a daily basis of which you and I take for granted.

DETECT CANCER:

There are dogs that can sniff a person and can smell cancer if there is any growing inside of them.

DETECT SEIZURES:

There are dogs that can sense when someone is going to have a seizure ahead of time.

There are so many stories of dogs saving their owners and family member’s lives by barking and getting their families attention.

WONDERFUL COMPANIONS:

(1) They never get tired of listening.

(2) They take care of us.

(3) They love to go for long walks and we in return get our badly needed exercise.

(4) They believe in us.

(5) When you have a dog and it is obedience trained and you tell it to sit, it sits. Did you ever try telling your child to sit? Unfortunately children are not obedient trained.

(6) Dogs give us unconditional love.

(7) They save our lives.

They give us unconditional love. You can't beat that.

Many people would rather have a dog for a companion over a person. I wonder why?

Thank you for reading my article. Please feel free to read any of my numerous articles.

Copyright 2006 Linda E. Meckler

Nobody says it’s easy. Yet, it’s not something that you can’t learn doing.

To help you in the process of being a good caregiver for Alzheimer patients, you can use these essential tips below:

1. Make sure you’re also taken care of

Yes, your health and wellbeing are also important. So, the first step is to make sure that you’re both physically and mentally healthy. Exercising and enough rest will help a lot.

Also, try to contact an Alzheimer support group. You can find it anywhere in your area or even on the internet. Join them to listen to others’ experiences and share yours.

2. Learn to bath your patient

Bathing is the most difficult thing a caregiver needs to do. The patient might be embarrassed or uncomfortable with it. Yet, your help is necessary.

So, to make the patient relaxed, prepare everything in advance. Make sure that the bathing area is pleasant and the water isn’t too cold or too hot.

Don’t rush or do anything that makes the bathing experience a scary one.

3. Pay attention to your patient’s dental hygiene

Brushing teeth is a basic skill that many Alzheimer patients forget. So it might be very difficult for them to do successfully.

And, asking for help can be very demeaning for someone who is fighting the disease with everything they have. All you can do is try to offer help simply by giving your patient easy instructions. Make sure those are so simple that they can follow. It makes them feel as though they are still in charge.

4. Advanced Planning

It’s essential to do before the patient becomes too confused and dementia has set it.

The planning includes medical treatment, support and care giving, wills and estate issues, living situations, and the possibility of feeding tubes. This makes sure that the patient’s preferences can be followed as much as possible.

5. Selecting a Good Facility

There will be time when the patient can’t be taken care at home any longer for many particular reasons.

The most essential thing to keep in mind when looking for a care facility is that it's all about the person who has Alzheimer Disease. It’s not about the family, it’s simply only about the best for the patient!

However, remember that nobody is perfect. Just try to give the best. Your love to the patient will be a great help, as well as your huge patience. Don’t give up. You can do it.

There are various insurance policies that help pay for or totally cover the costs of home health care. Consumers are reminded to be very cautious when shopping, comparing and buying home health care insurance policies because coverage is often limited. Considering the limitations and loopholes that home health care insurance has, they may be more expensive than other insurance policies. Home health care may only be accounted for by comprehensive insurance policies with pay benefits for nursing homes, assisted living communities, and adult day care.

Types of Home Health Care Insurance

The different types of home health care insurance depend on each policy's extent of coverage when paying for home health care services. Private insurance usually only pays for part of the home health care costs which include personal and hospice care. Managed care insurance plans may offer some help with home health care costs if the home health care provider is Medicare-certified, these plans also require hefty premiums.

There are also existing home care policies which actually pays for the excess amounts that your original insurance policy does not cover. These supplemental insurance policies cover additional payments on home medical equipment as well. Long-term care insurance cover most medical and nursing services including licensed home health care costs. They may even include personal care as well as services incurred for the upkeep and maintenance of the policyholder's home. Long term care insurance is paid for in monthly installments based on the individual's age and health conditions. Many times, the benefits may only be reaped after a pre-defined waiting period, or when the insurance company decides the financial assistance is actually necessary.

