How Does PCOS Affect Fertility?

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Posted by RobynNazarRN on May 2, 2013 at 2:15 pm

Can you get pregnant with PCOS? Does PCOS decrease your fertility? What are the treatment options for PCOS?

Dr. Norbert Gleicher, infertility expert at the Center For Human Reproduction, New York, discusses Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) and its effect on infertility. He also answers these common questions listed above, which are often asked by women, with PCOS, who are trying to conceive.

To see more educational videos about infertility issues and treatment options, visit the CHR Youtube channel.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Is massage therapy dangerous in the treatment of cancer associated pain?

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Posted by RobynNazarRN on January 10, 2013 at 10:02 am

There is a common misunderstanding that the use of massage therapy to treat cancer pain is dangerous, as, it could cause cancer to spread.

Massage therapy is one of the most common alternative therapies offered to patients in a clinical setting to help relieve the pain associated with cancer. Massage is often used in conjunction with other pharmacological and non-pharmacological pain treatments, such as these listed by this pain clinic in Minnesota.

Massage use in the clinical setting has been associated with relieving pain, encouraging relaxation and reducing anxiety. Massage carries out a manipulation of the soft tissues of the body, which produces effects on the vascular, muscular and nervous system. However, massage therapy contraindications for cancer have been raised as it was suggested that the massaging of the soft tissues of the body could help spread the cancer through the circulatory and lymphatic systems.

Many studies have proven that the stimulation of these systems, via massage, is no more than what would be caused by gentle daily exercise. However message directly over the tissue of a tumor is not recommended due to associated localized pain.

Although not contraindicated for cancer treatment, research suggests that in some cases of cancer, massage technique should be adjusted, for example, in patients with coagulation disorders. Deep tissue muscle massage should be replaced by a lighter tissue massage, as not to influence the development of DVT’s, hematomas and superficial bruising.

Massage for relief of cancer pain, is rarely used alone to treat cancer pain; however with other pain relieving therapies it is considered an effective and safe practice.  Although like any treatment, it is not risk free, there are very few reports of patients suffering adverse effects secondary to massage therapy for cancer pain. Also, unlike pharmacological treatment for cancer pain, massage therapy does not carry the side effects of nausea and constipation.

Some precautions need to be taken when providing massage therapy to a cancer patient, however treatment is not considered high risk or dangerous.

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What You Need to Know about High FSH

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Posted by RobynNazarRN on February 29, 2012 at 11:47 am

The follicle stimulating hormone, or FSH hormone, is on of the most commonly used markers for female fertility. The higher the FSH hormone above normal ranges, the harder time a woman may have becoming pregnant. However, having high FSH doesn’t necessarily designate infertility which is why proper diagnoses and treatment from an expert in fertility is crucial.

 

What is FSH?

FSH is a hormone which is secreted by the pituitary gland, located inside the brain. This hormone stimulates estrogen and progesterone during the female reproductive cycle and is essential for maturing an egg from its dormant state to a mature state (ovulation).

 

What does high FSH mean?

The amount of FSH that a woman is expected to have increases based on age. However,  a high FSH level for any given age indicates a low ovarian reserve.  In other words, it is likely that there are not many eggs available for reproductive use and the chances for infertility are greater than women with normal FSH levels.

 

Treatment for High FSH Hormone Levels

While there is no set “treatment” for high FSH hormone levels, there are many options for women to try. In vitro fertilization, DHEA supplements, or egg donation may be viable options for women with elevated levels of FSH hormone. Click on the video below to hear experts talk about treating women with High FSH hormone levels.

 

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Are EMR Technology Systems Safe?

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Posted by RobynNazarRN on November 15, 2011 at 11:18 am

A recent report released by The Institute of Medicine has raised serious questions about the safety of some EMR technology systems.

 

EMR technology, or electronic medical record technology has becoming an increasingly essential part of today’s healthcare environment. Hospitals, medical offices, and other healthcare providers are finding that the addition of an EMR system to their practices can offer cost-savings, speed, efficiency, and (when used appropriately) even an added layer of safety for their patients.

 

As a result, the demand for such EMR technology has greatly increased in recent years, putting pressure on EMR developers to increase their supply and provide cutting-edge additions to their software programs. Furthermore, government programs such as Meaningful Use Stage 1, which provide financial incentives to companies who use certified EMR technology systems, have only heighten the pressure on meaningful use stage manufacturers.

