MedWorm provides a medical RSS filtering service. Over 6000 RSS medical sources are combined and output via different filters. This feed contains the latest medical blog items that have been tagged with 'back'. Sat, 03 Sep 2011 01:51:52 +0100 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5181805&cid=t_101827_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fback-to-school-tip-your-child-may-need-a-comprehensive-eye-exam%2F2011.08.31 Dori Carlson, O.D. In a recent interview with the president of the American Optometric Association (AOA), Dr. Dori Carlson, I learned the surprising statistic that about 1 in 4 school age children have an undetected or undiagnosed vision problem. School vision screenings, while helpful, still miss more than 75% of these problems. And for those kids who are discovered to have a vision problem during a school screening, upwards of 40% receive no follow up after the diagnosis. Clearly, we need to do better at diagnosing and treating childhood visual deficits. My full conversation with Dr. Carlson can be listened to below: Dr. Carlson told me that the solution involves (more…) (Source: Better Health) Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5181805 Wed, 31 Aug 2011 16:00:24 +0100 5181805 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5182238&cid=t_101827_136_f&fid=39026&url=http%3A%2F%2Fcarolinemfr.blogspot.com%2F2011%2F08%2Fmedical-misadventures.html Yesterday I had such a wonderful day I needed chocolate ice cream at the end of it. Why was it such a wonderful day you ask? Well I am signed up for more medical (mis)adventures. I am so (un)excited. I had an appointment with my back pain doctor, also known as the doctor who prescribes the good drugs. He told me that I looked in good shape, and didn't comment on my high blood pressure reading that concerned the nurses. He told me that I have pain from my facet joints (the little joints along the side of your spine), my right sacroiliac joint (the long joint along the side of your tail bone next to your hip bone), and from greater tronchanteric bursitis in my left hip. All the previous treatments/injections have worn off and I need to start over again. He insisted on squeezing me in on W... Caroline's Breast Cancer Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5182238 Tue, 30 Aug 2011 10:12:00 +0100 5182238 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5174688&cid=t_101827_111_f&fid=38038&url=http%3A%2F%2Fcosmicwatercooler.blogspot.com%2F2011%2F08%2Fbodybuilding-back-muscles.html I'm not going to the really serious professional who sees competition as their goal. By keeping a natural cause and effect, facilitated through both hard and smart work and constant vigilance. Biological bodybuilding provides us with the bodybuilding supplements online and insight to define our goals and the bodybuilding back muscles to achieve. Even beginners to bodybuilding nutrition? These big questions have changed the bodybuilding back muscles. The timing of taking this drink and significant muscle achievement. Let's face it, when it comes to bodybuilding, what works for you and before long you will see continuous improvement in both of them. Don't get me wrong some bodybuilders can be full of energy, disciplined bodybuilders are this strong, but any bodybuilder trains and handles his... Cosmic Watercooler blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5174688 Sun, 28 Aug 2011 18:04:00 +0100 5174688 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5132089&cid=t_101827_10_f&fid=34467&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnnlm.gov%2Fbhic%2F2011%2F08%2F16%2Fback-to-school-usa-gov%2F Back to School is Easier with Help from the Government The start of a new school year is an important time for planning and preparation. For millions of children and teenagers, it’s time to plan new academic schedules and activities. For parents and guardians it’s a good time to plan financial support for school-aged children. There are several programs and resources available for families who qualify for federal assistance, including low cost lunches and affordable health insurance. Find out more from the USA.gov blog: http://1.usa.gov/qcq6Se (Source: BHIC) BHIC blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5132089 Tue, 16 Aug 2011 15:53:46 +0100 5132089 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5130906&cid=t_101827_129_f&fid=27216&url=http%3A%2F%2Flifewithadhd.com%2Fadhd-in-the-classroom%2Fback-to-school-5-step-elementary-school-checklist-for-adhd-children.php With elementary school getting underway I thought it might be a good time to run through a five point checklist to assist parents in helping their young ADHD children get off to a good start, possibly avoiding some common pitfalls down the road. The basic structure for these five suggestions was inspired by writings from ADHD expert Dr. Michael Flannigan. Hopefully you will find them as interesting and helpful as I did. If you have a few minutes why don’t we get started. *Help them get organized. Organization is one of the biggest challenges ADHD children face and is likely to persist well past their elementary school years, even into adulthood. The sooner you start to work with your child in this area the better off they will be in the long-run. If your child is not new to elementar... Life With ADHD blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5130906 Sun, 14 Aug 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5130906 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5125738&cid=t_101827_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fthe-new-meaning-of-the-refrigerator-nurse%2F2011.08.13 Meet Nurse Prudence Perfect. She is the unit’s refrigerator nurse. It’s her job to make sure that everything is perfect and meets Joint Commission standards because you never know when the old JC will drop by for an unannounced visit. Insulin vials labeled and dated? Check. Refrigerator thermometer easily accessible and log up to date? Check. Hey, who put their lunch in here? There is to be no food in medication refrigerator! Prudence is gearing up. Stand by for one of her Joint Commission inservices. For you nursing history buffs, the term “refrigerator nurse” goes way back to a time when Prudence was a graduate nurse. The term was coined back when it only took one paycheck to support a family, and when nurses, typically women, quit working once they got married. A nurse who went... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5125738 Sat, 13 Aug 2011 12:00:50 +0100 5125738 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5107522&cid=t_101827_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fconsumer-reports-promotes-alternative-medicine-with-questionable-research%2F2011.08.07 Ever since I was a teenager, I’ve intermittently read Consumer Reports, relying on it for guidance in all manner of purchase decisions. CR has been known for rigorous testing of all manner of consumer products and the rating of various services, arriving at its rankings through a systematic testing method that, while not necessarily bulletproof, has been far more organized and consistent than most other ranking systems. True, I haven’t always agreed with CR’s rankings of products and services about which I know a lot, but at the very least CR has often made me think about how much of my assessments are based on objective measures and how much on subjective measures. Until now. I just saw something yesterday on the CR website that has made me wonder just how scientific CR’s testing ... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5107522 Sun, 07 Aug 2011 18:00:43 +0100 5107522 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5086268&cid=t_101827_109_f&fid=34859&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.davemsw.com%2Farchives%2F2011%2F08%2Fthe_death_of_amy_winehouse.php Tragically another music icon ends an incredibly creative life at age 27. Besides the uncanny fact that so many (10) incredibly talented musicians who died at 27, there is the other apparent truth that they all had everything their peers could have wanted. They were incredibly successful, had huge fan base, and were selling albums and tickets to concerts galore. What could possibly have gone wrong? Ms. Winehouse said living dangerously generated her creativity, and she was often photographed half-dressed, wild-eyed and disheveled. The English tabloids reported she had suffered brain damage from excessive use of drugs and alcohol." Image via Wikipedia Teresa Wiltz's early 2007 profile of Winehouse foreshadowed the singer's brief career, noting that her song "Rehab," seemed all too poigna... Ψ Dare To Dream... blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5086268 Tue, 02 Aug 2011 00:38:50 +0100 5086268 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5062421&cid=t_101827_131_f&fid=34989&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FGeneticsHealth%2F%7E3%2FIPustJogcOA%2F Can heels cause headaches? Last week, presidential hopeful Michele Bachmann was roundly laughed at for claiming high heels triggered her migraines, but I’m not sure why everyone think it’s so ridiculous. Wearing heels can be bad for us in a number of ways. There are the obvious ones: Blisters, sore feet, ankle pain. But studies have also found women who frequently wore high heels had shorter calf muscles and stiffer, thicker Achilles tendons that women who didn’t (setting them up for serious pain), and that wearing heels can contribute to knee arthritis and nerve damage. It can also drive your spine out of alignment and put muscular tension on your back—both of which can contribute to tension and perhaps other kinds of headaches. Time quoted the executive chairman of the National ... Genetics and Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5062421 Mon, 25 Jul 2011 18:40:18 +0100 5062421 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5057780&cid=t_101827_111_f&fid=38038&url=http%3A%2F%2Fcosmicwatercooler.blogspot.com%2F2011%2F07%2Fbodybuilding-back-exercises.html Every bodybuilder is looking for that secret bodybuilding nutrition supplement drink was ingested prior to and immediately following each intense bodybuilding workout routines on the bodybuilding back exercises to hold water. In fact, bodybuilding would seem to eat the bodybuilding back exercises, yet wholly inadequate for making ongoing natural muscle is a real bodybuilder. Real Bodybuilding takes heart and it wasn't until the bodybuilding back exercises to the bodybuilding back exercises are no miracle supplements or machines that will bring immediate results.Apart from that, keep the above-mentioned bodybuilding fundamentals in mind to find the perfect bodybuilding routine that works for you and before long you will ever meet. Some however can be sometimes off putting and depressing for... Cosmic Watercooler blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5057780 Sat, 23 Jul 2011 22:18:00 +0100 5057780 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5050955&cid=t_101827_129_f&fid=36035&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-chronic-pain%2Fcome-sit-in-my-seat-with-me%2F As most of you who read this blog regularly know, I am plagued by sacroiliac joint pain. I have other problems but today, since I am lying here on a painful behind and have been intensely trying to get out of this current flare, it is on my mind. I thought you might be interested in knowing what life is like in my shoes, my seat and my life right now. It’s been almost three months since I flew to California with my daughter to begin the process of cleaning out my mother-in-law’s house. I don’t fly well…at least without my wings. Even on an airplane I am bottom challenged and find them grossly uncomfortable. Three days after flying home I picked up our 31 pound rough-coated Jack Russell, Annie because she couldn’t get into the car to go to the vet’s. The combination of all of t... Life with Chronic Pain blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5050955 Thu, 21 Jul 2011 20:27:49 +0100 5050955 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5036231&cid=t_101827_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fstudy-investigates-relief-for-chronic-back-pain%2F2011.07.17 This study confirmed what I have known for a long time.  They looked at relaxation massage and structural massage, which focuses on correcting soft-tissue abnormalities.  At 10 weeks they found (more…) *This blog post was originally published at EverythingHealth* (Source: Better Health) Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5036231 Sun, 17 Jul 2011 12:00:00 +0100 5036231 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5028211&cid=t_101827_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdrlindagalloway.files.wordpress.com%2F2011%2F07%2Fbookjpg.jpg A little knowledge is dangerous; especially when it relates to medicine. A recent article in the British newspaper, Daily Mirror discussed a medical study that attempted to prove there was a link between pregnant women’s sleeping positions and stillbirth. The author is of the opinion that the study was small and biased and therefore “there is a serious need for more research before we’re in a strong position to make ¬any recommendations.” Obviously this author has limited knowledge about the cardiovascular system of a pregnant woman. Our organs and tissues require oxygen to function. Without it, they essentially die. Blood from the lower part of our body flows back to the heart where it receives oxygen, compliments of a large blood vessel called the Inferior Vena Cava (IVC). The i... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5028211 Fri, 15 Jul 2011 14:00:04 +0100 5028211 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5008725&cid=t_101827_180_f&fid=38612&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Fpickthebrain%2FLYVv%2F%7E3%2F0li5fdjlUk4%2F With modern technology evolving, an increasing number of jobs involve sitting at a computer for at least 8 hours a day. You may think this makes for an easy life but sitting at a computer for prolonged periods of time can actually cause you to suffer from pains and strains; known as Repetitive Strain Injuries (RSI’s). Along with RSIs; back and neck pain, poor circulation and insomnia can be caused by office jobs. Yoga is becoming an increasingly popular exercise as it’s gentle, and work wonders for office workers who are prone to stress, poor circulation, RSIs and low fitness levels. Another benefit of yoga is that it can easily fit into the busiest of schedules. Just 20 minutes of yoga a day can uplift your mood and reinvigorate your body. The following are common complaints many peop... PickTheBrain | Motivation and Self Improvement blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5008725 Fri, 08 Jul 2011 05:32:02 +0100 5008725 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5008472&cid=t_101827_129_f&fid=36035&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-chronic-pain%2Flife-can-become-very-weird-living-with-chronic-pain%2F I know. You’re thinking life is weird already but let me say, if you’re newly diagnosed, “You ain’t seen nothin’ yet!” If you are one of us who live with connective tissue or rheumatoid disease you may see a certain set of weirdness. If you suffer from back pain or had a previous injury, you’re not excluded, either. It’s amazing what life can do to twist, shape and torment us. If our diseases or injuries don’t do enough in that department then there are always the medications to take up the slack and pile it on. Get your sense of humor ready and if you don’t have one, well, blessings upon you my friend because you’re going to need one. The other day I was fitted for a sacroiliac belt to aid my sacroiliac joints to stay put. All that was missing at the fitting was Scar... Life with Chronic Pain blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5008472 Thu, 07 Jul 2011 20:13:33 +0100 5008472 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5008158&cid=t_101827_87_f&fid=36941&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mazecordblood.com%2Fblog%2F%3Fp%3D1412 sci·at·i·ca –noun 1.  pain and tenderness at some points of the sciatic nerve, usually caused by a prolapsed intervertebral disk; sciatic neuralgia. 2. any painful disorder extending from the hip down the back of the thigh and surrounding area. Unfortunately, sciatica is one of the most painful types of back pain and is common in pregnancy. It usually occurs when the baby shifts or moves and lands on a nerve. Tips to alleviate the pain might include, getting off your feet , if only for a little while, while sitting, raise one leg on a step stool or a pile of books.  You can read more here for other tips and helpful hints to ease the pain of sciatica.   (Source: Cord Blood News) Cord Blood News blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5008158 Wed, 06 Jul 2011 16:45:44 +0100 5008158 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5008384&cid=t_101827_113_f&fid=38494&url=http%3A%2F%2Fcuretogether.com%2Fblog%2F2011%2F07%2F05%2Flower-back-pain-study%2F For the live-updated, interactive version of this infographic, click here. Lower Back Pain is our 12th most popular condition community at CureTogether. 2,398 of you have contributed your experiences with 21 symptoms and 46 different treatments that worked well and didn’t work so well. We are proud to announce the current results of our Lower Back pain study, in the chart above. The top patient-reported treatments for Lower Back pain are: Yoga/stretching, Hot tubs, Hydrocodone, Massage, Aleve, and Improved posture. To navigate the graph above: The top right quadrant shows the most popular and effective treatments, and the top left quadrant shows treatments that not many people have tried but that have above-average effectiveness, so they may be options to think about (e.g. Hot tub,... The Collective Well blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5008384 Tue, 05 Jul 2011 14:49:01 +0100 5008384 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5159031&cid=t_101827_90_f&fid=36413&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.dcscience.net%2F%3Fp%3D4582%26utm_source%3Drss%26utm_medium%3Drss%26utm_campaign%3Dapologists-for-andrew-wakefield-at-southampton-university-a-russell-group-university-teaching-some-dangerous-nonsense Conclusion Electrodermal testing cannot be used to diagnose environmental allergies", published in the BMJ .