Originally, long term care insurance policies were intended to pay for a lengthy stay in a nursing home, yet because of the public demand and preference for home health care, a lot of long term care insurance policies now cover in-home services which may vary greatly according to plans. Considerations regarding pre-existing health conditions and prior hospitalizations usually limit the coverage of these insurance policies.

Home health care equipment makes it possible for people to be directly involved in maintaining their own health care. Medical devices, tools and technologies designed specifically for home use are becoming more and more popular because of their convenience and their user-friendly nature. Innovations in home health care equipment include “smart” devices that significantly lower the amount of machine maintenance necessary. Many are also wirelessly connected to the Internet, which aids in providing efficient, monitored service.

Convenience and reduced health care costs are some the more important elements that make home health care equipment popular among patients. People with certain conditions which need strict monitoring no longer need to confine themselves to hospitals because there are devices which can now monitor patients in the comfort of their own homes. These devices are geared towards teaching people to monitor themselves and their conditions through the use of tools that can give warnings and signs concerning their health. This could mean more efficient and effective health care, contributed to by patients who have more control over his/her condition.

Home health care equipment sales have been steadily increasing based on customer demand for these innovations and advances. More and more, medical home devices are being designed and produced to cater to various medical needs. A lot of these new devices are very innovative and advanced. Soon to come are toothbrushes that can check one’s blood sugar and bacteria levels while brushing, that even comes with a holder that transmits information directly to the person’s medical file. People can soon expect heart monitors that can be connected to computers, making it convenient for people to monitor their own heart rates and other vital information which can easily be transmitted to their doctors via the Internet.

Another popular advancement in home health care is the use of video devices for telemedicine. Video equipment used in telemedicine offer high-resolution images and audio that are much better than what computer phones and telephone lines can offer. There are even telemedicine devices which include a blood pressure cuff, a stethoscope and a thermometer, aside from the monitor which directly transmits vital information to the owner’s health care provider.

Home health care businesses are becoming more popular these days and may offer a range of services. They are usually relied on by the elderly, those who have disorders which limit their movements and require constant medical attention, or those who are recuperating from an illness or from surgery. Their services include proper health management, meal planning and preparation and may even include light chores such as keeping the house clean and running some errands. Home health care businesses are quite easy to start cost-wise since they only require minimal start-up costs and may even be started from the house, which obliterates having to rent your own space.

Although it helps if the prospective business operator has a background in health care, home health care business operators are not required to be trained formally in areas of health care. There are countless operations manuals and books available which operators may use to gain information about the business. They can also opt to attend intensive training programs where they will experience the business directly. These training programs also offer support after the business has started.

Home health care services usually offer non-medical home care service. These providers cater mainly to the elderly and the disabled so they can remain safe and secure in their homes. These services are focused on personal care and cover daily living activities such as companionship, supervision, medication reminders, light housekeeping, and transportation.

The nature of home health care businesses and the services that they offer can be done by anyone. However, a lot of caregivers in the home health care business preferred by business operators are retired nurses and nurse assistants. They know a lot about quality health care, yet no longer actively practice in a doctor’s office or hospital. Also, the demands of providing home health care are much lighter than those in hospitals and clinics. They do not follow strict schedules, and as such, enable retired nurses and nurse assistants to pursue their other interests while still earning money upon retirement.

Looking for a good home remedy for cold sores? While you will hear about all types and kinds of a home remedy for cold sores, there are a few that have been shown to work. For anyone who has suffered with a cold sore you know how painful it can be. And since they will typically last from 10-14 days, finding relief becomes a priority. Give one of these tips a try the next time you, or someone you know, develops a cold sore.

Ice - When you start to feel a cold sore coming on, take an ice cube and wrap it in a thin cloth. Apply it on the spot where your sore is starting to hurt and keep it there for as long as possible. Continue to do this 3-4 times a day. What the ice will do is deaden the blister that is trying to appear. This method will work if you begin doing the moment you start feeling a cold sore is coming on. If you wait until it already has appeared, it's too late.