 

As a result, The Institute of Medicine warns, some EMR systems have been built hastily and poorly and may actually lead to an increase in errors in the medical system.

 

“Designed and applied inappropriately, health IT can add an additional layer of complexity to the already complex delivery of health care, which can lead to unintended adverse consequences, for example dosing errors, failing to detect fatal illnesses and delaying treatment due to poor human-computer interactions or loss of data,” reads the report submitted by the federal agency.

 

The institute recommends that an independent review board be formed in order to evaluate EMR technology vendors as well as to track and report safety problems related to healthcare IT products.

 

Until these mechanisms go into action, healthcare providers who are considering purchasing EMR systems could benefit from EMR reviews made by other users.

 

Posted in: Healthcare IT

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Attorney Website Design Featured at November ABA Conference

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Posted by RobynNazarRN on November 4, 2011 at 9:58 am

By Amanda Rahi

The internet is changing everything and in order to stay ahead in the game, we have to make sure we are making the most out of our attorney website design and internet marketing strategies.

“My talks tend to be funny, (some have said bordering on hysterical) engaging, and inspiring”

Peter Shankman, one of the keynote speakers at the upcoming ABA Law Firm Marketing Strategies Conference will talk about how to keep up with these changes and how use to the internet and social media to enhance your reputation and get more referrals.

Founder of Help A Reporter Out and Founder of The Geek Factory, Inc. New York City, New York, Shankman is known for “redefining the art of networking”. Shankman is also known for his sense of humor that has succeeded in entertaining his audiences at multi-national organizations.

“My talks tend to be funny, (some have said bordering on hysterical) engaging, and inspiring,” announces Shankman on his website. He is the second keynote speaker at the ABA Conference held on November 8th and 9th, 2011 at the Four Seasons Hotel in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

As a participant at the conference you will gain insight on how to best take advantage of your legal website design, social media, and internet marketing strategies.

Registration is still open for this event. Visit www.lawpractice.org/marketingconference to register.

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How Does High FSH Affect Fertility?

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Posted by RobynNazarRN on August 31, 2011 at 4:35 pm

High FSH is a condition in which a woman has abnormally elevated levels of follicle-stimulaing hormone. This condition is usually result of premature menopause or poor ovarian reserve which leaves a woman less likely to be able to become pregnant.

FHS is a hormone that is used to help mature and prepare eggs prior to ovulation. The pituitary gland typically releases a small amount each month for this process to occur. However, in women with poor ovarian reserve (such as a women trying for pregnancy at 45) or premature menopause, this hormone production is uncontrolled leading to high levels of FSH.

It is important to note that high FSH is a symptom, not the disease itself. Treatments include DHEA and other hormones which will help improve the overall ovarian function.

Dr. Norber Gleicher, New York’s best infertility doctor, explains in the video below how FSH affects fertility and IVF and how treatments can help patients realize their dream of a pregnancy.

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Are There Government Incentives For Solar Electricity?

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Posted by RobynNazarRN on June 24, 2011 at 6:49 pm

Yes! In 2005 President George W. Bush passed the Energy Policy Act which offers financial incentives to Americans to use more energy-efficient technology such as electric cars, small-wind turbines, and solar electricity.

According to the Department of Energy’s website, consumers who install solar energy systems in their houses can receive a 30% tax credit. This means the government will credit your taxes a third of the cost of the installation.

However, this tax break is only good for systems installed before December 31, 2016. It can be used on installation of solar panels for your primary residence, but secondary residences and rentals do not apply

Certain states may also have additional incentives for consumers installing energy-efficient solar electricity units. For example, in California that California Solar Initiative offers state residents rebates for those installing new San Diego solar energy units such as solar panels on existing homes. The amount of the rebate depends on type of solar panels, family income, location, etc.

How to Apply

In order to qualify for the 2011 solar panel tax incentive you will need to fill out the “2011 Form 5695” which includes the 1040 form. The residential energy tax credit claim can be made on line 52 of the 1040. You will also need to save your Manufacturer’s Certification Statement along with receipts of payment for your records.

For more information about solar electric San Diego call Go Solaire at 1-800-847-7751.