[download reprint]. In 2003 he published "A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled proving trial of Belladonna 30C” [download reprint] that showed homeopathic pills with no active ingredients had no effects: The conclusion was "”Ultramolecular homeopathy has no observable clinical effects" (the word ultramolecular, in this context, means that the belladonna pills contained no belladonna). In 2010 he again concluded that homeopathic pills were no more than placebos, as described in Despite the spin, Lewith’s paper surely signals the end of homeopathy (again). [download reprint] What i cannot understand is that, despite his own findings, his pri... DC's goodscience blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5159031 Sun, 03 Jul 2011 17:10:30 +0100 5159031 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4960120&cid=t_101827_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2011%2F06%2F22%2Fcan-you-take-someone-to-the-er-for-mental-health-help%2F When I came home from work, she was sitting on the back porch steps, crying. Another friend was sitting next to her, arms draped around her shaking shoulders, trying to understand the words in between her hiccuped sobs. “Is everything okay?” I asked, even though I knew this wasn’t just a normal bout of tears. Julie (not her real name) had been crying the entire day. When I left for work she had been sobbing in the bathroom, and (I learned later) had turned on the shower to muffle the sound of her emotion from the rest of the house so no one would come and check on her. No one knew how long she had stayed like that, melted to the bathroom floor, clutching a towel to her chest, the shower running hot and humid whenever she felt she was getting too loud. It’s possible ... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4960120 Wed, 22 Jun 2011 18:45:24 +0100 4960120 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4953362&cid=t_101827_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2FiSdaty5lPS4%2F Most everyone enjoys the challenge of minimizing their taxes. Drugmakers are no exception. But consider Schering-Plough, which engaged Merrill Lynch nearly 20 years ago to concoct a complicated interest rate swap involving a pair of subsidiaries, but was hit with a $473 million tax bill in 2004 after a federal court decided its gambit was just that - a ploy to evade taxes. Yesterday, a federal appeals court not only upheld that ruling, but chastised the drugmaker - which is now owned by Merck - for offering arguments that were described as disingenuous and for displaying way too much chutzpah. Of course, chutzpah can be a good thing, but overdoing it in arguments before a federal appeals court can invite disdain. Just ask the Merck lawyers. The upshot is that Merck is not entitled to a n... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4953362 Tue, 21 Jun 2011 12:35:57 +0100 4953362 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4893948&cid=t_101827_165_f&fid=37959&url=http%3A%2F%2Fhealthskills.wordpress.com%2F2011%2F06%2F02%2Fcatastrophising-and-pain-ii%2F What are some of the indications that someone tends to catastrophise about their pain? How do we know? Do we have to use a questionnaire? Is it really my job to know about this if I’m not a psychologist – and what do I do about it? These are the kinds of questions that have been posed to me as I’ve explored the topic of catastrophising, and I propose to answer the last question in my next post (sorry to keep stringing you along like this – I think many may know my take on that already!). I work in a wonderful interdisciplinary team setting, in a centre where everyone who attends the Centre gets to complete a set of psychometrically sound questionnaires that all of the team are encouraged to use and interpret, so any of the team can be confident about identifying and... HealthSkills Weblog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4893948 Thu, 02 Jun 2011 08:26:50 +0100 4893948 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4893949&cid=t_101827_165_f&fid=37959&url=http%3A%2F%2Fhealthskills.wordpress.com%2F2011%2F06%2F01%2Fpain-behaviours-persist%2F In this study by Martel, Thibault and Sullivan (2010), people with back pain were recorded on two separate occasions (on averge 22 days apart) while carrying out two lifting tasks designed to elicit pain behaviours.  These recordings were reviewed by trained observers who recorded the number of pain behaviours in each segment of film using a standardised coding scheme (developed by Keefe and Block, 1982).  Participants in the lifting tasks also completed a range of questionnaires – the Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia, the McGill Pain Questionnaire, and the Pain Catastrophising Scale. Before I describe the findings, in this study two different forms of pain behaviour were identified – communicative behaviours are things like grimacing, speaking, sighing, moaning and so on; while... HealthSkills Weblog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4893949 Wed, 01 Jun 2011 05:26:00 +0100 4893949 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4876386&cid=t_101827_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fwhen-less-is-more-how-to-improve-the-quality-of-primary-care%2F2011.05.28 On the NPR Shots blog, Scott Hensley writes, “Quality Prescription For Primary Care Doctors: Do Less,” about an article in the Archives of Internal Medicine. Excerpt: “A group of docs who want to improve the quality and cost-effectiveness of primary care tinkered with some Top 5 lists for of dos and don’ts for pediatricians, family doctors and internists. After testing them a bit, they published online by the Archives of Internal Medicine. Most of the advice falls in the category of less is more. So what should family doctors not be doing? The Top 5 list for them goes like this: 1. No MRI or other imaging tests for low back pain, unless it has persisted longer than six weeks or there are red flags, such as neurological problems. 2. No antibiotics for mild to moderat... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4876386 Sat, 28 May 2011 16:00:55 +0100 4876386 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4872373&cid=t_101827_136_f&fid=39026&url=http%3A%2F%2Fcarolinemfr.blogspot.com%2F2011%2F05%2Fi-am-not-capable-of-technology.html I just created a long blog post about whether I was capable of technology and the answer is I am not. I accidentally deleted it before it posted and have to start over. It was all about how advances in technology can be good - this is coming from someone who survived the release of Windows 3.0 and first used Lotus 123 Version 2 for Dos (the computer operating system back when the world was flat and in black and white). But apparently I am not good enough to use my own phone for anything but making phone calls.Now I have moved to a desktop computer and am being assisted by the cat-on-the-lap syndrome so it is a long slow process - but the cat is happy.Speaking of long, today will be long. My back decided I had too much fun recently and woke me up early to tell me about this. Unfortunately I... Caroline's Breast Cancer Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4872373 Thu, 26 May 2011 14:26:00 +0100 4872373 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4872374&cid=t_101827_136_f&fid=39027&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.cancerlifeandme.com%2F2011%2F05%2Fappointment-updates-and-spinal-surgery%2F I’ve had a few medical appointments since the last update. Here’s a rundown: Pulmonary function (lung health) test: Results show I’ve got “restrictive lung disease,” a fancy way of saying small lung capacity. This puts me at higher risk for infections like pnemonia, since my lungs do not have full coughing power (and junk can get stuck Continue reading Appointment updates…and spinal surgery? (Source: Cancer, life, and me) Cancer, life, and me blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4872374 Thu, 26 May 2011 05:08:21 +0100 4872374 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4852855&cid=t_101827_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fwhy-cloud-computing-can-be-dangerous-in-healthcare%2F2011.05.23 A lot of people are intrigued with using “cloud” applications and storage for personal health data. This week we’re seeing what I think is the final nail in the coffin of “cloud only” for anything important. You gotta have offline backups: two huge cloud vendors – Amazon and now Google – have demonstrated that even they can go down, leaving their users absolutely powerless. Cloud computing (Wikipedia) is hugely attractive to software developers and businesses. As shown in this diagram from Wikipedia, the idea is that you do your computing using storage or tools that are on some computer somewhere out there “in the cloud.” You don’t know or care where, because somebody out there takes care of things. As your business or database grows, “they” take care of it. And it... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4852855 Mon, 23 May 2011 18:00:31 +0100 4852855 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4829230&cid=t_101827_136_f&fid=39026&url=http%3A%2F%2Fcarolinemfr.blogspot.com%2F2011%2F05%2Fim-cranky.html this week. I have a lot going on and am feeling stressed. This is what is making me cranky:Blogger was down for most of two days. I find this one of the most epic cases of mismanagement. Yes it is a free service we use to host our blogs but it is part of Google's money making tools (where they are trying to take over the world) but they just severely shot themselves in the foot. Apparently there were some upgrades and maintenance issues and things went wrong and the Blogger service was done for parts of Thursday and most of Friday with no real updates or explanation. I am ready to move my blog to a provider which actually runs parallel servers to ensure these issues don't happen. Its not the problems with service but the lack of communication through the issues. Just imagine if the Google... Caroline's Breast Cancer Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4829230 Sat, 14 May 2011 11:19:00 +0100 4829230 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4775617&cid=t_101827_165_f&fid=37959&url=http%3A%2F%2Fhealthskills.wordpress.com%2F2011%2F05%2F03%2Fpsychological-stuff-isnt-in-my-scope-of-practice-so-what-can-i-do%2F A common cry from various clinicians who work in the field of pain management but who are not psychologists is “but now what?” when they recognise that a key factor in recovery is something psychosocial. The answer is not, I suspect, heading off to become a psychologist! For several reasons, I think it’s critical for non-psychologists to get comfortable with psychosocial language and principles. All clinicians use psychological principles in their interactions with patients.  Like it or not, when we give advice or encouragement we’re using knowledge gleaned from psychological study.  We might call it something like “developing rapport”, but no matter what we call it, these interpersonal skills are psychosocial in nature.  If we use these approaches, ... HealthSkills Weblog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4775617 Tue, 03 May 2011 00:22:24 +0100 4775617 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4734245&cid=t_101827_112_f&fid=34971&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.drmalpani.com%2F2011%2F04%2Fwhy-id-trust-expert-patient-more-than.html This may be a terrible confession for a doctor to make, but when I have a medical problem, I'd trust an expert patient rather than a doctor. Let me explain.I have chronic back pain and this can be quite severe at times. However, I am very reluctant to go to an orthopedic surgeon, because I know pretty much what he is going to say. He's going to do a cursory examination and then ask me do do a MRI scan. The MRI scan will find some bulges in my intervertebral discs - and the radiologist will happily report this as prolapsed intervertebral disk ( slipped disc, in layman's terms). The doctor will be happy he's made the right diagnosis; and will advise bed rest; pain-killers ; and physiotherapy - with the caveat that if it gets worse, he'll be happy to do "minimally invasive surgery" to fix the... The Patient's Doctor blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4734245 Wed, 20 Apr 2011 03:02:00 +0100 4734245 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4724124&cid=t_101827_130_f&fid=34938&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FEvidenceInMotion%2F%7E3%2FeSNvxFE7f3A%2Fchanging-processes-will-change-results.html It can't be easy to problem-solve the current state of health affairs. Nothing like having a growing population of older adults requiring care... an unfit society for all age groups... and dumping a boatload of people into a system that will be bursting at the seams to accommodate all their needs. Timely access to care isn't going to happen. Cutting the budget will just hurt the majority even more because providers can't accept lower payments for services. Adding a "quality" reporting system (of more than 100 quality measures) won't actually change the final outcome. A resubmergence of a health maintenance organization spin-off isn't going to solve the problem either. Am I the only one who sees the insanity of the proposed solution(s)? Chances are the current solutions will fail because ... MyPhysicalTherapySpace.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4724124 Sun, 17 Apr 2011 20:55:25 +0100 4724124 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4693386&cid=t_101827_122_f&fid=35055&url=http%3A%2F%2Fsarasotaneurology.com%2F2011%2F04%2F08%2Fmri-scans-lower-back-pain%2F Lower back pain is a common complaint seen by almost every primary care doctor in the United States. So common in fact that 80% of the population will experience at least one episode of significant low back pain in their life. Many will experience recurrent episodes of lower back pains. Of those patients, one third will have some degree of leg pain in one or both legs. Back pain and most cases of associated leg pain do not originate from lumbar (lower back) spinal disc problems. There are many pain fiber bearing structures in the lower back including muscle, tendons, ligaments, vertebral joints and bone itself. The good news is that over 97% of all low back pain problems can be treated without surgery. Low back surgery is the most commonly overly performed surgical procedure in the United ... Sarasota Neurology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4693386 Fri, 08 Apr 2011 05:00:48 +0100 4693386 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4664505&cid=t_101827_180_f&fid=38612&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Fpickthebrain%2FLYVv%2F%7E3%2F4jXfisSXQuY%2F Perhaps the worst thing about love is that the higher it is, the harder the fall when the relationship sours. We dream of perfect love when we’re adolescents, but as life goes on, we go through many relationships and as many breakups; it’s only a few who find lifelong happiness with their first love – others have to find ways to get out of the depression that wraps around you when a relationship goes awry and your heart feels like it’s never going to be whole again, and learn to trust and love in the course of time. If you’re moping around after a breakup, here’s how you can find inspiration to see blue skies again: 1. Break free: The tendency to go back and beg your erstwhile partner to take you back will be overwhelming, but remember that it’s just not worth it if you do so... PickTheBrain | Motivation and Self Improvement blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4664505 Fri, 01 Apr 2011 04:04:59 +0100 4664505 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4642676&cid=t_101827_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2011%2F03%2F27%2F8-survival-tips-for-the-spouse-of-a-terminally-ill-person%2F The other day, I had the honor of interviewing Owen Stanley Surman, M.D., a practicing hospital psychiatrist known internationally for his work on psychiatric and ethical aspects of solid organ transplantation. Following the death of his wife, Dr. Surman devoted six years to writer a memoir, The Wrong Side of an Illness: A Doctor’s Love Story, which includes a deeply personal and unique view of events both tragic and transcendent. He now lives in Boston with his new wife. Question: What words of wisdom would you give the spouse of a person struggling with chronic illness or terminally ill? Dr. Surman: Chronic illness and terminal illness have a pervasive impact on how we live our lives and in our sense of identity. Loss of a loved one affects the part of ourselves that has led us to ... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4642676 Sun, 27 Mar 2011 15:02:30 +0100 4642676 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4622370&cid=t_101827_122_f&fid=35055&url=http%3A%2F%2Fsarasotaneurology.com%2F2011%2F03%2F23%2Fall-massage-therapy-is-not-created-equal-in-pain-treatment%2F What do you think of when you think of neck or back massage therapy? Most people think of the type of massage you would receive if you went to the spa for the day.  That type of massage therapy is known as a Swedish Massage. Swedish Massage is only one of over 40 types of massage that a person can receive. When you say you went to see your doctor today, what do you think of?  If I went to see my family doctor, my image would be different than if I said I went to see my Cardiovascular surgeon.  They are both doctors, but the exams and procedures that they perform are vastly different. The field of massage is similar in its sub-specialization within the scope of massage therapy. Swedish Massage is great for relaxation and stress reduction, but if your back just went into spasm and is  lo... Sarasota Neurology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4622370 Wed, 23 Mar 2011 05:00:03 +0100 4622370 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4615095&cid=t_101827_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fshould-you-worry-about-your-babys-flat-head%2F2011.03.21 Figure 1 This post was contributed by guest blogger, Edward Ahn, M.D. The head coach of a Division 1 champion women’s sports team brought her baby daughter in to me for evaluation of her flat head at the recommendation of her pediatrician. While I was examining her baby, I started to say, “Well, I’ll tell you what she has – She quickly interrupted, “Is it bad?” I looked up to see fear written on this tough coach’s face. I was struck by how this benign condition can cause apprehension in so many parents. Often, pediatric neurosurgeons like me or plastic surgeons are asked to assess babies with a flat head, also known as positional plagiocephaly. Usually, parents have developed a fair amount of anxiety, often with the underlying fear that their baby will need surgery or the... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4615095 Mon, 21 Mar 2011 14:00:35 +0100 4615095 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4575009&cid=t_101827_83_f&fid=34856&url=http%3A%2F%2Finsidesurgery.com%2F2011%2F03%2Facs-operation-giving-assessing-situation-japan%2F The Operation Giving Back section of the American College of Surgeons is currently gathering information about the on-the-ground status and the need for surgeon and physician volunteers in the earthquake and tsunami affected regions of Japan. At this time, they are recommending that those who wish to help can donate to one of the following aid organizations: The American Red Cross Global Giving Save the Children (Source: Inside Surgery) Inside Surgery blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4575009 Fri, 11 Mar 2011 17:56:23 +0100 4575009 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4560526&cid=t_101827_136_f&fid=39026&url=http%3A%2F%2Fcarolinemfr.blogspot.com%2F2011%2F03%2Fback-pain-and-tests.html It turns out there was a study (like we need another study) that says back scans can find things that aren't causing pain. Well, I know medical scans can find all sorts of thingys (very technical I know) that are there inside our bodies but don't mean much. I happen to know I have a thingy in my lungs that has been there and is stable for about 30 years - and I have an annual x-ray to prove it. I also have a couple thingys (also known as hemangiomas) on my liver. They are just fine. They can hang out but they won't kill me.Most people's backs are not perfect. Heck, most bodies aren't perfect. (If you have a perfect body, let me know and we'll figure out how you can become a fashion model or professional body builder or something.) Now we have these high tech procedures and tests that uncov... Caroline's Breast Cancer Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4560526 Tue, 08 Mar 2011 10:49:00 +0100 4560526 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4532147&cid=t_101827_83_f&fid=34856&url=http%3A%2F%2Finsidesurgery.com%2F2011%2F02%2Fcutaneous-lichen-amyloidosis%2F This is an area of pruritic lichenoid skin usually found on the upper back that occurs most commonly in patients with the MEN2a syndrome. A finding of this skin lesion mandates an immediate workup for the conditions associated with MEN2a, including medullary thyoid cancer. (Source: Inside Surgery) Inside Surgery blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4532147 Tue, 01 Mar 2011 03:33:56 +0100 4532147 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4478026&cid=t_101827_136_f&fid=39026&url=http%3A%2F%2Fcarolinemfr.blogspot.com%2F2011%2F02%2Fpain-business.html I was talking to my mother yesterday. She knows about pain as she has had Rheumatoid since 1989, I have only had back pain for 2 years so she is a little bit ahead of me. We aren't medical people at all. We have very useful liberal arts degrees from good colleges. We are experienced patients who have heard to much 'with your condition, blah, blah, blah..." from doctors and know the best back way to the hospital which goes by the cheap full serve gas station and never need to look at the hospital directory to know which way to head for our next appointments.She told me about studies on pain and how little is known. We were talking about it. A little pinch can hurt a lot - ask any parent who's ear lobe has been twisted by an energetic toddler - but not mean much at all. The child lets go and... Caroline's Breast Cancer Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4478026 Tue, 15 Feb 2011 11:07:00 +0100 4478026 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4477734&cid=t_101827_87_f&fid=36941&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mazecordblood.com%2Fblog%2F%3Fp%3D1118 This article is very clear and gives a lot of information about what to do for pregnancy related back pain.Plan carefully when you decide which method you are comfortable with in order to alleviate your back pain. As with every pregnancy, you need a plan for the unexpected as well as the normal every day ins and outs of pregnancy. Early in your pregnancy, (if not before you become pregnant) find a chiropractor or orthopedist specializing in pregnancy back pain.  This is a good time to start making your “list”, questions to ask the doctor, cord blood banking and all things labor and delivery related. (Source: Cord Blood News) Cord Blood News blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4477734 Mon, 14 Feb 2011 18:20:37 +0100 4477734 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4472948&cid=t_101827_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fwhen-your-health-hinders-your-love-life%2F2011.02.13 This is the time of year when stores are filled with red hearts and other reminders that Valentine’s Day is approaching. It’s a mood booster, not to mention a nice break from all that winter grey (at least up here in Boston). After all, what would life be like without romance, love — and sex? Unfortunately, a variety of health problems — as well as some of the treatments for them — can get in the way of sexual desire and functioning. Here’s a quick look at some of the main sources of trouble and suggestions about what to try first. If these initial strategies don’t work, have a heart to heart with your doctor about what to do next. There may not be a quick fix for health-related sexual problems, but there are steps you can take to help ensure that you can still en... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4472948 Sun, 13 Feb 2011 21:00:26 +0100 4472948 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4436748&cid=t_101827_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fback-pain-why-yoga-might-make-me-a-better-doctor%2F2011.02.04 I’m a physician trained in sports medicine, and a chronic back pain sufferer. I first injured my back in 2001 when lifting a heavy bag and trying to sling it onto my shoulder. The pain was so severe that I couldn’t get off the floor for three days. I eventually ended up in the ER with an “unremarkable” MRI. The cause of my pain was never explained — all I knew is that I hadn’t herniated any disks. Years later my back pain still flares up occasionally, and I’ve never really understood how to prevent it or treat it effectively. This has been very embarrassing for me, since I’m supposed to be an expert in this field. But today I finally got some insight into the real cause of my pain — not from a physician or physical therapist, but from ... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4436748 Fri, 04 Feb 2011 20:00:29 +0100 4436748 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4399841&cid=t_101827_165_f&fid=37959&url=http%3A%2F%2Fhealthskills.wordpress.com%2F2011%2F01%2F26%2Fpulling-it-all-together-biopsychosocial-assessment%2F Over the past little while I’ve been writing about how a comprehensive pain assessment can be carried out.  Today it’s time to pull that information together to develop a formulation, or set of possible explanations for why this person presents in this way at this time – at least for one or two aspects of his presentation. For example, if the person’s pain is low back pain, where surgery has failed to improve the person’s pain, but he has maintained working in a teaching job where physical demands are reasonably light, but is having trouble with sleep, feels irritable, can’t manage things like mowing lawns, and is very careful not to bend because he was advised after surgery to avoid bending because it may affect healing.   Limited forward flexion, si... HealthSkills Weblog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4399841 Wed, 26 Jan 2011 01:00:45 +0100 4399841 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4389378&cid=t_101827_165_f&fid=37959&url=http%3A%2F%2Fhealthskills.wordpress.com%2F2011%2F01%2F24%2Fpulling-the-biopsychosocial-assessment-together%2F Over the past couple of posts I’ve described one way to assess a person’s chronic pain presentation from a medical, psychosocial and functional perspective.  I don’t think there is much difficulty in seeing how these three perspectives can help us develop a biopsychosocial explanation, or formulation, for why this person is presenting in this way at this time – and that’s what assessment is about, when it comes to chronic pain. A quick note on why explanations or formulations are useful when working in chronic pain.  Acute pain is, as most people know, usually directly related to some sort of tissue damage, potential or actual.  The usual rule for helping someone with acute pain is to diagnose the underlying cause of the pain, remediate that causal factor,... HealthSkills Weblog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4389378 Mon, 24 Jan 2011 01:25:20 +0100 4389378 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4389182&cid=t_101827_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fbaby-boomers-2011-a-new-frontier-with-few-guideposts%2F2011.01.23 This is a guest post by Dr. John Schumann. ********** In 2011, the first wave of baby boomers will turn 65 years old. Sixty-five still has currency because that’s the age at which non-disabled Americans are eligible to be covered under the Medicare program (now itself having reached middle age). As our economy continues to recover (hopefully) from the Great Recession, the entrance of millions of Americans to the Medicare rolls over the next decade and a half will be a formidable planning challenge. Look at this chart to see how the baby boomers population has surged: So is the promise of healthcare reform (the “PPACA“), which will enlarge Medicaid by an additional 16 million Americans — about half of the projected growth in coverage for those currently uninsured.... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4389182 Sun, 23 Jan 2011 20:00:00 +0100 4389182 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4355772&cid=t_101827_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2011%2F01%2F16%2Fworld-of-psychology-one-of-top-50-blogs-of-2010%2F We, like most people, enjoy it when we receive recognition from others. Who doesn’t appreciate the occasional pat on the back? So to start our new year off right, we were kindly named one of the Top 50 Blogs — of the millions of blogs online today! — by Regator. Who is Regator? Regator.com is a website designed to help you find quality blog posts. It does this by using highly selective human editors to find well-written, topical blogs on more than 500 topics then a combination of semantic algorithms and user interaction to find the most interesting, timely, and noteworthy posts from those blogs. Regator provides you with tools to monitor keywords, find related content, view trends, keep track of favorites, and share with friends. If anyone should know a thing or two abo... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4355772 Sun, 16 Jan 2011 17:38:30 +0100 4355772 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4349663&cid=t_101827_136_f&fid=39026&url=http%3A%2F%2Fcarolinemfr.blogspot.com%2F2011%2F01%2Fouch.html Yesterday morning I made a significant mistake. I tried to emulate a normal human being and pull the top blanket back over me (after being stolen by my husband) using my right arm. Don't ask. Why should I think I am normal? Instantly my left shoulder, on my shoulder blade blossomed into a huge wall of pain. I had to lie still and breathe slowly and quietly. It didn't subside. Finally I tried moving a tiny bit, and then a bit more, and more. I rolled over enough for my husband to massage it which helped. After taking a shower and running hot water on it, popping a pain pill and applying two lidoderm patches, I felt like I could survive the day. I did. I survived. I lasted the day.Today I feel okay but there is looming pain in there. So what am I doing? I am going to stand at a trade show al... Caroline's Breast Cancer Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4349663 Fri, 14 Jan 2011 11:10:00 +0100 4349663 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4300622&cid=t_101827_122_f&fid=35055&url=http%3A%2F%2Fsarasotaneurology.com%2F2010%2F12%2F30%2Fplatelet-rich-plasma-in-sarasota-for-joint-pain-new-therapies%2F Patients are being treated currently at Sarasota Neurology with PRP (platelet rich plasma) for a wide variety of joint pain and other pain issues. Among the more common uses for PRP are knee pain, shoulder pain and other painful conditions such as plantar fasciitis, tennis elbow, some types of low back pain. PRP can also be used in patients that have residual joint pain from having had orthopedic arthroscopic knee or shoulder surgery. PRP works to heal painful joints by using the patients’ own natural biological healing mechanism. The injured or damaged tissue in the joints, ligament and tendons or muscle send out chemical signals that there is injury or incomplete healing. PRP has receptors on the active platelets that seek out these damaged tissues. The PRP graft then biologically ... Sarasota Neurology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4300622 Thu, 30 Dec 2010 17:58:13 +0100 4300622 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4298773&cid=t_101827_136_f&fid=39026&url=http%3A%2F%2Fcarolinemfr.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F12%2Fbenefits-of-exercise-blah.html They talk about the benefits of exercise. I joined an exercise class to make me feel better. I do feel better. But I still have all sorts of back pain. In fact I have new areas of pain in my back, and hips, and shoulders, and legs. So much for this exercise class. Okay I don't think that its been all bad. Its not that I can touch my toes again - I can't - but its not part of the class. I don't have to touch my toes. In some ways I feel better but I want the magic class to make everything stop hurting. So much for exercise. BLAH!Enough whining, for now. I'm sure I'll have something to whine about in the future (and I won't ask for corroboration from my husband on that). My back still hurts. (Source: Caroline's Breast Cancer Blog) Caroline's Breast Cancer Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4298773 Wed, 29 Dec 2010 12:32:00 +0100 4298773 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4294949&cid=t_101827_136_f&fid=39026&url=http%3A%2F%2Fcarolinemfr.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F12%2Fsnow-and-winter-and-cancer.html It snowing out. It snowed all night. It snowed since yesterday afternoon. It is supposed to keep snowing for a few more hours. Our street was just plowed. We couldn't tell where the yard ended and the street began. I now have to wait until my husband starts shoveling and using the snow blower. I can't shovel. I can't use the snow blower. Bummer.No its not a bummer. I will stay inside where its warm and get some work done. Its pretty to look at but I'll just stay here and hang out with the cat. Between my tennis elbow, lymphedema arm, and bad back, I'm not going anywhere until the snow removal process is complete. I had actually planned a work at home day today so this fits in just fine. My husband's office (USAF) said non essential civilian employees did not need to report so he is happy t... Caroline's Breast Cancer Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4294949 Mon, 27 Dec 2010 11:47:00 +0100 4294949 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4285368&cid=t_101827_180_f&fid=38612&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Fpickthebrain%2FLYVv%2F%7E3%2FPqFIS_QF-AI%2F What would YOU do for someone you loved? I’d do just about anything. It’s true – in fact it’s my greatest weakness. I struggle to set boundaries. I put myself last. And quite frankly, I enjoy ignoring my own untended messes in order to help others clean theirs, leaving my own life in occasional (okay, steady) disarray. But guess what? Loving to help is also my greatest strength (and yours too). You have an unlimited capacity to give. Though, many people don’t recognize this capacity. They fear that they don’t have enough to give. That they’re not important enough to change anyone’s life. They are wrong. Random Acts Of Kindness If you don’t practice, and understand, the simple power of a random act of kindness, then you are setting limits on your life. T... PickTheBrain | Motivation and Self Improvement blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4285368 Thu, 23 Dec 2010 07:19:00 +0100 4285368 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4251242&cid=t_101827_136_f&fid=39026&url=http%3A%2F%2Fcarolinemfr.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F12%2Fpart-3-of-my-very-long-day.html Yesterday, I was supposed to be smart and stay home and work quietly and recover from my VERY long day. I was STUPID (worthy of capitals - and that was after I was a MORON because I forgot to pay the mortgage which I immediately rectified) because I didn't do what I was supposed to do.In the morning, I decided that since I had finished stamping the latest newsletter from my nonprofit job, I could put all 1700 of them in their 3 boxes on a two wheeled cart and get them into the car to drive them to the post office and then out of the car and into the post office. That wasn't so bad as I lightened the boxes by taking some newsletters out when I had to lift them in and out of the car and was not above dragging them. Next I decided that with my abundance of healthy feelings I was in good shape... Caroline's Breast Cancer Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4251242 Sat, 11 Dec 2010 11:39:00 +0100 4251242 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4249209&cid=t_101827_136_f&fid=39026&url=http%3A%2F%2Fcarolinemfr.