Aloe Vera - This home remedy for cold sores will work if you your cold sore does blister on you. Take a leaf from an aloe vera plant and rub the liquid from it onto your cold sore blister. It may sound strange, but it gives results. Do this a few times a day and at night. Within a day or two your cold sore will be gone. I know people who will grow aloe plants in their home just for this very reason.

Vitamin B - Taking vitamin B supplements has been shown to help get rid of a cold sore. Vitamin B-12 works especially well.

Tea Tree Oil - Many people say this is the best home remedy for cold sores. This is a drink that contains tea tree oil, herbal sage, and violet. These ingredients are mixed together with a couple sage leaves and ginger powder, and put in with a cup of boiling water. Drink this 2-3 times a day and within a couple of days your cold sore will be gone.

Coconut Oil - Take 100ml of coconut oil, 2ml of dettol, and 3ml or carbolic acid and mix them together. Apply twice daily directly on your cold sore. Some people say this formula also works on boils and mosquito bites.

Other Home Remedy For Cold Sores - Witch hazel, spirit of camphor and lemon balm extract are said to work.

There are also some foods that you do not want to eat when experiencing a cold sore. These foods will only make the problem worse. Avoid eating chocolate, oatmeal, seeds, peas, nuts, and any wheat products. Why? Because arginine is in these foods and they are a cold sores friend. Other salty foods, and even coffee can cause a cold sore to linger.

The next time you feel a cold sore coming on, give one of these tips a try and see if it doesn't give you the relief you're looking for. Finally, a good home remedy for cold sores.

Are you one of the millions who who are suffering with a canker sore? Then you know firsthand what a painful feeling it is. You may be asking yourself, is there any kind of a canker sore cure available? What can I do to prevent them in the first place? Here's a quick Q & A to get all your questions answered.

What Is A Canker Sore?

A canker sore is only found on the inside of your mouth, lip, or cheek. Occasionally it may pop up on the outside of gums, but this is rare. It is red in color and will have a white covering. Don't confuse it with a fever blister or cold sore, which is on the outside of your lips. Unlike a cold sore, which is a virus, this type of sore is strictly a bacterial infection.

Who is most prone to getting them? Teenagers and women in their 20's are more likely to have them than any other group. Doctors are unsure on the reasons a canker sores come about, but it is believed they are mainly caused from stress, poor eating habits, and even women's menstrual cycles.

What Do You Do If You Find Yourself With A Canker Sore?

The sores will usually go away on their own in less than a week without any kind of treatment. Of course, during this time it can be painful when eating, drinking, or brushing your teeth. It seems like when anything touches one, the pain can send you through the roof. If the pain is really beginning to bother you, you can apply over the counter medicines to it such as Oragel, Anbesol, or a number of other brands of canker sore cures. In addition, there are a number of wonderful all natural cures. Some people say that taking several Vitamin-C tablets, or Zinc tablets, is a canker sore cure, but this is not scientific fact.

Do I Need To See A Doctor For A Canker Sore?

The short answer is no. Unless it lasts more than 14 days, or it becomes difficult to eat or swallow, there really isn't a reason to go to the doctors office. If for some reason you develop a fever or feel ill because of it, then you should also see a doctor.

What Medicine Works For A Canker Sore?

There are some prescription medications available that your doctor can prescribe in helping to sooth the pain. Medicines such as Peridex, Aphthasol, and Tetracycline can help. In any event, if it becomes too painful, or just won't heal, speak with your doctor about prescribing you some relief.

How Can I Prevent Canker Sores?

As mentioned above, nothing has been developed to prevent a canker sore from forming. There are a few tips to help as much as possible though. Avoid toothpastes with SLS (Sodium Lauryl Sulfate). Floss your teeth. Add lots of water to your daily diet. Only eat spicy foods on an occasional basis. Chewing gum can help also. While there may be no canker sore cure, you can do a few things to prevent them from coming back.

Getting a cold sore can be a most unpleasant experience. And if you are one of the over 60 million people who develop a cold sore each and every year, you already know that. Why do people get a cold sore, and what can be done when a cold sore appears? Here is a quick cold sore Q & A to give you some answers to these questions and many others.

What Causes A Cold Sore?