Further reading: Solar Energy: End to Incentives Will Harm Progress

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Does a Heart Attack Cause Permanent Damage?

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Posted by RobynNazarRN on June 10, 2011 at 10:59 am

If you’re lucky enough to survive a heart attack is your life still at risk? The answer is yes. Although, many people don’t realize it but even after the immediate danger of a heart attack has passed you are not totally in the clear. Cardiologists Panama City FL and other cardiac specialist will help manage this damage after the heart attack has occurred.

When a heart attack occurs the blood flow to the coronary arteries, or the arteries that supply blood to the heart, are partially or totally occluded. When this occurs the heart muscle is deprived of essential oxygen and nutrients needed to keep the cells alive. This leads to cellular death of the cardiac tissue. The extend of damage to the heart muscle depends on the severity and length of the occlusion – however this damaged area can never be repaired. Several different complications resulting from this damage heart muscle include:

  • Shock
  • Heart failure
  • Heart rupture
  • Heart valve damage
  • Irregular heart beats
  • Blood clots
  • Inflammation of the heart

Currently there is no way to reverse this type of damage done to the heart. Therapies include increasing blood flow to the damage tissue and management of conditions resulting from the heart attack. Cardiovascular Institute is a group of Cardiologist Panama City FL which strive to help patients achieve maximum heart function after a heart attack.

Researchers are currently working on ways to reverse the damage done to the heart by using stem-cell therapy. In fact, the British Heart Foundation announced this week that they have discovered stem-like cells on the surface of that heart that can be activated to repair heart damage. Although this therapy is likely a long way off from clinical use there is hope that one day cardiologists will be able help their patients avoid long-term damage from heart attacks.

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Is the TAVI Heart Valve Replacement Procedure FDA Approved?

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Posted by RobynNazarRN on June 2, 2011 at 3:06 pm

The TAVI heart valve replacement surgery procedure has not yet been approved by the FDA. The procedure, which stands for transcatheter aortic valve implantation is a minimally invasive valve surgery which treats aortic stenosis.

The TAVI was created in Europe back in 2002 and began being used in clinical practice in 2007. Since then it has been implemented in more than 35 countries and performed in more than 12,000 patients. So far the procedure has proven itself to be a very safe and effective alternative to traditional open heart sugery.

In the United States, however, the minimally invasive valve surgery procedure is still being investigated in several clinical trials. One study, called the PARTNER study reported positive results as of December 2010 leading experts to believe that FDA approval could come as early as late 2011.

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Male Infertility: What are the Most Common Causes?

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Posted by RobynNazarRN on May 24, 2011 at 12:44 pm

Did you know that 15 percent of all couples struggle with infertility and that a third of these cases are due to male infertility factors? If you or partner have been having unprotected intercourse for more than one year (or more than 6 months if you are over the age of 35) than you may consider seeing a fertility specialist to determine whether or not there is something to be concerned about. Here are the most common reason for male infertility.

  1. Varicocele – Varicoceles are enlarged veins inside the scrotum accounting for 40% or more of all male infertily cases. This enlargement is caused by a malfunction in the valves inside the veins which control blood flow. When the valves fail to work properly, the blood backs up in the scrotum leading to discomfort, swelling, and increased temperature in the testicles. If the testicles become too warm this can hinder sperm production causing low semen volume, or low sperm count.
  2. Age – Although many women are aware of their biological “reproductive clock” many men are not. However, the reproductive potential of a man is affected by his age as well. The older the man is, the more likely he will have difficulty with the quantity and quality of his sperm. If there is not enough sperm, or they are not able to move quickly and efficiently (in a straight line) then he may have trouble producing offspring.
  3. Sexually Transmitted Infection (STIs or STDs) – The contraction of chlamydia or gonorrhea STI can cause scarring and damage inside the sperm passage way, blocking their ability to exit.
  4. Lifestyle Choices – Stress, substance abuse, smoking, bicycling, or activities that overheat the testicles can all have an impact on male infertility. They may impact the way that hormones are regulated, quality of sperm produced, or cause a low semen count.
  5. Medical Conditions – Certain medical conditions can affect male infertility. This can include, but is not limited to, genetic defects, undecended testicles, testosterone deficiency, infections, diabetes, cancer, retrograde ejaculation and medications used to treat certain conditions.

Male Infertility Researchers Discover New Genetic Link

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