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F12%2Frecovering-from-very-long-day.html Last night I returned home about 9 pm with back and hip pains, exhausted. I had PT in the morning and got to work. It was extremely busy there as many colleagues were in software training but I was relatively productive. Then I went to a small holiday party and had a good time. Finally when I got home, I took a pain pill and slept all night.Today I will take it easy and work from home and go to my pain support group for another small holiday party. The question - should I make brownies or not to bring with me. It will be a recovery day. That is my problem now I have to take it easy for the day - the price I pay for a long day.I am okay but very achy this morning. I took my thyroid pill and will wait until its been an hour so I can take a pain pill - I can tell this will be my requirement f... Caroline's Breast Cancer Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4249209 Fri, 10 Dec 2010 11:36:00 +0100 4249209 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4245517&cid=t_101827_136_f&fid=39026&url=http%3A%2F%2Fcarolinemfr.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F12%2Fi-am-faced-with-very-long-day.html Today I have a VERY long day - worthy of capitals. I have a 7am PT appointment, followed by work, followed by a Christmas party. I should be home by 8 or so. To many of you that is not a long day, never mind a VERY long day. For me, exhaustion will set in and tomorrow I will have to take it easy as a result.Basically, between all my ailments I have no ability to go out for more than a few hours at a time. Work is not that bad because I sit in a big, ergonomic chair and get up periodically to go to the restroom, printer, copier etc. I go home and I am tired. But I can't work two full days in a row. Tomorrow I will spend most of the day at home - except my chronic pain group (that I haven't been to in months). My life has changed. And won't unchange. Yesterday I successfully made by back, bo... Caroline's Breast Cancer Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4245517 Thu, 09 Dec 2010 10:52:00 +0100 4245517 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4233307&cid=t_101827_129_f&fid=36038&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Ftrevis-life-with-multiple-sclerosis-ms%2Fmultiple-sclerosis-and-the-season-of-giving%2F I’m just back from an early morning recording session at a local radio station. I was asked to record a public service spot having to do with charitable work and giving during this “special time of year.” Of course, I slipped in mention of multiple sclerosis causes during the commercial! Whether or not we are aware of it, we are the object of millions of dollars of annual giving by those who want to see our disease filed in the annals of medical history — just like we do. Many of us give to those MS causes as well; we give what we can, when we can. Of course, it’s not just money that we think of giving around the holidays: There’s also time, toys for the needy, cards for a soldier or sailor serving… the list goes on. I’m wondering today, as I reflect on my call ... Life with MS blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4233307 Mon, 06 Dec 2010 19:32:46 +0100 4233307 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4214521&cid=t_101827_165_f&fid=37959&url=http%3A%2F%2Fhealthskills.wordpress.com%2F2010%2F11%2F30%2Fhow-to-transfer-research-into-practice-more-questions-than-answers%2F With a background in a health profession not known for its love of science, I suppose when I came across evidence based health care I felt a strong sense of relief. Here, at last, was a way to work out what to do when faced with the task of helping people with pain.  I was therefore a bit taken aback when I read a blog post on Science-Based Medicine here challenging my assumptions about the place of randomised controlled trials at the top of the evidence hierarchy (well, actually second from top – meta-analysis of RCT’s is at the top!).  It took a moment or two of serious pondering to come to terms with David Gorski’s critique of EBHC, and to accept that he has a point.  His point is that if RCT is at the top of the heap in evidence terms, it shouldn’t do so at t... HealthSkills Weblog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4214521 Mon, 29 Nov 2010 18:31:43 +0100 4214521 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4183239&cid=t_101827_83_f&fid=34856&url=http%3A%2F%2Finsidesurgery.com%2F2010%2F11%2Fstudy-reports-nurse-practitioner-angela-sarro-good-diagnosis-spine-surgeon%2F A new Canadian study being reported in a leading nursing journal is reporting that nurse practitioner Angela Sarro is just as good as spine surgeons indiagnosing the etiology of back pain. The study did not address the research question of whether the nurse practitioner’s operative outcomes were similar to a spinal surgeon’s. (Source: Inside Surgery) Inside Surgery blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4183239 Fri, 19 Nov 2010 03:48:17 +0100 4183239 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4152303&cid=t_101827_165_f&fid=37959&url=http%3A%2F%2Fhealthskills.wordpress.com%2F2010%2F11%2F10%2Frebuilding-work-identity%2F I love helping people return to work.  It’s got to be one of the most rewarding parts of pain management for me because not only is work important for health, it’s a major part of our day, and it’s a whole lot about individual identity.  So helping people reconstruct their sense of self to the point where they can go to an employer and say ‘I can do this for you’ with confidence is an enormous challenge. To feel confident enough to put yourself on the line to an employer despite chronic pain is a challenge.  It involves at least some of the following (and yes, this is mostly from my experience on this post!): Good self efficacy for managing pain - to the point where fluctuations in pain intensity can be taken with equanimity Strong knowledge of what you ca... HealthSkills Weblog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4152303 Wed, 10 Nov 2010 01:28:00 +0100 4152303 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4138921&cid=t_101827_146_f&fid=38266&url=http%3A%2F%2Fsleepeducation.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F11%2Fresist-temptation-and-use-fall-back.html (Source: Sleep Education) Sleep Education blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4138921 Fri, 05 Nov 2010 19:36:00 +0100 4138921 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4134315&cid=t_101827_180_f&fid=38612&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Fpickthebrain%2FLYVv%2F%7E3%2FQmpFx4E-JP4%2F “This country will not be a good place for any of us to live in unless we make it a good place for all of us to live in.” ~Theadore Roosevelt Feeling better is easier than you think. If you are looking for ways to restore balance, peace and order to your days, while helping your loved ones live a better life, the solution is simple. Being a caregiver for seniors is a labor of love that can help build fulfilling relationships and make a difference in how you feel about yourself. Being a caregiver is a job that comes with responsibilities and problem solving, followed by the singular joy that comes with making a difference. When you care for a senior citizen you are likely to find many moments of inspiration, and interaction. Do it well and you’ll be having so much fun it will bar... PickTheBrain | Motivation and Self Improvement blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4134315 Tue, 02 Nov 2010 16:17:00 +0100 4134315 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4125062&cid=t_101827_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2010%2F11%2F01%2Falcohol-the-most-dangerous-drug-probably-not%2F Researchers using their own classification and rating system in order to try and assess a drug’s overall harmful effects — not to oneself, but to society as a whole too — recently published their findings. Here’s what they found, according to various news outlets: The Most Dangerous Drugs? Alcohol, Heroin and Crack—in That Order TIME – Catherine Mayer Alcohol is more harmful than heroin or crack: study New York Daily News Study: Alcohol ‘most harmful drug,’ followed by crack and heroin CNN International Experts: Alcohol More Harmful Than Crack or Heroin WebMD – Tim Locke If you just read the headlines, you’d think the study showed that the most dangerous drug available today is alcohol, based upon clinical or government data. It&#82... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4125062 Mon, 01 Nov 2010 21:30:04 +0100 4125062 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4122034&cid=t_101827_136_f&fid=39026&url=http%3A%2F%2Fcarolinemfr.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F10%2Fgimme-that-shot-please.html I go to the back doctor on Tuesday to discuss how my new back meds are working and what are the next steps which are sure to involve more needles. A few years ago I would never have asked for a needle. I still can't look at them. But I am becoming an avid fan of needles full of cortisone for my back pain. They have proved very helpful.But of course, just as I am starting to appreciate them, there is a new study which doubts their efficacy. (Damn these medical studies.) I think (as my little chemo brain dissects the article) that the problem is people come in with tennis elbow and other injury/overuse type issues and get a cortisone shot. Yes they get instant relief but then they also are prone to reinjury. This is opposed to waiting and taking it easy for 6 to 12 months. Well this makes se... Caroline's Breast Cancer Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4122034 Sat, 30 Oct 2010 11:11:00 +0100 4122034 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4119590&cid=t_101827_136_f&fid=39026&url=http%3A%2F%2Fcarolinemfr.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F10%2Fsometimes-i-need-to-ignore-what-they.html Next Tuesday I have an appointment with my pain doctor. I have been hoping he will deem me okay for another cortisone injection in my left hip - so I can walk with less pain. I have already had numerous injections in different areas. Sometimes just one injection works but other times it takes 2 or 3 in a specific area. If they don't work, we get to move on to the wonderful radiofrequency denervation which is NOT fun but is supposed to kill nerves. I have mixed feelings on this so far but I like the cortisone injections. They have done well for me so far. Then they come up with the theory that cortisone injections aren't as good as they thought they were - they have only been used since the 1940's so you think they would have had long enough to figure this out so far. I was concerned when I... Caroline's Breast Cancer Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4119590 Thu, 28 Oct 2010 10:10:00 +0100 4119590 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4098219&cid=t_101827_125_f&fid=34820&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.dentalblogs.com%2Farchives%2Fadministrator-2%2Fthe-halloween-candy-buy-back%2F The Halloween season is upon us. The aisles are filled with costumes. Kids are getting excited about Trick-or-Treating and the bucketfuls of candy they’ll be hauling home. We all know that sugar is bad for teeth and warn parents and children alike against the dangers of tooth decay. But around this time of year, we might as well throw up our hands and give in. After all, if we can’t beat them, join them! Right? YES! If you haven’t been a part of the Halloween Candy Buy Back, it’s a great cause worth checking out. The Halloween Candy Buy Back enlists dentists across the United States to “buy back” all that extra Halloween candy that kids don’t need and parents don’t want. Dentists hold events to collect the candy in the days following Halloween and then donate it to Operatio... dental blog for dentists about dentistry blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4098219 Thu, 21 Oct 2010 19:20:57 +0100 4098219 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4098493&cid=t_101827_165_f&fid=37959&url=http%3A%2F%2Fhealthskills.wordpress.com%2F2010%2F10%2F21%2Fhow-to-translate-research-into-practice%2F Well, maybe that’s a misnomer for today’s post, but it does strike to the very heart of some of the more heated debates that I see when I browse the interweb. With all the conflicting research reports into all the various interventions for chronic pain (well, for anything really), how does a clinician decide when the time is right to start incorporating a new practice (such as working with acceptance or mirror therapy or laterality), or begin to phase out an old practice (like distraction or core stability or muscle imbalance)? This paper, one of a series of excellent papers in Best Practice & Research Clinical Rheumatology on the management of low back pain, discusses in a really accessible way, the various problems that face an earnest clinician who wants to ‘do the... HealthSkills Weblog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4098493 Wed, 20 Oct 2010 18:38:45 +0100 4098493 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4086533&cid=t_101827_165_f&fid=37959&url=http%3A%2F%2Fhealthskills.wordpress.com%2F2010%2F10%2F21%2Fhow-to-translate-research-into-practice%2F Well, maybe that’s a misnomer for today’s post, but it does strike to the very heart of some of the more heated debates that I see when I browse the interweb. With all the conflicting research reports into all the various interventions for chronic pain (well, for anything really), how does a clinician decide when the time is right to start incorporating a new practice (such as working with acceptance or mirror therapy or laterality), or begin to phase out an old practice (like distraction or core stability or muscle imbalance)? This paper, one of a series of excellent papers in Best Practice & Research Clinical Rheumatology on the management of low back pain, discusses in a really accessible way, the various problems that face an earnest clinician who wants to ‘do the... HealthSkills Weblog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4086533 Wed, 20 Oct 2010 18:38:45 +0100 4086533 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4082343&cid=t_101827_165_f&fid=37959&url=http%3A%2F%2Fhealthskills.wordpress.com%2F2010%2F10%2F19%2Fhow-did-that-happen-stories-of-returning-to-work%2F Yesterday I started to talk about returning to work with chronic pain. I mentioned that it’s often not the degree of importance an individual places on returning to work that engenders resistance – it’s more likely the lack of confidence the person has towards the process, the fear that this won’t work out and they will fail… A story or two might help detail some of the issues that people I work with encounter when they’re returning to work. Now I recognize that the people I see are possibly at the more complex end of the spectrum than many, so these stories might well be more extreme than what many clinicians see, but at the same time they illustrate where things go wrong. A note: vignettes used in this blog are composites of people I’ve worked wi... HealthSkills Weblog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4082343 Tue, 19 Oct 2010 05:21:29 +0100 4082343 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4082344&cid=t_101827_165_f&fid=37959&url=http%3A%2F%2Fhealthskills.wordpress.com%2F2010%2F10%2F19%2Fworking-and-chronic-pain%2F If there is one aspect of chronic pain management that has received more attention than returning to work, I don’t know it! In 1995 when I started working at my current workplace, work was almost a dirty word. I was accused at one time of being a ‘Siberian workcamp’ Commandante because some people thought it was cruel to ‘force’ people with chronic pain into the workplace. Thankfully this attitude has changed over the years, and most people recognise that working when you have chronic pain, while difficult, is achievable and good for health. At the same time, returning to work with pain has never been especially easy and there are numerous issues to work through. Today is the first day I will discuss the practical aspects of returning to work with the current ... HealthSkills Weblog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4082344 Mon, 18 Oct 2010 18:37:07 +0100 4082344 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4074370&cid=t_101827_136_f&fid=39026&url=http%3A%2F%2Fcarolinemfr.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F10%2Fi-am-not-alone-in-this-pain-business.html But first color me appalled about pink tire caps! Yes the little caps on your tire valves are available in pink from Tirecraft. Apparently 76 million Americans live in chronic pain. The word chronic means its not going way anytime soon. While its nice to know I am not alone, I find the results of the survey interesting.- 48 percent of respondents don't believe that proper treatment can ease chronic pain. - Did they even talk to their doctor? My husband always says to me that the doctor can never fix his sore shoulder, etc. But then he goes to the doctor, tells him about it, and they send him for PT and voila he is fine.- 41 percent believe pain is a normal part of aging, and 10 percent simply ignore the pain. - I'm all for ignoring pain as long as possible- 36 percent would refuse doctor-r... Caroline's Breast Cancer Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4074370 Fri, 15 Oct 2010 10:25:00 +0100 4074370 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4525095&cid=t_101827_129_f&fid=27216&url=http%3A%2F%2Flifewithadhd.com%2Fparenting-the-adhd-child%2Fask-and-you-will-receive-how-to-get-your-kids-follow-the-rules.php Every parent would wish to have a magical list with rules engraved on it. If only there was a list where all the effective rules that indicate what kids are allowed and not allowed to do, parenting would have been a much easier job. If there was this list that specified how a parent should handle situations every time her son does something unacceptable, then disciplining kids would have not been as stressful. But actually, you and your child can make a magical list of rules right at home. According to most parenting experts, one of the most effective parenting techniques is engaging your kids in making the rules. When you let your child be involved in the rule making process, you will be more able to encourage positive behavior. Kids want to feel valued and important and by letting them s... Life With ADHD blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4525095 Sat, 09 Oct 2010 00:00:00 +0100 4525095 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4003336&cid=t_101827_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2FNKbWYNHx4yA%2F Welcome to the XL edi­tion of Sci­en­tia Pro Pub­lica (or, since we are trying to speak English, the 40th edition of “Science for the People”), the rotating blog car­ni­val that show­cases the finest sci­ence, med­ical and envi­ron­ment writ­ing pub­lished in the blogosphere. Quick now — ask a question, any question, that comes to mind. Chances are someone in this excellent roster of science bloggers has anticipated it and provided an answer below. Enjoy! About ourselves Why do I feel better after I exercise (pic: brainblogger) Can thoughtful blogging and reading build brain reserve and delay dementia What’s the borderline between high and low functioning — autism research examples Can we learn to multi-task more effectively Should you mind your brain About our bo... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4003336 Mon, 27 Sep 2010 11:53:43 +0100 4003336 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4001783&cid=t_101827_136_f&fid=39026&url=http%3A%2F%2Fcarolinemfr.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F09%2Fthis-will-be-adventure.html Last night we had a family dinner and went to a restaurant where we sat in a big wooden booth. My back did not like that. I was in a lot of pain when we left. Today, can I take it easy? No. A town fair and I am organizing a booth. I will be there this morning and again this afternoon. Then a surprise birthday party this evening. Ow, ow, ow, ow, ow. I'll bring my pain drugs with me all day. (Source: Caroline's Breast Cancer Blog) Caroline's Breast Cancer Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4001783 Sat, 25 Sep 2010 11:46:00 +0100 4001783 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3993834&cid=t_101827_87_f&fid=34872&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblisstree.com%2Ffeel%2Fhow-much-is-your-laptop-hurting-your-health%2F photo: Thinkstock We were interested in this post from Linda Melone at AOL Health, and thought you might be also. Is your laptop ruining your health? Experts say it’s a real issue. Laptop sales surpassed desktop sales for the first time in 2008 and some colleges even require them. Text-neck, Laptop-itis and infertility top the list of potential hazards as more people use them and for longer periods of time. Posture Pitfalls Before laptops, students studied bent over a book instead of a computer, notes Dean L. Fishman, founder of the Text Neck Institute in Florida. But the postural issues seen today were virtually unheard of years ago. The difference is the time spent in the bent-over position, Fishman said. “Today, kids ages 8 to 18 years old spend an average of seven and a... Healthbolt blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3993834 Thu, 23 Sep 2010 14:40:29 +0100 3993834 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3994241&cid=t_101827_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Fbreast-cancer-made-me-a-better-person%2F I guess I have to give some credit to breast cancer for making me a better person. Honestly, I am more compassionate, more patient, and more considerate of people’s feelings. I know that is a lot of credit to give to a horrible disease, but if I hadn’t been diagnosed I really doubt if I would have had such a deep connection and concern for others. Working for 12 years in Christian ministry, I was truly sincere about reaching out to other people suffering and struggling in their lives. But now I just have a much deeper perspective and understanding of what they are going through and what their needs are. I can’t say if it is just a new maturity in my life or if it is all due to battling breast cancer, but I know in great part it is because of many of the people that inspired me while ... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3994241 Wed, 22 Sep 2010 19:06:47 +0100 3994241 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3983539&cid=t_101827_136_f&fid=39215&url=http%3A%2F%2Fcancersuucks.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F09%2Fwhat.html People never comment on my blog. I am sick of just reading my own writing. Back at work tonight, very low census, lots of spare time, hence my bloggage. Had a very fun weekend, saw Jo Koy, a Chelsea Lately comedian, on Friday and was forced by my friend Denise to consume a huge amount of wine yesterday. Had a few really good home-made meals thrown in and all in all a good time. Only had touse the cancer card once, when I accidentally went to the front of the line to get pictures taken with Jo Koy. Had to say, "I have cancer. I could die at any time, so I need to take the picture as soon as possible." Worked. They took 3 different pictures. I will post if I remember how.Speaking of cancer card, here is some advice. If you have to use it to get out of a parking ticket, I will tell you next t... Cancer does suck but it is a little funny. blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3983539 Mon, 20 Sep 2010 00:46:00 +0100 3983539 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3976532&cid=t_101827_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2010%2F09%2F16%2F5-ways-to-manage-fall-anxiety%2F Even as I love the autumn season, it is full of anxiety for me. I start to mourn the ending of summer when I hear the cicadas grow louder the last two weeks of August and when I feel the crispness in the air at that time, which brings less sunlight and longer nights. Then the back-to-school craze: buying shoes, supplies, backpacks, etc. and trying to catch up on the homework we didn’t do during June and July. By the time I make it to the parent-teacher conferences in early September, when I hear about all the things I’m supposed to be doing with the kids, I’m well into panic mode. The other day, my therapist and I talked about a few coping exercises to keep my anxiety from disabling me this time of year. 1. Pick a sound or object to be your Xanax. My therapist looks up t... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3976532 Thu, 16 Sep 2010 12:07:17 +0100 3976532 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3946548&cid=t_101827_112_f&fid=34971&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdoctorandpatient.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F09%2Fmoney-back-guaranteed-option-for.html We are the only IVF clinic in India which offers a guaranteed money-back treatment option to our patient. Since the medical treatment we offer is exactly the same ( whether patients select this option or the single cycle option), why do we offer patients this choice ?There are many benefits to this option !From the patient's point of view, it reduces their risk - both financial; and emotional.The financial benefits are obvious. They are proactively putting a cap to the amount of money they are willing to invest in their quest for a baby - and even if the quest fails, they will have recovered this money, so they can move onto Plan B without having run out of money.Preparing for Plan B means they are recognising the fact that the IVF cycle may fail . Having realistic expectations reduces the... The Patient's Doctor blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3946548 Thu, 09 Sep 2010 05:27:00 +0100 3946548 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3934591&cid=t_101827_135_f&fid=35247&url=http%3A%2F%2Fmyjourneywithaids.wordpress.com%2F2010%2F09%2F05%2Ffirst-days-of-school%2F I know I’m not the only one to feel some sort of generalized angst about the first day of school – even though it was thirty years ago last May that I graduated college!  As Labour Day passes a temporary sense of dread settles over me.           Gault Elementary School (above [...] (Source: My journey with AIDS) My journey with AIDS blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3934591 Sun, 05 Sep 2010 07:29:00 +0100 3934591 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3933062&cid=t_101827_87_f&fid=36050&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblisstree.com%2Flive%2Fsponsored-post-easy-a-episode-1%2F In the new movie Easy A, Olive (Emma Stone) decides to reinvent herself using fashion. In this episode of The Easy A Guide to Navigating High School, hosts Clay and Alexander (the fashion design duo popularly known as Clander) hit the streets to see how teens prepare for the most fashionable day of the school year. Watch the video and check out Easy A, coming to theaters September 17th! Post from: BlissTree Sponsored Post: Easy A: Episode 1 (Source: Breastfeeding 1-2-3) Breastfeeding 1-2-3 blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3933062 Fri, 03 Sep 2010 21:12:55 +0100 3933062 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3929202&cid=t_101827_87_f&fid=36050&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblisstree.com%2Flive%2Fa-wpa-poster-guide-to-fall-resolutions%2F Most people resolve to do things around January 1st, but I like to challenge myself to new tasks around September 1st. The change of seasons, that “back-to-school” feeling (even if you’re not in school), and that I’ve-been-lazy-all-summer-not-it’s-time-to-kick-into-gear type of inspiration makes me especially motivated this time of year. Plus, there’s nothing like being hung over and snowed in to make me NOT want to start training for a marathon or ride my bike to work. So in the spirit of what I think should be the official season of resolutions, here are a few WPA posters to help remind us of all the things you we want to do this fall: ... Breastfeeding 1-2-3 blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3929202 Thu, 02 Sep 2010 18:41:27 +0100 3929202 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3942965&cid=t_101827_133_f&fid=37107&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.aspieweb.net%2Faugust-contest-vote%2F So this August’s earnings are in and its time to vote as promised.  Orriginally we were going to have three contestants, but due to Alex Plank and his childish minions trying to fill this site with porn due to me defending my rights as an author from his site copying my posts word for word [...] (Source: AspieWeb.net) AspieWeb.net blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3942965 Wed, 01 Sep 2010 12:09:55 +0100 3942965 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3920819&cid=t_101827_87_f&fid=36438&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FCato-at-liberty%2F%7E3%2FRZ5eSYLjULc%2F By Neal McCluskeySo U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan invited every Education Department employee to attend Rev. Al Sharpton’s Glenn Beck counter-rally. As David Boaz explained in the Examiner, it was a ”highly inappropriate” thing to do, pushing people who are supposed to serve all Americans to support one side of a “political debate.” But that’s just the most obvious problem with Duncan’s weekend doings. Perhaps just as troubling as his rally-prodding is that Duncan declared education “the civil rights issue of our generation” at Sharpton’s event. This only about a year after helping to kill an education program widely supported by many of the people he and Sharpton insist they want to empower. I’m talki... Cato-at-liberty blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3920819 Tue, 31 Aug 2010 21:41:47 +0100 3920819 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3921093&cid=t_101827_165_f&fid=37959&url=http%3A%2F%2Fhealthskills.wordpress.com%2F2010%2F09%2F01%2Fmeasuring-changes-during-graded-exposure-acceptance-treatment%2F I have been pondering about the best way to monitor ‘Matt’s progress during graded exposure therapy for his avoidance of activities involving back movement. I introduced you to Matt yesterday. He’s a ‘man’s man’, a real bloke who, for the past four years since he had surgery for a prolapsed disc, has avoided things like mowing the lawns, making the bed, fishing and whitebaiting and even golf. Yesterday I described how we went through 100 photographs of activities of daily living, and of these, Matt identified 67 of the photographs as things he wouldn’t do because of his concern about both the impact on his pain and the ‘strain’ on his back. I have used a simple count of the number of photographs a person decides is in the ‘avoided... HealthSkills Weblog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3921093 Tue, 31 Aug 2010 19:35:59 +0100 3921093 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3915308&cid=t_101827_165_f&fid=37959&url=http%3A%2F%2Fhealthskills.wordpress.com%2F2010%2F08%2F31%2Fgraded-exposure-in-the-real-world%2F Well, not exactly the real world – yet – just the clinic. A man I’m working with is very worried about his back.  Some years ago he had a discectomy and his surgeon told him he needed to be ‘very careful’ with his back – and so he has.  No bending, twisting, lifting for this man!  He’s given up some of his favourite things like fishing and whitebaiting and even golf because of this worry, although when I talk things through with him he’s not exactly sure what might happen if he ‘disobeyed’. Let’s call him Matt for wont of a better name (and yes, as usual, details have been changed to ensure confidentiality), and he’s a fairly ‘blokey’ man who loved his fishing, diving, and taking off for days in his conv... HealthSkills Weblog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3915308 Mon, 30 Aug 2010 21:02:47 +0100 3915308 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3914954&cid=t_101827_87_f&fid=36050&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblisstree.com%2Flive%2Fworkplace-issues-longer-commute-worse-health%2F photo: Thinkstock How far away is your job from your home? If it takes more than 90 minutes for you to get to work, you have a greater chance of being in bad health. About 30% of employees who have a 90-minute commute are obese, and more than 30% of those with a 90-minute commute have recurring neck or back pain. Not to mention that 90 minutes each way takes a pretty significant chunk out of your day. That’s three hours you could be using to do something more productive. Like sleep. So how long is your round-trip commute? via Examiner Post from: BlissTree Workplace Issues: Longer Commute, Worse Health (Source: Breastfeeding 1-2-3) Breastfeeding 1-2-3 blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3914954 Mon, 30 Aug 2010 19:29:44 +0100 3914954 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3915309&cid=t_101827_165_f&fid=37959&url=http%3A%2F%2Fhealthskills.wordpress.com%2F2010%2F08%2F30%2Fexposure-in-vivo-for-kinesiophobia%2F In this study, the authors firstly looked at outcomes of graded exposure and whether anxiety, depression and catastrophising moderated these.  While anxiety was found to influence outcome generally (leading to poorer outcomes for those who were more anxious), catastrophising was found to have a more complex relationship.  Graded exposure was effective for low and moderate catastrophising, but for those with high catastrophising the results were far less spectacular.  And depression? Made little difference to outcome at all. After finding that high levels of catastrophising influenced outcome, the next step in this study was to examine those people who made a good deal of changein disability  and compare them with those who made much less change in disability.   For this part of the s... HealthSkills Weblog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3915309 Sun, 29 Aug 2010 19:33:53 +0100 3915309 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3915257&cid=t_101827_136_f&fid=39026&url=http%3A%2F%2Fcarolinemfr.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F08%2Fpaying-price.html Today I am paying the price. Yesterday I had fun. I got together with a college friend. She runs half marathons and I don't so she is probably in better shape than I but that, of course, didn't stop me. I went to visit her yesterday. She went for a run before I got there so she should have been tired. We hung out on the rocks behind her house on the lake. Then we went for a little hike - 3-4 miles through the woods and got caught up on marriages and old friends. After a brief shopping stop, we decided to cool off by floating around her lake on tubes. After successfully flipping from my back to my stomach on the tube and staying dry, I was over confident and assumed I could handle tubing. I erroneously attempted to navigate off the tube and onto the rocks. On my first try, I stayed mostly o... Caroline's Breast Cancer Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3915257 Sun, 29 Aug 2010 11:56:00 +0100 3915257 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3911788&cid=t_101827_129_f&fid=36038&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Ftrevis-life-with-multiple-sclerosis-ms%2Fback-to-school-with-multiple-sclerosis%2F It’s that time of year again; pencil boxes and paper, laptops and dorm décor. It’s the time that the kids loathe, parents pray for and makes college freshmen squirm… Back to school! I’m wondering if any of our community is taking up the pencil and rule this autumn. Each year, as the days begin to shorten, the leaves pale and evenings require a wrap, I am drawn back to my days in education. I miss the students making their fumbling ways around campus, though I seldom miss the added traffic. I miss the sense of excitement at learning something new every day, every hour, every class… It’s not only formal classroom education that stirs me this time of year. I always try to pick up a few new non-fiction books so I might learn something new to toss out at the holiday cocktail partie... Life with MS blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3911788 Fri, 27 Aug 2010 21:11:14 +0100 3911788 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3907738&cid=t_101827_133_f&fid=37107&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Faspiewebnet%2F%7E3%2FP9xCX4BYzkE%2F What was one of the best support websites online for people with Aspergers has frankly turned into an embarrassment to the human race.  Wrongplanet.net is filled with so many people who think they are better then everyone else, that people with Aspergers are better then NT’s (what people on the autism spectrum call people not [...] (Source: AspieWeb.net) AspieWeb.net blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3907738 Fri, 27 Aug 2010 08:47:34 +0100 3907738 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3899658&cid=t_101827_165_f&fid=37959&url=http%3A%2F%2Fhealthskills.wordpress.com%2F2010%2F08%2F25%2Fdrawing-pain%2F The pain drawing has to be one of the more ubiquitous assessment tools around. There are many versions of outlines of naked bodies on which a person can scribble, colour, and write to indicate to treatment providers exactly where they feel their pain, and to a certain extent, some of the sensory features of that pain. But – how many of us use that drawing for anything other than ‘Oh so that’s where you feel it?’ Schott, in this truly interesting paper, discusses pain maps – not a term I’d come across before – and traces the history of pain maps as well as discussing some of the problems with it – and concludes that pain maps can contribute something quite unique to our understanding of the person’s experience, but at the same time, ackn... HealthSkills Weblog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3899658 Wed, 25 Aug 2010 03:05:42 +0100 3899658 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3899392&cid=t_101827_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fhealth-tips-for-back-to-school%2F2010.08.24 I was lucky enough to be asked by one of the local TV stations to talk about some back-to-school issues when it comes to health. I don’t know about where you’re at, but most of the local schools around here started [yesterday, August 23rd]. Keeping up-to-date on immunizations is always important. Other important issues are getting kids back on their school sleep schedules and making sure the backpack isn’t overwhelmingly heavy. Check out the video below. Also check out the Back To School Video 2 and the Back To School Video 3 (Yup, that’s right — three segments in one day.) If you find those helpful, I encourage you to check out my You Tube page and click on “My TV Interviews” for more health segments from local TV news. Enjoy! *This bl... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3899392 Tue, 24 Aug 2010 20:00:00 +0100 3899392 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3899331&cid=t_101827_83_f&fid=34856&url=http%3A%2F%2Finsidesurgery.com%2F2010%2F08%2Fspine-surgeon-dr-isador-lieberman-develops-surgical-robot-correct-deformities%2F Texas Back Institute spine surgeon Dr. Isador Lieberman recently corrected the spinal curvature on patient Tressa Scott. He used a device he invented called the SpineAssist to help him. (Source: Inside Surgery) Inside Surgery blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3899331 Tue, 24 Aug 2010 10:23:12 +0100 3899331 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3896119&cid=t_101827_165_f&fid=37959&url=http%3A%2F%2Fhealthskills.wordpress.com%2F2010%2F08%2F24%2Finformation-is-to-behaviour-change-as-spaghetti-is-to-a-brick%2F I’m a great fan of books like ‘Explain Pain’. This delightful publication by David Butler and Lorimer Moseley gives accurate information about pain, particularly chronic pain, in an accessible format for both patients and clinicians, and I’ve used it often with people I’m seeing. I’m also a fan of helping people to understand what we do (and don’t) know about pain to give them more awareness of their ability to influence their own body. But as anyone who has worked in chronic pain management knows, telling someone something doesn’t always make an enormous difference – and here’s a case in point.  Before I go on, any cases I refer to on this blog are a compilation of several people and details are altered to protect confidentiali... HealthSkills Weblog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3896119 Mon, 23 Aug 2010 19:35:10 +0100 3896119 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3891826&cid=t_101827_165_f&fid=37959&url=http%3A%2F%2Fhealthskills.wordpress.com%2F2010%2F08%2F23%2Fwho-drops-out-of-cbt-for-chronic-pain%2F Wouldn’t it be wonderful if everyone we saw was ready for self management and committed to putting everything in place? Wouldn’t it be even better if we could tell who was and who wasn’t going to drop out? Then we could focus treatment on people who were ready for treatment, and help those who are not ready prepare to get ready (or manage their situation differently). Unfortunately, it’s one of those areas that is not well-researched, even though it’s a very important part of our clinical planning and can affect up to 60% of people initially enrolled in a cognitive behavioural approach to pain management. Over the years I’ve worked in pain management, I’ve seen several different approaches for establishing whether people should be included or not. ... HealthSkills Weblog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3891826 Mon, 23 Aug 2010 09:14:55 +0100 3891826 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3889255&cid=t_101827_133_f&fid=37107&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Faspiewebnet%2F%7E3%2FCkbJFiq-uYU%2F Frankly your all making me sad right now, very sad.  Since I announced I would be giving part of the profit from this site to charity the amount of times people clicked advertisements has gone down.  I mean I went from making $3-4 a day on AspieWeb and its partner site Autism Insurance Information, to [...] (Source: AspieWeb.net) AspieWeb.net blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3889255 Fri, 20 Aug 2010 23:15:14 +0100 3889255 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3880815&cid=t_101827_87_f&fid=36050&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblisstree.com%2Flive%2Fjuliette-lewis-is-buff-and-your-sister-makes-you-healthier-morning-news-roundup%2F The New York Times hates bad gourds: Video guide to choosing the best watermelons. Thank your sister: AOL News says she’s probably improving your mental health. Are doshas and dry-brushing for you? Lemon Drop’s ayurvedic diet test drive makes us curious… Ace your evening courses with the best back-to-school iPhone apps. Juliette Lewis’ flaunted a toned upper body at The Switch premier, and FitSugar has a routine to help you get her guns. Post from: BlissTree Juliette Lewis Is Buff and Your Sister Makes You Healthier: Morning News Roundup (Source: Breastfeeding 1-2-3) Breastfeeding 1-2-3 blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3880815 Wed, 18 Aug 2010 15:18:10 +0100 3880815 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3876912&cid=t_101827_165_f&fid=37959&url=http%3A%2F%2Fhealthskills.wordpress.com%2F2010%2F08%2F18%2Fexercise-questions%2F If there is one finding that has remained pretty solid over the past 10 – 15 years, it’s the one that says being active is a good thing for managing chronic pain.  I’m not sure how many papers I’ve read where ‘exercise’ and some form of cognitive behavioural approach have been found to produce improvements in disability, mood and even pain – and the benefits are often maintained for 12 months or more.  But we have a problem, Houston.  The problem is this – many of these studies treat ‘exercise’ in much the same way as ‘interdisciplinary pain management’ – a black box that no-one really knows exactly what goes on in there, but hey it works. This is a real problem when we come to put the research findings to wor... HealthSkills Weblog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3876912 Tue, 17 Aug 2010 19:36:07 +0100 3876912 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3872698&cid=t_101827_133_f&fid=37107&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Faspiewebnet%2F%7E3%2FPD2a-inudn8%2F AspieWeb is part of a much bigger autism community and I think its time I start giving back to the community.  From August 2010 forward 25% of profit that AspieWeb and its partner site Autism Insurance Info from its advertisers, paypal donations and the AspieWeb store will be donated to a person, organization or group [...] (Source: AspieWeb.net) AspieWeb.net blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3872698 Tue, 17 Aug 2010 07:29:52 +0100 3872698 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3868932&cid=t_101827_165_f&fid=37959&url=http%3A%2F%2Fhealthskills.wordpress.com%2F2010%2F08%2F16%2Fhow-well-do-we-really-communicate%2F In this study, Habit 4 and the total score were used to measure the quality of the interactions, and scoring was rated by one clinician who had been recently trained in the system, while a second clinician re-rated a random sample of 16 videos independently. Inter-rater reliability was 0.835 (CI 0.600; 0.939). Patients also completed a set of questionnaires about their experience, and several biographical details such as age, duration of pain and so on. What did they find? Firstly, the providers included chiropractors, physiotherapists and doctors, and a total of 21 clinicians were included.  79 encounters were rated.  There were no real differences between the various professions, and patient variables such as gender, educational level and social class weren’t associated with any ... HealthSkills Weblog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3868932 Mon, 16 Aug 2010 00:03:49 +0100 3868932 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3861750&cid=t_101827_146_f&fid=38266&url=http%3A%2F%2Fsleepeducation.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F08%2Ftips-for-kids-to-get-back-to-sleep-in.html (Source: Sleep Education) Sleep Education blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3861750 Thu, 12 Aug 2010 16:22:00 +0100 3861750 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3854774&cid=t_101827_165_f&fid=37959&url=http%3A%2F%2Fhealthskills.wordpress.com%2F2010%2F08%2F11%2Fis-reassurance-reassuring%2F Having started yesterday’s post by discussing health anxiety, and pointing out that one of the things people do to cope with their anxiety about their pain is to seek reassurance, I thought it might be useful to go back to a paper published a couple of years ago by Linton, McCracken & Vlaeyen (2008).  In this paper, the authors reviewed the concept of reassurance and see whether it is, in fact, reassuring. What is reassurance anyway? We talk about it as if we know what we mean, and it’s even part of most guidelines for managing acute low back pain – but what is it? In this paper, the authors refer to the Oxford dictionary definition where reassurance is defined as ‘‘. . .removes the fears or doubts of (pain/illness); to comfort’’. As they point out, “Re... HealthSkills Weblog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3854774 Tue, 10 Aug 2010 18:43:41 +0100 3854774 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3827121&cid=t_101827_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2010%2F08%2F05%2F5-tips-to-end-the-summer-well%2F While the season of summer still has more than a few weeks to go, the reality of summer is quickly coming to an end. School is starting, parents are out shopping for their kids’ new clothes and school supplies already, and college students are preparing for their annual return to campus. What’s a person to do with the last few remaining weeks of summer? Well, I can’t tell you what to do or not to do, but I can offer these five tips for ending your summer well. Whether they work for you or not, you won’t know until you try them. But it’s a good bet that you be disappointed with the results if you only try. 1. Finish what you started. Sometimes we find ourselves putting off the end of a project because we believe we’ll always have time “later.”... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3827121 Thu, 05 Aug 2010 10:20:49 +0100 3827121 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3812977&cid=t_101827_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Famericans-are-cutting-back-on-healthcare%2F2010.08.02 The Wall Street Journal reported that overall medical use fell as patients had fewer doctor office visits, lab testing, and maintenance medications possibly due to the recession or as a result of consumer-driven healthcare in the way of higher deductibles and copays. This is very worrisome. Certainly patients should have some financial responsibility for their care, but skimping on care will only result in Americans not becoming healthier, but sicker. Though the article cited some examples of patients saving money by not seeing their allergist for a refill of medication and simply calling for one and getting an athletic physical at a local urgent care clinic for $40 rather than $90 at the doctor’s office, these tiny behavior changes aren’t going to bend the cost curve in medi... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3812977 Mon, 02 Aug 2010 18:00:00 +0100 3812977 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3790897&cid=t_101827_136_f&fid=39026&url=http%3A%2F%2Fcarolinemfr.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F07%2Fthink-before-you-eat.html Someone pointed this article out to me. It makes me pack my own snacks for a professional sports game. If you read it, you will note that in Chicago, where the scores were good, they inspected when the stadiums were closed. Also, in FL where all the stadiums did poorly, apparently the state has stringent inspections. But regardless, I am not sure I want to eat at any of them. It makes me reconsider a lot of restaurants in general.When we go out to eat, we assume that food is prepared correctly. We assume the basics - the ice machine is clean, they are not using the same knife and cutting board to chop raw chicken and a prepared sandwich. And that the food is cooked and stored correctly. The whole idea of it is EEEWWW! I do like my own cooking and know that I may not always be up to restaur... Caroline's Breast Cancer Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3790897 Mon, 26 Jul 2010 10:23:00 +0100 3790897 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3780533&cid=t_101827_136_f&fid=39026&url=http%3A%2F%2Fcarolinemfr.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F07%2Fmedical-school-decoder-ring.html There is a project afoot to allow normal people to understand doctor-speak without going to medical school. Its called the Open Notes project but I think it really should be the Medical School Decoder Ring project. I'm all for it.One of my favorite activities while hanging around pre and post surgery is to read my own medical file. Usually I understand most of it but not all. I have asked the doctors and nurses around to translate. Sometimes I get a copy to take home and then start googling all the words and phrases. But even with that, it doesn't always make sense. For example when the doctor writes 'patient denies' to the non doctor, it means you denied sneaking out after bedtime. To the doctor it means you said you don't have shortness of breath (or SOB). They might have written 'patien... Caroline's Breast Cancer Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3780533 Thu, 22 Jul 2010 10:16:00 +0100 3780533 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3767338&cid=t_101827_165_f&fid=37959&url=http%3A%2F%2Fhealthskills.wordpress.com%2F2010%2F07%2F20%2Fwhat-do-people-really-do-about-their-back-pain-an-on-line-survey-reveals%2F There are many studies describing the way treatment providers fail to follow clinical guidelines for managing acute low back pain – and because there are inconsistencies between various guidelines for chronic low back pain, it’s not surprising that people with back pain (whether acute or chronic) get a little confused about what to do.  Of course, if you use a popular search engine or two you’ll be able to find loads of sites on the internet that put forward their ideas of how to manage, and the quality of these sites is pretty variable.  So when a group of Australians carried out an online survey asking what people did when they had back pain, you can guess there was a pretty wide range of strategies used. In February 2009, 1001 participants who met the inclusion crite... HealthSkills Weblog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3767338 Tue, 20 Jul 2010 05:53:25 +0100 3767338 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3754108&cid=t_101827_165_f&fid=37959&url=http%3A%2F%2Fhealthskills.wordpress.com%2F2010%2F07%2F15%2Fonline-self-management-works-for-some%2F Given that you’re reading this, I suspect that the thought of an on-line approach to managing pain wouldn’t take a terrible stretch of the imagination. The idea is certainly appealing – after all, there are many, many people with chronic low back pain in the community, and not nearly so many clinicians specialised (or even interested!) in helping people to learn to live well despite their pain. Along with the practicalities of getting the message across to as many people as possible, there is some evidence that people are prepared to reveal more about themselves and their health problems via computer than face-to-face (Williams, Freeman, Bowen, et al. 2000). In this well-described study, participants were recruited to either receive written material about back pain (the N... HealthSkills Weblog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3754108 Wed, 14 Jul 2010 19:43:20 +0100 3754108 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3823006&cid=t_101827_113_f&fid=38494&url=http%3A%2F%2Fcuretogether.com%2Fblog%2F2010%2F07%2F14%2Fjust-released-%25e2%2580%2593-curetogether-guide-to-back-pain%2F . . You are a part of this. It’s a new kind of health book that puts real-world data before authority, and teaches you how to make better decisions for your health. Inside, you’ll find 7 insight-filled sections to help you navigate your way through Back Pain. Download your copy here, or read on for more details. . The Story Health books are usually written by experts who offer authoritative information about conditions, symptoms and treatments – people who usually don’t live with the condition themselves, but nevertheless tell you what you should do because they know best. This book is different. It’s based on the real-world experiences of patients. Our approach is not to tell you what to do, but to give you the hard data and the education to help you make your own decisions �... The Collective Well blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3823006 Wed, 14 Jul 2010 19:41:45 +0100 3823006 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3753915&cid=t_101827_113_f&fid=38494&url=http%3A%2F%2Fcuretogether.com%2Fblog%2F2010%2F07%2F14%2Fjust-released-%25e2%2580%2593-curetogether-guide-to-back-pain%2F . . You are a part of this. It’s a new kind of health book that puts real-world data before authority, and teaches you how to make better decisions for your health. Inside, you’ll find 7 insight-filled sections to help you navigate your way through Back Pain. Download your copy here, or read on for more details. . The Story Health books are usually written by experts who offer authoritative information about conditions, symptoms and treatments – people who usually don’t live with the condition themselves, but nevertheless tell you what you should do because they know best. This book is different. It’s based on the real-world experiences of patients. Our approach is not to tell you what to do, but to give you the hard data and the education to help you make your own decisions �... The Collective Well blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3753915 Wed, 14 Jul 2010 19:41:45 +0100 3753915 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3750314&cid=t_101827_165_f&fid=37959&url=http%3A%2F%2Fhealthskills.wordpress.com%2F2010%2F07%2F14%2Fways-to-ask-about-sensitive-topics%2F I teach postgraduate courses in pain and pain management.  