There are many reasons why you can get a cold sore. One of the biggest ones is due to stress. If you are going through a very stressful time in your life, your chances of getting a cold sore are greatly increased. Why? Because your immunity is low due to the stress. Being out in to much sunlight can be a big cause. Other triggers include illness, fevers, and believe it or not, even eating too much chocolate can cause a cold sore to break out.

Is A Cold Sore Contagious?

Cold sores are extremely contagious. You should avoid kissing anyone when you have a cold sore. You will also want to avoid sharing glasses, utensils, toothbrushes, and towels.

How Long Do Cold Sores Last?

While there is no set length of time, cold sores can last up to 2 weeks. If you can start treating it very early in the beginning you may be able to reduce the length of time significantly. In many cases it can be only 3-5 days in duration. The key is treating it as soon as you notice something is not right and you start noticing some discomfort.

What Is The Difference Between A Canker Sore And A Cold Sore?

A canker sore appears on the inside of your mouth or gums and is caused by bacteria. A cold sore is caused by a virus and will most likely always appear on the outside of your mouth. There are rare times when a cold sore will form on the roof of your mouth.

Is There Anything That Will Get Rid Of A Cold Sore?

While there is no cure to ever preventing a cold sore from forming, there are products available that will dramatically help reduce the pain and help heal the cold sore much faster. Many times you can be healed in as little as 4-5 days. (You can go to our website for more details.) You can also purchase medication from any pharmacy with a doctors prescription. Most of the over the counter products may help in a small way, but unfortunately, many are simply ineffective.

Nail fungus is unsightly, difficult to treat and difficult to prevent.

This frustrates many people and leads them to taking the toxic drug Lamisil.

Learn what causes nail fungus:

* Trauma: when a nail is hit against something, the nail lifts from the nail bed allowing fungus to creep under the nail and set in. If the nail is protected immediately after, fungus may be prevented. Ask your doctor how to prevent bacteria and fungus from getting under your nail bed. Salt water soaks, hydrogen peroxide, betadine, gentian violet all may help. However, be careful as these can be contraindicated with certain types of trauma - especially severe trauma. Ask your doctor.

* Environment: when a nail is exposed to wet areas, high humidity, warm temperatures, or alkaline environment [high pH], this sets up the opportune spot for fungus to set in. Create a dry, breathable and acidic environment. Vegetarians are more prone to fungus as their diet is highly alkaline. Soap is alkaline forming but it is also anti-bacterial so what to do there? Skin is supposed to be slightly acidic so use moisturizers that promote that. Moor mud moisturizers provide an acidic pH. Use all cotton or all wool socks as these breathe well. Avoid synthetic socks which do not wick water away from your feet.

* Weak immune function: if the immune system is not functioning strongly, it cannot fight local infections such as fungus. Support the immune system with proper diet, rest, exercise and supplements.

* Poor blood circulation: without proper blood flow to an area, the immune system cannot get there. Then fungus can set it. Also poor blood flow leads to poor nail nutrition allowing the nail bed to be traumatized more easily - trauma may lead to nail fungus. Exercise, dress appropriately and consider contrast showers. They warm you up and increase circulation.

These are some of the major causes of nail fungus. Read our other articles explaining how to treat nail fungus naturally.

Home Health Care Nursing Information and Overview

Home health care is allowing the patient and their family to maintain dignity and independence. According to the National Association for Home Care, there are more than 7 million individuals in the United States in need of home health care nurse services because of acute illness, long term health problems, permanent disability or terminal illness.

Home Health Care Basics

Nurses practice in a number of venues: Hospital settings, nursing homes, assisted living centers, and home health care. Home health care nursing is a growing phenomenon as more patients and their families desire to receive care in their homes. The history of home health care stems from Public Health Nursing where public health nurses made home visits to promote health education and provide treatment as part of community outreach programs. Today academic programs train nurses in home care and agencies place home health care nurses with ailing individuals and their families depending on the nurse's experience and qualifications. In many cases there is a shared relationship between the agency and the academic institution.

Many changes have taken place in the area of home health care. These include Medicare and Medicaid, and Long Term Care insurance reimbursement and documentation. It is important for the nurse and nursing agency to be aware of the many factors involved for these rules and regulations resulting from these organizations. Population and demographic changes are taking place as well. Baby boomers approaching retirement and will present new challenges for the home health care industry. Technology and medical care in hospitals has lead to shorter inpatient stay and more at-home rehabilitation. Increases in medical outpatient procedures are also taking place with follow-up home care. This has resulted in the decrease of mortality rate from these technologies and medical care has lead to increases in morbidity and chronic illness that makes the need for home health care nursing a greater priority.

Home Health Care Nurse Job Description

Through an array of skills and experience, home health care nurses specialize in a wide range of treatments; emotional support, education of patients who are recovering from illnesses and injury for young children and adults, to women who have experienced recent childbirth, to the elderly who need palliative care for chronic illness.

A practicing nurse must have the skills to provide care in a unique setting such as someone's home. The nurse is working with the patient and the family and must understand the communication skills for such dynamics. Rapport is evident in all nursing positions, but working in a patient's own living space needs a different level of skill and understanding. There is autonomous decision making as the nurse is no longer working as a team with other nurses in a structured environment, but is now as a member of the "family" team. The host family has cultural values that are important and are different for every patient and must be treated with extreme sensitivity. Other skills include critical thinking, coordination, assessment, communication, and documentation.

Home health care nurses also specialize in the care of children with disabilities that requires additional skills such as patience and understanding of the needs of the family. Children are living with disabilities today that would have resulted in mortality just twenty years ago. Genetic disorders, congenital physical impairments, and injury are just a few. Many families are familiar with managing the needs of the child, but still need expert care that only a home health care nurse can provide. It is important that a home health care nurse is aware of the expertise of the family about the child's condition for proper care of the child. There are many complexities involved, but most important, a positive attitude and positive reinforcement is of utmost importance for the development of the child.

Medication coordination between the home health care nurse, doctor, and pharmacist, ensures proper management of the exact science behind giving the patient the correct dose, time of administration, and combinations. Home health care nurses should be familiar with pharmacology and taught in training about different medications used by patients in the clinical setting.

Many advanced practicing nurses are familiar with medication regiments. They have completed graduate level programs. Home health care agencies believe that a nurse should have at least one year of clinical experience before entering home health care. Advanced practicing nurses can expedite that training by helping new nurses understand the home health care market and teaching.

Employment and Salary

According to the United States Department of Labor, there were 2.4 million nurses in America, the largest healthcare occupation, yet many academic and hospital organizations believe there is a gross shortage in nursing staff. The shortage of nurses was 6% in 2000 and is expected to be 10% in 2010. The average salary for hospital nursing is $53,450 with 3 out of 5 nursing jobs are in the hospital. For home health care, the salary is $49,000. For nursing care facilities, they were the lowest at $48,200.

Training and continuing education

Most home health care nurses gain their education through accredited nursing schools throughout the country with an associate degree in nursing (ADN), a Bachelor of Science degree in nursing (BSN), or a master's degree in nursing (MSN). According to the United States Department of Labor, in 2004 there were 674 BSN nursing programs, 846 ADN programs. Also, in 2004, there were 417 master's degree programs, 93 doctoral programs, and 46 joint BSN-doctoral programs. The associate degree program takes 2 to 3 years to complete, while bachelors degrees take 4 years to complete. Nurses can also earn specialized professional certificates online in Geriatric Care or Life Care Planning.

In addition, for those nurses who choose to pursue advancement into administrative positions or research, consulting, and teaching, a bachelor's degree is often essential. A bachelor's degree is also important for becoming a clinical nurse specialist, nurse anesthetists, nurse midwives, and nurse practitioners (U.S. Department of Labor, 2004).

All home health care nurses have supervised clinical experience during their training, but as stated earlier advanced practicing nurses hold master's degrees and unlike bachelor and associate degrees, they have a minimum of two years of post clinical experience. Course work includes anatomy, physiology, chemistry, microbiology, nutrition, psychology, and behavioral sciences and liberal arts. Many of these programs have training in nursing homes, public health departments, home health agencies, and ambulatory clinics. (U.S. Dep. of Labor, 2004).