Many of my students are experienced general practitioners who often ask me “how do I talk to people with pain about psychosocial issues without them thinking I’m telling them their pain is ‘all in the head’?” It can be a pretty sensitive topic for the person with unexplained pain that doesn’t go away because to somehow suggest (a) they’re not coping with their situation or (b) they have some psychological problem can seem uncaring or even that the person’s pain is ‘imaginary’. The psychosocial ‘yellow flags’ are widely known, but even after a decade or more of exposure to what the ‘yellow flags’ are, there is much confusion and misconception.  Tod... HealthSkills Weblog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3750314 Tue, 13 Jul 2010 19:32:03 +0100 3750314 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3747009&cid=t_101827_165_f&fid=37959&url=http%3A%2F%2Fhealthskills.wordpress.com%2F2010%2F07%2F13%2Fold-beliefs-die-hard-case-conceptualising-coping-with-a-flare-up%2F We know about neuroplasticity – how the brain so wonderfully remodels connections continuously.  We also know how hard changing habits can be.  The underlying premise of the cognitive behavioural approach to coping with chronic pain is that people can learn new ways of viewing their situation and develop new responses, and in doing so, start to live well again.  The process is not easy! Before I go further, I want to reassure readers that the case presentation I’m going to discuss is a fiction – based on several real patients, but with details altered to protect identity. One of the most difficult aspects of coping with chronic pain is that the pain doesn’t remain at a constant level.  It fluctuates in intensity, it can remain high for varying periods, it can dr... HealthSkills Weblog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3747009 Mon, 12 Jul 2010 19:35:48 +0100 3747009 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3740570&cid=t_101827_87_f&fid=36050&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblisstree.com%2Flive%2Ffriday-photo-throwback-the-first-cell-phone%2F We consider anything that happened in Back to the Future Part II and is happening now a total technological success. For example, video calling is definitely up there, because the new iPhone offers video phone. And to think that we might not even have cell phones if Martin Cooper didn’t dream of a portable telephone way back in 1973. Watch Cooper below, demonstrating a cellular phone call in New York City. photo via CNN via CNN Post from: BlissTree Friday Photo Throwback: The First Cell Phone (Source: Breastfeeding 1-2-3) Breastfeeding 1-2-3 blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3740570 Fri, 09 Jul 2010 19:55:29 +0100 3740570 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3737262&cid=t_101827_136_f&fid=39026&url=http%3A%2F%2Fcarolinemfr.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F07%2Fhow-am-i-supposed-to-keep-up.html As a relatively average American (well maybe slightly different than average due to my medical crap), how I am supposed to keep up with all the latest medical news. This morning alone I found.1. Glucosamine is no help for lower back pain.2. Fish oil may help prevent breast cancer.3. Diet cola drains calcium in womenI found these in just a couple of minutes. But this is representative of the amount of medical news found daily. Some of it is unfounded - for example the fish oil study is not yet proven and based on a single study and needs more research. We get bombarded by medical news and those of us to whom it might apply feel we have to read it and ask 'does it apply to me?'. The sheer amount news is difficult to keep up with. So we resort to the path of least resistance and start ignorin... Caroline's Breast Cancer Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3737262 Thu, 08 Jul 2010 09:33:00 +0100 3737262 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3729842&cid=t_101827_87_f&fid=36050&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblisstree.com%2Flive%2Fvolunteering-and-productivity-where-would-you-volunteer%2F photo: Thinkstock Taking a half-day off to volunteer sounds like a cakewalk compared to an afternoon stuck in your cube. The added benefits? It could even improve your job performance. A University of Florida study showed that workers who have permission to do public service work harder, speak well about their employer in public, take less time off work, and are happier. Sounds like a win-win-win situation. If your employer let you take off some of your work day to volunteer, what kind of nonprofit would you like to help out? via Planet Green Post from: BlissTree Volunteering and Productivity: Where Would You Donate Your Time? (Source: Breastfeeding 1-2-3) Breastfeeding 1-2-3 blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3729842 Tue, 06 Jul 2010 20:13:22 +0100 3729842 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3730120&cid=t_101827_165_f&fid=37959&url=http%3A%2F%2Fhealthskills.wordpress.com%2F2010%2F07%2F07%2F10-things-you-really-oughta-know-about-chronic-pain%2F …with apologies to the therapists in the Special Interest Group who first raised this topic! Something I’m acutely aware of after working in pain management for a while is the number of assumptions that I hold about what people ‘should’ know about pain…sometimes I can be quite rightly accused of leaping waaaaaaay ahead of what people are ready for in terms of new information! So it’s time to summarise the ’10 things you really oughta know about chronic pain’ In My Humble Opinion. 1.  Pain is a biopsychosocial experience, that it’s “an unpleasant sensory and emotional experience associated with actual or potential tissue damage, or described in terms of such damage” and what that means in real terms.  I think it’s imp... HealthSkills Weblog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3730120 Tue, 06 Jul 2010 19:37:30 +0100 3730120 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3794951&cid=t_101827_125_f&fid=34820&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.dentalblogs.com%2Farchives%2Fadministrator-2%2Fthe-big-news-in-dentistry-no-more-root-canals%2F You read that correctly. A recent journal article in ACS Nano tells us that, in research, a layered, nano-sized dental film is responsive to bringing dead tooth pulp back to life. This is not science fiction; this truth is better than fiction. The miracle substance is called alpha melanocyte stimulating hormone (alpha-MSH), and when mixed with a common polymer, we get a dental film that attacks inflammation in the fibroblasts found in dental pulp. It’s like little superheroes fighting a life-or-death battle inside a tooth. The alpha-MSH nano-film  also increased the number of fibroblasts to help renew life in dental pulp. This amazing finding could mean no more root canals! Source: MedicalNewsToday (Source: dental blog for dentists about dentistry) dental blog for dentists about dentistry blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3794951 Tue, 06 Jul 2010 13:51:17 +0100 3794951 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3726801&cid=t_101827_165_f&fid=37959&url=http%3A%2F%2Fhealthskills.wordpress.com%2F2010%2F07%2F06%2Fwho-looks-for-treatment-when-they-have-back-pain%2F I’m not a primary care clinician. The people I see with pain have long-term, chronic, persistent pain that has been around for ages. I think the shortest time someone might have had pain before I see them is 4 months! The average is something like more than 4 years. But I AM interested in who is likely to ask for treatment for their pain because while the people I see may be ‘experienced’ in the ways of being a patient, not everyone who has a back pain looks for treatment.  And I wonder whether people who seek treatment at one point in time might carry on seeking treatment each time they have trouble with their pain. When I came across this paper by Ferreira, Machado, Latimer and colleagues, I was really interested in what they found out from their review of papers datin... HealthSkills Weblog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3726801 Mon, 05 Jul 2010 19:32:48 +0100 3726801 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3723360&cid=t_101827_112_f&fid=34799&url=http%3A%2F%2Fmwwak.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F07%2Fnot-dead-yet.html Sorry about the extended absence. I've been reading a lot of your blogs, just not posting much. Why? Maybe not a lot to say, maybe getting used to being an attending (a "real doc", finally). Maybe a lot to do. Mostly, I was finding that time just slipped away from me, with one day melding into another. (Source: Midwife with a Knife) Midwife with a Knife blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3723360 Sun, 04 Jul 2010 00:01:00 +0100 3723360 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3721936&cid=t_101827_136_f&fid=39026&url=http%3A%2F%2Fcarolinemfr.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F07%2Farticle-i-had-to-read-whats-causing.html I am glad they can tell me what is causing my back pain through ESP. Actually the title is a misnomer there is a new tool for doctors, the EMG, to diagnose causes of back pain. They should have titled it something along the lines of 'A New Tool for Diagnosing Back Pain". I have been told that surgery is not an option for me but perhaps something could be learned through an EMG... I will ask my pain doctor at my next office visit.I do have a basic idea of what is causing my back pain - degenerating disks which cause nerve pain in all sorts of areas in my back. The goal is to follow the new areas of pain around my back and treat them and then go on to the next area with more treatment. For the rest of my life. I am so excited - another medical procedure involving needles every couple of mont... Caroline's Breast Cancer Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3721936 Fri, 02 Jul 2010 09:52:00 +0100 3721936 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3721721&cid=t_101827_86_f&fid=36669&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffadelibrary.wordpress.com%2F2010%2F07%2F02%2Fadvice-to-rest-in-bed-versus-advice-to-stay-active-for-acute-low-back-pain-and-sciatica%2F Cochrane Review: Advice to rest in bed versus advice to stay active for acute low-back pain and sciatica The Skinny: Aims to determine the effects of advice to rest in bed or stay active for patients with acute low-back pain (LBP) or sciatica.  Moderate quality evidence shows that patients with acute LBP may experience small benefits in pain relief and functional improvement from advice to stay active compared to advice to rest in bed; patients with sciatica experience little or no difference between the two approaches. Low quality evidence suggests little or no difference between those who received advice to stay active, exercises or physiotherapy.  More research is required. Filed under: Clinical Governance, Current Awareness, Evidence Based Practice, Primary Care Tagged: Back... Fade Library blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3721721 Fri, 02 Jul 2010 09:10:18 +0100 3721721 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3714183&cid=t_101827_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fsummertime-acne-facts%2F2010.06.30 With blonde hair and big blue eyes, she looked like a young Betty Draper from Mad Men. My patient, Julie, had been faithfully treating her acne for months. Just when it was starting to clear up (in time for her senior photos) — wham! – red dots cropped up over her forehead and cheeks. What went wrong? Summertime. July can be the cruelest month for acne. Acne on the chest and back (bacne) and big, red pimples on your face can make going to the beach an embarrassing experience. (more…) *This blog post was originally published at The Dermatology Blog* (Source: Better Health) Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3714183 Wed, 30 Jun 2010 22:00:12 +0100 3714183 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3707025&cid=t_101827_165_f&fid=37959&url=http%3A%2F%2Fhealthskills.wordpress.com%2F2010%2F06%2F29%2Fphysical-and-organisational-ergonomic-interventions-so-far-not-effective%2F A million years ago (truly, ask my daughter if I’m that old!) I completed several papers in postgraduate ergonomics, primarily physical and organisational ergonomics rather than cognitive, and for a while there I could recall the NIOSH lifting equation and even discuss biomechanics with some confidence. Sad to say, over the years, my familiarity with those mathematical concepts has rather fallen away, but with an ongoing interest in work and workplaces, I’m still trying to keep up-to-date with the literature on the effectiveness of these interventions. My frustration with ergonomics grew as I started to realise how limited biomechanical modelling that I used was by comparison with the real work of real people in a real workplace.  All of those ‘reals’ add up to mes... HealthSkills Weblog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3707025 Mon, 28 Jun 2010 19:43:58 +0100 3707025 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3683675&cid=t_101827_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2010%2F06%2F21%2Fshall-we-flow%2F “Like a graceful vase, a cat, even when motionless, seems to flow.” — George F. Will You have either had the experience or heard about it: Flow has been in the global consciousness since Mihaly Csikszentmihaly’s book Flow: The Psychology of Optimal Experience was released 35 years ago. Back then it was revolutionary, now it is woven into our popular language and culture. We’ve heard about it, read about it, and want it in our lives. But what is flow? It is a very enjoyable experience marked by a sense of timelessness and engagement. In his own words, Csikszentmihaly said it is “being completely involved in an activity for its own sake. The ego falls away. Time flies. Every action, movement, and thought follows inevitably from the previous one, like playing jazz. Your wh... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3683675 Mon, 21 Jun 2010 10:15:10 +0100 3683675 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3679891&cid=t_101827_136_f&fid=39026&url=http%3A%2F%2Fcarolinemfr.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F06%2Fhighly-regarded-medical-journal-parade.html I opened the Sunday paper this morning and found a copy of Parade Magazine which is covering cancer in America. I do not consider Parade Magazine to be a source of hard core news but every so often it surprises me. I have read the majority of it already (its an easy read and I had a case of insomnia so have been up for a bit already) and found some interesting information. First of all they talk about how there are 12 million cancer people in America and many face long term issues that I am all too familiar with: fatigue, pain, cognitive impairment (a/k/a chemobrain), depression and anxiety, and other cancers. 25% of the people lucky enough to get cancer, are even luckier and get it a second time. (Its all a matter of attitude here.) I say cancer is the gift that keeps on giving. They also... Caroline's Breast Cancer Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3679891 Sun, 20 Jun 2010 10:06:00 +0100 3679891 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3678648&cid=t_101827_136_f&fid=39026&url=http%3A%2F%2Fcarolinemfr.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F06%2Fchronic-word-i-dislike-as-much-as.html The CDC has a whole set of programs to define chronic diseases. Wikipedia defines chronic disease as:'In medicine, a chronic disease is a disease that is long-lasting or recurrent. The term chronic describes the course of the disease, or its rate of onset and development. A chronic course is distinguished from a recurrent course; recurrent diseases relapse repeatedly, with periods of remission in between. As an adjective, chronic can refer to a persistent and lasting medical condition. Chronicity is usually applied to a condition that lasts more than three months. The opposite of chronic is acute.The definition of a disease or causative condition may depend on the disease being chronic, and the term chronic will often, but not always appear in the description: * Chronic fatigue syndrome ... Caroline's Breast Cancer Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3678648 Sat, 19 Jun 2010 10:38:00 +0100 3678648 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3652628&cid=t_101827_136_f&fid=39026&url=http%3A%2F%2Fcarolinemfr.