Whether a nurse is training in a hospital, nursing facility, or home care, continuing education is necessary. Health care is changing rapidly and staying abreast with the latest developments enhances patient care and health procedures. Universities, continuing education programs, and internet sites, all offer continuing education. One such organization that provides continuing education is the American Nurses Association (ANA) or through the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC).

I love the start of a new year. It brings to mind that the possibilities are endless, and for many of us, it's a great time to start something new or different in our lives.

I'd be a rich person if I had a nickel for everyone out there who has decided to open a new in-home care agency, open a professional geriatric care management practice, or start some sort of elder care business. (I get a call or email about this at least 3 times per week consistently!)

What I know for sure is that there is plenty of business to go around. As we live longer, as our parents and grandparents live longer, we create an unlimited opportunity and need for senior related services.

The key is to create an appropriate and realistic business and marketing plan that generates clients and results. The key to the senior market, is not surprisingly, their adult children.

If you have been in the senior market for any amount of time, you know that families often contact senior service providers when they are in crisis due to an acute illness or other event that signals the need for services and support.

So whether you are just starting a new senior/elder care business, or already own one- think about marketing to more than just seniors. Your target audience may be a little younger than you imagine!

Consider some of the other things we have talked about over the last few months:

• Issues related to senior living options, senior care options, and financial issues that affect seniors require education, so educate your prospects.

• Advertising with vanity ads and the "same old thing" is "OUT", and offering information in the form of a free report, CD, seminar, or consultation is "IN".

• Directing messages to baby-boomers who HAVE aging parents is key. Finding them is not as easy as buying a "list".

• Understanding financial options for seniors is a MUST for all senior service providers. It's impossible to offer good advice to a family if you aren't up on the latest programs and strategies.

• Networking is possibly the most effective and least costly form of advertising and marketing. You should attend only the networking events that make sense for your business. Pick 2-3 key groups and stick with them. (But try as many as you can, it never hurts to check out a new group!)

• Finally, when you are budgeting for your marketing, budget for consistency and frequency, not the big bang. This market does not work like that.

o The reality is that you must touch a consumer 6-10 times- either through print, radio, or TV, in order to get a response. o Running a radio ad 4 times and pulling the ad because you didn't get a phone call is not the way to execute a marketing strategy.

o This is a sensitive subject for many (long-term care needs), so in short order you must articulate your message, interrupt your target (ie get their attention), engage them, educate them, and then make an offer.

o Offering something for free- your time, your printed report, your audio CD, etc, will get the most response. Some people like to remain anonymous...so let them, but engage them.

Finally, this is a very good year to live your dream, be an entrepreneur, and serve the greatest generation of all time. Take a realistic, slow but steady and consistent course of action, and you will succeed! We need more senior service providers who really know their stuff. We need senior service providers who are educated, efficient, and trustworthy. Best wishes for continued success in 2008!

Stem cells can be found in multiple locations within our body. Research has discovered the potential life saving importance of these cells, and are currently using them for treatment in a number of diseases. This article is to help the reader understand the two types of stem cells, where they come from and what diseases are currently being treated using the research and data collected from stem cell study.

Adult Stem Cells - these are cells considered undifferential, and are specialized, such as heart muscle, skin, and neuron cells. They are found within bone marrow, in cord blood, and in the circulatory blood system. These cells can renew and give rise to their own specific cell type (i.e. new muscle cells, new skin cells, etc.)

Embryonic Stem Cells - come directly from the cord blood of a newborn. These stem cells can give rise to nearly every cell within the body, and research has shown that they are long lasting and self-sustaining. The three known cells that can mature from the umbilical cord are white and red blood cells, and plasma.

The embryonic stem cells are unique to a child and their family, and are currently used in the treatment of multiple illnesses and diseases to replenish blood and bolster the immune system after treatments such as chemotherapy and radiation. However, these unique stem cells may be given to another family, or individual, even if the type of blood is not a perfect match. This opens the door for treatment to many families, when an immediate member cannot.

Rich in stem cells, the umbilical cord blood holds great promise, since the cells are not yet developed and specialized, thus having the ability to give rise to cells immediately needed in the body. But, much study and research needs to be done to understand these cells. Many questions are yet unanswered, such as what triggers the stem cell to become a specific cell (such as white or red blood cell)? Can it be controlled? How can they sustain and renew themselves?

Although once discarded as normal procedure during birth, the umbilical cord blood is now being considered a treasure among waste. Already 45 different diseases and disorders are being treated using stem cells, with great potential for more as researchers delve into this precious source of embryo blood.

Currently, the bulk of the patients come to India for transvaginal tape from neighboring countries such as Bangladesh, Pakistan, other Asian countries, Africa and the Middle East. In many cases, the driver for cross border care is a question of quality of care than cost itself. The quality of care that India provides is simply not available in some of the neighboring countries. The second segment is the segment of patients sponsored by the governments in their respective countries such as Middle East and Africa. For those governments, it is relatively a cost-effective option compared to Europe or the US. Private patients (not sponsored) from these countries look at our country as value for money option vis a vis Europe and US. The market segment that the healthcare industry is targeting is the patient population from Europe and the US. There are several patients residing in UK and US, who are already using the services of hospitals in India for transvaginal tape, when they are on vacation etc.

It is a minimally invasive procedure for women who suffer from stress urinary incontinence (involuntary leakage of urine when coughing, sneezing, laughing, jumping, walking, sitting, or standing). In this, the urinary bladder and urethra are repaired, strengthened and returned to its original position in the pelvis. If you are a woman suffering from stress urinary incontinence and do not plan on getting pregnant any more, then you are an ideal candidate for this surgery. It is a minimally invasive procedure to treat stress urinary incontinence in women. Its procedure may take about 30 - 40 minutes and is usually performed under local anesthesia with sedation. A mesh tape is inserted through a small incision in the vagina and is positioned underneath the urethra. It is then pulled up through two tiny incisions in the skin's surface just above the pubic area. As it passes through several pelvic tissue layers, the friction of underlying tissues holds the tape in place like Velcro. Over time your body tissues will grow into the mesh and will permanently secure it. The surgeon will ask you to cough so that any necessary adjustments can be made right then and there. At the end of the procedure tape will be trimmed just under the skin's surface and the tiny incisions will be closed.

Benefits
In addition to the medical benefit from it, you will also experience a profound effect on the emotional well-being. The offensiveness from stress urinary incontinence can result in social alienation, ostrasization and immense emotional trauma. It can help you once again become part of the mainstream population and you will be able to socialize with confidence and without any fear of rejection.

Risks

Transient Vesicoureteral reflux and spasm of urinary bladder
Recurrence of problem
Urethral / Ureteral Stricture
Infection
Excessive bleeding
Injury to other organs e.g. ureter, urinary bladder
Thrombo-embolism

The countries do have an increasing population and the healthcare systems are on the verge of collapse. Even though it is economically viable for some of the governments to officially bless shipping of patients abroad, it is the political viability of such a decision that may need to be worked on. We may want to recognize that a strategy which works for attracting patients from Bangladesh or Britain etc, since the expectations and drivers are different. The industry think tank may want to recognize the diversity in the medical tourism patient population and devise niche strategies to tap into each of the segments. The Indian healthcare industry needs to examine the factors that have made these medical tourism destinations popular in India for transvaginal tape.

Parents who have an infant keep a diaper bag packed at all times. Parents of a child diagnosed with a chronic condition or newly diagnosed acute illness need to be equally prepared. Here are five things to keep packed in a tote for easy grabbing for that emergency room visit or unexpected hospital admission.

1. Keep a list of current medications and current medical history in your bag. When you are flustered in an emergency situation, you can easily forget to mention an important piece of information about your child, especially if your child is on chemotherapy or other intermittent medication. Write it down.

2. Keep a change purse with a roll of quarters and a few singles zipped into your tote bag. Emergencies tend to happen when you are low on cash in the wallet. A change purse with at least vending machine money will keep you prepared for that unexpected hospital admission.