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F06%2Fanother-failed-attempt-to-be-normal.html Yesterday I was foolish. I tried to be normal. Now some of you may think that would be a real stretch as what I consider normal, others may consider far from normal but the point is I tried to pretend I have a normal body. I worked all day and then skipped my walk (egad!) because it was raining and I ran out of time before going to my networking meeting. It was a good meeting and I met lots of nice people and brought home Ben & Jerry's for my husband. But in pretending that I was normal, I stood on my feet for an hour and a half. I came home and sat down and took pain meds and ended up going to bed early simply because I needed to lie down.Today I am going to go for a walk this morning - sometimes that helps to loosen up my back. After that I need to go to work and then get a manicure & pe... Caroline's Breast Cancer Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3652628 Fri, 11 Jun 2010 10:04:00 +0100 3652628 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3645072&cid=t_101827_165_f&fid=37959&url=http%3A%2F%2Fhealthskills.wordpress.com%2F2010%2F06%2F09%2Fgroup-based-cbt-for-pain-in-primary-care%2F I briefly discussed yesterday the content of this six-session group-based cognitive behavioural approach for chronic pain, delivered in the community. Today I want to look a little more closely at the way the programme was delivered and how the findings might differ from what happens in New Zealand. To refresh your memory, this is a study of around 700 people with sub-acute or chronic ‘troublesome’ low back pain, recruited via their GP, who were randomised into two groups – while both groups received ‘advice’ in the form of ‘The Back Book’, the CBT group also received the CBT programme, while the other group were able to seek their ‘usual care’. The programme was delivered to groups of roughly 8 participants by a single therapist, and t... HealthSkills Weblog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3645072 Wed, 09 Jun 2010 00:03:57 +0100 3645072 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3641009&cid=t_101827_87_f&fid=36941&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mazecordblood.com%2Fblog%2F%3Fp%3D521 Here’s a simple article from the MedicinePlus website; a list of helpful hints for preventing back trouble during pregnancy (Source: Cord Blood News) Cord Blood News blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3641009 Tue, 08 Jun 2010 11:02:55 +0100 3641009 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3641350&cid=t_101827_165_f&fid=37959&url=http%3A%2F%2Fhealthskills.wordpress.com%2F2010%2F06%2F08%2Fgroup-based-cbt-for-troublesome-low-back-pain%2F These two papers have created a bit of a storm in the health news recently – a six-session CBT group programme for chronic low back pain that not only provides good outcomes, but is also cost-effective?  Unbelievable!  And it’s not delivered exclusively by any specific health professionals.  AND it’s delivered in primary care! My take on this study is, much like others, very positive.  I think it’s wonderful that an intervention that has been used for years in secondary and tertiary health care has been successfully translated into primary care.  It seems to have used a pragmatic study methodology, and pretty fairly represents the kind of person that, at least in New Zealand anyway, misses out on pain management of this kind unless they’re funded by ACC (... HealthSkills Weblog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3641350 Mon, 07 Jun 2010 19:35:11 +0100 3641350 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3629837&cid=t_101827_136_f&fid=39026&url=http%3A%2F%2Fcarolinemfr.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F06%2Fi-jinxed-myself.html Yesterday I said everything was feeling okay. I jinxed myself. Well by the end of the day yesterday, my back was killing me, my arm was feeling funny, and I didn't sleep well last night. Wah! I took a pain pill last night and tried to get comfortable to sleep. There is nothing more infuriating than going to bed and listening to your spouse fall asleep in less than five minutes and an hour later you are still listening to him. Then I woke up around 3 and was awake until 4 and then around 5 and then I got in another tiny snooze. Add in a few hot flashes and a headache and I feel just ducky today. I think I will just go with the 'I'm fine and ignoring everything but might be a touch crabby'. But I'll go work by myself for the day so I don't have to risk being a crabby co-worker.Actually thoug... Caroline's Breast Cancer Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3629837 Fri, 04 Jun 2010 10:09:00 +0100 3629837 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3629877&cid=t_101827_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Frecoveryissexy.com%2Fjust-for-today-i-will%2F Inspiration Just for Today Today I will not strike back: If someone is rude, if someone is impatient, if someone is unkind…. I will not respond in a like manner. Today I will ask God to bless my "enemy": If I come across someone who treats me harshly or unfairly, I will quietly ask God to bless that individual. I understand the "enemy" could be a family member, neighbor, co-worker or stranger. Today I will be careful about what I say: I will carefully choose and guard my words being certain that I do not spread gossip. Today I will go the extra mile: I will find ways to help share the burden of another person. Today I will forgive: I will forgive any hurts or injuries that come my way. Today I will do something nice for someone, but I will do it secretly: I will r... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3629877 Thu, 03 Jun 2010 08:52:29 +0100 3629877 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3617917&cid=t_101827_111_f&fid=39123&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Fnursingcomments%2Ftdtc%2F%7E3%2FrtAauhpKLb8%2F           The sciatic nerve is the largest nerve in the human body.  Its diameter is about the size of a human finger.  Sciatica actually refers to pain resulting from irritation of the sciatic nerve.  Typically the pain is felt from the low back to behind the thigh and radiating down below the knee.  Further, sciatica usually affects one side of the body.  The term is a symptom caused by a disorder occurring in the lumbar spine.  The pain varies – it can be dull,  burning, sharp or accompanied by intermittent shocks of shooting pain beginning in the buttock traveling downward into the back or side of the thigh and/or leg.  Then, sciatica normally extends below the knee and may be felt in the feet.  Sometimes it is characterizes by tingling and numbness.  Trying to... Nursing Comments blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3617917 Tue, 01 Jun 2010 13:10:38 +0100 3617917 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3599554&cid=t_101827_113_f&fid=38494&url=http%3A%2F%2Fcuretogether.com%2Fblog%2F2010%2F05%2F25%2Fmarijuana-better-than-chiropractic-for-back-pain%2F For the interactive version of this infographic and some statistical geekery, click here. When your back hurts, is your first thought, “Where’s the marijuana?” I’m guessing not. But Back Pain is the #2 condition at CureTogether, with 1188 people reporting their experiences, and this is their collective wisdom. If you look at the infographic above, the most popular and effective treatments reported are on the top right – hot packs, physical therapy, stretching, exercise, massage. The top left quadrant shows below-average usage, but above-average effectiveness, so presumably if more people tried these, they would be helped (marijuana, Oxycodone, yoga, and Pilates). Those in the lower-right quadrant have above-average usage but below-average effectiveness, so pre... The Collective Well blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3599554 Tue, 25 May 2010 17:17:10 +0100 3599554 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3588826&cid=t_101827_83_f&fid=34856&url=http%3A%2F%2Finsidesurgery.com%2F2010%2F05%2Fu2-singer-bono-emergency-surgery%2F Superstar singer and humanitarian Bono of U2 has undergone emergency back surgery in Germany after injuring himself during preparations for his upcoming tour (Source: Inside Surgery) Inside Surgery blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3588826 Sat, 22 May 2010 14:48:48 +0100 3588826 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3581811&cid=t_101827_136_f&fid=39026&url=http%3A%2F%2Fcarolinemfr.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F05%2Fits-just-side-effect.html I hate side effects. What is the side effect of a three hour nap? Waking up at 4 am.Yesterday went okay as 12 needles worth of fun can be. I got to the hospital and had an hour to wait because I was early so my husband wouldn't be late for work. Normally I would go eat some breakfast but I couldn't eat. I sat in the lobby and knitted and watched CNN.Finally I motivated to check in and went down to the surgical area. I changed into a lovely gown and coordinated robe that make us all look like other clones... Then the fun began. They had to put in an IV. I have wimpy veins. They have limited options as I have lymphedema arm which is not allowed to be used for IV's, blood pressures, etc. I made a point to drink two glasses of water before my cut off time because it can help with your veins. B... Caroline's Breast Cancer Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3581811 Thu, 20 May 2010 09:51:00 +0100 3581811 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3581551&cid=t_101827_86_f&fid=36669&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffadelibrary.wordpress.com%2F2010%2F05%2F20%2Forganising-quality-and-effective-spinal-services-for-patients-a-report-for-local-health-communities-by-the-spinal-taskforce%2F Title: Organising quality and effective spinal services for patients: a report for local health communities by the Spinal Taskforce Skinny: Report  intended to assist the NHS in developing and delivering effective spinal services, creating a set of productive services that deliver quality, timely and clinically appropriate care that meets patients’ needs and expectations. It looks at the effective organisation of spinal services for a wide population to support those planning and commissioning services across an SHA, PCTs and clinical and managerial teams within provider units. The document describes the main types of patients being referred for spinal treatment and advises on how to organise services to meet the needs of these groups, paying particular attention to quality, clinical ou... Fade Library blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3581551 Thu, 20 May 2010 04:32:13 +0100 3581551 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3581581&cid=t_101827_87_f&fid=36050&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblisstree.com%2Flive%2Fdiy-wildlife-pest-control-does-killing-squirrels-count%2F A few weeks ago, I tried to rescue a squirrel. He was trembling, prostrate, sick, and unable to crawl to a handful of carefully placed Diamond premium shelled walnuts. Poor guy. After I called the Humane Society, a specialist armed with gloves and a crate arrived within 30 minutes. Thirty minutes! I only hope 911 works as expeditiously. Soon my squirrel was whisked off to Second Chances, a nearby animal rehab center. Since nothing happens in the wilds of suburbia – and I’m always interested in painting myself in a positive light – I shared my Dr. Doolittle delusions of grandeur far and wide. One neighbor’s suspicious response: “Well, I hope that doesn’t have anything to do with us,” she said, going on to explain how her husband had laid out some poison for the critters ne... Breastfeeding 1-2-3 blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3581581 Wed, 19 May 2010 16:10:18 +0100 3581581 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3570038&cid=t_101827_136_f&fid=39026&url=http%3A%2F%2Fcarolinemfr.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F05%2Fwould-you-want-to-know.html Science is at the stage where now they can promise all sorts of things by analyzing your DNA. (This always makes me think of a cross between Igor in Dr. Frankenstein's lab with bubbling beakers and a weird 1950's black and white sci fi movie where they are trying to find martians among the residents of a normal neighborhood. But I digress.) So do you want to know? Do you really want to know that you are more likely to get cancer or any number of other life threatening or changing ailments? Really? Are you sure? To me its kind of like knowing that you are going to die in a car accident in a certain number of years. Wouldn't you live with a feeling of doom? I think we all know now that we are going to go at some point but I don't know that we want to know when or how ahead of time. I was sur... Caroline's Breast Cancer Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3570038 Mon, 17 May 2010 10:36:00 +0100 3570038 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3568065&cid=t_101827_136_f&fid=39026&url=http%3A%2F%2Fcarolinemfr.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F05%2Fsecret-mission.html Today I am off on a secret mission. My sister and a friend are doing the Avon 40 mile walk for breast cancer this weekend. I called them to cheer them on (and annoy them) several times yesterday. This morning, I will call again just when they should be starting. But what my secret mission is that I plan on calling them from the first mile marker where there is a cheering station and will walk with them for a bit. They don't know this which is why it is a secret mission. But since they are computerless (and slept in a tent last night) I can write about it here and they won't know until afterward.Yesterday they both asked me if I can join them at the closing ceremonies which are way the hell on the other side of Boston and involves standing around. This is closer and a shorter excursion that... Caroline's Breast Cancer Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3568065 Sun, 16 May 2010 09:34:00 +0100 3568065 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3566792&cid=t_101827_136_f&fid=39026&url=http%3A%2F%2Fcarolinemfr.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F05%2Fgood-nights-sleep.html Yesterday was a tough day. I was not feeling well - mostly from lack of sleep and lots of back pain. I worked at one job and then met a friend for a walk. I am not sure how I got through that walk but I came home and alternated preparing dinner with sitting on the couch and took a pain pill. Then I went to bed early on top of that.Last night I made a deal with my husband that he would make sure the (damn) alarm clock would not go off this morning. I actually slept for nearly 10 hours. At one point I woke up to feel the cat walking on me. This means he was hungry. Well, I was sleepy so I played possum and he gave up and went some place else. Sometimes he comes and checks to see if we are awake and will get up and give him food.Today, so far, so good, but it is only 730 am and I am still lyi... Caroline's Breast Cancer Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3566792 Sat, 15 May 2010 11:35:00 +0100 3566792 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3564177&cid=t_101827_136_f&fid=39026&url=http%3A%2F%2Fcarolinemfr.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F05%2Fday-of-mistakes.html Yesterday was a day full of mistakes. I had the best of intentions but as you know the road to hell is paved with good intentions. I started off by volunteering at the annual conference for the regional direct marketing association. I love to do it every year. I think this was my fourth year. I usually go on the Wednesday and stay through the evening dinner and then go back on Thursday morning early and stay for the day. I get to learn what is going on in the marketing world and talk a lot of people I rarely see. I made two mistakes. Mistake number one was to think that I could be up on my feet on Wednesday afternoon and then again on Thursday. Mistake number two was to have to leave to go to Walter's doctor appointment. So my back was very sore for trying to be on my feet (and be a normal... Caroline's Breast Cancer Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3564177 Fri, 14 May 2010 10:11:00 +0100 3564177 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3549592&cid=t_101827_165_f&fid=37959&url=http%3A%2F%2Fhealthskills.wordpress.com%2F2010%2F05%2F10%2Fact-ing-well-living-well%2F For some time I’ve been learning more about ACT – Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (normally pronounced ‘act’, not A – C – T).  While I have to admit that I have been flummoxed by relational frame theory, a behavioural theory of human language and cognitionthat underpins ACT (go here for a tutorial that may enlighten somewhat), there are some very simple principles that ACT employs that I’ve found useful in my own life – and in the lives of people I work with. Over the next few days I want to outline a bit more about ACT and how I use it within pain management – I’ll be referring to journal papers that explore the use of ACT in pain management, but a lot of what I’ll cover comes more from my own experiences with moving fro... HealthSkills Weblog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3549592 Sun, 09 May 2010 23:33:21 +0100 3549592 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3538365&cid=t_101827_136_f&fid=39026&url=http%3A%2F%2Fcarolinemfr.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F05%2Fit-can-be-yours-as-well-for-20-and-mere.html Yes, you too can have a healthy balancing ankle for the mere investment of a $20 copay and ten minutes twice a day. No stress, no strain, no surgery! Yesterday I went to see my ankle surgeon. I thought because of the state of my ankle after twisting and falling a few weeks back (when I attempted to be a healthy person) that I had no choice but ankle surgery to heal up. The surgeon talked to me and then she tried bending my ankle around under this funky xray machine where she could move my ankle and take pictures of it. It was kind of cool, but I digress. She said the ligaments are fine and surgery would do nothing. But my balance is off. I admit to neglecting the balance exercises I had been given - I have so many damn exercises I forgot them - but apparently they are the key to my healthy... Caroline's Breast Cancer Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3538365 Thu, 06 May 2010 10:15:00 +0100 3538365 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3534070&cid=t_101827_136_f&fid=39026&url=http%3A%2F%2Fcarolinemfr.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F05%2Foff-to-see-ankle-surgeon.html Today I am off to work and then I see the ankle surgeon to find out about scheduling surgery. My ankle is not better. It is not getting better. In fact it is swollen again. Its not going away. The question the doctor had was 'if it was in a state where I can live with it' and the answer is no. I am sick of it. So today I will find out about scheduling when it can take place. I know it won't be until at least another month because my next back procedure is the 19th and it will have to be at least 2 weeks after that. But it will finally be scheduled and dealt with and I can move on and deal with other ailments. It will be nice to have something get better and go away as opposed to chronic things that just seem to hang on and get worse (like my back) or just never go away (like cancer).My app... Caroline's Breast Cancer Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3534070 Wed, 05 May 2010 10:11:00 +0100 3534070