3. Keep a sweater or sweatshirt for yourself. Hospitals are always cooler than you expect and nerves will make you shiver. It is the little things that make a difference and being comfortable eases your stress level.

4. Keep a favorite comfort stuffed toy or blanket for your child, a book, or other item that helps to distract your child during painful procedures like blood draws and exams. Keep an extra dose of Tylenol or other as needed medications your child may need on an intermittent basis. Children who need anti- nausea medications or seizure medications may need a dose if travel has lasted longer than expected or some other unforeseen circumstance occurs. Keep those medicines in a childproof container in your bag.

5. Keep a notebook with emergency phone numbers, notes from previous admissions, or any other information you may not always recall immediately. The notes you have made may make a difference in the immediate care of your child in an emergency.

Parents who have a small tote bag packed with these items can survive until family can bring other belongings for that unexpected hospital stay. Have the bag in the car to easily grab if and when it may be needed.

TUR bladder tumor in India indicates that thousands of medical tourists are coming here just because they believe that it has the best medical infrastructure as compared to other western countries but, at an affordable cost. With a large pool of highly trained doctors and low treatment cost, healthcare aims to replicate the Indian software sector's success built on acres of land the new sleek medical centers of excellence offer developed world treatment at developing world prices. A number of private hospitals also offer packages designed to attract wealthy foreign patients, with airport-to-hospital bed car service, in-room Internet access and private chefs.

Another trend is to combine surgery in India with a yoga holiday or trip to the world famous Taj Mahal. India's tourism industry is thriving due to an increase in foreign tourist's arrivals and greater than before travel by Indians to domestic and abroad destinations. The visitors are pouring in from all over the world: Europe, Africa, Southeast Asia and Australia. At the same time, the number of Indians traveling has also increased. Our country is probably the only country that offers various categories of tourism. These include history tourism, adventure tourism, medical tourism, spiritual tourism, beach tourism etc. Being an ancient country, it is a country of monuments. Just like the number, the variety is also varied in every sense. All in all these monuments spell the true colors of India and carry its very essence.

TUR bladder tumor is removal or resection of the urinary bladder tumor with the help of an endoscopic cutting device that is inserted into your urinary bladder via your urethra. If you have a cancerous or non-cancerous growth of the urinary bladder, that is small and is confined to the urinary bladder and has not spread to the surrounding structures, then you are an ideal candidate for it. It is performed under general anesthesia or spinal block with sedation. A cystoscope is inserted via the urethra up into the bladder. The bladder is filled with fluid so that it is easily visualized from inside. The prostate gland is examined; a surgical loop is inserted through the cystoscope to remove the portion of the enlarged prostate. A catheter is left in the bladder to allow for urine to flow easily for several days after the procedure. The entire procedure may take about one hour.

Benefits
It is considered to be a minimally invasive procedure and can be a treatment of choice for patients who are at high medical risk for anesthesia or a major operation such as radical cystectomy. This method of treatment has reduced risk of damage to the nerve bundles during the surgery resulting in incontinence or impotence neither should it effect in your sex drive.

Risks
- Infection (Urinary tract infection)
- Excessive bleeding
- Blood clots in urine
- Perforation of urethra or urinary bladder
- Incontinence (rare)
- Impotence (rare)
- Infertility (rare)

A recent trend has shown that people from developed countries are seeking TUR bladder tumor in India from the health professionals. This preferential shift is broadly termed as 'Medical Tourism'. The most important reason is the rising cost of medical care in developed countries. One wonders why people travel all the way to India, leaving behind the comfort of their superior technology. Well, it's the cost factor that is six to ten times less in the countries where these health tourists decide to go. In other places, such as USA, where people are covered under medical insurance, the cost of treatment is so high that the insurance companies charge a high premium from the insurance seeker.

According to a report, 40 million Americans do not have health insurance. Apart from this, private healthcare is too costly. Currently, medical tourists are traveling in large numbers to India. The country offers numerous options for tourism, sightseeing, shopping and exploration. Although these countries are currently the most popular choices for medical tourism, the industry is growing so rapidly that it is offering greater choice in healthcare tourism. It is expected that the destinations for TUR bladder tumor in India will grow with each passing day.